SavvySugar -- It Makes Sense.

Do You Know How Much You Spent Last Holiday Season?

SavvySugar — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 04:45:41 -0800

How quickly we forget! We claim that this holiday season won't be as costly as the last, but how can we be sure? If last year's holidays are a blur of parties, cookies, and mistletoe, dig up your credit card or bank statements from the end of last year to get an idea of how much you spent last year on new party clothes, gifts, and the cost of hosting gatherings.
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Do You Know How Much You Spent Last Holiday Season?

Yes, I have a good estimate of how much I spent last year.

I have a ballpark idea, but I'm not worried about my expenses this year.

No, I couldn't accurately estimate how much I spent last year.

Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below.

How Often Do You Check Your Personal Email at Work?

SavvySugar — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 07:15:38 -0800

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How Often Do You Check Your Personal Email at Work?

Once a day.

2-3 times a day.

4-5 times a day.

I'm on all day — I never sign out!

I never check it!

Something else. See my comments below.

Are You Giving Any Gift Cards This Year?

SavvySugar — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 04:45:09 -0800

A gift card isn't considered as thoughtful as something chosen especially for the recipient, but it's still a nice gesture and can make a great stocking stuffer. When companies go bankrupt they usually refuse to honor outstanding gift cards, and this uncertain economic climate has businesses using advertising to channel any bankruptcy concerns. For example, J.C. Penney is delivering the message that "you can feel good about giving a J. C. Penney gift card."

Are You Giving Any Gift Cards This Year?

Yes, I'm giving gift cards to some people this year.

Maybe, I haven't decided yet.

No, I'm not giving gift cards to anybody.

Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below.

Your Two Cents: Do You Go Shopping For Gifts Last Minute?

SavvySugar — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 09:30:23 -0800

Shopping for gifts with time to spare is one way of ensuring you won't spend too much in a crunch. That doesn't mean you should have to shop year-round, but it certainly can pay to keep an eye out for that special something at the right price. Do you tend to wait until the last minute to buy gifts?
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Your Two Cents: Do You Go Shopping For Gifts Last Minute?

Yes, I am a last minute gift buyer.

No, I don't wait until the last minute to shop for gifts.

Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below.

Did You Bring Your Lunch to Work Today?

SavvySugar — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 11:30:29 -0800

Buying lunch every day can really add up, so it makes good sense to bring your midday meal at least a few days each week. Did you bring or buy your lunch today?Source

Did You Bring Your Lunch to Work Today?

Yes, I brought my lunch to work today.

I meant to, but I forgot it at home!

No, I didn't bring my lunch today.

Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below.

Would You Volunteer to Give Up Your Job Right Now?

SavvySugar — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 07:15:12 -0800

It's a troubling time for the publishing industry, and the largest US company of them all, Time Inc., is reacting by cutting jobs from its magazines. Time has asked for 100 volunteers from its editorial staff at a handful of publications, including Time, People, and Sports Illustrated, to volunteer to give up their jobs. Volunteers would of course leave with severance packages (terms undisclosed to the media). It's a tough job market out there in many industries, though some are still supposedly good bets for finding open positions. What would you do?
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Would You Volunteer to Give Up Your Job Right Now?

Yes, I'd give up my job for severance right now.

I would if the job market weren't so tough.

No, I wouldn't voluntarily give up my job right now.

Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below.

Would You Pay $10 For a Plane Seat Away From Kids?

SavvySugar — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 07:15:57 -0800

We've all been there. You're finally zoning out into something resembling sleep when that angelic baby in the row behind you begins wailing louder than you thought possible. Don't judge the baby (or the parents), hate the plane.Canadian airline WestJet asked its customers if they'd pay $10 for a seat away from parents with babies or small children on board. Would a seat separated from kids be worth your $10?
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Would You Pay $10 For a Plane Seat Away From Kids?

Yes, I'd pay $10 for a seat away from little kids.

Maybe, it would depend how much distance the airline could guarantee.

No, I wouldn't pay $10 extra to try and escape sitting near little ones.

Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below.

Do You Have a Clear Picture of Your Parents' Finances?

