http://www.savvysugar.com/ It Makes Sense. en 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/2499600 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/46_2008/a5e64493416457dc_plane-tix.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarge" height="290" width="290"></span>Travel industry experts have repeatedly said that buying plane tickets on Tuesday is the best bet for finding a deal. We may be inclined to book flights over the weekend when we have spare time and aren't consumed with work, but the money you could save by waiting a few days is well worth not being able to check something off your weekend to-do list.</p> <p>I searched for my honeymoon plane tickets on Sunday, only to find the price had risen since I'd looked a couple of weeks ago. At first I was frustrated with myself for not buying them when they cost less, but then I remembered the advice of those industry experts. The tickets had come back down when I searched again on Tuesday night, saving me about $200 per ticket! If you were planning on booking plane tickets this weekend, consider simply window-shopping the websites instead of committing to a price. </p> <p>Have you noticed that plane tickets are cheaper midweek?</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/2499600#comment tip travel vacation Fri, 14 Nov 2008 04:30:19 -0800 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2499600 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/2486441 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/46_2008/6e56dc58ccb4be49_holiday.larger.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left larger" height="240" width="240"></span>We're used to settling on pre-set limits for things like office Secret Santas and Pollyanna gift exchanges with girlfriends, so why not make it a rule this holiday season? Contact the people on your long or short list and ask how they might feel about putting a cap on holiday spending this year. </p> <p>Do some preparation before you make the call by creating an overall budget for yourself, and determine how much you can afford to spend on each person. When you make the suggestion, say something along these lines: "I'm so excited to exchange gifts and spend time together, and I was thinking it might be a good idea to set a spending limit this year. How would you feel about giving each other gifts that don't cost more than [fill in a dollar amount]?" </p> <p>Nobody is going to feel like you're pulling a cheap trick in this economy, and they may very well be relieved at your suggestion. Have you agreed on any spending limits so far? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/2486441#comment gift holiday tip Tue, 11 Nov 2008 13:30:29 -0800 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2486441 http://www.savvysugar.com/2463135 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/45_2008/0ddbe606567c36d5_shopping.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarger" height="379" width="250"></span>Shopping might <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/2433373/" >feel good after a bad day</a>, but you're doing more harm than good if you're spending money beyond your budget. There are <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/1942670/" >questions you can ask yourself</a> when you're deciding whether or not to make a purchase, but after a bad day those questions might fly right out the window. The best solution is to steer yourself away from going into stores in the first place.</p> <p>Here is a trick that has come in handy for me: Add up the cost of everything that you are currently wearing. Start with your shoes and work your way up, estimating the price of each item and adding those numbers together. The awareness that you spent x amount of money on your outfit, but are considering shopping for no reason, can help deter you from buying things you don't need on a mood-driven shopping trip. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/2463135#comment consumerism shopping tip Tue, 04 Nov 2008 11:15:22 -0800 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2463135 http://www.savvysugar.com/2438900 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/44_2008/c5f0b67d41630d4b_online-shopping.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right outline xlarge" height="237" width="305"></span>This week we are revving up for the darkness, ghouls, and goblins of Halloween with reminders on <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/tags/In+The+Black+Week/" >how we can stay in-the-black</a> — the holidays are just around the corner, after all. </p> <p><b>In-the-black-tip</b>: The best way to stay on track when there are a lot of items on your shopping list <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/2426685/" >is to create a spending plan</a>, and once you know your budget for each item or person, make your money go further by comparison shopping. Some people prefer to do holiday shopping away from their computers because it gets them in the holiday spirit, but I recommend at least doing some preparation online. Comparison shopping beforehand will ensure that you're not paying more than necessary and you'll know exactly which stores to hit when you go on your shopping mission. Less browsing means less opportunity for temptation driven impulse buys that aren't on your list. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/2438900#comment Comparison Shopping In The Black Week shopping tip Wed, 29 Oct 2008 13:15:54 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2438900 http://www.savvysugar.com/2394779 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/43_2008/40ec173e60ca86f1_optimism.