Recent comments

  • The Lowdown on Data Accuracy in Your Credit Report   13 years 19 weeks ago

    This is a great idea for another article! Thanks for the suggestion!

  • The Lowdown on Data Accuracy in Your Credit Report   13 years 19 weeks ago

    Shoot! I'm so sorry to hear you are one of the few who wasn't happy with the results of your dispute. Sounds like you tried to dispute it awhile ago though. Perhaps the process has gotten better in recent years!

  • The Lowdown on Data Accuracy in Your Credit Report   13 years 19 weeks ago

    Yes! One free report from each of the three bureaus every year! And that's a awesome tip from Frugal Hacker. Setting reminders is a great idea!

  • The Lowdown on Data Accuracy in Your Credit Report   13 years 19 weeks ago

    Once a year is great! That being said, it can be a good idea to remain a little more vigilant, especially with identity theft being such an issue these days. :)

  • The Lowdown on Data Accuracy in Your Credit Report   13 years 19 weeks ago

    It would be great if kids could learn about this stuff in school! If taught these concepts from an early age, I have to believe kids would grow up to be more financially responsible.

  • Wardrobe Staples Every Man Should Own   13 years 19 weeks ago

    I agree completely, khakis, white socks, white undershirts and button down blue shirts - boring vanilla and not classic, just lazy and uninspired.

  • Ask the Readers: How Do You Save on Valentine's Day?   13 years 19 weeks ago

    We go out for a nice dinner :)

  • How to Answer 23 of the Most Common Interview Questions   13 years 19 weeks ago

    I just have to say, I'm so pleased so many people have found this article so useful. I am, in fact, preparing another 23 questions, based on emails I have been getting since this article first went live. Look for it soon.

  • 25 Products You Think You Need, but Really Don’t   13 years 19 weeks ago

    Hi guest. I'm actually at the gym 5 days a week, for 90 mins. I do cardio and weight training, and so far I've never had an issue with the simple cotton clothing I wear. Having said that, if you can afford them, and they work for you, I have no issue with anyone wearing wicking clothing, or shirts sprinkled with silver and other such devices. But what I am saying is, are they absolutely essential? If you're (not you guest, but people in general) one of those people who must have all the latest gear before you hit the gym, then you are putting barriers in your way that don't need to be there.

  • 11 Ideas to Make a Small Space Seem Bigger   13 years 19 weeks ago

    I think hidden storage is the number one way to go if you want to make things more compact to have a space feel bigger. Tables that have storage in them and cabinets that are built into the wall are great ways to do that. Good list!

  • 10 DIY Dog Toys You Can Make for Pennies   13 years 19 weeks ago

    Just in case it wasn't suggested before with #5 Empty Cuddle toy try to find a stuffed animal with embroidered eyes and nose not the plastic ones. Dogs tend to love eating the plastic eyes and nose which can pose as a choking hazard and probably not digestible if swallowed. I either cut them off first or look for a toy with embroidered eyes rather than plastic button eyes and nose.

  • The Lowdown on Data Accuracy in Your Credit Report   13 years 19 weeks ago

    When concerned about identity theft changes of address are the most important flag. Someone stealing your identity to commit fraud will want new credit cards going to their mailbox and not yours. They also don't want statements mailed to your address, as that alerts victims to the problem.

    Address information is typically found at the top of your report - front and center. If you see an address that does not belong go on high alert.

  • 25 Products You Think You Need, but Really Don’t   13 years 19 weeks ago

    Good list! I never use expensive forms of body wash, shaving cream or anything like that. I buy regular old bar soap and it works perfectly well for everything, even washing my face!

  • Almost 40 Everyday Things You Can Wash in the Dishwasher   13 years 19 weeks ago

    Wow! What a useful article! I am amazed of what all can be washed in the dishwasher. I have heard of washing baseball caps and shoes, but I bet my mother would have loved to hear about washing my shin guards in the dishwasher growing up. I adore my dishwasher but I think I just found a whole new level for loving it. Who would have known you could wash tooth brushes or hair brushes? I am amazed.

