SavvySugar

Is It Rude to Regift?

SavvySugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:45:10 -0800

Have you stashed away disappointing holiday gifts from last year only to disguise them as new presents for others this year? If so, you're not alone. According to Time, a recent Consumer Report survey suggests that 36 percent of holiday gifters will be regifters this season, passing along unwanted or unneeded items from season's past.

Sure, the idea's a guaranteed money and time saver. It also ensures that nothing unwanted goes to waste - or does it? If you didn't like the gift in the first place, what makes you so sure someone else is going to? Unless of course he or she is dying for whatever item you've previously rejected and are wrapping up this year. And of course, there's always the risk that the original gift-giver pays you a visit this year, and looks for the special present she gave you last year to ensure that it's being used and loved.

Well, obviously there's a certain art form and etiquette to the whole regifting process, and if you're smart about how you regift, you'll probably get away with it, no questions asked. So tell me, is regifting something you do? Or is it rude to give hand-me-down presents from past holidays?

Does Renting an Extravagance Still Satisfy?

SavvySugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:45:13 -0800

We rent apartments, cars, and DVDs, but as pop culture continues to influence our lifestyle, even couture is now available to rent. Sure we can't all afford the designer duds cropping up on couture runways from here to Paris, but as the New York Times reports, the recessionistas among us have found another way to get their hands on the coveted - and pricey - merchandise.

Modeled after the "rent-by-web" model, the new site, Rent the Runway, offers clothes from design houses like DvF, Heve Leger, and Catherine Malandrino, to name a few, for anywhere from $50 to $200 dollars for a four-night stay in your very own closet - even dry-cleaning's included in the cost of rental.The only downside, of course, is that fact, that after a couple nights of dancing in your designer number, you'll be forced to pack it up and send it right back.

It's a pretty innovative way to give us the chance - or at least, the illusion - of having it all. Still, I'm wondering does it make a difference to you if you know you don't own the item? Does renting the couture make it feel any less special or is the concept a smart way to give women a luxurious experience without the luxury price tag?

Would You Trust $3 Appliances From Target?

SavvySugar — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:00:13 -0800

Any bargain hunter knows quality and price aren't necessarily correlated. But a $3 coffeemaker? That's less than Starbucks and friends charge for several of their caffeinated menu items.

You might have heard that Target's supposed Black Friday deals were leaked online. A spokesperson for the company wouldn't confirm the rumored deals which include $3 Chefmate brand toasters and coffeemakers, high-definition TVs and navigation systems with slashed price tags, half-priced clothes and toys, and more. If the leaked advertisement is accurate, it sounds like Target is going all out this year trying to get shoppers in its automatic doors.

I'm not used to $3 appliances existing outside garage sales and thrift stores, so it's really something that the chain store is offering these low prices. Sure, I'd throw down a few bucks for a perfectly good, gently used appliance. After all, the person who bought it new surely spent more for the item. Something feels different about buying a new appliance for such a low price - I'm just not sure I'd trust that it would hold up for very long. What's your take?

Would You Take an Affordable Clothing-Optional Vacation?

SavvySugar — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 06:00:09 -0800

Clothing optional situations are typically limited to behind closed doors, but not if you're venturing off on a nakation. You don't have to bare it all on nakations - that's where the optional part comes into play - though you can if you want to. Besides the fact that participating nudists say that nude recreation is fun, there might be a financial benefit to taking a trip that encourages you to don your birthday suit.

Travel writer Christopher Elliott hasn't taken a nakation, but he also isn't opposed to it. He points out that there are many deals to be had at clothing-optional resorts (which aren't seedy as some would assume, just make sure they're represented by the American Association of Nude Resorts). Aside from affordable rates, Elliott makes the reasonable suggestion that travelers can save on baggage fees by opting for a nakation.

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

Would You Let Someone Take Over Your Business?

SavvySugar — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:45:06 -0800

Every week on Tabatha's Salon Takeover, hairstylist extraordinaire Tabatha Coffey takes control of a flailing salon and whips it into shape. Although I'm an avid viewer, I'm not quite so sure how I would react to real-life Tabatha in my work space - taking total control of my company's policies and the people I work with.

Some of the highlights include a full-out interior design makeover of the salon studio, and a complete revamping of lackadaisical company policies. Frustrated employees get to voice their opinion on their boss's behavior, and likewise, bosses are asked to carefully re-evaluate employees whose bad attitudes might be jeopardizing company teamwork. At the end of day, Tabatha makes a series of recommendations and advises the business owner on employees whose positions need shifting, or those who should be let go.

The benefits of having an expert like Tabatha put your business on track are clear, but having an outsider manage your business - especially if she has Tabatha's strong personality - could be a major deterrent from this kind of business makeover. So, tell me, would you be willing to let someone take over your office to put a savvy business plan in place? Or would you be skeptical of any outsider, even an expert, changing things around?

