Fatwallet.com Blog RSS Our Mission - Serve consumers with knowledge, value and guidance. http://www.fatwallet.com/blog/ Home Grown: Planning a Garden to Save Money http://www.fatwallet.com/blog/home-grown-planning-a-garden-to-save-money/ http://www.fatwallet.com/blog/home-grown-planning-a-garden-to-save-money/ Its the middle of winter ice coating the trees, mailboxes, and streets outside my window. Yet, my thoughts are already turning to spring birds chirping, flowers blooming, and me prepping my garden for this years growing season. Now is the time to start planning your garden so that you are ready to go with garden tools, top soil, fertilizer, seeds, and starter plants when the weather warms up!

Produce isnt cheap especially organic produce - and coupons for fresh items can be hard to come by. Growing a garden is a great way to save money and have plenty of fresh veggies all summer long, if its done right.

My husband, Nick, and I are accidental gardeners. Two years ago, Nick was sick and tired of spending top dollar on vine ripened supermarket tomatoes that tasted bland at best. He went to our local nursery and bought several varieties of tomato starter plants. Honestly, we didnt put much thought into planning the layout or care of our tomatoes. We learned the hard way that tomatoes need full sun and lots of watering. We also learned that rabbits, turtles, and deer love tomatoes as much as people do! So here are some tips for making your garden great!

  • Research, research, research! is the advice I received from my friend (avid gardener and novice chicken farmer), Jessica Conner. Research what plants do well in your particular climate and how much care and attention they will need. Be realistic about how much time you and your family will have to tend your garden plot and choose plants accordingly.

  • Start small, says Melissa Van Oort of Helena, Montana. If you start too big, you may get overwhelmed and give up. You can always expand your garden next year! If youre a beginner, Melissa suggests trying a salad garden growing lettuces, spinach, cucumbers, and maybe a tomato plant or two. You can even try growing fresh herbs, strawberries, or cherry tomatoes in containers on your back porch for starters.

  • Involve the whole family, especially the kids both Jessica and Melissa agreed with this sentiment. Melissas three children have their own garden tools and are in charge of certain garden chores like weeding and watering (with supervision). Jessica says shes amazed at how her boys are much more likely to gulp down veggies that they helped to grow!

  • Understand that growing or raising anything is an investment, Jessica says. Its an investment of time, labor, and money. She estimates it will be several years before she fully recoups the investment in her egg-laying hens. However, with a vegetable garden, your return should come much sooner than that. Besides, there is nothing like being able to walk out your back door and gather up fresh herbs and vegetables to make a great meal for your family!



Christine Luken is a Coupon Queen, Financial Coach, and author of the e-book, Confessions of a Coupon Queen: Secrets Retailers Dont Want You to Know. She has a passion for helping families save money so they can build up their savings and pay off their debt. Christine lives in the Greater Cincinnati area with her husband, Nick, and two cats, Peanut and Little Tiny. In her spare time, you can find Christine on the golf course, at the mall shopping for shoes (coupons in hand!), or at home watching cage fighting with her husband. You can reach her at strongtower.christine@gmail.com or on her website: http://yourstrongtower.com]]> Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:30:00 -0600 Easy to Buy, Inexpensive to InsureBoring Cars Are Bargains! http://www.fatwallet.com/blog/easy-to-buy-inexpensive-to-insure-boring-cars-are-bargains/ http://www.fatwallet.com/blog/easy-to-buy-inexpensive-to-insure-boring-cars-are-bargains/ Before you get seduced by a beautiful new high-end car at a bargain basement sticker price, find out how much you will pay to insure this beguiling beauty.

That new car smell is so overwhelmingly intoxicating! Still, you must remain clear-headed and determined. With interest rates low, dealers inventories high, and car sales still a little sluggish, you can find spectacular deals on great cars. Some new-car prices will send you into reverse sticker shock, making you shake your head in awe and wonder at the amazingly low bottom-line price tags. Buyer beware, though, because you may pay more to insure your dream car than you pay to own it.

Five significant factors drive-up the cost of your insurance:



  • Small, sporty cars cost more. Sporty is a polite term for a little car with a very powerful engine. Smaller high-tech engines often deliver more horsepower than old muscle-cars ever could; and inexperienced drivers frequently cannot handle the dangerous combination of big power and little body. Moreover, many manufacturers substitute aluminum and fiberglass for heavier steel body parts to increase both performance and energy efficiency. Therefore, when a little car does crash, it is far more likely to sustain catastrophic damage than a big car. Subaru Impreza WRX, Acura RSX, and Nissan Sentra SE-R have the highest collision rates largely because of how their young drivers push the edges of the performance envelope.

  • Teen-appeal costs extra. One tiny factoid tells the whole story. Fifth among vehicles that cost the most to insure, the Scion tC has by far the youngest demographic. A whopping 35 percent of its buyers are under 25 years old. Therefore, lots of tCs bump into other cars and other things; and most of their parts cost a lot of money to replace and repair. Your monthly insurance premium on a Scion tC easily may eclipse your loan or lease payment.

  • Thief-appeal costs even more. The National Highway Transportation Safety Board ranks cars theft risks according to how many are stolen per thousand produced. Of course, high-value exotic cars have the highest theft rates: In 2010, the $92,000 Audi S8 sedan topped the list with 8.81 thefts per 1,000 vehicles produced; but, in the continental United States, only two S8s were gone in sixty seconds. Ford Shelby Mustang GT placed second with 8.61 vehicles per 1,000 stolen, but they too are rare. Among the cars ordinary people frequently buy, BMW 5-series, Lexus 300s, and Mercedes C-Class were most likely to vanish from owners driveways. Not surprisingly, retro-styled Dodge Charger full-size sedan suffered 6.47 thefts per 1,000, putting it solidly among the ten cars most at-risk.

  • If you will do damage, expect to pay more. Big SUVsHummers, Suburbans, and Expeditionsresist damage themselves, but they brutally bash smaller vehicles with which they collide. Naturally, families gravitate to these behemoths because they are indestructible kid-carriers, but the cost of insuring a monster tot-transport easily can eclipse the regular monthly lease or loan payment. Growing families should take careful note: With low accident and theft rates, and with very low cost of repairs, the Ford Explorer numbers among the vehicles with by far the lowest insurance costs.

  • High-dollar repairs mean high-dollar insurance. Many manufacturers are substituting aluminum and fiberglass parts for old-fashioned steel components in order to improve energy efficiency. Good news at the gas pump, but bad news at the repair shop, because these high-tech parts are both expensive and difficult to repair or replace; and you pay for your mechanics or body shops inconvenience. Before you commit, crunch the numbers to determine whether the few extra miles-per-gallon ultimately will balance against your higher insurance premiums.


Sadly but truly, decidedly un-glamorous mini-vans and mid-size family sedans, standard issue for the majority of American families, emerge as the best values by just about every measure. Insurance companies like all those anonymous commuter cars because they come equipped with lots of standard safety features, the engines cannot over-power the bodies, they will not do much damage because they have impact-absorbing bumpers and crumple zones, and the people who drive them tend to be responsible, cautious grown-ups. As you shop, you repeatedly will see that boring is always a bargain.

Author Stephen Anderson is an insurance consultant who strongly sugggests that you search online and Compare Auto Insurance Quotes to make certain you are getting the best possible prices. Quotes are available by state or city, such as Compare Nevada Auto Insurance Rates.]]> Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:30:00 -0600 Coupons for your family this Valentines Day http://www.fatwallet.com/blog/coupons-for-your-family-this-valentine-s-day/ http://www.fatwallet.com/blog/coupons-for-your-family-this-valentine-s-day/ With Valentines Day coming up next week, I guess its time to start thinking about gifts and treats for my boys and husband. Aside from the first year my husband and I were together, Valentines Day is not really a big holiday at our house (which I am completely fine with.). Its also my brothers birthday, so many years were out celebrating his birthday. (Again totally fine) I still like to acknowledge the holiday with a small gift for my kids and husband.

