Consumer Education
- Soda Versus Tea
- What to Do with Tax Rebate Check
- Why We Spend Too Much
- HD Vs. Satellite Radio
- Dealing with a Down Economy
- Using Restaurant Coupons
- Why You Should Keep Your Car
- Higher End Retailers Hurting
- Help for Those Facing Foreclosure
- Cheap Bulbs at Sam's Club
Posted by
L. Marie Dubuque
L. Marie Dubuque
Are you a soda fanatic or a tea connoisseur? Comparing two of America's favorite drinks.
If you've priced soda lately, you've probably noticed, it isn't cheap. But you can save money if you know where to look.
I for one, try to stay away from the stuff. I've noticed as soon as I start drinking even one sugary drink a day, the numbers on the scale begin to inch up. I know I can drink diet, but the after-taste is not worth any calories saved. So what's the alternative? Tea, of course. It's nutritious, low cal, and best of all, cheap. (As long as you don't go for the exotic loose leaf varieties.)
I buy bags of plain old Lipton in bulk either at a warehouse club or on sale at the grocery store. And when I'm feeling adventurous, I'll sip a little green or white tea for the added anti-oxidants.
And if I really feel like splurging? I grab one of those decadent frozen coffee drinks from Seattle's Best. After you drink one of those, you'll blow your tea budget for a month!
I for one, try to stay away from the stuff. I've noticed as soon as I start drinking even one sugary drink a day, the numbers on the scale begin to inch up. I know I can drink diet, but the after-taste is not worth any calories saved. So what's the alternative? Tea, of course. It's nutritious, low cal, and best of all, cheap. (As long as you don't go for the exotic loose leaf varieties.)
I buy bags of plain old Lipton in bulk either at a warehouse club or on sale at the grocery store. And when I'm feeling adventurous, I'll sip a little green or white tea for the added anti-oxidants.
And if I really feel like splurging? I grab one of those decadent frozen coffee drinks from Seattle's Best. After you drink one of those, you'll blow your tea budget for a month!
What to Do with Tax Rebate Check
Posted by
L. Marie Dubuque
L. Marie Dubuque
Retailers are offering premiums to consumers who spend their tax rebate checks on gift cards. But is it a good idea? And what should you do with your tax rebate check?
A recent USA Today article talks about all the retaiers offering a 10 percrent bonus if you spend your tax rebate check with them. It's tempting alright. And maybe a good idea IF you have no credit card debt. But if you are one of those people who carries a balance very month, you should pay off your credit card debt and stay away from shopping malls.
What Else Should You Do with Your Tax Rebate Check?
What Else Should You Do with Your Tax Rebate Check?
- Save or Invest. Granted, the stock market is volatile and interest rates are low. But remember, consumer goods generally depreciate and at least if you stash your money in a CD or money market, you'll be making a little interest. The best thing to do? If your company offers a 401k invest in that or put more into your IRA or Roth IRA.
- Pay off Your Mortgage. If you can finish paying your home loan sooner, you'll save thousands in interest. Even in a declining housing market, if you own your home free and clear you're well ahead of the game.
Posted by
L. Marie Dubuque
L. Marie Dubuque
Debt is a way of life for many Americans. But why? Learning the underlying reason behind your debt will help you get out of it faster.
Spending too much is a lot of like eating too much, drinking too much or gambling too much. True, there are no health consequences involved in over-spending, but the financial price can be steep, and the emotional fall-out is high.
Over-eaters support groups will encourage you to get to the heart of your addiction...the real reason you turn to food for comfort. Spending problems are much the same. You have to look at why you over-spend in the first place in order to find a way to stop it.
I remember when I first started using credit cards in my 20's. I had just started a new job in an unfamiliar town where I know no one. The mall was the one place that felt safe. But the thrill of that new outfit would fade away faster than the sales person could swipe my credit card. And where did all that spending leave me? In a mountain of credit card debt that took me until I turned 30 to get out of.
