General Tips

Ask the Readers: How Do You Fight the Winter Blues?

Ashley Jacobs — Tue, 26 Nov 2019 09:30:05 +0000

Many of us experience the winter blues as the days get colder and darker, some of us may experience it more severely as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Fortunately, there are steps you can take if you're feeling usually gloomy or lethargic, such as getting natural light whenever you can or doing moderate exercise.

How do you fight the winter blues? What works as a quick pick-me-up when you're feeling down?

Tell us how you fight the winter blues and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

Win 1 of 3 $20 Amazon Gift Cards

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Contest ends Monday, December 2nd at 11:59 p.m. Pacific. Winners will be announced after December 2nd on the original post. Winners will also be contacted via email.
This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered, or associated with Facebook or Twitter.
You must be 18 and U.S. resident to enter. Void where prohibited.

Good Luck!

Tell us how you fight the winter blues and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

This article is from Ashley Jacobs of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Ask the Readers: What Small Thing Brings You the Most Joy?

Ashley Jacobs — Tue, 16 Oct 2018 08:30:15 +0000

Editor's Note: Congratulations to Shelby, Queenie-May, and Ephraim for winning this week's contest!

People often say it's the little things that make life worth living: feeling the wind in your hair during your afternoon walk, sharing a laugh with your favorite people, or enjoying a good book at the end of a busy day.

What small thing brings you the most joy? What do you enjoy most about it? Is this something you seek out every day, or simply enjoy it when you encounter it?

Tell us what small thing brings you the most joy and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

Win 1 of 3 $20 Amazon Gift Cards

We're doing three giveaways — here's how you can win:

Follow us on Twitter
Tweet about our giveaway for an entry.
Visit our Facebook page for an entry.

Use our Rafflecopter widget for your chance to win one of three Amazon Gift Cards:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway Rules:

Contest ends Monday, October 22nd at 11:59 p.m. Pacific. Winners will be announced after October 22nd on the original post. Winners will also be contacted via email.
This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered, or associated with Facebook or Twitter.
You must be 18 and U.S. resident to enter. Void where prohibited.

Good Luck!

Tell us what small thing brings you the most joy and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

This article is from Ashley Jacobs of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Best Money Tips: 13 First Aid "Facts" That Aren't True

Amy Lu — Fri, 14 Jul 2017 08:31:10 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found articles on common first aid myths, legal ways to get Netflix for free, and ways to take charge of your job interview.

11 Ways to Make Living With Roommates Tolerable

Sarah Winfrey — Wed, 12 Oct 2016 10:00:11 +0000

Living with roommates is a frugal choice, and, especially in an economy where living expenses are growing more rapidly than paychecks, it's often a necessity. But that doesn't mean it's always fun.

We've all heard horror stories about sharing space with other people, and many of us have lived one or two of our own. Whether it's the roommate who starts growing pot illegally in his bedroom or the one who throws parties every weeknight, these are enough to make even the most frugal person think twice about choosing life with roommates. (See also: Avoid These 7 Things When Living With Roommates)

Even the best of roomies sometimes run into rough patches. Here's how to keep a shared household running smoothly.

1. Choose Carefully

Get to know the folks you're moving in with as much as possible beforehand to make sure your living habits are compatible. Make sure you like the space and the way it is (or is not) kept up, because that's how it will be when you move in, too!

2. Ask All the Questions

Whether you're interviewing a roommate for your place or you're the one being interviewed, it's easy to feel like you want to impress. Instead, ask all of the questions you're wondering about. Answers to questions like: "What time do you get up?" "What time do you go to sleep?" and "Do you always have to turn on the lights?" can make the difference between a peaceful roommate relationship and one that is stressful for everyone.

3. Make It Clear

If you want or need something from your roommates, ask for it clearly. It's easy to be frustrated with someone who inadvertently wakes you up every morning, but if you never explained that you're now working the night shift, you can't really blame them.

That's not to say that your roommates can (or should!) acquiesce to your every request, but you won't even be able to have a conversation about it if you aren't clear about your own needs in the first place.

4. Talk About Space

Many, many roommate conflicts have to do with differing ideas regarding space. Some people think it's okay to walk into any room where the door isn't locked, while others would appreciate a knock even if the door is open. Most assume they can leave their stuff in a shared space, while a few want that space kept sparse when not in use. Articulate your needs and wants regarding space and ask your roommates to do the same. If there's a conflict, decide together on how to proceed.

5. Make the Bills Easy

When everyone has to write a check or come up with the cash to split every individual bill, it's easy to get overwhelmed or forget to pay something. Instead, if you can swing it, designate one roommate the CFO for the house, and maybe give them a discount on rent, for the time they're putting in. Have them pay the bills for the month, then let everyone know how much they owe. When everyone is only paying once, it's easier to have everything covered.

6. Decide How to Clean

Whether you split up cleaning so everyone does something each week, or everyone takes a week, it's better to make a plan than to just assume everyone will do something. Because, you know what? They won't. Most people will walk right by a mess unless they know it's theirs to clean up. So plan your cleaning and avoid conflict.

7. Get to Know Your Roommates

Spend some time hanging with your roommates. When you know people as friends, and not just as that guy from the other room, it's often easier to live with them. Understanding how they are and why they are that way will help when a difference of opinion arises.

8. Expect Conflict

Whenever human beings are living and working together, there is going to be some sort of conflict. That's just the way it goes — whether you're in a roommate relationship, hanging out with friends, or in a marriage. When you think about it this way, it's easier to remain calm when conflict arises and to deal with it in a healthy, adult manner.

