Weekly Savings Tip: December 28, 2009

Post-Holiday Savings

Consumers should see a healthy selection of goods during post-holiday sales. Knowing where to look and how to make the most of these sales is crucial for avoiding long lines and getting the most bang for your buck.

• Shortly after the holidays, retailers will fill the newspapers, touting their sales. Take advantage of these sales by looking over the circulars in your area. Keep your eyes open for good deals on everyday items and even gifts for next year.

• If you are buying discounted sale merchandise, be sure you are fully aware of the return policy. Being able to return items for a full cash refund is a benefit that should not be overlooked.

• Being familiar with the warranty on the items that you purchase can save you time, money, and frustration, especially when it comes to appliances, computers, or other electronics. If you're unfamiliar with the store, read reviews to see if you can gauge customer satisfaction.

• Lastly, if you're not willing to brave the post-holiday shopping traffic or crowds, consider waiting until after the New Year when sales and money-saving opportunities will be just as plentiful.

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Weekly Savings Tip: December 21, 2009

What Investors Need to Understand to Avoid Fraud

As most investors know, risk is an inherent part of investing; it is what makes the reward of positive returns possible. Too often, investors focused on big returns are persuaded to enter into what turn out to be fraudulent schemes promising the moon and the stars for little or no risk. Here are some resources to help educate you:

Tricks of the Trade: Outsmarting Investment Fraud – FINRA Investor Education.

Investment Fraud Awareness Quiz – North American Securities
Administrators Association.

Consumer Fraud/Investor Protection Resources – Employee Benefit Research Institute/Choose to Save.

Click here to see a list of all 12 resources for understanding and avoiding fraud, by the nonprofit Alliance for Investor Education (AIE).

For more information on investing and fraud prevention, visit the Investment Planning section

of the 360 Financial Literacy website.

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Weekly Savings Tip: December 07, 2009

Winter Savings Tips

This winter, keep your family cozy and your wallet insulated by following
these easy steps:

• Dial back your thermostat 1 degree cooler during the winter season to help slash your energy bill.

• Caulk around window frames, door frames and seams on the outside of the house to keep heat in and cold air out.

• Take advantage of your body's natural heat. Wear sweaters, warm socks and long pants around the house.

• Use a programmable thermostat to automatically control your home's temperature. It can keep your house cooler during the day and warmer during the evenings. This could save you an average of $180 a year.

Following these tips can immediately reduce your energy costs. Learn more Winter Savings Tips.

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.



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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.

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