Ahhh! The Money Crisis

This post is from guest blogger Brenda Schmerl:

Every day, it seems the financial news just gets more alarming — first, it was skyrocketing gas prices; then, the stockmarket took a dive; and finally, warnings from some leaders that an economic meltdown looms if we don’t bail out the big financial companies — to the tune of $700 billion! It’s hard not to get apprehensive whenever you turn on the news — so if you’re feeling extra nervous about money, we’ve got the tips you need to help calm you down.

I also want to know how all this financial turmoil is affecting you. Are you changing the way you spend and save? Are you trying to sell or refinance your house? Maybe you're looking to get a new job — or are worried about the one you've got? Add your comments here!

Egg-celent Ideas

After spending months, literally, trying to figure out what to do with leftover egg cartons (it's a long story that I'll share another day), I stumbled upon an article at FrugalVillage.com where DOZENS of uses for egg cartons are listed – toolshed organizer, loose change holder, travel container for jewelry, seed starters, desk organizer. The possibilities really are limitless. 

Tell me more! What do you do with those pesky egg cartons? What about milk jugs and oversize tin cans -- how do you recycle those?

Never Waste Money On Gifts Again!

I've been told that I'm an oddity when it comes to receiving gifts, in that I absolutely adore every single gift I get, from the blingy watch my husband bought for me a few birthdays back to the scribble drawing my three-year-old nephew created for me this birthday. I don't care what it is, as long as I get something. 

Cracking the Creditor Convo

Health Benefits that Benefit You…And Your Wallet

In the middle of the night my husband had an allergic reaction a couple of weeks ago to one of the ingredients in our favorite restaurant’s “secret ingredient barbecue sauce.” He needed to get to the emergency room asap, but (since we don’t have a car) he was hesitant for me to call an ambulance. “How much do you think our insurance will cover,” he managed to muffle out of his growing-by-the-second lips. Once again, we found ourselves nickel and diming our health benefits

According to Tracey Baker, a Certified Financial Planner, there are easier (and less itchy) ways to save money with your health plan. There are key financial decisions that we can make to put as much as $4,000 back in our bank accounts. Oh, what I could do with $4,000!

1.       Save with Mail Order

Many health plans offer discounts if you use mail-order pharmacies for routine medications. You could get a three-month supply of your drug but only pay for a two-month prescription.

2.       Go Generic

Last year, the average brand name prescription drug cost about $85 more than the average generic.  By switching just one prescription from a brand name drug to a generic, you could save more than $1,000 a year.

3.       Visit Your Doctor Online

Some doctors offer online consultations, which are often more convenient than in-person visits.  Talk to your doctor or your insurer to find out how to use online visits properly.  Virtual doctor appointments save you gas money, too!

For more information on making smart health benefits decisions at every stage of click on the “Navigating Your Health Benefits” tool at www.PlanforYourHealth.com.

Build a Water Park in Your Backyard

I haven’t been to a water park since I was 10-years-old, but I remember it being one of the most fantastic places to vacation. I thought of going back this summer – a reunion of sorts – but was shocked by the ticket price to get in.

I’m not going to let that stop me (or you) from having a jolly ol’ time! I’ve tracked down the elements you need to fake a fabulous water park on your own lawn. All you need to add is water (and a few kids, so you don’t look like the big, grown-up dork in your backyard on the slip n’ slide alone). 

Small World Squirt 'n Spray Fire Nozzle, $12, Target.com

Finding Nemo Wacky Water Mat, $30, Amazon.com

Banzai Skimboard Surfer, $40, Toysrus.com

Warehouse Club Pricing Codes to Know

I don’t have a car, so I don’t get to shop in bulk at those glorious warehouse stores as much as I’d like. But, don’t cry for me. I’m good at talking a car-owning friend into dropping me off and picking me up; and when I do, my favorite things to buy at Sam’s or Costco are salsa, wine, and batteries – in bulk, of course.

