Vendor Reviews

Hola! I know I have been MIA, but I have really been enjoying being his Mrs.! I did, however, want to be sure that I shared our experiences and vendor reviews.

You can see them here.

NOTE: This is not a complete list as I have not reviewed our photographer nor videographer. Instead of the rating system, I based my reviews on whether or not I would rehire a particular vendor.

Adios!

PS: I hope this helps a fellow bride :)

Weekly Savings Tip: November 17, 2009

First-time Homeowner Tax Credit Extended
with Important Changes

On November 6, 2009, President Obama signed into law the Worker, Homeownership and Business Assistance Act of 2009, which includes a provision to extend the first-time homebuyer tax credit originally created in July 2008 with the Housing and Economic Recovery Act. This extension applies for new homes purchased before May 1, 2010; for members of the military whose duties have taken them overseas, the credit extends until May of 2011.

The new legislation includes some important changes for those buying a home after it was signed into law. These changes include:

• Higher income limits now apply. The credit is reduced if your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) exceeds $125,000 ($225,000 if married filing a joint return) and is completely eliminated if your MAGI is $145,000 ($245,000 if
married filing a joint return).

• A credit of up to $8,000 will still apply to qualifying first-time buyers, and a smaller credit of up to $6,500 will now apply to families that have lived in their homes for at least five years and wish to purchase a new home.

• If you (and your spouse, if you're married) have maintained the same principal residence for at least five consecutive years in the eight year period ending at the time you purchase a new principal residence, you could qualify for a credit of up to $6,500 ($3,250 if you're married and file separately).

For more information and to decide if taking advantage of these new rules is for you, visit the White House’s Fact Sheet on the Worker, Homeownership and Business Assistance Act or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Web site for details on the original Housing and Economic Recovery Act.



Visit www.FeedthePig.org for more money-saving tips!

Bob Evans Farmhouse Feast Giveaway

NOTE: This giveaway is being featured at $5 Dinners.



How would you like to have THIS…



…delivered WARM to your doorstep?!? Just in time for your holiday meal…or your holiday party…or just for dinner!

The Bob Evans Holiday Farmhouse Feast is the perfect solution for a cookless, low-stress holiday season.

The Farmhouse Feast comes complete with Bob Evans’ signature slow-roasted boneless turkey breast or sliced, boneless ham, bread and celery dressing, mashed potatoes with gravy, buttered sweet corn, green beans with ham, cranberry orange relish, rolls, a loaf of pumpkin bread and a pumpkin pie with whipped topping. The turkey and ham are both pre-cooked.

Bob Evans will also be offering the Farmhouse Feast anytime during December for your holiday entertaining or your Christmas meal. If you are interested in ordering, you can learn more on their website. The website contains ordering information, heating instructions, and a FAQ page.

So here’s how you can get this meal delivered to your doorstep…

Go to $5 Dinners to enter!

Weekly Savings Tip: November 9, 2009

Smart Use of Credit Cards

As the country begins to recover from the recession, retails sales are improving and, along with them, credit card use is on the rise, according to MasterCard Advisors. As the holiday shopping season begins, keep the following in mind when applying for or using a credit card:

• Most credit cards offer rewards, such as airline tickets, cash back, car insurance or other incentives. Paying off your monthly balance to avoid interest will allow you to fully reap the benefits of the card.

• Credit card applications may often contain low interest rates to attract customers. Before you sign, research varying interest rates, minimum payment requirements, grace periods, annual fees and credit limits.

• Understand the impact that cancelling a credit card will have on your credit score. If the card is one that you've had for awhile and consistently paid off, it could negatively affect your credit rating.

• Using credit card pay off calculators will help you realize what it will take to pay off your balance, and what personal spending habits you can change to meet your repayment goals.

Visit www.FeedthePig.org for more money-saving tips!

Weekly Savings Tip: October 5, 2009

Calculate How Much You’re Worth

Do you know how much you'll be worth when retirement comes? A recent Gallup Poll revealed that 52 percent of Americans are worried they won’t have enough money to live comfortably once they retire. Use this Retirement Estimator Calculator to determine your Social Security earnings and help plan for the future.

Additionally, non-retirees expect to rely on several income sources in retirement. For more information on these income sources, click the links below:

Social Security
Stocks or mutual fund investments
Savings accounts or CDs
401(k) or other retirement accounts
Annuities or insurance plans
Home equity
Pension plans

Visit www.FeedthePig.org for more money-saving tips!

Weekly Savings Tip: September 28, 2009

Credit cards can help build a good credit history but improper use can be disastrous. Being knowledgeable and reading the fine print may save you money and prevent unnecessary charges. If you have one or more credit cards, consider the following tips:

• Credit card applications may offer low interest rates to attract customers. Before you sign, research the card’s varying interest rates, minimum payment requirements, grace periods, annual fees and credit limits before you
open a new account.

• Make payments on time to avoid possible automatic rate increases and other credit card pitfalls.

• Pay off your monthly balance to avoid interest and to fully reap the benefits or rewards your card may come with (cash back, frequent flier miles, etc.).

• Understand the effect that cancelling a credit card will have on your credit score. If the card is one that you've had for awhile and consistently paid off, it could negatively affect your credit rating.

• Credit bureaus offer a toll-free number that enables you to “opt-out” of having pre-approved credit offers sent to you. Call 1-888-5-OPTOUT (888-567-8688) or visit www.optoutprescreen.com for more information.

Read more on paying off credit card debt.

Weekly Savings Tip: September 21, 2009

Fall Saving Strategies

As the summer months wane and the chilly weather of fall begins, consider doing some upkeep on your home in order to save on energy costs. Here are some simple ways to ensure that your house and wallet are properly insulated:

• Clean or replace your furnace filters once a month. Dirty filters can block warm air from the furnace and make it operate less efficiently, costing you money.

• Lower your thermostat 5 to 7 degrees at night. Your energy savings will increase as much as 3-5 percent for every degree the thermostat is below 68.

• Keep your shades and curtains open during the day to let in sunlight and warmth. Close them at night to retain heat.

• Weatherize your home by caulking and weather-stripping all exterior
doors and windows.

Learn more fall savings tips.

Have any other green ideas that will help you save this season? Register on www.FeedthePig.org to post your comments on the message boards!