california

6 Affordable Places to Ski

Carrie Kirby — Fri, 10 Feb 2017 11:00:08 +0000

There's a lot of white stuff out there this year, but the lift ticket prices at popular resorts, like Sierra's Heavenly or Colorado's Vail, are steeper than the slopes. Snow lovers on a budget, don't despair. Especially for beginners, there are plenty of ski and snowboard destinations where you can have lots of fun without the sticker shock.

What's the difference between budget resorts and premium ones? One difference is elevation. Resorts on lower peaks charge less, because sometimes they miss out on snow that higher points get. Another factor is size. If you're an animal out there and want to attack 25 different runs in one day, it may be worth it to shell out big bucks for a huge resort. If you're planning on sticking to intermediate runs and taking long cocoa breaks, go to a smaller, cheaper resort.

Location is another factor, since cheaper resorts may be more isolated from urban areas or gorgeous scenery. Then there are amenities: ice rinks, designer shops, and free s'mores around outdoor fireplaces. All of those are very nice, but if you just want to ski or ride cheap, opt for one of these low-frills places instead.

1. Bear Valley, California

Lake Tahoe has the glitz and the views, but the same 3.5-hour drive from San Francisco could also get you to Bear Valley, a family-friendly resort between Tahoe and Yosemite where an adult lift ticket runs $70–$80 (instead of the $100 plus you'll pay at Tahoe). The resort boasts 10 lifts, including plenty of Black Diamonds, and a terrain park.

2. Mount Rose, Nevada

If you're flying into Reno, check out Mount Rose, where a four-person family pack of lift tickets costs just $320–$330 and Tuesdays are BOGO. The resort operates shuttles into Reno, and since it's at higher elevation than Tahoe resorts, it's sometimes the only hill in the area with snow.

3. Mount Baldy, California

Skiing in So Cal? Not only does it exist, but it's cheap as heck at Mount Baldy, where passes bought in advance online can dip below $50. But as you might guess based on the location, just an hour from Los Angeles, this resort doesn't always have snow. When it does, drop everything and head for the mountains.

4. Crested Butte, Colorado

Lift tickets are around $100, but kids ski free during the early and late season. Crested Butte has 15 lifts and 121 trails. This high-elevation, no-frills resort is four hours from Denver.

5. Snowbird, Utah

Lift tickets are $106–$116; Snowbird's stay-and-ski packages can bring that down a bit. That might not seem like such a low price until you consider that Snowbird is considered one of the top mountains in the United States, with tons of terrain and snow that makes the Sierra's "powder" feel like sludge.

6. Mt. Bachelor, Oregon

I don't usually think of Oregon for skiing, but Mt. Bachelor, 22 miles west of Bend, sounds like a lot of fun, with 101 runs and 3,365 feet of vertical drop. Lift tickets are $92, and they have kids ski free packages. Besides, when you're done skiing, you get to hang out in Bend, known for its craft brews and artsy vibe.

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

How to Visit San Francisco Without Going Broke

Andrea Cannon — Fri, 18 Sep 2015 09:00:24 +0000

San Francisco is officially the most expensive city in the country, surpassing New York City for the first time. This means a visit is going to hit you where it hurts: right in the wallet. Fortunately, once you've found an affordable flight and hotel deal, there are some fun ways to get more from your vacation, and save money in the process.

1. Free (or Discounted) Tours

There are a plethora of free or affordable tours to take advantage of throughout the Bay Area. You can take part in walking, biking, hiking, or bus tours. An online tour or smartphone app like Stray Boots can also allow you to take a tour on your own time, at your own pace. You can also find deals on tours and attractions on discount sites like Groupon, LivingSocial, and Amazon Local Deals. (See also: $20 in San Francisco: The Best Ways to Spend It)

2. Savings on Entertainment

You can find endless ways to have fun without spending a dime, like free art, music, fitness classes, and more throughout the city. Take advantage of discount programs like Goldstar, the Go San Francisco Card (which can save you up to 55% on top San Francisco attractions), or the San Francisco CityPASS, which combines the Muni Pass with admission to some of the best attractions in the city. You can also save money on performances throughout the city at the TIX half-price ticket booth in Union Square.

3. Visit the Beach

Walking through Fisherman's Wharf can give you the feeling of a beach, boardwalk, and theme park in one. Save money with a WharfPass or watch your spending at this tourist hotspot. Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk are only a short drive away, and can provide a day of fun, without the high entrance fees that you'd find at a theme park. You can also visit Pacifica State Beach, Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach, Surfer's Beach, and any of the other beautiful Bay Area beaches for endless hours of free entertainment.

