We've been scouring the web for absolutely free credit scores. So far, only Quizzle and Credit Karma provide them for free. These are Experian and TransUnion scores, respectively, and not FICO scores.
I used to think that life insurance as an investment didn't make a lot of sense. However, it appears that no one trusts the stock market these days. Insurance as an investment vehicle may make some sense, but make sure that you talk with a professional.
Dollar Financial Group (DLLR) - parent company of the Money Corner and other check cashing stores throughout the world pushes these cards these like crazy on people (especially of lower income) that come into to get their checks cashed. But each associate gets paid out a bonus of $5 for each card sold. I think the customers should be aware that the person behind the counter is pushing them because they are getting a payback for each card sold.
I save by switching to generic brands for some grocery items, always buying sale items, and stocking up (plus using coupons) when timing is right. As for clothing, electronics, consumer goods I always comparison shop and never buy things at full price.
I think that costume idea is really creative! Small cardboard boxes could be added for croutons, or purple balloons for grapes. Thanks for sharing that easy costume idea!
That's great to hear Anne! Congratulations on selecting a new healthier lifestyle. When I used to go to the gym, I think the mental well-being was the biggest "ROI." I just generally felt like a better person because I know I'm taking efforts to protect my body.
Those kick boxing classes look like fun, though I'm intimidated because people in those classes usually already are in very good shape. I don't know if I'd fit in.
Don't forget to enter your comment into the contest via the link to HP above! To enter the contest you have to go to HP's site: http://bit.ly/hp_roi
I love my Timberlands (also had them since high school). Like you, I don't get much use out of them living in Los Angeles. But whenever I wear them I feel a bit like an action hero, like I can walk through anything. Plus they make me a weeeee bit taller.
My greatest ROI would be my $44/month gym membership. I originally joined the gym to lose a few pounds and to gain some muscle tone, but I was surprised at the unexpected benefits. I have dramatically improved my immune system, overall physical health, and mental well-being. Also, I am able to take kick-boxing classes at my gym, which has allowed me to learn some self-defense moves. As a result, my self-esteem and confidence have improved because I know that I am now physically stronger.
My costume that I'm planning is fairly cheap and easy: a garden salad.
1-3 green plastic tablecloths from dollar or party supply store, bunched up with duct tape and taped to a green shirt.
Red balloons for cherry tomatoes.
That's all I'm probably going to do, but it can be customized further with more salad fixins.
My favorite place to get Halloween costumes is Goodwill. There is just a huge selection of clothing, shoes and accessories. Its very inexpensive and when you are done, you can donate the items.
Some notable costumes I've made from items purchased at Goodwill include: 'Steve Urkel', 'Prince', and 'Yo' Babies Mama'...good times!
We save money by clipping coupons and combining sales (I've saved at least 50% of my typical grocery budget, which includes food and toiletries, by doing this). Also, we're pretty good at differentiating between needs and wants, so we think about our purchases beforehand.
I make a grocery list that includes mostly the perimeter of the store. I buy most produce on sale and get a rotating variety. When I'm in the store, I use a calculator. I tend to scrutinize the other items, usually snacks--for instance, crackers. Sometimes I buy on sale, sometimes I pick them up and think, "I can make these quickly from a few ingredients I already have..."
I have two different jobs, so one paycheck goes to regular monthly expenses and the other goes to saving for future stuff - travel, emergency, general savings.
@Jessica
Thanks for the comment. I know that those who ask for tips are doing that to earn a wage. I’m not bothered by those who work for tips, but the system. I do tip. What I’m saying is I love traveling in places like Japan when people do a great job helping you and don’t expect to be tipped. The reason they do so is not because they are better people, but because they are paid better by the organizations that employ them. Personally, I like places that have non-tipping system.
I don’t recall suggesting that people under-tip because that is not what this post recommends. Again, the main point here is when you travel in America remember you will need to tip people so budget for that.
Clearly the way to save is to make a budget. That is the only way to create some sort of priority of which things to buy and which don't get bought.
Beyond that, I try to only buy the things I really want. I try to keep in mind how many hours I need to work to bring home $50 (after taxes). Then I have a better basis when I ask myself whether or not I really want to buy something. Is this item worth X hrs of work? (BTW - I try to do the same thing with calories. Is this worth 100 sit ups?)
Wow! Great timing! My husband and I were just about to commence a deal with Get It Digital and yes, unbelievable prices. Thank you for saving a great deal of peace of mind!
