Super Savvy Spender

New look is coming!

2011-02-04T10:14:00.000-08:00

Thanks for stopping by. Super Savvy Spender is in the process of being updated with a fresh look and more exciting content. See you soon!

Couples and money

2010-12-07T09:35:00.000-08:00

Need a few tips about handling money with your mate? Check out the post I wrote for Lending Club.

Bargains at Liz Claiborne outlet closeout

2010-11-19T12:29:00.000-08:00

You don't have to wait until Black Friday to find some great bargains at a Liz Claiborne New York Outlet. All of the outlets in the U.S. and Puerto Rico are being closed and Liz Claiborne will only be offered through J.C. Penney and QVC. So the outlet stores have everything marked down 60% to 80%.

I visited my local outlet yesterday and found a decent selection of clothing, jewelry and handbags. I bought several cute tops and a couple of pairs of earrings. I was hoping to get a new pair of jeans but didn't find anything I liked in my size.

Most of the clothing I saw was on the casual side, but they did have a few separates that could be dressed up a bit. I was disappointed not to see any dresses or shoes at that location, but it did have some pajamas and a few lightweight coats and jackets. There was also a selection of summer clothing.

If you need a few basic pieces for your wardrobe, it's worth visiting the Liz Claiborne outlet near you before it closes for good. You might even find a few items to give as Christmas gifts. Also, if you go today or tomorrow you can get three Care Free wrinkle resistant shirts for the price of one.

Keeping up with the Kardashians

2010-11-19T11:14:00.001-08:00

The Kardashians, stars of a popular reality TV show, have gotten into the prepaid credit card business. Watch out for all the fees. Check out my recent post about the Kardashian Kard at debthelp.com.

Get a Free 'Bible Songs for Kids CD Sampler'

2010-09-24T08:10:00.000-07:00

Check out this great offer for a free "Bible Songs for Kids CD Sampler." You can listen to samples of the music and download it at the Money Saving Mom blog.

Women, men and money

2010-09-14T10:03:00.000-07:00

The Grio has a very interesting piece about how a woman's income can affect her marriage. Not surprisingly, a new study finds that 40% of women who earn more than their husbands are more likely to divorce than those who earn less than their spouses.

Read more about this interesting study here.

Egg Recall

2010-08-21T12:15:00.000-07:00

The government has recalled 258 million eggs because of salmonella. The eggs are produced by Wright County Egg of Galt, Iowa, but are sold under a variety of brand names.

The eggs are packaged in cartons of various sizes under the following names: Lucerne, Albertson, Mountain Dairy, Ralph’s, Boomsma’s, Sunshine, Hillandale, Trafficanda, Farm Fresh, Shoreland, Lund, Dutch Farms and Kemps.

If you think you have a package of eggs that may be contaminated, return it to the store where you purchased it for a full refund.

Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems, according to a press release from Wright County Egg.

Symptoms of salmonella infection include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections, endocarditis or arthritis.

Back to School Shopping

2010-08-09T08:54:00.001-07:00

We're already well into August, which means the back-to-school shopping season is heating up. Don't bust your budget this year outfitting your kids for school. Use the following 3 tips to get the clothing and supplies you need and still keep some money in your pocket.

Shop at consignment sales. You can find name-brand clothing for everyone in your family at consignment shops, but the bargains are exceptional if you are shopping for kids. Many children outgrow clothing so quickly that you can get gently worn or even new outfits for a fraction of the retail price. Inspect items carefully to look for stains, rips, tears, or broken zippers. Many communities and organizations have seasonal consignment sales a couple times a year so check the listings in your local newspaper.

Clip coupons and use them. Most of the major retailers are running specials on clothing and other school supplies during the month of August. Stock up on notebooks, pens, crayons and other supplies when you find them marked down. I've seen spiral notebooks advertised as low as 10 cents each recently, as well as several buy-one-get-one-free specials on a variety of items. Gather up retailers' flyers from your local newspaper and do comparison shopping online before heading out to make purchases.

If you have a limited budget, only buy the items your child absolutely needs to start the school year. You don't need a whole fall wardrobe to start school, especially when the temperature isn't expected to drop for a while.

Don't let back-to-school shopping stress you out. There's plenty of time to get the things your kids need. Take time to set up a shopping budget and stick with it.

Pregnancy Could Cost You a Mortgage

2010-07-22T14:17:00.000-07:00

Some banks are denying mortgage loans for people who are pregnant or on maternity leave. You could also be denied if you are on other types of disability leave, even if you can prove you have a job waiting for you.

Check out my post about it at Mortgage Loan Place.

What would you take in an emergency?

2010-05-13T07:34:00.001-07:00

What would you take if you had to evacuate your home in an emergency? Family photos, cash, and birth certificates are often the first things people think to grab. But would you know where important documents and other keepsakes were if you only had a few minutes to get out?

The recent tornadoes, earthquakes and other natural disasters are reminders that none of us know when a tragedy might occur. You may have watched media coverage of the aftermath of some of these disasters and felt extreme sorrow and even anger for all the people who have suddenly been uprooted from their homes.

It's awful seeing whole communities of people wandering around huge piles of rubble that used to be homes and businesses, searching for anything they can salvage to begin rebuilding their lives.

Set aside some time to pull together the documents and other items you would want to take in an emergency. Invest in a lock box or safe that is fire proof and water proof. Use it to store birth and marriage certificates, social security cards, important contracts, and other information you would need to handle personal and financial affairs even if your home were destroyed. If you have a safe deposit box at a bank, make sure you could quickly grab the key if you had to leave in a hurry.

Other items you might want to take in an evacuation include medications, eyeglasses, cash, check books, credit cards, and a phone book with important contacts. Only you know which of your personal items hold the most importance, so make a list of the things you would be devastated to lose if your home were destroyed.

Free FabJob Guide

2010-04-28T20:06:00.001-07:00

Need some inspiration to launch a new career or start a business? Check out this link to see how to get a free e-book from FabJob.com.

Have you checked your credit report lately?

2010-04-22T08:35:00.000-07:00

If you haven't checked your credit report lately -- or ever -- it's time. Your credit report gives an overall snapshot of your financial situation that banks, landlords and other businesses use to evaluate how risky you are as a customer.

Your Financial History

Your credit report shows a history of any loans you have received, credit cards you owe, liens, judgments, child support payments and other financial information. It also shows where you have lived, whether you pay bills on time and if you have filed for bankruptcy within the past 10 years.

Checking your financial profile on a regular basis allows you to be informed about how creditors, mortgage companies and other financial institutions you do business with may view you. Some employers may even look at a credit report as part of the job application process.

Get Your Free Copy

You are entitled to one free copy of your report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies each year under federal guidelines. The big three credit bureaus are Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.

Request a report from all three agencies because the information contained in the reports may not be exactly the same. You can get all three reports at once, or stagger the requests throughout the year.

To get a free report call 1-877-322-8228 or fill out the form at Annualcreditreport.com, the only site authorized by the federal government to provide free credit reports. You will need to provide your birthday and social security number. You also may have to verify previous addresses.

Go Straight to the Source

Other sites claiming to offer free reports usually require you to pay for credit monitoring or other services with their offers, or may be trying to collect your personal information.

In fact, federal regulators have recently cracked down on sites that offer so-called free reports, and require them to add a disclosure that Annualcreditreport.com is the only place authorized by the government to provide free reports.

