Every new year the dreaded question pokes it’s head up – “What’s your New Year’s resolution?” Yep, I hate that question. It forces me to choose something to change, tell someone what I plan to change and at that point I’m forced to stick with said change or else I will fail before the new year even begins.

It’s a lot to think about! So I want to hear from you… Did you make a New Years Resolution? If so, what is it and how are you doing with keeping your resolution?

Or, did you opp for not making a resolution so you can avoid the feeling of failure when you mess up.

Some of the most common resolutions for the new year are dieting/losing weight, working out more, spending less and getting rid of debt. If you’ve chosen any of the above for your resolution you’ll be happy to know that eBillme can actually help you! Check out our Gift Card Mall with over 60 top brand gift cards including NutriSystem for weight management, Champs Sports and other sports merchant gift cards for working out plus all gift cards offer a cash back rewards program on every order so you can start working off that debt right away!

eBillme is a debt free online payment option and your best choice for online payments in 2012!

Cheers to a successful and blessed new year.

Don’t fight the gift cards.

Sometimes it’s a real challenge deciding what Christmas presents to get to make all your loved ones happy – it can be overwhelming looking for an unusual Christmas gift for your fashionista friend while at the same time trying to think of more traditional ideas for Christmas presents to suit Mom and Dad.

Here are a few reasons why our gift cards are an awesome Christmas gift idea:

#1: You’ll satisfy the pickiest recipient.

Your loved ones pick the holiday gift, so they’ll always get what they want! Whether you’re getting a Christmas gift for him or for your teenage daughter, it’s a present that will suit all needs and tastes.

#2: It’ll help you stay on budget.

Only have $100 to spend on a Christmas present for your boyfriend? Choose your amount and load it onto an email gift card, use eBillme to pay in cash with your bank’s online bill pay service, and save on credit card interest and fees!

#3: Our gift card mall features your favorite stores.

You can redeem your virtual gift card towards millions of products, including books, music, shoes and fishing gear!

#4: You can use them anytime.

Our e-gift cards never expire! Once you purchase your gift card with eBillme, you’ll be emailed a gift card activation code that can be entered at the retailer’s checkout, and you can start shopping!

#5: You’ll get rewarded.

You’ll get cash back rewards on every order.  Head to our gift cards page for more details.

#6: You can even treat yourself.

Gift cards can also be used as online prepaid cards – it’s a great way to keep track of your online purchases and stay safe while shopping online.

So get your Christmas gift cards today and stay debt free this Christmas!

When Black Friday 2011 rolls around, bringing with it thousands of Black Friday deals and Thanksgiving specials, it’s easy to get carried away and put it all on your credit card. But remember that credit card interest rates are a killer, and with Christmas just around the corner, you need to watch your spending limit while doing your holiday shopping.

So how do you keep your Black Friday debt free? By paying cash!

Paying cash is easy when you shop in-store. But how do you pay cash when you shop online during the Cyber Monday sales?

eBillme is the answer! eBillme is the cash payment option which lets you shop online and pay in cash, with online banking. You won’t have to share your financial information with anyone so it’s the safest way to pay online, and there are no fees or interest to deal with.

No credit cards, no debt increase, and no hassle.

In fact, you’ll earn cash back rewards on your order when you pay with eBillme, and you can rest assured that you’ll always get the lowest prices available with the FREE eBillme Buyer Protection program. Plus, you’ll have access to exclusive deals on products from hundreds of online merchants!And don’t forget to check the eBillme online gift card mall, where you can earn cash back on more than 60 top gift cards.

So while you’re online for Thanksgiving shopping deals and Black Friday sales, remember to pay with eBillme and start this holiday shopping season off right!

Want more ideas on how to save on your Thanksgiving and Christmas shopping? Check our our Black Friday tips page, and keep your Black Friday debt free!

To help you decide how to dress your furry family members for Halloween here are a few costume ideas for dogs.

Punky Dog – Let your dog show off her punk rock side in this black and hot pink punk dress.

BumbleBee – Your dog just might hate you for this one, but it is too cute! The bumblebee costume with the antenna headpiece, you can’t pass up some awesome pictures with your pet in this costume.