4. Go Wine Tasting

With Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley, and endless wineries at your fingertips, it's hard to resist a wine tasting. Fortunately, taking advantage of wine tastings is actually an affordable way to spend your weekend or next date night. It will allow you to sip some of the finest wines for cheap and you can even find discounts to wineries and tastings to get more from every sip. Browse the Preisser Key for the lowdown on Sonoma and Napa Valley wines, restaurants, and more.

5. Home of the Festivals

Whether it's food, music, film, or shopping you're into, you'll find a festival nearby that can appeal to your passions. Visit California Fairs and Festivals to find festivals near you.

6. Go to the Park

Home to some of the most beautiful parks in the country, it only makes sense to spend a day picnicking and exploring one of the Bay Area's majestic parks. On a trip to the Golden Gate Park, make sure to also stop at the Japanese Tea Garden for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that will only cost $6 per person. You can enjoy an entire day at these two destinations without spending much.

There are also a number of amazing hiking destinations, such as Twin Peaks, Lands End Trail, and Bluffs Trail, which will offer some of the best views of the city, combined with an incredible workout. If you're serious about spending some time at the beautiful parks and recreational sites throughout the area, consider getting a National Park Pass, so you can save money on admission fees and visit any of the national parks as often as you like throughout the year.

7. Take in a Museum

You can visit one of the Bay Area's many museums for free. Spending a whole day in the museum is a great way to take in some culture without breaking your budget. It's a great way to spend time with friends, family, or on a date.

8. Save on Food and Shopping

San Francisco is home to some of the best restaurants and freshest produce in the country, but it can be pricey. Take advantage of local foodie favorites like food festivals, food truck finds, and SF Restaurant Week, which offers fixed price menus at a discount. If you're tired of spending a fortune on food, take advantage of San Francisco's sprawling farmers markets, like the Alemany Farmers Market, and cook more at home. Local foddies rely on EaterSF to stay abreast of the latest Bay Area food news and events.

You can also take advantage of some of the best thrift stores and outlets in the country for unique finds at a bargain.

9. Leave the City

It can be easy to get carried away in the San Francisco lifestyle, but there is life outside the big city too. Oakland, Berkeley, and San Jose all offer their own unique charms and attractions. Spending some portion of your trip in each of these NorCal locations will provide you with an affordable vacation right in your backyard.

What are your favorite ways to save money in San Francisco? Please share your thoughts in the comments!

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

10 Ways to Do LA On the Cheap

Andrea Cannon — Fri, 04 Sep 2015 11:00:27 +0000

It's no secret that Los Angeles is expensive. In fact, it was ranked the second-worst U.S. city for saving money. If you're living there, then rent is significantly higher than the national average, and if you're just planning a trip there, then hotels, airfare, food, and entertainment can really add up.

Once you've taken advantage of an affordable travel package or found a great hotel deal, there are other ways to save money by living like the locals do. The best part about Los Angeles is the consistently beautiful weather, and we've found a number of ways for you to get even more from it. Whether you are living there or just spending a few days on vacation, we've compiled some tips to help save you money in the City of Angels.

1. Relax at the Beach

Southern California is famous for its beautiful beaches and coastline. You can visit famous spots like Newport Beach, Long Beach, Huntington Beach, Mission Beach, La Jolla Beach, Coronado Beach, Malibu, and Venice Beach. Whichever beach you choose, it can provide endless hours of free entertainment.

The Santa Monica Pier is home to a beautiful beach and boardwalk, complete with an admission-free amusement park, carousel, arcade, aquarium, shopping, food, and more. It's like visiting a theme park, without the high price tag.

2. Festivals Galore

There is always a festival going on somewhere in California. Visit the California Fairs and Festivals page to find out what free events and festivals are happening near you. There are also free art walks throughout LA on a monthly and quarterly basis. Many galleries, office buildings, and even apartment complexes will host receptions. During this time, you can take advantage of free music, art, food, and drinks, all while taking in the sights and sounds of LA.

3. See the Hollywood Sights

Driving down Sunset, Hollywood, and Vine can give you a glimpse into the glamorous California lifestyle and provide perfect photo ops, like the famed Hollywood sign. If you want a true Hollywood experience, just park your car and visit the Walk of Fame, Grauman's Chinese Theater, Kodak Theater, and more, all within walking distance. Central to it all, the Hollywood and Highland Center also offers shopping, dining, and more, with $2 parking for up to two hours with validation.