SavvySugar — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 07:15:52 -0800

Many of our parents are nearing retirement age, and it's likely their retirement portfolios took a hit with the market. Almost half of you said your parents have a good idea about your financial state, but does the transparency go both ways? Ron Lieber of The New York Times suggests it's important to open an inter-generational dialogue about the family's finances: He says parents should be honest if their retirement savings have been devastated and their kids should admit their monthly debt payments.Do you have a clear picture of your parents' finances? Source

Do You Have a Clear Picture of Your Parents' Finances?

Yes, I have a clear picture of my parents' finances.

I can sort of guess, but am not confident that it's accurate.

No, I don't know much about my parents' money.

Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below.

Have You Had to Role-Play at Work?

SavvySugar — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 11:00:37 -0800

Role-playing is The Office's way of demonstrating that practice makes perfect, and Dwight and Jim's performance was comedic perfection. Jim played the client named Mr. Buttlicker while Dwight played the paper salesperson, and each role-player had his own pretend phone. Michael, of course, moderated the whole thing terribly. My first experience with role-playing at work was during college when I was waitressing — I didn't like it then, and I still despise it. Have you had to role-play at work?

Have You Had to Role-Play at Work?

Yes, I've had to role-play at work.

No, I've never had to role-play.

Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below.

Has the Economy Driven You Into the Arms of Wal-Mart?

SavvySugar — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 04:30:28 -0800

The troubled economy has been bad news for everyone but deal-driven Wal-Mart. The world's largest retailer is preparing for a booming holiday season to follow its successful Summer and Fall sales numbers. One Deutsche Bank analyst predicts it will be “a Wal-Mart Christmas,” and Ken Perkins of Retail Metrics surmises, "It’s going to be a primary destination for a lot of people who may not have gone there in recent years, but who will elect to go there for the price and the value." Source

Has the Economy Driven You Into the Arms of Wal-Mart?

Yes, I've been shopping at Wal-Mart more since the economy started to crumble.

I'm not shopping there any more than I was before.

No, I'm still not shopping at Wal-Mart.

Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below.

Do You Know Someone Who Lost a Job After Summer?

SavvySugar — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 07:15:25 -0800

I was shocked back in July when 62 percent of you said that you knew someone who had lost a job this year, because at the time I personally didn't know anyone that had suffered a job loss in 2008. The job market has worsened swiftly since the crazy events of this Fall and, unfortunately, I now know many people who have lost their jobs. The change in perspective has me wondering, do you know anyone who has been affected with job loss since September rolled around? Source

Do You Know Someone Who Lost a Job After Summer?

Yes, I know at least one person who has lost a job after Summer.

No, I don't know anyone who has lost a job after Summer.

I lost my job after Summer.

Something else. See my comments below.

Will Barack Obama Positively Impact Our Economy?

SavvySugar — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 07:15:16 -0800

The economy was a huge issue throughout the 2008 Presidential campaigns and is one of the primary concerns for President Elect Barack Obama. CNN polled voters and 62 percent of respondents said the economy is their number one concern. Do you think Obama will be able to positively impact the US economy?
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Will Barack Obama Positively Impact Our Economy?

Yes, I think he will be able to have a positive impact on the economy.

I'm not sure.

No, I'm not confident he will be able to help the economy.

Something else. I'll tell you in the comments.

Your Two Cents: Are You Leaving Work Early to Vote Today?

SavvySugar — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 06:15:45 -0800

Casting your vote for the next US president should be a priority today, and we can expect Election Day voting lines to be on the longer side this year. Here in California the polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m., so hopefully the long hours encourage everyone to get out and vote. Will you be leaving work early or taking time out of your day to vote?
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Your Two Cents: Are You Leaving Work Early to Vote Today?

Yes, I'm taking time out of my work day to vote.

No, I'll be able to vote without taking off early or leaving the office during the day.

Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below.

Should the Deeply Indebted Get Credit Card Forgiveness?