Were You Denied Credit?

You also may be entitled to a free credit report if you have been denied credit or insurance, were turned down for a job, or had your identity stolen. The company that denied credit should send a letter that lists which credit bureau they contacted to review your credit file. Contact that agency and request your free report.

U.K. poll finds women better at job interviews

2010-04-07T09:16:00.000-07:00

A recent study done in the U.K. finds that the majority of bosses think women do better at job interviews. That's despite the fact that men still dominate the top spots at most companies.

Check out this post I did about it at WalletPop.

Pay off credit card debt with tax refund

2010-03-03T14:05:00.001-08:00

What are you going to do with your tax refund this year? While you may have plans to buy the latest electronic gizmo or the latest fashions, why not put that money toward credit card debt.

Check out my post at Debthelp.com about why paying off debt with your tax refund makes sense.

Free Coffee at Borders

2010-02-18T14:18:00.000-08:00

Borders is offering a free Seattle's Best coffee or tea through Feb. 21, 2010. You must have a Border's rewards card (which is free) although no purchase is required. Use this coupon to get your free beverage.

Thanks Money Saving Mom!

America Saves Week

2010-02-17T12:15:00.000-08:00

Next week is America Saves Week, so if you need a little kick in the you-know-what to save more money, this is a great time to start.

Saving up doesn't have to be painful if you have a plan and some tools to keep you motivated.

Visit the America Saves Week Web site to test your savings knowledge, assess how well you are saving, and read stories of how other people jump started their savings plan. You can also find a list of organizations that may offer special educational events near you.

Valentine's Day Free Book Offer

2010-02-12T08:09:00.000-08:00

Still trying to get your money makeover off to a good start? Take advantage of my Valentine's Day buy one, get one free special.

Buy a copy of my book, The 25-Day Money Makeover for Women, at the regular price of $11.99 and get a second copy free to share with a friend. Let your sisterfriends know how much you love them this Valentine's Day by giving them the tools to start their money makeover.

Click the PayPal link below to take advantage of this limited offer. Just enter 2for1 in the Special Code Field.

And don't forget to sign up for our email list to receive a free copy of the special report Become a Mompreneur.

10 Frugal Ideas for Valentine's Day

2010-02-09T07:34:00.001-08:00

Do you have a sweetheart that you plan to spend Valentine's Day with, but don't have a large budget? Check out this list of creative ways to say "I love you" without spending a fortune.

Make a special, custom-designed card instead of buying a generic one at the store. Children really enjoy this activity.
If you enjoy cooking, whip up a batch of your sweetheart's favorite treats rather than buying a box of mediocre-tasting chocolates at the drugstore.
Treat your sweetie to a day of relaxation and really allow him or her to spend time at home doing whatever they please. That means you do all the cooking, cleaning, caring for children, etc.
Get a babysitter for the kids so you and your spouse can actually have time alone for a change. Consider trading babysitting with another couple and alternate days for having time away from the kids.
Look for free or low-cost events that allow you to spend time together and still have money left over for a nice dinner out.
Give your honey a book of "love coupons" that can be cashed in anytime in the future. The coupons should list special things you will do, such as cook dinner, drive the kids to soccer practice, shop for groceries, do laundry, give a massage, etc.
Write your sweetie a love letter on nice stationery. In this day of emails and text messages, old-fashioned letter writing seems to be a lost art for many people. Letters written on a computer are not acceptable.
Make a top 10 list of all the reasons you love your sweetheart and put it in a nice frame.
Put on your hiking books, skis, or skates and spend some time enjoying the outdoors together.
Roll back the rugs and put on some music and enjoy a night of dancing at home.

These are only a few suggestions of some ways to enjoy the holiday. Be creative to find your own special way to celebrate and create some special memories and new family traditions.

Upromise can help you save for college

2010-01-25T14:29:00.000-08:00

Helping a child attend college is a dream that many parents share. But high education costs have many parents worried that they won't be able to contribute much to their kid's college fund.

Its important to begin planning for college early. Even small contributions to a college savings plan can add up over time.

In addition to making regular contributions to a 529 savings plan or some other type of account, you can also earn money when you shop. Upromise makes it easy to shop and earn rebates that can go toward your child's 529 plan.

Not all state 529 savings plans can be linked to a Upromise account. But you also can use the savings to pay on student loans or receive a check to be used for any purpose.

If you aren't familiar with Upromise or similar Web sites, they allow you to link credit cards, debit cards, and store loyalty cards to earn money. You can shop directly through the site at various retailers. Upromise also offers coupons, discounts and gift certificates.

Click on this link to try out Upromise with no obligation. If you do make a purchase, you'll save money and help me save in my Upromise account.

Donate to Haiti relief, but avoid scams

2010-01-16T14:46:00.000-08:00

If you've been watching the chaos in Haiti in the aftermath of the earthquake, you may be wondering what you can do to help. The devastation is so great that early relief efforts have been disorganized and practically nonexistent in some places.

Search and rescue operations have been spotty at best and agencies that have arrived on the scene have in many cases had a tough time delivering much-needed food, water, and medical supplies. Pictures of the injured and dead are dreadful to watch. Those who survived often look at television cameras with blank stares, still in shock by what is happening around them.

Obviously Haiti will need a great deal of resources to cope with this tragedy. Many people are still waiting for food and water and living on the streets. There have been reports of people digging family members out of the rubble, only to have them die because they weren't able to get proper medical care.

Haiti will need help for a long time to come. More than half of Haiti's 9 million residents were already living on less than $1 a day before the earthquake. Between 70% to 80% of Haitians were unemployed. About 46% of people in the country didn't have access to potable water. The country has been plagued with a slew of social, financial, and political problems.

Yes, Haiti needs a lot of help. Even if you never knew much of anything about this country you may be moved to donate money. Just make sure you give to legitimate organizations that are actually going to use the money properly.

Already scams and misinformation related to earthquake relief are popping up. Among the false claims is that Facebook will donate money each time a certain message is posted. To avoid being the victim of a scam, remember these things before giving money to any charity:

Do not send money to unknown people who contact you via email or by phone.

Avoid so-called charities that ask you to wire money via Western Union.

Research charities at the Better Business Bureau before donating money.

Donate to a charity that already has aid workers in Haiti since it has been tough for many organizations to get into the country.

You can get more information on some of the false rumors related to Haiti earthquake relief at Snopes.

Pros and cons of reverse mortgages

2009-12-28T09:12:00.001-08:00

Reverse mortgages have gotten a lot of attention lately — some of it good and some bad. Check out my recent post over at Get Rich Slowly about whether or not a reverse mortgage is right for you or a loved one.

Magazine subscriptions make great gifts

2009-12-19T14:42:00.001-08:00

If you're still looking for affordable Christmas gifts, why not give someone who enjoys reading a subscription to their favorite magazine.

You can order most magazines online and have a gift card sent in the mail. Just let the recipient know when to expect the first issue.

Here are some great deals I've found for some popular magazines at Amazon.

Get a 1-year subscription to O, The Oprah Magazine for $5.

Get a 1-year subscription to Good Housekeeping for $7.97.

Get a 1-year subscription to Redbook for $8.

Get a 1-year subscription to SmartMoney for $10.

Get a 1-year (56 issues) subscription to Time for $20.

You can find a magazine for practically anyone on your gift list. And the great thing about using the Internet to buy subscriptions is that it's very easy to compare prices.

