http://www.savvysugar.com/ It Makes Sense. en http://www.savvysugar.com/slideshow/2516726 <a href="/slideshow/2516726?page=0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/47_2008/cbcb64bf01559963_ornament.jpg" alt="10 Money-Saving Homemade Gift Ideas" title="10 Money-Saving Homemade Gift Ideas" class="image xlarge inline left" height="300" width="300" /></a>The holiday season is officially on! We've been spreading the holiday spirit all over the <a href="http://holiday.popsugar.com/">Sugar Network</a> and you've all been chipping in with your creative <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/2494196/">homemade gift ideas</a>. Black Friday isn't until next week, but you might want to get started early on some of these fabulous gifts, made and assembled by you. Check out the fun ideas that your friends and family will love, all while saving you the expense of store-bought gifts. Start the slideshow to see what some of your fellow TeamSugar members will be giving this season! <div id='pager' style='margin:25px auto;text-align:center;margin:8px; '><a href="/slideshow/2516726?page=0">Start Slideshow</a></div> http://www.savvysugar.com/slideshow/2516726#comment gift holiday saving Thu, 20 Nov 2008 10:00:13 -0800 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2516726 http://www.savvysugar.com/slideshow/2509860 <a href="/slideshow/2509860?page=0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/47_2008/23d82133f81e9298_airport.jpg" alt="5 Carry-On Items to Prevent Airport Spending" title="5 Carry-On Items to Prevent Airport Spending" class="image xlarge inline left" height="303" width="300" /></a>Your holiday spirit might be enough to get you through crowded airport security, but the <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2008/11/17/pf/holiday_travel/index.htm">longer flight delays this season</a> may require a little more than patience. The boredom of waiting can cause even the most budgeted traveler to find herself browsing the airport kiosks, bars, and boutiques. Prevent unnecessary airport spending by remembering to pack these 5 things — just start the slideshow. <div id='pager' style='margin:25px auto;text-align:center;margin:8px; '><a href="/slideshow/2509860?page=0">Start Slideshow</a></div> http://www.savvysugar.com/slideshow/2509860#comment holiday saving travel vacation Tue, 18 Nov 2008 09:45:41 -0800 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2509860 http://www.savvysugar.com/2507602 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/46_2008/bac96a96c7d3bae0_buddy.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarger" height="383" width="250"></span>As girlfriends, we have brunch together, ask each other for hair and wardrobe advice, dish about the latest on the dating scene, and get worked up together over world news — what's stopping us from helping each other save money? Taking a note from FitSugar's strategy <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/tags/workout+buddy/" >for working out with a buddy</a> to stay motivated, recruiting a friend for pairing up to reach money saving goals could be just as effective in making us more accountable. </p> <p>You don't need to have identical goals as your friend, maybe one of you is trying to pay off debt and the other wants to save up for a vacation, but both of you should have the main goal of getting your finances on track. Help each other create a plan for reaching your goals and then check in a couple times a week, or how ever often you feel is appropriate. A little help from your friends always makes the tough things more manageable, and success is that much sweeter when you get to share it with someone else. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/2507602#comment saving tip Mon, 17 Nov 2008 13:30:56 -0800 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2507602 http://www.savvysugar.com/2494862 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-2494862"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/2494862',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-2494862');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p>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?</p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/46_2008/f090b2a304ab19a1_lunch.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image center xxlarge" height="369" width="450"></span></p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/2494862" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Did You Bring Your Lunch to Work Today? </label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Yes, I brought my lunch to work today.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> I meant to, but I forgot it at home!</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> No, I didn't bring my lunch today.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below. </label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="2494862" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.savvysugar.com/2494862#comment poll saving Savvy poll Your Two Cents Thu, 13 Nov 2008 11:30:29 -0800 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2494862 http://www.savvysugar.com/2491395 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/46_2008/8a860396e999e707_massage.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left xlarge" height="275" width="291"></span>Visiting a stylist-in-training for your trim is a known trick for saving money on your beauty upkeep, but I hadn't thought of utilizing the same idea for other treatments until I came across the tip <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/homestyle/11/11/tf.fabulous.on.budget/index.html" target="_blank">in an article by The Frisky</a>. In an article called "Five Ways to Stay Fabulous on a Budget," the author mentions that she can indulge on things like massage, pedicures, and facials by making an appointment with a massage or beauty school. </p> <p>A student may or may not have the same polished touch of a full-fledged professional, but serious savings can be worth the slight sacrifice. If you went to a school for your treatments alternating every other appointment, with your usual splurge salon, you'd certainly notice the positive change in your bank account balance. The article's author suggests searching online for a recommended massage or beauty school, so I checked <a href="http://www.yelp.com/" target="_blank">Yelp</a> for reviews in San Francisco. There were plenty to choose from, and the affordable prices made me eager to try one for my next indulgent treatment. </p> <p>Have you ever taken advantage of this money-saving method? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/2491395#comment saving tip Wed, 12 Nov 2008 11:30:24 -0800 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2491395 http://www.savvysugar.com/2472167 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/45_2008/6224390ecfca06c2_brands.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right outline xlarge" height="185" width="305"></span>More often than not, store brands are priced lower than name brands and sometimes it's <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/1772930/" >difficult to differentiate between the two</a>. Now that stretching our dollars is more of a priority, it appears that more consumers are catching on to the fact that buying store branded items can reduce your grocery bill. </p> <p><a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122592835021203025.html" target="_blank">According to a recent survey</a>, 40 percent of primary household shoppers have started buying cheaper store-brand paper products. Which brand-name items have you replaced with store brands on recent shopping trips? </p> http://www.savvysugar.com/2472167#comment consumerism I'm Asking saving Fri, 07 Nov 2008 09:30:25 -0800 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2472167 http://www.savvysugar.com/slideshow/2444933 <a href="/slideshow/2444933?page=0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/44_2008/8664fa7892da94fc_money6_0.jpg" alt="Four Ways to Get In-the-Black" title="Four Ways to Get In-the-Black" class="image xlarge inline left" height="300" width="300" /></a>We gave Halloween a nod this week with In-the-Black Week on Savvy, and hopefully the few simple tricks 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? <div id='pager' style='margin:25px auto;text-align:center;margin:8px; '><a href="/slideshow/2444933?page=0">Start Slideshow</a></div> http://www.savvysugar.com/slideshow/2444933#comment In The Black Week saving Fri, 31 Oct 2008 13:15:40 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2444933 http://www.savvysugar.com/2441784 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/44_2008/4b41f74a8046c615_auto-transfer.