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left xlarge" height="203" width="305"></span>It's so easy to get caught up in the general anxiety in the air and absorb other people's financial stresses, like co-workers or friends who can't seem to get enough money worries off their chests. During a time of heightened uncertainty it's only natural to want to talk about things in hope of some empathy or reassurance, but sometimes it just adds to your stress level rather than do anything to bring it down. </p> <p>Margaret Wehrenberg co-author of <b>The Anxious Brain</b> <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/19/jobs/19career.html/" target="_blank">has useful advice for how to cope</a> with financial stress and says, “Think about what you’ve got in the now. Today you’re OK. Focus on what you have instead of what you don’t have.” Her suggestion to "worry once and do it well" is perhaps overly optimistic, though conquering anxiety with productivity (like meeting with a financial planner or updating your resume) is always a good idea. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/2394779#comment economy stress tip Wed, 22 Oct 2008 12:30:01 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2394779 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/2377072 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/42_2008/085f60ef1ea59940_coffee.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarge" height="200" width="300"></span>When you're stopping in to your neighborhood coffee shop for a little pick-me-up, the cashier might ask whether you'll be enjoying your beverage "for here or to go." She's not asking out of curiosity, and she's not just trying to find out if your coffee should be presented in a paper or ceramic cup — she's asking to find out whether or not your purchase should be taxed. </p> <p>This policy is going to vary depending on your state's tax laws, but here in California we are taxed when the answer is "for here." To have a nontaxing experience, tell the cashier you want your goodies to go. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/2377072#comment consumerism taxes tip Fri, 17 Oct 2008 15:30:50 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2377072 http://www.savvysugar.com/2369558 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/42_2008/hotel.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left xlarger" height="364" width="290"></span>We saw this one coming. The travel industry has been hit by the economy — people are traveling less because their expenses up and jobs aren't as secure as they used to be, and gas prices have caused airlines to barely stay in business. Hotels are a main component of the travel formula, and they're beginning to express their hardships <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/14/business/14roadcol.html/" target="_blank">in the form of fees and fine print</a>. </p> <p>Some hotels are imposing cancellation policies that entail giving notice weeks before a scheduled stay, and the penalty for canceling after the given date may result in a charge for the total stay. Paying for an unused hotel room? How frustratingly expensive. Before you book an accommodation, be sure to ask about their cancellation policy and make note of it if you go through with making a reservation. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/2369558#comment fees hotel tip travel vacation Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:30:44 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2369558 http://www.savvysugar.com/2365416 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/42_2008/success.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left xlarger" height="375" width="250"></span>Striving for perfection is horribly taxing on anyone, and especially the 41 percent of you who <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/2156398/" >identify yourselves as overachievers</a>. It's one thing to want to be the best we can be in every aspect of our lives, but it's another to never be satisfied without absolute perfection. Instead of just focusing on the one thing that could be improved on a project the next time around, force yourself to step back and acknowledge a successful outcome when it's apparent you've done a good job. </p> <p>Beating yourself up for one thing when everyone else is looking at the bigger picture is a tell-tale sign that you are a perfectionist. Behavioral change agent Liz Bywater has a useful tip for anyone who falls in to this camp: <a href="http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/career-articles-8_steps_for_staying_stress_free_in_a_tough_economy-539" target="_blank">Strive for success, not perfection</a>. She knows that perfectionists often fail to recognize their successes and advises, "Do your job well, really well, and your achievements will be recognized and rewarded."</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/2365416#comment career job The Grind tip Wed, 15 Oct 2008 06:30:04 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2365416 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/2279269 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/41_2008/masters.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarge" height="300" width="300"></span>Going back to school is a huge decision entailing two things that are valuable and hard to come by — time and money. A common misconception is that a master's degree will guarantee a bigger salary, but reality is that increased income is not automatic. We can weigh the pros and cons until we're blue in the face, and still end up without an answer about what is the best decision for our careers. </p> <p>MSN Money personal finance columnist Liz Pulliam Weston gives a <a href="http://www.oprah.com/article/money/career/200809_omag_decisions_work" target="_blank">simple but smart piece of advice</a>: "Talk to people in the positions you see yourself in someday, and ask what degrees they have and whether they needed those degrees." Many professionals are happy to help others who are interested in the same field, and getting that input could be just what you need to land on a decision. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/2279269#comment education job MBA The Grind tip Tue, 07 Oct 2008 08:00:04 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2279269 http://www.savvysugar.com/2187445 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/40_2008/job.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left outline preview" height="300" width="300"></span>Asking for a raise right now might be out of the question as many companies are making personnel cutbacks, but that doesn't mean you can't do anything right now to make yourself more valuable to your employer. If you're in a position where you would normally be getting a raise but it's a no-way no-how situation this year because of budget reasons, consider asking for different responsibilities instead. </p> <p>Ask your boss if there are any new responsibilities that you can take on that would give your job description more depth. The more you're capable of doing for your employer the more you are valuable to her — a well-rounded employee is an asset and you'd be in a better position to ask for a possibly even more substantial raise when things turn around. Constantly learning and seeking opportunity is key in remaining competitive in your workplace and the job market. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/2187445#comment career job raise The Grind tip Mon, 06 Oct 2008 08:00:03 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2187445 http://www.savvysugar.com/2170741 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/40_2008/books.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left preview" height="235" width="300"></span>There's an untapped resource for entertainment in most of our living rooms, and the best part is that it's free! If you're like my friends and me, you probably have a bookshelf with some titles that haven't been opened since you first read them. We keep great books with the intention of re-reading them at some point, but that goal is often forgotten when the review of a great new book catches our eye. </p> <p>Enjoy free entertainment this weekend and save gas by not having to drive to your local library — simply scour your shelves until you find a title that suits your mood. And if you're tired of your books, why not organize a book exchange with a friend or two? It may not be as fun as getting lost in the aisles of Barnes &amp; Noble, but it's much kinder to your wallet. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/2170741#comment Free tip Fri, 03 Oct 2008 04:00:10 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2170741 http://www.savvysugar.com/2118099 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/40_2008/ticket.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="227" width="310"></span>This weekend I learned a big lesson: Visiting your plane's gate long before you're expected to board can pay-off big time. While I usually avoid sitting around at my gate waiting to board, a ticket telling me that no seat had been assigned made visiting the gate unavoidable. The airline attendants were looking for volunteers to be bumped from the over-sold flight, and my fiancé and I agreed that if the wait was three hours or less we'd volunteer our seats. </p> <p>The wait until the next flight was exactly three hours, and we were each rewarded with a $400 voucher and meal vouchers for the time we'd be in the airport. With a busy travel schedule heading in to the end of the year, the collective $800 will certainly help with those expenses. The vouchers are good for one year and are transferable to other travelers, and that kind of flexibility ensures the vouchers won't go to waste. So, next time you're facing a lengthy layover, stop by the gate before you go and grab a bite to eat — it could present you with a money making opportunity. </p> <p>Have you ever volunteered to be bumped from your flight in exchange for vouchers? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/2118099#comment tip travel Tue, 30 Sep 2008 08:00:35 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2118099 http://www.savvysugar.com/slideshow/2089224 <a href="/slideshow/2089224?page=0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/2/22911/39_2008/lv.xlarge.jpg" alt="9 Simple Ways to Save and Shop Smart " title="9 Simple Ways to Save and Shop Smart " class="image xlarge inline left" height="320" width="320" /></a>The truth is, everyone needs to save money. Even <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/2037827">people on the Forbes 400</a> worry about the economy, <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/tags/job+loss">possible job loss</a> and saving up for <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/tag/travel">travel</a>, retirement and a rainy day. The trouble is, we have to test out all kinds of saving strategies until we find the ones that work for our unique budgets and lifestyles. Here are a few simple ways to save day by day. <div id='pager' style='margin:25px auto;text-align:center;margin:8px; '><a href="/slideshow/2089224?page=0">Start Slideshow</a></div> http://www.savvysugar.com/slideshow/2089224#comment savings slideshow tip Mon, 29 Sep 2008 09:30:13 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2089224 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/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/2029111 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/38_2008/percent.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right outline preview" height="213" width="320"></span>We've been through the big points in asking for a raise, including how to <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/1714192/" >approach your boss</a>, maintaining <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/1791374/" >confidence and poise</a>, and <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/994341/" >how to prepare</a> for an effective negotiation. One fine-tuning point is the way that you should actually put your desired raise into numbers: Ask for a particular percentage raise, not a specific dollar amount.