Smart Spending
Five New Financial Normals
Monday, August 23rd, 2010
Writing about the “new normals” brought on by the Great Recession has become, well, a new normal for many media outlets. Adding to the conversation, Fortune magazine has come up with five new normals that it believes really will stick. Here they are, along with my thoughts. 1. Long-term unemployment. For those who have jobs, ... [Read more]
Where Could Your Vacation Budget Take You?
Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010
In good times, people often choose where they want to go on vacation and then look into the cost. These days, assuming there’s still money in the budget for a vacation, the dollars come first. And just in time, there’s a helpful new resource from one of my favorite travel sites, Kayak.com. As reported on ... [Read more]
Help for Home Buyers
Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010
If you’re in the market to buy a house, there are two resources I came across recently that I recommend. First, the book Mind Your Own Mortgage has a lot of helpful advice, especially author Robert Bernabé’s recommended process for finding the lowest-cost mortgage. By that, he isn’t talking about interest rates or monthly payments. ... [Read more]
The Complaint Department is Open
Tuesday, June 8th, 2010
Got a complaint about something you bought? Or are you thinking about buying something but wondering how well the product worked for previous buyers? There are numerous complaint Web sites. However, as with the items criticized on the sites, some of the sites are better than others. According to a report by the Consumer Federation ... [Read more]
Saying, “I Do,” Without The Debt
Wednesday, May 26th, 2010
Call it a benefit of the Great Recession: the average cost of a wedding has dropped 30 percent from a high of $29,000 in 2007 to today’s mere $20,000, according to The Wedding Report. If you or someone you know is headed down the aisle sometime soon, here’s how to save even more. According to ... [Read more]
Free Workshops for Kids
Tuesday, May 18th, 2010
With another school year coming to a close, you may be looking for free activities for your kids. For kids who like to build things (what kid doesn’t like to build things?), home improvement stores have some great solutions. Lowe’s Build and Grow Clinics, held Saturday mornings at 10:00, are for “recommended” for first- through ... [Read more]
The 80/20 Closet
Tuesday, May 11th, 2010
You’ve probably heard of the 80/20 rule – that 80 percent of the effects come from 20 percent of the causes. There are all sorts of places where this rule is at work. For example, at many companies 80 percent of their sales come from 20 percent of their customers. Recently, popular personal finance blogger ... [Read more]
More Planning to Cut the Cable
Tuesday, May 11th, 2010
More than 90 percent of U.S. households subscribe to cable or satellite television services, but that number may have peaked. CNN recently reported on a new survey in which one in eight pay-TV subscribers said they plan to eliminate or scale back on their packages. No, TV viewers aren’t suddenly switching to books; they’re switching ... [Read more]
The Money Saving Triple Dip
Tuesday, April 27th, 2010
The recession has turned us into a nation of coupon clippers and deal seekers. Today, there are so many deals to be had it’s hard to think of anything that can’t be purchased at a discount. And with relatively little effort, you can even score multiple discounts on what you buy. My favorite way to ... [Read more]
Green Round Up
Thursday, April 22nd, 2010
In honor of Earth Day, here are a few articles I found useful. This one includes links to sites that will help you turn your old unused electronics into cash. This one has some good ideas for cutting back on electricity use. And for some less predictable ideas, here’s how to have an eco-friendly wedding ... [Read more]
Does Your Home Own You?
Friday, April 16th, 2010
Garrison Keillor once joked that when people are young they often dream about being painters or poets, but the single biggest destroyer of all such romantic career notions is a 30-year mortgage. Get one of those, he said, and you’ll chain yourself to an eight-by-eight cubicle for the next 30 years as you labor to ... [Read more]
The Road to Financial Freedom…
Wednesday, April 14th, 2010
…is driven in a paid-for vehicle. While developing a set of detailed recommended spending plans for various size households at various incomes, it became clear to me that in order to live in financial freedom it’s essential to avoid financing vehicles. MSN recently pointed out that most of today’s vehicles should be able to make ... [Read more]
From Community College to Med School
Thursday, April 8th, 2010
If you’re wondering how to help your kids make it through college without a mortgage-size loan, consider the experience of Brittany Blackburn. Her route to a full scholarship at Yale Medical School included stops at two community colleges. According to a WalletPop article, spending the first two years at a community college can make a ... [Read more]
The Great Cyberspace Marketplace
Thursday, April 8th, 2010
Looking to buy or sell something online? There are more sites to consider than just eBay or Craigslist. Mainstreet.com recently highlighted 14 niche marketplace sites. Bonanzle is for buyers and sellers of “Everything but the ordinary,” including vintage toys, artwork, and more. To buy or sell homemade jewelry, handbags, or other crafts, try Etsy. Glyde ... [Read more]
Are You a Two-List Shopper?