9. Be Proactive

If something comes up for you or changes in your life, let your roommates know, and ask them to do the same for you. Whether that means you might be moving or that you won't be able to clean the basement this week, letting your roommates know ahead of time will reduce feelings of betrayal or anger.

10. Figure Out Food

Food can be a huge source of conflict for roommates. There are a million ways to deal with it: everyone buys their own, everyone shares, some things are shared and some aren't, etc., but don't just assume it will be one particular way. Figure out what works best for everyone and then be consistent.

11. Be Flexible

Most of us know how we would want to do things if we had our own home all to ourselves. When you live with roommates, though, it almost always means that no single person has everything they want. If you know going in that you are going to need to compromise — and compromise a lot! — it will be easier to let some things slide, to speak up about what is important to you, and to figure out how to live life together.

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This article is from Sarah Winfrey of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

10 Personal Issues No One at Work Needs to Hear

Kentin Waits — Tue, 11 Oct 2016 10:00:12 +0000

Most Americans spend way too much time at work. In fact, according to a 2015 study by Gallup, the average work week for a full-time employee in the U.S. is 47 hours. Amid all that team-building togetherness, it's easy to blur the line between our professional and personal lives — and jeopardize our careers in the process. Protect your future by avoiding topics that can knock you down a rung or two on the corporate ladder. Here are 10 personal issues no one needs to hear about at work.

1. Legal Troubles

However unfair or inaccurate it may be, your ongoing legal issues imply two things to employers: You have poor judgment, and a litigious personality. Whether you're on the right side of the law or the wrong side, it's good policy to keep legal battles private.

2. Relationship Disasters

Messy divorce? Cheating boyfriend? Breakup that you just can't seem to get over? They may be part of life, but not part of appropriate workplace conversation. Rehashing your relationship disasters communicates that you have difficult time separating your personal and professional worlds — and that's a career-limiting trait.

3. Previous Employment Drama

No surprises here. Skip the stories about the boss who hated you, the coworker who stole your promotion, the office party that got out of hand, or the six-week strike you initiated. Employers tend to frown upon staff members with dramatic work histories, and they're rightfully concerned that certain types of employment issues might be contagious.

4. Sex Life

Tempted to break up a boring afternoon at the office with a tale of romantic misadventure? Abstain. Save the intimate details of your life for close friends, a night out with the guys or girls, or the journal in your nightstand. Beyond the TMI factor, you never know who's listening to your story or sharing it at the water cooler. Those amorous tales could be disastrous for your career.

5. Family Crises

Never-ending family issues suggest that you have a difficult time managing your personal life and setting clear boundaries — two qualities directly related to professionalism and productivity. Granted, nearly everyone deals with a sick kid or childcare challenges from time to time. Just make sure controlling the chaos at home doesn't become part of your daily work schedule.

6. Money Matters

Sure, we've all had a lean month here and there, but broadcasting persistent money problems at work won't get you very far. Besides making employers question your discipline and ability to manage budgets, chronic money issues hint that you may soon be looking for a higher-paying job.

7. Political Positions

Politics is a divisive topic, especially during a contentious election cycle. Though everyone has strong opinions, it's smart strategy to stay neutral from 9-to-5. We're all human; sharing partisan views can directly or indirectly offend someone and limit your prospects for advancement. (See also: 4 Financial Reasons to Keep Your Political Views Private)

8. Religious Views

Like politics, religion is a hot-button topic. It's extremely easy for a casual comment to negatively affect our professional opportunities. Assume nothing about the religious beliefs of those around you, exercise a high level of political correctness, and keep your personal beliefs out of the workplace. (See also: 5 Things Never to Bring Up in a Job Interview)

9. Health Problems

Ideally, every workplace would be filled with compassionate team members genuinely concerned about each other's well-being. Sadly, that's not the case. Discussing ongoing medical issues at work may garner some sympathy and even a more flexible schedule. Still, it comes with its own set of risks. Managers tend to offer new projects and promotions to folks who they believe can handle the extra responsibility, workload, and associated stress.

10. Obsessions

Revealing a bit about ourselves and our personal interests can help build stronger work relationships. Still, there's a fine line between mentioning a hobby and endlessly talking about a time-consuming obsession. Being too focused on personal pursuits may lead employers to think that your career is a third or fourth priority.

This article is from Kentin Waits of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Create a Reverse Bucket List to Improve Your Money Management

Sarah Winfrey — Wed, 14 Sep 2016 09:00:07 +0000

Having financial goals is a wonderful thing. And having lofty ones is even better, because it pushes you to see exactly what you can do — maybe even more than you'd ever thought possible with your money.

But, some days, having goals is just plain frustrating. When you're always looking at where you haven't gotten to yet or what you haven't yet achieved, it's easy to feel like you'll never get there, or like you aren't good enough. You might begin to wonder what the point of these goals is, anyway.

That's where the reverse bucket list comes in.

Make a Reverse Bucket List

When it comes to your finances, a reverse bucket list is simply a list of things you've already accomplished financially, or a list of goals you've already met.

My husband and I tried this recently. On our list, we put things like buying a house, getting away to Cancun last year, not taking on more debt despite several major expenses this year, and paying off my student loan.

Some of these things — like buying a house — were things that we had made into goals. They were things we wanted to do, things we saved to do, and things we accomplished over time. Others weren't explicit goals, like not taking on more debt. But we added them because they felt like financial accomplishments to us.

Take some time to make your list. Some items — like, for us, paying off the student loans — might be things that you accomplished years ago, so they may not be in the forefront of your mind. Give yourself a day or two to think over your list, coming back to add things when you remember them.

The Reverse Bucket List and Positivity

The first thing that we felt, when we looked over our final list, was an overwhelming sense of positivity. We have been discouraged lately. This year seems to have been one surprise attack after another when it comes to our money, and it's frustrating to work harder than ever only to see the balances go down.

When we looked at our list, though, we started to feel better about ourselves and the way we're living. We are still people who can make good financial decisions, as evidenced by the number of things we've accomplished in that realm. In fact, it's those decisions that put us where we are now — without any new debt — even though life hasn't cooperated recently.

Looking at our list has also made us feel more positive about continuing to pursue the financial goals we haven't met yet, even though we feel like our most recent progress has been negative. For each item on the list, we can remember the moment where it happened, where we felt proud and happy, and that motivates us to keep putting one foot ahead of the other.

Making this list definitely raised our motivation levels and helped us look at our situation realistically. Setbacks happen. They aren't necessarily a commentary on us or our intelligence or our financial prowess. And now, we feel like moving forward again.

Understanding Your Finances Through the Reverse Bucket List

Looking at our reverse bucket list also helped us find some patterns in our spending and saving that will help us as we move forward.

For instance, the closer I get to a goal, the more likely I am to pursue it wholeheartedly. When we were just about able to pay off my student loans, I stopped buying everything that wasn't extra. I could see victory, I could taste it, and I wanted it!

On the other hand, when I'm not anywhere near meeting any goals, I tend to spend a lot more haphazardly. If I feel like I will never get there, or I feel like we are just going to encounter another setback anyway, I figure I might as well buy what I want while I have the money in my hands.

Moving forward, we are planning to structure our goals differently, making them tiered rather than all-or-nothing. That way, I can always feel like I'm just about to achieve something, so I won't be as tempted to spend in any given moment.

Find What Motivates You

When we thought about our list, we also noticed that we are highly motivated by travel. When we saved for travel, we were able to save quickly, simply because we both really love to get on a plane and see somewhere new.

Now, when you have a mortgage and other student loans like we do, you can't just make all of your goals about traveling. But we realized that staggering our goals so that travel goals are included in every two or three things we save for would help us.

For instance, when we pay off my husband's student loans, we are planning a trip to New Zealand. We know that we can take that trip as soon as these other goals are met. Even if it takes us several years, we will feel more motivated knowing that the travel goal is coming up, even if the gratification isn't immediate.

A financial reverse bucket list won't solve all of your problems, but it certainly might make you feel better about your money situation and help you figure out how to structure your goals so they best suit you.

This article is from Sarah Winfrey of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

3 Sneaky Ways Identity Thieves Can Access Your Data

Damian Davila — Thu, 01 Sep 2016 09:00:05 +0000

You just can't be too careful nowadays.

From 2010 to 2015, identity thieves have stolen $112 billion from U.S. consumers. A staggering 13.1 million victims of identify theft lost $15 billion in 2015 alone. To curb more cases of identity theft, more and more issuers of credit and debit cards are transitioning their clients to cards with chip technology. (See also: 4 Ways Chip Credit Cards Make Life Easier)

Still, there are plenty of methods for criminals to get a hold of your personal information. Let's review three more ways thieves can steal your identity and how to protect yourself against them.

1. Mailbox

Snail mail can be annoying in more ways that you think. While receiving paper copies of statements of your bank accounts, credit card accounts, retirement accounts, or investment accounts can save you the cost of printing them out yourself, keep in mind that it also opens the door for potential identity theft. For example, all it takes is a thief to get a hold of a bank account or credit card statement and try his luck changing your mailing address and requesting a replacement card. Don't let somebody go on a shopping spree with your hard-earned dollars!

Another target inside your mailbox is any prefilled credit card or loan application. That little trash bin right next to the mailbox area in your apartment building is a gold mine for identity thieves.

How to Prevent It

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) recommends you avoid leaving mail in your mailbox overnight or on weekends. If you plan to be away from home from three to 30 consecutive days, use the USPS Hold Mail Service to schedule delivery of all mail on the day of your return.

Also, make sure that you deposit any mail containing personal information only on U.S. Postal Service collection boxes and securely discard any letters of preapproved offers of credit. You also can opt out of unsolicited credit and insurance offers by calling 1-888-5-OPT-OUT (1-888-567-8688) or visiting www.OptOutPrescreen.com.

2. Fake Public Wi-Fi

Whether struggling to keep your data usage within the limits of your existing phone data plan or trying to upload a perfect Instagram selfie during your trip to Italy, many of us can't resist the promise of free Internet from a public hot spot. Malicious hackers are aware of this and set up fake public Wi-Fi hot spots to lure users and steal their data.

Main targets are commuters doing work and exposing valuable information, such as lists of clients, business expense accounts, and invoices. If you think getting your identity stolen is bad, imagine exposing that of your clients or coworkers to cyber criminals. And those hackers don't have to be anywhere close to you: They can be up to 100 feet away and still get away with your identity.

How to Prevent It

Only activate your Wi-Fi port when you're about to connect to a known and secure Wi-Fi. Whenever possible, check the authenticity of a hot spot. For example, ask the reception desk attendant at a hotel or check billboards at a mall.

When using public Wi-Fi connections, don't visit sites related to your personal finance. If you absolutely must use a public Wi-Fi for work, only do so by connecting through your company's Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt all data during your session.

3. Email

You don't need to be a major celebrity for somebody to try hacking your email account. All it takes is the suspicion that you may have a lot of financial assets or are in the process of a major financial transaction, such as closing a mortgage, executing an estate, or applying for a student loan.