</p> <p>Telling your boss this number is probably the thing that makes you most nervous about having the conversation in the first place. Get through to your boss by speaking her language: Whenever I've been informed of a raise, it's always been presented as a percentage. Dealing in percentages makes it easier to negotiate and sounds more professional than dealing in dollars. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/2029111#comment job raise The Grind tip Wed, 17 Sep 2008 08:00:25 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2029111 http://www.savvysugar.com/2007396 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/37_2008/jeans.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="376" width="250"></span>The October issue of <a href="http://www.glamour.com/" target="_blank">Glamour</a> arrived in my mailbox and filled me with glee, and I appreciate its effort in publishing an article called "25 Ways to Live Rich on Less Money." Most of the tips were just reminders of things we can do to save, like searching online for coupons before buying something for its retail price, but there was one tip that stood out to me as being more than a simple memory aide. I've used this trick myself a few times and it has worked like a charm every time.</p> <blockquote><p>I go to department stores and try on all the designer jeans to see what size I am. Then I find those same jeans on eBay and buy them for less. I save hundreds of dollars.</p></blockquote> <p>Sure, it doesn't exactly give you the instant gratification that leads to that shopping high, but it does give you the thrill of getting something for less. Have you used this tactic for saving, or would you use it going forward? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a> </p> http://www.savvysugar.com/2007396#comment shopping tip Mon, 15 Sep 2008 15:30:32 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2007396 http://www.savvysugar.com/1964490 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/37_2008/buffett_0.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="362" width="240"></span>The <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/1099914/" >wealthiest man in the world</a> is self-made billionaire Warren Buffett, and the $62 billion dollar man was gracious enough to sit down with <a href="http://www.parade.com/hot-topics/0809/10-ways-to-get-rich/" target="_blank"><b>Parade</b> and discuss his 10 best tips</a> for getting rich. I'm inspired by Buffett's entrepreneurial spirit and tenacity for success; here are his five tips I like best. </p> <ol> <li><b>Reinvest your profits.</b> In high school, Buffett and a friend bought a pin-ball machine for a barbershop. They took their profits from that first investment and bought more machines for different shops, and Buffett took his proceeds to invest in stocks and a small business. By the time he was 26 he'd amassed $174,000, the equivalent of $1.4 million today.</li> <li><b>Watch small expenses.</b> Be aware and cautious with your spending, and your paycheck will go much further.</li> <li><b>Limit what you borrow.</b> Buffett's advice: Negotiate with creditors to pay what you can. Then, when you’re debt-free, work on saving some money that you can use to invest.</li> </ol> <p>See two more of Warren Buffett's tips when you </p> <p><a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/1964490">read more</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1964490#comment business entrepreneur investing tip Warren Buffett wealth Wed, 10 Sep 2008 09:30:11 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1964490 http://www.savvysugar.com/1951175 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/37_2008/letter.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="390" width="260"></span>My best friend has been back from her honeymoon for only a few weeks, and she already has another trip on her brain. The difference between her honeymoon and the next vacation? She and her new husband will be treated to a complimentary hotel stay on their next trip! Because of the simple act of writing a complaint letter, they were offered a free five-day / five-night stay at one of the resort's hotels anywhere in the world. </p> <p>While their Tahitian honeymoon was nothing short of incredible, they had issues throughout their stay with icy cold water in the shower and spa. When they asked about the problem, hotel staff ensured it would be fixed, but they never felt anything resembling warm water. </p> <p>Upon their return, my friend wrote a letter to the hotel stating her disappointment with the issue and how it was handled. Her recommendation is to give a letter of complaint to your travel agent (if you're using one) to add a cover letter before it's sent off to the hotel for an extra punch. Her situation shows that if you have a real issue that detracted from your experience, it can pay to complain.</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1951175#comment customer service tip travel vacation Tue, 09 Sep 2008 08:00:14 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1951175 http://www.savvysugar.com/1942670 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/36_2008/shopper.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="400" width="266"></span>Besides calculating the cost <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/1915157/" >in terms of hourly compensation</a> to judge whether or not a particular item is worth your time and money, there are some other things to keep in mind. Here are four questions to ask yourself when you're staring in the dressing-room mirror or gaggling over a gadget. </p> <ol> <li><b>Do I love it?