Wednesday, November 26, 2008

10 Tips for Savvy Online Shopping

Sortprice.com offers these "10 Commandments" for safe and smart shopping on Cyber Monday. These tips are helpful for the 2008 holiday season and during the rest of the year.

  • "Be thorough in your research: utilize all the resources the internet provides, compare prices and search for online-only bargains to guarantee that you're saving money at this critical economic time.
  • Carefully review every online retailer's terms and conditions as well as their return policies, as they vary industry-wide.
  • Update your home computer's anti-virus software and security tools before you start shopping, and if using a wireless connection, make sure it's encrypted with a password.
  • Order in advance to ensure you don't get hurt by holiday shipping delays and check stock availability for a given product before you place an order.
  • Beware of certain promotional emails requesting personal information or promising a special deal as they could be part of a 'phishing' scam.
  • Create or update new online passwords that are unique and difficult to steal. Avoid pet names, birthdays, etc. and incorporate numbers and characters.
  • Use credit cards instead of debit cards - you'll be better protected from fraud and face less liability in the event of your card number being stolen.
  • Shop only on certifiably secure websites: look for 'https://' URLs that indicate secure connections when placing orders and entering personal information.
  • Be diligent about where you disclose personal information - including phone numbers, addresses and financial information - and avoid unverifiable entities.
  • Look for delivery guarantees from online retailers and always keep hard copies of email confirmations of orders and delivery status." --Sortprice.com

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

How to Boost Office & Hotel Room Coffee: More Taste from Free Java

Many offices provide free coffee for employees. Thanks for the coffee; thanks for the job. But that free stuff may not be drinkable for some coffee lovers. But here are a few tips that will improve the office brew.
  • Double bag: For coffee lovers, office java may taste weak, like coffee-flavored water. The solution use two bags or one and a half bags of the pre-measured ground coffee to make a single pot of coffee. The extra bag yields a stronger brew with more flavor and taste.
  • Bring your own cream: Improve the flavor with half-and-half cream instead of powdered milk. You can even heat the milk or cream in the microwave for extra body and warmth.
  • Sprinkle the spices: Vanilla, powdered cinnamon, nutmeg or a dash of chocolate add extra flavor.
  • Bring your own mug: Forget the office-issued Styrofoam or paper cups. Coffee tastes better in a ceramic mug. I know a woman who stashes an elegant teacup and saucer at her desk for coffee breaks.
  • Drink tea: Use the free hot water from the office and supply your own bags of herbal, green or gourmet tea.
  • Say a prayer: Hold your nose, drink the coffee and mumble a prayer of thanksgiving: Thank goodness I have a job. Thank goodness for free coffee.

I enjoyed this article: How to Make Good Hotel Room Coffee. Here's a sample:

You're on the road, and you breathe a sigh of relief when you see that your hotel room has a coffee maker waiting for you. But when you go to brew a cup to enjoy in the privacy of your room, the product is quite...disappointing. Before you speed down to the local coffee shop and squander another fraction of what could be your retirement fund on a latte, try these tips and tricks for better hotel coffee.

--source: How to Make Good Hotel Room Coffee

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Monday, November 24, 2008

Hunting for Deep Discounts & Thrifty Gifts at Post-Holiday Sales

From home decorations to costumes, post-holiday sales offer great bargains. For that reason, I prefer to buy costumes and masks in November, Thanksgiving dinner table decorations in December and holiday presents in January.

It's a shopping strategy I learned from my grandmother, who stocked up on Halloween candy long after the last trick-or-treaters had gone home. Post-holiday discounts are compelling. Typically, holiday-themed merchandise is sold at half price days after the holiday, with markdowns falling to 70 percent to 95 percent of the full retail price within two to three weeks after a holiday.

Last November, for instance, we purchased an angel costume for my daughter -- complete with gold wings and a halo -- for about $5 from Target, down from the full price of about $20. She wore the ensemble for a costume party in March. Halloween sales also provide a great opportunity to stock up on orange dessert plates, black napkins and candy, which can be used at parties throughout the year. Likewise, scary merchandise -- skulls, witches and ghost -- can be purchased and saved to create a spooky atmosphere at backyard summer carnivals and birthday parties.

Discounted cloth napkins, centerpieces and holiday-themed serving dishes can be stored for coming years. Every year, for example, my parents set the table with Thanksgiving accessories saved from year to year. What's more, some holiday merchandise -- without symbols or other holiday markings -- can be used year-round. I have post-holiday place mats and cloth napkins in seasonal colors that brighten my table in the summer and spring.