I'm not a financial adviser, but I must say this sounds like a horrible idea. You should talk to a fee only (non-commission!) financial adviser on what is the best option. Especially since the intricacies of your goals and the tax implications therein (as well as timelines, etc.) cannot be summed up easily in the comments section of this blog. Please do yourself a favor and hire a financial adviser. Not a CPA or a lawyer (though maybe eventually they may be needed). An adviser who doesn't receive a large commission up front can advise you on the best way to handle this transaction or series of transactions.
Halloween is a perfect time to pull out that terrible bridesmaid dress you were forced to wear over the summer.
Ugly Stepsister - Put on your most glamorous makeup and add a set of “ugly teeth”. Whenever someone asks who you are, just smile and let them figure it out.
Devil in a Blue Dress - If your bridesmaids dress is blue – pick up devil horns, a pitch fork and tail.
Stephen King’s Carrie - Grab a tiara and apply red body paint to your face, hands and dress.
Play on Words - Make a pageant type sash to put over your dress. You can be:
* Miss Cellaneous
* Miss Demeanor
* Miss Stake
* Miss Informed
* Miss Appropriation
Titanic Survivor - Wear a life vest, lots of drippy jewelry and slick back your hair with gel for the wet look.
It depends on when you want the other children to receive their share. If you want them to receive the money at your husband's death then, yes. If you want them to receive the funds after both of you have passed then you should utilize a Survivorship (2nd to die) policy because the premiums are much cheaper.
Another option could be to simply purchase the much cheaper term insurance (there are 10, 15, 20, and 30 year policies available) and set up a plan to pay off the siblings over the same time period. For instance, your son buys a 20 year term policy for $300,000 on your husband while simultaneously making yearly payments to his siblings in the amount of $5,000/year. If your husband passes during the payoff period then the policy pays out $300,000; otherwise, the policy expires after 20 years and the siblings have been paid off.
Regarding using the free Redbox codes, you are correct in pointing out you can use each promo code once on every credit card you own. It doesn't even have to be a "real" credit card. You can use debit cards and even those rebate cards (you know, the card they send you for a mail-in rebate where they used to send a check) as well. My issue isn't having enough cards; it is finding enough movies I'd actually want to watch to use all my cards.
We've been scouring the web for absolutely free credit scores. So far, only Quizzle and Credit Karma provide them for free. These are Experian and TransUnion scores, respectively, and not FICO scores.
Eliminate all unnecessary spending, and determine the definition of "unnecessary" with brutal objectivity.
Its the only concept you'll need.
I used to think that life insurance as an investment didn't make a lot of sense. However, it appears that no one trusts the stock market these days. Insurance as an investment vehicle may make some sense, but make sure that you talk with a professional.
Dollar Financial Group (DLLR) - parent company of the Money Corner and other check cashing stores throughout the world pushes these cards these like crazy on people (especially of lower income) that come into to get their checks cashed. But each associate gets paid out a bonus of $5 for each card sold. I think the customers should be aware that the person behind the counter is pushing them because they are getting a payback for each card sold.
I save by switching to generic brands for some grocery items, always buying sale items, and stocking up (plus using coupons) when timing is right. As for clothing, electronics, consumer goods I always comparison shop and never buy things at full price.
I like the idea of Goodwill costumes too, you can donate them right back when you're finished.
I think that costume idea is really creative! Small cardboard boxes could be added for croutons, or purple balloons for grapes. Thanks for sharing that easy costume idea!
What a wonderful way to reuse "occasional" items like bridesmaid's dresses! Thanks for sharing all of those terrific ideas.
That's hilarious! It's funny how the most mundane item, a square box, brings out the creativity in people.
this is funny and cute
That's great to hear Anne! Congratulations on selecting a new healthier lifestyle. When I used to go to the gym, I think the mental well-being was the biggest "ROI." I just generally felt like a better person because I know I'm taking efforts to protect my body.
Those kick boxing classes look like fun, though I'm intimidated because people in those classes usually already are in very good shape. I don't know if I'd fit in.
Don't forget to enter your comment into the contest via the link to HP above! To enter the contest you have to go to HP's site: http://bit.ly/hp_roi
I love my Timberlands (also had them since high school). Like you, I don't get much use out of them living in Los Angeles. But whenever I wear them I feel a bit like an action hero, like I can walk through anything. Plus they make me a weeeee bit taller.
My greatest ROI would be my $44/month gym membership. I originally joined the gym to lose a few pounds and to gain some muscle tone, but I was surprised at the unexpected benefits. I have dramatically improved my immune system, overall physical health, and mental well-being. Also, I am able to take kick-boxing classes at my gym, which has allowed me to learn some self-defense moves. As a result, my self-esteem and confidence have improved because I know that I am now physically stronger.