</b> Make a list of your own mental must haves. Ask yourself if the item you're eyeing deserves a spot on that list.</li> <li><b>How often would I wear or use it?</b> <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/1811411/" >Cost-per-use</a> is a good way to break down how valuable the item will be to you.</li> <li><b>Can I afford it?</b> Do you have expenses coming up and are you concerned about being able to make payments? Consider your spending priorities. <li><b>Could I find it cheaper somewhere else?</b> If yes, it might be worth your time to search for that better deal.</li> </ol> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1942670#comment shopping spending tip Mon, 08 Sep 2008 08:00:15 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1942670 http://www.savvysugar.com/1915157 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/36_2008/tip.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left preview" height="277" width="300"></span>As much as we all promise ourselves that we'll only buy things we absolutely cannot live without, sometimes in the heat of the shopping moment that mentality is substituted by one of like not love. I know there are some items in my wardrobe that fall in the camp of wish-I-never-bought-it, and perhaps that remorse could have been prevented by using this logic. </p> <p>Salaries are tricky in getting us to think about our income in yearly or by-paycheck terms, but it may pay off to break down your salary (after taxes) in terms of hourly compensation. When you're holding up a cool sweater that you don't necessarily need, look at the price tag and compare it to the number of hours you worked to earn that sum. So, if you're eying a $150 sweater and earn the equivalent of $30 an hour, ask yourself if it's worth five hours of work. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1915157#comment salary shopping spending tip Thu, 04 Sep 2008 08:00:05 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1915157 http://www.savvysugar.com/1909916 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/36_2008/resume.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="330" width="330"></span>When you think your résumé is the best it can be and are ready to send it to employers, stop and perform this simple task before proceeding. Give it a once over with one question in mind: Is my résumé redundant? Too often job applicants are prone to relying on the same verbs to convey their duties and accomplishments, but doing so can threaten their chances of landing an interview.</p> <p>Redundancy on a résumé is boring for the person reading it and implies one of two things about the applicant — either she doesn't really want the job because she didn't take the time to polish her résumé, or she isn't resourceful enough to open a thesaurus and get some ideas to effectively include powerful verbs. Update your résumé to include varied but straightforward words and phrases to help set you apart from the repetitive pack. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1909916#comment job search resume The Grind tip Wed, 03 Sep 2008 08:00:59 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1909916 http://www.savvysugar.com/1900491 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/35_2008/loan.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="400" width="266"></span>Because 70 percent of you are <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/1794043/" >dealing with student loans</a>, a <a href="http://www.fool.com/personal-finance/credit/2008/08/28/die-student-loan-die.aspx" target="_blank">Motley Fool article called</a> "Die, Student Loan, Die!" caught my eye. The article has some good tips on how to assess whether you should focus on putting more money toward savings or more toward student loans. Here's what they say you should consider when deciding whether or not to pay off student loans early. </p> <ul> <li>Pay off ASAP if you're stuck in a high-interest private student loan, but sit on it if you're locked in a low, fixed-interest rate.</li> <li>If the the interest you're paying is not tax deductible, pay off the loan ASAP.</li> <li>Pay off immediately if you have enough cash to pay off your loans and still have money left over to start your emergency savings account.</li> <li>Sit on your student loan if you have other higher-interest debt. Compare the interest rates on all of your debts to determine which should be paid down first.</li> </ul> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1900491#comment loan Savvy ATM student tip Fri, 29 Aug 2008 14:00:37 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1900491 http://www.savvysugar.com/1897224 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/35_2008/74362337.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left preview" height="414"></span>Some of the most valuable people in job searching have been those I've known only casually. They aren't people I networked with in order to find new jobs; rather, they're resources I used to determine whether or not particular jobs I already had my eye on would be a good fit for my goals. While networking to find new jobs is a priceless tool, sometimes it's not the job you need help with, but getting more information in order to make an educated decision.</p> <p>When you're looking for a new job, ask your friends and relatives if they know anyone in your industry of interest. After you've been introduced in person or through email, ask the industry insider any question that isn't too personal to them. For example, ask them to describe the organizational aspects of companies in the industry, what it takes to succeed, what you can expect in the positions you've been offered or have applied for, if there's seasonal business, etc. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1897224#comment informational interview interview job search networking The Grind tip Thu, 28 Aug 2008 08:00:48 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1897224 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/1891890 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/35_2008/55911644.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="414"></span>Sometimes, no matter how much we're on top of our expenses and feel in control of our finances, mistakes do happen. Take, for example, a recent money mistake compliments of yours truly. In my attempt to purchase the perfect wedding gift, I failed to pay attention to the currency in which the present's price was listed. Had I not been so excited in my pursuit I would have noticed the price was not in dollars like I'd thought; rather, it was listed in euros. </p> <p>There was no turning back after I'd made the purchase, and while at first I kicked myself, I realized that it was hardly a waste of money. Was it more than I intended to spend? Sure, but when you live within your means, these mistakes don't come with as big of a blow as they do to a budget that is stretched to the limit. I was able to gracefully absorb the ditsy moment by reducing extra expenses a bit more, but it's certainly a mistake that I won't make again! </p> <p>Have you made any expensive money mistakes lately? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1891890#comment mistake money tip Tue, 26 Aug 2008 08:00:19 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1891890 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/1867753 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/33_2008/200411921-001.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="410" width="300"></span>Money may not be able to buy happiness, but there are ways we can find peace with our financial lives and improve our overall well-being. Four people who've achieved a state of money Zen shared <a href="http://finance.yahoo.com/expert/article/moneyhappy/97121;_ylt=AvQLeeDl4KFBK.QesxKVR5AJo9IF" target="_blank">their tips with Yahoo Finance</a>, and their advice suggests that keeping it simple is the best path to stress-free finances. </p> <ul> <li><b>Know where your money goes.</b> Track your spending to target any money leaks.</li> <li><b>Know what you want your money to do.</b> Focus on goals and set timelines, then break the goals into smaller steps to make them more manageable. Having your own objectives will keep you from falling into the trap of competing with the Joneses.</li> <li><b>Don't carry revolving debt, or have a specific plan to pay it down.</b> Maximize your repayment plan. Adding just another $20 to your monthly payments can make a big difference in the time it takes to pay off your debt.</li> <li><b>Invest in your job skills, and don't expand your lifestyle as fast as your salary.</b> Improve your marketability and live below your means.</li> </ul> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1867753#comment budget goals lifestyle inflation tip Fri, 15 Aug 2008 12:30:59 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1867753 http://www.savvysugar.com/1868377 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/33_2008/stk140474rke.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left preview"width="300"></span>Savvy job seekers know arriving at a job interview a few minutes early is the best way to start off on the right foot. Chilling in the reception area gives you a chance to warm up for the interview by looking over your notes and settling your thoughts. You may have shown your ability to be punctual, but don't put in a dent in the clean first impression by letting your nerves get the best of you. </p> <p>Sitting and waiting gives an interviewee plenty of opportunity to showcase nerves — the leg shaking, nail biting, hair twirling, foot tapping, etc. Interviewers expect that applicants will be nervous, but do your best to curb those obvious clues while you're preparing for the interview. You want to present yourself as a confident candidate, not an anxious mess, so be mindful of your mannerisms in the waiting room for a strong start. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1868377#comment interview job job search The Grind tip Fri, 15 Aug 2008 11:00:25 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1868377 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/1853679 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/32_2008/skd283925sdc.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left outline preview"width="310"></span>Numbers have a powerful way of providing shock-value, and that's what M.P. Dunleavey for <a href="http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/money/budget/common-money-mistakes/" target="_blank"><b>Good Housekeeping</b> was going for</a> when she told readers how much it takes to waste $10,000 a year — just $27.40 a day. Little purchases here and there can add up to a much bigger amount, so the best way to get a grip on what you're spending is to hold a magnifying glass up to the big picture. </p> <p>Dunleavey tested free money management sites <a href="http://www.mint.com/" target="_blank">Mint.com</a> and <a href="https://www.geezeo.com/" target="_blank">Geezeo.com</a> and preferred Mint for its customer-friendly system. After you've plugged in your account information, the site allows you to view recent transactions and breaks them into spending categories. You're even able to set spending limits for yourself — following a budget really has never been so easy, and getting a reality check on what you're spending should help limit the amount of money you waste overall. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1853679#comment budget online programs tip Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:20:24 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1853679 http://www.savvysugar.com/1854137 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/32_2008/dv1566004.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview"width="300"></span>Many of you are enthusiastic or on the fence <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/1767702/" >about going back to school</a> sometime soon, and Sallie Mae recently launched a free online tool to help estimate the cost of your decision. Their <a href="http://www.salliemae.com/content/landing/planner/eip.html?dtd_cell=BAEISM/" target="_blank">Education Investment Planner</a> was developed to help students better assess their choices when selecting a school and understand the true cost of education. </p> <p>According to <a href="http://www.salliemae.com/about/news_info/newsreleases/08052008.htm" target="_blank">Sallie Mae's press release</a>, the Education Investment Planner is equipped with the following capabilities.</p> <ul> <li>Estimate the full cost of a college degree: Find out how much four years for a bachelors degree, two years for a masters degree, or other programs will cost at a specific school, including the average growth of tuition over time.</li> <li>Build a customized Plan to pay for college through a combination of their own money, federal and state grants, scholarships and, if necessary, federal and private student loans.</li> <li>Compare schools: Compare actual costs for approximately 5,500 colleges and universities not only tuition, but also average room and board expenses, fees, books and supplies.</li> <li>Determine if they need student loans and, if so, estimate what their monthly payments could be after graduation and project how much a graduate would need to earn to keep payments manageable.</li> </ul> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1854137#comment education How to MBA tip tuition Mon, 11 Aug 2008 12:30:10 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1854137 http://www.savvysugar.com/1857624 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/32_2008/71043663.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left preview" height="396"></span>It may only be August, but there are already ads out there featuring decorated evergreen and Santa's cookies. Advertisers already have the Winter holidays on their minds, and you should too — holiday travel this year is projected to be more expensive than last year. Airlines have less routes planned especially for popular vacation destinations, and their prices are up often due to fuel surcharges. </p> <p><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/10/travel/10praccuts.html/" target="_blank">The New York Times reports</a> Travelocity's data that indicates airfares between November and February are up an average of 11 percent. Amy Ziff, Travelocity’s editor at large, made it clear that the definition of deal isn't what it used to be when she said, "Any destination that isn’t up by 10 percent is a good buy in this market."</p> <p>Begin signing up for price alerts for your wintertime destinations so you can jump on the best airfare. Just hope that your travel arrangements take you through major hub airports, because less frequent flight schedules mean it will be more difficult to get on another flight if yours is canceled due to weather. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1857624#comment airline holiday tip travel Mon, 11 Aug 2008 04:00:53 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1857624 http://www.savvysugar.com/1851820 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/32_2008/dv1291038.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left preview"width="317"></span>Out of the <a href="http://simplystated.realsimple.com/life/2008/08/twelve-tips-for.html" target="_blank">12 tips Real Simple recommends</a> for spending less, the most innovative is their tip for how to organize your shopping trips. They cleverly suggest that when you're shopping with the purpose of buying something that will inevitably be expensive (like a computer), you should select the smaller items first (like the software and other accessories). </p> <p>The rationale is that after we buy something pricey, we're more likely to mindlessly buy more items that we don't need, because in comparison the amount seems insignificant. It reminds me of a common comment from those undergoing home renovations: Once you've spent thousands on new cabinets, it becomes difficult to evaluate the cost of things like knobs. </p> <p>Because I'm not buying a new computer any time soon, I'll keep this money tip in mind the next time I'm shopping for things like a new coat or boots and underwear at the same time. Lingerie section, first! </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1851820#comment money shopping tip Fri, 08 Aug 2008 09:30:22 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1851820 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/1832279 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/31_2008/skd240506sdc.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="419"></span>Credit card offers are a jumble of small print and percentages, and there are some key points that you should focus on when evaluating a card's pros and cons. If you're on the hunt for a new card, make sure you take the time to compare and contrast several different offers so you can select the best one for your lifestyle. <a href="http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2008/pf/0807/gallery.creditcard_offer.moneymag/2.html/" target="_blank">CNN Money wants us to know</a> how to spot a credit card ripoff, and here are the main areas that I focus on when I'm sorting through the fine print. </p> <ul> <li><b>APR</b>: The annual percentage rate will appear in big bold print, but that number doesn't tell you everything about how much you'll be charged to borrow money. Pay attention to whether the APR is fixed or variable; I always seek out a fixed APR over a variable one so that I don't have any interest rate surprises when the prime rate increases. Most rates are variable, so be sure to do your due diligence, and if there's an introductory rate, take note of when it expires.