SavvySugar — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 06:15:29 -0800

Consumers are increasingly defaulting on their credit card balances and banks are suffering because of the massive debt write offs due to the defaults. To remedy the situation, an alliance of financial industry interests and consumer advocates proposed a special program to the government. As legislative director for Consumer Federation Travis Plunkett says, "In this case we have a clear common interest." Most of the biggest credit card banks are on board with a pilot program that allows lenders to forgive up to 40 percent of a borrowers debt, with the maximum forgiveness going to consumers nearing bankruptcy. Existing rules that allow for the reduction of principal require the debt to be paid in a matter of months, while the pilot program will allow the remaining debt to be paid over several years. Do you think the pilot program is a good idea? Source

Should the Deeply Indebted Get Credit Card Forgiveness?

Yes, the partial forgiveness will help people and banks.

Maybe, I'm torn on this one.

No, this will only encourage people to default on their cards.

Something else. See my comments below.

Will You Be Shopping For Halloween Stuff on Sale?

SavvySugar — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 11:00:59 -0700

Those who celebrate Halloween often spend the day after recovering from two types of hangovers, one of them being from sugary sweets. You might not want to think about candy right now, but there are always big discounts on Halloween treats and decorations starting Nov. 1. Will you be scooping up any of these holiday items on sale? Source

Will You Be Shopping For Halloween Stuff on Sale?

Yes, I'll shop for post-Halloween discounts.

Maybe, but I won't go to the store for the sole purpose of getting Halloween items.

No, I won't be shopping for discounted Halloween items.

Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below.

Do You Participate in Frequent Flier Programs?

SavvySugar — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 08:30:26 -0700

American Airlines started the first frequent flier program in 1981, and ever since people have been banking up miles for future flights. When people say they are paying for their flight with miles, does it make you envious or can you relate?
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Do You Participate in Frequent Flier Programs?

Yes, I participate in frequent flier programs.

I'm signed up, but haven't earned enough miles to use.

No, I don't participate in frequent flier programs.

Something else. I'll tell you in the comments.

Does Shopping Feel Good When You've Had a Bad Day?

SavvySugar — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 08:15:17 -0700

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Does Shopping Feel Good When You've Had a Bad Day?

Yes, shopping puts me in a better mood after a bad day.

Sometimes, but it's not my go-to bad day remedy.

No, I don't use shopping to make me feel better.

Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below.

Did You Spend Money on a Halloween Costume?

SavvySugar — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 14:00:27 -0700

Halloween doesn't have to be expensive, but as we get older it's harder to come up with a fabulous costume that doesn't involve spending money. There's always the option of recycling last year's attire to save, though dressing up isn't as fun when your outfit is expected. And, no, this Starbucks "looking for work" costume is not what I'm wearing. Did you shell out cash this year for your Halloween costume?
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Did You Spend Money on a Halloween Costume?

Yes, I bought my costume this year.

Yes, but only a few accessories for an outfit I already had.

No, I didn't spend money on a Halloween costume.

Something else. See my comments below.

Do Your Parents Know About Your Financial Situation?

SavvySugar — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 08:00:38 -0700

Debt can be a difficult thing to talk about with your family, and many young adults in debt are fearful their parents will be disappointed and consider them financial failures. Whether you run a tight ship when it comes to money and are smooth sailing, or you've found yourself in financial trouble, money isn't necessarily a topic that's comfortable to talk about with mom and dad. What do your parents know about your financial situation?
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Do Your Parents Know About Your Financial Situation?

My parents have a good idea about my financial state.

They have a general idea about my finances, but we don't really talk about it.

My parents don't know much about my finances.

Something else. I'll tell you in the comments.

Would You Spend the Holidays Apart to Save Money?

SavvySugar — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:45:30 -0700

My best friend is in her first few months of blissful marriage and she and her husband are busy planning their first holiday season as newlyweds. The plan is to visit his family on the East Coast, but because of an unpredictable income in a weak economy, she has been considering staying at home in California while her husband travels east. She is fine with spending the holidays apart, but knows that the family wouldn’t take the news well if she sat this season out, so she’s being a (reluctant) trooper and spending the dough. Would you spend the holidays away from your special someone to save money?Source

Would You Spend the Holidays Apart to Save Money?

Yes, I'd spend the holidays apart to save.

No, I wouldn't sacrifice the holidays together to save money.

Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below.

Do You Have a Love or Hate Relationship With Money?