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left xlarge" height="280" width="280"></span>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. </p> <p><b>In-the-Black tip</b>: 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. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/2441784#comment automatic savings In The Black Week saving Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:30:59 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2441784 http://www.savvysugar.com/2440591 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/44_2008/9aacea85b8e3672c_coupon.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarger" height="375" width="250"></span>Coupon clipping has become <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/25/AR2008102500055_2.html" target="_blank">less popular since its peak in 1992</a>, but 2007 was the first year usage did not decline. Expectantly, the change of heart is attributed to more expensive groceries and less discretionary income. Resistant shoppers claim the time and money trade isn't worth it, but there are new online tools that are perfect for busy people that want to save money. </p> <ul> <li><b><a href="http://www.thegrocerygame.com/" target="_blank">TheGroceryGame.com</a></b>: The site will send a weekly list of the lowest-priced products at your supermarket along with manufacturers' coupons and specials.</li> <li><b><a href="http://www.shortcuts.com/partner/index.jsp" target="_blank">AOL Shortcuts</a></b>: Register your store loyalty cards with AOL Shortcuts and then search online offers. When you find deals that fit your product needs, click on coupons you want and they'll be added to your loyalty cards. Swipe your card when you check out at the store — no paper involved!</li> <li>Manufacturer websites: Some manufacturers, like Pillsbury and General Mills, offer coupon galleries on their websites.</li> </ul> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/2440591#comment coupon food groceries saving Thu, 30 Oct 2008 06:45:32 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2440591 http://www.savvysugar.com/2442127 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/44_2008/9a715a0ed76a84b4_saving.larger.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left larger" height="240" width="240"></span>It really says something about American consumer culture when it's news that people are actually saving their money. I suppose it's better late than never, and a new study from First Command Financial Services <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2008/10/28/pf/money_habits/index.htm/" target="_blank">shows that people are starting to save more</a> and pay off their debt loads. In September, Americans put an average $901 more into short-term savings than in August — an increase of nearly 20 percent! Even more impressive, retirement savings deposits rose more than 50 percent month over month. </p> <p>Have you increased the amount of money you put in to savings? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/"<Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/2442127#comment economy news saving Thu, 30 Oct 2008 04:30:14 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2442127 http://www.savvysugar.com/2426685 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/44_2008/db942ae2baac6f07_shopping.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarger" height="377" width="300"></span>We're celebrating Halloween with <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/2420748/" >In-the-Black Week</a>, but this tip is something to also keep in mind when you are preparing to shop for the upcoming holidays. </p> <p><b>In-the-Black tip</b>: 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. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/2426685#comment Halloween holiday In The Black Week money saving shopping spending Tue, 28 Oct 2008 11:00:45 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2426685 http://www.savvysugar.com/2420748 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/43_2008/5df45a2944c48648_in-the-black.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right outline xlarger" height="400" width="300"></span>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. </p> <p><b>In-the-black tip</b>: 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. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/2420748#comment Halloween In The Black Week money saving Mon, 27 Oct 2008 08:00:41 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2420748 http://www.savvysugar.com/2395113 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/43_2008/3fd10cb84dccaaaf_retirement.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left xlarge" height="248" width="300"></span>In an attempt to encourage Americans to save for retirement, Congress is inviting all of us to celebrate <a href="http://www.retirementweek.org" target="_blank">National Save For Retirement Week</a>. More than 20 percent of workers admit they don't have any kind of retirement savings and Congress wants to use this week to reinforce the importance of saving early. </p> <p>Saving for retirement has always been a core issue of personal finance and right now it's more visible than ever, but not because of a special week created by Congress. Panicked Americans have been withdrawing their retirement savings and taking the tax penalties because they fear losing everything, and while the market is a central concern for older workers, younger savers should remember to stay the course in putting money aside for their retirement. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/2395113#comment retirement saving Wed, 22 Oct 2008 08:00:08 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2395113 http://www.savvysugar.com/2390080 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/43_2008/78c89c25d09ed241_piggy.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left outline xlarge" height="320" width="286"></span>Forty-seven percent of <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/1883590/" >you have credit card debt</a>, and another 12 percent of you are almost finished paying off your balances — keep plugging away! It's common to lose momentum in becoming financially healthy once you are rid of debt; enjoy the feeling of having a huge weight lifted from your shoulders, but avoid the temptation to relax your rein on spending. </p> <p>Hopefully you were able to put some money aside while paying off your credit cards, but when you're done with your debt, turn your main focus to saving and building an emergency fund. Replace the spot in your budget for debt repayment with deposits to your savings account. It will be satisfying to make those monthly transfers and watch your own account grow, rather than remitting your plus-interest payments to the credit card companies. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/2390080#comment credit card debt debt emergency fund saving tip Tue, 21 Oct 2008 12:30:58 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2390080 http://www.savvysugar.com/2391016 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/43_2008/5eedb8ade78727f3_energy.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarge" height="224" width="300"></span>The weather turned ch-ch-ch-chilly this weekend, and while the season change gets us in the mood for Halloween it also means we can expect higher energy bills sooner than later. Right on time, Consumer Reports came up with <a href="http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/home-garden/resource-center/saving-on-energy-costs/25-simple-ways-to-save/saving-on-energy-costs-simple-ways-to-save.htm" target="_blank">a list of 25 ways to save</a> on utilities when the weather is cold. They are all great tips but these five ideas can appeal to both renters and homeowners alike. </p> <ol> <li>Save $25 to $75 each year by using the system standby or hibernating feature on your computer.</li> <li>Don't overload the dryer. Clothes will take longer to dry — and they'll come out wrinkled.</li> <li>Open blinds and shades on cold days. Solar heat gain can raise interior temperature significantly. But close them at night to minimize heat loss.</li> <li>Dust off <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/tags/Sunday+Slow+Cooker/" >the slow cooker</a>. You'll use a lot less energy than cooking a meal across several burners and in the oven.</li> <li>Lower the temperature a degree or two before guests arrive. A house full of people generates a lot of body heat.</li> </ol> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/2391016#comment Consumer Reports energy saving tip Tue, 21 Oct 2008 08:00:18 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2391016 http://www.savvysugar.com/2378438 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/42_2008/d2d4da44be28c810_100.