While you may think that it takes really complicated hacking skills to decipher a password, the harsh reality is that most people use the simplest of passwords. According to a list of over two million leaked passwords, the top five passwords of 2015 were:

123456
password
12345678
Qwerty
12345

Internet uses don't learn from their mistakes: The top two most commonly used passwords of 2015 were also the top two of the list from the previous year. Even worse, nearly three out of four individuals use the same password for multiple accounts. By unlocking your email password, hackers have a good chance of getting a hold of your other online accounts.

How to Prevent It

Microsoft recommends using passwords that:

Are at least eight characters in length;
Don't contain your username, real name, or company name;
Don't spell out complete words (sorry sports fans: football and baseball were #7 and #10 in the list of most commonly stolen passwords);
Are significantly different from previous passwords; and
Are different from passwords used on other websites.

Also, don't use your email to store documents containing sensitive information, such as your social security number or credit card number. If you need to exchange such documents, do so through the encrypted online portal of your financial institution. You'll know it's encrypted when the URL bar shows a "HTTPS."

Finally, learn to identify the meanings of the potential types of padlocks that your web browser uses, such as the green and gray padlocks of Mozilla Firefox.

Better safe than sorry.

Have you ever been a victim of identity theft?

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This article is from Damian Davila of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

8 Negotiating Skills Everyone Should Master

Kentin Waits — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 09:00:08 +0000

There was a time when a bit of haggling was expected in nearly every transaction — from the price of shoes to the cost of a loaf of bread. Sadly, negotiating is usually reserved for home-buying, the purchase of car, and used items these days. Still, knowing how to negotiate effectively can save you (and make you!) big bucks over a lifetime. Here are eight negotiating skills everyone should master.

1. Confidence

The relationship between buyers and sellers has been rigidly established from years of training and a culture where the price tag is almost always the last word. It takes a bit of fortitude to enter a conversation with someone over price, and try to get a better deal. If your confidence is shaky, start with low-stakes purchases at garage sales and flea markets, then work your way up to more significant purchases like cars or a house. (See also: How to Negotiate With Confidence and Strike the Best Deal).

2. Speed

Sellers want to move merchandise and they often embrace a "bird in the hand" philosophy to making a deal. With that in mind, sometimes simply being first is all the advantage you need. Keeping your ear to the ground, combing the classifieds, and being the first in line puts you in a position to beat the competition and walk away with great bargains.

3. Sociability

Great deals can be made between adversaries, but not between enemies. No matter what side of the negotiating table you're on, the ability to establish a rapport and keep things friendly and light will serve you well. Remember, negotiation is more of a dance than a death match. The best deals are those where both parties get to walk away relatively pleased.

4. The Poker Face

Imagine you've found the perfect antique hutch for a song at a local flea market. Congratulations. Now keep your emotions in check and start haggling. Remember, part of your leverage is not letting your enthusiasm show and subtly implying you have other options available. Admittedly, this is a fine line to walk and getting it right is more art than science. The key is to push just hard enough to sweeten the deal, but not so hard that it turns sour.

5. Patience

Negotiating can sometimes be awkward, especially for those new to the sport. Stay calm and try not to make the first offer. Why? Because if you're a seller, that price may be significantly less than the buyer was willing to pay. And if you're the buyer, that price may be significantly more than the seller was hoping for. I know, it sounds like a twisted game of chicken, but the person who throws out the first number is usually at a tactical disadvantage.

6. Creativity

Amazing bargains come in all shapes, so don't get hung up on just one way of striking a deal. Try bundling multiple items together for a better value or bartering goods for services and vice versa. Effective negotiation is a creative enterprise, so look for novel ways to make a great deal happen.

7. Preparedness

Successful negotiators may seem casual about it, but they're anything but. They've done their homework, know what an item is worth, know what they're willing pay and — most importantly — have cash in-hand to make a deal.

If you're negotiating the price of a gently used dining room set for example, avoid dropping this infamous line: "Sounds good, but I didn't bring any cash with me. Can I stop back tomorrow?" An unprepared buyer is simply being a flirt — one of the worst types of buyers for serious sellers. Usually, not being able to pull the trigger on a deal means all other potential offers are still in play (and you've wasted your time and the seller's time).

8. Determination

Negotiating can sometimes be a drawn-out process, so a little determination goes a long way. As long as both parties are engaged, keep the conversation going and try to find a middle ground that works for both parties.

A recent deal my mom made illustrates this point perfectly. In the market for a larger and more comfortable car, my 78-year-old mother negotiated at a local dealership for six full hours (seriously... the sales staff ordered lunch for her). Ultimately, she got the deal she wanted. Remember, if the terms aren't right, be willing to walk away (or in the case of my mom, stay for lunch, get your second wind, and keep on tryin').

Are you a skilled negotiator? What's the very best deal you've scored? Share your story!

This article is from Kentin Waits of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

8 Times You Should Never Feel Guilty at Work

Paul Michael — Thu, 14 Jul 2016 09:00:18 +0000

Guilt is not a fun emotion. When we forget someone's birthday, or hurt someone's feelings, we have every right to feel a little guilty. Similarly, if we miss a deadline or make another mistake at work, guilt is an appropriate emotion. But sometimes, it's just not necessary. Here are eight times when you should banish those guilty feelings once and for all. (See also: 8 Awkward Money Moments Everyone Has at Work)

1. Taking Time Off When You Need It

One of the big complaints the HR department has about its company's employees is that they don't take the appropriate amount of time off. In other countries, people take time off regularly, and the company encourages it. They don't want people to be burned out, or hating their job.

