Love Dining Out?

We all love dining out- once in a while, or all the time. I know I do. But you know it too- it can get expensive sometimes.

Here, a very insightful article by Kelli B. Grant from Smartmoney.com on Ways to Dine For Less.Read it- you will be thankful.

New Online Coupons Search Website

If you're like most people who buy your stuff online and use online store coupons to save money, you should check out this new online coupon search website called WebbyPlanet.com.

At WebbyPlanet.com, you can search for deals by product, company name or service. Once you chose a company where you want to shop, discount details are then listed in chronological order. What's more, the site also links each deal to the company of your choice's e-commerce site, so you can immediately take advantage of discounts and purchase products.

So for your next online store coupon search, go to WebbyPlanet.com.

What Type Of Money Saver Are You?

Here's a very good money-saving article by the famous Jean Chtazky on MSNBC's Money Matters column.

Read it well and find out what category you're in, as far as being a 'money saver'.

What type of saver are you? Find out, save money

Saving Money On Christmas Photos

Now that we're all thinking of sending out holiday greeting cards to friends and family, many of us also think of getting new photos taken of us for the holiday.

First, think coupons. Many leading portrait stores like JC Penney's or The Picture People or Olan Mills, have online deals and coupons you can print out to use on your next picture taking session. For me and my family, our personal favorite is the Kiddie Kandids, usually located inside any BabiesRUs stores. They are not very expensive and they have at least two photographers or photo clerks to help you through the whole session, making it easier for you if you have uncooperative kids.

This year though, one of my new friends who is into photography has offered to give me free services for a photo shoot of my family this weekend. This is a very nice holiday gift for me as I always spend too much money on holiday pictures every year.

Another way to save money on photos is to check out your local community and look for local photographers who might give you a good deal. Some new photo businesses will give you a 'first-time customer only' deal where you can get a half off or high-discount rate. You'll be surprised at how much money you can save using your own local resources.

Cleaning Out My Closets For Money

I am thinking of selling some of our stuff to the nearby consignment store. I just realize we have way too much clutter. Plus I could use a few hundred dollars for the holidays, if not for the New Year.

So this weekend I will be inquiring about doing this at the consignment store. This is a good way to make money out of my clutter.

Cheap Ideas for Christmas Gift-Giving

Here are some ideas on cheap gift-giving this holiday season. :)

Agree to exchange cards instead of gifts with friends.

Have a potluck instead of an elaborate feast that requires you do all the work (and grocery shopping).

Make do with last year's decorations and clothes, or swap with friends.

Persuade your extended family to draw names rather than have everyone buy everyone else a gift.

Boot the adults and give gifts only to the kids.

Source: MSNMoney

Cheap Ways To Pamper Yourself

I am thinking of going on a pampering date with myself this weekend. But fo course I will want it cheap and still enjoy it of course. So I might go for a regular pedicure instead of a spa pedicure. Then a nice facial would be nice also. My local spa salon is currently running a holiday coupon deal and that's a bonus!

Here's an article I was reading earlier, and a very good read, if you want cheap pampering ideas.


"Top 10 Affordable Ways To pamper Yourself"

Enjoy! :)

If You're Broke, Here's Some Great Tips..

..to make ends meet.

A recent study painted a dismal portrait of America's working poor, estimating that some 41 million people cannot afford to make ends meet, despite being employed.

These hardworking Americans earn low wages, have few benefits and often can't qualify for government help. But amid tough economic straits, it is possible to turn things around. Here's how:

5 Ways to turn your finances around

Debt Triggers

I watched the news today and this local business woman was talking about as women, how we fall into 'debt triggers'. I thought to myself, what are 'debt triggers'? I've never heard of such a term in the financial world.

But she explained that 'debt triggers' are simply anything that makes you jump for your credit card, and go on an impulse buying.

For example: you are at Ross or TJMaxx looking for one certain item that you need--a winter scarf, perhaps. Then suddenly you saw this beautiful wool winter coat in your exact size, marked down at 50% off, then another 10% discount is given if you use their store credit card. You think to yourself, "Wow, this is a great deal! It's almost free with all the discounts I'm getting". Funny, huh? But in one way or another, we fall to the same impulse buying habit.

I need to watch my own spending. Actually, my co-worker who is selling Avon just tempted me with her newest catalogs yesterday. I fell for it, of course. But this time, I gave myself a dollar limit--$20, that's it. And they were for my skin care, which I'm particular about, LOL.

So how are you watching your spending habits? Do you always fall to impulse buying?

Why Credit Unions Are Better Than Banks

I recently read a very interesting article on 'why you should ditch your bank for a credit union' and I think I'd like to share it to my readers here on my money blog.

Here are some reasons why credit unions are better than commercial banks, when it comes to saving or investing your money:

*Credit unions are member-owned. If you have an account at a credit union, you're a part owner in the enterprise.

*Credit unions are not-for-profit. This status helps explain why interest rates tend to be significantly better, and fees fewer and smaller, at credit unions than at banks. Any profits credit unions do make are distributed as dividends to their members. Contrast that with banks, which continually invent new fees and policies to boost profits (and to pay those stunning executive salaries).

Do you know that President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Federal Credit Union Act into law in 1934 to "promote thrift and thwart usury,"? Banks hate credit unions and have pretty much been gunning for them ever since.

Now we know why.

The Best Money Advice I Got Ever

I will list here the best money advice I ever got from different people who are close to me, that I thought might be an interesting topic to talk about.

*From My Father:

"No matter how much or how little you earn, saved a little bit". The number doesn't count, it's when those numbers accumulate that will make a lot of diffrence for later.

* From My Best Friend, Maria:

"Don't marry anyone with poor or bad credit. Trust me, it will rub off on you in no time!"...LOL, I know that one is funny. But true.


* From My Husband:

"Do not borrow money from your credit cards to pay off debts. You'll get yourself in even more debts doing that".

What about you? Can you think of a few "best money advice" you've received? What are they and did they help you make good money decisions?

Keeping $500 In The Bank As An Emergency Cushion

I love reading Liz Pulliam's money advice on MSN Money. She always gives very helpful tips and clear insight on saving money.

Here's one article I read today that really gives a good insight on why it's important to save money so we have something to use as an emergency cushion. It shows us why we should keep at least $500 in the bank for emergency purposes, and how you can start saving it if you still haven't done so yet. ;)

Why You Need $500 In The Bank

Very Interesting Tips On Saving Money

Click the 'play' button to see the full video: