I must disagree with the 'don't book through a travel agent' point. Many agents these days are more than happy to price beat Internet websites (just ask!), plus you get the added security that if something goes wrong, they can sort it out for you, instead of being on your own!
Travel agents get such a bad rep, but I love my travel agent! She's always found me the best deals & it saves me a lot of time! The time it takes me to put together a holiday online (I tried once for comparison) is a lot longer than it takes my agent, and by the time I'd added in the cost of all the extras that the Internet doesn't mention (meals + baggage on planes, resort fees, transfers, visa costs, etc.) it still worked out cheaper through my agent. Plus I had just wasted a number of hours that could've been spent on other things.
Point of my rant: I would never book a holiday without my travel agent!!
another way to save on books is going to your local library's book sales, often hosted by "friends of the library". I always find, new, unread, contemporary novels for $1 each.
Yes, I've heard of an IRA and a Roth IRA. I don't have one but I do have a 401K since that's all my job offers but I'll have to roll my 401k into a Roth if I ever leave my job :)
I see your point, Edward. Luckily my parents and house guests are grown-ups; they've seen condoms before. And just because there's a bowl full of condoms doesn't mean that people are humping like rabbits on my furniture. They're just there because I have an abundance of them and people should take them if they want so they don't go to waste. Thanks for your input, though. I honestly appreciate when readers take the time to weigh in. Have an excellent afternoon!
I had no idea how many people oppose the promotion of safe sex. My apologies. Thanks for the comment, though; I appreciate it. Stay frugal, and remember to smile. :)
Great list of stuff to never pay the full price for. Some of these are no brainers, but still people are paying the full price for them regardless. Sometimes it just takes some coupons or shopping around, but if you're smart about it you can save money on so many different everyday purchases. When you add up all the savings, you'll wonder why you ever paid full price.
Yes Paul! I totally agree. I think first time buyers get a little bit excited in looking for a car -which I have experienced when we first bought our car. The solution would be: bring an experienced buyer or long time owner of a car for some advice. It wouldn't hurt to ask for one.
"...A huge fish bowl full of condoms" in your living room?! "Huge"? Oh cripes, that made me laugh! Is it arranged beside a jar of jellybeans? Always nice to show off when mom and dad or company come over for a visit. I, for one, would certainly rethink making myself too comfy on your living room sofa.
"See, mom--there's about 800 in there. We should be good for at least few weeks, I think." (Meanwhile little kids have grabbed them and are blowing them up as balloons.)
Great post, and everyone should be doing this one. One should definitely consider the benifits of making sure their bank (for savings accounts) give them the best rates. I was amazed at how much more I could pay myself first by switching to ING Direct from my traditional brick and mortar location.
Awesome tips, especially the one about avoiding traffic jams, taking a less traveled road will sometimes render much better gas mileage (as long as it isn't too far out of the way). Also, when driving on the highway (non-stop and go) at speeds at or above 55mph roll your windows up and use the AC. It has been proven time and time again that when your windows are down at these speeds, the air will add resistance to your driving which will make your car use more gas to go at your desired speed. When in stop and go traffic or at speeds below 55mph, turn off the AC and roll down your windows. Your AC is powered by a belt on your engine which means it takes more power to run than when it is turned off. More power means more gas… enough said. I have a few extra tips from my blog as well at http://financeyoga.com/save-on-vehicle-expenses/ .
I know it sounds strange, but it's justified. I bought lots of condoms and other medical supplies with my flex spending funds before leaving an old job. I put them in the fish bowl because we host tourists in our home on a nightly basis (a great way to make extra cash, btw). Since I had so many, I figured I'd put them out there in case any our of guests need them. Everybody knows it's sort of tongue-in-cheek, but they do come in handy.
I must disagree with the 'don't book through a travel agent' point. Many agents these days are more than happy to price beat Internet websites (just ask!), plus you get the added security that if something goes wrong, they can sort it out for you, instead of being on your own!
Travel agents get such a bad rep, but I love my travel agent! She's always found me the best deals & it saves me a lot of time! The time it takes me to put together a holiday online (I tried once for comparison) is a lot longer than it takes my agent, and by the time I'd added in the cost of all the extras that the Internet doesn't mention (meals + baggage on planes, resort fees, transfers, visa costs, etc.) it still worked out cheaper through my agent. Plus I had just wasted a number of hours that could've been spent on other things.
