Savvy Tips for 2010

Now that the New Year is here, I wanted to share a few tips on ways I've found to save and make a little money.  I'm working on getting my financial house in order and these are some of the ways that have helped me along the way.


Save Money on Cable
I don't pay for Premium Channels.  The cable companies typically offer promotions for free HBO/Showtime/Starz for 6 Months or will give you $10 off your month bill, you just have to ask. These offers are often valid for everyone, even existing customers.  Just call your provider and ask, "What are your current promotions?" Say it's a 6 month promo, put it in your calendar to call them in exactly 6 months to remove the promotion, before they have a chance to start charging you.  At that time, ask again if there are any current specials.  There's no limit to how many promotions you can have, you just have to ask.


Save Money on Your Cell Phone Bill
Take advantage of discounts through your job.  Most companies have business contracts with the major providers.  As part of the contract they typically extend discounted service to personal contracts.  You can easily save 10-30% off of your personal phone bill each month.  Ask someone in your IT or Procurement department or contact your provider, they will have a listing of which companies offer promotions to their employees.


Look on the Back of Your Receipts
At my local gas station there are always coupons for discounts on snacks and items sold inside of the store.  Wendy's and Burger King will give you a free sandwich just for completing a 2 minute phone survey.  I take the survey and leave the receipt with the redemption code in the car just in case I'm short on cash.  Don't forget about grocery stores.  The back of my most recent receipt includes offers for an oil change at NTB for $16.99, $25 off tax preparation fees at Jackson Hewitt, 15% off of dry cleaner service at a local cleaners.


Banking Fees
Some banks charge what is called a "monthly maintenance fee." These fees can range from $7.95 and up, that's $95 of your money gone down the drain each year.  Ask your bank about free checking, if they don't offer it switch to another bank that does.  Credit Unions are also a good bet.  They don't have hidden fees on account and you rarely have to pay ATM fees when you take out money at other banks.  Rates on savings products (i.e. CDs, Money Market) are higher and their interest rates on loans and credit cards are much lower.  I switched my car loan to my Credit Union last year and it reduced my payment by $200/month.


Beauty Expenses
For the last few years, I've faithfully had a standing appointment with my hairdresser.  I recently started skipping one appointment each month, that saves me $55/month which adds up to $660 a year.  I know it's a sacrifice but if you can shampoo your own hair once in a while you can use that money towards something else like a mini-vacation.  As far as nails are concerned, I get pedicures but I usually do my own manicures.  I've been doing my own french manicure for about a year now and I always get compliments, thanks to Sally Hansen's french tip pen.  I've had the same pen since the beginning of the year (it cost maybe $6) and do my nails once a week.  No one will ever know the difference.


Sell Your Old Phone
If you're like me, you buy a new cell phone every 18-24 months and you have old phones lying around.  There are a number of websites that will purchase your old phone (even if it's not fully functional but not water damaged) and will give you cash for it or even donate the money to charity.  A website I found is called Flip Swap they will give you a postage-paid label, you send them your old phone(s), and they send you the money for your used phone.  It's quick and easy. 


eBay
I'm an eBay-a-holic.  I will sell anything and everything on eBay.  I've sold everything from shoes to a wedding dress to a hotel stay in Cannes, France for the film festival.  If you have a talent for sales, offer to sell things for friends and family members for a commission.  I also like designer pieces, clothing, handbags and shoes.  Some items can only be worn or carried a few times before they're played out so once they've worn out their welcome in my closet, I'll sell them on eBay to make room for new additions.


Hope these have been helpful.  Please share any tips you may have to offer.

Great Gifts For A Good Cause

With the holidays quickly approaching, I wanted to share some suggestions on some great feel good gifts that I've come across.  I found some great websites that have amazing, yet affordable gifts all under $30, where the proceeds go to charities in the United States as well as abroad.

American Diabetes Association
Gift of Hope: Katie's Cure Necklace - $24.99

Show support for the fight against diabetes. Sterling-silver pendant engraved with words driving the quest for a cure: Hope, Faith, Strength, Ambition, Research and Perseverance.