My family, however, has made some post-holiday shopping errors. Based on those mistakes, I offer these tips:

Show restraint. Mesmerized by a 95 percent off post-Halloween sale, last year we purchased a Star Wars Yoda costume for our dog. He hated the getup.
Watch the calendar. As time passes, sale merchandise gets really picked over. It's a balance between getting the best price and purchasing merchandise you really need.
Look for expiration dates. One year, my grandmother purchased Halloween candy that was filled with worms. The candy was returned.


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Sunday, November 23, 2008

How I Fixed My BCBG Shoes With a Sharpie Pen

Confession: I love shoes and I earn extra mileage from my favorite shoes with a secret weapon: Sharpie markers. Those markers and other permanent felt-tip pens are wonderful tools for making cheap and easy shoe repairs.

For instance, assorted scuff marks recently marred the appearance of my favorite shoes: a pair of black leather, high-heeled BCBG shoes.

The pumps were pummeled, scuffed and nicked on the toe tips, shoe box and tops of the sling-back three-inch heels. But with a few strokes of a black marker, the flaws have now disappeared. (You'd have to be really staring at close range to notice the repairs.) In fact, my shoes seem as good as new. Encouraged, I've been using the black marker on shoes from Tahari and Circa Joan & David. All are excellent labels that I purchased super cheap ($5-$20) at end-of-season clearance sales at Marshalls.

I'm hard on shoes because my daily commute consists of mass transit and a 20-minute walk. Therefore, my shoes take a beating. Markers -- in all colors -- will help me save money and look great.


National Public Radio recently broadcast a fabulous piece about the growing popularity of shoe repairs-- Cobbler's Business Steps Up During Thrifty Times:

As Americans trim their budgets, some businesses are ready for thrifty activity. In St. Louis, a shoe repair shop has seen business skyrocket as the economy prompts more customers to have shoes fixed instead of buying new ones. Jeff Lipson of Cobblestone Shoe Repair is a third-generation cobbler, and he's seeing a new type of customer. --Cobbler's Business Steps Up During Thrifty Times:


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Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Cover Your Assets: 4 Ways to Protect Your Job

Feeling insecure on the job? Join the crowd. After watching friends, strangers and associates receive layoff notices, it's easy to feel nervous about the future. Bulletproof Your Job: 4 Ways to Stay Employed, by a Careerbuilder.com writer, provides excellent insights.
Writer Stephen Viscusi asserts that in this atmosphere, "You must understand that your job is your most valuable asset -- and your primary objective is to protect it."
--Bulletproof Your Job: 4 Ways to Stay Employed

Here are the four tips:
  1. Stay visible. Work long hours, dress well, pay attention to details and volunteer for projects.

  2. Be low-maintenance: Don't complain and watch your tongue.

  3. Volunteer: Network, be a mentor for younger employees, develop multiple skill sets.

  4. Have a Plan B: Save money, keep your resume current and join professional organizations.

My own advice: Develop multiple sources of income and revenue. Hobbies, second jobs and freelance projects can provide financial and professional cushions.

Related Posts:

Need a Second Job? Ideas & Strategies For Extra Money

Reformed Spenders Provide 10 Ways to Save in 2008

I Cashed My Check at the Bookstore: The Pits & Perks of Extra Money

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Tuesday, November 18, 2008

How to Winterize Your Home: Tips from Myles of Style Co-star

Here are "simple, environmentally safe" ideas for winterizing your home from Myles of Style co-star Anthony Gilardi.

1. Windows:
"The most common place for homes to lose heat in the winter. Make sure you fill all gaps around your windows to prevent cold air drafts and warm air escaping. Glass is an excellent conductor by which hot and cold air move quickly in and out of homes, meaning your heating and cooling units have to work much harder to keep you comfortable. To help keep that air where you want it, consider using energy efficient blinds on your windows.

2. Icy slick driveways and exterior walkways:
If you live in an area where this can be a problem, you know that de-icers are a common way to eliminate slickness. But too often we don't use de-icers properly. Improper or over use of de-icers is detrimental to plant life and the environment. So, covering key areas with plastic before a storm, and removing it before it has a chance to freeze is a more environmentally sensitive option.

3. Water pipes: Prepare your plumbing for freezing weather
Outside plumbing
· Caulk around pipes where they enter the house.
· Close off foundation vents. Cut wood or Styrofoam blocks to fit vent openings, and then slide them into the vents. Open the vents in the spring to prevent dry rot.
· Protect outside pipes and faucets.
· Wrap outside faucets or hose bibs. Do this if you don't have a separate valve to turn off outside faucets. Use newspaper or rags covered with plastic, fiberglass or molded foam insulating covers to wrap the faucet.
· Drain in-ground sprinkler systems.