I just found out that many warehouse clubs have secret pricing codes to indicate an item’s status – re-ordered, cancelled, etc. For example, at Sam’s Club if a price ends in $0.01 the price has probably been recently reduced due to cancellation or to make shelf space for newer items. At Costco, look for prices that end in $0.97, as this may indicate a markdown and a great reason to stock up.

Know any other secret pricing codes that I should know to get my salsa, wine and batteries for even less? Do share!

Buy Furniture on a Budget

 Have you ever walked through a model home and thought to yourself: “The house is ehhh, I wouldn’t buy it. But some of the decorations and furniture inhere are perfect!” Me too.

Turns out, you don’t have to just lust over that cute dining room set! If you see something you like in a model home be bold and ask the sales office when the furniture might be available for sale. Such sales offer the model home furnishings for as much as 70 percent cheaper than retail.

How do you find these model homes? Go for a drive through the newer housing developments in your city, as these neighborhoods may still be under construction and still in the selling stages. Check out the websites below, too, which list model home furniture auctions/sales for cities across the country.

Buildersauctioncompany.com

Lagesseauctions.com

Extrafurniture.com

Calling All Kitchen Beauticians...

I tried making soap a few years ago. The idea itself was solid–I’d create pine scented, antibacterial soap for hands that I’d wrap up pretty and dole out as holiday gifts. The end product was a disaster. It wound up smelling like toilet bowl cleaner. Ack! And that, ladies and gentlemen, is when my soap-making days ended.

I know that some of you may have kept at it. You might even have a really innovative product/concept on your hands – an idea that may be a hit with your friends and family, but one that you don’t have the funds to market to the masses. My suggestion: If you’re a beauty entrepreneur ready to take your product to the next level, submit it to Breakthrough in Beauty, a company that searches for novel beauty innovations and then markets them for you. If you win, Breakthrough in Beauty takes your undiscovered idea, incubates it and provides it with growth opportunity and guidance.

They’re currently looking for the next big thing in color cosmetics. Still, all submissions – from foot butters to bar soaps (the bars that don’t smell like Pinesol!) – will be accepted.

For more information visit breakthroughinbeauty.com.

Take Flight…On the Cheap

With airlines digging deeper into travelers’ wallets (on some aircrafts we now have to pay extra just to fly with a suitcase? Puh-lease!), the days of cheap flights are long gone. Right? Not quite.

My favorite airline (because they have TV’s in the backs of every seat and for a nominal fee they let pets fly coach!), JetBlue, just slashed their autumn fares to start at the VERY low price of $39 each way for travel between September 3rd and October 31st that is booked by June 26th.

What are you waiting for? The season finale of So You Think You Can Dance? Watch it on the plane...with your cat!

p.s. Enter the promotion code OCTJET2 when booking for an extra 10% of JetBlue flights.

With its rising costs, what are the other ways you plan to save on flying? Click here to tell us!

The Lost Art of Bartering

There’s a weekend flea market in the school yard across the street from my apartment. Vendors sit under umbrellas selling the usual fare – antique furniture, hand-crafted jewelry, homemade cookies.

Then there’s “The Lady in Red.” She is dressed in, well, red and sits cross-legged in the center of a large white sheet surrounded by a variety of baubles (cups, candy, mini-heart pillows). Her wares have no rhyme or reason (other than the fact that they're mostly red) and I recently found out why after trying to buy a cute pair of crimson hope earrings from her. “The Lady in Red” does not accept money for any of her items. If you see something you like, you trade her something of yours – as long as it’s red and/or white.

I ran home and scrounged around for something worth trading and decided upon a red and white popcorn bowl I’ve had lying around, but have yet to use. The Lady in Red was pleased with her new acquisition – as was I!


What’s the best barter/trade you’ve ever made? Click here to tell us about it!