Ive decided to be creative, not cheap with gifts for my kids. My boys are 4 and 3, so they havent figured out quite yet that their gifts cost me next to nothing. I decided to make them a coupon book of special things that they can use whenever they want. They also know that I shop with coupons, so I think theyll really like that they get coupons to use for a change

My kids books include things like:


  • Go to the grocery store with Mom or Dad without your brother
  • Have lunch at McDonalds after preschool
  • Pick out an extra book to read at night
  • Pick out a movie to watch
  • Pick out a new movie to rent
  • Extra time playing on the iPad after school
  • Extra time on the computer at night
  • Pick out an extra game to play before rest time
  • Pick out a treat at the store (my kids love Matchbox cars, so this is what they usually pick)


For my husband his coupon book includes things like:


  • Washing/cleaning out his car
  • Setting garbage out on Thursday nights
  • Preparing his favorite dinner
  • Watching a movie he picks out
  • Give the kids a bath
  • Do his laundry


Now if HE were to make a coupon book for me, it might include things like:


  • Vacuum the entire house
  • Clean the bathrooms
  • Time to scrapbook without being interrupted
  • Wash/clean my car
  • Clean up after dinner


Need DIY Help?


Here are some free Valentine's Day coupon ideas and printables from Pinterest.


Bargain Buys


Aldi is advertising specials beginning February 8 on roses starting at $2.99 for 3, and $9.99 for a dozen. At Wal-Mart, starting February 9, they will have a dozen roses on sale for $15.00. They also are advertising specials on chocolates and other Valentines gifts. At Target this week, they are offering gift card promos on Luvs Diapers, Gillette razors, and Crest White Strips. Also look for bargains on bic pens (free), Iams cat and dog food (free), Alexia frozen potatoes, Campbells soup, and Keebler crackers. At Walgreens, you can get free Sundown Vitamins, Free Colgate toothpaste, and Free Mars Valentines Candy. Also look for bargains on Garnier HerbaShine, Colgate toothbrushes, Reach floss and tooth brushes, Garnier Fructis hair care, Gillete razors and Mentos.


FatWallet tip: This post is part of an ongoing series of posts for the couponers and those who wanna be couponers! You may access all the posts on Shannen's author page. Please be sure to check out the grocery coupons and deals forum here on FatWallet to get great deals and connect with other couponers!]]> Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:49:08 -0600 To Buy in Bulk or Not to Buy in Bulk? http://www.fatwallet.com/blog/to-buy-in-bulk-or-not-to-buy-in-bulk/ http://www.fatwallet.com/blog/to-buy-in-bulk-or-not-to-buy-in-bulk/ Saving money while shopping is tricky business, especially when youre considering buying items in bulk or not. There are definitely a lot of benefits to buying certain items in bulk, one of the main ones being that it can be considerably cheaper than buying smaller portions. However not all things are best bought in bulk, and there are certain aspects of bulk-buying that need to be considered beforehand to ensure that you actually end up saving money.

1. Do your homework


Despite what were preconditioned to think, the larger quantity does not always designate the cheaper price. Most grocery stores, convenience stores, and wholesale stores will list the price per ounce or per serving on the shelf tag, so be sure to check and compare the price per serving for both the smaller and bigger sized products you may be surprised to find that the smaller options are sometimes the more cost-effective deals.

2. Be realistic


Buying in bulk is great for products that you regularly use and go through quickly. For instance, if you do a significant amount of baking and go through bags of sugar or flour routinely then it makes sense to buy mass quantities of the stuff. But if youre looking at buying something that you dont use all that often, its better to buy the smaller size. You dont want products to expire just because it seemed like a good deal at the time then youll end up wasting money instead of saving it.

3. Consider storage space


The last thing you want to do is to go on to a wholesale store, go on a shopping frenzy buying bulk foods and necessities like toilet paper or paper towels, and then come home only to realize that you dont have nearly enough room to store all of it. Then what will you do with that palate of cereal boxes?

4. Pre-test products


Before you go crazy buying the massive container of granola make sure you actually like the brand youre buying by purchasing a smaller portion first. Theres nothing worse than having an endless supply of a product that youve realized you dont like at all and theres no saving money that way, only wasting it.

5. Be wary of buying perishable products


If you cant freeze the excess product and you arent sure if youll be able to eat your way through something before it goes bad then it probably isnt worth it to buy the larger quantity. Bulk items are great for non-perishable items and products like chicken or fish that you can portion out and freeze, but not so great for spinach that you want for one or two nights meals and nothing else.
Buying in bulk can end up saving you a lot of money on items that you regularly use or end up costing you a lot of money on stuff you thought you needed but didnt. So before you get caught up purchasing everything in mass quantities do your homework and do some planning so that you really are getting the most bang for your buck.

This is a guest post from Laura Backes, she enjoys writing about all kinds of subjects and also topics related to internet providers in my area. You can reach her at: laurabackes8 @ gmail.com.]]> Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:30:00 -0600 Tips on Saving Money on your Insurance http://www.fatwallet.com/blog/tips-on-saving-money-on-your-insurance/ http://www.fatwallet.com/blog/tips-on-saving-money-on-your-insurance/ With the start of a new year, you may be looking for ways to cut spending from your budget. Unfortunately, the weak economy can make it very difficult for many families to save money; indeed, it can be tough enough just making ends meet when your weekly hours were cut or you don't get that raise you were expecting.

However, one area of the budget that is often overlooked is insurance rates. Although you may have judiciously saved money in other areas of your budget, you may have completely forgotten about all the money that can be saved by getting new insurance. Whether it's cheap building insurance or health insurance, a little bit of planning can go along way when it comes to saving money.

Compare Companies:


The first step to saving money on your insurance is to go visit a price comparison website. Regardless of the specific insurance you are researching, there is a price comparison website for it on the Internet designed specifically to save you money. Although you may think that all insurance products are the same, you will be shocked to learn that identical coverage from different companies can vary by hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year.

As such, you owe it to yourself to visit price comparison websites to find cheaper coverage for all the different types of insurance that you have. All of these price comparison websites make it easy to type in the details of your desired coverage; once that is submitted, the website will return a personalized list of insurance carriers organized by price. It is surprising, but it can be that easy to save money on cheap building insurance or life insurance.

Raise Your Deductible:


Of course, there are additional ways to save money on your insurance besides just switching carriers. In addition, you can think about changing the terms of your insurance in such a way that your monthly premiums go down. The easiest way to go about doing this is by raising the deductible on your insurance coverage. By accepting more of the risk when something does go wrong, the insurer responds by cutting your monthly premiums to a more reasonable amount.

Before doing this, however, it is important to weigh both the positives and negatives of raising your deductible since this can have profound implications for your budget. For instance, consider the effects of raising your car insurance deductible. If you rarely get into an accident, it may be worth it to raise your deductible since a lower deductible is of little use to you until you actually get into an accident. Alternatively, if you constantly find yourself running into things with your car, raising your deductible may not be best financial move to make.

Regardless of how you ultimately do it, the important thing to realize is that there are many ways to save money on your insurance this year if you are willing to do the necessary research beforehand. That research can be well worth your time when it frees up hundreds of dollars a year for you to enjoy elsewhere.

