SavvySugar

Are You Participating in Office March Madness?

SavvySugar — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:00:21 -0700

You don't have to be a basketball fan to enter March Madness pools. Between the 45 percent of office workers who participate in their office pools, I'm betting not everyone is a die-hard fan, and this time of year, it's pretty common to join in on the fun - so much so that not even employers are caught off guard by the event.

If past years are any indication, March Madness isn't exactly a work-productivity booster. This year, there may be an estimated $1.8 billion in employee losses when pools in the office can mean about 20 minutes of employee time lost on basketball, i.e. not working. Still, there are employers out there who embrace the time, touting it as "a powerful social process [that] builds relationships and rituals within the group. Everyone is included." In short, the kind of team-building effect that a company might "pay an expert" for, but "March Madness does it for free." What's the take on March Madness at your office? Are you getting in on the action?

Gift Registry For Divorcées: Brilliant or Baffling?

SavvySugar — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:00:53 -0800

Divorce requires lots of support from the people who care about the couple who's splitting up, and now friends and family can be even more helpful along the path to starting over. UK department store Debenhams has launched a divorce registry system for ex-Mesdames and Messieurs who need a little assistance in building their new single lives.

The divorce registry is set up exactly like your typical wedding registry. The registrant selects items to include on the list, which is created with or without the help of someone from the department store, and the registry is then posted online. Some family advocate groups have criticized the chain for glorifying divorce, but the store says it's just being realistic and helping divorcées rebuild their lives.

This marks a new idea in the retail world, and it's one that could very well make its way over the pond to the US. What's your take on divorce registries, are they brilliant or baffling?

Do You Do Paperless?

SavvySugar — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 08:00:24 -0800

It's hard to keep track of which papers to keep around - bills, credit card statements, investment updates - there's a lot to keep track of. But, there is a way to lighten the load that helps benefit banks, the environment, and you. Going paperless and receiving online statements is an easy way to save trees, save banks some cash, and help you stay organized online without the clutter of excess documents at home.

Still, according to SmartMoney, only two percent of checking account users and 16 percent of credit card users have gone paperless, while most consumers stick to the paper route. Even while going paperless can protect against identity theft, as long as you're using secure Internet connections and virus-protected computer software, most are resistant to change up their routines. To help get customers on board, banks may be offering reward incentives, or on the flip side, charging a small statement fee for users who won't get online. For me, paperless means a lot less mess and tracking online is easy, so I'm on board. What about you?

Should You Pay Your Expert Friends For Advice?

SavvySugar — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 08:00:35 -0800

Hanging out with a group of talented, smart friends has its benefits. Knowing a lawyer or a doctor, an interior designer, even a makeup artists means you have some great resources to tap for advice within your own circle of friends. The question is, when do your questions warrant some kind of payment - or do they at all?

We've seen it play out on Sex and the City and any number of other movies and TV shows - when smart, savvy women tap into their social network to get answers and advice from a friend in the know. But if you're repeatedly tapping a good lawyer friend for legal advice or soliciting your interior designer friend week after week to help with redecorating your living room, does it start to cross the line? When seeking a friend's expertise, do you feel you should pay for it? And likewise, when giving your expert advice to a good friend, do you expect any kind of compensation?

Have You Scored a Travel Deal From Twitter?

SavvySugar — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 04:00:25 -0800

At first, I followed travel-related twitterers willy nilly. While I have my favorites for airlines (@JetBlueCheeps announces last-minute rates every Tues.), hotel chains (@Kimpton often has Twitter-only deals), and online travel sites (@Expedia actually DM’d me to fix a problem!), problem was, so many got lost in the shuffle!

If you either choose to follow just a few folks period (including @SavvySugar, I hope), or don’t want to get bogged down with too many more tweeps, I’ve got one must-follow for travel. The website FareCompare.com has special twitterers for US origin airport/location. Search for http://twitter.com/flyfrom_ _ _ and add in your airport code (in my case @flyfromsfo) or region if you have multiple airports near you (like @flyfromnyc).

OK, so after that tip, it's time for my question. I know there are plenty of deals - so have you gotten one yet?!

CareerExcuse.com: Brilliant or Baffling?

SavvySugar — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 14:45:26 -0800

It's probably safe to assume that some of us have included a little white lie (or two) on the page in a move to build resumes that impress. That's not to say that we're all liars, but certainly small embellishments make their way onto our resumes and cover letters in an effort to paint our career history in the best light. Still, in light of the economic climate over the past couple of years, more and more applicants are lacking career history altogether, or have lapses of time between positions that must be accounted for on resumes and job applications.

Enter CareerExcuse.com, a site its founder describes as a way to "help our subscribers meet the needs of the modern day job market." What services are offered to subscribers to meet these "needs"? Well, it seems nothing is off limits. In fact, CareerExcuse.com's assistance for job seekers ranges from fake job references to fake employers - complete with the creation of a new company with corresponding contact information, website, logo, even LinkedIn profile. All in all, the site puts together a pretty convincing display of "authenticated" references to help its clients on the search for real employment.

Obviously, there are several ethical issues with the company, but in light of the economic downturn, and millions of jobless Americans, site founder, William Schmidt, argues the enhancements are a huge help to job seekers, who would likely remain unemployed otherwise. What do you think - is this kind of resume booster a smart solution or just totally baffling?

Do You Fly Standby?

SavvySugar — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 14:45:00 -0800

If you're staying near the airport or don't mind getting there a bit early, it can pay to play this waiting game.

Or make that . . . could? Last week American Airlines announced it would start charging $50 to fly standby within 12 hours of an originally booked flight. While it's just one airline for now, that's how the checked baggage fees and blanket/pillow costs began as well.

I've got a good friend who stands by to fly all the time, and her tactic comes when her preferred departure is more expensive than another flight that day. She'll check availability for the one she ideally wants and bank on there still being space come takeoff time. While the free option still appeals, the fee does have one advantage that I see - it can be paid and confirmed before you even get to the airport, making there less wait and less cost than a standard change charge instead.

Have you ever flown standby? Let me know if you'd now be willing to pay in the comments below.

Do You Make More Than Your Partner?

SavvySugar — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 06:00:47 -0800

Not to stir the pot with Valentine's just around the corner, but with new studies indicating that wives are earning more than their husbands, my mind began to wander and wonder about the financial breakdown in relationships. Juggling love and money issues can be a tricky balancing act to pull off, and money talks with your partner can definitely be awkward and uncomfortable if you don't know where your sweetie stands on finances. All in all, I'd like to think that when it comes to matters of the heart, money is irrelevant - unfortunately, the reality is that it's not always avoidable and sometimes can weigh heavily on our relationships. Often, we have to deal with it head on, especially when partners' earnings are uneven. So, tell me, do you make more than your partner? And does it really matter?

Would You Rather Be a Sports Agent or a Coach?

SavvySugar — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 08:00:06 -0800

It's hard to pass judgment on a career you haven't had, but forget education, relevant experience, and interview contacts for a second. Which career do you think is cooler?

Do You Have Money Riding on the Super Bowl?

SavvySugar — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 08:00:11 -0800

Today is the day to stock the fridge with yummy chips, dips, and brews, because tomorrow is Super Bowl Sunday! Last year 33 percent of Savvy readers said they participated in an office pool for the Super Bowl, but experts expect more gambling this year. Did you throw down a bet with friends or co-workers?