Click here to purchase

The FEED Project
FEED 10 Pouch- $25.00

Made to be used as a clutch, makeup case, or pencil holder, the FEED 10 pouch provides food and job skill training to 10 women through the UN WFP’s Food for Assets program. It measures 8.5” long by 5” tall and is accented with luxurious plum recycled-nylon lining, an interior organic canvas credit card holder, gold zipper, and FEED’s signature natural burlap exterior.
Click here to purchase

(I actually purchased the white version of this bag at Bloomingdale's in November. It included 3 Bobbi Brown lip glosses for $50. It's no longer available on Bloomie's website but they may still have it at the store) Follow them on Twitter: @FEEDprojects

Global Girlfriend
Amber Attraction Recycled Glass Necklace - $24.95

With each Amber Attraction Recycled Glass Necklace purchased, Global Girlfriend will fund 1.0 percent of a microgrant for a woman in a rural community in Africa to launch a small business, through Camfed.
Click here to purchase









Susan G. Komen For The Cure
Orange Ginger Ribbon Candle - $28.00

25 percent of your merchandise purchase price will benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure® in the fight against breast cancer.
Click here to purchase




Kiehl's
World Aids Day Limited Edition Hand Salve - $12.50

Limited Quantities Available - 100% of Kiehl's net profits from the sale of this item will benefit amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research. Protects against and repairs the appearance of severe dryness. Forms a glove-like protection barrier against moisture loss. Allows Skin to actually draw and absorb water from the air.
Click here to purchase

(I love this Hand Salve, makes your hands feel silky. I purchased mine from Saks but they are also available at Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's, and Kiehl's stores nationwide for a limited time)



Habitat For Humanity
Natural-Black Pulire Peace Tote Bag - $12.75

10 oz. organic cotton tote bag. Features include 29" rope handles with durable metal eyelets and an 8" gusset. A unique peace symbol as well as the Habitat For Humanity logo appears in black on one side of the bag.

(Great to use as a recyclable grocery bag)


Click here to purchase





 
Please feel free to add any other gifts for a good cause.

Savvy Shopping Tips

With the holidays quickly approaching, I figured I'd share some of my secrets to becoming a savvy shopper. Being that I'm a person who thoroughly enjoys shopping and puts a lot of time and effort into buying gifts, I know that it can also become quite costly.


Before I list my tips, my first suggestion is to set a budget. With the economy being the way it is people will understand if you have less money to spend on them this year. If you only have $20 to spend on someone, it will just require a little more creativity. I know I appreciate thoughtful gifts more than ones that you could tell someone just picked up without any thought. Let's not even talk about giftcards to places where I don't even shop.

Sources for deals:

1.) Use Your Network

Today most people have a PT job or a "side hustle". Find someone who works for a retailer where you like to shop (i.e. Bath & Body Works, Saks/Neiman's/Nordstrom, Victoria's Secret) and ask if you can use their discount. I'm not saying ask any random stranger, ask someone you know. You can typically save anywhere from 20% - 50% off of the retail price.


2.) Shop Online

If you have an idea of what you're looking for, GOOGLE it. I'm sure someone will be selling it online. When buying online look for offers such as free shipping & returns or codes to save a certain percentage. I usually visit http://www.retailmenot.com/ to find coupon codes for just about anywhere.


There's always eBay. I've gotten some amazing deals on eBay. My most recent deal was buying a pair of brand new (with the tags still attached) pants that retailed for $228 for only $9 + $4 for shipping. What they say about one man's junk being is another one's treasure is so true. I've been buying and selling on eBay for nearly 10 years.


3.) Deal of the Day Websites

I get emails from Living Social DC every day with all kinds of promotions. I've seen everything from deals on restaurant gift certificates, to yoga lessons (I purchased 8 hour long yoga classes for $50 at Vida Fitness), to discounted facials & massages to tours around the city. The best part is these deals can be used for yourself or given as gifts. No one would ever know you didn't pay full price. Another website that's been in the news recently is Groupon. Groupon is similar to Living Social but they have a larger client base and more locations across the US. They pride themselves on having ...exclusive, unbeatable deals on the best things to do, see, eat, and buy in Washington DC.

4.) Just Be Creative

While it may sound cheesy photo gifts are always nice. If the person's a writer use a nice photo and turn it into note cards with envelopes. If they like to travel, have their vacation pictures compiled into a photo book, make sure to add captions. Buy a photo storage box that has room for a picture on the front. Make sure to add in a photo to personalize it, then they can add whatever pictures they want inside of the box. My favorite photo sites are Kodak Gallery, Snapfish, and MyPhotoAlbum. They always have special offers for new users.


Hopefully, my tips will help someone. There are still 17 days left until Christmas. Happy shopping!