Our Fab 5 Michigan Money-Savers

With the holiday season in full swing, every dollar counts.  Here are five fabulous ways to save or find money in Michigan.

Vintage Michigan Club - Wine aficionados may want to join the Vintage Michigan Club for ongoing savings and education on local wines.  A lifetime membership is only $15 and entitles the member to discounts at participating wineries, wine retailers, and restaurants throughout the state.  The program also includes discounts for selected wine festivals and events throughout the year; a monthly email newsletter with the latest wine-related developments in the state; the annual Michigan Wine Country magazine; and their choice of a Michigan wines corkscrew or etched Michigan bottle stopper. Join the club by visiting Michigan Wines.   

Borders Rewards Perks - Ann Arbor-based retailer, Borders, offers its customers savings on a lot more than just books and media these days.  Consumers may start by joining the Borders Rewards program for free online or at any Borders, Borders Express, or Waldenbooks.  The program offers $5 in Borders Bucks for every $150 spent on qualifying purchases at their stores or online.  The program also includes weekly emails with coupons that can save members between 10-40% off of selected items.   The next step is Borders Rewards Perks.  This is a personalized service available to Borders Rewards members that offers exclusive savings on other brands and services from well-known names like Lands' End, The Children's Place, Ann Taylor, Target, Philips Electronics, Orbitz, and more than 2,000 other retailers and manufacturers. Once enrolled, members have access to customized offers at Borders Rewards Perks or may choose to receive email reminders letting them know when their favorite merchants' offers are available. 

Money Saver - This Taylor-based website offers consumers discounts on specific groceries, as well as companies in their local area.  Visitors can put in their zip code to find coupons for a diverse array of nearby businesses like auto repair, dry cleaning, dining or medical services.   They can then print their favorite coupon choices and redeem them at participating retailers or locations.  Check out availability in your area at Money Saver. 

American Blinds, Wallpaper & More - Between preparing to entertain family and friends, and cabin fever, many of us decide our home could use some sprucing up at this time of year.  Livonia-based American Blinds, Wallpaper & More offers a huge selection of window blinds, shades, shutters, wallpaper, wallpaper borders, curtains, draperies, custom framed art, area rugs and more.  The company is the largest online retailer of brand name custom window treatments and wall coverings, offering savings from 25% - 85% off most retail store and home center prices.  Start shopping at American Blinds.

Michigan's Money Quest - What if you could simply find lost money?  The Michigan Department of Treasury has millions of dollars worth of unclaimed assets.  The money comes from dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, stock certificates and even valuables left in safe deposit boxes.  By law, properties that are considered abandoned by the bank or company entrusted with them, must be turned over to the state.  The Michigan Department of Treasury becomes the custodian until the property is claimed by rightful owner, or the owner's heirs.  The State of Michigan has a user-friendly website that allows you to search by individual names to see if you have any lost money to claim.  Click here to start your treasure hunt.