Teetotal Up Your Savings By Dropping Your Drinking

September 30, 2014

With football season in full swing, my husband stocks up on his favorite Yuengling beer, the unofficial state drink in PA. A case costs around $18 and goes pretty quick with his two sons over to watch the game on Sundays. With 17 weeks in the season, that’s over $300 – which is a bit under what the average U.S. household spent on wine, beer, and other alcoholic beverages in 2013, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as reported in a recent Reuters article.  That amounts to about 1% of the typical household expenditures but keep in mind that the average includes non-drinkers too so that means some households are spending WAY more than that already hefty amount on alcohol. Continue reading “Teetotal Up Your Savings By Dropping Your Drinking”

Could a Sonic Boom Crack a Windshield?

September 23, 2014

I had to make a call to my insurance agent today to report a claim on my broken front windshield.  My explanation for the needed repair sounded almost as absurd as “the dog ate my homework,” but the only direct link I could make to my windshield cracking was that a sonic boom broke the glass. I had gone to watch the Blue Angels Navy flight squadron fly over the Baltimore Inner Harbor as part of this month’s Star Spangled Spectacular, which is celebrating the 200th birthday of the writing of the Star Spangled Banner lyrics by Francis Scott Key. The Navy jets are VERY loud and I had parked my car at Martin Airport to see the take-off and landing of the squadron.  Continue reading “Could a Sonic Boom Crack a Windshield?”

Power Tools Aren’t Just for Professionals

September 16, 2014

Are you an HGTV fan like me? If so, you’ll probably be watching the premier tonight of The Jennie Garth Project, where the recently divorced 90210 star takes on a rehab of a 1970s ranch home in Hollywood Hills.  Based on the previews, she’s not afraid to pick up a power tool to get the job done. Continue reading “Power Tools Aren’t Just for Professionals”

The New Cell Phone Plan That’s Allset to Save You Money

September 04, 2014

A couple of years ago, I wrote about prepaid cell phone plans and how they can save you money. I ended up switching from the LG Optimus V on Virgin Mobile to the Samsung Galaxy Nexus on Ting. However, I’ve recently had some problems with my phone losing data connection and battery power so I decided to upgrade again. That’s when I discovered Verizon’s new “Allset” prepaid plan. Here’s why I think it offers the best deal in cell phone plans right now: Continue reading “The New Cell Phone Plan That’s Allset to Save You Money”

Four Steps to Car Buying

September 03, 2014

This year my daughter is turning 16,and you know what that means. Buying and selling a vehicle can be one of the most intimidating financial transactions you will ever experience, but there is a plethora of information and advice out there to help even the most nervous consumer get through the process. Here are some simple steps you can take to acquire the car of your dreams: Continue reading “Four Steps to Car Buying”

Get a C.L.U.E.

September 02, 2014

Want a clue on how your auto and homeowners insurance is determined? Any prior claims you have filed in the past 7 years for collision or comprehensive damage on your car or theft, fire, or storm damage to your home are reported to C.L.U.E. – which is the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange. Too many claims on your C.L.U.E. report could even lead to being dropped by your insurance company. Continue reading “Get a C.L.U.E.”

We’re Not Gonna Take It Anymore! (Part 3)

August 27, 2014

Several weeks ago, I introduced the idea of challenging corporate financial policies that put the company ahead of the customer. I talked about how cancellation policies are not set in stone and how consumers have nothing to lose by requesting a refund of unused services despite what the cancellation policy says. Last week, I continued the discussion by challenging the notion that new-customer deals should only be available to new customers while existing customers should be satisfied with the status quo. For this week’s blog post, I’m taking on the notion that some deals are only good “for a limited time.” Continue reading “We’re Not Gonna Take It Anymore! (Part 3)”

Your House Needs a Vacation Too

August 26, 2014

With summer coming to a close, have you planned your last vacation of the season?  As you pack your bags and finalize your itinerary, make sure to plan a holiday for your home as well. Specifically, give your home a rest regarding the electric use when you are away.  Here are four tips on how: Continue reading “Your House Needs a Vacation Too”

We’re Not Gonna Take It Anymore! (Part 2)

August 20, 2014

Last week, I shared with you how cancellation policies can intimidate you into not asking for a refund when you do not intend on using a prepaid service. Another policy that drives me nuts and may be intimidating consumers into settling for less is the policy that it’s okay to offer better options to new customers only. Since when is it okay to treat new friends better than old ones? Continue reading “We’re Not Gonna Take It Anymore! (Part 2)”

Student Loan Debt a Major Threat

August 15, 2014

I read this article about student loan debt resulting in a portion of a man’s Social Security income being garnished. In the article, not only is the garnishment discussed but also discussed is the growing trend of older Americans still having outstanding student loan debt. If that debt is not repaid prior to retirement, Social Security payments may be impacted and the retirement lifestyle that you’re expecting may come up short. It reminded me of a couple of situations I’ve encountered in coaching sessions recently where student loan debt became a central part of the conversation. Continue reading “Student Loan Debt a Major Threat”

We’re Not Gonna Take It Anymore! (Part 1)

August 13, 2014

One thing my daughter and I share in common is our affinity for 80’s rock music. From Def Leppard to Duran Duran, she loves the classics and one of her all-time favorite 80’s songs is Twisted Sister’s We’re Not Gonna Take It.  This song—an anthem for my generation—has inspired my attitude about many things, including money. In our current culture, we are conditioned to accept the financial policies of businesses without question but since when were we here to serve businesses instead of businesses serving us?  There’s a lot of competition out there for our money so when it comes to silly financial policies, maybe it’s time we STOP taking it! Continue reading “We’re Not Gonna Take It Anymore! (Part 1)”

Does Your Summer Include a Sales Tax Holiday?