SavvySugar — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 06:30:55 -0700

People often tell me they have a love / hate relationship with money. If you had to choose one or the other, would you say that you love or hate money? Source

Do You Have a Love or Hate Relationship With Money?

Love it!

Hate it!

Neither

Would You Take the Option to Work From Home Every Day?

SavvySugar — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 07:00:14 -0700

More employers are allowing employees to work from home on Fridays as a way to save on gas, a definite work perk if you ask me. Working from home can be better for some people because they claim to be more efficient without office distractions, but others claim the opposite — some workers need the office setting to be as productive as possible. Would you take the option to work from home every day if your boss were to offer it? Source

Would You Take the Option to Work From Home Every Day?

Yes, I would jump on the option to always work from home.

Maybe, but I don't really prefer one over the other.

No, I'd rather be in the office most days.

Something else. See my comments below.

Your Two Cents: Have You Tried ID Theft Prevention Services?

SavvySugar — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 14:00:44 -0700

A company called Lifelock has been getting a lot of attention for its generous and confident ID Theft Prevention plan. Lifelock boasts a $1 million service guarantee that it will protect your identity and money. A membership costs about $110 a year and Lifelock works with credit bureaus to set free fraud alerts on your behalf, checks in with the bureaus every 90 days, requests that your name be removed from preapproved credit-card and junk-mail lists and offers a complicated identity monitoring package. Its motto is "We will do whatever it takes to help you recover your good name and we will spend up to $1 million to do it."More than 65 percent of SavvySugar readers have had their credit information compromised before so I assume many of you have researched protection services. Have you tried any?Source

Your Two Cents: Have You Tried ID Theft Prevention Services?

Yes — I've used my bank or credit card company's ID theft protection services.

Yes — I've used a specialized ID theft protection services.

No — I haven't used protection services beyond the basics.

Something else. See my comment below.

Do You Expect Guests to Pay For Your Birthday Dinner?

SavvySugar — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 06:30:15 -0700

"Happy Birthday, You Bastard." That's the subtle title of a Slate article about the options one has when attending someone's birthday dinner celebration. It begins as humorous commentary on the way the 20-something birthday dinner at restaurants evolved because there's no room in tiny apartments to celebrate as a group, and ends with the author declaring that he no longer attends these kinds of gatherings. Here is one particular line that stood out to me: "Tradition holds that the birthday boy make a perfunctory swipe at the check before it's whisked from his grasp." Do you expect guests to pay for your dinner on your birthday?
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Do You Expect Guests to Pay For Your Birthday Dinner?

Yes, I expect guests to pay for my birthday dinner.

If someone else organizes it, I expect them to pay, but not if I sent the invite.

No, I expect to pay for my own dinner.

Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below.

Should Workplaces Do Away With Secret Santas This Year?

SavvySugar — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 11:15:28 -0700

The tradition of participating in Secret Santa gift exchanges has existed in every office I've worked, and it can be a fun way to bring employees together for holiday cheer. There's always a price limit set for the gift (the most I've heard is $25), but I'm wondering if companies should skip the gift-giving games this year. Most people are cutting down on their gift budgets, and I'm not sure workers would be excited to allocate some of their whittled down holiday money for a co-worker's Secret Santa gift.
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Should Workplaces Do Away With Secret Santas This Year?

Yes, Secret Santa exchanges should be retired this holiday season.

No, it's an inexpensive way to bring employees together.

Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below.

Your Two Cents: Have You Felt Discriminated Against at Work?

SavvySugar — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 14:00:20 -0700

Discrimination can have many ugly faces; whether it's deliberate or unintentional it never feels good when you've been unfairly treated. On Sunday's episode of Mad Men, Peggy Olsen finally got the office she deserves — one that doesn't double as the copy room. She made the change happen by standing up for herself and believing that her contributions were enough to warrant her own office, even if she was (gasp!) a woman. Photo courtesy of AMC

Your Two Cents: Have You Felt Discriminated Against at Work?

Yes, I've felt discriminated against at work.

No, but I've witnessed discrimination toward co-workers.

No, I've never felt discriminated against at work.

Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below.