Wednesday, April 7th, 2010
You’ve heard it for years: Never go grocery shopping without a list. But did you know that even list users typically have two lists? There’s the list in their hand and the list in their head. As reported on MSN.com, a new study found that 75 percent of shoppers entered the store knowing they were ... [Read more]
More Amazing Tales From Super Couponers
Sunday, March 28th, 2010
If couponing were a sport, Jill Cataldo and Nathan Engels would be Olympic champions. As reported by ABCNews.com, Cataldo’s weekly grocery bill runs between $40 and $60, and that’s to feed a family of five. Engels spends almost no money on groceries; he hasn’t had to buy toilet paper since 2007 thanks to the three-year ... [Read more]
Which Batteries Are Best
Wednesday, February 24th, 2010
If you use a lot of batteries, you know how they can drain your wallet. So it pays to know which ones to buy for which devices. Consumer Reports (CR) recently put AA batteries to the test. For devices that need bursts of power such as digital cameras and frequently used toys, CR recommended taking ... [Read more]
Saving On Your Cell Phone Bill
Wednesday, February 24th, 2010
Do you have the most cost-effective cell phone plan? There are two ways to find out. As noted by personal finance writer Gregory Karp in the Chicago Tribune recently, Validas will analyze one of your actual cell phone bills and recommend a less expensive plan for a charge of $5, or you can enter some ... [Read more]
Keeping Cupid From Overspending
Monday, February 8th, 2010
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, and since romance has a way of fogging our financial sensibilities, MSN is out with a helpful story about gift giving. According to researchers at Stanford University, gift recipients tend to appreciate inexpensive gifts as much as expensive gifts. Researchers explain that gift givers usually have a number ... [Read more]
Sites That Save
Monday, February 8th, 2010
Everyone loves a bargain, and there are plenty to be had if you know where to look. A recent Mainstreet article highlighted some of its favorite money saving web sites, including Groupon (offers a new deal every day in about 50 cities), where I recently got a coupon for a great deal at the restaurant ... [Read more]
Defensive Spending
Monday, February 8th, 2010
It’s a financial jungle out there, so an essential part of wise money management is being vigilant about ferreting out shady deals. That’s the message of Bob Sullivan’s new book, Stop Getting Ripped Off. As summarized by MSN, one common ploy he warns against is the bait and switch, in which companies lure us in ... [Read more]
Protecting Yourself Online
Monday, February 8th, 2010
Walletpop recently put together an excellent list of resources for educating yourself and your kids about safe surfing on the Internet. The piece recommended a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) web site geared toward adults and a site for parents from an organization called Common Sense Media that offers guidance based on their child’s age. The ... [Read more]
Reshaped by the Recession
Tuesday, January 26th, 2010
The Great Recession has impacted all of us. For some, the impact has been painful (think job losses). But the financial downturn also seems to be fostering widespread personal changes that, if they stick, have the potential to improve our lives. U.S. News & World recently summarized some of the key recession-induced changes that researchers ... [Read more]
Couponing to the Max
Thursday, January 7th, 2010
I was pleased with myself when I recently rented a car and made use of two discounts. First, I found a coupon code using Ask Deals and then I scored a small additional rebate by entering the rental car company’s web site through Ebates. In fact, I was about to write a blog post about ... [Read more]
Frugal and Creative Gift Ideas
Wednesday, December 9th, 2009
Mix a tough economy with the biggest gift-buying season of the year and lots of us are looking for inexpensive yet meaningful gift ideas. Which is what makes this list of 50 gift ideas from BibleMoneyMatters.com so timely. The ideas range from the unusual, somewhat complex, and not too frugal (make your own digital picture ... [Read more]
Reconsidering the Gift Card
Wednesday, December 9th, 2009