</li> </ul> <p>There are two more aspects of a credit card offer you should especially keep in mind, so just </p> <p><a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/1832279">read more</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1832279#comment credit card tip Mon, 04 Aug 2008 11:00:34 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1832279 http://www.savvysugar.com/slideshow/1819873 <a href="/slideshow/1819873?page=0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/2/22911/31_2008/gas.xlarge.jpg" alt="15 Gas Facts You Should Know " title="15 Gas Facts You Should Know " class="image xlarge inline left" /></a>Yes, we all know gas is expensive and at a record high, but did you know Americans really have cut back on their driving? In fact, we've cut back so much that <a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93018408">we are hurting gas tax revenues</a>, which pay for roads, bridges and mass transit projects. I've put together a list of facts you should know about the ever increasing gas prices and how the cost affects the rest of our lives. <div id='pager' style='margin:25px auto;text-align:center;margin:8px; '><a href="/slideshow/1819873?page=0">Start Slideshow</a></div> http://www.savvysugar.com/slideshow/1819873#comment gas lists tip Thu, 31 Jul 2008 08:00:42 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1819873 http://www.savvysugar.com/1819729 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/31_2008/75288283.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview"width="310"></span>When I read this <a href="http://www.usnews.com/blogs/fresh-greens/2008/7/28/4-easy-ways-to-be-a-freegan.html/" target="_blank">suggestion in US News</a>, it served as a reminder to finally follow through with my weekly thoughts to bring Tupperware to the office. Storing a few containers at your desk to take home leftovers from company-sponsored lunches in the office is a smart idea — around here we're constantly getting emails to scoop up leftovers before they're trashed. If nobody takes the food, it will be thrown away anyway, and it's a simple matter of remembering to bring the Tupperware in the first place. </p> <p>You'll save money by getting another meal out of an already free lunch. You might be self-conscious in taking home leftovers and think your co-workers are judging you, but there's nothing shameful about wasting and spending less. If it's not implied that it's OK to take food home, simply ask the person in charge of cleaning up if you can pack up a doggie bag. Now, time to set a calendar reminder to bring empty containers to the office! </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1819729#comment eco food tip Tue, 29 Jul 2008 09:33:51 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1819729 http://www.savvysugar.com/1814459 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/30_2008/stk125445rke.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left preview"width="320"></span>Most job hunters prepare for interviews by printing off a list of 20 common interview questions, outlining answers, and calling it a day. This is just a start to your preparation, and here's a way to take your readiness to the next level. </p> <p>Put yourself in the interviewer's shoes: When she's looking at your resume, what questions will she likely develop? Come up with specific experiences that go with each question and work out the best answer when you practice aloud. Then, ask a friend to play interviewer and think of her own questions. She'll likely come up with some that you missed, and you'll feel even more confident going to the interview. </p> <p>You don't want to sound rehearsed when you're in the actual interview, but I've found that this preparation method doesn't have the effect of practiced delivery. The interviewer's questions will probably be variations of what you practiced, so focus on each question and then think about which of the experiences you reviewed would be appropriate to mention. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1814459#comment interview job job search The Grind tip Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:31:51 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1814459 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/1814072 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/30_2008/skd283980sdc.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview"width="310"></span>Here are some of your memorable comments that stood out to me this week. I love hearing your savvy thoughts and tips, so keep them coming! </p> <ul><a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/1797402/" >Study: Consumers Hope to Cut Debt and Save More</a>: <a href="http://teamsugar.com/user/bransugar79/" >bransugar79</a> communicates with her husband about their goal of being debt free —</li> </ul> <blockquote><p>I was talking to my husband just the other night. We are trying to save more money and working on getting rid of our debt, even though we don't have an incredible amount. I think right now especially, but in general it's a much nicer feeling to know that you have what is yours and you don't have to worry about someone else taking it away.</p></blockquote> <p>See two more of your comments when you </p> <p><a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/1814072">read more</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1814072#comment tip what makes you savvy Sun, 27 Jul 2008 07:00:39 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1814072 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