More Christmas at Less Money

I will always remember my favorite Christmas. My daughter was 4 years old and I had recently divorced her father. I could only afford generic toys and cheap wrapping. Yet, as she ripped the brightly colored paper off of each package her face lit u and she exclaimed "This is my favorite!" and "This is the BEST Christmas ever!"
She got what she wanted - a car for her dolls, dress up clothes and toys. She didn't care that it wasn't official "Brand Name" product. That was my concern, not hers.
There are so many things to give for Christmas that don't cost. I would like to give you a few ideas here. Then think up your own. You know your friends and family, I don't.

• Little Girls - I think they are the most fun. You can go to a thrift store and spend $5 or less on a used prom dress. Then get a couple of scarves in filmy fun colors for them to dress their babies up in. Put them all in a plastic storage container that you've decorated for them. This will seem so grown up to them and they will have hours of fun playing "dress up." When you do buy them a stroller for their favorite doll, a stuffed animal, etc - go to a discount store. Buy a generic stroller. They don't care, and if they do it may be time to help them understand gratitude.
• Little Boys - I don't have as much experience with these as I only raised a daughter. However, the rules are the same. Buy generic, buy from discount stores. Buy a box of little cars and help them set up a course from the gift boxes. Buy them FUN, not STUFF.
• Big Girls - Much harder. They understand the difference in generic vs real. And they think it's important to keep up with everyone else. So this may be a teaching moment. Let them be part of the choice. Tell them that this year will be harder than in the past. Ask them if they want second hand brand names or new generics?
  
• Big Boys - Not quite so concerned about brands, except in athletic shoes. So stay away from these. I was able to get a young man a generic (well known brand, but not THE brand) MP3 player and accessories for $40. Electronics are a good choice, simply watch the price.
• Adults - Easiest of all. What did you get last year? I don't remember, either. Only give presents to people that matter. Give of yourself - you time, your talent - not money.
• Yourself - Be kind to yourself. Take time for you. Enjoy your friends and family this season. Enjoy yourself.

These aren't ALL of the answers, but they are SOME of the answers. Enjoy.

You've Got to Get Around

Your car is spending more time visiting your mechanic than sitting in your garage. You have a 17 year old with a social life so active they absolutely must have their own transportation.

In other words, you need to buy a car. But you want to get the right car at the right price. Now, more than any other time in decades, you need to be sure that what you get will be safe, get good mileage and not cost you two years salary.

I am not a car expert, by any means. I do, however, have a lot of experience in getting high quality at a lower price. So let me share some not-so-secrets:

1. Don't buy new!
As most of you know, a car loses a huge chunk of its value the moment it drives off the lot. If you are always used to new cars, find a car that is either this year or last year and only has 1,000-2,000 miles on it. You will get the same quality without paying for it.

2. Research, Research, Research.
This should not be an impulse buy. And believe me, I have bought impulse cars. That's how I learned thse lessons. When you have an idea of what you want, either from TV commercials, driving around and looking at lots or by word of mouth, check them out. Compare cars, prices and amenities. You can do all of the at Vehix.com. They allow you to compare (and even buy). I suggest you test drive a car before you buy it, even if you find it online.

3. Don't be afraid to bargain.
My husband worked for a used-car dealership. It was a very well known and very respected dealership, one of the top three in the state. It was their policy to let a prospective client stand up and start to walk away three times before they made their lowest offer. If the client didn't walk away three times, the dealership got a higher price. This may or may not go on in other places, but car sales are down and you have done your research, so you will know just what to offer.

4. If you want to buy at a car auction, be knowledgeable.
I have put the link on the right for a report on how to buy knowledgeably at car auctions. This goes back to research. Click Here!

Have a Night Out - At Home!

Cut your cost of a night out by having it at home. We all know how important it is to make sure we date, whether married or not. But if you are a man you are starting to wonder if you can afford it, and if you are a woman you are starting to wonder how much of the check you are supposed to pick up in this day of the enlightened woman. Then, of course, if you are married you are quite certain you can't afford to go out at all!

So here is a way to truly enjoy "date night" without spending a lot. And let me speak to you as an adult. You may even find that being home at the right time of the evening may help the night turn out just right. I'm going to write this as if to a couple in the same household. However, please feel free to take the ideas and go with them wherever you want if single, coupled or married.

If you are a single woman and aren't quite sure how to set this up with a new man in your life, I found this great report by relationship Author Mimi Tanner that may help: Calling Men - Know When And How To Call The Man In Your Life Click Here!


I'm going to start something different in this entry. Instead of just giving you advice on the WHAT, I am going to start including some products I have found to help with the HOW. If you remember in one of my former posts, definitely do the things you do best, but you may need to find help on some of the things you aren't quite as good at. I only want to help you find them. Please feel free to use your own resources if you have them.

Now, on to Date Night!

1. Set the scene. Don't just walk in a room and say "Alright, let's do this." A date should always start out with a man walking up to a door with a gift in hand. Since we are talking about saving money, the gift can be something sweet and simple - a single flower, a candy bar with a ribbon, etc.

2. Turn off the TV. I've never been much of a music buff. In my car I listen to talk radio or books on tape. However, to have a nice evening, soft music in the background can be very soothing and help you relax. Whether a first date or a very married date, you should always be a little nervous on a date. It helps you to be on your best behavior.

3. Cook a nice meal. This is the hardest part for a lot of people. As for me, I can cook chicken in two ways, beef in three and several pastas. Not very romantic. So I found a great resource for ACTUAL RESTAURANT RECIPES that even I can cook: Click Here!

4. Remember successful conversations. In the beginning of relationships, we talk on the phone for hours - all about getting to know each other's hopes, dreams and ambitions. Then, later, we talk about our day, the kids, schedules, etc, etc. Take some time before your date to remember what you and your date used to talk about. Tell her how pretty she looks. Tell him how excited you are for his new endeavor, etc. DO NOT talk about little league, dance recitals, etc. Get together again by making the other person know you still actually care about them.

5. Have at least one After-Dinner Activity planned. My husband and I love to play Backgammon and Trivial Pursuit. Use the music in the background, clear some floor and dance. It opens up conversations for us and also helps us remember we are staying home on purpose, not simply to save money.

6. Enjoy your evening. This means relaxing, talking, laughing and remembering that you are A Man and A Woman, NOT A Couple. Turn on your computer screen to a fireplace scene, snuggle in front of it and communicate.

7. Say good night. If this means that it is only a new dating relationship and someone leaves after the dinner and games, that is wonderful! You have had a warm, intimate date and not only didn't spend a lot of money on it, but either enjoyed each other's company or decided that this was enough, thank you. If it means you both stay, let's hope it was enjoying each other's company. It took me many years to realize that even "Good Girls" could truly enjoy themselves with their own husbands. It may not be talked about, but luckily I found someone who wrote about it in a warm understanding way: Sexual Satisfaction For The Christian Wife Click Here!

Go forth and spend less - enjoy!

Our Future and the Recession

I heard something very amusing on a radio advertisement. They said that this Presidential Election would be the most exciting one in years! Of course we haven't had an election in years, buy why quibble about semantics?

But there is something fun about this election, no matter which side of the fence you are on. Let's face it, the first African American or the first Woman in the White House. Wow! We've almost forgotten that there are two regular white guys running, too.

Even though you may think that they are all alike and it won't matter who you vote for, let me tell you differently.

There are many employers, manufacturers, and other major businesses who are watching carefully to see who wins. This will have a lot to do with prices, wages, etc.

I can't tell you whom to choose. All I can do is implore you to CHOOSE. The future of this recession and our entire economy depends on it.

Money or time?

How to decide which to spend, and on what

You have so much to do, and so little time to do it. So you hire someone to clean your house, wash your car, run your errands, etc. That is, until you realize that you have spent all your so-called disposable income and now no longer have time OR money. Now what?

