Congratulations to Anne, who won this week’s giveaway of “10,001 Ways to Live Large on a Small Budget.” Thanks to all who entered.

A few other Tuesday short takes:

In my Friday post at the MSN Money Smart Spending blog, “A cheaper Entertainment Book,” I explained the swell deal I got on the coupon-crammed publication:

• First, Mr. Rebates took $3 off the book’s purchase price
• Next, the site offered 30% cash back, or $9.60
• Finally, it threw in free shipping and a $25 Restaurant.com gift card

Now the folks at Mr. Rebates have made a liar out of me: They just increased the cash-back to 35%, or $11.20.

If you don’t already belong, I hope you’ll use my referral link to join. You’ll get  $5 in your account just for signing up.

With holiday shopping upon us, cash-back sites like Mr. Rebates, Fat Wallet, Ebates and Extrabux can add another layer of savings to the best deals you find.

++++++++++++++++++++++++

I’m in three personal finance carnivals this week.

“Choosing what – and whether – to buy” is an Editor’s Pick in the Festival of Frugality at Magical Penny.

“Yet another frugal travel hack” was selected for the Carnival of Personal Finance at Consumerism Commentary.

“Rockin’ the surveys – when it’s worth it” is in the Carnival of Money Stories at Live Real Now.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++

I’ve got a guest post up at the Earn blog. “Building wealth – even if you think you can’t” is a collection of eight tips for saving money or bringing in a little extra.

Earn is a nonprofit organization based in San Francisco; its mission is to help low-income workers build economic prosperity.