Recent comments

  • How to Understand and Protect Yourself From Inflation   13 years 45 weeks ago

    "At an inflation rate of 3%, your money loses half its value in 24 years."

    So hard to believe, but it's true.

  • Tasty, Healthy Breakfast Cookies With Chocolate-Covered Espresso Beans   13 years 45 weeks ago

    these look amazing! and so healthy! :)

  • 10 Classes That Can Pay for Themselves   13 years 45 weeks ago

    I definitely agree with that. Everything can be found online. I'm no professional by any means, but I also have only read a couple articles on the basics of photography. I can take good, quality pictures with my D3100 and everyone I know is impressed.

    I KNOW that I could find what I needed online if I need it. That is the most comforting thing. All I need is the internet and my camera in my lap and I can learn whatever I need to know.

  • 7 Tips for Stress-Free Retirement Investing   13 years 45 weeks ago

    Nice list here.

    I enjoyed tip number 5. I am guilty of doing this with my savings expecting something magical to happen and obviously it never does. Maybe I should try and take a leaf out of your book and make it every month!

    - Mary

  • Better Brewing: 12 Ways to Make Coffee at Home   13 years 45 weeks ago

    I've been using a Ca phe Phin for the last couple of weeks for single-cup brewing, and it's hands-down my favorite, in terms of flavor and ease of use (and cleanup).

  • Better Brewing: 12 Ways to Make Coffee at Home   13 years 45 weeks ago

    Keys to better coffee:
    1. Buy freshly roasted beans. Coffee beans lose much of their flavor in the first 2-3 weeks after roasting, becoming "flat" and bitter tasting. Freshly roasted coffee can have amazing fruit, pastry, herbal, and candy flavors and aromas.
    2. Grind the coffee right before brewing. Even grinding the night before will let a lot of the flavor be lost.
    3. Use the right amount of ground coffee. The "gold standard" is 7 grams (1/4 ounce) of grounds per 4oz of brewed coffee. Use less, and the coffee will be more bitter and astringent. Use more and you're just wasting it.
    4. Brew at the right temperature. 195F - 200F. Most drip coffee makers don't get this hot, which leads to weak, acidic coffee.

  • Better Brewing: 12 Ways to Make Coffee at Home   13 years 45 weeks ago

    You forgot this french press like variation. http://aerobie.com/products/aeropress.htm

  • Ask the Readers: What Is Your Best Job Interview Tip?   13 years 45 weeks ago

    Answer the questions they ask you! You'd be surprised how many people don't and try to play games. An interviewer asks questions to get information. Making them ask twice or dodging answers annoys them and doesn't help you.

    If you are a recent graduate and they ask for your GPA, your first sentence should have a number in it. If you start with, "Well I had a really tough schedule senior year…" you aren't answering the question and the interviewer knows you have a low GPA; that's two strikes instead of just one. If I they ask for a weakness, give them one - and what you are doing to improve. If they ask for your salary expectations, give them a salary and say why you are worth that (based on your research into salaries in the field) and remind them that you'd consider less for the right job. Replying, "I'd be willing to consider any reasonable offer" or some other non-answer is annoying. The interviewer is trying to find out if your idea of "reasonable" matches his.

    The good news is that all these questions are predictable so you can have a real, thoughtful answer practiced and ready. The bottom line is you want to appear smart, confident, and prepared. The best way to do that is to have a straightforward answer that you are comfortable with because you did your homework.

  • Better Brewing: 12 Ways to Make Coffee at Home   13 years 45 weeks ago

    I use (sigh) a drip coffee maker, and have for years. My dad has a Keurig, and it makes pretty darn good coffee, but the price tag makes me woozy. I only drink a cup a day, and I've been curious about the French press for years, but I was sort of intimidated by it. Thanks to this post, and the link to the other post about using a French press, I just might take that leap. Great post!

  • Ask the Readers: What Is Your Best Job Interview Tip?   13 years 45 weeks ago

    Do your homework before entering the interviewers office. You should know how to answer questions such as "why do you want to work here?" Be candid. If you don't know something tell them but indicate that you are willing to get back to them with an answer. Don't undersell yourself. A lot of times people forget that everyday activities or parts of a personal life can be tied to skill sets in the workplace. Keep your perspective positive. The interviewer doesn't want to hear your last boss was a jerk even i he was. Wear a watch. It tells a potential employer that you understand the importance of time. Those are just a few I've learned.

  • How to Understand and Protect Yourself From Inflation   13 years 45 weeks ago

    "An inflation rate that high would do such serious damage to the economy that it could never be sustained for decades."

    You are completely right. Most people do not understand what inflation is and the effects it could have on their day to day lives. great article by the way, you made the terms so simple so we could understand it.

  • 10 Great Uses for Old Ties   13 years 45 weeks ago

    Great ideas for reusing old ties. Sewing skills not included. Creativity and imagination definitely hold the key to some innovative financial solutions. Well done.

