We first met someone from Angie’s List years ago at a consumer affairs conference.   I was skeptical when she explained the concept because it didn’t seem that consumers would pay to have someone else rate services for them.

We’ve obviously seen since then what happens when ratings and rankings run amuck.  Even the Federal Trade Commission had to get involved.

But the whole key to Angie’s List, and this is what makes it so awesome, is transparency.

We wrote about Angie’s List a long time ago when doctors started challenging them.   Some members of the medical community apparently thought it was okay to get ratings and rankings on plumbers or electricians, but they didn’t like being under the same microscope.

Later, we praised a local hair salon and threw an air conditioning company under the bus. Yep, Angie’s List reported to them what we had said.  Now think about this for a minute.  If someone is willing to go on the record and say a company was good or bad, isn’t that a pretty good indicator of how serious they are.

We think you should absolutely buy an Angie’s List membership to receive the magazine in the mail and free ratings for whenever you need help.   There are now more than 1 million local service reports and more than 1,000 new reports are being added every day.

Click this image and use the coupon code to get $10 off.

Gevalia has the best money-saving deal of the day in our book. You save 20% automatically when you click the banner in our post.

There is no fuss, no promo or coupon codes to remember. You save 20% automatically at checkout.

And if you thought Gevalia meant coffee, you were right, but Gevalia means much more.

Did you know Gevalia sells great tea as well? You can choose from flavored teas,  green teas and organic tea. Or you can use your 20% savings on a coffeemaker (starting at $14.95) or a gift basket.

The clearance shop is stocked with awesome items like a 3 piece porcelain breakfast set for only $7.20 and huge cone mugs starting at $4.

Stock up on coffee, tea and accessories now.  This 20% won’t last forever!

How many times have you received an email from a friend that said, “Don’t open anything with my name on it from earlier today!”

Or maybe you had to send one of those.

Keeping your computer’s protection up-to-date is so easy with Trend Micro’s products.  The computer I’m using to type this right now is protected by Trend Micro.

And now, Trend Micro’s Internet Security suite is on sale for 20% off!

Save 20% on Trend Micro Internet Security Pro 2010! Coupon Code: trendprosave20

Use that coupon code and save money, protect your computer (or your business or family’s computers) and let this software do its work behind the scenes.  In the morning after my scan is automatically run, I get a little pop-up message telling me if there were any problems.

Trend Micro is so powerful and updates itself regularly so it erases cookies from sites that are tracking you (but lets you leave in a cookie you might want to keep).

Last year, government sites in South Korea and the United States were attacked by a virus on July 7.  The same thing happened again yesterday with the same virus.  Imagine going a year thinking you were safe only to get attacked again.

Don’t let that happen to you.

Order Trend Micro’s Internet Security Suite now.

**This sale is now over. The code has been removed**

This code doesn’t work without this link so make sure that you don’t head to the site unless you’re coming in from BargainStalker.com or our RSS feed.

Whether you use these super comfortable clothes for yoga or to show off the hard work you put into your body, Hard Tail Forever apparel is stunning.  Pants, shorts, skirts and more are all available in a wide selection of colors and sizes.  And by shopping through Bargain Stalker, you save 15%!

The company says it will take 15% off anything –no restrictions — and toss in free shipping over $50.

That kind of deal makes summer car trips a bit more comfortable. Unless you have GPS already in your car, don’t waste time and energy because you missed an exit. As the all-time champ of getting lost on vacation, I want a map handy if native guides are unavailable. Check out the deals.

And remember they’re only good for this weekend!

May 29-31: Receive 15% OFF all orders at Maps.com! Use code 24HRM2 at checkout.

If you are already a Wine.com customer, you know that the site is one of the best online at showing shoppers exactly what they need.  Want a great bottle of wine for under $20?  They have those rated only one click from anywhere.  How about a good bottle of wine for under $15?  The Same deal.

And as March draws to a close, Wine.com is offering bargains too. Save $10 off $100 or more. Use code MARCH10. Expires 3.31.09

Wine.com also offers clubs that deliver new vintages each month with only a 3 month commitment.    If you have a client, friend or relative  and need a gift basket, the ones available here are amazing.  The Merlot gift basket — a Parducci Merlot, cheese and two generous Ghirardelli bars for less than $35 — makes a truly gourmet gift at a very reasonable price.

Don’t forget accessories like stoppers, caddies and label removers. And for the real connoisseur on your list, nothing beats a Wine.com gift card. Let them wander the aisles, comparing vintages and mixing and matching their own basket.

You know the friend.  They had hair to their shoulders and now use Head & Shoulders on the fringes that remain.

So since Kodak equals photos, their hot deal for 20 free prints is one you can’t pass up because you never know when you want want professional, high quality pictures that don’t burn up half a toner cartridge.

This deal is for you.   Hit the image below for 20 free!

The coupon here takes you there for 10% to 15% off inkjet supplies PLUS free shipping when you spend only $55.   That’s a massive savings, and it’s gone in just three weeks so you should move fast.

Those of you with students still at home:  remember that the end of the school year is coming up fast.  That means your child has term papers due, and if they’re anything like my kids, they plan to use colors on those papers.  I’m reliably told that the word in their classrooms is that teachers are impressed with color.  I think teachers are impressed if they do their own work and write well, but your toner cartridges are going to be empty.

I always keep extra on hand, and you already know I love specialty stores, so head back to 123 Inkjets if you’ve used their services before or get acquainted with a site that has everything your printer needs.

15% Off Compatible Inkjet Cartridges

Coupon INKBLUE72
Expires 3.31.09

Word today that Cooking.com is offering free shipping on over 150 items.  Hit either link below to claim your savings!

Free Shipping on Over 165 items! Now at Cooking.com!

$5.99 Flat-Rate Shipping on Orders of $59 or more with Coupon Code C92254! (Exp. 3/4)

Cooking.com consistently gets great marks from ratings services.   You might be thinking about a grilling pan that lets you grill your favorite foods without firing up the barbeque.   The pan’s raised ribs add beautiful charred lines to meats and simmer your food ABOVE grease rather than cooking in it.

If casseroles are in your future, consider Cooking’s 6 1/2 quart oval casserole. The secret in this cookware allows you to start your meal by searing meat inside before finishing the dish.

It’s almost summer.   Just My Size and Hanes are ready to save you money.   Saving money is obviously important right now.  The company is as solid as you could hope for — even posting profits.

And now you get to share some of those profits because you can save $10 off swimsuits, but the links below are good only until Saturday. You need to move on these!

Get $10 Off Swimwear at justmysize.com!

Valid through March 1st.

Select JMS and Hanes Hosiery Styles are up to 40% Off On Suggested Retail Prices at justmysize.com! Valid through March 1st.