Have You Turned Down Social Invitations Because of Money?

SavvySugar — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 06:30:47 -0700

A busy social calendar is hardly a bad thing, but it can mean an expensive month ahead. Socializing doesn't always involve spending money but often it does. Have you ever said no to an invitation because you either didn't want to spend the money or didn't have it to spend?
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Have You Turned Down Social Invitations Because of Money?

Yes, money often keeps me from accepting social invitations.

At times money has prevented me from accepting invitations.

No, money hasn't held me back from social events.

Something else. See my comments below.

Is Your Company Having a Holiday Party This Year?

SavvySugar — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 14:00:17 -0700

The chill in the air can only mean that the holidays are just around the corner, which usually means an invitation for the annual office party would appear in your inbox any day now. Word on the street is that after a rough year that included the termination of CosmoGIRL!, Hearst Corp. has canceled its holiday party, and perhaps its decision is an indication of what other corporations will do about celebrating this year. I imagine the party scene this holiday season will look much different than what most workers are used to — if not canceled altogether, most company parties will probably be more prudent than in the past. Source

Is Your Company Having a Holiday Party This Year?

Yes, we're still having a holiday party.

I'm not sure — nobody has mentioned anything yet.

No, but my company never had holiday parties in the past.

No, my company has canceled the holiday party this year.

Something else. See my comments below.

Would You Ask Your Family For Down Payment Help?

SavvySugar — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 06:30:58 -0700

Many young couples are betting that it's an ideal time to buy their first homes because there's better value on the real estate market, but barriers from banks' stricter requirements have caused them to turn to another lending source. These want-to-be homeowners, many who never asked for financial assistance in their adult lives, are turning to family members for help with down payments and related buying expenses like closing costs and co-op fees. Arguing that the properties will likely appreciate, some of these relatives are obliging with hope of participating in the eventual gain. Source

Would You Ask Your Family For Down Payment Help?

Yes, I would ask my family for help with a down payment.

Maybe, but I'm not sure any of them would be willing to help.

No, I wouldn't ask my family for this kind of money.

Something else. See my comments below.

Do You Get Cash Before Dinner Out With Friends?

SavvySugar — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 14:00:19 -0700

Whenever I'm headed to a dinner with a group of friends I make the point of stopping at an ATM on my way there, and TeamSugar member jacrabbit84 said the only time she uses cash is when she knows there will be bill-splitting involved. We are obviously in the cash camp when it comes to group meals, but it seems like when it comes time to pay, most of my fellow diners only have cards.
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Do You Get Cash Before Dinner Out With Friends?

Yes, I always try to make sure I have cash for a group meal.

Sometimes, but it depends on the size of the group.

No, I don't worry about having cash on me for splitting the bill.

Something else. See my comments below.

Would You Consider Moving Abroad For Work?

SavvySugar — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 06:30:41 -0700

When it seems like every possible solution leads to a dead end, the seemingly sensible conclusion could be to just start over. Many American professionals are trying their luck outside the country, having been ousted by their jobs and left with pessimistic feelings about the future of the US job market. Would you consider expatriating for career opportunities?
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Would You Consider Moving Abroad For Work?

Yes, I'd consider working abroad.

Maybe, but I'm not sure I could handle a big cultural change.

No, I wouldn't consider moving out of the country for a job.

Something else. See my comments below.

Coming Up With College Tuition in the Credit Crisis

SavvySugar — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 04:00:24 -0700

As the economy weakens and more workers are laid off, there is a growing need for financial aid from students that wouldn't have needed it before. According to The New York Times, most students won't have problems paying fall semester tuition because those arrangements were made months ago, but it's apparent the number of families needing aid is growing. Colleges are concerned there won't be enough aid money for everyone who applies and are keeping an eye on the economy, especially in terms of employment.

Seventy-five percent of student loans are in the form of federal aid and the number of these applications this year is already up 10 percent from last year. The credit crisis has forced many students, who had been borrowing on their own, to ask their parents to cosign on loans. Fidelity Investments released survey results earlier this month and found that 62 percent of parents are planning on using student loans in combination with their own contributions, while last year 53 percent said they'd be using loans to help with expenses.
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