This is a post by Daniel Kidd from comparethemarket.com a UK price comparison site, explaining ways in which you can save money on your insurance this year. January is the busiest time for insurance renewals, so make sure you find the right deal for yourselves.]]> Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:30:00 -0600 How You Can Save Money on Your Car Insurance http://www.fatwallet.com/blog/how-you-can-save-money-on-your-car-insurance/ http://www.fatwallet.com/blog/how-you-can-save-money-on-your-car-insurance/ You cant live with them and you cant live without them. Cars fall into that particular category. Without a doubt they are an essential part of family life, how else would you manage to ferry the kids to school or pick them up from their friends house? But, it costs money, every single aspect of owning a car costs money; petrol, maintenance and the insurance.

So how do we go about reducing our costs? Unfortunately, every car needs fuel to run so that is a necessity, the same goes with the general up keep and care of the car, however, what and where you go for your car insurance is one area where you can cut costs and save money.

So when it is time to sit down and review your car insurance policy, take a moment to remember this guide, and put it into action.

  1. Help Me, Help You Get to Know your Car


    Having a good knowledge of your cars specifications and safety features can help you qualify for a discount when getting a car insurance quote. Any safety features that helps reduce the risk of injuries or theft will help reduce the cost of your motor insurance so do some research before you call your provider or take matters into your own hands and fit an alarm.

  2. Wherever I Lay my Hat thats my Home - Where you Live Matters


    A few miles of dirt can be the difference between saving $500 and not. If you live in a location which happens to have a high rate of crime including car theft and vandalism then you will generally pay more for your insurance. A lot of people live on the borders of towns or cities so be sure that you make your insurance provider aware of which side of the suburb you park your car.

  3. What you Drive Matters


    Annual reports show that there are certain brands and models of cars that are more likely to be stolen or be given speeding tickets. Keeping aware of this list could help you save money when the time comes to exchange or upgrade your car. In the US in 2011, the 1995 Honda Civic and 1995 Accord were both within the top 5 of cars which were likely to be stolen or vandalized. Others were the 2009 Toyota Corolla and 2004 Dodge Ram Pickup.

  4. I Love you but NO - Restrict your Drivers


    You can love your kids with all your heart but you might not want to have them on your insurance plan. You can choose to restrict drivers of a certain age, most often the under 25 age bracket, which will help you get a cheaper premium.

  5. Spring Clean - Know your Credit Score


    A recent study conducted in 2011 found that people with credit scores above 750 can save around $783 annually on car insurance. Unfortunately, those with a score lower than 750 are considered a high risk and are treated accordingly, with a higher premium. So, in order for you to save money in your home, research who has the better credit score between yourself and your partner and then apply for your insurance under that name.


Australia Post is a leading car and travel insurance broker in Australia. This post aims to make you aware of the ways you can cut costs in 2012 and save money on your car insurance.]]> Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:30:00 -0600 You're Invited to a Super Game Party on Twitter! http://www.fatwallet.com/blog/youre-invited-to-a-super-game-party-on-twitter/ http://www.fatwallet.com/blog/youre-invited-to-a-super-game-party-on-twitter/ In the days of TiVo and commercial free On Demand TV, I find it a little ironic that more than 19% of people polled say that the commercials are the most important part of the Big Game experience and 73% of people say that they look at the commercials as entertainment.

I guess there are a lot of people like me, out there who are also part of the "non-sports fan group" that does Game Day parties for the fun with friends, yummy food, and the entertaining commercials.

And it's in that spirit that I'm hosting the first FatWallet Super Game Twitter Party! No travel required! Come join us!

FatWallet Super Game Twitter Party



  • When: We'll be on our @fatwallet twitter account live during the game starting at 6:30 PM ET on Sunday, February 5, 2012

  • Where: Join us using the hash tag #FWParty (Do a search on twitter for the hash tag and join in the conversation!)

  • What: We'll be talking about the commercials during the game, what we love, what we don't, will it sell, etc.

  • Giveaways: I've also twisted the arms of the powers that be and got the go-ahead to do several FatWallet schwag giveaways during the game on Twitter.


Can't wait to see you there!

:) Heather

Look for the commercials for some of our merchants who are part of the big game:








Best Buy


1.0%-3.6% Cash Back
Coupons

Disney Store


5.0% Cash Back
Coupons

GoDaddy


12.0% Cash Back
Coupons

The History Channel


5.0% Cash Back
Coupons

Skechers


2.0% Cash Back
Coupons

TaxAct


Coupons

Teleflora


20.0% Cash Back
Coupons
]]> Sat, 04 Feb 2012 19:00:48 -0600 5 Simple Ways to Save Big Money on a Cruise http://www.fatwallet.com/blog/5-simple-ways-to-save-big-money-on-a-cruise/ http://www.fatwallet.com/blog/5-simple-ways-to-save-big-money-on-a-cruise/ Its Wave Season, so if youre hoping to take a cruise in 2012 or 2013, now is the best time to make your booking, particularly if youre looking for nicer cabins, free onboard credit and better views. January through March is traditionally the time of year when the most vacation-minded people start thinking about cruises, so the cruise lines are generous with incentives to secure bookings.

Of course Wave Season will be impacted by the sinking of the Costa Concordia, but it will be in favor of cruisers. Cruise ship tragedies are rare, but some people will still decide against a cruise, leaving more cabins to fill, leading to deeper discounts. If a cruise is in your plans, take a look at these five ways to get the best savings on cruises:

1) Book Early, Book Now.


The most popular cruises can book up two or more years in advance, so if you want to lock in a specific cabin, do it now. I went on an Alaskan cruise a few years ago and for the best views, you want to be on the starboard (right) side of the boat, so you have to book early. The more cabins that get booked, the fewer discounts youll see. Onboard credit, free upgrades, 2-for-1 fares and coupon booklets are abundant right now during Wave Season, so keep your eyes peeled.

2) Look at Off-Peak Dates.


For Caribbean or Alaskan cruises, book your cruise in May or September. If you want to cruise in New England, its cheapest to go in July or August. However, it may still be pricey to cruise on the most popular ships any time of year, so look to alternatives if you can.

3) Book a Repositioning Cruise.


If you really just like to cruise and dont mind extra days at sea, think about a repositioning cruise. These cruises are available when the cruise line is getting ready to move a ship from one popular cruising area to another, like from Mexico to Alaska. Theyre not for everyone, but prices can be incredibly low.

4) Opt for Less Popular Routes.

Everyone loves the Caribbean, but todays cruisers seem to prefer the Eastern route (U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Maarten, St. Lucia), possibly because theres a shorter distance between islands, over the Western route (Puerto Rico, Aruba, Jamaica). So this can lead to discounted Caribbean cruises simply based on supply and demand.

5) Book Late.

If youre not particular about your cabin or the cruise route look to sites like Travelzoo and here at Fat Wallet for deeply discounted last-minute deals. Cruise lines dont want to leave the home port with empty cabins, so the closer to the sail date, the lower the prices can go.

If you book your cruise, and then a short time later, the price drops, contact your travel agent. Depending on the cruise line, you may be entitled to a price reduction, particularly if youve yet to make your final payment, though it may be in the form of onboard credit. You may also be able to get an upgrade, so keep your eyes open for price drops.

Do you have any great tips and advice for scoring a deal on a cruise vacation? Leave a comment below. Id love to hear some of your own tips and tricks.