Photo courtesy of Bravo

Your Two Cents: Is There Room in Your Holiday Budget For Charity?

SavvySugar — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 06:00:58 -0800

The holiday season isn't just about gift-giving - even while the budget may be stretched, it's also the time of year to give to charity. It's no secret that things are tight this year. The recession is changing the way we holiday shop, but is it also changing our philanthropic spirit of giving for a good cause?

Apparently so. Charitable foundations and organizations throughout the country are suffering from a lack of funds - the size of charitable giving just isn't sizable enough. Nonprofits, especially on the local level, are dealing with some serious cutbacks in their budgets, thanks to an economic climate that makes giving to a cause more of a luxury than it used to be. Where organizations used to rely on the generosity of philanthropic donors, they are now turning to the government for aid.

It's unfortunate, but while philanthropy is still a valued cause for giving, there are many who just may not be able to offer support this year. Of course, there are other ways to help out - volunteering, for one - but I'm curious: Is writing a check for charity out of the question this holiday season? Or are you still making room in your budget for a charitable donation?

Miss Homeless Pageant: Charitable or Out of Line?

SavvySugar — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:30:05 -0800

In an act of charity (?!), Belgium social worker Mathilde Pelsers and her daughter, 19-year-old beauty queen Aline Duportail, organized the first-ever "Miss Homeless" Pageant.

The pageant, which took place over two months and included 10 homeless female contestants, was designed to raise awareness for the homeless population, and awarded the winner, 51-year-old Theresa Van Belle with a one-year, rent-free apartment stay - and the title of "Miss Homeless."

While the motivation for the contest seems well-intentioned, the pageantry itself seems a questionable show of support. Surely there are better ways to raise awareness for this cause - ones that don't involve the exploitation of the homeless as pageant spectacles. I don't know about you, but judging homeless women on their runway skills seems in bad taste. So tell me, what do you think? Is the "Miss Homeless" pageant an innovative way to raise support or does it cross the line?

Should Hooters Waitresses Have to Pay For Their Own Uniforms?

SavvySugar — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:00:00 -0800

Hooters is one of the rare establishments where the workers' uniforms are more famous than the food. In some states, employees are required to cover the bill for their orange outfits, but New York isn't one of those places. That's why two New York women are suing Hooters for forcing them to buy their own work wardrobes.

Gina Rosati and Amy Frederick say Hooters required them to buy the getup, and their lawyer says it's against state law to make employees purchase anything other than street clothes. The total for each uniform is $19.45, broken down below. What do you think; should the ladies be responsible for the job-related expenses?

$5.45 for orange hot pants
$6 for the Hooters embellished tank top
$3.25 for a pouch
$2.50 for "suntan" pantyhose
$2.25 for thick white socks

Your Two Cents: Is Renter's Insurance Worth It?

SavvySugar — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 06:00:23 -0800

Sure, it's always better to be safe than sorry, but sometimes being safe is costly and troublesome - and turns us off. Renter's insurance, for example, seems a necessary precaution to protect your rental apartment or home. But a recent poll among my friends revealed that even savvy, intelligent women are too bothered by the hassle and the anticipated cost of signing up.

If renter's insurance doesn't seem like a big deal to you, look at it this way: if you're a renter and something happens to your home, you might lose everything, and no one is responsible. Not your property manager. No one. Even in the event of a fire or a flood, your landlord is not legally responsible to cover the damages. Don't take my word for it; read these renter's nightmares and you just might be convinced to get yourself insured. And the truth is, it's actually pretty low-cost - depending on your policy, you could spend as little as $20 a month. So, tell me, do you think renter's insurance is worth the trouble?

Would You Take a Stanford Class on iTunes?

SavvySugar — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:00:10 -0800

Maybe you're wondering if it's even possible to take a class on iTunes. It is now - and not just from Stanford, but from Yale, Wharton, Berkeley, and more. In a relatively new move, prestigious colleges and universities are making lectures, classes, and even written materials available online.

The experience isn't exactly like taking an actual course. For one, you won't be awarded any credits, but considering it's all online and free, it seems a fair trade. You may not have access to everything from the class, but that's not really the point - as Money Magazine's Pat Regnier might tell you. He downloaded Berkeley's American economic history course on iTunes last year and a Yale professor's lecture series on the Civil War.

He wasn't seeking a secondary degree, but the lectures satisfied the urge to sharpen his intellect, without shelling out cash for grad school or a costly MBA. Just check out iTunes, Academic Earth, or OER Commons to find out what's available. So, what do you think? Would you take the time to give your intellect a boost with a little free online education?