Gift cards have been among the most popular gifts in recent years. However, there are signs that they are starting to fall out of favor, and for good reason. As MSN’s Liz Pulliam Weston pointed out, any store-branded card can become worthless if the retailer goes out of business. Other problems include the fact that ... [Read more]
Gifts for Job Seekers
Wednesday, December 9th, 2009
Chances are good that someone on your gift list this year is unemployed. The holidays can often make matters worse for someone without work. It’s harder to line up interviews, and all the emphasis on spending money on gifts can just compound the pain of a jobless person’s financial problems. That’s why, with the holidays ... [Read more]
Cash Back in Fashion
Tuesday, November 24th, 2009
Despite proclamations that the recession is over, most people are planning to keep a tight rein on their wallets this holiday season. And when they do pry their wallets open, fewer people will reach for their credit cards. Those are among the findings of surveys by the National Retail Federation and USAA. Using cash instead ... [Read more]
What I Believe
Wednesday, November 18th, 2009
I am very excited about the launch of this new web site and blog. Switching from the eNewsletters I’ve been writing for the past three years to a blog will allow for more of a two-way dialogue with readers and will free me to write about more money-related topics. Since this marks the beginning of ... [Read more]
Help With Your Gift List
Saturday, November 14th, 2009
A new Consumer Reports survey offers helpful tips on what holiday gifts to buy and what to avoid. Gift cards are a common choice, and they still head the list of items people want (tied this year with electronics). However, since 25 percent of last year’s gift card recipients still haven’t used the cards, the ... [Read more]
Smart Shopping at the Grocery Store
Wednesday, November 11th, 2009
For most families, the grocery store is one of the most frequently visited retail stores. That’s why it’s so important to be proactive in spending wisely when doing what can feel like a routine chore. As pointed out on MSNBC recently, “Marketers have put more thought into grocery stores than any other type of store ... [Read more]
Christmas Sanity
Thursday, October 8th, 2009
December is right around the corner, and if you don’t plan ahead one of the most meaningful holidays could easily turn into one of the most stressful and costly times of year. Fortunately, lots of holiday-smart articles are filling the blogosphere these days, offering good reminders like the importance of setting and sticking to a ... [Read more]
One-Stop Deal Shopping
Thursday, October 8th, 2009
An ever-expanding number of web sites offer coupons, coupons codes, and other ways to get the best deals. Now, the company behind the Ask.com search engine has rolled out a deal aggregator called Ask Deals. The one-stop shop for deal seekers taps 40 coupon sites, online promotions, store circulars, message boards, blogs, and more. To ... [Read more]
How Warranties Really Work
Wednesday, September 9th, 2009
An ABC News article highlighted the importance of reading the fine print on product warranties. Think a “lifetime warranty” refers to your lifetime? Think again. Some companies define “lifetime” as the amount of time they think their product should reasonably last. The better news is that you may be covered by an unwritten warranty guaranteed ... [Read more]
No Holiday for Those Who Long to Labor
Wednesday, September 9th, 2009
The three-day Labor Day weekend provided a much-needed respite for many people. But for many others, such as the 24 million people who are unemployed or underemployed, it may have been a painful reminder of their situation. An article on WalletPop encouraged those who are gainfully employed to reach out to those who are not ... [Read more]
DIY Nation
Tuesday, August 25th, 2009
Do-it-yourself projects are in--another result of the recession. A recent Time magazine poll found that nearly one-quarter of us are doing more home repairs ourselves rather than hiring help. The downside is that emergency room doctors are treating more people hurt during home repair projects gone wrong... [Read more]
Curbing Your Enthusiasm to Spend
Tuesday, August 25th, 2009
Spending money wisely takes more than a budget and a stack of coupons. It takes some self-knowledge. A good article on Oprah.com highlighted several ways to keep our emotions from trashing our finances. For example, researchers have found that when we run up big tabs on a single trip to a single store, which can ... [Read more]
Is Frugality Fading?