Voluntary Blackout Day

It started on Valentine's Day. My honey and I decided to splurge on dinner at one of those super swanky French restaurants where the prices go up as the portion sizes go down, plus two tickets to see my all-time favorite crooner, Rufus Wainwright. Needless to say, it was a budget-busting night. Fearing a month's worth of ramen-noodle dinners to undo the financial damage, I was relieved when toward the end of an amazing set, Rufus introduced Blackout Sabbath (blackoutsabbath.org), a master plan to help the environment — and your electric bill.

Here’s how he explained it working: On June 21, from noon to midnight, pull the plug on your household appliances (especially that money-guzzling air conditioner!), grab a picnic blanket and head outside! Then sit back, relax and enjoy the savings. (You'll find me celebrating with a cooler and some sandwiches at the beach!) When the clock strikes 12:01 Sunday morning, reflect on all those nonessential gadgets that suck up power — and your hard-earned dollars — all day, every day. Is that 24/7 slideshow on your digital photo frame really worth the cost?

What fun energy-saving activity will you be enjoying this summer?

[Our guest Discount Diva of the day, Nicole Sia (pictured to the left), is an assistant editor at Quick and Simple who spends her freetime cruising the deal sites for bargains. Best score to date? "When I moved into my new apartment two years ago, I managed to scout a gorgeous 65-piece flatware collection for $20 and a classic white dish set for $25 on slickdeals.net -- with free shipping! Obviously, we hosted a dinner party to celebrate!"]

5 Ways to Get Free Gas

I want to go on a road trip (it’s been one of those big ideas in the back of my mind since my 16th birthday) – just a few friends, a comfy car, and me driving the open road from New York to California. Unfortunately, my dream vacation has remained on the backburner due to rising, rising, rising gas prices.

Now, though, there’s hope on the horizon. This summer there is a ton of promotions/deals that may ease the ouch-factor at the pump. Here’s how to get your free (yes, free!) gas:

BOOK A NIGHT AT A HOTEL
Hotels like Comfort Inn, EconoLodge, Clarion and Sleep Inn (choicehotels.com) will give loyal lodgers (i.e. if you book with the same hotel for three separate stays) gas cards over the summer.

CARPOOL
Many states and local agencies are giving gas cards to commuters who promise to share a ride. New Jersey’s Carpooling Makes Sense Program gives $100 in gas to drivers who pledge to 24 days of carpooling within two months. Meanwhile, San Mateo County in California is offering $60 for carpools ($80 if it’s a hybrid carpool) for a 2-day a week commitment during an eight week period. Check your local/state government offices to see if there are offers available in your area.

OPEN A BANK ACCOUNT
Some banks like TCF Bank (tcfbank.com) are giving new customers free gas cards just for opening a checking or savings account. Other financial institutions like Flagstar (flagstar.com) gives clients $100 in free gas for putting their money in a CD account. Before settling on a bank, Google ( “BANK NAME” + “FREE GAS”) the prospects to see if they offer gas cards to newbies.

RENT A CAR
Going on a trip? Skip airfare, avoid long lines and leave your everyday ride in your driveway. Some car rental agencies, like Hertz, are offering free tanks of gas with specific car rentals.

BE A DRIVING ADVERTISEMENT
Pull in $40-400 a month by sticking a sign for Gypsybug.com (an online classified company) on your car and driving around town as normal. If you’re a frequent driver, join Freegashelp.com, where you can choose to advertise for participating companies via door magnets, complete vehicle covers, and everything in between. The payoff? Up to $200 a month for gas!

I’m a “Little Lamb”

That's right. When monthly bill time rolls around, I get quiet, preferring to let my husband initiate the paying of them. I'm the most casual (yes, I'll admit it) checkbook balancer you'll ever meet. And, since I'm being honest here, I'll tell you that I cringe at the thought of talking with the bank or creditors about my money over the phone. I'm that girl who has a 401K, but I couldn't tell you how much is saved in it.

According to Susan McCarthy, financial adviser and author of The Value of Money, these characteristics (and a host of others that are too embarrassing to mention) make my money personality a "Little Lamb." Sounds nice.