Star Wars Yoda – I love this one! The Yoda ears make this costume a hit. I also love the pet costumes that allow your pet to insert just his front paws and it looks as though he/she is standing on his/her back paws!

Indiana Jones – This one is funny, would your dog wear this one?

If you didn’t find the perfect costume out of this list then head on over to Kmart or Sears.com , they have the best selection of Halloween costumes, and when you shop online at Sears or Kmart,  pay with eBillme you’ll earn up to 10% cash back.

Have you already picked out a costume for the pooch? Tell us what it is, whether you’re going the DIY route and making it yourself or if you bought it somewhere, leave us a comment below.

1. Plan Ahead. Determine your holiday budget now-  this will keep you on track, and help ensure you don’t over spend.

2. Start Now.  Put aside money every paycheck, to start saving. Using pre-paid or gift cards is a great way to save – buy these cards online now, and redeem the cards once you know your gift list  (and take advantage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals); or give the gift card as a gift.

3. Pay Cash. Watch your debt and don’t rack up your credit card balance. Pay as you go, with cash. You can even pay cash when you shop online, check out eBillme for details.

4. Shop for Deals. Know your prices and shop for deals. Online shopping is the best way to ensure you find the best deals, and the best selection. Make sure you read the retailers return policy, and ensure your purchase is covered with a low price guarantee, in case of a price drop. example, purchases paid with eBillme, include free buyer protection, which includes a 90 day price guarantee.

5. Loyality Programs. Take advantage of loyality programs IF they are free, and if they are offered at more than one store. Cash back programs are the best and will ensure you get real value out of the program.

Have fun this holiday season. If you have other tips, please comment and share with our readers. Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @shopdebtfree.

This year Halloween is Monday night, which means you can get extra mileage out of your costume, by going out Saturday night too.  Saturday night is perfect for neighborhood parties; bringing the kids to Grandma’s for a Trick or Treat dry run; or for an adult night on the town.

Have you picked your Halloween costume yet?

Shopping online is the best place to look for Halloween costumes.  Check out  Halloween blog sites to get great ideas for costumes, decorating, and more. Whether you are looking for something completely original, or going for a “tried and true” favorite (angel, devil, clown, etc) – shop online to find the best selection and the lowest price. And save even more, with online gift cards, which you can buy now, and then redeem online for the best deals.

For some ” TOTALLY GHOUL” Halloween ideas, check out Sears.com, for incredible ideas and a really fun shopping site.

So, who will you be for Halloween? Share your ideas with our readers. Happy Halloween everyone!

Whether the temperature has cooled off in your area or not that can’t keep you from jumping in to the Fall fashion madness! Update your wardrobe, clean out your closet, fill your closet, or just chase the trends! Fall is such a fun time for shopping; sweaters, pants, boots and even dark nail polishes!

eBillme has great savings on fall fashions, Halloween supplies, and everything else that you need to get organized and for the colder months ahead! Plus, it’s never too late to shop for back to school and take advantage of all the terrific deals available. Shop now and save on fall themed products from over 800 online merchants! Pay securely and conveniently with your bank by using eBillme, and earn cash back rewards on every purchase you make online, plus save on credit card and debit card fees and interest!

Don’t forget about the Gift Card Mall packed with over 60 top brand gift cards that will help you get your Fall wardrobe off to a great start with Gap eGift Cards, American Eagle Outfitters E-Gift Cards, JCPenney e-Gift Cards and so many more! Plus, you’ll earn cash back when you buy gift cards just like when you shop at online stores using eBillme.

Fashion Tip: Leggings are in style this fall make sure you have a pair! Plus, they are great for layering!

So let’s take a look at what the girls have ‘in store’ for us…

You can find anything you need to complete your style – Women’s Apparel, Shoes, Jewelry, Belts, Handbags, Sunglasses & Hosiery/Intimates.

Here are some of my favorites…

Sequined Waterfall Stretch Jacket – Perfect for the holidays for parties and a New Year’s celebration.