Erin Gifford is a mother of four who looks up and down for ways to save money on travel for her family. She has a family travel blog, Kidventurous, which was recently chosen as the Best Family Travel blog by Parents magazine. Follow her on Facebook and Twitter for family travel advice and deals. ]]> Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:30:00 -0600 How To Save Money By Going Green http://www.fatwallet.com/blog/how-to-save-money-by-going-green/ http://www.fatwallet.com/blog/how-to-save-money-by-going-green/

Tips On How To Go Green In Your Home


Everybody wants to save money, especially in these uncertain economic times. It's great news to learn that you can be frugal and still go green at the same time.

Here are six areas where we can protect our environment and make smart economic choices in our homes.

Kitchen


  • When using the oven, don't bother to preheat. Just put your dish in the oven as soon as you turn it on and adjust the time accordingly. If you want to check on it, don't open the oven door letting all that heat escape, but just look through the glass.
  • You don't need to practically wash your dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. Just scrape off the leftover food and put them in. Turn off the heat dry feature. After the dishes are done, open the door to let the steam escape and then shut it again. The remaining heat will dry your dishes.
  • Use environmentally friendly detergent and soap.
  • Stop buying all those plastic bottles and get a water filter for your drinking water.
  • Cut back on all those fancy food processors. Buy a set of sharp knives and start chopping.


Bath


  • Take showers, not tub baths. You will save a lot of water. But that's not enough. Take shorter showers. Each additional minute that the shower is running, uses approximately 5 gallons of water.
  • When brushing your teeth or shaving, do not let the water run continuously. Let it pool in the basin and only turn it on when you need it.
  • Use shower gels and shampoos that have natural ingredients. They are better for you anyway.


Laundry


  • Use detergents that do not contain harmful chemicals. Look for non phosphate soaps as they do not pollute our waterways.
  • Wash in cold water. Unless your clothes are filthy, cold water will do the job.
  • Dry for the shortest amount of time possible. If you remove shirts and pants before they are completely dry and put them on hangers, they will dry with a minimum amount of wrinkles.
  • If you can, put up a clothes line outside and dry as much as you can in the sun. Nothing smells as good as fresh air dried sheets and towels.
  • Turn down your hot water heater to 120 degrees. This is plenty hot enough for your household needs. Any hotter and you risk scalding yourself.


Electronics


  • Replace your incandescent bulbs with fluorescent ones, or even better, LED ones. Incandescent bulbs use an amazing amount of energy and put out a lot of heat.
  • There are many electronic devices in our homes that stay on when we turn them off. They are in standby mode. Two of the largest energy consumers are computers and entertainment centers. The easy solution is to plug your cords into a power strip and then turn that off with one switch.


Garden


  • Recycle your grass clippings by letting them fall into the lawn. You are adding fertilizer and organic material to your lawn which will produce lush, green grass without using chemical fertilizers.
  • Compost your kitchen waste. Your finished compost can be added to your garden plot in the spring. You'll be surprised at how well your vegetables will grow with the added fertilizer. You'll have plenty to cook on your Coleman gas grill stove throughout the summer.
  • Save those leaves that litter your lawn in the Fall. They will make excellent mulch for your trees and shrubs next year.
  • Plant a tree. The shade from the tree will help cool your house during the summertime.
  • If you get a lot wind, plant evergreens to block the wind from your house.


Whole House


  • Turn off lights when you are not using them.
  • Opt for online bank statements and pay your bills online.
  • Turn your thermostat 2 degrees up in the summer and 2 degrees down in the winter. For each 1 degree you can save about 10% of your energy cost.
  • Use the sun to warm your house in the Winter. Just open your drapes or blinds on the sunny side of the house. Conversely, in the Summer, close them during the hottest part of the day.


As you can see, these are six areas where you can easily save money and practice green living at the same time. Don't let it be overwhelming. Just pick one thing and start with that. I guarantee it will make you feel good and save you money at the same time.

Author Bio: Stephanie is the publisher of Always Outdoors, where she posts articles on outdoor activities and has written outdoor product reviews. She has written a Nikon binoculars review as well as one on the Coleman WeatherMaster 3 room, 6 person tent.]]> Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:30:00 -0600 How to Finance Grad School http://www.fatwallet.com/blog/how-to-finance-grad-school/ http://www.fatwallet.com/blog/how-to-finance-grad-school/ If you've decided to enroll for graduate school, chances are you'll be financing it yourself. Have no fear: There are a wide variety of resources to finance a graduate education. Most graduate students receive financial assistance in the form of fellowships, grants, employer reimbursement, loans and teaching or research positions. Many students finance their degree with a combination of these different types of financial aid.

Fellowships and Grants


Fellowships and grants are monetary awards that don't need to be repaid. They may be issued by a school, organization or the federal government, and cover partial or complete tuition, with the possible inclusion of a stipend for living expenses. They are usually awarded based on academic merit and financial need. Some fellowship programs and grants are used to recruit particular groups of students, such as minorities or women.

Teaching Assistant Positions


Teaching Assistant (TA) positions allow a graduate student to teach during the academic year in exchange for financial aid. TAs usually lead discussion and lab sections of undergraduate courses that are taught by faculty members, and typically work about 20 hours per week.

Research Assistant Positions


Research Assistant (RA) positions allow a graduate student to work on a research project in exchange for tuition and a stipend. An RA is usually assigned to a specific research project, most commonly in a scientific or engineering field.

Employer Support


Many employers provide full or partial tuition support for employees who are in graduate school. Students should check with their employer's benefits administrator or human resources department to find out more about tuition support.

Federal Work-Study Program


Work-study programs provide part-time jobs for students who are enrolled in graduate school. Whenever possible, the work involves community service or is related to the student's field of study.

Federal Loans


Graduate students who demonstrate financial need are eligible to apply for federal loans. Depending on need, a federal loan may be subsidized, meaning that interest will not accrue until repayment starts, or unsubsidized. Stafford Loans are the most common type of loans for grad students. Other types of federal loans include Federal Perkins Loans, which are distributed by colleges and universities, and PLUS Loans.

Loan Forgiveness Programs


For graduate students with federal loans who are willing to work in public service or for a nonprofit organization, public service loan forgiveness programs are a good option for financing a graduate degree. These programs are offered by schools, states and the federal government. In exchange for a specified number of years of employment following graduation, a student will receive a fixed percentage of loan repayment.

Private Education Loans


Students can also apply for private education loans for graduate school, but it's recommended that they first exhaust all other options for federal loans. Private education loans typically have higher interest rates, and the interest may begin to accrue while the student is still in graduate school.

Harrison Kratz is a Community Manager at the University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School which offers top ranked executiveMBA programs and MBA@UNC, their onlineMBA degree. He also sticks to his entrepreneurial roots as the founder of the global social good campaign, Tweet Drive.]]> Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:30:00 -0600 Valentine's Day Gift Deals on FatWallet http://www.fatwallet.com/blog/valentines-day-gift-deals-on-fatwallet/ http://www.fatwallet.com/blog/valentines-day-gift-deals-on-fatwallet/ I loved Valentine's day when I didn't have to worry about what to get the people I loved. As a kid my grandma would give me a new pair of jeans with chocolate hearts wrapped in red foil tucked into every pocket and my mom always bought me pretty nighties with matching robe and slippers. They were always thrilled to receive a pretty picture I colored, or the pinch pot I made in school.

My husband had a lot to live up to, but he's always done well on Valentine's day with gifts for me, as well as our kids. But I struggle with what to get him, year after year. He's not into gadgets or techie things, he could care less about flowers and candy, and our kids take care of the cute crafty gifts already.

So, this year (shh...don't tell him) I bought him a new tent for 50% off with cash back! (Thanks FatWallet!) Romantic? It will be as soon as winter is over and it warms up outside! :)

If you struggle for ideas like I do, read on for some ideas and current FatWallet deals for all the sweethearts in your life.