Tuesday, August 25th, 2009
Frugality has been all the rage during the recession. But now there’s some evidence that our money-saving ways may be going by the wayside. A CNN.com story noted that the personal savings rate dipped in June after several months of strong growth. And, while an HSBC survey found that 85 percent of people have modified ... [Read more]
Energy Saving Facts and Fiction
Tuesday, August 25th, 2009
When it comes to saving energy, there are some confusing and conflicting ideas out there. A recent Associated Press story sought to sort out fact from fiction. For example, do computer screen savers save energy? No. Sleep mode, which uses about 70 percent less energy, is a better choice if you’re not going to be ... [Read more]
How Outlet Malls Promote Overspending
Wednesday, August 12th, 2009
Outlet malls may not be the money-savers they appear to be. As noted on Consumerist.com, the new book, Cheap: The High Cost of Discount Culture, describes manufacturers’ suggested retail prices, against which the outlet store prices are compared, as “often fabricated to give consumers the impression that they are getting bargains.” The book also notes ... [Read more]
Dollar Store Hits and Misses
Thursday, July 23rd, 2009
Have you ever shopped in a dollar store? Consumer Reports recently made some helpful recommendations about what to buy and what to avoid in such stores. It said that dollar store prices on aluminum foil, gift wrap, and party supplies can’t be beat. However, it recommended taking a pass on electrical products (they may carry ... [Read more]
Thriving After the Recession
Thursday, July 23rd, 2009
While a lot of people are still deeply impacted by the recession, a number of post-recession articles are starting to emerge, including one from US News & World Report that suggested 10 ways to “thrive” after the recession. It described the new “evolved consumer” who “shops with more discipline and focuses on buying products with ... [Read more]
Don’t Get Taken for a Fee Ride
Thursday, July 23rd, 2009
It wasn’t long ago that banks would not allow debit card transactions to go through if you didn’t have enough money in your checking account. But then they discovered how profitable it could be to allow such transactions and then hit you with an overdraft fee. Such fees will total an estimated $38.5 billion this ... [Read more]
All Worn Out
Thursday, July 23rd, 2009
There was a good post on the Wisebread blog recently about the author’s preference for things that wear out rather than fall out of fashion, break, or become technologically obsolete. He noted that people’s primary reason for replacing something used to be that it wore out, whereas today the main reason is more likely due ... [Read more]
All Worn Out
Thursday, July 9th, 2009
There was a good post on the Wisebread blog recently about the author’s preference for things that wear out rather than fall out of fashion, break, or become technologically obsolete. He noted that people’s primary reason for replacing something used to be that it wore out, whereas today the main reason is more likely due ... [Read more]
It’s Not Easy Being Green
Monday, June 22nd, 2009
Paper or plastic? At first, it was polite of grocery store cashiers to ask which sort of bag we’d prefer. But today, the question often sounds like, “Environmentalist or Polluter?” Everyone knows that paper is the best choice for protecting the planet. Or is it? A recent Wall Street Journal article noted, “There is growing ... [Read more]
Bus Travel Makes a Comeback
Monday, June 22nd, 2009
With frugality in fashion, bus companies are doing all they can to convert plane and train travelers to bus riders. As reported on MarketWatch, Greyhound’s Neon bus service now has more than 100 “motorcoaches” operating on the east coast with leather seats, more legroom, Internet access, and power outlets in every row. BoltBus, another east ... [Read more]
Extra Credit for Homebuyers
Tuesday, June 9th, 2009
One element of the Obama administration’s economic stimulus package is a tax credit for first-time homebuyers of up to $8,000. As described in an LA Times article, the credit recently got even more valuable when it was made available to help cover closing costs or for use as part of the down payment. For those ... [Read more]
A Shopping Alternative
Tuesday, May 26th, 2009
Retail sales have taken a hit because of the recession. But shoppers haven’t disappeared altogether; some have turned into swappers. As reported on Mainstreet.com, clothing swap groups have become popular on Meetup.com, a site that helps users organize or find meetings based on common interests. Everyone who brings something to the swap event may take ... [Read more]
When Getting Away Isn’t
Tuesday, May 26th, 2009