I never abused credit cards again, because I knew I couldn't find what I was looking for at the mall. When you finally figure out what really brings you peace and joy in life, you will find a way to live within your means. That may be an over-simplification. But once you decide to live within a budget and prioritize your spending, you'll feel a new kind of satisfaction. One that involves getting control back, over your life and your finances.
Over-eaters support groups will encourage you to get to the heart of your addiction...the real reason you turn to food for comfort. Spending problems are much the same. You have to look at why you over-spend in the first place in order to find a way to stop it.
I remember when I first started using credit cards in my 20's. I had just started a new job in an unfamiliar town where I know no one. The mall was the one place that felt safe. But the thrill of that new outfit would fade away faster than the sales person could swipe my credit card. And where did all that spending leave me? In a mountain of credit card debt that took me until I turned 30 to get out of.
I never abused credit cards again, because I knew I couldn't find what I was looking for at the mall. When you finally figure out what really brings you peace and joy in life, you will find a way to live within your means. That may be an over-simplification. But once you decide to live within a budget and prioritize your spending, you'll feel a new kind of satisfaction. One that involves getting control back, over your life and your finances.
Posted by
L. Marie Dubuque
L. Marie Dubuque
Can't decide between Satellite, HD or regular AM/FM radio? With so many choices, is radio really worth paying for at all?
I am thinking about buying a new car. Along with all the other choices like paint color and manual vs. automatic transmission comes an entirely new decision. Which radio to put in the car? Should I stick with the old free standby, AM/FM radio? The car I'm looking at offers satellite radio for $595 and of course I have to pay for the satellite subscription service on top of that. I could get HD radio for only $350 with no subscription at all.
I thought to myself, this is a no-brainer. Don't pay for anything and go with AM/FM radio. After all, I get top 40 tunes along with all the traffic and weather information I need. But, what I can do without is all that DJ chatter in the mornings. It drives me crazy.
My husband convinced me to go with HD radio. He says the sound quality is a little better, the channel selection is wider and no monthly payments are involved. I'll still hear the commercials, but if they get really annoying, at least I have a lot of channels to flip to.
Now that Sirius and XM are merging, satellite may become even more enticing for some. Not me...I don't like any recurring charges, not even if means getting rid of all that useless chatter!
I thought to myself, this is a no-brainer. Don't pay for anything and go with AM/FM radio. After all, I get top 40 tunes along with all the traffic and weather information I need. But, what I can do without is all that DJ chatter in the mornings. It drives me crazy.
My husband convinced me to go with HD radio. He says the sound quality is a little better, the channel selection is wider and no monthly payments are involved. I'll still hear the commercials, but if they get really annoying, at least I have a lot of channels to flip to.
Now that Sirius and XM are merging, satellite may become even more enticing for some. Not me...I don't like any recurring charges, not even if means getting rid of all that useless chatter!
Posted by
L. Marie Dubuque
L. Marie Dubuque
Falling real estate prices coupled with rising costs at the pump and a jittery economic forecast make a lot of people uneasy. But what can you really do except worry?
I almost don't want to turn on the news anymore or read the paper. But I can't hide under a rock. We've got to face it. The economy looks bleak right now. You read all kinds of articles about how to recession-proof your spending habits, how to hold on to your job, and ways to save money. But what about how to relieve anxiety? Short of weekly therapy sessions, is there any way to stop worrying about what will or will not happen to the economy?
I've decided to simply stop worrying. I know; easier said than done. But I figure it's futile to agonize over something I can't do anything about. I'm cutting back on the amount of driving I do, clipping more coupons, and taking advantage of sales. Beyond that, I'm not going to take my money out of the bank and put it under a mattress. We've weathered recessions before, and we will again. So maybe it's time to go see a funny movie and forget about whether we are or are not in a recession. After all, it's only money.