Free Report: Become a Mompreneur

2009-12-15T07:13:00.001-08:00

Get a copy of my free, special report Become a Mompreneur by signing up for my email list.

According to the Center for Women’s Business Research, women-owned businesses generate about $3 trillion and provide 23 million jobs.

Many of these women business owners are moms looking for a way to earn some money while raising their children. Others have been laid off from jobs and are determined to forge a new path to avoid being downsized again....

To read more about what it takes to run your own business, please sign up for my email list and you will receive your free copy of Become a Mompreneur.

Woman's World Article on Finding Extra Cash

2009-12-15T07:01:00.001-08:00

Looking for tips on raising extra cash now? Check out the Dec. 21 issue of Woman's World magazine. I'm featured in the "Ask America's Ultimate Experts" column, which gives some great suggestions for finding more money.

Children's illustrator talks about life and creativity

2009-12-04T08:18:00.000-08:00

One of my goals here at Super Savvy Spender is to feature outstanding people who I believe can inspire all of us to live fuller lives. Recently, my husband Greg interviewed Vanessa Brantley-Newton, a fabulous children's book illustrator for his Creative Helps Web site.

Vanessa runs the Ooh La La Design studio and has illustrated beautiful books that include her latest, Let Freedom Sing. Check out the interview here to learn more about this full-time wife and mother who wears several hats.

Become a better steward of your money

2009-12-02T16:12:00.000-08:00

Are you determined to change your financial ways and become a better steward of your money? It isn't always easy to break poor habits that have been developed over many years, but setting some specific goals can help. Use the following tips to get started.

Avoid Overspending

With the holiday season in full swing, it can be easy to go overboard with spending money. But one of the main reasons so many people have gotten into financial hot water is because they have been living above their means.

It's fun to buy gifts and attend concerts and other holiday events. But the real celebration of Christmas is about the birth of Jesus Christ, not how many baubles and trinkets you can squeeze onto limited credit lines.

Fix your attitude

Do you have an "I-need-it-now" mentality? Do you constantly compare yourself to others and spend too much money trying to compete? Has that contributed to high levels of debt?

Part of being a good steward is recognizing that God has and will continue to provide for all your needs. He gives us the tools and resources we need to make informed choices about how to use money. Handling money wisely doesn't mean running up unnecessary purchases on credit cards to impress our family and friends.

Tithe faithfully

Many people debate whether or not Christians should tithe and exactly what that should involve. Proverbs 3:9 instructs, "Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops" (NIV). Okay, so you may not have any crops to give back as firstfruits, but you probably have an income and other resources God has provided.

Tithing is an act of faith that shows you acknowledge God as Lord over your money and resources. Tithing regularly also trains you to be more disciplined with money and obedient to God's will. Whether you make $30,000 or $300,000, putting together a consistent plan of giving will help you get on the right financial track.

If you don't have an income because you lost your job, avoid feeling guilty when the collection plate is passed on Sunday morning. God understands that you are going through a tough time right now and don't have an income.

Once you find employment you can get back on track with a plan for tithing and giving. In the meantime, consider tithing some of your time by volunteering at your church or in your community.

Get rid of debt

The average credit card debt for American households with a credit card was $10,679 at the end of 2008, according to the Nilson Report. Debt affects people of all ages, races, cultures, religions and professions. You'll need an aggressive plan to get out of debt and stay out.

Leave the credit cards at home and make purchases with cash. If you don't have cash to pay for it, then you can't afford it. Only when you begin to stop spending mindlessly and actually track where your money is going will you begin to see patterns of behavior that can be corrected.

If your current income isn't enough to cover your necessary expenses, consider getting a second job or starting a part-time, home-based business. Look around your home to see if there are things you can sell to raise some fast cash. Use any extra money to pay off debt.

Stay committed

Being a better steward over money requires careful planning and a commitment to learn as much as possible about handling money. Don't expect everything to fall in place overnight. But if you keep at it, you'll begin to break those habits that have been holding you back.

Women often drop the ball on financial planning for college

2009-12-01T15:58:00.001-08:00

Many moms dream of seeing their kids graduate from college. From the day their little darlings are born, some mothers dream about the M.D., Ph.D., or J.D. their kid will bring home one day.

But although many moms do whatever they can to help their kids prepare to get into college, many drop the ball on doing the financial planning that will pay for a higher education, according to a new OppenheimerFunds survey.

I wrote about the survey and what it means to women in terms of their own retirement plans at WalletPop. You can read about it here.

Almost 25% of homeowners are underwater on mortgages

2009-11-24T16:07:00.001-08:00

Today's Wall Street Journal has an article about how almost a quarter of U.S. homeowners are underwater on their mortgages. These people owe more on their mortgage loans than their homes are actually worth.

Over half a million of these folks have received notices of default, which is the first step on the road to foreclosure.

Despite these dire numbers, that means that 75% of homeowners still have some equity in their homes. The Wall Street Journal also states that nearly 24 million homeowners don't owe any money on a mortgage.

You can read the report here.

My husband is addicted to loom knitting!

2009-11-16T14:05:00.001-08:00

My husband Greg has become an avid loom knitter. One of his co-workers even paid him to make a custom hat recently. Check out his Artmangreg blog to see pictures of some of the hats and scarves he's made. My man has skills...

http://artmangreg.blogspot.com/

Francine appears on 69 News in Allentown

2009-11-16T13:10:00.000-08:00

I stopped by 69 News in Allentown, Pa., this morning to talk about medical debt and my book The 25-Day Money Makeover for Women. Check out the video below.

Equal payment plan can cut your utility bill

2009-11-16T10:34:00.000-08:00

Signing up for your utility's equal payment plan can help make your bills more manageable.

These payment plans are convenient for people who anticipate having high gas or electric bills this winter. You can also budget better for high electricity costs due related to running an air conditioner in the summer.

Equal payment plans simply estimate your annual energy usage and divide that amount by 12 to get a monthly payment. At the end of the year the bill is adjusted and you either pay whatever extra cost you've incurred or get a refund if you've overpaid.

It usually only takes a few minutes to sign up for equal payment plans, which are free at most utilities.

Get $10 from Coinstar

2009-11-11T09:53:00.000-08:00

Got a jar of coins gathering dust? Take them to a Coinstar machine and cash them in. If you use $40 worth of coins to get a gift card or eCertificate, you get a $10 bonus.

Among the retailers offering gift cards through Coinstar are Amazon, iTunes, Lowe's and Old Navy. Visit the Coinstar site to find a complete list of gift cards available.

Getting the gifts cards is a nice option for people looking to stretch their dollars this holiday season. But if you want to beef up savings, you can always cash in your coins and deposit the money into an emergency fund or other savings account.

This offer ends on Dec. 6, 2009.

10 ways to save more money

2009-11-11T06:59:00.000-08:00

Do you know where your money goes each month? Stretching your dollars may seem impossible, but as you find flexible and creative ways to cut costs, you'll begin to see your savings add up. Here are several tips for saving more money.

Keep track of what you spend. Use a free money management program like Mint, Wesabe or Mvelopes. These Web sites can help you budget, save and build wealth.

Pay bills online. Putting bills on an automatic payment plan means you won't forget the deadlines, eliminating late fees.
Refinance your auto loan. If you're paying a high interest rate for financing a car, refinancing could make sense if you still have several years of payments. Various lenders offer auto refinancing, but two places to start are Capital One and up2drive.