My costume that I'm planning is fairly cheap and easy: a garden salad.
1-3 green plastic tablecloths from dollar or party supply store, bunched up with duct tape and taped to a green shirt.
Red balloons for cherry tomatoes.
That's all I'm probably going to do, but it can be customized further with more salad fixins.
My favorite place to get Halloween costumes is Goodwill. There is just a huge selection of clothing, shoes and accessories. Its very inexpensive and when you are done, you can donate the items.
Some notable costumes I've made from items purchased at Goodwill include: 'Steve Urkel', 'Prince', and 'Yo' Babies Mama'...good times!
We save money by clipping coupons and combining sales (I've saved at least 50% of my typical grocery budget, which includes food and toiletries, by doing this). Also, we're pretty good at differentiating between needs and wants, so we think about our purchases beforehand.
I make a grocery list that includes mostly the perimeter of the store. I buy most produce on sale and get a rotating variety. When I'm in the store, I use a calculator. I tend to scrutinize the other items, usually snacks--for instance, crackers. Sometimes I buy on sale, sometimes I pick them up and think, "I can make these quickly from a few ingredients I already have..."
I have two different jobs, so one paycheck goes to regular monthly expenses and the other goes to saving for future stuff - travel, emergency, general savings.
@Jessica
Thanks for the comment. I know that those who ask for tips are doing that to earn a wage. I’m not bothered by those who work for tips, but the system. I do tip. What I’m saying is I love traveling in places like Japan when people do a great job helping you and don’t expect to be tipped. The reason they do so is not because they are better people, but because they are paid better by the organizations that employ them. Personally, I like places that have non-tipping system.
I don’t recall suggesting that people under-tip because that is not what this post recommends. Again, the main point here is when you travel in America remember you will need to tip people so budget for that.
Clearly the way to save is to make a budget. That is the only way to create some sort of priority of which things to buy and which don't get bought.
Beyond that, I try to only buy the things I really want. I try to keep in mind how many hours I need to work to bring home $50 (after taxes). Then I have a better basis when I ask myself whether or not I really want to buy something. Is this item worth X hrs of work? (BTW - I try to do the same thing with calories. Is this worth 100 sit ups?)
Wow! Great timing! My husband and I were just about to commence a deal with Get It Digital and yes, unbelievable prices. Thank you for saving a great deal of peace of mind!
I'm not a financial adviser, but I must say this sounds like a horrible idea. You should talk to a fee only (non-commission!) financial adviser on what is the best option. Especially since the intricacies of your goals and the tax implications therein (as well as timelines, etc.) cannot be summed up easily in the comments section of this blog. Please do yourself a favor and hire a financial adviser. Not a CPA or a lawyer (though maybe eventually they may be needed). An adviser who doesn't receive a large commission up front can advise you on the best way to handle this transaction or series of transactions.
Halloween is a perfect time to pull out that terrible bridesmaid dress you were forced to wear over the summer.
Ugly Stepsister - Put on your most glamorous makeup and add a set of “ugly teeth”. Whenever someone asks who you are, just smile and let them figure it out.
Devil in a Blue Dress - If your bridesmaids dress is blue – pick up devil horns, a pitch fork and tail.
Stephen King’s Carrie - Grab a tiara and apply red body paint to your face, hands and dress.
Play on Words - Make a pageant type sash to put over your dress. You can be:
* Miss Cellaneous
* Miss Demeanor
* Miss Stake
* Miss Informed
* Miss Appropriation
Titanic Survivor - Wear a life vest, lots of drippy jewelry and slick back your hair with gel for the wet look.
Happy Halloween!
Melissa Tosetti
www.TheSavvyLife.com
It depends on when you want the other children to receive their share. If you want them to receive the money at your husband's death then, yes. If you want them to receive the funds after both of you have passed then you should utilize a Survivorship (2nd to die) policy because the premiums are much cheaper.
Another option could be to simply purchase the much cheaper term insurance (there are 10, 15, 20, and 30 year policies available) and set up a plan to pay off the siblings over the same time period. For instance, your son buys a 20 year term policy for $300,000 on your husband while simultaneously making yearly payments to his siblings in the amount of $5,000/year. If your husband passes during the payoff period then the policy pays out $300,000; otherwise, the policy expires after 20 years and the siblings have been paid off.
Regarding using the free Redbox codes, you are correct in pointing out you can use each promo code once on every credit card you own. It doesn't even have to be a "real" credit card. You can use debit cards and even those rebate cards (you know, the card they send you for a mail-in rebate where they used to send a check) as well. My issue isn't having enough cards; it is finding enough movies I'd actually want to watch to use all my cards.