But, "nice" isn't what you want to be when it comes to your money, notes McCarthy. I need to be assertive. I need to be outspoken. I need to take charge (and not just of the fun money stuff like bargain shopping for new summer sandals ... eh, which I need to do tomorrow!). I need to be an active member in my money matters; not a passive onlooker watching money float in and out of my pocketbook.

To bring it back to animals (as oddly-fitting as it may be) -- instead of a little lamb, I need to be a lively lion. I started working on changing my money personality a few days ago by checking in on my 401K. It was actually a pleasant surprise. And, when bill time comes back around in a few weeks, I will get the ball rolling instead of waiting for that nudge.

Is that a roar I hear?

What's your money personality and would you change it if you could?

Drive Cheaply

I hate to harp on the gas crisis…again! But, I heard on the radio this morning that if things stay on the path they are going, gas could top out at an average of $10/gallon. Yes, $10! That’s just plain crazy. I’m not the only one with transportation on the brain. Chuck Squatriglia of Wired magazine’s Autopia blog (http://blog.wired.com/cars/2008/05/the-ultimate-pr.html) recently wrote about the benefits of buying a used car over a hybrid car. “You don't need to buy a Prius (which consumes the equivalent of 1,000 gallons of gas before it reaches the showroom) – or any other hybrid, for that matter – to get great fuel economy and minimize your carbon footprint,” says Chuck. A used car (Chuck recommends something from the 90’s, like a Geo Metro, that averages 30-40 miles per gallon) is cheaper than a hybrid and just about as efficient. I never thought I’d say this: Honda Civic, you’re my new dream automobile!

Why Didn’t I Think of That? A Mani-Saving Sponge

It never fails. I’ll spend two hours primping and polishing my nails (I slow down when I use my left hand) and the next day, after washing a sink-full of dirty dishes, I’m already chipping. I’ve tried all of the topcoats and chip-proof polishes I could get my paws on, to no avail. I just got wind of this new dishwashing sponge, the Scotch-Brite Ultra NailSaver Absorbent Scrub Sponge ($2), which will be popping up in grocery stores next week. The nifty sponge comes with groves in the sides where your nails rest safely instead of scratching up against the cast iron pot you’re cleaning. Love it!

Who Needs Clorox When You’ve Got Coca-Cola?

Remember when I wrote about subbing vinegar for dishwasher detergent a while back? It turns out vinegar isn’t the only oddball cleaning solution. Did you know cherry Kool-Aid removes tarnish from brass? And that Coca-Cola cleans coffeepot stains with ease? J.A. Young over at doityourself.com has a whole list of these interesting “cleaning supplies” for you to try out.

Don’t forget to come back and tell us what works...and what doesn’t!

My Mom's Number One Money Lesson: PAY CASH

When my dad gave in and co-signed a JCPenney store credit card for me on my 17th birthday (in his defense, I had spent months begging him for this present), my mom was red-hot mad. Back then I didn't understand why she was angry. "What's the big deal?" I asked. "I have a job. I'll just pay the balance in full every month." She told me that in 10 years I'd regret that store credit card. She was right -- I'm still making payments on it!

Mom learned the hard way: She amassed thousands of dollars of credit card debt over 15 years when she herself was younger. To this day, she is working hard to whittle away at that debt. One day when I was in college, I realized how much the obligation -- and not just the money -- troubled her. She pointed to her floral living room set (the one we only sit on during special occasions) and said, "That's not mine. Neither is the Nissan Maxima in the driveway." In my naivete, I asked her whose stuff it was -- she'd had both for well over five years -- if it wasn't hers. "It's Visa's," she said. We both laughed, but I understood what she was really saying. When you work so hard, you want your stuff to be your stuff, not the bank's or a credit card company's.