Brown bag your lunch. All those lunches add up over time, and if you often hit the vending machines you are literally throwing money away. Stock up on your own snacks and spend a few minutes in the evening putting together a healthy lunch. You'll save money and eat better.

Shop from the bottom shelves. Grocery stores place fancier, more expensive brands at eye level to reel you in. Bend down and pick up less expensive store brands to save big bucks at the cash register.

Shop for a new cell phone plan. Prepaid plans are becoming more popular as people do away with lengthy contracts. Decide which features you actually need and don't pay for those you never use. Visit Letstalk to compare plans and features.

Buy generic prescriptions. Unless your doctor has specified a brand-name medicine, you can save money with the generic version. Find out if your employer has a mail-order plan for medicines you regularly use to cut your costs further.

Save on gas. Look for the best prices on gas in your area at Gasbuddy. Skip buying the premium grade of gas unless your car really requires it.

Adjust your tax withholding. Receiving large income tax refunds is a sign that you need to fill out a new W-4 form. Receiving a refund basically means that you've given the government an interest-free loan.

Become a coupon clipper. Don't just stick with coupons in the newspaper. Visit store and manufacturer Web sites for additional savings. Web sites like Coupon Mom and Deal Seeking Mom offer links to coupons, rebates, freebies and money-saving tips.

In the Bible, Haggai 1:5-6 says, "Now this is what the Lord Almighty says: 'Give careful thought to your ways. ... You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it" (NIV). Saving money requires a commitment to make wise decisions about money. Shop around for good deals and refrain from making impulse purchases.

Open Enrollment Season for Health Care

2009-11-04T10:52:00.000-08:00

It's open enrollment season at many companies. That means it's time for employees to review their benefits and make any changes in their coverage.

Take time to review your health plan, flexible spending accounts, dental coverage or other benefits your receive through your employer. Talk with the benefits department at your company to find out what your options are for changing plans, adding family members, or discontinuing coverage you no longer need.

Pay attention to any deadlines for making changes or enrolling in plans so you don't miss out on getting the benefits you need next year.

Get Your Free Credit Report

2009-10-28T11:59:00.001-07:00

Have you checked your credit report lately? If not, hop on over to annualcreditreport.com to get a free report from Experian, Equifax, TransUnion or all three.

So why should you even bother getting your credit report? First, you are entitled to receive free report from each of the credit bureaus once every 12 months.

Second, getting your report allows you to be informed about what creditors, banks, employers, landlords and other businesses are seeing when they pull your report.

Having this information also allows you to correct any mistakes about your credit history. A large number of credit reports have errors, so it's not uncommon to find at least one piece of information that is incorrect.

Finally, reviewing your credit report can help you detect signs of identity theft and fraud. Identity theft in America is expected to affect about 70 million people this year, according to IdentityTruth, an identity protection service. Taking a few minutes to review your credit report is worth it to cut your risk of being the target of fraud.

Get a holiday job now

2009-10-19T10:59:00.000-07:00

Career expert Tory Johnson appeared on Good Morning America this morning to discuss getting a job during the holidays. She recommends that people start looking for a job now if they want to work during the Christmas season.

So far, 62% of retailers have had more seasonal applicants than last year, but 40% say they expect to hire fewer people this year, according to Hay Group, a consulting firm. Some companies are even offering their existing staff the option of working more hours, which could cut into the number of seasonal workers hired.

Among the companies you can target for season work are retailers, security firms and package handlers. But Johnson also suggests going the entrepreneurial route and offering your services as a pet sitter, concierge, or anything else you can think of. Perhaps folks in your neighborhood would be willing to pay you to put up Christmas decorations.

Whatever you do, get moving. The competition for jobs this holiday season is expected to be fierce.

National Protect Your Identity Week

2009-10-17T14:21:00.001-07:00

It's National Protect Your Identity Week, so take a few minutes to complete a few quick tasks that can help protect your identity and your finances.

Nearly 10 million people in the U.S. were victims of identity fraud in 2008, according to statistics from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Identity Theft Database. Identity theft is so rampant that it was the top complaint to the FTC the past five years.

Keep in mind that 25% of people who had new accounts opened in their name were unaware it it until more than six months later. Also, 16% of identity theft victims personally knew the individual who stole their identity.

Use the following checklist to complete a few tasks that can help decrease the chance of you falling prey to an identity theft scam.

Visit annualcreditreport.com to get a free copy of your credit report. You can access credit reports from Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian.

Change passwords on online accounts for credit cards, banks, and other financial institutions. Avoid using your Social Security number or birthdate as a password.

Remove your Social Security card from your wallet and keep it in a safe place.

Shred financial documents instead of tossing them in the trash.

Lock up financial documents and other sensitive information if you have people working in your home.

Take the Identity Theft RiskCheck quiz at the National Foundation for Credit Counseling site.

Identity theft is a serious problem. Avoid giving out personal information to unknown callers or people who send unsolicited emails. Also avoid sharing passwords and other financial information with friends and other relatives who are not joint account holders to cut down on the chances of being ripped off by someone you know.

Did you file your taxes?

2009-10-15T07:36:00.001-07:00

Today's the deadline for filing your taxes if asked the IRS for a six-month extension back in April. So if you're still crunching numbers and gathering up paperwork, get the lead out.

File your tax return electronically to have it processed quicker. But if you prefer snail mail, send it certified mail, return receipt. Some people say why waste money on the extra shipping, but I think paying a few dollars to ensure that you have proof you mailed your return on time is worth it.

Young married women more likely to manage finances without help from spouse

2009-10-12T14:27:00.000-07:00

A recent survey from FindLaw.com finds that women between the ages of 18 and 34 are more likely to manage their household finances without help from their hubbies. Check out the post I wrote about it at WalletPop.

McMansions lose popularity among homeowners, but interest businesses

2009-09-21T07:44:00.001-07:00

Looks like demand has slowed for McMansions, those behemoth homes that run 4,000 square feet and up. The economy has caused many folks to avoid buying these homes, which often have huge utility bills and a lot of upkeep.

So what's happening to all those homes that often feature more than one master suite, huge spa-like bathrooms, wine cellars, home theaters, and other goodies? In some cases, these homes are being converted for use as businesses, according to an article in Time magazine. For instance, a San Diego home will be used to house autistic adults and a Seattle group shoots movies and houses its members in one of these homes.

Some families who still live in these massive homes are renting out rooms to make their mortgage payments. Others may be likely to invite extended family members to move in so they can all share the household expenses. People who still aspire to living in a large home are likely to score some excellent deals since housing prices have dropped so much.

What do you think? Would you still be willing to buy a McMansion?

Who pays for flu shots?

2009-09-05T10:43:00.000-07:00

Many health care providers have already started giving flu shots this season. With all of the talk about H1N1 (swine) flu, you may be wondering whether you should get a flu shot and how you'll pay for it.

First, it's important to remember that the seasonal flu shot doesn't protect against H1N1 flu. So if you get the flu shot being given now, you have to go back for the H1N1 shot when it becomes available later this year. Second, you'll have to decide whether you actually want the H1N1 shot. That depends upon your personal health history, such as whether you are pregnant or have a chronic condition like kidney disease or diabetes that may make you more susceptible to the H1N1 flu.

You also have to consider whether you work around a lot of children, elderly folks, or in a hospital or other setting where you come into contact with a lot of people who are considered to be at high risk of contracting the flu.