  • The Lowdown on Data Accuracy in Your Credit Report   13 years 19 weeks ago

    We order our free report every year and the main reason is to check for accuracy although the free report does not come with the score. We have in the past found incorrect dates, names and credit cards on the report. These are very important and need to be reported. You might have an identity theft that you are not even aware of. The reports from what I've read are pretty straight forward and I'd say don't miss out, order it and take an interest in what the report has to say about you, we do. Great post.

  • 4 Sort-of Small Kitchen Gadgets that Equal Big Savings!   13 years 19 weeks ago

    I use my double boiler a lot. Especially handy for heating leftovers. I don't have to stand ans stir. It heats slowly and is ready when I am ready.

  • 25 Products You Think You Need, but Really Don’t   13 years 19 weeks ago

    Somewhat related, I don't think it's necessary to buy name brand over the counter meds as long as the ingredients are the same as store brands. Store brands are often cheaper. I think a lot of items can fit into this category to help people save money.

    Oh, and do we really need deodorant? :)

  • Ask the Readers: How Do You Save on Valentine's Day?   13 years 19 weeks ago

    My sweetheart and I don't do much on Valentines. We have a nice dinner at home to save money, and skip the jewelry or dinner out. I do want chocolate though. :)

  • 12 Side Jobs for Stay-at-Home Moms and Dads   13 years 19 weeks ago

    I love working from home and I work with a legit company. We specialize in helping stay at home moms and dads and seniors. Here's one thing they are working on right now: An Army of Busy Moms is launching the greatest 100 fold return by working together. Stay at home moms are great! http://bigideamastermindacademy.com/an-army-of-busy-moms/

  • Ask the Readers: How Do You Save on Valentine's Day?   13 years 19 weeks ago

    I don't get into the money-spending of it. Just spend time at home with your loved one.

  • Is Companion Airfare Really Worth It?   13 years 19 weeks ago

    I have actually done the comparison based on a reward received through my credit card for the companion airfare reward delivered through Promotions in Travel. I called into thier call center and spoke with a very helpful travel agent that provided me with answers to the reward. The zone chart for example is a representative cost of flight based on the average cost of flights over the provious 12 months. As she explained, flight cost change thoughout the year and even daily. So, we did a price comparison over the phone to see what my real time cost would be for travel from Cleveland to San Francisco if I wanted to book that flight today. The price that the offer delivered was not only below the chart price but also $75 less than Travelocity, Expedia or the Airline online offer. So, my credit card company asked me to spend $100 on my card and I received $75 off a flight. Pretty good deal if you ask me. I asked how a program like this could possibly work and was explained that the bank pays per consumer that qualifies and receives the certificate code. ( as they are looking to earn interest off of the addition of the $100 to the card.) Those that use the travel certificate recevie the savings off the flight and that savings is paid for by the those that do not take advantage of the reward. So, imagine a bank offering the program and paying the travel company $25 per 1000 people that qualify for a total of $25,000 and let say only 15% of the people fly and save $75. So $75 X 150 = $11,250. You can see why this program is cost efffective for the bank. The bank added $100,000 on to consumer creidit cards that they could potentially earn interest on. Those that put the $100 on the credit card and fly saved $75, those that did not fly still received the reward and had the opportunity to fly and save if they wanted.

  • The 5 Best Slow Cookers   13 years 19 weeks ago

    I just had to brag about my slow cooker last week- I'm in love with it!
    http://monzanitas.blogspot.com/2013/02/why-i-love-my-appliances-crock-po...

  • 25 Products You Think You Need, but Really Don’t   13 years 19 weeks ago

    Amen.

  • 25 Products You Think You Need, but Really Don’t   13 years 19 weeks ago

    I disagree that athletic clothes are unnecessary. When I switched from a cotton t-shirt and socks and cheap shorts to good athletic gear, my workouts improved substantially, and I stopped getting blisters while running. It my not be *necessary* to exercise, but it improved my quality of life to a degree that I won't workout in cotton shirt again any time soon.

  • Be on the Lookout for Credit Card Checkout Fees   13 years 19 weeks ago

    Ha! I love this idea. Though hopefully you don't have a lot of folks behind you givnig you the evil eye while you do this.