In the U.S., however, it appears that people don't want to take any time off because they're afraid of being laid off, or seen as not essential. This is wrong on so many levels. We need time off to recharge, and you should not feel guilty about taking vacation time, personal days, paid leave, or sick time. In fact, when it comes to the latter, use your sick time. Do not come into work when you're ill. Sitting at home feeling awful is one thing, but adding guilt to that mix of nasty symptoms is even worse. The company has figured time off into your position, you should take it without ever feeling guilty.

2. Leaving Early If You Worked Late the Day Before

Salaried employees have certain benefits. For instance, in most salaried positions, if you come to work for just one hour, feel ill, and go home, that counts as a day's work. You do not have to use any sick time. Similarly, if you put in a 14-hour shift on a Monday, and you have all your work done by 3 p.m. the following day, you should not feel guilty about going home. You should of course check with your manager first, but any reasonable boss will be more than happy to let you go early, and for good reason. They have just gotten a whole lot of work out of you, and if they want to see that kind of dedication again, they should be willing to be flexible with your hours. Even if you leave early a week or two after you put in a big shift, don't feel guilty. You have more than worked those hours.

3. Competing With a Colleague for a Promotion

A position has opened up at work that you really want. Then you find out someone else, maybe even a friend or boss, is going for the same role. Should you feel guilty about competing for that title? Absolutely not. This is business, and this is also your career. Concentrate on yourself and your own best interests first, and go for that promotion with all the drive and vigor you can muster. To quote Col. Jessop from the movie A Few Good Men, "We went to the Academy together, we were commissioned together, we did our tours in Vietnam together. But I've been promoted up through the chain of command with greater speed and success than you have. Now if that's a source of tension or embarrassment for you, well, I don't give a s**t."

4. Telling Someone They Have a Bad Idea

Hurt feelings are legitimate in some aspects of life, but they have no place at work. Too often, people feel guilty about telling someone they have a bad idea, so they don't. They say it's fine, or they say nothing at all. This is not good for the business, or the person that had the idea. By saying "your idea sucks" you are not saying that the person who had the idea sucks. Not at all. This is no time to confuse the two issues. A great person can have an awful idea, and it is not only okay to say so… it's essential. (So long as it's done respectfully.) Otherwise, terrible ideas gain traction, and before you know it, you have to deal with the fallout of that bad decision. Stop a bad idea in its tracks, and never feel guilty about it.

5. Reporting Someone to HR

There are many reasons to report someone to HR. It could be sexual harassment, racism, bullying, favoritism, illegal activities, or anything else that directly violates HR policy. It doesn't matter if that person is your boss, a friend, someone with a family, or any other reason that could put your guilt chip into overload. The fact of the matter is, they are doing something wrong, and if all other attempts to stop them have failed, talking to HR is nothing to feel guilty about. Of course, you should try to reach out to them first, if possible, and avoid escalating it to something that can have far-reaching consequences. If that falls on deaf ears, going to HR should have no guilt attached.

6. Refusing to Be More Than Colleagues

Some people at work will take a liking to you. They may want to be a friend outside of work. They may want to be more than a friend, and start a personal relationship with you. In either case, you should not feel guilty about rejecting these advances or requests. You may just want to keep your work life separate from your home life. You may, in fact, not really like that person and thing things he or she is into (and let's be honest, that happens a lot). At work, being polite and making it work is the right thing to do, but you should never feel guilty about letting someone know that you want to keep things strictly professional.

7. Reprimanding Someone (Especially a Friend)

It's not easy telling someone off. If that person is a friend, it's even harder. But you must not feel guilty about the admonishment. If someone gets out of line, makes a costly mistake, or acts in a way that embarrasses both you and the company, you must crack the whip. How you do it is up to you. There is no reason to be overly harsh or sadistic, and inversely, being too "nice" will reduce the impact of the reprimand to something forgettable. Find the line, and walk it well. Guilt should play no part in the rebuke — it's part of working life and if that person cannot handle it, they're clearly in the wrong career.

8. Blowing the Whistle

If your company is doing something illegal, unethical, or otherwise not correct within the organization, you should not feel guilty about blowing the whistle. There is a reason whistleblowing laws exist, and you have the right to be protected and expose any wrongdoing without it coming back to bite you. Yes, your actions may result in some people losing their jobs, but those people were doing something wrong. You cannot afford to feel guilty about that, even if they are really cool people who are fun to be around. Illegal activities can hurt everyone in the company, including you, and if you have the knowledge and ability to stop them from happening, do it. No guilt allowed.

What other scenarios should you never feel guilty about at work? Share with us!

This article is from Paul Michael of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

10 Ways You're Being a Terrible Neighbor

Kentin Waits — Tue, 31 May 2016 10:30:05 +0000

After family, friends, and coworkers, neighbors comprise one of our most basic social networks. Good neighbors keep a watchful eye on the community, help older folks live independently, pitch in when there's a local emergency, and provide many other benefits. That's why being a good neighbor is so important — and why being a terrible one is so damaging. Blissfully unaware of how you're viewed in the neighborhood? It's time for some critical self-review. Here are 10 ways you're being a terrible neighbor.

1. Moonlighting as a Mechanic

I'm all for saving a few bucks by repairing and maintaining your own car, but there's a limit. If your driveway features a permanent installation of automobiles on concrete blocks, you're probably annoying the neighbors. Remember, pneumatic drills and floodlights have a way of detracting from a neighborhood's charm.

2. Impolite Parking

According to data from U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey, only 2.5% of American households owned three or more vehicles in 1960. By 2013, that number had ballooned to 19.7%. Today, it's common for a family's fleet of vehicles to fill the garage, driveway, and a few curbside spaces.