August 12, 2014

I’m lucky to be only a 20 minute drive from the Delaware line, which is known for tax-free shopping all year long. Whenever I need to make a big purchase, I head out of Pennsylvania to avoid the 6% sales tax.  If you live in a state that has a high sales tax, you may not have that option.  Continue reading “Does Your Summer Include a Sales Tax Holiday?”

Would You Rent a Stranger’s Bedroom on Vacation?

August 07, 2014

Have any remaining travel plans before the end of the summer? You may have noticed that with gas prices and airfare on the rise, travel can be quite expensive. I’ve written previously about using ride sharing services like Uber or Lyft to save on short distance trips but the same sharing concept can be applied to longer, overnight trips with services like Airbnb. Continue reading “Would You Rent a Stranger’s Bedroom on Vacation?”

Getting the Best Value for Foreign Currency Exchange

August 05, 2014

As I walked through the airport a few weeks ago, the Travelex Currency Exchange booth caught my eye and gave me a great idea.  For a bon voyage for my stepson’s upcoming trip to Austria, I decided to get him some euros for pocket money so I checked out the rates. At the airport, 1 USD=0.6610 EUR but I wondered whether there might be an extra cost for the convenience of travelers getting euros at the airport.  Continue reading “Getting the Best Value for Foreign Currency Exchange”

Simple Ways to Save Money and Lose Weight at the Same Time

July 31, 2014

We’re a little past halfway through the year so now’s as good a time as any to check in on how those New Year’s Resolutions are going. If you’re like most people, there’s a good chance your resolutions involved losing weight, saving money, or both. Well, here are some simple ways to do both at the same time. Continue reading “Simple Ways to Save Money and Lose Weight at the Same Time”

Traveling with Kids – 10 to Be Exact

July 29, 2014

My colleague, Rich, recently returned from a family road trip where he visited eight states from as far west as CO, as far south as NC, and as far north as upstate NY.  He and his family went to four Six Flags parks, three beaches, and three tourist sites and still had time for visiting family both immediate and extended. The amazing part: he did all this in 18 days…with 10 children and for less than $400 each! Continue reading “Traveling with Kids – 10 to Be Exact”

Tipping Point – Could Restaurants Be Your Budget Solution?

July 25, 2014

One of the “hot button” issues in my personal budget is dining out.  If there’s one area where I overspend occasionally, it’s this area.  I live a pretty nice lifestyle and am fairly frugal but I do like the experience of going out to eat periodically.  I know I’m not alone because in my consultations with people, this is quite often brought up as an area where they can shave expenses and get a bit more fiscally responsible with their funds.  Continue reading “Tipping Point – Could Restaurants Be Your Budget Solution?”

Would You Scream for Free Ice Cream?

July 22, 2014

As the saying goes, “I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!”  This comes from lyrics from a 1925 song by the Waring’s Pennsylvanians, an American band.  With July being National Ice Cream month, you don’t even need to scream to get ice cream and in some cases, a cold scoop could even be free! If you are in Portland or New York City, be on the lookout for the Ben & Jerry’s CoreTour scoop truck this week, which is traveling the East and West coasts this summer giving away samples of their core flavors.  Continue reading “Would You Scream for Free Ice Cream?”

Stay Off the Chex

July 15, 2014

I’m not warning you away from cereal, but from ChexSystems – a consumer reporting database used by 80% of financial institutions that determines whether you will be able to open a checking or savings account with a bank or credit union.  Any past banking issues within the last 5 years can appear on the report, including overdrafts, unsatisfied negative balances, fraudulent check deposits, or suspicious account activity. Unfortunately, low income individuals who are more susceptible to overdrawing their accounts are often barred from the traditional banking system and forced to use high cost check cashing options or pre-paid debit cards.  Continue reading “Stay Off the Chex”

5 Tips Before Your Road Trip

June 24, 2014

With summer now here, is a road trip part of your vacation plans? AAA predicts almost 9 in 10 travelers will be driving to their destinations to kick off the summer driving season so don’t get caught on the side of the road as they pass you by. Adding insult to injury is the cost of roadside assistance, towing, car repair, a rental car, and possibly even lodging while your car is in the shop far away from home. Minimize the risk of a roadside breakdown by following these 5 tips: Continue reading “5 Tips Before Your Road Trip”