Happy shopping!

:) Heather

Valentine's Day Gift Deals on FatWallet:


Check out our Valentine's Day Deals page for more ideas!

Gifts for the Tech Lovers:


Dell Home Systems: Shop Dells Valentines Day Tech Gifts Guide and get up to 4% Cash Back (expires 2/15/12)

Virgin Mobile: Anti-Valentines Day Sale + up to $22.50 in Cash Back from FatWallet.com(expires on 2/14/12)

Gifts for the Kids


Build-A-Bear Workshop: 2 Valentine's Day Puppies for $30 with 3% Cash Back (expires on 6/30/12)

CafePress: 40% off Custom Kids Valentine's Gear with 10% Cash Back (expires on 2/15/12)

FAO Schwarz: Valentine's Day Sale with 2% Cash Back (expires on 2/14/12)

Romantic Travel Getaways:


Hotels.com: Up to 30% off Valentine's Day Hotels with 2 Night Stays and Credit towards Wine Chocolate + 4% Cash Back from Fatwallet.com (expires on 2/14/12)

Expedia.com: Up to 50% off Romantic Valentine's Day Getaway + up to 4% Cash Back from FatWallet.com (expires on 2/14/12)

Travelocity: Up to 40% off Valentine's Day Getaways from C$92 (Canada) + up to 3.6% Cash Back from FatWallet.com (expires on 2/14/12)

Glitzy Jewels for Your Girl:


Blue Nile: 10% off valentine's day gifts w/coupon code BLUE12 + 5% Cash Back from FatWallet.com (was 3%) (expires on 2/14/12)

Jewelry.com: Valentine's Day Treasure Hunt + 8% Cash Back from FatWallet.com (expires on 2/14/12)

Flowers for Your Daughter, Wife, and Mom:


1-800-Flowers.com: $15 off Valentine's Purchase w/coupon code WOWHER79 + 9% Cash Back from FatWallet.com (was 4%) (expires on 2/14/12)

ProFlowers.com: 15% off Valentine's Day Flowers and Gifts + 10% Cash Back from FatWallet.com (expires on 2/5/12)

FTD.com: Up to 25% off Valentine's Day Flowers and Plants from $29.99 + 7% Cash Back from FatWallet.com (expires on 2/13/12)

Gifts of Good Taste:


Cheryl's: Valentine gift box and a $5.00 Reward Card - $5.00 + 6% Cash Back from FatWallet.com (expires on 2/14/12)

Wine.com: 15% off All Valentine's Day Gift Baskets w/coupon code VDAY15 + 3% Cash Back from FatWallet.com (expires on 2/15/12)

Ghirardelli Chocolates: $4 off Large Red Black Heart Gift Box with Ghirardelli SQUARES Chocolates - $21.25 + 6.5% Cash Back from FatWallet.com (expires on 2/15/12)

Coffees Of Hawaii: Celebrate Valentine's Day with 10% off plus Free Shipping + 4% Cash Back from FatWallet.com (expires on 2/15/12)

Romantic Valentine's Gifts:


Botanic Choice: Buy One Get One Free on Black Stallion or Passion-sEs w/coupon code VALENTINE + 10% Cash Back from FatWallet.com (expires on 2/17/12)

Freshpair: Women's Valentine's Day Lingerie from $10.50 + 7% Cash Back from FatWallet.com (expires on 2/19/12)

Perfume.com: 10% off Valentine's Day Sale + 6% Cash Back from FatWallet.com (expires on 2/14/12)]]> Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:44:32 -0600 4 Ways to Guarantee You Get a Great Deal on Your Auto Repairs http://www.fatwallet.com/blog/4-ways-to-guarantee-you-get-a-great-deal-on-your-auto-repairs/ http://www.fatwallet.com/blog/4-ways-to-guarantee-you-get-a-great-deal-on-your-auto-repairs/ Even those drivers who are careful, cautious and follow guidelines to maintain their cars will still likely need auto repairs at some point. Without an extensive knowledge cars and mechanics, it is easy to be fooled into paying more than necessary for simple repairs, or even having extensive work done when only slight tweaks are necessary. In order to get the best possible prices for auto repairs when they are needed, be sure to follow these tips.

1. Ask for Free Diagnostics: When you take your car into a repair shop the first thing to determine is what work needs to be done on the car. Many companies will charge upwards of $100 just to have the diagnostics done. Keep in mind that if the conclusion and then quotes for repair are too high, you might need to have the process done a second time! Ask for the diagnostics for free, if possible. Negotiate the price down otherwise, or ask to have the initial diagnostic fee taken off the final cost of labor when the repairs are finished.

2. Shop Around: After you have received a final verdict on what is wrong with your car, feel free to shop around and ask other repair companies to give you a quote on how much the final repairs will cost. Ask for it in writing, and make sure other companies are aware that you are shopping around. Often, repair companies will undercut their prices in order to ensure that they have a new client. When you feel comfortable with the lowest price, take your car there to be serviced or repaired.

3. Ask for Recommendations: The best way to judge a car repair company is simply to speak to past customers. Ask your friends, neighbors and family members that live in the area to give recommendations. Ask them relevant questions that go beyond just how inexpensive the service was. Ask if the repair was done quickly and on time, if staff were friendly and flexible and if the repair was effective for more than just a few months. Remember to check online as well to see other reviews left by customers. If a company has a satisfied clientele, you can rest assured that they will treat you well too.

4. Research Before You Need To: Although these suggestions are great ways to guarantee that you find the right car repair company that will guarantee a great price when you need it most, few people have the time to search as they should. This is because most people wait until they need a repair before they start looking, and by that time it might be too late. Don't wait until you are rushed and in a hurry to get your car repaired. Instead, start looking now to find the right place.

Using these helpful tips will be a great way to find a reputable car repair company that can give you a fair deal on your car repairs. Be sure to ask for a free diagnostic, shop around, ask for recommendations and start looking before you need the service.

Marcie McDonald is an insurance consultant who writes for cheapestcarinsurance.org.uk. She recommends checking online sites for cheap car insurance company reviews and also to see if you qualify for the cheap car insurance companies before making your choice.


FatWallet Tip: If you're looking for deals on auto parts or tires, be sure to check out the Tools and Automotive category on FatWallet.]]> Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:30:00 -0600 Using Coupons to Plan for Your Super Bowl XVI Party http://www.fatwallet.com/blog/using-coupons-to-plan-for-your-super-bowl-xvi-party/ http://www.fatwallet.com/blog/using-coupons-to-plan-for-your-super-bowl-xvi-party/ Even though my team is not playing in the big game this year, I still plan to watch the game and of course eat tons of food. And no matter what my husband says, since weve both been on pretty strict diets for the past month, I will be making some unhealthy things. After all, isnt that part of the fun of having a Super Bowl party? Eating until youre miserable is what Super Bowl Sunday is all about at my house.

You may already have items you can use to make dishes for your Super Bowl party. A few weeks ago we had people over to watch the National Championship game, and since I didnt have time to go to the store for snacks, I served free chips and dip that I bought around the holidays.

I'm pretty sure they didnt even notice! You probably stocked up on crackers and chips over the holiday season, too, but if you didnt, dont worry. You can count on sales on these items at your stores this week. The trick is of course to match up these sales with some of the coupons you have.

Favorite Super Bowl Recipes (cheap and easy to make!)


I was looking at my recipes and coupons trying to decide what to put on the menu for Super Bowl Sunday at my house. We will of course be having the LilSmokies and meatballs, but here are a few other favorites at our house. Ive also included coupons that you can use to make them inexpensive!