Let’s look into our crystal ball. It’s a while from now. A week, month, year. Suddenly you find yourself not making that extra commission money you were counting on. You haven’t had a raise in awhile and that Adjustable Rate Mortgage that sounded so good while you were buying your house is rearing its ugly head. I’m not trying to look at the bad side, only point out “what if’s.”

It’s time to make the tough decisions. We are going through a hard time in our economy. Even if you are making enough money to keep the Housekeeper and Personal Assistant, should you? After all, they need the money too, and they have the time to do these things. But we’re not talking about other, just you.

Make a list of things you pay other people to do. Everything from dry cleaning to changing the oil in your car. You notice, those are both things probably done better by an expert, but put them on the list anyway.

Next to these, put the time it would take you to do that task. It would take me three days to change the oil on my car, so that is what I put. But I found a product that I can use in my dryer to do basic dry cleaning, so I do some of that myself. Catching on? Write a long list. Next to these items, write down how much it costs to have someone else do it.

Now write a list of everything you do in a day yourself. Driving to work, answering emails, etc. How long does each take?

Put the two lists together. How much is your time worth? $10/hr? $50/hr? Are you spending your valuable time doing un-valuable things and your valuable money having cheap things done for you?

Quick example:

Done for me: Their Price: To do it myself:
Oil Change $30 $300
Dry Cleaning $45 $10
Housecleaning $75 $50

Can you see which you should decide to do yourself and which you should let someone else do?

Time is money, but so is cash.

How to survive Lay-Off rumors

Every couple of decades our economy goes through adjustments. We are starting a new one at this time. Companies are not replacing employees that leave. Many large companies are abandoning plans to open new branches. Rumors of layoffs are rampant.

Here are 7 steps you can start taking immediately to make sure that you and your family will be all right, even if those rumors turn out to be true.

1. Remember it is just a rumor
The only thing in an office faster than Broadband Internet is the office rumor. You were told that your co-worker heard that the Janitor was told by the boss’ cousin that ... Well, you get the picture. Take it all with a grain of salt until you hear something official by someone official. Your Manager, the Owner of the company, or someone else in authority.

2. Talk to your boss
The “someone else in authority” is usually your direct supervisor. They may be able to tell you flat out what is going on. If they sidestep the issue, this may give you the answer that you need. If they don’t know, ask them to find out so that you can be ready.

3. Start putting something away
It may be time to start tightening your belt. Are you paying a monthly storage on things you will never need again (things you can possibly sell)? Are you stopping for expensive coffees on the way to work, when you can bring one from home? Could you trade in bottled water for a purifier? Know what things are and are not essential to your life. Put the non-essentials away for now.

4. Research what is out there for you “just in case”
Look online, check with your contacts in other companies, start looking into a new career. Know that if you are no longer in the same position, you can go to a better job in a new place. Make sure that your resume is completely up to date and saved in both a professional looking format and text-only for online applications.

5. Know how to apply for unemployment and what you can get
Unemployment is not a bad thing. You have been paying into it just in case you ever need to draw from it. Wrap yourself around that fact and be prepared. Find out what paperwork you need in your state to apply for unemployment and where you need to go. Then find out just how much you are eligible for. This ties back in to knowing what you can live without.

6. Talk to your family
Don’t try to save your family from worry. Be upfront and simple with them. Let them know that rumors are going around and that they are just that – rumors. Make them feel like they can be of help to you and each other by letting them think of ways to start saving. Rather than tear a family apart, this can bring you closer together.

7. Relax
Once you know that you are ready “just in case” you can now go back to enjoying your job, knowing that even if the worst happens, you’re ready for the next step in your career.

7 Generics That Work - (And No One Will Know But You)

I have nothing against Brand Names. I will use them in this article with respect and admiration. These brands did the research, branding and marketing to become very successful. I am only going to give you alternatives to these, so that you can decide for yourself which is worth more to you, savings or labels. No one will know but you.