The summer vacation has been downgraded – again. First it became a staycation, with people opting for local entertainment as a way to save money. Now, according to a Consumer Reports article, tight finances and fears over job security are prompting 35 percent of workers to say they don’t plan to take a vacation at ... [Read more]
Big Screen, Little Dough
Tuesday, May 26th, 2009
Looking for some inexpensive entertainmment for the kids this summer? Five Cent Nickel put together a helpful list of movie theatre chains that are offering free or inexpensive kid-friendly movies. Libraries often have special summer programs for kids as well. The great library in our little town is offering extra story times, craft-making sessions, and ... [Read more]
Cheap Eats
Tuesday, May 12th, 2009
Dining out is high on the list of expenses people are cutting in light of the recession. But if you know where to look, many restaurant deals are there for the taking. A recent Real Simple article reminded readers about Restaurant.com, where $25 gift certificates for thousands of restaurants are available for $10. Get on ... [Read more]
Save on Organics
Thursday, April 23rd, 2009
Organic food may seem like a splurge right now, but when it comes to our health spending less may ultimately cost more. A short piece on Consumer Reports recently reported on five ways to save on organics. In addition to the obvious suggestion to buy store brand organics, the article included links to organic food ... [Read more]
Top Money Web Sites
Thursday, April 23rd, 2009
The Internet is filled with lots of good web sites about money. But which ones are worth a visit? One of the web’s best personal finance journalists, MSN’s Liz Pulliam Weston, recently named her 100 favorites. That may sound overwhelming, but she has them organized by subject. Just in case 100 sites aren’t enough, here ... [Read more]
Let Your Mouse Do The Walking
Thursday, April 9th, 2009
The Internet is littered with electronic coupon sites, so which ones are best? MainStreet recently listed its five favorites: RetailMeNot.com (users submit coupon codes and feedback as to which ones work); CouponCabin.com (monitors over 1,200 online stores for new coupons); FatWallet.com (has over 800 merchant partners and a cash-back feature); CouponMom.com (offers helpful free instructions ... [Read more]
Don’t Touch, Don’t Buy
Thursday, April 9th, 2009
A recent Time magazine article summarized the latest findings from the increasingly sophisticated science of retailing. Researchers have found that touching a product in a store increases a shopper’s sense of ownership (the “endowment effect”), and that increases the likelihood that he or she will buy the product. One retailer that maximizes this approach to ... [Read more]
Your Terms of Our Times
Tuesday, March 24th, 2009
In the last issue of this eNewsletter, I summarized a story highlighting several new words and phrases that have come into popular use during the recession. I then asked you to submit your favorite recession-related words that have a positive connotation. Among the suggestions: Pam wrote in with recessionables, which pertains to clothing found on ... [Read more]
Money Down the Tube
Monday, March 9th, 2009
The average U.S. household now has three televisions, according to the Consumer Electronics Association. That’s one reason why electronic devices today consume 15 percent of the average home’s electricity–up from 5 percent in 1980. A Chicago Tribune article highlighted several ways to tame those energy monsters, starting with your choice of TV. The larger the ... [Read more]
Gunning for Energy Savings
Monday, March 9th, 2009
Want to save on energy costs but roof top solar panels aren’t in the budget? Buy a tube of caulk and a caulk gun. As reported in the Wall Street Journal, homes consume more than 20 percent of all the energy used in the U.S. — more than cars, planes, or offices. And yet the ... [Read more]
Thrift Stores Thriving
Tuesday, February 24th, 2009
While numerous retail chains are closing stores or putting expansion plans on hold, second hand shop sales are booming. A Chicago Tribune article explained that the recession has turned fashionistas into frugalistas. Goodwill, whose sales of donated items help fund job training for homeless and disabled people, is working hard to capitalize on the trend ... [Read more]
Mending is Better Than Ending
Tuesday, February 24th, 2009
Lots of businesses are hurting right now, but not those involved in fixing and mending our stuff. According to an article in Time magazine, cobblers and tailors are thriving as people opt to repair old shoes and alter ill-fitting clothes rather than replace them. The same is true for shops that repair everything from cars ... [Read more]
Dialing for More Dollars
Monday, February 9th, 2009
In the last issue of this eNewsletter I mentioned an ABC News profile of someone who easily persuaded many of his service providers – from his health club to his cable company – to reduce their rates. He simply called them and said, “I need to save some money. I know you get it. Can ... [Read more]