Buffalo Chicken Dip


  • 1 package of Cream Cheese (cant find coupons for it, but Aldi is usually pretty cheap or maybe you have some left from stocking up at Christmas)
  • cup blue cheese salad dressing (Kraft 75 cents/2 from 1-22 SS)
    • Or use Ranch dressing, which is what I prefer!

  • 2 cans of chunk chicken breast (Hormel 55 cents/2 www.coupons.com)
  • 1 bag of mozzarella cheese (Sargento 50 cents/2 from 1-22 SS)
    • Or you could use blue cheese, but I dont care for it

Directions: Soften cream cheese and stir into a 9 deep dish pie plate until smooth. Stir in dressing, hot sauce and cheese. Stir in chicken. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until hot and bubbling. Serve with fresh vegetables or we like Frito's (bought on sale at Christmas!)

Stuffed Pizza Rolls (from my sister in law)


  • 2 packages Grands biscuits (30 cents/2 from 12-11 SS)
  • 1 package Pepperoni (Armour $1/2 www.coupons.com or Hormel 55 cent/2 from 1-15 SS)
  • 1-2 packages String Cheese cut into small pieces (Sargento 40 cents/1 from 1-1 SS2)
  • 1 package of grated Parmesan cheese (Sargento (50 cents/2 from 1-22 SS)

Directions: Take one biscuit and cut in half. Take half biscuit and layer pepperoni and cheese. Fold biscuit over and seal shut with fingertips. Roll in oil and then in Parmesan cheese. Layer in a circle in bottom of deep dish pie plate. Makes about 2-3 layers. Bake at 350 until biscuits are browned (10-12 minutes). Serve hot with your favorite pizza sauce.

More Game Day Coupon Deals:


There are also coupons out there for your favorite dips. Here are a few of my favorites:

  • Deans French Onion $1 off 2 in 1-15 SS
  • Deans Heat n Eat Dip $1 off 1 in 1-15 SS
  • Newmans Salsa 50 cents off 1 in 1-22 SS


Different regions will have sales on different products, so check out those sale flyers this week and get ready for the Big Game!

Proof that couponing saves money!


On a side note, my boys and I found some great deals today thanks to supermarkets near me offering double and even TRIPLE coupons this week!

At Schnucks they are tripling in my area up to 55 cents face value. Heres what we bought today:

  • 2 boxes Post Fruity Pebble Treats $2.49/box (used 2-$0.55 off and paid $ 0.84/box)
  • Kraft Homestyle Mac and Cheese $2/bag (used 1-$0.75 off and paid $1.25/bag)
  • 3 bags No Yolk pasta $1.85/bag (used 3- $0.40 off each and paid $0.65/bag)
  • 2 Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks $2.00/box (used $0.50/2 and paid $1.25/box)
  • 1 box General Mills Cereal Bars $2.00/box (used $0.50 off and paid $0.50/box)
  • 1 bag of NY Texas Croutons $1.59/bag (used $0.40 and paid $0.39/bag)
  • 2 packets of Ortega Taco Seasoning $0.75/packet (used $0.50/2=FREE!)

My total savings was $16.84 just by following the sales and using coupons. I paid just $8.40 for all of this!


We also stopped at Jewel today after learning that they are double up to 5 coupons per day for customers. They will double up to $1 face value.

Our Jewel trip included:
-Items included in Buy 10 items get $5 back instantly:
  • Lays potato chips $1.99
  • 2 bags of Tostitos $1.99 each
  • 2 bottles Heinz ketchup $1.69 each
  • 3 bottles of Wishbone salad dressing $0.99 each (used $0.65/2 which doubled and paid $0.56/bottle
  • 2 bottles Pace Picante $1.49/bottle (used $0.75/2 which doubled and paid $0.74/bottle)
    -Other sale items:
  • 6 bags of Birdseye Steamfresh vegetables $1.00 each (used 2- $1/3 coupons which doubled and paid $0.33/bag)
  • Grand Tortilla chips $2.50 (used $1 off which double and paid $0.50/bag)

I also had $4.50 in Catalinas to use from last week. I saved over $35.00 on my total bill and paid just $10.69 for all of this. Please note, I would normally not buy 4 bags of chips to have at home, but since the Big Game is this weekend, I wanted to have them on hand! Ive also included a few pictures of exactly what I bought!


FatWallet tip: This post is part of an ongoing series of posts for the couponers and those who wanna be couponers! You may access all the posts on Shannen's author page. Please be sure to check out the grocery coupons and deals forum here on FatWallet to get great deals and connect with other couponers!]]> Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:15:40 -0600 Low-Cost Valentine's Day Gift Ideas to Show Her You Care http://www.fatwallet.com/blog/low-cost-valentines-day-gift-ideas-to-show-her-you-care/ http://www.fatwallet.com/blog/low-cost-valentines-day-gift-ideas-to-show-her-you-care/ Lets face it: The economy is still kind of slow right now and most of us are still trying to recover from spending way too much during the holidays; the last thing we need now is another occasion to buy someone a gift. And yet Valentines Day is just around the corner. So what do you do for your sweetheart when youre cash-strapped and counting your pennies?

Well, this is the time to get creative. While a diamond necklace or a trip to Maui are always appreciated, sometimes a thoughtful gift that costs you more time than dough can mean so much more. Check out some ideas that are sweet and thoughtful, yet thrifty and easy on the wallet and theyre sure to make your significant others heart swell:

  1. Remember the mix tape? Spending hours in your room, fast-forwarding and rewinding the cassettes to just the right spot, selecting just the right songs that croon and belt out exactly how you feel? Well, you may not have a dual-cassette player anymore or maybe you missed the tape-generation altogether, but you do have an MP3 player and several gigs of music on your hard drive. Create a special playlist for your love with romantic songs telling her just how you feel. Burn to a disk or copy onto a thumb drive, and your significant other can listen to how much you love her over and over.

  2. You really cant go wrong with flowers and its fairly easy to find an inexpensive bouquet, but fancy flowers are clich. But theres a way to make it unique and just for her: Go to the grocery store and buy a few different small bouquets in her favorite colors, unwrap them, put them all together and re-wrap in pretty tissue or wrapping paper. Its special, and shell notice the effort.

  3. Along the same lines as flowers but greener and longer lasting: Why not give a Bulb Bouquet? Select a cute flower pot and a handful of bulbs of tulips, orchids, lilies whatever you like. Plant in the pot and include a sweet card with a note that says something like, My love for you is renewed with every springtime bloom. Cheesy? Definitely. But youll thank me when she smiles and thinks of you again in the spring. She can keep the bulbs and flowers in the pot or plant them outdoors once the ground thaws.

  4. Everyone loves a romantic dinner, but sometimes going out to eat just isnt in the budget, and on Valentines Day most restaurants are just too crowded to be intimate. So why not cook dinner at home? Surprise her with a romantic dinner for two. Set the table with candles and cloth napkins. Turn the lights down low and put on some soft music (remember the romantic play list you created?). Whether youre a chef in the kitchen or just really great at heating up delivery from a nice restaurant, shell appreciate the effort and the quiet time with you.

  5. Its possible to give beautiful jewelry without breaking the bank. Step foot into any mall or jewelry store these days and youll see displays of decorative beads and charms. The charm bracelet is always sweet idea, and silver is often less expensive than gold. Buy the bracelet and a charm or two for the perfect Valentines Day gift, while also setting yourself up for easy birthday, anniversary and holiday gifts for the rest of the year!