If you must park on the street, avoid parking directly across from a driveway (it makes backing out difficult for the homeowner). And if you tend to park in front of the same few houses everyday, rotate your cars so your neighbors can catch a glimpse of an empty space every once in awhile.

3. Having Your Own Zoo

It's the trifecta of inconsiderate pet ownership: Allowing pets to run loose, not picking up dog waste during walks, and letting dogs bark at all hours. If you're guilty of any of these offenses, assume that each and every one of your neighbors is hoping you get transferred.

4. Letting Your Lawn Turn Into a Jungle

Sure, we all get busy and sometimes it's difficult to keep up with the pace of nature during the spring and summer months. Still, if you're not mowing consistently or you're letting overgrown branches obstruct sidewalks or streets, you're shirking your duties as a good neighbor. Forget the manicured lawn — just keep things relatively tidy and safe.

5. Burning Yard Waste

Though many communities have an ordinance against open burning within city limits, it's one of the most commonly-ignored laws on the books. If you're burning yard waste, you're reducing general air quality, bathing the neighborhood in trace amounts of carcinogens, and probably aggravating a few neighbors' chronic respiratory conditions.

6. Spurning the Shovel

If it snows in your part of the country, shoveling sidewalks is fact of life and an essential part of being a good neighbor. If you're not shoveling, you're creating an icy slip-and-slide that's particularly treacherous for young kids and the elderly.

7. Encroaching

Using even a small part of someone else's property creates instant ill will. Make sure your parking habits don't cut into a neighbor's lawn, your festive cookouts don't spill over into an adjoining yard, and your kids' skateboard circuit doesn't include 10 feet of the deck next door.

8. Explosive Celebrating

Legal or illegal, setting off fireworks of any kind won't win you a Neighbor of the Year Award. Fireworks disturb the peace, send pets into anxiety overdrive, set off sensitive car alarms, and fill the air with clouds of sulfur.

If you simply must vent your enthusiasm on the 4th of July, on New Year's Eve, or when your favorite sports franchise wins a game, try this: Shut yourself in a closet and blow a kazoo for a few minutes. Seriously. The sound is just about as pleasant and you get to keep all your fingers.

9. Not Securing Trash and Recyclables

Unsecured trash and recycling material gets blown around by the wind and carried off by raccoons. Avoid both by using quality garbage cans with tight-fitting lids and not setting out your trash too early on trash day. Also, promptly retrieve any loose items that the garbage collectors missed. Your neighbors will thank you.

10. Slamming Doors

This one's for all the apartment and condo-dwellers out there. Good neighbors don't let doors slam. Heavy modern doors that access stairwells, condo units, and common areas typically feature closure mechanisms for fire safety. Depending on how they're adjusted, these can cause doors to slam shut if you don't catch them first and soften the impact. No matter what time of day, slamming doors make every resident's life a little less peaceful.

Terrible neighbors have one thing in common: They're inconsiderate. They've lost sight of the fact that they're part of a community of folks who may not share their schedule, aesthetic sensibility, tolerance for noise, or appreciation for the fertilizing effects of dog poop. Transitioning from a terrible neighbor to a terrific one just takes a bit of self-awareness, some social graces — and maybe a kazoo.

Do you or your neighbors commit any of these unneighborly offenses? What's your biggest pet peeve about the people next door? Share with us!

This article is from Kentin Waits of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

10 Small Gestures That Go a Long Way at Work

Kentin Waits — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 10:30:22 +0000

If you've ever worked in an office environment, you know how hectic things can get. Looming deadlines, departmental goals, staffing issues, and customer service challenges can send stress levels soaring and morale plummeting. If your office needs an attitude adjustment, start your own nine-to-five pay-it-forward program. Not only will it help boost morale, it'll help you get noticed in all the right ways. Here are 10 small gestures that go a long way at work.

1. Tidy Up

Does the break room at your office look like a scene from Animal House? Take a few minutes to wipe out the microwave, empty the dishwasher, or replenish supplies. If you're brave enough to dig deep into the refrigerator, send an email notifying everyone well in advance and provide a clear deadline for claiming any unmarked items. (People get very attached to the science projects they've got growing in there.)

2. Feed the Machine

My favorite good deed is to make sure there's enough copy paper on hand and topping off the paper trays. The next person with an urgent, large-scale copy job will appreciate interruption-free — and panic-free — copying.

3. Brew It Up

Let's all agree — the world runs on coffee. Help everyone start their day off right by keeping this magic elixir flowing freely. Brew a fresh pot right before a big meeting or when you notice the supply running dangerously low. You'll be an instant hero and it might inspire some copycat kindness. Also, bringing in treats or doughnuts can give your coworkers a morning boost or turn the day around for someone who couldn't grab breakfast before dashing out the door.

4. Raise Your Hand

If your employer participates in charitable giving, volunteer to be the committee point person and spearhead your company's involvement with United Way, Habitat For Humanity, JDRF, or other worthy causes. Besides providing a valuable service, volunteering builds teamwork and taking a leadership role in volunteer activities can enrich your resume and expand your professional network. (See also: The 10 Best Networking Tips for People Under 40)

5. Get Social

Help your coworkers blow off some steam and avoid career burnout by organizing a group get-together. Work with management to schedule an off-site team building event, a potluck, or an end-of-the-quarter celebration. Remember, keep things light and make it fun.

6. Offer Kudos

Public acknowledgement of a job well-done is a simple, free, and powerful motivator. Send an email to your team as a shout-out to a colleague who pulled of a mini-miracle. Take it a step further by giving the coworker a stellar LinkedIn recommendation. Besides being the right thing to do, it's one of many ways to act like a leader and move your career forward.

