Starbucks goes for the gold with new perks card

Starbucks is rolling out golden savings this holiday season. A Starbucks dollar menu? Not quite.

USAToday reports that Starbucks is introducing a "Starbucks Gold Card" that will be available on November 4. The card, costing $25, will offer 10% off most purchases and is aimed at Starbucks best customers. Michael Silverstein, Senior Partner at Boston Consulting Group says "It takes their best customers and makes them feel coddled and cared about."

Same store sales at Starbucks dropped 6% for its fiscal fourth quarter ending September 30. 600 stores have closed, 1000 employees have been laid off, and a first quarter loss of $6.7 million was reported for the quarter ending June 30.

Starbucks will remain a premium brand, however, this holiday season the focus is on staying in the reach of most consumers.

For the first time, the approach at Starbucks is "Costco comparable," offering five $20 gift cards for $80. Gifts are cheaper this year as well. CEO Howard Schultz adds, "We revamped holiday from soup to nuts."

CDs, for example, will be sold at $12.95 instead of $14.95, and there will be tables with gifts under $10.

Click here for the USA Today article.

Savings 101 : Five Ways To Save Today

Business Week quizzed financial advisors for tips on how to reduce expenses while boosting savings. Here's a continuation of the savings tips:

11. Get Rid of your SUV
Consider selling your SUV for a vehicle that is less of a gas guzzler. You will save gas and also on your monthly payment by changing your auto loan.

12. Make your own Coffee
Instead of going to Starbucks after mid afternoon, make your own coffee. You could save $20 a week, a good chunk that could be put in savings. If you have to buy coffee, opt for a cheaper beverage.

13. Cut Down your Cable Bill
You can get rid of your movie channels, or even cancel your service entirely. This could save you $100 a month.

14. Bring a List to Warehouse Stores
Wal-Mart, Costco and Sam's Club are great deals, however only buy what you really need when shopping. It's easy to buy in bulk if it's really cheap, but make sure you will use it all.

15. Indulge in Free Entertainment
Check out your public library to borrow books and movies for free. Check your local listings for free shows, concerts, readings and performances.

Check back tomorrow. We'll roll out five new savings tips each day for the remainder of the week.

CU Advocate's Deals of the Day

Starbucks: $2 grande iced drinks after 2 p.m. with morning purchase

Target: Lawn and garden and outdoor furniture 15% off

Buy.com: Logitech V450 Nano Cordless Laser Mouse $20

VistaPrint: Free business cards, labels and rubber stamp

Dish Network: HBO and STARZ free for the first three months. $50 credit on first bill. Platinum HD free for the first three months. Twelve months of Cinemax for 1 cent.