Couponing Made Easy
Monday, February 9th, 2009
If you’re serious about saving on the cost of groceries, you probably already know about CouponMom.com. But U.S. News & World Report recently highlighted another good grocery coupon resource–the blog, Frugal Coupon Mom. Ashley Nuzzo, who writes the blog, scours lots of other web sites and blogs looking for the best deals and then posts ... [Read more]
Of Calories and Cash
Monday, February 9th, 2009
There are a number of parallels between the worlds of nutrition and finance. On the negative side, people tend to describe a budget in the same terms they use to describe a diet – it’s something one goes on, as in, “Poor Brian, he’s on a budget.” However, as was pointed out in a New ... [Read more]
How to Spot a Lemon
Tuesday, January 27th, 2009
This sure seems like a good time to buy a car with all the incentives being offered by ailing carmakers. However, a deal isn’t a deal unless you were in the market for the item anyway. And I’m a strong believer in keeping vehicles as long as possible. But if you really _are_ in the ... [Read more]
Dialing for Dollars
Tuesday, January 27th, 2009
Times are tough, which means service providers are especially intent on keeping their customers, and that’s making it easier to negotiate better rates. ABC News profiled one man who systematically called everyone from his cable provider to his health club and said, “I need to save some money. I know you get it. Can you ... [Read more]
Under the Financial Microscope
Monday, January 12th, 2009
By now you’re aware of the importance of keeping your credit score strong by paying your credit card bills, mortgage, and other loans on time and keeping your credit utilization (how much of your available credit you use) low (10 percent or less is best). But did you know that paying your phone bill late ... [Read more]
Who Cares What People Think?
Monday, December 22nd, 2008
How do you feel about a person ahead of you in a store checkout line who is using coupons? Do you think to yourself, “Now there’s a smart shopper”? Or do you think, “What a cheapskate”? The New York Times reported on a study in which people using low-value coupons (50 cents off on a ... [Read more]
Living Well on $44k
Monday, December 22nd, 2008
How did you do on finding holiday gift deals this year? Can you beat this: 27 gifts for $90? As reported on TODAY, that’s just the latest in a long list of amazing money moves executed by Steve and Annette Economides, who have turned smart shopping into an extreme sport. The Arizona couple, along with ... [Read more]
Overdraft Protection For Less
Wednesday, December 10th, 2008
More than three-quarters of all banks automatically enroll their customers in the most expensive form of overdraft protection. That’s a key finding from a new FDIC survey, as reported by MarketWatch. If you are among the 25 percent of people who spend more than is in your checking account at some point in a given ... [Read more]
Gift Card Watch-Outs
Wednesday, December 10th, 2008
Despite a raft of bad publicity, gift cards continue to be a popular choice among holiday shoppers. If you give or receive a gift card this year, Consumer Reports offers some helpful advice. For givers, the magazine suggests steering clear of retailers that are known to be struggling (it’s tough to redeem a card from ... [Read more]
Gifts That Last
Wednesday, December 10th, 2008
When shopping for gifts this year remember that the least expensive items are not always the best deals. Be sure to also consider how long a gift may last. As we considered what to buy our kids this year we were mindful of all the broken toys that fill our toy bins. So, we’re giving ... [Read more]
Deals That Delight
Wednesday, December 10th, 2008
One upside to a down economy is that lots of products are on deep discount before Christmas. But which deals will truly satisfy? According to a recent Wall Street Journal article, behavioral economists and psychologists have found that products that enrich your relationship with friends or family members rate the highest on the satisfaction scale. ... [Read more]
Save on Everything – Part Two
Tuesday, November 25th, 2008
In the last issue of this eNewsletter I steered you to a blog post with links to some of the best money-saving ideas from around the blogosphere. Now, here’s a collection of some of the best holiday-related money saving ideas from various blogs. And, with an assist from a reader named Mary Ellen, here’s a ... [Read more]
Penny Wise and Artichoke Foolish
Tuesday, November 25th, 2008
Like many of us, a grocery shopper named Jill is paying more attention to the cost of food these days. So, as described in a New York Times article, when one store’s price on cauliflower seemed too high, she went to another store, and then another. Finally, she found a good price, only to discover ... [Read more]