I've finally learned my lesson and am pleased to say that, while I have them for emergencies, I haven't used any of my credit cards for frivolous/everyday purchases in three years! It hasn't been easy, as I've had to forgo many fun things -- dinners, movies, clothes -- that I couldn't afford with cold hard cash. But I've grown to appreciate the things that I do have because I know that they're really, truly mine, and not some financial outfit's. I earned them myself through my own hard work.

What did your mom teach you about money that will stick with you forever?

Somebody's Treasure is Somebody Else's Treasure

Freecycle, the massive mailing list where people give away free items they no longer want or request items they need in cities across the country, just got even better.

Now through May 4th, Yahoo! will be plugging Freecycle with giveaways as part of their Earth Day promotion, Free is Good.

Here's how it works: After you sign up with a local community here HERE, start watching the offered freebies that begin to pour into your inbox from your neighbors. Hidden within these messages are hundreds about "Earth Day treasures." Reply as instructed and if you're the first to respond by email, you get the free goody (think: smart cars, vacations at eco resorts and Sheryl Crow concert tickets)!

Tell us if you win!

It’s "Best Things In Life Are Free" Day!

Sponsored by 1-800-Free411 (free directory assistance/directions), today (April 11th) is the day we get to throw a party (cake and ice cream, anyone?) for all of the great things in life that are free. You know, like those free days museums host sometimes or free meals at your favorite restaurant on your birthday. To commemorate the day, I've made a list of all of my favorite no-money-needed things I've encountered in my life.

What do you have to add to the list?

1. A free, annual scoop of Ben and Jerry's ice cream on April 17 (www.benjerry.com)
2. Free Product Samples (www.thefreesite.com)
3. Free Tech Support (help.protonic.com)
4. Blood pressure screenings at supermarkets and pharmacies
5. Home maintenance tips and advice for do-it-yourself projects at free in-store clinics provided by your local Home Depot (www.homedepot.com)
6. Old couches and other home furnishings found at The Freecycle Network (www.freecycle.org)
7. A copy of your credit report to make sure everything is as it should be (www.freecreditreport.com)
8. Books and media from your local public library (www.librarysites.info)
9. A day at the museum on free admission days
10. Online courses offered by MIT (www.ocw.mit.edu) or lessons on how to run a small business (www.sba.gov)
11. Classes offered at your local Apple store on business and entertainment software, music programs and computer basics (www.apple.com)
12. 1-800-FLIGHTS: 1.800.Flights is a new media company providing flight status by phone for nearly every commercial passenger flight arriving and departing the U.S. daily. (www.1800flights.net/index.html)
13. Hire your own (virtual) personal shopper that sifts through millions of products from your favorite stores and brands and proposes a selection of "just what you wanted" items (www.personalshopper.com)
14. Take advantage of a convenient way to find your next companion without having to leave the comfort of your own home (www.petfinder.com)
15. Receive the week's top travel deals straight to your inbox. It's like having your own personal travel agent - free of charge! (www.travelzoo.com)
16. Discover new bands that are tailored to your personal music preferences and listen to them for free over the internet (www.pandora.com)
17. Manage your money by taking advantage of walk-in financial advice from retail locations of investment banks like Charles Schwab (www.charlesschwab.com)
18. Build your new bathroom without breaking the bank by borrowing tools, equipment and "how-to" instructional materials from your local library (yes, library!) (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tool_lending_library)
19. Show your smarts by avoiding paying for pricey, premium textbooks and downloading them for free (www.freeloadpress.com)
20. Save time on figuring out who to vote for by getting a free evaluation of your political stance (www.selectsmart.com/president/2008)

Local Color

Ever wonder how flowers ordered online can land on your friend or family members' front door the next day? Simple -- the online retailer you purchase from calls a flower shop in your recipient's hometown. That flower shop is who puts the bouquet together and delivers it, fresh and vibrant. Well, it makes sense to cut out the middle-man, and call a local florist yourself. You'll save money, and if you visit Locate-A-Flower-Shop.com you'll save time, too!