SavvySugar

10 Websites to Help You Save This Holiday Shopping Season

GeekSugar — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 03:50:17 -0800

No matter what's happening with the economy, I'm always down to save some dough on gifts. This holiday, I'll be doing most of my shopping online (which really, is no different than any other year), which can mean great deals if you know where to look. Check out 10 of my favorite sites to help save you a few bucks on all of your gifting needs for the upcoming shopping season!

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5 Savvy Ways to Use Your Phone's Calculator

SavvySugar — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 06:00:48 -0700

Your fancy phone probably has features that are way cooler than the calculator, but don't let this old school tool go unnoticed. That hidden calculator is good for more than simple addition and subtraction. Let these ideas for using your cell phone's calculator inspire you to use it more often - a few new habits could help you keep your finances on track and make your life easier on a daily basis.

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Does Your Baby Have a Savings Account?

LilSugar — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 06:00:34 -0700

One parenting task is to teach children how to budget and save money, but most moms and dads take savings into their own hands in the beginning. Many open a bank account for the child when they are an infant, while others may wait until the child is a bit older before stowing away the cash.

Despite your personal views on getting your tot started financially, the government is considering making the first deposit into your babies savings account by giving all newborns born in the United States a $500 contribution, which could later be used for education, a first home, or retirement. If passed by lawmakers, the America Saving for Personal Investment, Retirement, and Education (ASPIRE) Act won't be in effect until 2010, so all wee ones born before then will have to fill their accounts the old way.

Regardless of government intervention in the future, do you already have a savings account started for your baby?

Did You Contribute to Apple's Impressive Annual Sales?

GeekSugar — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:30:43 -0700

Recession, what?! Just since last year, Apple has managed to increase its revenue by 12 percent during these hard economic times, bringing in $9.87 billion in revenue with a quarterly profit of $1.67 billion. The company managed to sell three million Macs, 10 million iPods, and seven million iPhones, all in its fiscal fourth quarter that ended on Sept. 26. Apple's CEO, Steve Jobs, had this to say about its successful quarter:

"We are thrilled to have sold more Macs and iPhones than in any previous quarter. We've got a very strong lineup for the holiday season and some really great new products in the pipeline for 2010."

I picked up a new iPhone this year, but I didn't get a new laptop or iPod, so I guess I was one of the millions of people who contributed to these staggering figures. What about you? Did you purchase a new Apple device this past year? Or are you waiting for the rumored cheaper MacBooks?

Front Page: CEOs at Bailed-Out Banks Increase Their Perks

TresSugar — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 08:00:59 -0700

The good times are still rolling for CEOs at bailed-out banks: they received huge perks last year while taxpayers footed the multibillion-dollar bill. - Washington Post
Afghanistan will hold a runoff presidential election on Nov. 7 following allegations of fraud that tainted the previous results. - AP
An Iranian-American academic has been sentenced to 12 years in Iranian prison for contributing to unrest after the last election. - AP
It appears less likely that international leaders will sign a comprehensive treaty against climate change when they meet in Copenhagen this December. - New York Times
States cannot afford the death penalty, according to a new study. - CNN
Check out the original balloon boy! - SFGate

Would You Rather Buy an Item or an Experience?

SavvySugar — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 07:00:58 -0700

I've never seriously mulled over the pros and cons of spending my paycheck on a pair of great pumps or a handbag, but the idea of splurging on a vacation usually requires some deliberation. However, a recent study revealing the monetary worth of happiness may have me reevaluating my long-practiced spending habits.

The study suggests that, assuming all basic needs are met, we're better off spending our extra cash on a meaningful experience - a romantic getaway or well-deserved stay at the spa - versus the latest version of the iPod. Over time, the material possession will likely lose its value, but our fondness for the memories of a great trip will actually improve over time - and they don't require maintenance or costly updates.

While this newfound insight has me thinking a little differently about my reluctance to treat myself to an out-of-the-box excursion, I'll admit, it's never easy to resist the immediate gratification of purchasing the must-have-boots of the season. So tell me, what's your spending style - would you rather purchase something to do or something to have?

How Money Are You: Currencies of the Caribbean

SavvySugar — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 12:05:32 -0700

While imagining myself about to dig in to some conch fritters, sipping on a rum punch or seeking the best price on coral jewelry, I've got to consider how I'm going to pay for all of that. Of course I'm not literally going on a spending spree, so let's brush up on currency of the Caribbean islands instead. If you're also just at a vacation daydreaming stage, test yourself on island money in this quiz before you're actually ready to go!

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6 Must-Have Millionaire Habits

SavvySugar — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 08:30:15 -0700

Acquiring wealth isn't a priority for everyone, but it's safe to say that most of us want to live comfortably. Whether you're striving to gain a financial peace of mind or shooting to be a cash money queen, these six basic habits of millionaires will help you land on your feet.

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Have You Ever Lied to Get Money From Someone?

SavvySugar — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 09:00:13 -0700

11 Golden Rules to Live By

SavvySugar — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 06:30:11 -0700

Working hard and being smart with your money aren't things you just should do because they seem virtuous; these behaviors ultimately allow you to get more enjoyment out of life. You'll have no regrets when you're able to accomplish what's important to you because of your savvy ways. These are 11 golden rules that I try to live by; click through and then make a list of your own.

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