Save on Everything
Wednesday, November 12th, 2008
Suggesting ways to save money is the core mission of most personal finance writers. Now a personal finance blogger has compiled over 1,000 of the best money-saving ideas from across the blogosphere, all linked to their original sources. With a list this large there are bound to be some obvious ideas (“bring your lunch to ... [Read more]
More Gift Giving Tips
Wednesday, November 12th, 2008
If you have a child on your gift list this year, buy them something that doesn’t require batteries. Such gifts usually require more imagination on the child’s part and less ongoing cost for the child’s parents. Also, do as much of your shopping as possible online. Whenever I’m shopping online I open three Internet windows–one ... [Read more]
The Gift of a Debt-Free Holiday
Wednesday, November 12th, 2008
An estimated 12 million people are still paying off debts they racked up buying holiday gifts last year. That’s among the more sobering findings from a new holiday survey conducted by Consumer Reports. The lingering debts may be one reason why nearly 60 percent of people plan to use a gift budget this year–a much ... [Read more]
It Isn’t Rocket Science
Friday, October 24th, 2008
There was a funny post on the No Credit Needed blog showing a purchase decision flow chart. It lays out the process of making a wise spending choice so logically that it’ll make you laugh. p(matt). It reminded me of the Saturday Night Live skit called Don’t Buy Stuff You Cannot Afford, which may be ... [Read more]
When Smart Shopping Becomes Disturbing
Friday, October 24th, 2008
A new study of Wal-Mart shoppers (and that’s 9 out of 10 of us) shows that the economy is reshaping how we shop. As reported by USA TODAY, Wal-Mart has seen a double-digit decline in credit card use, a noticeable shift from the sale of discretionary products to necessary products, twice as many private label ... [Read more]
Stay Away From Layaway
Friday, October 24th, 2008
Buying “on layaway” is making a comeback. As reported by The Wall Street Journal, the Depression-era retail practice of letting shoppers put items away while they pay for them a little at a time is coming back in fashion. Analysts cite our rough economy, which has limited people’s access to credit. Kmart has even made ... [Read more]
Spending Smart
Wednesday, October 8th, 2008
While we can’t control what’s happening in the stock market we can control what’s happening in our homes, and now is an especially good time to look for ways to spend smarter. U.S. News & World Report offers a great collection of ideas for saving on the cost of food, clothing, healthcare, and more. Such ... [Read more]
Anchors in the Storm
Wednesday, October 1st, 2008
“The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.” – Isaiah 40:7 (Note: I was going to conclude our five-part series on getting out of debt this month. However, with the current state of the economy I thought we could all use a refresher on the timeless biblical principles ... [Read more]
Building On a Solid Foundation
Wednesday, September 24th, 2008
Much of the financial crisis gripping our country can be blamed on bad mortgages. Some say the mortgage mess is due to a lack of regulation or corporate oversight. Others say borrowers simply bit off more than they could chew. While the blame game intensifies, the Associated Press just reported on new Census Bureau data ... [Read more]
Economizing Now and Forever
Tuesday, September 9th, 2008
In the last issue of this eNewsletter, in an article about changes people are making in response to our tough economy, I asked what changes you’ve made that you believe will be permanent. Among those who wrote, Maria says she’s been taking a bus to work instead of driving. She’s saving money by doing so, ... [Read more]
Couponing in a Hurry
Tuesday, September 9th, 2008
Everyone knows that coupons can save you money when shopping for groceries. But not everyone thinks they have the time for all that sorting and clipping. Syndicated columnist Gregory Karp highlighted some sites that make the job easier. CouponMom.com, which is free but requires registration, enables you to easily scroll through a chain’s weekly deals ... [Read more]
Free is Good
Tuesday, September 9th, 2008
Each year, Kiplinger.com highlights its favorite freebies. In this year’s collection, it tells where to find free foreign language lessons, a free wireless connection while traveling, free e-books and sheet music, and not just one but two of the better free recipe collections. I’m writing this from a peaceful room overlooking a river at one ... [Read more]
The Incredible Shrinking Package
Monday, August 18th, 2008