I've decided to simply stop worrying. I know; easier said than done. But I figure it's futile to agonize over something I can't do anything about. I'm cutting back on the amount of driving I do, clipping more coupons, and taking advantage of sales. Beyond that, I'm not going to take my money out of the bank and put it under a mattress. We've weathered recessions before, and we will again. So maybe it's time to go see a funny movie and forget about whether we are or are not in a recession. After all, it's only money.
Posted by
L. Marie Dubuque
L. Marie Dubuque
If you're looking to cut expenses,eating out should be at the top of your list. You don't have to forego restaurant dining completely, simply search for the best coupons.
Now that we are officially in a recession, it is time to start cutting back on expenses. The first place to save is by eating out less. I don't mean never go out, but if you usually dine at a restaurant twice a week, cut back to once a week. Even if you still buy carry-out on that night, at least you'll save money on tips.
When you do go out, be sure to take advantage of coupons. By using the Entertainment book or downloading gift certificates from restaurant.com you can save up to 50 percent on a meal. Even if you're celebrating a special occasion, consider visiting a gourmet supermarket and cooking at home instead of spending $100 or more dining at a five star restaurant.
When I was in my 20's and single I looked down on men who pulled out coupons on a date. Now, if my husband finds a coupon for a place we are going, I applaud him for it. How attitudes and finances change!
When you do go out, be sure to take advantage of coupons. By using the Entertainment book or downloading gift certificates from restaurant.com you can save up to 50 percent on a meal. Even if you're celebrating a special occasion, consider visiting a gourmet supermarket and cooking at home instead of spending $100 or more dining at a five star restaurant.
When I was in my 20's and single I looked down on men who pulled out coupons on a date. Now, if my husband finds a coupon for a place we are going, I applaud him for it. How attitudes and finances change!
Posted by
L. Marie Dubuque
L. Marie Dubuque
Are you one of those people who has to have a new car every few years? You're wasting a lot of money for a vehicle that depreciates the minute you drive off the lot.
A recent USA Today article mentioned that people are holding on to their cars longer. Well, finally! But did it take the possibility of a recession to make folks realize that trading in a vehicle every three years is a complete waste of money? Or is it the fact that cars simply last longer these days? Whatever the reason, this is a step in the right direction. Now, if we could only get consumers to pay cash for cars instead of finance, the debt load in America would be greatly reduced.
Problem is, the article states that while drivers are keeping their cars longer, they are also taking out longer loans. And with that they are paying for high priced extended warranties. Neither is a goog thing. My advice? Buy a quality late model used car and pay for it upfront. The salesman and the dealer won't be your biggest fans but you'll walk out a whole lot richer. Just think back on all the interest you've paid on car loans in the past.
Even though you won't impress anyone with a fancy new car every few years, you'll be proud of youself for saving interest and building wealth.
Problem is, the article states that while drivers are keeping their cars longer, they are also taking out longer loans. And with that they are paying for high priced extended warranties. Neither is a goog thing. My advice? Buy a quality late model used car and pay for it upfront. The salesman and the dealer won't be your biggest fans but you'll walk out a whole lot richer. Just think back on all the interest you've paid on car loans in the past.
Even though you won't impress anyone with a fancy new car every few years, you'll be proud of youself for saving interest and building wealth.
Posted by
L. Marie Dubuque
L. Marie Dubuque
Are department stores feeling an economic pinch? Shoppers may be ditching them for discount chains.
Are fears of a recession sending you into a shopping funk? Are you skipping the traditional department stores like Macy’s and Nordstrom in favor discount chains like TJ Maxx and Marshalls? A recent USA Today article says yes. In fact all retailers experienced a dismal January. The International Council of Shopping Centers states January was the worst month for stores since 1970.
I, like a lot of people do a little of both. I shop at Macy’s and Nordstrom when they have really great sales. (Nordstrom’s shoes are to die for!) But you can’t beat TJ Maxx and Marshall’s for every day savings. The problem with those stores is, you really have to go there every week to find great stuff. They keep getting new inventory in, and every shopping experience is hit or miss for me. I really don’t have time to get to them that often. But I do like to shop at Sam’s Club. And I have been known to find really cute sweaters and shoes there for ridiculous prices. The problem? There’s no dressing room. The shopping experience isn’t quite the same when you’re searching for trash bags and suddenly you see a great pair of sandals.