Point of my rant: I would never book a holiday without my travel agent!!
another way to save on books is going to your local library's book sales, often hosted by "friends of the library". I always find, new, unread, contemporary novels for $1 each.
I know about both the IRA and Roth IRA but haven't contributed to either as I had a retirement plan through work. Am now retired.
I think your fishbowl is funny. Don't know why some are offended.
Yes, I've heard of an IRA and a Roth IRA. I don't have one but I do have a 401K since that's all my job offers but I'll have to roll my 401k into a Roth if I ever leave my job :)
I totally agree. A lot of people are too lazy to search for the deals, but I'd rather spend more time than more money. Thanks for chiming in!
Wow! I had no idea that libraries now offer e-book downloads. Thanks for the tip. I'm gonna check my local branch tomorrow.
Agreed! Thanks for adding to the discussion. :)
I see your point, Edward. Luckily my parents and house guests are grown-ups; they've seen condoms before. And just because there's a bowl full of condoms doesn't mean that people are humping like rabbits on my furniture. They're just there because I have an abundance of them and people should take them if they want so they don't go to waste. Thanks for your input, though. I honestly appreciate when readers take the time to weigh in. Have an excellent afternoon!
I had no idea how many people oppose the promotion of safe sex. My apologies. Thanks for the comment, though; I appreciate it. Stay frugal, and remember to smile. :)
We both have Roth IRAs.
Magazines, books, CDs and DVDs can all be checked out at the public library. I never pay for them anymore.
Great list of stuff to never pay the full price for. Some of these are no brainers, but still people are paying the full price for them regardless. Sometimes it just takes some coupons or shopping around, but if you're smart about it you can save money on so many different everyday purchases. When you add up all the savings, you'll wonder why you ever paid full price.
Wow! That Visa Black Card has a $495.00 annual fee. That credit card is definitely not for me.
I have heard of both Roth and Traditional IRAs...I also understand the differences between them.
I don't trust advice on baby food from anyone who keeps a fishbowl of condoms in his living room.
well ... thats the same with anything if someone knows your information -_-
not exclusive to netspend accounts
Yes Paul! I totally agree. I think first time buyers get a little bit excited in looking for a car -which I have experienced when we first bought our car. The solution would be: bring an experienced buyer or long time owner of a car for some advice. It wouldn't hurt to ask for one.
Someone was able to close my account, not even being on the account. customer service said anyone can close an account if they know your information
"...A huge fish bowl full of condoms" in your living room?! "Huge"? Oh cripes, that made me laugh! Is it arranged beside a jar of jellybeans? Always nice to show off when mom and dad or company come over for a visit. I, for one, would certainly rethink making myself too comfy on your living room sofa.
"See, mom--there's about 800 in there. We should be good for at least few weeks, I think." (Meanwhile little kids have grabbed them and are blowing them up as balloons.)
I have had a Roth IRA for many years, since I worked in the brokerage industry for nearly a decade. Having money to fund it is another question!
Great post, and everyone should be doing this one. One should definitely consider the benifits of making sure their bank (for savings accounts) give them the best rates. I was amazed at how much more I could pay myself first by switching to ING Direct from my traditional brick and mortar location.
Awesome tips, especially the one about avoiding traffic jams, taking a less traveled road will sometimes render much better gas mileage (as long as it isn't too far out of the way). Also, when driving on the highway (non-stop and go) at speeds at or above 55mph roll your windows up and use the AC. It has been proven time and time again that when your windows are down at these speeds, the air will add resistance to your driving which will make your car use more gas to go at your desired speed. When in stop and go traffic or at speeds below 55mph, turn off the AC and roll down your windows. Your AC is powered by a belt on your engine which means it takes more power to run than when it is turned off. More power means more gas… enough said. I have a few extra tips from my blog as well at http://financeyoga.com/save-on-vehicle-expenses/ .
I know it sounds strange, but it's justified. I bought lots of condoms and other medical supplies with my flex spending funds before leaving an old job. I put them in the fish bowl because we host tourists in our home on a nightly basis (a great way to make extra cash, btw). Since I had so many, I figured I'd put them out there in case any our of guests need them. Everybody knows it's sort of tongue-in-cheek, but they do come in handy.
I contribute regularly to a Roth IRA