Does it seem as though the packages lining grocery store aisles are getting smaller? They are. It’s a strategy some packaged goods manufacturers are using to pass along their higher costs. Instead of raising the price on a normal sized container, they are shrinking the container but charging what they used to charge for the ... [Read more]
When Not to Reduce Spending
Monday, August 18th, 2008
High gasoline and food prices have people tightening their belts in one place where frugality is not likely to pay off: their healthcare. MarketWatch reported on a survey by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, in which about one in five (22 percent) Americans said they have reduced their visits to the doctor in order ... [Read more]
Changing Our Money Ways
Monday, August 18th, 2008
With our tough economy leading people to eat out less often, switch from SUVs to gas sippers, and generally spend less, an MSN columnist recently wondered what would happen if we all suddenly got and stayed money-smart? That is, what if we paid our credit cards in full each month (46 percent of households carry ... [Read more]
Don’t Get Fleeced by Fido
Friday, August 8th, 2008
Are you among the 60 percent of households that have a pet? Then you know the dangers of investing in anything that eats! Seriously, though, while pets are usually viewed as a member of the family, there are costs to consider. And if you haven’t chosen a pet yet, perhaps a glance at the estimated ... [Read more]
Economizing in a Tough Economy
Tuesday, July 22nd, 2008
Lots of us are cutting back on discretionary spending – 9 out of 10 people, in fact, according to a survey from market researcher GfK Roper Consulting. Still, as noted in a CNNMoney.com article about the study, there are some things that people just can’t seem to live without – like TV. A whopping half ... [Read more]
Price Check in Aisle Two
Tuesday, July 22nd, 2008
You’re in a store looking at TVs or T-shirts or tea bags. The price looks good, but is it really? The answer may be a quick text message away. As noted in a Real Simple article, send a text message to Google at 466453 (“Google” on most devices), type “price,” and then enter the name ... [Read more]
Fresh Foods for Less
Tuesday, July 22nd, 2008
Doesn’t it seem expensive to eat well? Everything from hormone-free milk to pesticide-free potatoes cost more. But if you know where to look and when, you can buy fresh, chemical-free food without breaking the bank. That’s the theme of an article from The Simple Dollar, which provides helpful links for finding nearby farmers’ markets, knowing ... [Read more]
Competition for Craigslist
Tuesday, June 24th, 2008
Craigslist has enjoyed a virtual monopoly in the free online classified ad industry. However, Time magazine reports that there are now two competitors–Kijiji (the Swahili word for “village”) and Oodle. Both are trying to steal share from Craigslist by making their sites easier to navigate. Oodle puts a Google map next to each listing so ... [Read more]
The Bus is Back
Tuesday, June 24th, 2008
When’s the last time you took a bus for an out-of-town trip? With airline ticket prices on the rise and some airlines now charging for luggage, several bus lines are trying to win new business with upgraded vehicles, low prices, and high-tech amenities like free Wi-Fi. The financial blog WalletPop highlighted BoltBus (a subsidiary of ... [Read more]
A Good Green Guide
Tuesday, June 24th, 2008
Bankrate.com has put together a helpful list of over 100 eco-friendly tips, many of which are also easy on the wallet. The ideas are grouped in eight broad categories, each of which is further grouped by “quick fixes,” “short-term,” and “long-term.” For example, under the category of “Leisure & entertainment,” a quick fix idea is ... [Read more]
Fleece-Free Flicks
Tuesday, June 10th, 2008
For a lot of people, going to a movie is a favorite form of entertainment. However, with tickets now $10 in many markets and a “small” container of popcorn going for nearly $5, even a love story can seem a horror show. Some money saving tips from SmartMoney.com included the following. Find the freebies. Regal ... [Read more]
Rebates Made Easy
Tuesday, June 10th, 2008
Ever heard of Ebates? I found out about the web site from the blog Gather Little by Little. A quick online registration process gives you access to rebates from hundreds of merchants. The rebates are typically about two to five percent of the purchase price, but can go higher. For items you’re planning to buy ... [Read more]
Twenty-Four Hours of Savings
Tuesday, June 10th, 2008
A recent post on the blog The Simple Dollar charted the author’s money saving moves over each of the 24 hours in a typical day. At midnight, for example, a programmable thermostat adjusts his home’s temperature, saving on cooling in the summer and heating in the winter. At 3 a.m., clothes hung out to dry ... [Read more]
