SavvySugar

I'm Asking: What's the Best Thing You've Bought This Month?

SavvySugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:00:34 -0800

There's just one week left until Black Friday, the day most major retail and electronic stores slip into official holiday mode and host big sales. I plan on keeping my Black Friday budget pretty tight (that is if I spend anything), and considering the fact that most of us aren't sure the economy is getting better, I suspect most of you are planning the same.

That being said, 'tis the season of shopping, and spending a little on everyday purchases can actually help you save up for the big stuff. What's the best - or smartest - thing you've purchased so far this month?

I'm Asking: Would You Gamble on Rain to Win a Free Stay?

SavvySugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:00:04 -0800

I don't know many people who look forward to a rainy day on a beach vacay, but this plan may make you more inclined. Although normal rates for Malaysia's luxury Tanjong Jara Resort will run upwards of $350 per night, if you encounter more than an inch of rainfall in any 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. period, you'll get a free night (with a three-night-minimum to be eligible).

Both the island's rainy season and the promotion go from Dec. 1 to Feb. 28 so there's a good chance you'll encounter some falling water on a stay, but no guarantees to the required total to achieve your dream of a downpour payout. Since most of you were not signing up for sunshine insurance, would you splurge on a trip here and hope for the ~~best~~ wettest weather possible, or does the possibility of rain deter you from the planning point period?

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Source: Flickr User John-Morgan

Do You Feel Like the Economy Is Getting Better?

SavvySugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:00:15 -0800

Word on the street is that the worst of the recession is over. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke declared as much in mid-September, and the economy actually grew instead of shrinking in the third quarter of this year. So, in theory, things should be on the upswing.

But firsthand experience tells us maybe not so much. Consumer spending is down over last year as we all try to keep our holiday spending in check, and there hasn’t been much new job creation.

In fact, I’m still hearing stories from friends, state employees in particular, who are experiencing layoffs, pay cuts, and involuntary furloughs. What has your personal experience been?

I'm Asking: Did You Have Help Picking a Career or Just Know?

SavvySugar — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:00:56 -0800

Picking a major in college can feel like the biggest decision ever, but it's hardly a lifetime commitment to a certain field or profession. Of course, it's not easy to see that when you're weighing career options and envisioning what the future might hold for you professionally. Did you have guidance and encouragement from teachers, family or counselors when it came time to pick a career path, or did you access your skills yourself and make a plan from there?

Would You Enroll in a Financial Planning Bootcamp?

SavvySugar — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:45:03 -0800

I’ve always been kind of intrigued by Stanford grad Ramit Sethi’s New York Times bestseller I Will Teach You to Be Rich. I dismissed the book at first because the gimmicky title brought to mind images of the question-mark guy on late-night infomercials, but the more I heard, the more interested I became. To hear why I changed my tune, read more.

Sethi recommends setting up free checking and savings accounts at dependable banks, and automating all your bill payments and transfers to savings. He thinks scrimping on things like lattes to save a couple bucks is useless financial advice, and says you should start to invest while you’re still young. Sounds pretty practical, huh?

So when I heard Sethi was holding a six-week online financial boot camp, I was actually pretty excited. It wasn’t until I was looking at the registration page, credit card in hand, that I backed out. It’s not that I didn’t think the boot camp would be helpful, but I decided spending a couple hundred bucks to find out how to save money wasn’t a wise choice for me.

I’m sure plenty of others felt differently, though, and you might, too. So tell me, have you ever paid for a workshop, class, or boot camp to whip your finances in shape? Or would you ever consider it?

Source: Flickr User Kyle T. Ramirez

I'm Asking: Have You Ever Canceled a Vacation?

SavvySugar — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 06:00:01 -0800

After the oft-annoying planning and booking process, the last thing on my mind is canceling a vacation. However, I once preliminarily booked hotel rooms for a pal's birthday with a 24-hour-notice cancellation policy directly from the resort's website. I knew I'd secured something at a good price while I diligently monitored my favorite travel sites to see if a room at a more desirable hotel would significantly drop in price (it did) or if I changed my mind and decided to go a different weekend (did that, too.).

Sadly my parents have to cancel their planned Caribbean vacation next week - however, since the doctor won't let my father fly, he's faxed notes to the hotel and, thankfully, they'll be fully refunded and the card credited for their flights.

Whether intentional or not, have you ever backed out of a trip (and, if so, did you lose any money in the process)?

Got a cost-saving travel tip? Join our Savvy Travel Tips group and share your expertise!

I'm Asking: Do You Take Career Risks or Play by the Rules?

SavvySugar — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 04:00:39 -0800

If there's one professional trait that I admire beyond bounds, it's an entrepreneurial spirit. It's hard not to be wowed by those who take charge, go out on their own, or create their own course when opportunity presents itself. That being said, taking career risks - whether a risky decision, move, or project - can be tricky and dangerous. Do you stick to the script at your job or in your professional endeavors, or are you a wild child when it comes to business?

I'm Asking: Would You Make a Donation for "Free" Services?

SavvySugar — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:00:20 -0800

Not that I'm one to turn down a little something for nothing to save money, and take advantage of museum free days or other no-fee exhibits while traveling, even gratis concerts in the park can have people asking for donations to keep these things a reality.Still the reality is, seeing the donation bin doesn't always make people toss in money or it'd be overflowing daily! Even Google's free holiday Wifi program has a giveback option. If you're looking for a way to spread holiday cheer and generosity, you can make a charitable donation to one of three organizations, and the company will match it up to $250,000 - whoa, now that's some pricey WiFi!

If faced an optional donation, especially for a service you'd ordinarily have to pay for, do you offer up a little something in exchange?

Source: Flickr User andreadg

Who Is Your Professional Idol?

SavvySugar — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 06:00:23 -0800

I finally dished out $10 (well, $24 if you count my popcorn, candy and soda!) to see This Is It, and while it was fascinating to see Michael Jackson's backstage persona on the job, I was particularly struck by the awe his backup dancers had for him. The documentary opens with an emotional scene of the crew sharing their audition tales - shot before MJ's death - and throughout the film we see the chosen few standing stage left grooving to Michael's sound checks. It's clear from their tears, stories, and smiles that the dancers worship his professional history. Do you look up to any one person in your work life for their talent, career, or success in your field?

I'm Asking: Is This Good Advice to Get Ahead?

SavvySugar — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:00:00 -0800

If you want to learn to act like the boss, you may want to pick up a copy of Stanley Bing's (aka. Gil Schwartz) new book, How to Relax Without Getting the Axe. Just be fair warned, Bing's tips for getting ahead are much more playing the part than they are actual guidelines for working your way up the corporate ladder.

It's a pretty simple, if not all-out lackadaisical strategy, that seeks to simulate some corporate executives' office behaviors. For one, the book suggests that creating the illusion of being unreachable helps to build status - you're too important to be on-call all the time. While I'm definitely an advocate of creating a healthy work-life balance, I'm not sure positioning myself as unavailable would help my cause at work - you'd probably just come off as undependable, and unlikely to be given greater responsibilities if your boss thinks you're out of touch with your team or your company.

Remember, company execs have more flexibility because they run the show, and acting like you do, may not be the best way to get attention - or at least the kind you're hoping for. For the most part, I'm not buying Bing's advice, but tell me, how do you feel about mimicking executive behavior? Is this an innovative career move or a strategy you're unlikely to adopt?