SavvySugar

Four Ways to Get In-the-Black

SavvySugar — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:45:06 -0700

Halloween is a good time to focus on getting back in-the-black, and thankfully there are a few simple tricks that will help you treat yourself to a more stable financial life - even with the spendy holidays around the corner. After you've seen them all, tell me, which tip do you think is most helpful?

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In-the-Black-Tip: When Saving Takes a Back Seat to Spending

SavvySugar — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:30:59 -0700

While many retailers started giving their full court press in holiday advertising at least a month ago, most shoppers shift gears to the holidays after Halloween has passed. Well, tomorrow marks the occasion for haunted houses and candy corn, which means November and intense holiday shopping is already upon us. During the holidays, saving often takes a back seat to spending, so here is my solution for ensuring you're left with more than pennies after the season of giving has ceased.

In-the-Black tip: If you haven't already, set up automatic transfers from your checking account to a savings account that occur whenever you receive a paycheck. The money will be out of sight and unavailable when you're out shopping with your debit card, and you'll feel better about spending money on gifts for others knowing that you've already taken care of yourself.

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In-the-Black Tip: Compare Prices Before You Shop

SavvySugar — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 13:15:54 -0700

This week we are revving up for the darkness, ghouls, and goblins of Halloween with reminders on how we can stay in-the-black - the holidays are just around the corner, after all.

In-the-black-tip: The best way to stay on track when there are a lot of items on your shopping list is to create a spending plan, and once you know your budget for each item or person, make your money go further by comparison shopping. Some people prefer to do holiday shopping away from their computers because it gets them in the holiday spirit, but I recommend at least doing some preparation online. Comparison shopping beforehand will ensure that you're not paying more than necessary and you'll know exactly which stores to hit when you go on your shopping mission. Less browsing means less opportunity for temptation driven impulse buys that aren't on your list.

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In-the-Black Tip: Spend Smarter

SavvySugar — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 11:00:45 -0700

We're celebrating Halloween with In-the-Black Week, but this tip is something to also keep in mind when you are preparing to shop for the upcoming holidays.

In-the-Black tip: Shop with a purpose. Make a list of the things you're hoping to find, whether it's a new holiday party dress for you or gifts for the people you love. Next to each item or person's name, write how much you can afford to spend. You may be able to spend $200 on yourself normally, but when you have a long list of gifts to buy, you might have to spend less. Use a spreadsheet to track the purchases as you go including what you paid for each item, so you can clearly see how well you are sticking to your overall spending plan.

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Celebrate Halloween With Savvy's In-the-Black Week!

SavvySugar — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 08:00:41 -0700

Halloween is one day that's about playing tricks and getting treats in the black of night, but when it comes to money, being in-the-black is always in mode. A few simple tricks, and you'll be on your way to treating yourself to a more stable financial life. Check back all week for ways to get more out of your money.

In-the-black tip: Are you getting the most from your money? Search around for the most competitive online savings account rates. Consider transferring your savings to an account that comes with a higher rate, but make sure you are comfortable with the bank that would be holding your account and confirm that it has FDIC insurance.

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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?

7 Sales Happening This Week

SavvySugar — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:30:33 -0800

Get a head start on the Black Friday crowds that are just a couple weeks away by taking advantage of some sale events happening this week. You can shop and save on gifts without even leaving the house! Check out seven promo codes that could help you get a jump-start on holiday shopping while staying on budget. Some of them expire soon, so if you're going to act, do it fast!

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Savvy Links!

SavvySugar — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 10:30:40 -0700

Target is a black hole of spending for Little Miss Fortune. What's your spending trap? - Glamour
Learn the three golden rules of wealth. - Self
Fab ways to get more bang for your fashion buck - FabSugar
Open your eyes; you might realize that you have work friends after all. - Working Girl
Utah is proving that four-day work weeks actually work. - MainStreet
Get kitchen necessities, like clear glass bowls, for less at the dollar store. - WalletPop

I'm Asking: Do You Check Work Email During Off Hours?

SavvySugar — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 11:30:16 -0700

I am online in some capacity most hours of the day, evening and night. When I'm not at the computer, I have my BlackBerry by my side so I can keep on top of my email and what's going on in the world. While it's easiest for me to stay connected and on top of communication, I do set limits and try to make time to decompress, detach, and rest my eyes. Unplugging is one of the ways I maintain a healthy work-life balance.

That being said, I know most people don't thrive off staying as "clocked in" as I am. Technology is amazing in that it allows us to stay supremely connected, but it also ensures most of us work on weekends and rack up more than 40 hours of work during the week. Do you check your work email when you're not at the office via your phone or home computer, or do you choose to let the inbox fill up until you sit down at your desk in the morning?

Photo courtesy of NBC

Celebrity Apprentice: Was the Right Candidate Fired?

SavvySugar — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 13:30:35 -0700

On last night's The Celebrity Apprentice the male and female teams are challenged to host a live event to launch a new video phone. A heated exchange between Dennis Rodman, who has been on thin ice in weeks past for partying too hard, and Clint Black threatens the men's unity before the task even begins. On the women's team, a previous engagement sends Joan Rivers out of town, which in the words of project manager Claudia Jordan, leaves the gals "like the Patriots at the Super Bowl with no Tom Brady." To see what happens and who is sent packing, read more.

The men win the challenge by a landslide - 386 to 61. The contestants seem to be unanimous in believing Clint and Brian McKnight's years of working a crowd gave the fellas a leg up. Claudia, who is a Deal or No Deal model, Khloe Kardashian, and Melissa Rivers are all put in the hot seat when the Claudia suggests Khloe doesn't take initiative and airs her creative and personal differences with Melissa. Ultimately, Claudia is fired for being unable to keep her personal issues with a team member (Melissa) separate from the task and her leadership role. She is the first female to be booted off the show. Do you think Donald made the right call?

Photos courtesy of NBC and Source