There is a time and place for department stores.
Help for Those Facing Foreclosure
Posted by
L. Marie Dubuque
L. Marie Dubuque
The difference between staying in your home and losing it could be one phone call away. People don't realize lenders want to help them.They don't want to take your home.
A recent article in USA Today stated that 58 percent of homeowners who are facing foreclosure don't ask their lenders for help.
That's a big mistake. What people don't realize, is that the bank doesn't want to take your house any more than you want to lose it. If you find yourself a month or two behind on your payments, contact your loan servicer. You'd be surprised at how eager they are to help. The mortgage holder might be able to extend your payments, put you in touch with a counseling service, and possibly refinance.
I've written a lot about how important it is to negotiate with your credit card company to lower interest rates. The same holds true with a mortgage lender. Banks are not in the real estate business and they would like to keep it that way. So stay in contact with your lender, even if your mortgage has been sold several times. And don't wait until you get so far behind that foreclosure is looming. Even after one late or missed payment, contact your lender and come up with a plan you both can live with.
That's a big mistake. What people don't realize, is that the bank doesn't want to take your house any more than you want to lose it. If you find yourself a month or two behind on your payments, contact your loan servicer. You'd be surprised at how eager they are to help. The mortgage holder might be able to extend your payments, put you in touch with a counseling service, and possibly refinance.
I've written a lot about how important it is to negotiate with your credit card company to lower interest rates. The same holds true with a mortgage lender. Banks are not in the real estate business and they would like to keep it that way. So stay in contact with your lender, even if your mortgage has been sold several times. And don't wait until you get so far behind that foreclosure is looming. Even after one late or missed payment, contact your lender and come up with a plan you both can live with.
Posted by
L. Marie Dubuque
L. Marie Dubuque
Spending too much on spring planting? Get out of the winter doldrums with some great deals on tropical plant bulbs. Big savings on Canna, Caladium and Elephant Ear.
Feeling a little bit of the winter blues, I made my monday morning trip to Sam's Club for paper towels and laundry detergent. There, you wouldn't know it was the middle of January...Because In the center aisle alongside barbecue grills and lawn chairs were stacks of spring bulbs. At a price of 30 bulbs for 13 dollars, this was a deal I couldn't refuse. The package came with four Canna bulbs, 20 Caladium and six Elephant Ears. I've written before about deals I've found at Sam's Club, but this is one of the best I've ever seen. Or maybe I was so in the mood for something tropical that it just seemed too good to be true.
You see, my two weaknesses are plants and books. I spend way too much on both. Gone are those fancy gardening catalogs. From now on, I'm buying plants and blubs at discount stores. I can usually justify buying books because I turn around and sell them on Amazon. But recently, they have simply sat on those virtual shelves. No e-mail from Amazon, saying "sold, ship now." I really miss those e-mails because it means I can't buy any more books if my old ones don't sell. To me, this book-selling slow down signals we are in a recession. I know the so-called experts won't admit it. But if we're not in one now, we're pretty darn close.
I did see books on sale at Sam's Club. No, I better not.
You see, my two weaknesses are plants and books. I spend way too much on both. Gone are those fancy gardening catalogs. From now on, I'm buying plants and blubs at discount stores. I can usually justify buying books because I turn around and sell them on Amazon. But recently, they have simply sat on those virtual shelves. No e-mail from Amazon, saying "sold, ship now." I really miss those e-mails because it means I can't buy any more books if my old ones don't sell. To me, this book-selling slow down signals we are in a recession. I know the so-called experts won't admit it. But if we're not in one now, we're pretty darn close.
I did see books on sale at Sam's Club. No, I better not.
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