7. Be the Minute Man (Or Woman)

Volunteer to take the minutes at the next company-wide or team meeting. It'll provide a welcome respite for someone and showcase your listening, organization, and communication skills.

8. Offer to "Uber"

Channel your inner chauffeur. The next time your team is scheduled to attend an off-site meeting or event, offer to drive. The commute will spark conversations and relieve a few people of the stress of paying for parking, fighting traffic, or walking long distances.

9. Give a Small Gift

Did a coworker pitch in to help you get a difficult project out the door on time? Show your appreciation with a $5.00 gift card to their favorite coffee or dessert shop. Remember, it's not the amount you give, but the gesture that counts.

10. Express Interest

In the busyness of business, it's easy to forget that we're all human. Though some people prefer to draw a clear line between their professional and personal lives, most appreciate a little blurring of the two. Peek over that cube wall and ask how a vacation went, talk about a shared hobby, or briefly share a funny story. A little interest helps pass the time and makes work feel... well, less like work.

What small gestures have made the biggest impression on you at work? What do you wish more people did in your office?

This article is from Kentin Waits of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Ask the Readers: How Do You Handle Rude Questions About Money?

Ashley Jacobs — Tue, 26 Jan 2016 16:00:04 +0000

Editor's Note: Congratulations to BRB, Suz_Glo, and Kristin for winning this week's contest!

It's more acceptable these days to discuss personal finances with relatives, friends, and even co-workers — but like with any conversation, tone and context matters. You may feel comfortable answering your mom when she asks how much debt you have as you're talking about loans, but not so much when a friend of a friend asks the same question at a party.

How do you handle rude questions about money? What happened the last time you had to deflect a money question that you didn't want to answer? Are there any money topics in general that you don't like to discuss?

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9 Reasons Alone Time Is Good For Your Soul

POPSUGAR Smart Living — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 09:15:11 +0000

My friends, family, and significant other? They are fabulous. We get along great, and I love being around them... most of the time. As a self-proclaimed introvert though, I have to admit that my alone time is just as precious to me. There are countless fun things to do alone, and while it's nice to have company, sometimes it's extremely refreshing to appreciate life from a perspective that's entirely your own.

I recently went on a weekend getaway in Southern California with just myself, a beautiful new 2015 Ford Mustang, and miles of open desert road. Whether it was the fresh air and warm sun or the endless hours of freedom I had at my fingertips, I came out the other end of my adventure feeling like a new person. If you're able to, take some time to yourself — whether it's just an for hour or for an entire trip — and see what it can do for you. Here are more reasons why alone time is good for your soul.

1. Being Alone Gives You Time to Think

Life can be crazy sometimes — crazy good, crazy bad, or just crazy busy — and it's easy to get caught up in your hectic week or month and forget to allow yourself time to process things. Being alone gives us the time we all need to reflect on important events and to organize our feelings about the things that have happened. Without this, we can get overwhelmed with all we are trying to juggle mentally, and this can cause extra anxiety and stress.

2. You Can Get Creative

There's nothing like putting on headphones, listening to your favorite songs, and getting down to work. It doesn't matter if you're a writer, an artist, a musician, or a software engineer; we all have creative outlets and we all need to nurture them as much as we can. Being by yourself gives you the motivation and the opportunity to open your mind and explore new ideas, then put those ideas to good use.

3. You Can Recharge

Being around people is both exhilarating and exhausting. It means having to constantly be alert and aware of what's going on around you and in conversations that require your full attention. Socializing at work and with friends is definitely a positive thing, but it can also be draining. When you're alone, you can use that quiet time to recharge and regroup. It's essential to do this so that when you're around people again, you feel refreshed, more energetic, and ready to interact.

4. You Get to Know Yourself Better

Spending time alone means taking your thoughts and feelings into account above anyone else's, and when you do this, you get to explore your personality in depth. The more time you get to know yourself, the more you'll find out just how awesome you are.

5. You Become More Independent

When you're alone, you don't have the option of depending on other people for their opinions, advice, or help. You call all the shots, and even though that can be scary sometimes, it also means you become more reliant on yourself — and this is a great thing. Being independent means being self-assured, so that you can bring that confidence to the table when you're with people, too.

6. You See and Hear Things You Wouldn't Otherwise

We often make idle conversation with people just to fill the silence, but when we're quiet, we can hear and see things we don't notice otherwise. We are able to appreciate the small things in life because we don't miss them when they happen, and being alone can help you pay more attention to those important moments.

7. You Get to Do Whatever You Want to Do

You don't have to make compromises with anyone on where to eat, what movie to watch, or what sights to see on a trip. You can spend all the time you'd like to doing exactly what you want to do, and while having company is sometimes welcome, going on your own private adventures can be just as exciting and fulfilling.

8. You're More Productive

It's easier to get more things accomplished when you're free from distractions — including people — and taking some time to yourself to put all your efforts into getting things checked off your to-do list can be extremely rewarding.

9. You Appreciate the People in Your Life

Absence makes the heart grow fonder, right? Taking some time away from the people in your life can help you realize how important and valuable they are to you. This break can renew your excitement for spending time with the people who you care about the most, and you will return from spending time alone happier and more enthusiastic about seeing them.

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Need an excuse for more alone time? Here are nine reasons it's good for you.

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This article is from POPSUGAR Smart Living of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

60+ Halloween Costume Ideas That Can Save You Money and Time

William Tran — Mon, 05 Oct 2015 21:00:32 +0000

It's that spooky time of the year again! Halloween is just around the corner, and with it comes the inevitable and difficult decision of what costume you're going to wear for this year's party. But fear not! We have ideas for the perfect costume on any budget.