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left xlarge" height="225" width="300"></span>Inspiring stories can be found in the most surprising places, and this one comes from the October issue of <a href="http://www.rd.com/" target="_blank">Reader's Digest</a>. Like many Americans, the Hochman family (Ruth, David, and four-year old Sebastian) realized they were being weighed down by pointless expenses, but instead of consuming as usual the family formed a drastic plan. </p> <p>They'd have $100 for 30 days, to be used for what they call essential items like fresh fruit and milk, and of course they'd continue to pay the mortgage, utilities, and preschool tuition. Everything else, including parking, gas, and Internet, were off-limits. Find out how the Hochmans learned to live lean when you </p> <p><a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/2378438">read more</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/2378438#comment budget saving Fri, 17 Oct 2008 08:00:12 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2378438 http://www.savvysugar.com/2337386 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/41_2008/swap.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarge" height="299" width="300"></span>House swapping was never something that crossed my mind until I watched Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet merrily swap abodes in <a href="http://buzzsugar.com/tags/The+Holiday/" >The Holiday</a>. Cameron's character (Amanda) got to stay in a cozy English home while Kate's character (Iris) spent a week in a decked-out Los Angeles pad, and in the end everyone got exactly what they wanted. I made a mental note to peruse Craigslist to see what was out there the next time I traveled, but the fact is the idea hadn't come up again until I read <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2008/TRAVEL/traveltips/10/08/happy.house.swapping/index.html" target="_blank">an interesting article from Budget Travel</a>. </p> <p>Frequent traveler Joanna Goddard is a big proponent of home swapping; she's exchanged her Manhattan apartment for stays in other people's homes all over the world. She and her traveling partners have been able to stay for free in often expensive cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, Paris, and more. Joanna admits that, at first, it was difficult to imagine other people using her towels and sleeping in her bed, but once she became friendly with them over email she became comfortable with the idea. </p> <p>Would you ever consider checking out the Housing Swap section on Craigslist instead of searching for a hotel deal? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/2337386#comment Craigslist hotel saving The Holiday travel vacation Fri, 10 Oct 2008 09:30:45 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2337386 http://www.savvysugar.com/2337523 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/41_2008/plug.larger.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left larger" height="239" width="240"></span>Oprah featured the "thriftiest family in America" on Wednesday's episode, so I stopped by her website to check out a recap. What I found was nothing really new, just an overall message to cut spending by tracking expenses and finding deals. However, I did find a <a href="http://www.oprah.com/slideshow/money/20081008_tows_thriftiest/6" target="_blank">money saving hint from a woman</a> named Rhondalyn that could be an interesting experiment to save money and energy. Here's what she accomplished. </p> <blockquote><p>To save on her electric bill, Rhondalyn unplugs everything in her home when it's not in use. Appliances, TV sets and lamps that are plugged in pull in energy even if they are turned off, and Rhondalyn says the small change has added up. In May 2008, her energy bill was $268. After she started unplugging, her bill went down to $91. And when Rhondalyn got really vigilant—even turning off the air conditioning—her energy bill was only $60.42. That's over $200 in savings!</p></blockquote> <p>Have you ever tried this saving idea? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/2337523#comment energy Oprah Winfrey saving tip Fri, 10 Oct 2008 08:00:28 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2337523 http://www.savvysugar.com/2332000 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/41_2008/saving.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left xlarge" height="320" width="233"></span>Most of us are trying to be better about saving for the sake of having a cash cushion, but that doesn't mean we can't simultaneously save for a special something. </p> <p>Aside from adding more padding to my emergency fund, I have my sights on saving for my honeymoon and my friend's bachelorette party and wedding. Do you have any savings goals in the pipeline? </p> <p><br clear=all><br /> <a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/2332000#comment I'm Asking saving Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:00:14 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2332000 http://www.savvysugar.com/2323095 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/41_2008/cash.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarge" height="320" width="232"></span>Banks offering plans that deposit money into a savings account every time you spend money are encouraging their customers to build up their savings account, which is a good thing. But when the <a href="http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/index.htm" target="_blank">Consumer Reports</a> Money Lab researched competing plans it found that most of them aren't the best solution for people serious about saving. Here is a summary breakdown from the November issue. Have you participated in programs like these? </p> <ul> <li><b>Bank of America's Keep the Change</b>: The bank rounds up purchase amounts to the nearest dollar and transfers the difference to your savings account, so if a total purchase is $332.49, 51 cents will be transferred to your savings account. The interest paid on the basic savings account was recently .2 percent and 1.75 percent for the money market account, so even though the bank matches the transfer amount for the first three months and five percent after that, you'd be better off saving in accounts that pay more interest.</li> <li><b>Wachovia's Way2Save</b>: Wachovia moves $1 into your savings account every time you make a debit purchase or pay a bill online. It pays 5 percent interest during year one and a 5 percent bonus, but only pays a 2 percent interest rate after that. After year one, the program isn't going to do much to boost your savings.</li> <li><b>American Express One</b>: Because the card pays 1 percent cash back on purchases but charges a $35 annual fee, you'd need to charge $3,500 to break even. You'd be better off getting a card with greater rewards, minus the annual fee.</li> <ul> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/2323095#comment Banking money saving Savvy ATM spending Thu, 09 Oct 2008 09:30:48 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2323095 http://www.savvysugar.com/2329768 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/41_2008/recycle.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left xlarger" height="375" width="250"></span>Remember when I told you about the couple that paid for their Fiji honeymoon <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/1817281/" >by collecting cans</a> and exchanging them for cash? A couple from Petersfield, in Hampshire did the same thing, except in a quarter of the time it took the other couple! John and Ann Till collected <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7654254.stm" target="_blank">recyclable items for only three months</a>, and instead of waiting for their own collection of recyclables to build up they went out and collected litter from the streets of their town. </p> <p>They used an automated recycling machine at their gas station that gave one point on a card for every four items put in to the machine. For every 250 points they got 600 British Airways miles, and after three rigorous months of collecting discarded recyclables they had enough miles for $5,200 business class flights. John said, "At the very beginning, we were concerned it would not be achievable, but then we saw the amount of rubbish out there. There was enough rubbish out there to fly us to the moon and back." </p> <p>If you found a similar points for recyclables program, would you partake in it? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/2329768#comment honeymoon news saving Thu, 09 Oct 2008 08:00:11 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2329768 http://www.savvysugar.com/2186913 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-2186913"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/2186913',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-2186913');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p>Not that there's any sign of the economy swinging anywhere but down in the near future, but when <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/2136441/" >82 percent of you said</a> you've been more mindful of your money recently, it made me wonder if your heightened consciousness would stick around if things improved. </p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/40_2008/money.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image center preview" height="201" width="550"></span></p> <p>Will your new money habits become permanent, or do you think the purse strings will loosen back up once we have a healthier economy? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/2186913" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Will Your Better Money Habits Stick When Things Improve?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Yes, my mindful money habits are here to stay no matter the economy.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> Not to the full extent, but I'll still be more mindful than I was before.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> No, I think I'll need some retail therapy after all this is over!</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> Something else. See my comments below. </label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="2186913" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.savvysugar.com/2186913#comment budget poll saving Savvy poll Your Two Cents Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:00:46 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2186913 http://www.savvysugar.com/2150973 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/40_2008/finances.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image center preview" height="340" width="510"></span></p> <p>While there's no doubt the heads on Capitol Hill are spinning with what's been happening in our economy, it's not exactly a picnic for those of us feeling like we have a million and one unanswered questions. Watching big banks collapse and listening to what the news tells us was a horrendous day for the market, followed by the worst day ever, doesn't do much for the people anxiously sitting on the sidelines. Here are three things you can do right now to get a grip on your finances. </p> <ol> <li><b>Spend wisely and save as much as you can</b>: Sometimes, it's easier to turn a blind eye on the things that make us anxious instead of dealing with them. Now is not one of those times. Buckle down on your budget and figure out how you can save more.</li> <li><b>Pay off debt</b>: The economy has <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2008/10/01/news/economy/jobs_forecast/?postversion=2008100112/" target="_blank">already lost 605,000 jobs</a> this year and that number is likely to continue growing. You need to get aggressive with your debt (especially the high interest kind) in case you find yourself jobless — you'll need your savings for everyday expenses instead of debt repayment costs.</li> </ol> <p>See two more ways to get a grip on your finances right now when you </p> <p><a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/2150973">read more</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/2150973#comment Banking budget debt economy investing saving Savvy ATM Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:30:29 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2150973 http://www.savvysugar.com/2136441 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-2136441"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/2136441',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-2136441');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/40_2008/purse.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right outline preview" height="300" width="300"></span>It's clear the economy is on everyone's minds lately — I can't hop in a cab these days without the driver asking me if I think we're headed for another Depression. While there's nothing I can do to predict the fate of our financial system, it makes me feel more in control to protect what I have and try to save more in uncertain times like these. </p> <p>Foolishly, I've even caught myself checking my bank accounts a bit more often just because it makes me feel better to know my money is safe. On a more productive note, I've also been watching my spending more carefully and putting more consideration in to every purchase. Have recent economic events made you more mindful of your money? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/2136441" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Have You Been More Mindful of Your Money Recently?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Yes, I've been more careful with my money recently.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> No, I'm not any more mindful than I was before recent events.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below. </label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="2136441" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.savvysugar.com/2136441#comment economy poll saving Savvy poll Your Two Cents Wed, 01 Oct 2008 14:00:45 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2136441 http://www.savvysugar.com/2037149 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-2037149"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/2037149',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-2037149');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/38_2008/cans.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left preview" height="303" width="300"></span>Locking in the sale price for future use can be a great way to save on groceries. For those of you that have kitchen space to spare, do you stock up on non-perishables and frozen or freezable items when they are on sale? </p> <p><br clear=all> <a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/2037149" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Do You Stock Up When Something Is on Sale?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Yes, I stock up on things I know I'll use when they're on sale.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> I would do this if I had the storage space.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> No, I don't stock up on any food items. </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> Something else. See my comments below. </label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="2037149" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.savvysugar.com/2037149#comment consumerism food poll saving Savvy poll shopping Your Two Cents Mon, 22 Sep 2008 14:00:19 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2037149 http://www.savvysugar.com/2038015 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/38_2008/ten.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="270" width="270"></span>We learned how to <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/2007396/" >buy designer jeans</a> for less from <a href="http://www.glamour.com/" target="_blank">Glamour</a>'s article called "25 Ways to Live Rich on Less Money," and here are a few of its other little money tidbits that might come in handy. Do you already use any of these tips?</p> <ul> <li>Take out $10 on Monday for extras like snacks and gum. Limiting yourself to that amount will make you think harder about your purchases.</li> <li>Plant a vegetable garden to cut grocery expenses.</li> <li>Take the extra time to never pay retail. If you know there's something you want to buy, first do a coupon search on coupons.com or retailmenot.com.</li> <li>Get your hair done at a beauty school instead of a salon.</li> <li>Organize a seasonal clothes swapping party with girlfriends to cut down on clothes spending.</li> </ul> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/2038015#comment saving tip Fri, 19 Sep 2008 15:30:22 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2038015 http://www.savvysugar.com/2037102 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-2037102"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/2037102',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-2037102');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/38_2008/cake.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="400" width="300"></span>Between a struggling economy and inflated prices on anything wedding-related, it's almost essential to channel creativity in saving money while planning for the big day. One company has formed their entire business based on the idea that most couples are unwilling to sacrifice the wedding cake but are adhering to a budget that may not allow for an elaborate concoction. </p> <p><a href="http://www.cakerental.com/index.html" target="_blank">Cake Rental</a> claims its services are elegant and economical — a three tier cake can be rented for $150. The rental cake is not for eating, rather it is simply on display when the couple feeds each other and then is taken to the kitchen. Guests are handed slices from a regular sheet cake kept out of view. Most of you said that cakes aren't <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/1647354/" >a disposable wedding expense</a>, but do you think this is a good alternative for those looking to spend less on their wedding day? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/2037102" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Renting Your Wedding Cake: Brilliant or Baffling?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Brilliant!</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> Baffling!</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> Undecided. </label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="2037102" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.savvysugar.com/2037102#comment Brilliant or Baffling poll saving Savvy poll wedding Fri, 19 Sep 2008 06:30:35 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2037102 http://www.savvysugar.com/2033366 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/38_2008/goal.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarge" height="301" width="300"></span>Saving for something that we want or need, like a vacation, new couch, or iPhone, is always easier than simply saving for the purpose of having money in the bank. We are driven by goals in general, and revising our spending plans to have more left over each month doesn't always get our motivational juices flowing. We all know that we should be diligently putting away part of our paychecks each month, and setting goals is the best way to push ourselves from awareness to action. </p> <p>One way to make this more fun is to set small goals and allow little rewards along the way. So, let's say your overall goal is to save $5,000. Instead of sprinting ahead and getting exhausted of saving in no time, tell yourself that after you've saved $1,000 you get a meal at one of your favorite restaurants or some other small treat that won't break your budget. Think of another reward for hitting $2,000, and so on. Then, once you've reached your goal of $5,000, set another big savings goal and continue with your small goal / reward process if it's proven to be the best strategy for you. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/2033366#comment goals saving tip Thu, 18 Sep 2008 08:00:36 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2033366 http://www.savvysugar.com/2028470 <p>Wall Street took a serious whacking this week, and in light of the recent events investors are in a frenzy trying to predict the market's future. <b>The New York Times</b> personal finance columnist <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/16/business/yourmoney/16consumer.html/" target="_blank">Ron Leiber discusses how to approach saving</a> for the short and long term in his brief video below, and he brings up an interesting point about those nearing retirement possibly having to work longer or restructure their plans. Have your parents had to reconsider their retirement time line because of the current economy?</p> <p><center> <div style='width:455px' id="spi_tabs_container"> <div id="spi_tabs_top"> <div id="spi_tabs_topL"></div> <div id="spi_tabs_topR"></div> </div> <div class="panel chatter_chatter fbceleb " > <center> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://images.teamsugar.com/static/js/swfobject.js"></script> <p style=margin:0px;padding:0px id="player_2028429"><a href="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer">Get Flash</a> to see this player.</p> <script type="text/javascript"> var so2028429 = new SWFObject('/static/flash/mediaplayer.swf','mpl','400','300','7'); so2028429.addParam('allowfullscreen','true'); so2028429.addVariable("file",'2028429.flv'); so2028429.addVariable('height', 328); so2028429.addVariable('image','/media/cooked/thumbs/2028429.jpg'); so2028429.addVariable('width','400'); so2028429.addVariable('logo','/static/imgs/watermark/popsugar.png'); so2028429.write('player_2028429'); </script> </center> </div> <div id="spi_tabs_bot"> <div id="spi_tabs_botL"></div> <div id="spi_tabs_botR"></div> </div> </div></center></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/2028470#comment economy investing news retirement saving Wed, 17 Sep 2008 04:00:53 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2028470 http://www.savvysugar.com/2023079 <p>When someone told me she couldn't eat breakfast yesterday because of the <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/2019855/" >history-making day on Wall Street</a>, I knew that panic was officially in the air. The economy has certainly seen better days and it's very possible that we haven't seen the worst of it, and some of you have expressed concern about keeping your money in a particular bank and selecting the safest bank possible to service your accounts.</p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/38_2008/wamu.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image center preview" height="345" width="530"></span></p> <p>I cannot predict how far the crisis in the financial sector will go or the lasting effects on the global economy, but I can offer some reassuring information in terms of your personal banking situation. Learn more about banking in today's economy when you </p> <p><a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/2023079">read more</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/2023079#comment FDIC investing saving Tue, 16 Sep 2008 08:00:51 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2023079 http://www.savvysugar.com/1971664 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-1971664"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/1971664',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-1971664');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/37_2008/thrift.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="300" width="300"></span>Thrift stores are reporting <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/10/business/10thrift.html/" target="_blank">an increase in same-store sales</a> for 2008, but they are concerned that the slowdown in donations will leave them without enough Winter stock. George Hood, national community relations and development secretary for the Salvation Army, explained, “Young women are looking in their closet and saying, ‘You know, I’m going to wear that a little longer instead of giving it away.'"</p> <p>Does his comment describe your recent thought process, and have you been contributing to the boost in thrift sales this year? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/1971664" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Have You Been Donating Less or Buying More Thrift?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> I've been donating less than usual and keeping my clothes longer.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> I've been mixing in more thrift purchases lately.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> I'm doing a little of both — donating less and buying more thrift.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> No, I'm not doing either of these things.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="4" class="form-radio" /> Something else. See my comments below.</label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="1971664" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.savvysugar.com/1971664#comment economy poll saving Savvy poll shopping Your Two Cents Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:00:20 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1971664 http://www.savvysugar.com/1918959 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/36_2008/money.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right outline preview" height="307" width="320"></span>A new Careerbuilder survey shows that <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/share/aboutus/industrytrends.aspx" target="_blank">47 percent of Americans live</a> paycheck to paycheck; those results are right in line <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/1765041/" >with the 49 percent of you</a> who admitted you're living in anticipation of your next check. </p> <p>Perhaps more surprising is the discovery that 21 percent of those making $100,000 or more annually are also living paycheck to paycheck. Here are some other interesting findings from the study.</p> <ul> <li>25 percent of workers never save any of their paychecks.</li> <li>34 percent of those who do save put away less than $100 a month and 18 percent save $50 or less.</li> <li>One third of workers don't contribute to retirement savings.