So who pays for the shots? The government is paying for the cost of the H1N1 vaccine this year. But large insurers in Illinois and Missouri have said they will cover the costs of H1N1 flu shots, and other insurers may follow suit. Anyone who isn't sure if their health plan covers flu shots should contact their insurer before getting one.

People who don't have insurance should check around in their local community to see if there are going to be any free flu shots available. Some local governments may organize free flu shot clinics. Also, Walgreens and CVS stores are offering free flu shots for people who are unemployed.

If you don't have any luck with getting a free shot, you can always pay for one. I saw a sign in a local pharmacy the other day advertising seasonal flu shots for $25.

You can get more information on the H1N1 flu from the Centers for Disease Control.

Fame and fortune is no guarantee against debt problems

2009-08-28T10:38:00.000-07:00

We've all seen reports about famous celebrities who earn millions of dollars, only to lose their homes to foreclosure or end up in bankruptcy court. Check out my post over at debthelp.com about some lessons we can all learn from debt problems experienced by actors Stephen Baldwin and Nicholas Cage.

How to pay off medical debt

2009-08-27T15:51:00.001-07:00

Looking for tips to pay off high medical bills? Here's a link to a video of me talking about this yesterday on the "Good Money" segment on ABC News.

http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=8421923

What's your hustle?

2009-08-24T10:10:00.000-07:00

I live in a somewhat rural area where it's not uncommon to see people selling corn, flowers, firewood, eggs and other goodies at the end of their driveway to make extra money. My husband and I have talked many times about getting our own "country hustle" to bring in some extra cash.

We've discussed selling raspberries, firewood, starting a worm farm (really) and growing flowers and herbs. We're still trying to figure out our niche, but I'm determined that we'll get something going by next summer.

If you're looking for some ways to make a little extra money, take a look at this post by sisterscribe.

Is your credit card about to get canceled?

2009-08-16T16:13:00.001-07:00

Not long ago I receive a letter from American Express notifying me that they were canceling my credit card. It wasn't because I had too large of a balance or had been late with payments. It was because I had a zero balance and hadn't used the card in at least two years.

Apparently more credit card companies have taken similar actions against customers ahead of new Federal Reserve guidelines scheduled to begin taking effect later this week. American Express, Bank of America and other credit card issuers have canceled customer accounts with no advance notice or much of an explanation.

After the Fed's new guidelines take effect credit card companies will have to give 45 days notice before raising interest rates, reducing credit limits or making other significant changes to the terms of credit card agreements.

Yes, you can amend your tax return

2009-08-08T13:38:00.001-07:00

Uh oh. You've discovered an error on the tax return that's already been filed for last year. What do you do? First, don't panic. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has a procedure in place that allows you to correct tax returns.

Make a list of all the reasons you think an amended return is needed. Was your math incorrect when you did the calculations? If so, it's possible the IRS has already corrected the mistake.

You'll want to file an an amended return if you need to make a change in your filing status, missed a few deductions or are claiming a tax credit, such as the $8,000 first-time homebuyer credit if you bought a home last year.

Use Form 1040X, Amended U.S. Individual Tax Return, to correct Form 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ. You must include the tax year for the return that's being amended. If you are amending more than one tax return, use a separate 1040X for each year and mail them separately. Usually, you have three years from the date of the original return or two years from the date you paid the tax to file an amendment.

Home prices inch up

2009-07-29T09:25:00.000-07:00

Home prices rose slightly for the first time since the summer of 2006, according to the S&P/Case Shiller Home Price Indices. So what exactly does that mean for homeowners? Take a look at my post on Mortgage Loan Place to see.

Camp Hyatt Is looking for a young journalist to win trip to resort

2009-07-27T13:52:00.000-07:00

Do you have a kid who loves "reporting" on scoops? Camp Hyatt is running a contest to find a budding journalist who enjoys travel and the outdoor, as well as learning about animals, the environment and new cultures. Camp Hyatt offers kids ages 3-12 their very own vacation experience at Hyatt Resorts.

To enter, help your child upload a video at the Camp Hyatt site describing why they want to visit a Camp Hyatt and report on their experience. The winner of the contest will win a trip for four to a Hyatt Resort with a Camp Hyatt in the U.S. or Caribbean. They'll be required to give an online report about their experience. Entries are restricted to kids 6-12, and parents must give permission to enter.

How we got in for half price at Sesame Place

2009-07-24T11:55:00.000-07:00

A trip to an amusement park can cost big bucks. But because we decided to forgo a real vacation this summer and do day trips to fun places within driving distance, we decided to make an amusement park one of our outings.

Since my daughter Julia is a fan of Elmo, Ernie and the gang on Sesame Street, we decided on a visit to Sesame Place, which is about an hour away. The park offers tame enough rides for the preschool set, shows with Sesame Street characters, and a variety of water rides, slides and pools.

I guess I shouldn't have been, but I was surprised to see that the full admission price for everyone over 2 was $50.95, plus tax. Kids under 2 are free and folks over 55 pay $45.95.

Of course we scoured the Internet and local retailers for discounts, but the best we could come up with was $6 off a single ticket price. Since we weren't going with a group, we weren't eligible for any discounts there. So if we paid full price for the three of us, added in the $15 parking fee and $20 locker rental, we were looking at a bill of $187.85. That didn't include any food or drinks we might get.

But after a little more research on ticket prices, we finally found a way to get into the park for half price. We decided to get there after 3 p.m., when the twilight ticket price of $25.95 went into effect. The park was open to 8 p.m. that day and we figured we'd have plenty of time to enjoy as many of the rides and features as we wanted.

Going to the park later in the day was a great move. Even late in the evening it was still hot enough to enjoy the water rides and pools without feeling cold. Also, because we went during the week, there were fewer crowds than on weekends or holidays. We rarely had to wait more than five or 10 minutes to get on rides, and didn't feel crowded. We also were able to catch the Elmo's World show, which Julia absolutely loved.

Next time you plan a visit to an amusement park, check to see if they have reduced admission in the late afternoon or evening. Not only will you save money, but you'll probably have a shorter wait time for the rides since many people go earlier in the day and start trickling out before dinner time.

Pay off credit card debt?

2009-07-21T15:58:00.001-07:00

Here's a good video about paying off credit card debt vs. investing.

Follow SmartyPig on Twitter and you could win $100

2009-07-21T09:14:00.000-07:00

Remember when saving up for a big purchase meant putting all your spare change in a piggy bank? Well SmartyPig is like an online version of a piggy bank. Basically you set up a free account to meet a specific savings goal and deposit money. You can also get friends and family to contribute to your account, so it's a great way to set up a wedding, baby, or graduation fund.

SmartyPig is running a contest on Twitter to give away three $100 gift cards. No purchase is required and you don't have to open a SmartyPig account. But you'll have to sign up to follow SmartyPig on Twitter. On Thursday, July 23, SmartyPig will tweet a question at 11 a.m. CST and you'll have 15 minutes to answer it for a chance to win one of the gift cards.

SmartyPig isn't actually a bank. It's an online savings tool that works with a bank to help people meet their savings goals. Deposits are actually held at West Bank, a 115-year-old bank located in Iowa. Currently SmartyPig is offering an annual percentage yield (APY) of 2.75%, which is quite competitive compared to current savings rates at other banks.

