SavvySugar

Match the US Leader to His Dollar Bill

SavvySugar — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 04:30:14 -0700

In honor of the Fourth, let's revisit some of the former influential leaders of the United States. Can you match the US leader to his dollar bill?

Question 1 of 7

Which president appears on the $1 bill?

Do You Care Whether or Not Your City Has Fireworks?

SavvySugar — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 06:30:00 -0700

Fireworks displays on the Fourth of July aren't a given anymore. Officials in several cities have canceled this year's shows, reasoning they can't justify the cost while government-funded services and jobs are being cut. Does it matter to you whether or not your Fourth includes a colorful fireworks display?

Where to Find Fourth of July Discounts

SavvySugar — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 04:30:17 -0700

This Fourth of July, stores are going beyond free shipping and offering attractive discounts for shoppers looking to score deals on Summer goods. Whether you need a new pair of sneaks for working on your bikini body, vino for leisurely Summer nights, a camera for marking the season's memories, or an outdoor umbrella for barbecuing in the heat, there's a discount for all of those things and more.

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Are You Traveling Over Fourth of July Weekend?

SavvySugar — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:15:52 -0700

For the second year in a row, AAA predicts travel will be down over Fourth of July weekend, blaming uncertainty about the economy. Will you be making a trip?

6 Steps For Achieving Financial Independence

SavvySugar — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 08:30:00 -0700

The Fourth of July is marked with parades, fireworks, grilled food, and friends, but it's really a celebration of independence. Take a moment to consider your own independence, in the financial sense. Getting there doesn't happen in a snap - take the smoothest path by checking off all of these six steps.

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Get Your Last-Minute Fourth of July Travel Deals

SavvySugar — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:00:02 -0700

You don't have to wait much longer for the next long weekend. The Fourth of July holiday weekend is nearly here, and lucky for us, last-minute travel deals are still available. The prices for many accommodations and travel packages are pretty attractive, and plenty of the hotels are hardly what you would call discount lodging. Celebrate independence this year with a cheaper getaway.

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Are You Surprised People Place Bets on Eating Competitions?

SavvySugar — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 06:56:00 -0700

Competitive eaters have been competing in Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest since 1916 for the ultimate Mustard Yellow Belt Prize. Although it's a popular televised event that is tradition, I was initially surprised to learn that online sports gambling sites take bets for the competition.

The Fourth makes me think of barbecue, friends, and fireworks, not competitive eating odds! Are you surprised that there were bets placed on pros like Kobayashi and Joey Chestnut, or is it no different than gambling on another sport?

Source

Did Your City's Fireworks Show Go On?

SavvySugar — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 07:05:37 -0700

I have fond memories of sitting on ocean jetties as a Fourth of July celebrating kid and watching the fireworks displays of three different cities, within minutes of each other. This was the tradition every Fourth, and it seems this year many cities' holiday traditions were interrupted due to the weak economy.

Given the expense it's clear why some would consider skipping the festivities: The average fireworks display costs $10,000 for 15 minutes of show, while bigger shows in larger cities may cost around $100,000.

Source

I'm Asking: When Did You Become Financially Independent?

SavvySugar — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 06:33:24 -0700

Independence Day got me thinking about financial independence, and how relying on myself financially was an essential part of feeling like an adult.

Your ability to earn income is your biggest financial asset, and once you've accepted that first job offer, what you do with those paychecks is up to you. At what point did you become financially independent, or is it still your goal to get there?

Source

Action Plan For When Your Flight Is Canceled

SavvySugar — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:00:15 -0700

As travelers gear up for flying over the long Fourth of July weekend, fingers are crossed that travel schedules go as planned. Most plans will go off without a hitch, but there's always a few who get the short end of the travel stick when their flights are canceled. Weather, mechanical problems, and shortage of crew are a few reasons why flights might be delayed or canceled altogether.

The Associated Press prepared a tip sheet with what you can do if your flight is canceled. Familiarize yourself with the action plan before you leave for the airport.

"Try to be rebooked. Some major airlines have interline agreements that allow them to easily rebook a passenger on another carrier." This option wouldn't lead to additional costs on your end.
"Request a refund. Most airlines will refund the amount you paid for a ticket if they cancel your flight and can't accommodate you on another flight that gets you to your destination on the day you were expecting." If you take the refund route, the AP warns that the walk-up fare for purchasing a ticket from another airline may be much higher than your original ticket.

See the rest of the action plan when you read more.

"Ask for a hotel room. American Airlines says that if a delay or cancellation was caused by events within its control and it does not get a passenger to his or her final destination on the expected arrival day, it will provide "reasonable" overnight accommodations, subject to availability."
To avoid any surprises when you arrive at the airport, "make sure your airline has your email address or telephone number so it can alert you in the event that it cancels or reschedules your flight."
"Try to negotiate." The airlines' eagerness to keep customers might play to your advantage.