Whatever you decide to do for Valentines Day this year, remember to make it thoughtful. Take the time to really think about what your sweetheart likes, and keep in mind that your time and effort mean so much more than the amount printed at the bottom of the receipt.

This is a guest post from Erica Moss. Erica is the social media outreach coordinator for the online Masters in Nursing program at Georgetown University, which has one of the nations leading family nurse practitioner programs concentrations. She also loves exploring NYC, photography and meeting new people in her free time.]]> Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:28:00 -0600 How to De-clutter and Make Money http://www.fatwallet.com/blog/how-to-de-clutter-and-make-money/ http://www.fatwallet.com/blog/how-to-de-clutter-and-make-money/ Removing clutter from a home in an effort to clean it up can be difficult for a lot of people because they cannot bear the idea of simply throwing away possessions that still work, but have not been used for some time. Wouldnt it be easier to part with some of those belongings if a little money could also be made? These days, especially with the Internet, there are several options available to de-clutter a home and also make money.

De-cluttering


Many people want to remove the clutter from their home but become overwhelmed just thinking about where to start. Rather than give in to the impulse to put the task off to another day, remember some of these tips:

  • Start The most important thing is to begin doing it, and begin as soon as possible. It is surprising how easy it is to keep de-cluttering after it has started.

  • A room at a time Pick one room and start there. It could be the room that is the most cluttered, or the least. Only after a room is finished, move on to the next room. Jumping from room to room will make it seem like nothing is ever getting accomplished.

  • Collect the possessions If the secondary goal is to make some money selling the unwanted possessions, they will need to be collected and stored somewhere. The best chance of making money is to sell items that are in still good condition.


Where to sell the goods


There are many avenues available for selling items that are no longer wanted by their original owners, but may be useful for somebody else.

  • Garage sales The traditional garage sale is still a good option to make some money on unwanted possessions. The advantage is that all the items can be collected and displayed in one place for others to view. Advertise the sale in the local newspaper by highlighting some of the best items to draw as big a crowd as possible.

  • Classified ads For some possessions, such as an older appliance that still works, offering it for sale in the classified ad section of the newspaper may be a better option. Often, people will list an asking price but accept the best offer.

  • eBay The online auction dealer provides a place for all sorts of items to be offered for sale. The advantage of eBay is the fact the seller can set an amount of time for the auction to last and those that are interested bid on them, with the highest bid being the winner. The disadvantage is that items may sell for less than expected, unless a reserve price is set.

  • Facebook Several groups have popped up on Facebook in which people list items they want to sell and those that are interested make an offer or agree to the price. The groups are usually regionalized.


Making money while de-cluttering can make the process easier and seem even more worthwhile. If done on a regular basis it can be a new source of extra income for the family.

This post was contributed by Karen Barnes, who writes for a site with tips on how to avoid bed bugs. One of these tips is to reduce clutter so these pests have nowhere to hide! Karen tries to de-clutter regularly and enjoys making a little extra cash from selling her unwanted items.]]> Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:30:00 -0600 Easy Ways to Make 2012 Pay http://www.fatwallet.com/blog/easy-ways-to-make-2012-pay/ http://www.fatwallet.com/blog/easy-ways-to-make-2012-pay/ Theres no doubt weve had some tough years economically. There is a large percentage of the population having trouble finding work but things are starting to slowly come back together for many families who have struggled through the last few years. 2012 has a glimmer of hope for many of these families and now its time to really make 2012 pay off.

Move


There are jobs to be had, but there may not be any good jobs where youre living. If thats the case consider moving. Often we have emotional attachments to an area rather than economical ones. If youre living in your college town delivering pizzas and lamenting that you cant find a good job, start wondering what would happen if you drove a few hours away to a bigger city with more potential.

Some areas have more people than jobs and some areas have more jobs than people. The trick is figuring out an area you can handle living in that is also hiring then just get yourself there and give it a shot. Ideally, you have some sort of job worked out before you hit the road or a bit of savings to live on for the first month to get started.

Pick Up a Second Job


If youre starting to pull ahead in the career game, make your career pay off faster by grabbing a second job. It may cut into your television time to work at Starbucks in the evenings, but working two jobs often means youre making enough to pay off debt and live comfortably where before you were simply making it from one paycheck to the next.

Finding a part-time job may be easier than you think as many companies are much more willing to hire part-time or contract workers rather than full-time ones right now. Dont be afraid of working extra hours and taking on a second career leisure time is a lot more fun when you can afford to do something fun in those empty hours.

Sell Stuff


Most of us are living in a goldmine of our own making. Or your parents and grandparents might have some treasures they are willing to part with. Everything you can sell, you can profit from. Take advantage of the easy listing on eBay and Craigslist to make an easy $500. Sell everything that youre not using or that you dont really like. Youll have some case in hand to pay off debts or to get ahead in another area.

As you go through your drawers and closets selling off old game systems, lamps and cell phones, youll also have an excellent sense of satisfaction as you declutter your home, and that has tremendous rewards in its own right. If it seems hard to get started selling, just try one thing you have laying around. When you see how simple it is, youll be more excited to part with things that just take up space and pocket some extra cash in the process.

Rebecca Garland is a professional freelance writer working hard to populate the internet with meaningful, interesting content. With advanced degrees in information science and business, Rebecca holds down two jobs of her own and enjoys a variety of topics ranging from the entrepreneurship to personal finance. Learn more about Rebecca on her professional website, www.internetauthor.net.]]> Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:30:00 -0600 SaveUp and FatWallet - 2012 Savings Resolutions http://www.fatwallet.com/blog/saveup-and-fatwallet-2012-savings-resolutions/ http://www.fatwallet.com/blog/saveup-and-fatwallet-2012-savings-resolutions/ Its January which means a lot of us recently made resolutions that involve savings targets and reducing debt. SaveUp is another resource that helps you do just that. I recently wrote a post for SaveUps blog titled 7 Tips to Keeping Your Savings Resolutions in 2012. Id like to touch on some of those concepts as they apply to FatWallet and SaveUp.

How can you use these innovative services to help you stick to your financial resolutions?

Strategies:


Create strategies to accomplish your goal. Post them in a place where you see it frequently and devise fun reminders to keep you on track. Maybe it is taking action daily or weekly. It could include playing SaveUp or checking FatWallets daily deals. Think of a variety of strategies, including consistent habits, that will help you accomplish your goal.

Perhaps youre spending less on consumer items because of FatWallet . . . Im thinking cash back on purchases you already make! You can put those dollars in an account linked to SaveUp and earn points to win prizes!

Buddy System:


Find a friend who has a similar goal. Perhaps youll find someone that shares an interest in saving money and reducing debt in FatWallets finance forum. Having a support system can hold you accountable and offer resources to help you achieve your goals.

Reward:


Honor the accomplishment of your goal with a fun and memorable activity or item. Be sure that the reward doesnt conflict with your savings objectives. SaveUp has a variety of rewards too. They even have prizes related to common savings goals . . . like $5,000 for paying your bills or $25,000 toward a childs college fund! With a reward in mind sacrificing for your goal doesnt feel restrictive because you have something enjoyable to look forward to.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with SaveUp, it is a rewards program for saving and reducing debt. SaveUp and FatWallet share the same objective - to help you save. They both take a different approach, allowing you to use both to effectively tackle your savings goals. Like FatWallet, SaveUp is free! To begin, you link your accounts (nearly any US institution that has online banking services). Next, you save or reduce debt to earn credit. You can use these credits to win daily prizes, including a $2,000,000 jackpot! You can learn more and signup at Saveup.com.

We hope that these strategies help you meet and exceed your savings goals for the New Year. We wish you a fruitful and prosperous 2012!