</li> </ul> <p>Forty-two percent of workers surveyed said they would need up to $500 more per paycheck to live comfortably; how much extra would you need per paycheck?</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1918959#comment income money saving Fri, 05 Sep 2008 08:00:33 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1918959 http://www.savvysugar.com/1894807 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-1894807"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/1894807',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-1894807');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/35_2008/FD003797.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left preview" height="391"></span>Splitting an entree when dining out can be a good way to save money, especially if the restaurant is known for dishing out large portions. Do you try and encourage plate sharing when you're out with your beau or girlfriends, or would you rather find other ways to save outside the restaurant? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/1894807" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Do You Share Meals Out to Save Money?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Yes, I often share meals to save money.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> Occasionally I'll share when dining out to save money.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> No, I don't share one entree as a saving tactic.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below. </label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="1894807" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.savvysugar.com/1894807#comment food poll saving Savvy poll Your Two Cents Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:00:05 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1894807 http://www.savvysugar.com/1894329 <p>I'll get this off my chest: <a href="http://www.expedia.com/default.asp/" target="_blank">Expedia is offering up to 50 percent off</a> on minimum four-night stays at more than 125 hotels. You must book by Sept. 2 for travel by Sept. 30, so if you have a trip planned but haven't reserved rooms yet go get your hotel stay at half off! Not traveling before September's end? Here are some tips on finding the best deals <a href="http://biz.yahoo.com/wallstreet/080826/sb121969720792170363_id.html" target="_blank">from industry gurus and experienced travelers</a>. </p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/35_2008/200392753-001.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image center preview" height="346"></span></p> <ul> <li>Before booking a flight, compare baseline fares at your favorite travel site like Orbitz, Expedia, or Travlocity. Then, if you're a frequent flier on a particular carrier, reference your preferred carrier's website. If you're not sure you've found the best deal, search the other fare comparison sites you haven't yet visited.</li> <li>Use travel sites to find the cheapest hotel fares, but don't book until you've called the hotel directly and attempt to get an even better deal.</li> <li>Invest time in searching for the best deals and pay attention to the unique perks of each travel site. For example, the Price Assurance program on Orbitz reimburses a customer for the difference in her ticket if another traveler paid less for the same flight.</li> </ul> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1894329#comment saving tip travel vacation Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:30:37 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1894329 http://www.savvysugar.com/1894376 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/35_2008/stk316044rkn.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="404"></span>When I was a fresh college graduate earning my first real paychecks, I quickly saw how living in a city like San Francisco isn't made for entry-level salaries. Exploring the city and all of its nighttime gems were certainly priorities, but the biggest priority was to keep myself out of debt while not depriving myself of enjoying my new surroundings.</p> <p>I struck a balance by forming the valuable habit of paying all of my bills on pay day. That practice, coupled with automatic 401(k) savings and automatic transfers to a high-interest savings account, can allow for a relatively low-stress financial life. Once in a while we may <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/1891890/" >make money mistakes</a> that can throw us off track and unexpected expenses inevitably come up, but forming the habit of paying your bills as soon as you are paid will keep you out of serious trouble. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1894376#comment 401(k) automatic savings bills high-yield savings money new grads saving tip Wed, 27 Aug 2008 08:00:36 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1894376 http://www.savvysugar.com/1891187 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/35_2008/skd283893sdc.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right outline preview" height="350" width="330"></span>The Farhat family <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/1817038/" >relied on nine credit cards</a>, until <b>Good Morning America</b> challenged them to go credit card-free for one month in a test to find out if cash-only spending means spending less overall. They snipped eight of their nine cards to pieces and <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/1869973/" >kept one card in their freezer</a> in case of emergencies. </p> <p>The family's 30-day challenge has come to an end, and <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Story?id=5642590&amp;page=1/" target="_blank">the 24 percent savings</a> they achieved compared to the month before is enough for them to consider permanently switching to cash. Because cash purchases require the forethought of visiting an ATM, the families' habits inevitably changed.</p> <p>Marissa Farhat explained, "I don't have enough money in my purse to go buy this new dress or this new shirt that I want, so you don't even step foot in the store, because you don't have the money. You don't make all those extra purchases that you really don't need."</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1891187#comment cash credit card saving Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:30:10 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1891187 http://www.savvysugar.com/1880317 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/34_2008/med423031-1.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="419" width="300"></span>Raises may be a rare occasion during these days of employer belt-tightening, and when they do come along they're likely to disappoint. Stagnant paychecks don't have to imply savings-as-usual — there's a tangible way to save money without earning more! </p> <p>Scott Burns of <a href="http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/SavingandDebt/SaveMoney/Save6000ByPayingAttention.aspx/" target="_blank">MSN Money calls it</a> the "Power of Attentive Spending," but I just call it a good idea. When you hold a magnifying glass to your spending there's no doubt you'll discover places where you can find better deals and spend less. Consumer Reports' August issue is confident we can save $500 each month by reviewing these six expenses: car insurance, life insurance, food shopping, phone costs, bank fees, credit card bills. </p> <p>Even if you can't find $500 within your expenses that can be turned into money saved, a lesser amount would still have a positive impact on your savings. However you manage to cut your bills and save the money instead, Burns suggests you think of the amount you save over one year as after-tax income. So, if your salary is $50,000 and you find $6,000 by using your power of attentive spending, that's a not-too-shabby, after-tax, 12 percent gain. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1880317#comment budget raise saving tip Thu, 21 Aug 2008 12:30:41 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1880317 http://www.savvysugar.com/1878112 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/34_2008/200309701-001.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left preview" height="414"></span>If transferring money to savings <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/1108120/" >every time you say no to spending</a> is too broad and out of reach, I have a better idea that may help conquer your biggest spending weakness. I've been throwing away too much money on weeknight delivery and am using my new strategy to cut down on my expensive habit. </p> <p>Every time I make the decision to say no to eating out or ordering in, I'm using a designated notebook to write down the amount I would have spent. At the end of each month I calculate a total and transfer that money to savings, but those transfers could be made on a more frequent weekly or biweekly basis instead. </p> <p>When I see my savings grow with the money I would have spent, it motivates me to continue the process and drastically cut the amount I usually spend on my biggest budget drain. Do you think this tactic would help you overcome any spending weaknesses? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1878112#comment saving tip Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:00:28 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1878112 http://www.savvysugar.com/1867521 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/33_2008/56678613.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="414"></span>Even though we know eating at home is cheaper than eating out, the effort it takes to cook after a long work day often does not outweigh the thought of money saved by eating-in. Some people cook a few dishes on Sunday to be eaten throughout the week, but when there's someone who simply despises leftovers you may find some of this food going to waste. </p> <p>I've always enjoyed leftovers (cold spaghetti, anyone?) but my better half had always been staunchly against them. His life-long protest to next-day food was broken by cooking some dishes that actually taste better the day after they're made. </p> <p>Requests for those dishes are frequent, and I'm happy to cook things we both love and know that nothing will be wasted. A special black bean chili and family soup recipes are to thank for inspiring a positive change that surely saves us some money. Food in the fridge waiting for me after work and conserved cash is a delicious, double win! </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1867521#comment food saving tip Fri, 15 Aug 2008 09:30:11 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1867521 http://www.savvysugar.com/1868512 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-1868512"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/1868512',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-1868512');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p>It's Friday (score!), which means many of us will head out for a <a href="http://buzzsugar.com/tags/movies/" rel="nofollow">weekend flick</a>. Sitting in the theater without a salty or sweet treat is simply not favorable, but neither are concession stand prices. Paying premium prices for a movie ticket and snacks pushes a relaxed evening into expensive territory, and smuggling treats is a much cheaper alternative. </p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/33_2008/AA045077.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image center preview" height="450"></span></p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Source</a></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/1868512" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Do You Sneak Snacks Into the Movies to Save Money?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Yes! I always bring my own snacks to the theater.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> No. I prefer to treat myself with concession stand goodies.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> Sometimes I bring my own, sometimes I buy at the theater.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> I don't like eating at the movies. </label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="1868512" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.savvysugar.com/1868512#comment food poll saving Savvy poll Your Two Cents Fri, 15 Aug 2008 06:30:37 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1868512 http://www.savvysugar.com/1863165 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-1863165"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/1863165',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-1863165');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><a href="http://www.usnews.com/articles/business/2008/08/12/9-extreme-ways-to-save.html/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">US News informs us</a> there's a cookie baking technique out there that may save the baker some dough. As long as the temperature is at least 95 degrees outside the car, cookies will bake on your car's dashboard in two and half hours. </p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/33_2008/med322073.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image center outline preview" height="362"></span></p> <p>They say this is one time your car can actually save you money: You save on utilities by avoiding the oven and the counteractive air-conditioning. What do you think of this alternative baking and saving idea? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Source</a></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/1863165" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Brilliant or Baffling: Baking Cookies in Car to Save Dough</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Brilliant!</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> Baffling!</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> Undecided.</label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="1863165" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.savvysugar.com/1863165#comment bills Brilliant or Baffling Frugal poll saving Savvy poll Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:00:05 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1863165 http://www.savvysugar.com/1850561 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/32_2008/med241063.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="420"></span>More than half of you are still <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/1808153/" >building up savings for a rainy day</a> or haven't been able to save anything just yet. In order to be sure you're on track or to set a goal in the first place, you need to determine how much you'll need if emergency strikes. The biggest case for an emergency fund is job loss — if you lose your job or temporarily lose your ability to work then you'll need to rely on the money you've saved to get by. </p> <p>Standard advice says that a solid emergency fund has three to six months of living expenses. Determining our individual (or family) living expenses is necessary to know if we're on track to support ourselves without income for a few months. <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2008/08/06/pf/emergency_fund.moneymag/index.htm/" target="_blank">CNN Money recommends</a> reviewing the past three months of bills and expenses to figure out a monthly average. They remind us to include certain expenses in our calculations. Check out its must-include expenses when you </p> <p><a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/1850561">read more</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1850561#comment emergency fund saving Savvy ATM Fri, 08 Aug 2008 12:30:08 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1850561 http://www.savvysugar.com/1850394 <p>More than half of you <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/1005294/" >admit that spending more money</a> on weekends is a given, but it doesn't always have to be the case. Challenging ourselves to occasionally be more mindful of our money on weekends may make us think twice before blowing our budgets on those days when watching our wallets isn't necessarily on our minds. Spend less this weekend by keeping yourself busy with one (or all!) of these inexpensive activities. </p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/32_2008/skd264759sdc.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image center preview" height="337"></span></p> <ul> <li><b>Invite friends over for a clean-out-the-fridge fiesta</b>: Most of us have leftover ingredients from a weeknight meal or some kind of perishable that's nearing its expiration date. Instead of <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/1576435/" >hosting a traditional potluck</a>, invite friends to bring over some of the things in their refrigerator they're afraid will go to waste. Ask them to give you a heads up about their contributions in case everyone has lettuce on the brain and ask them to revise their choice if necessary. Be creative and have fun concocting a meal with the items everyone brings!</li> </ul> <p>Find out two more things to do when you </p> <p><a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/1850394">read more</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1850394#comment saving Savvy ATM spending tip Fri, 08 Aug 2008 08:00:06 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1850394 http://www.savvysugar.com/1846291 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/32_2008/stk73994cor.