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!
Monday, September 29, 2008
Monday, September 22, 2008
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!
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!
Friday, September 12, 2008
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.
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.
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