  • 10 Classes That Can Pay for Themselves   13 years 45 weeks ago

    Look for an Auto Shop or Beginning Mechanic class at your local community college. I just took one that cost only $90 for ten three-hour sessions. We all worked on our own cars, with the help of the instructor, our class partners, and other classmates. Considering the hourly labor charges at most shops, the class will pay for itself the first time you do an hour's worth of your own work. Even if you don't plan to do any of your own maintenance or repairs, you'll learn how to maintain your car and watch for potentially serious problems before they become expensive or dangerous. You'll also be better able to spot a dishonest mechanic who is trying to sell you unnecessary services. It's is well worth the tuition, and it's fun!

  • 9 Easy, Frugal, and Tasty Recipes for Bachelors   13 years 45 weeks ago

    I'm no longer a bachelor but I like these ideas. Thanks.

  • 12 Side Jobs for Stay-at-Home Moms and Dads   13 years 45 weeks ago

    These are some great ideas. However if you are a stay at home mom exclusively then it would be very hard to go work as a substitute teacher unless you had a babysitter or family member to help you out a couple days per week. I've been working from home for 8 years and I've found that the best way to make money is through portrait photography and blogging. If you are looking for something flexible and part time your best bet is a customer service position.

  • Volunteer to Travel: 11 Opportunities for Free or Very Cheap Travel   13 years 45 weeks ago

    There is nothing like FREE Travel. Personally I am a fan of work while travelling and have fun as well. Cruise ship jobs just do it perfectly, you travel and get paid either as an accountant, deck staff, housekeeping and more

    I would personally recommend http://provencashmachine.com/how-to-get-paid-to-travel/
    Thanks
    Chris

  • 9 Simple Ways to Stop Impulse Buying   13 years 45 weeks ago

    My mood definitely affects my shopping habits, especially when I'm upset. Thanks for the great tips!

  • Tasty, Healthy Breakfast Cookies With Chocolate-Covered Espresso Beans   13 years 45 weeks ago

    i found this at pinterest...Luckily I have all the ingredients in my pantry. I do love it...its not your traditional cookie and I can see why some are looking for sweetness. I myself omitted the sugar its just don't like sweet very much. I even use unsweetened apple sauce the dried fruits and mashed banana made it just enough sweetness for me. I should have read the rest of the comment because mine came out like balls I should have flatten it... otherwise, I love it healthy cookie and I added some walnuts too! Thanks for sharing!

  • Ask the Readers: What Is Your Best Job Interview Tip?   13 years 45 weeks ago

    I've "liked" Wise Bread! Now a facebook follower, too!

  • Ask the Readers: What Is Your Best Job Interview Tip?   13 years 45 weeks ago

    Act as if you are already in the position. This makes the interview much more of a conversation than an interrogation. If you see the interviewer as a co-worker or supervisor, rather than a challenge or enemy even, you will both have a more enjoyable time. In a work relationship, it is still important to maintain a good relationship, impress them, and seem knowledgeable. However, the interviewer views you as a potential co-worker, so they are thinking about who they want to join their team. So, act as you would on the team - as you prepare, put yourself into the head of your best self once you [hopefully] get the job. I fully believe in fake it till you make it about confidence. Of course within the content of the interview, be honest.

  • Ask the Readers: What Is Your Best Job Interview Tip?   13 years 45 weeks ago

    I think it is very important to remain positive and to think about why they are asking the question before you answer. It is always okay to say something along the lines of "Just one moment while I reflect on my experiences..." and take a moment to gather your thoughts before speaking.

    Dress is important, but so is posture and attitude. If you are a person who talks with their hands, try to resist the urge as it can be distracting.

  • How to Sell Your Hair for Cash   13 years 45 weeks ago

    Locks of Love does sell donated hair (usually gray) they use the proceeds to buy the materials to make the wigs (wigs have a cap that the hair is attached to).

  • How to Understand and Protect Yourself From Inflation   13 years 46 weeks ago

    Compliments to the author. This is very well written article. Thank you.

  • 10 Classes That Can Pay for Themselves   13 years 46 weeks ago

    Fantastic list! I have a couple friends who have taken acting and improv classes with great results. They feel more confident about themselves, which leads to better job interviews, better meetings, and more fun at work.

  • Why I Like Big Banks   13 years 46 weeks ago

    Ever since the Bank Transfer Day back in November 2011, the debate about whether big banks are really the best place to keep our credit has been quite fiercely contested. While you have talked about why you like big banks, it is important to see the other side of the discussion too.

    The benefits of banking with a credit union range from lower ATM and overdraft fees to free checking accounts. Moreover, they offer lower loan interest rates and higher deposit interest rates. I think that itself is worth it, unless you are somebody who travels/moves regularly.

    Yes, big banks are convenient, but in all reality, most credit unions also have fantastic customer support. They might not have a hundred branches in each city, but they don't charge exorbitant fees. Plus, I have read that credit union ATM cards do not charge you extra for withdrawing from non-bank ATMs either.

    Sincerely,

    James