Freebies around the web

2009-07-17T12:18:00.001-07:00

Looking for free or cheap stuff? Here's a round up of a few sites I frequently check out for some major bargains.

Coupon Cravings has tips on freebies that include Bath & Body Works lip gloss, breakfast at IKEA and paperback books. The site also has offers for super cheap magazine subscriptions. I've already signed up for my 1-year subscription to Working Mother for $2.99.

Freebies 4 Mom has offers for a free sample of Vaseline Aloe Fresh from Costco and 50% off e.l.f. Cosmetics.

Wisebread has details of a free backpack offer at Staples that runs July 19-25, and a free Eagle Ballpoint Pen from Crystal Cathedral's Hour of Power show.

About.com has links to free DVDs and free $25 Staples gifts cards for teachers getting ready for the back-to-school season.

Those are just a few of the offers you can find on these sites. Check out older post to find other deals for free or cheap goods.

Airfare wars heat up

2009-07-15T11:15:00.000-07:00

If you're planning to fly in the next few months, you might want to hustle over to your favorite airline Web site to snap up a good deal. Several of the airlines are offering super low airfares to various destinations. I just bought a ticket on Continental for a trip I have to take in a couple of months for about $100 cheaper than airfares I saw advertised about three weeks ago.

You'll want to do some comparison shopping to find the best deal. Although I went to Expedia and Hotwire to compare airfares, I actually found better deals when I visited individual airline Web sites. I found a wider variety of prices and departure times. Also keep in mind that discount tickets may have restrictions, such as no refunds.

So what sparked the current airfare war? Last week AirTran began offering flights as low as $39 each way and Southwest Airlines offered $49 each way. Other airlines were pressured into lowering fares to compete.

Keep in mind that the discount fares will vary depending upon your itinerary, and that there may be blackout dates and other restrictions. In some cases you may find a cheaper fare if you fly from a smaller airport. So if you live within distance of more than one airport, it may be worth your while to compare ticket prices for all of them to get the best deal.

Obama wants you to serve your community

2009-07-13T10:05:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for a way to give back in your community but aren't sure how? A new government Web site aims to help you find opportunities to volunteer your time doing everything from teaching people to read to leading nature walks.

Serve.gov was launched due to President Barack Obama's call to Americans to spend more time serving in their communities. The United We Serve campaign is aimed at helping people meet some of the social needs that are a result of the economic downturn.

The Web site has links to organizations that are looking for volunteers, but individuals and groups are also encouraged to develop their own do-it-yourself projects. The initial goal is for United We Serve to encourage people to volunteer over the summer. But it is hoped that the program will encourage Americans to give back in their communities on a regular basis beyond the summer.

Volunteering does make a difference. For example, volunteering to read to a child three hours a week means that he or she will be more likely to score in the top 25% in reading, according to Serve.gov.

People of all ages, backgrounds and skills can serve in their communities. Many folks who've been laid off from jobs have even found volunteering to be a worthwhile way to spend their time, learn some new skills or even test out a new career. If you don't see an opportunity that interests you on the Web site, contact a local organization that you would like to work with to see if they need help.

Cookout on a shoestring

2009-07-03T10:52:00.000-07:00

It's the July 4th weekend, a great time to have a summer cookout with friends and family. But don't blow your food budget over all those burgers and weenies. Here are 5 tips to have a great barbecue and still keep some money in your wallet.

Clip coupons and use them for everything, including hot dogs, burgers or chicken. Most supermarkets slash the price of meats that are popular with the grill set so you should be able to find some good deals this weekend.

Skip the bottles of soda and whip up a batch of iced tea or lemonade. You'll save money and cut down on the amount of sugar being consumed.

Buy bags of salad, baked beans, veggies, potato chips and bread products in bulk from a local warehouse store. If you're expecting a large turnout for your gathering, buying in bulk could save big bucks.

Go meatless. I know that for some people a cookout isn't a cookout without some meat. But meat can really add up. Veggie burgers, fish and fresh vegetables are delicious when grilled, and a whole lot healthier, too. Other meatless options include black bean burgers and grilled portabella mushrooms, which are a great beef substitute.

Have a potluck. If everyone you know is on a budget, sharing the expense of preparing food can help everyone have a great time while keeping some money in their pockets. You can prepare the main dish and ask for sides and snacks as contributions. Make sure you know what people are bringing ahead of time so you'll have a variety of foods.

Ultimately, the holiday should be about spending quality time with friends and family, not running up a lot of debt. Set a specific dollar amount for your cookout budget and stick with it to avoid overspending.

Jon and Kate split provides cautionary tale about money and fame

2009-07-01T15:50:00.000-07:00

You've probaby heard that Jon and Kate, stars of the hit reality TV series "Jon & Kate, Plus 8," are getting a divorce. If you're in the middle of a total news blackout and aren't aware of who they are, Jon and Kate have turned their 15 minutes of fame--and their brood of eight kids--into a real money-making opportunity, unlike many reality TV stars. Kate has written books and the family has created what seems like a cult-like following among TV viewers.The problem is, their 15 minutes of fame seems to be a major contributor to wrecking their marriage.

I'm not going to go into all the particulars of their painful-to-watch breakup. But their situation is a cautionary tale for all the folks out there who aspire to star on reality TV shows in the hopes of becoming rich and famous. While this couple likely already had some issues in their marriage even before the cameras began to follow their every move, being in the media spotlight certainly couldn't have been good for working through their problems. Even some of the celebrity couples who were used to large amounts of money and being followed by paparazzi later split after starring in reality shows.

For a lot of folks, starring in their own reality show sounds glamorous, fun and exciting—and of course very lucrative. But what they don't realize—or choose to ignore—is how damaging it can be to have your life examined under a microscope by the public.

Sure, Jon and Kate received a lot of money for their exposure, but was all that money really worth it since their family is now in shambles? And why have they agreed to continue airing all their dirty laundry for America to see by agreeing to continue taping the show? I'll bet their children would willingly give back their nice home, expensive toys, and other goodies they've received for the chance to have their parents back together again out of the public eye.

Father's Day freebies and discounts

2009-06-19T12:04:00.000-07:00

Treat dad to some food and fun this Father's Day without breaking the bank. There are plenty of freebies and special deals to choose from this weekend, including free admission to zoos and national parks, free meals, frozen yogurt and free bowling. Abundant Food Savings has a nice roundup of special offers around the country to treat your dad.

Savings accounts offer $1,000 bonus for college or home

2009-06-18T10:42:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for a savings account that gives you more than just a tiny amount of interest, Citizens Bank has a couple of deals that may interest you.

The bank has a CollegeSaver account that can allow you to receive a $1,000 bonus when your child turns 18. The other deal is for a HomeBuyer Savings that offers $1,000 cash when you close on a home financed through the bank. For more information on both these savings accounts check out my recent blog post at GoTalkMoney.

Wedding gifts seem to be recession-proof

2009-06-16T07:51:00.000-07:00

In the recent ABC Family movie "My Fake Fiance," two people staged a fake wedding so they could clean up on wedding gifts from their family and friends. I thought the premise was pretty ridiculous, but apparently getting married can still result in a bonanza of gifts despite the troubled economy.

The majority of people attending weddings are giving gifts to the bride and groom despite the recession, according to a poll conducted by the Associated Press and Brides.com. About 90% of people who recently attended a wedding gave a gift, and apparently they aren't scrimping on what they buy. The most popular price range for a wedding gift was $100 to $199. The next most popular price point was $50 to $75.