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview"width="300"></span>In a world of too many choices, tips from those who are speaking from experience are truly priceless. I love hearing about cheapy solutions that do the job without costing an arm and a leg because we can't always afford the best of the best and must prioritize our purchases. <a href="http://teamsugar.com/user/itsme3683/" >Itsme3683</a> was kind enough to share <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/1842332/" >one of her secrets</a>:</p> <blockquote><p>I buy knives for 50 cents from the Asian supermarket that are THE sharpest knives I've ever used. My best friend (a chef) and my boyfriend's mom have both commented on how great they are to me — plus, at 50 cents I don't have to worry about treating it well or sharpening it because I'll just buy a new one when it's gone dull!</p></blockquote> <p>What's are your most valuable cheapy secret? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1846291#comment I'm Asking saving tip Wed, 06 Aug 2008 11:00:37 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1846291 http://www.savvysugar.com/1845523 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/32_2008/81973438.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left preview" height="413"></span>It's Summertime, and gas is expensive. So what's a savvy college student to do? If you're Danni Brancaccio of Vancouver, Washington, you attempt to <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Business/PainAtThePump/Story?id=5497154&amp;page=1/" target="_blank">survive the entire Summer break on one tank</a> of gas purchased by your parents. The Northwestern University student is about halfway through the tank in her 1997 Honda Civic, and is on track to head back to school without ever visiting a gas station during her time at home. </p> <p>Danni takes the bus to work during the week, and because the round trip is 30 miles, she says, "Every day that I don't drive to work, I save a gallon of gas." She walks and carpools on weekends while getting some rides from her parents. All of Danni's revised transportation habits have saved her about $150 so far, and she's lost about five pounds from spending less time in the car. Danni is tracking her goal on her blog, <a href="http://www.columbian.com/blogs/onetankorbust/" target="_blank">One Tank or Bust</a>. </p> <p>Granted, many of us don't have parents around to give us rides when we need them, but how long do you think you could manage on one tank of gas? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1845523#comment gas news saving student Wed, 06 Aug 2008 06:00:13 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1845523 http://www.savvysugar.com/1845155 <div id="guesswho-view-1845155"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/guesswho/view/1845155',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var guesswho=$('guesswho-view-1845155');guesswho.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p>"I hope I've been able to save and invest wisely for the future." </p><p><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/32_2008/guess-who-1.preview.jpg" alt="Guess Who? Investing For the Future" title="Guess Who? Investing For the Future" class="image preview" /></p><p><form action="/1845155" method="post" id="guesswho_guess"> <div><div class="guesswho_form"><div class="form-item"> <input type="text" maxlength="128" name="edit[guess]" id="edit-guess" size="20" value="" class="form-text form-autocomplete" /> </div> <input class="autocomplete" type="hidden" id="edit-guess-autocomplete" value="http://www.savvysugar.com/taxonomy/autocomplete/47" disabled="disabled" /><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="1845155" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Guess" class="form-submit" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="I Give Up" class="form-submit" /> <input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="guesswho_guess" /> </div> </div></form> </p></noscript> http://www.savvysugar.com/1845155#comment celeb Guess Who investing saving Tue, 05 Aug 2008 11:00:12 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1845155 http://www.savvysugar.com/1817281 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/30_2008/med322054.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left outline preview"width="300"></span>While chatting with a girlfriend over a leisurely al fresco lunch this weekend, she told me about a friend of hers who managed to pay for an entire Fiji honeymoon by getting creative with her saving. During the year leading up to their wedding, she and her fianc&eacute; saved all of their empty bottles and would periodically exchange them at the recycling center for cash. Every cent of those proceeds went into their honeymoon fund, and when all was said and done they had enough to pay for their romantic island getaway. </p> <p>This saving solution isn't for everyone, especially those who don't go through a lot of bottled beverages, but it does suggest there are little saving tricks in all of our lives just waiting to be discovered. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1817281#comment honeymoon money saving tip Mon, 28 Jul 2008 09:30:50 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1817281 http://www.savvysugar.com/1810169 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/30_2008/med411042.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview"width="310"></span>Dear Savvy,</p> <p>I read the Savvy posts almost every day because I am in tons of debt and seriously need help. I'm the type of person that needs actual tricks to save. I have zero willpower when it comes to money. I keep seeing the Bank of America adds for Keep the Change and I feel that could really work for me. I was just wondering if you knew of any Canadian institutions offering similar programs. I've tried searching on the Internet but with no success. Any more tricks you could offer?</p> <p>See my answer when you </p> <p><a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/1810169">read more</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1810169#comment Ask Savvy automatic savings budget credit card debt debt ING saving Fri, 25 Jul 2008 12:30:13 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1810169 http://www.savvysugar.com/1808153 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-1808153"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/1808153',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-1808153');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/30_2008/skd283892sdc.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image center preview" height="450"></span></p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Source</a></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/1808153" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Your Two Cents: Do You Have an Emergency Fund?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Yes, I have an emergency fund.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> I've started saving for a rainy day, but haven't met my goal yet.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> No, I don't have anything saved for emergencies.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below. </label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="1808153" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.savvysugar.com/1808153#comment emergency fund poll saving Savvy poll Your Two Cents Thu, 24 Jul 2008 14:00:27 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1808153 http://www.savvysugar.com/1802540 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/30_2008/AA036022.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left preview"width="300"></span>A sum like $12,000 doesn't usually make the news, but one <b>Boston Globe</b> reporter has managed to trick herself into saving that amount by adopting <a href="http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/07/20/with_a_bit_of_creative_savings_5_can_get_you_at_least_12000/" target="_blank">a creative way to save</a>. With two daughters in college and a mortgage to pay, Marie Franklin and her husband didn't have any extra money to put into savings. While perusing online, she came across a saving trick that suggested saving every five she acquired and depositing them into a separate savings account. </p> <p>Once she's collected ten fives in her wallet, Marie deposits the $50 into her designated savings account, and once that account has $2,000 she purchases a CD to earn higher interest. After three years of saving all of her fives, she has accumulated $12,000 in savings. Marie acknowledges that this method of saving requires discipline, but her unconventional habit has obviously worked for her. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1802540#comment money news saving tip Tue, 22 Jul 2008 09:35:28 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1802540