1. Prescription meds. The price difference, even with medical insurance, is staggering. I do NOT, however, recommend going outside the US for medication. For every legitimate company selling you real prescriptions, there are four or five that are selling you knock-offs that do not have what your doctor wants you to take.

2. Pain relievers. Over the counter pain relievers are a necessity in most households. What many people don’t understand are the ingredients. I will go through them briefly here. The next time you go to pick up a pain reliever, look at the two bottles – brand and generic – and compare ingredients. **Be sure to look at milligrams** You will be pleasantly surprised to find the same ingredients in both:
a. Tylenol – Acetaminophen – comes in regular, extra strength and PM
b. Advil and Motrin – Ibuprofen – comes in regular and extra strength
c. Aleve – Naproxen – check milligrams
d. Excedrin Migraine – Combination of Acetaminophen and Caffiene. I use the generic at the first sign of a migraine and take a couple throughout the day and it works great for me.

3. Pet food. If you are buying your dog and cat food at a pet specialty store, you can save a lot of money and keep your pets just as happy and healthy by buying at the grocery or discount store. I don’t buy generic cat food, but found that the major brands put good products in regular shopping stores.

4. Phone service. DSL lines, cable hook-ups, etc., have come a long way and have almost non-existent down time. You can have effective, cheap phone service with unlimited long distance. Check with your cable TV provider or go online and find out more about Vonage or MagicJack.

5. Food. Everyone’s tastes are different, so you will need to find good generic foods through trial and error. Read the labels and find out which of the major companies is producing that generic. Then buy what you and your family will eat.

6. Decorating Services. You want your home to look good. But you are not sure that a designer and designer materials are in your budget. Every major hardware store (Home Depot, Lowes, etc) has Professional Decorators on hand to help you pick out all of the best pieces and materials. They have free classes to teach you how to do it yourself, giving you even more pride in your home. They also do installation. Learn and grow and make your home beautiful.

7. Clothing. Spend a small amount of money on a Personal Image Consultant. Find out exactly what makes YOU look your best. Then you can shop sales, last season’s styles and some discount stores. And you will always look stylish, knowing what looks good on you, and not on some magazine model.

Loss of security brings about loss of security

What a way to start a blog, right?  What could that possibly mean?  Well, I'm glad you asked.  

In a time when we are told that we shouldn't worry that we can't afford the gas to drive to work, the groceries to make a lunch or the movie to help you relax after work,  we sometimes wonder why bother to go in at all?  We start to worry that there will be layoffs, that we won't be able to keep things together.

This loss of personal security is very invasive.  And it comes about from a loss of the physical security we've been experiencing these past years.  When we're worried about whether we will have a job and an income it affects us to our innermost core.  Then our personal security becomes at risk.

Over the next few weeks and months I will post advice and even have some 500 work articles for sale.  But I want to start off by helping you to drop your insecurities and to continue to live the life you are used to.

Okay, here we go.  I am going to give you an exercise.  As you notice things starting to change, come back and read stories and learn ways to live the same life while spending less money.

First things first.  Write down all of the things that are worrying you about the economy and how it is affecting you.  Make the list as long or as short as you would like.

Next, go through the list and draw a single line through all of the things that you have not control over.  The price of gasoline.  The cut back of work hours.  Things that you have no control over should have no control over you.  As hard as this is going to be, release them.  Understand that they are out of your control and that you need to put your energies into the things you can control.

Now comes the hardest part.  Everything that's left on your list - and there will be less than you think - look them over.  Feel secure in knowing that things WILL change for the better.  You don't need to know how, you only need to KNOW.  

Grab back your security.  If you are afraid of losing your job, talk to your boss.  Find out the truth above the rumors.  Even if you know for sure, you now have a starting place, rather than walking on tip toes.  Review your list.  You will be happily surprised when you realize you are crossing out more things that you have no power over and can spend your time on making your life better, with or without money.