While 63% said they felt obligated to send a wedding gift even if they couldn't attend the ceremony, people over 65 (72%) were more likely to feel this way than the under 30 crowd (53%). However, people also said they were giving fewer gifts at pre-wedding celebrations. Only 10% gave an engagement party gift and 37% gave a gift at a bridal shower.

The results of this poll are surprising because there have been so many reports of people cutting back on expenses to conserve their cash due to the recession and job losses. But maybe people still have a soft heart for couples just starting out in life together and want to help them set up their households. Or maybe for many people, traveling to a friend or family member's wedding doubles as a nice weekend getaway, mini-vacation or pseudo-family reunion.

Whatever the case, folks also aren't letting the cost of attending a wedding keep them home during this recession. Only 3% of those polled said they had turned down a wedding invitation over the past two years because of the cost. People who recently attended weddings shelled out a median $200, which covered gifts, travel, clothing, etc. Of the 38% of people who traveled to attend a wedding, three-quarters went more than 100 miles from home.

Have you recently declined a wedding invitation or spent less on a gift because of the economy? Leave a comment describing your experience.

Turn old sneakers into playground surfaces

2009-06-12T17:34:00.001-07:00

Do you have a bunch of old sneakers taking up space in your closet? If so, you might be able to recycle them to be used for athletic surfaces or playgrounds. Recycling old sneakers also helps keep them out of landfills.

Nike's Reuse-A-Shoe program has collected over 23 million pairs of shoes around the world since 1990. The shoes are ground up and recycled to become part of a basketball court, track, field or playground.

Nike accepts any brand of athletic shoes (no cleats, metal, dress shoes, sandals or flip-flops) at some of its retail locations. If you don't know where to drop off old sneakers, you can print out an address label to mail them. Schools and other groups also may hold shoe drives to collect sneakers.

Nike is currently accepting applications from groups that want to hold a Reuse-A-Shoe drive for up to 200 pairs of sneakers. The groups must be located near a Nike retail location in the U.S.

Family freebies: Grounds for Sculpture (Hamilton, N.J.)

2009-06-08T15:27:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we used our Bank of America credit card to get a free admission to the Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, N.J. We saved $10, or the price of one general admission.

It was a great weekend to visit because the park was having an anniversary celebration. We took a tour with a couple of the artists who have work in the park, which features contemporary sculpture and beautiful landscaping. We also saw several peacocks strutting their stuff.

I recommend this park for people of all ages. My daughter had plenty of things to keep her interest, partly because of the thought and detail that went into planning the park, such as water features, bridges, and "secret paths" that connected the different exhibits. It also helped that we could touch many of the sculptures. While there is also an indoor exhibit, most of the good stuff is outdoors.

Bank of America's Museums on Us progam offers free general admission to over 100 museums around the country if you have one of its ATM, credit or check cards. The free admissions are good the first weekend of every month at museums and attractions that include Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, N.J., Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.

We only got one free admission because we had one Bank of America card in my husband's name and would have needed a second card in my name to have gotten the second admission free. Our daughter got in for free because children five and under don't have to pay.

If you missed the Museums on Us free weekend this month, check with your local museum to find out if they have certain days or evenings when you can see the exhibits for free.

Consignment shops offer gently worn clothing at affordable prices

2009-06-03T14:56:00.000-07:00

Looking for a new suit for a job interview? Or perhaps you just want a cute summer dress to wear to church or a party. If you're on a tight budget, you may just find what you want at a local consignment shop.

But isn't buying at consignment just a fancy way to say "used clothing?" Well, yes and no. I've found that consignment shops in more upscale zip codes can be a treasure trove of designer clothing, shoes, accessories, coats, handbags, etc. While most of the items are gently worn, I've seen clothing that still had their original stores tags and had never been worn. However, I'm cautious about really inspecting clothing in shops that aren't as upscale because I've seen a lot of junk thrown in with some true gems.

Keep in mind that most consignment shops are pretty picky about what they'll accept. Some won't accept items that are more than a couple of seasons old. Others have strict policies about clothing being dry cleaned and having no rips, stains or missing buttons. Even accessories like purses, scarves and jewelry are usually closely inspected.

Depending upon the shop you go to, there may be sales with deep discounts. One shop I've been to several times has special days at the end of each season where you can fill up a shopping bag for a flat fee.

When you do find something you like make sure you inspect it carefully before buying it. Look for zippers that don't work, stains or spots that can't be removed, fading, moth holes, strange odors and rips. If you do find an article of clothing that is missing buttons or snaps, don't rule it out because those are pretty basic repairs you can do yourself.

Make sure you know what the shop's return policy is before shelling out your money. Some stores will refund your money within a certain number of days. Other places may only offer store credit.

Consignment shops are a fabulous way to stretch your dollars in this tough economy. Also, when it comes to buying clothing for children, consignment shops are a must to keep up with their rapid growth rates. If you find a shop you really like, establish a rapport with the owner and ask to be notified about the arrival of any particular items you are hoping to find.

Who can qualify for the first-time homebuyer tax credit?

2009-06-03T12:05:00.000-07:00

Did you know you could be eligible for the first-time homebuyer tax credit even if you previously owned a home? If you haven't owned a principal residence at any time during the three years before the date of a home purchase, you could be eligible to claim the credit on your federal income tax return. Also, taxpayers who owned a principal residence outside of the U.S. during this time could qualify for the credit.

If you purchase a home in the U.S. you can file a credit for 10% of the purchase price up to a maximum of $8,000. So if the purchase price is $80,000, you'd be able to file for the full tax credit. There are a few other requirements to take advantage of this:

The home you purchase must be your principal residence, not a vacation home or investment property.

If you claimed the credit (up to $7,500) on your 2008 tax return, you won't be able to claim it for 2009.

Homes must be purchased between April 8, 2008, and Dec. 1, 2009.

So when can't you use the first-time homebuyer tax credit?

If you buy a home from a close relative (parent, grandparent, child, etc)

If you sell the home before the end of the year

If you are a nonresident alien.

The tax credit also phases out for high-income married couples filing jointly who earn $150,000 to $170,000 and other taxpayers who earn $75,000 to $95,000.

Bank fees can drain your account

2009-06-02T16:29:00.001-07:00

I don't like getting hit with bank fees. But this week I used my debit card for a couple of purchases and wham! I got charged $1 for each purchase.

That may not seem like a lot, but those little $1 fees can really add up if you're not paying attention. And if you spend more than you have in your account you'll get hit with overdraft fees than can top $30. Overdrafts resulting from ATM and debit transactions generate an estimated $7.8 billion in fees for banks, according to Consumers Union, the publisher of Consumer Reports.

Do you know how much you're paying to use out-of-network ATMS, make purchases with a debit card or use overdraft protection? The fact is bank fees are taking a bigger bite out of many people's pockets.

In some cases, banks are allowing people to make ATM withdrawals even though they don't have enough cash in their accounts. The result is people often unknowingly get charged overdraft fees. The median overdraft fee is $27, according to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), but transactions that trigger overdrafts average only $17. And most banks have their policies set up to automatically enroll accounts in overdraft programs.

USA Today has a story about how some banks are even raising their fees for certain services--not just overdrafts--which will put an even greater squeeze on many American's budgets. Of course the banks justify these changes by saying that customers are becoming more risky because of job losses and getting behind with their bills.