4. Free (or Discounted) Tours

Tours are usually very affordable or free. You can take part in walking, biking, or bus tours, or you can take your time with an online tour or through a smartphone app like Stray Boots. You can also find deals on tours and attractions on discount sites like Groupon, Living Social, and Amazon Local Deals. Take advantage of free tours at locations like the Los Angeles City Hall and the Downtown LA Central Library.

5. Spend Time at the Park

Los Angeles offers beautiful sites and hiking trails through Runyon Canyon, Kenneth Hahn Park, and Griffith Park. You can enjoy the sights, go for a bike ride, or have a romantic picnic for two. Many of the parks, such as Grand Park and Bluff Park, even offer free yoga throughout the week. The options are limitless and none of them cost a thing. If you're serious about taking in California's beautiful National Parks, then consider getting a National Park Pass. You'll be able to visit the parks as often as you like throughout the year, saving you money on admission fees.

6. Visit a Museum

Museums can provide tons of free entertainment, so take advantage of the free museums in Los Angeles to soak up some culture. The best free museums include the J. Paul Getty Museum, California Science Center, Griffith Observatory, Travel Town Museum, California African-American Museum, and the Fowler Museum at UCLA.

7. Forget the Theme Parks

The Venice Beach Boardwalk, Santa Monica Pier and Boardwalk, Universal CityWalk, and Downtown Disney can provide the theme park experience, without an entry fee. You can enjoy rides, shopping, food, and fun, all in a prime location. If you are intent on visiting one or more of California's theme parks (like Disneyland, Universal Studios, Knott's Berry Farm, Sea World, and Six Flags), consider purchasing a Southern California CityPASS or Go Los Angeles Card, which offers savings of up to 55% on some of California's most popular theme parks, events, and attractions.

8. Shopping and Food

California is famous for its destination shopping centers, like Melrose and Rodeo Drive, but that can be really costly. If you're looking to find some of the latest trends without blowing your budget, then you can find some great deals in Santee Alley. You can find discounted men's wear, women's wear, accessories, and more in this Fashion District stop. Olvera Street is another fun stop where you can take advantage of some great bargains, authentic food, and an experience unique to Los Angeles. There are also some great local swap meets, like the Los Angeles City College Swap Meet, Rose Bowl Flea Market, Valley Indoor Swap Meet, and Slauson Super Mall, that offer unique and vintage finds at a bargain.

Los Angeles is home to some of the best food in the world, but it comes at a high cost. Fortunately, you can get some great eats at a discount if you ask the locals, keep your eyes open, and shop at one of the many local farmers markets. If you'll be visiting anytime from January through July, consider taking advantage of Los Angeles Restaurant Week, where you can sample some of LA's best restaurants with a fixed menu at discounted prices. You can also take advantage of Street Food Cinema and Eat | See | Hear for free live music, movie screenings, and local street fare.

9. Save on Transportation

There are a number of public transportation options, which can save you time and money, and help you avoid the famous Los Angeles traffic and parking. California weather is perfect for skateboarding, walking, and riding your bike to get around, but there are also some great public transportation options, including the Metro, Santa Monica Big Blue Bus, and the Culver City Bus.

10. Free Entertainment

One great thing about being in such a big city is the endless free entertainment. You can have the true Hollywood experience by attending a free television show taping, take in the Rose Parade, and enjoy other unique experiences that won't cost you a dime. You can also find deals, free items, and cheap eats on About.com's local discount page year-round.

The city offers free music throughout the year at a number of locations, such as the Santa Monica Pier, Downtown LA, Long Beach, Venice Beach, and Pasadena. During the summer, there are even more free concerts, which you can enjoy in the beautiful weather. There are also endless free comedy shows, so if comedy is your thing, make sure to find a comedy club near you that offers free shows. You can also sign up for Goldstar, which offers discounted tickets to the best concerts, sports events, theatre, and more.

What are your favorite ways to save money in Los Angeles? Please share your thoughts in the comments!

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

Need cheap or free construction materials? Go to a demolished housing development.

Xin Lu — Thu, 07 May 2009 20:50:52 +0000

Amidst the financial crisis, many home builders around the country have run out of financing. Last week a bank decided to completely level 16 completed and partially built homes in Victorville, California because the builder defaulted on the project. While this is unfortunate, some bargain hunters were able to pick up some extremely cheap construction materials and home fixtures.

In the LA Times report about the Victorville demolition, the bank sent a representative to keep away the vandals and sell things to bargain hunters. Some passerbys were were able to salvage a granite counter for $40 and dual-pane windows for $20 a piece from the model homes. Another person was able to score a trailer full of 2-by-4s for $40. These materials and fixtures are supposed to be used for personal projects only, but they are definitely excellent deals considering that everything is practically brand new.

Another demolition of townhomes is scheduled in eastern Murrieta in California on May 15th and there is probably something there that is worth saving. These demolitions seem like a complete waste of time and effort, but it is understandable that lenders and developers are cutting their losses on homes that may not even sell when completed

If you live in an area with an overabundance of housing developments, then you should definitely keep an eye open for these demolitions if you are thinking of doing some home improvement. There may just be a nice designer counter and sink that you can get for $20.

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

California First Lady Maria Shriver Talks to Us About Help for Families in Tough Times

Linsey Knerl — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 01:53:17 +0000

Working families all across the U.S. are feeling the tightening economy. “Day by day” is truly the only way to handle things, but did you also know that there is help? In addition to the numerous programs offered in California, the U.S. government and organizations are using WE Connect to help get Moms the information they need to take care of families. Here’s what Maria had to share with us….

What is We Connect?

"Maria Shriver’s WE Connect campaign is a pioneering public/private partnership designed to help California’s working families become more financially secure by connecting them to important programs and resources. Several of these programs, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), are available and accessible to working families but many are not taking full advantage of them. This leaves over a billion dollars on the table each year that could have been used by working families right here in California. This statewide effort will connect families with the information and tools they need to take full advantage of these valuable resources, empowering them to live their dreams."

What does this mean for California families? According the Ms. Shriver (whom we spoke with during a Mommy Blogger press call this afternoon), there’s an opportunity for more families to get the help they need. Whether they need food assistance, child care, or just want to get their taxes done well and affordably, WE Connect can lead them in the right direction. Check out their Top 10 Tips for Families (which lists the best resources available.)

What about the self-employed? I had the chance to ask Maria just that, as more and more small businesses and self-employed Moms and Dads are struggling to find information on services and tax reliefs that would normally be provided by employers. Maria shared her insight on how to take the first steps toward getting connected with valuable resources available to Californians. That step was to access the WE Connect site on your own. (She noted that even those who are traditionally-employed may not be getting much information directly from their employers.)

The WE connect website (www.WEConnect.net) is a one-stop shopping center that highlights all the programs that would be available to self-employed families (as well as traditionally-employed workers.) Heating assistance, Golden State Advantage Cards, Lifeline Telephone Service, and 529 plans (plus many more programs) are all explained in detail at the site, and there will soon be an option to apply for services directly online.

Women and children make up over half of the nation’s poor, and Ms. Shriver wants them to know that there are ways to get the help they need. “There’s no shame in asking,” she notes -- Especially if it “can make a difference in a child’s life.”

Working Californians are encouraged to visit the WEConnect website to find out more about the services offered.

Those outside of California can access their state and local social services by accessing the listing of state websites. Federal poverty guidelines are available to the public (with variances for Alaska and Hawaii), and you can learn if you are eligible for benefits before you apply by using this handy Federal Benefits Calculator.

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

Book review: Towers of Gold

Philip Brewer — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:15:07 +0000

Towers of Gold: How One Jewish Immigrant Named Isaias Hellman Created California by Frances Dinkelspiel.

It will not, I think, surprise my regular readers to hear that I like to read books about money. All kinds of books about money--not just books on personal finance and frugality, but just about anything, including monetary histories and stories of wealth. Dinkelspiel's new book hits those last two categories (besides being an engaging biography as well).

The book is the story of how Isaias Hellman, a jewish immigrant from Germany, started as a shopkeeper in Los Angeles in 1859, and went on to found two banks, run two others, and have as much influence on the history of money in California as anyone.

As you might expect, I particularly enjoyed the parts about money. The "towers of gold" of the title refer to the way Hellman dealt with runs on his banks--by piling up so many gold coins on the counter that anxious depositors could see for themselves that the bank had enough cash on hand. Also fascinating, though, are the stories of early mass transit in Los Angeles (where Hellman made a fortune), land speculation in Los Angeles (where he made another), and the early politics of the water supply (where he made a little money as well).

Also interesting are the threads that run through to the present. For example, Hellman ran the Wells Fargo bank for many years (a name that people will still recognize).

If the book has a flaw, it's that it succeeds a little too well at what it's intended to be--a biography of an interesting person. Dinkelspiel never finds a single narrative thread to hang the other pieces of the story on--there are a dozen threads. Each one is interesting in its own right--the thread of his family, the thread of his jewishness, the thread of the railroads (the land speculation, the dangerous frontier, the San Francisco earthquake, fire, and aftermath)--but they remain individual threads.

If you like any of a dozen different kinds of books--biographies, monetary histories, corporate histories, stories of wealth and power, stories of the frontier--you'll find things to like in Towers of Gold. I did.

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