Metal Ring with Marble Faceted Acrylic Stone & Rhinestone Border – This Kardashian Kollection metal ring with marbled faceted acrylic stone and rhinestone border is the ooh la la of the evening!

Los Angeles Leopard Shoe – Rarrrr… The Women’s Los Angeles features a square toe and is perfect for a night out on the town.

And this list doesn’t even scratch the surface of the amazing fashion statement you’ll find in the Kardashian Kollection at Sears. So go ahead and get to shopping, fill up your closet for fall and winter.

When you shop  at Sears and pay using eBillme, you will earn  cash back rewards.

Shop on Shoebuy.com, and you will earn 10% cash back when you pay with eBillme.

For Gals-

1. Rainboots

Living on a college campus? If so, odds are you will be walking to the majority of your classes, rain or shine. Rainboots are practical, comfortable, and popular on college campuses across the country.  Avoid slipping and falling in flip flops, or getting your tennis shoes soaked from puddles and try these cute Peace Sign Rainboots.

2. Running Shoes

Every girl needs a great pair of running shoes for exercising as well as everyday use to and from class, especially those classes that seem to be a mile across campus!  Try these Reebok Zig.

3. Cold Weather Boots

Fall and winter can really be a problem if you do not have warm enough shoes. You will definately need a pair of cold weather boots to keep your feet from freezing when walking around campus- and make sure they are snow proof if you live in a cold weather state, like us in the Midwest!  Try these Minnetonka Sheepskin Pug Boots.

4. High Heels

You will surely need several pairs of cute, practical dress shoes for presentations, interviews, a night out and everything in between. Check out these Highest Heel Navy Pumps.

5. Flip Flops

Every girl needs a cute, comfortable, functional everyday flip flop- like this pair from North Face. For a dressier look try this Sapphire Leather pair from Casual Barn.

For the Men-
Tennis shoes and flip flops will be probably be what you live in! See some ideas below:

6.  Flip Flops

Keep it casual on a hot day with these masculine  Dawgs Destination Flip Flops.

7. Boat Shoes

Popular for men this season, these may be just the shoes to complete an everyday outfit. Practical and fashionable, try these Sperry Top-Siders.

8. Tennis shoes

Necessary, practical and probably your everyday shoe,  try these New Balance tennis shoes. They are great looking and you will be stylin’ around campus, while totally comfortable as well.

9. Formal Shoes

For interviews, presentations on campus, dates and special events, every guy should have a pair from Kenneth Cole in his closet . You can only live in flip flops for so long. Make sure to ‘style it up’ at least once a month!

10. Work Boots

For snowy, freezing days, tennis shoes just won’t cut it. Protect your feet with these Steel Toe shoes from Timberland. Rugged and practical, you will likely get your money’s worth from these manly boots!

With the suggestions above, your feet should be set for College life and Back to School. Good Luck! For deals on all your must-have college needs, checkout the eBillme Gift Card Mall for more great deals.
For more college style tips check out this Back to School College fashion page for great ideas!

Monroe Grand Gala Shaping Brush $18.99 – This brush is perfect for getting lots of volume while you dry your hair and it’s great for teasing!

Stila Eyeshadow Duo in Fandango $16.00 Now $5.99 – I love Stila products! This color duo in Fandango is great to finish out summer but will transition you into fall colors easily.

Lord & Berry Brilliance Lipgloss in Sleek $5.00 Now $3.00 – Every beauty gal needs a good glossy lipgloss to complete her look or to wear alone for a quick day out.

OPI Nail Lacquer in Zen-tury $8.50 Now $6.99 – I can’t rave enough about OPI Nail polishes, they stay on longer with fuller colors than any other polish. Grab some up!

Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew Anti-Fatique Eye Cream $12.99 Now $7.99 – All beauty divas want to be bright eyed even after a late night out. This anti-fatigue eye cream will brighten even the most tired eyes.

There are so many more products on my “I Love” list but these are just a few of my favorites. Take a look around the site and see which of your faves show up at amazing prices. Don’t forget when you shop at Beauty Encounter and pay using eBillme you’ll receive up to 10% cash back rewards!!

Beautiful Shopping to you!