The Federal Reserve is considering proposals that would allow consumers to have the right to opt-in to overdraft programs for ATM and debit transactions or to opt-out after being signed up for overdraft coverage by their bank. In the meantine, pay attention to how and where you use your ATM or debit card so you can avoid being hit with unnecessary fees.

My interview on ABC News about debt settlement

2009-05-27T15:05:00.001-07:00

You've probably seen quite a few ads about how debt settlement companies can help you negotiate your credit card and other debts. It's important to get the facts on debt settlement so you can choose a reputable company and avoid wasting your time and money. Check out my recent interview on ABC News about the pros and cons of debt settlement.

Should You Settle Your Debt?

Shared via AddThis

10 cheap ways to go green

2009-05-25T14:21:00.000-07:00

Okay, ya'll. I'm going green. I've even started a compost bin in my backyard. I can't wait until I have a nice batch of compost to add to my vegetable garden. Helping the environment is something all of us can do a little at a time.

We already recycle paper, glass, plastic and metal at my house. My husband has been into using Freecycle for quite some time to get rid of items we no longer need around our house. He even got an iPod someone no longer wanted in one of his trades.

I think a common perception is that it takes a lot of money to become more environmentally conscious, but that isn't really true. Sure, you could spend a lot of money buying fancy gadgets, a hybrid car or pricey organic vegetables. But all you really need to do is look for simple ways to change your lifestyle to reduce your carbon footprint.

Here are 10 free or low-cost things you can do to help the environment:

Recycle paper, plastic, metal and glass.

Drink filtered tap water instead of buying water in plastic bottles.

Use cloth napkins instead of paper.

Recycle plastic shopping bags at your local supermarket.

Wash and reuse plastic storage and sandwich bags, or store food in resusable containers.

Recycle or donate old computers, cellphones, and electronics to nonprofits -- http://www.iaer.org/search/.

Donate old sneakers so they can be recycled for use on playgrounds -- http://www.nikereuseashoe.com/.

Plant a tree.

Recycle ink jet cartridges.

Be selective about what you print out on your computer to reduce paper waste.

As you can see, none of these things take much time or money. And just changing a few habits at a time will have a huge impact on the environment.

More women give up babies because of recession

2009-05-19T11:37:00.001-07:00

Check out my blog at WalletPop about how the recession is causing some women to give up their babies for adoption.

I'm sure some people will be critical of women who do this, and in particular a woman featured in the USA Today story about the trend. She is a single mother of three teens who says she's always had a tough time financially and just couldn't afford to keep her baby. Also, the father of her child was apparently no help as is often the case.

Giving up a child like this is a heart-wrenching decision I can't ever imagine making. But I think that it's better that this woman did the responsible thing and found a good home for her child if she really didn't think she could take care of it, and that she didn't go the abortion route.

Raising kids is an expensive endeavor that is commonly estimated to cost parents more than $250,000 from birth to age 18 for a single child. I know it's hard to wrap your mind around those kind of figures. But if you're curious about how much your little darlings are costing you, check out this cool calculator that can help total up your annual kid expenses.

Coupons Can Save You Big Bucks

2009-05-15T08:59:00.001-07:00

I've been a serious coupon clipper for years so thought I'd share some of my favorite sites for tracking down money-saving deals. Keep in mind that you have to do more than clip the coupons and throw them in a drawer to reap the most savings. I use an coupon keeper and a small notebook to stay organized since we get a lot of new coupons each week.

Coupons aren't just for groceries. You can find great deals on dining out, home improvement services, clothing stores, office supplies, you name it. The trick is to only clip the coupons you think you'll use and always take them with you when you shop.

Shop around for double and triple coupon days at your grocer to save even more money. Using coupons on items that are already on sale can often result in you paying less than half or more for items you regularly use--or even get items for free.

Visit the following sites often to get hip to some great deals:

Coolsavings

Money Saving Mom

Deal Seeking Mom

Shortcuts

There are many coupon sites out there but these are some of the ones I've personally had success with. If you know of a great coupon site that others would like to know about, drop me a line.

Internet Swap Meets

2009-05-14T11:23:00.001-07:00

Looking for some new duds but don't have two pennies to rub together? Why not browse through the offerings at one of these fast-growing websites that promote swapping. Sites like Swapstyle, Rehash Clothes, and Dig 'N' Swap make exchanging clothes fun and eco-friendly.

Depending upon the site you'll find a variety of clothing, accessories, shoes, and other items offered up for trade. The memberships are free, but you'll pay for the shipping of whatever items you receive.

You'll need a digital camera to take photos of anything you want to list. And if you want to maintain a good rep on the site, it's important to be honest about the size and condition of items you're listing. You'll probably have the most success with clothing that is gently worn or practically new.

While it can take some time to scroll through all the listings to find the item you want, it's definitely worth the time if you are running low on cash and can't go out and purchase something new.

The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) has an informative article that compares the three swapping sites.

Help Your Kids Read, Learn to Save

2009-05-14T10:01:00.000-07:00

TD Bank has a great summer reading program that allows kids to earn $10 for reading 10 books. My daughter did it last year and still looks forward to visiting our local bank branch to deposit money.

Check out my blog about it at WalletPop.

5 Ways to Teach Your Kids About Money

2009-05-12T07:45:00.000-07:00

Not sure how to talk to children about money? If you want your kids to know that money doesn't grow on trees, it's time to get started on their financial education.

Think about age appropriate activities that are fun and can get the discussion started. Here are some fun games and exercises you can do with your younger kids to teach them about money.

1. Preschoolers can plan grocery store or going to the bank. Get play money your child can use to purchase items. Even children who don't know how to count love pretending that they are using money to pay for things.

2. Preschoolers and kids in elementary school will enjoy reading stories about money and responsibility.

3. Elementary kids are old enough to put coins in a piggy bank and make a trip to the bank to start a savings account. Let them see how their money grows each time they make a deposit.

4. Plan board games like Monopoly or the Game of Life to learn about debt, managing money, and handling income from a job.

5. Help your child set up a plan for giving back to others. That can include tithing at your church, donating to various charities, or finding time to volunteer together.

Your kids are watching you and learning from your every move. Make sure they see an adult who behaves responsibly so they'll pick up positive financial habits that will last a life.

Using money, time and talents wisely

2009-03-12T14:47:00.001-07:00

It's all about the economy these days. Everywhere you look, people are talking about falling home values, foreclosures, dwindling retirement funds, the crazy stock market...you name it!

But while there is a lot of doom and gloom out there, I think it's important to stay positive and not get caught up in all the hype. There's no doubt a lot of people are struggling to stay afloat financially, but that doesn't mean we all have to throw up our hands in despair and have a huge pity party--or buy into the notion that there's nothing we can do but wait for other people to make decisions to help us.

I believe that if you equip yourself with the tools you need to make smart decisions about your money and your life, you'll be better positioned to receive all the blessings God has in store for you.

Super Savvy Spender isn't just about how to manage money. Super Savvy Spender is about making the most of your time and talents. Perhaps you're someone who has been stuck in a rut and wants to break free. Whether you're looking for solid financial advice, help transitioning to a new career, or tips to improve the overall quality of your life, I'm here to give you a little nudge.

You found Super Savvy Spender for a reason, and I hope that you find encouragement and inspiration to take your goals to the next level.