20 Simple and Cheap Halloween Costumes for Kids

It's easy to get caught up in Halloween and become frustrated when a complicated costume goes wrong. Skip all that and go for simple and fun, instead.

20 Cheap and Easy Halloween Costumes for Adults

Halloween dress up is not just for kids. Preserve your dignity — and your budget — with these classic and frugal costume ideas.

15 Halloween Costumes for People Who Hate Dressing Up

If you think dressing up is a drag but still need a get up for a costume party, consider one of these low-effort, high-reward "costumes."

How to Make 8 Trending Halloween Costumes on the Cheap

Halloween is just a few weeks away! That's plenty of time to put together one or two of these clever, trendy costumes.

This article is from William Tran of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

20+ Things You Need in Your House to Keep Your Family Safe

Ashley Marcin — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 15:00:36 +0000

Is your home safe? Even if you don't have small kids roving around, it's a good idea to assess safety on the regular, and make sure that every room is prepared for the worst. With that in mind, here's a handy list you can use to examine some of the top concerns in each room of your house. (See also: 15 Cheap, Easy Ways to Make Your Home Safer)

1. Kitchen

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), cooking equipment is the cause of 40% of residential fires each year. Always keep a working smoke detector in your kitchen to alert you of fire. You can even purchase one with a photoelectric sensor that helps to reduce nuisance alarms.

You'll also want a fire extinguisher in the kitchen. Never used one before? It's easy. Simply remember the acronym PASS:

Pull out the safety pin;
Aim at the source of the flames from around six feet away;
Squeeze the trigger; and
Sweep the source of the fire until your extinguisher is empty.

2. Living Room

Think there's nothing unsafe about your living room? Well if you're a television-lover, you're likely staring at the problem right now. The journal Pediatrics reports that falling TVs send children to the emergency room every half hour. And prevention is as easy as mounting your television to the wall or securing it with a brace or anti-tip strap.

Beyond that, you'll want to cover unused outlets to make them safe for tiny fingers. If you regularly need to use outlets and don't want to fuss with removable covers, try installing electrical plate covers. These guys work by automatically sliding shut when you remove a plug. You should install outlet covers in each room of your house.

3. Office

Your office might host the vast majority of your plugs and electrical equipment. You likely have a power strip in the space — but is it safe? Remember that a power strip doesn't give the room more power, it just lets you use more of the available circuit. If you rely heavily on power strips, you might consider calling an electrician to install additional outlets in the room.

Switch basic cords over to surge protectors to protect your computers, printers, and other stuff against peaks in power from turning things on/off or even large surges from lightning. While you're at it, check all power cords for damage (if you have cats, you know exactly what I mean). You can use a split wire loom to inexpensively guard your wires against bites and other damage.

4. Bathroom

To protect yourself and young children from scalding water in the bathroom, you'll need to take a trip to the basement (or wherever your water heater lives). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends turning the setting down to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. It's as easy and turning a dial.

Otherwise, keep any electrical items — like hairdryers, shavers, curling irons, etc. — away from water and unplugged when not in use. Place an anti-slip bath mat inside your tub to safeguard the whole family against falls. You may even want to install a bath shower handle for extra protection and stability.

And keep mold at bay by putting in a bathroom fan.

5. Bedroom

The United States Fire Administration reports that more than 3,500 Americans die each year in residential fires. Another 18,300 are injured in fires. While you should have smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors on every floor, make sure you pay special attention to placing them near bedrooms. And check their batteries often.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) explains that fire can spread rapidly in your home. You may have as little as one or two minutes to escape in an emergency. Consider purchasing a fire escape ladder to keep in your bedroom and plan your escape routes accordingly.

The bedroom area also contains large dressers and other pieces of furniture. Protect little ones by installing anti-tip brackets. They're detachable to make cleaning a breeze but secure furniture firmly against a wall. To understand the real need for brackets, check out this PSA video made by the CPSC.

6. Basement

Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers across the United States. Did you know that most radon-induced lung cancers result from only low to medium exposure in the home, usually in the basement? Your house may have been tested before you bought it. If not, hire an inspector and — if your levels are high — have a radon mitigation system installed.

It might cost you a couple grand, but it's worth every penny if it saves your health.

7. Stairway

Researchers estimate that a child falls down the stairs every six minutes in the United States. Whether you have kids or animals running around your home, a stairway gate is an excellent way to keep them safe. They come in a wide variety of shapes, materials, and colors to match your preferences and decor.

8. Garage

Car exhaust is a major source of carbon monoxide, so never run your car inside your garage — especially if the door is closed. You might have several flammable materials sitting around too. The fire safety rules you use indoors apply to the garage as well. Keep fire extinguishers and smoke detectors in this area, and follow all other precautions.

And now is a great time to ensure your safety sensors are working on your garage door. If not, you can purchase replacements or chat with the company that installed your door.

9. Outdoors

Examine your deck each season to check for loose railings, rotting wood, and other defects. A mesh railnet can help prevent railing and balcony accidents by blocking access to any gaps your kids or animals might find. Those of you with multileveled decks and staircases can also install outdoor safety gates.

If you have a pool, you may be familiar with safety measures to prevent drowning while you're swimming. What about when you're not going for a dip? The CDC estimates that more than half of the drowning deaths among young kids could have been prevented by simple pool fencing. Keep your pool off limits when not in use. Fencing should be at least four feet tall to be the most effective.

What essential safety steps have you take in your home?

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This article is from Ashley Marcin of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

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