This is a guest post by Catherine Hawley, CFP from SaveUp.com, the first nationwide rewards program that encourages Americans to save money and pay down their debts. With every positive financial action, SaveUp users are awarded credits that they can use for the chance to win vacations, cars, electronics, cash and a $2 million jackpot.]]> Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:30:00 -0600 4 Financial Survival Mindsets that Scare Away Financial Success http://www.fatwallet.com/blog/4-financial-survival-mindsets-that-scare-away-financial-success/ http://www.fatwallet.com/blog/4-financial-survival-mindsets-that-scare-away-financial-success/ Money is freedom or at least it should be. It enables you to live abundantly and affords you a lifestyle that is much higher than s of the worlds population.

So why are so many people merely surviving? In the land of freedom and opportunity too many of us are barely getting by. Most believe the news reports that says the economy is bad. We buy into the hype and get depressed each time those words are uttered. We fall into a financial survival mentality that, instead of making things better, makes things worse for us. Financial success seems a thousand miles away and panic sets in.

Stay Calm, Dont Buy the Hype!


One way I like to help people picture this survival mentality is remind them of the scene in Bambi when the hunters come. The quail are sitting in the brushes listening and trying to survive. One quail gets beside herself with fear and....well you can look at the clip to see what happens.

Quail Scene From Bambi Movie (YouTube)



My observation is the money didnt just disappear! Where did it all go? It did not vaporize either. So that means the money is somewhere. In fact it is all around us, but we cant see it because we cant see past our media-induced fears. Like the poor quail we get nervous, excited, and fly off the handle thinking we are going to somehow change our desperate situations, when in fact, we make it worse.

Stop Watching the News!


A long time ago I made a decision to stop watching the news and stop listening to the so-called financial experts. They really dont know squat and will have everyone living in poverty in the next five years if we listen to them. Instead I began reading and listening to people who are where I want to be. I began making a mental shift and noticing that, despite the bad economy, I was not in bad shape financially. I didnt feel poor even though I lost my job. I didnt feel desperate even though my income had been cut by . I had learned to attract money instead of repel it with a toxic financial survival mentality.

Because my mindset is different, my circumstances does not affect my overall view of life. Pretty soon the money began flowing again. I am not just surviving but I am successfully living, paying my bills, and enjoying a few luxuries.

Four Repellents to Financial Success


It is important to examine our beliefs and emotions to understand how our survival mentality affects our financial success. In my reading, listening, and experience I know there are four states of mind that literally repel or frighten away financial success. They are Financial Worry/Fear, Financial and Personal Depression, Financial Desperation, and Financial Scarcity. They literally scare money away.

Financial Worry/Fear


In a constant state of worry and fear you are so focused on what you do not have that you cannot possibly get what you want. What you dwell on is what you will get more of. So if you are worried about not paying the bills, worried about not having enough food, worried about paying the car note, and worried about getting nasty phone calls you will get exactly what you are worried about.

There is a saying, what we resist, persists. If you are consumed with thoughts of the things you dont want, guess what? You get the things you are thinking about the most. I hope you are getting this concept. Worry is worship at the altar of your fears. So stop it!

Instead of worrying, begin releasing the fear. Keep releasing it until you feel confidence and love. Think about what the worst thing that can happen. Does it kill you? Does it cripple you? Probably not. Your thoughts, the anticipation of bad things, are much worse than reality. Let the worry go and begin focusing on good financial health, great relationships, and love.

Financial Depression


Depression is another financial success repellent. Depressed people just cant and wont succeed financially because the mental block is too strong. Emotional issues affect us all, but when it gets to the point you cant get out of bed or your mind is so clouded, you simply cannot see beyond yourself.

Negative thoughts about life, the past, people, and trauma all keep financial success away. It is only when you get help (the kind that doesnt make the problem worse) that you can begin seeing a change in your financial health.

When I was dealing with deep, chronic depression, I could not consciously make good choices. Sure I graduated from college and got a great job that paid well, but I was always in financial trouble. So my efforts were like pouring money in a bucket with a hole at the bottom. I got help, I got better, I got happy/joyful, and my financial life turned around

Financial Desperation


This is probably the worse financial success repellent there is. Desperate people do desperate things which leads to big trouble. Have you ever seen a person on drugs who hasnt had a fix for a while? They get desperate; they get crazy and they do things that get them in trouble with their family, land them in jail, or worse, land them in the grave.

Desperation is the enemy of success (in money and in love). It makes you weak and vulnerable to scams, get rich schemes, and all kinds of other trouble. You lose more money than you make and end up in a worse situation. Ive wasted thousands of dollars on money making schemes because I felt desperate. I needed money now and I would do whatever I needed to do to get it.

Desperation also compromises your values. You hook up with people who do not have your best interest at heart and they mess over you. You end up jaded, depressed, and worried you will not survive this crisis.

When you are desperate you cant see beyond today and you do not plan effectively. You have no vision of what you want your life to look like so you accept anything. When you are living in a calm, clear state of mind you begin to see what you want. You create a vision and with deliberate steps you begin moving toward your goals. You no longer live in desperation. Instead you are clear and sure of the path you should take.

Financial Scarcity


A scarcity state of mind sounds a lot like worry and fear, but it is really a combination of worry and desperation turned inward. A scarcity mentality is about hoarding and saving because you fear the worse. You think you will never have enough so you hold on to everything from money to clothes to trinkets.

We are taught that saving for a rainy day is important to ward off trouble in the future. This is true to a degree, but it goes too far when your savings deprives you and your family of necessities. It goes too far when you are too stingy to help others in need.

Scarcity is about lack and limitation, which repels financial success. Scarcity is about financial survival to the extreme. A person who has this mentality suffers from closed fist syndrome. They are holding on so tightly to what they have, nothing else can get in.

Something Happens When Your Mind Shifts


But something happens when we open our hands (and hearts). We are able to give and receive. You see, money is about flow. It flows and cycles through our world and our lives; at least that is how it should be. But if the money is not flowing and becomes stagnant, it eventually stops altogether. This is not financial success. The person with the scarcity mindset loses out instead of gaining like they thought they would by holding on to everything.

When I lived in a scarcity mindset I didnt experience money flow. The more I held on to my money (the little I had) the worse things seem to get. But when I began giving and being generous, my money began to flow. I was no longer afraid to let money go out of my life because I knew it would come back to me in even greater amounts.

Generosity is the flip side of scarcity. A generous person always has more of everything. They happily give to others out of a grateful heart and with the understanding they will see the money again soon.

Now That You Know


Hopefully by now you understand how detrimental financial survival is and what the four repellents to financial success are. The cures for financial survival are confidence, joy, calm, and generosity. They put you in a position of financial success. When you change your mindset, you change your life, because what you think about is what comes about!

So if you are ready to make the mental shift from financial survival to financial success, examine your thought life and habits. If they include any of the four financial success repellents discussed above, do whatever it takes to change it for a truly prosperous 2012!

Samantha Gregory is an Atlanta mom, freelance writer, and editor at RichSingleMomma.com where she writes about single mom money issues. Follow her on Twitter @richsinglemomma and @samanthagregory]]> Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:27:00 -0600 Top Travel Deals on FatWallet http://www.fatwallet.com/blog/top-travel-deals-on-fatwallet-2/ http://www.fatwallet.com/blog/top-travel-deals-on-fatwallet-2/ Is there anything better than the feeling of stepping onto an airplane or into a car heading on vacation? The stress of work, packing, and remembering to stop the mail is behind you and nothing awaits but memories to make and dreams to fulfill.

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