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Entry bubble Get Ready For Black Friday

By: Ginger | November 20, 2009 | Category: Money

Ginger in her Black Friday commando gearMy Black Friday shopping expedition last year was a little intense. I can understand that my Black Friday commando-camouflage could seem a little odd and possibly raise some eyebrows, but really? Apparently, some folks find a woman shopping in a mall with branches taped to her head to be a little threatening, but being tackled by a mall security guard and forced into a straight-jacket seemed a little extreme! Well, I have learned my lesson and I won’t be doing that anymore!

From now on, I will stick to more acceptable methods for preparing for Black Friday. Because of the economic downturn, a lot of stores and other businesses are really offering significant savings to draw in shoppers the day after Thanksgiving. A lot of experts recommend that you do your homework when shopping this holiday to get the most for your money. Know your budget and do research ahead of time to find the best prices. You may even want to plan to get to some stores early. Some stores offer early bird specials and extra discounts to folks that get there first.

Here are some resources that I found that have some useful shopping tips and offer information on some great Black Friday deals:

Note: For those of you who are concerned that I am crazy… I didn’t actually go to the mall in that get up. Well, I did play out that scenario in my head and it was pretty funny, but I am, more or less, sane. Just ask my good friend Harvey. LOL!

| Post a Comment | View Comments [4] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: black_friday   gifts   ginger   purchases   savings   shopping  

 

Entry bubble Donating to charity

By: Jess | November 19, 2009 | Category: Money

checkbookIf you have a little extra change in your pockets after you've finished all your holiday shopping, you might want to consider donating it to your favorite charity. Last year, charities made $307.65 billion from contributions, according to the Giving USA Foundation.

But before you write that check, do a little research to make sure the charity is legitimate.

The Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance pulled together five important questions you should ask before donating.

1. Is the charity trustworthy?
2. How will your donation be used?
3. Is the donation tax deductible?
4. Is your donation useful to the charity?
5. Are you feeling pressured to donate?

These questions should help you determine if your money is going to a legitimate charity that will put it to good use to fund programs that you believe in.

If you're curious about how to list different donations for tax purposes, check out these tips. 

| Post a Comment | View Comments [1] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: charity   donation   giving   jess  

 

Entry bubble Hang On to your Old Cell Phones...(At least for a little bit!)

By: Colleen | November 18, 2009 | Category: Money

Colleen's Words to the Wise:

Unless it's broken, keep your old cell phone - at least until you are eligible for a new one.

I learned this the hard way last week. My cell phone stopped recognizing the charger. (After talking to many people who have had the same problem, I think they actually design phones with this flaw on purpose as a money-making scheme...cynical, me?) I took it to the store for them to have a look and my fear was confirmed, "Yup. It's broken."

After asking what I could do from this point, they told me I'd need a new phone and began looking up my contract history. Turns out my contract isn't due for renewal until July, and therefore I'd have to pay full retail price for a new phone. This did not sit well with me, especially since my broken phone wasn't even a year old, and hadn't been dropped in a toilet or anything that I'd done to my past fully functional phones.

After getting into a bit of a tizz, they told me if I had an old phone that was operational, they could reactivate it for me for a small fee. I moved recently, and while cleaning things out I distinctly remember getting rid of a few old cell phones. I couldn't remember if I had kept one or not, but crossed my fingers and went home to check.

I dug through some still yet to be unpacked boxes (don't judge) and miracle of miracles...I still had an old phone! I went back to the store, had it activated, and am once again in communication with the rest of the world. I do miss my Harry Kalas calling the final out of the 2008 World Series ringtone, but I'll live.

So, save yourself two trips to the cell phone store and your money. Keep an old phone around just in case.

For the really old phones that are ready to get the heave-ho, I know there are charities that collect them for reuse. Do you know of any?

| Post a Comment | View Comments [6] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: broken   cell_phone   contract  

 

Entry bubble Starting A Business? Government Can Help

By: Editor | October 23, 2009 | Category: Money

small business ownerOur guest blogger today is Stephen Morris, a Presidential Management Fellow at the U.S. Small Business Administration working to help small business owners and entrepreneurs.  

Every challenge presents an opportunity. In a tough economy, many aspiring entrepreneurs have found their opening to start a business.

The good news is that Federal, state, and local governments offer many resources to help you achieve your dream of owning a business.

Start with a plan. A business plan is a strategic vision for your business and is often required for obtaining loans. There are a number of government resources online to help you get started on your plan.
• Small Business Planner
• Business.gov videos: Business Planning Tutorial
• Gauge your local competition with Census data

 After you’ve researched and developed a plan, you may want to attend training or a counseling session. Several government-sponsored groups provide this service for free or a nominal fee.
• In-person services near you

And of course, you need money to start your business. Federal, state, and local governments each operate loan and financial assistance programs for aspiring entrepreneurs.
• Learn more about financing a business
• Search for business loans and grants

Businesses need to follow all relevant laws, file necessary permits, and pay taxes. For more information about these and other steps to opening your business, check out 10 Steps to Starting a Business.

Wherever you are in the process, whether starting or expanding, the Business.gov Community is a great place to ask questions and share your experiences.

Additional resources
• USA.gov online services for business
• Are you doing business online? Specific information for Internet-based business

| Post a Comment | View Comments [10] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: business   business.gov   editor   guest_blog   money   sba   small_business  

 

Entry bubble The Top 50 Jobs of the Future

By: Joanne | October 13, 2009 | Category: Money

help wanted adsThese days I bet we all know someone who recently lost their job and needs to find work. Last month the unemployment rate in the U.S. reached 9.8%, which is higher than it’s been in over 10 years.

It seems like a lot is changing in our economy and if you’re out of work, or just thinking of changing your job the Department of Labor forecasts the top 50 in demand occupations so you can figure out how you can upgrade your skills to fit into the job market of tomorrow.

Of course, finding a new job is never easy. It’s always good to look in the local paper or check an online source for local job listings, but the government’s got some resources to help too. If you’re looking for a job or an internship with the federal government, you’ll find all openings announced to the public at USAJOBS. Check out your state job bank for even more job opportunities in your area. If you need a helping hand, look up your local Department of Labor office and see what services they offer to job seekers in your area. And if the job sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be aware of job scams.

| Post a Comment | View Comments [3] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: employment   joanne   job   occupation   unemployment  

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