Inside plumbing
· Insulate pipes in unheated areas such as the crawl space, attic, garage or basement. Cover all valves, pipe-fittings, etc. with insulating tape or fiberglass.
· Shut off and drain your water system if you are leaving home for several days. Leaving your furnace on a low setting while you're gone helps, but may not prevent freezing.
· Open cupboard doors in the kitchen and bathrooms. Leaving the cupboard doors open when the temperature is below freezing allows pipes behind the cupboards to get more heat.
· Let the water run if the temperature dips below freezing. Faucets farthest from the street should be the ones left running.

4. Insulation:
Check your attic, walls and basement for adequate insulation. Feel around electrical outlets and switch-plates for cold air. Have a professional add insulation if necessary. Use caulking or weather stripping to take care of any problem areas. Be sure to compare natural fiber insulation and fiberglass insulation.

5. Home ventilation:

Indoor pollutants are fairly common in our homes. Potential contributors include second-hand tobacco smoke, pets, fireplaces, stoves/ovens, furnishing/finishes, and moisture/leaks. Good indicators that you may have indoor air quality (IAQ) problems include musty or chemical odors, visible leaks or water damage.
Ways to improve Indoor Air Quality
· Turn on hood fans when cooking. Cooking, especially on a gas stove, releases chemicals that can contaminate the air, such as carbon monoxide.
· Turn on the exhaust fan when showering to limit moisture build up
· Clean regularly to prevent dust, dirt, and pet-hair accumulation.
· Use cleaning products that do not emit chemicals into the air. Many products used to wash floors, countertops, and windows can give off gas toxic or irritating chemicals. Avoid dangerous chemicals by selecting products that are certified for low levels of chemical emissions.
· Open windows to allow fresh air into your space.
· Maintain your HVAC filters as instructed. Check, clean, or replace furnace and air filters regularly, at least every two months. Consider installing a "high efficiency particulate" (HEPA) filter. "

source: Anthony Gilardi.

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Monday, November 17, 2008

Second & Third Opinions About Vampire Power

My recent column on vampire energy -- also known as standby power -- generated well-deserved heat. Standby power is the energy wasted when electronic products are turned off, but plugged into an outlet.

Readers sharply disagreed with estimates that the average household wastes about $1,000 a year in standby power, or $4 billion annually. And they were right. Numbers from a news release were misleading.

The Department of Energy estimates that the average home in the United States ''spends $100 per year to power devices while they are off (or in standby mode),'' according to Christina Kielich, a department spokeswoman. Kielich said that nationwide about $10 billion a year is wasted in all forms of energy.

The average household in the United States spends about $1,247.52 a year on electricity, with regional differences.

Vampire power consumes 5 to 15 percent of the average bill, according to the Department of Energy, but there's considerable disagreement about electricity wasted through standby power. Nonprofit consumer groups and electronics industry experts provide standby energy estimates that range from 10 percent to 75 percent of the average electric bill. One international academic report -- ''Global Implications of Standby Power Use'' by Alan Meier of Berkeley Lab, USA -- places standby power at 1 to 25 percent.

''Standby power also appears to be growing rapidly as more appliances are built with features that lead to standby power consumption,'' according to the report.

Differing estimates may be due to a shifting definition of standby power. The category typically includes energy burned by the small lights, clocks, keypads and internal computers programmed into many devices.

Some industry experts broadly include water heaters and refrigerators, which are constantly running. Additionally, I've also seen calculations that include computers that are in the ''sleep mode'' and battery-charging gadgets that are left plugged into a wall after portable devices have been tucked away.

But what does this mean for the consumer? The Department of Energy recommends that we should look for appliances with the Energy Star label. Additionally, the government recommends using power strips that can be easily turned off when appliances are not used. And, of course, you can simply unplug appliances that are not in use.

Consumer beware: That advice also has critics. It can be time-consuming to constantly disconnect unused devices and to reprogram electronic clocks after every use, some argue.
Conceptually, this sounds like a useful tip.

In practice, the actual savings are minuscule and not worth the effort of constantly plugging and unplugging appliances in, said Michael Gibbons, a reader from Bellevue, Wash.



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Saturday, November 15, 2008

Online Book Tour: My Dream House Musings at Blogher

Why haven't I purchased my $2.6 million dream home? (See answers below). My dream home is a central theme in my Frugal Duchess book and in the spotlight at Blogher, the latest host of the online book tour. At Blogher, Paula Gregorowicz offers a Frugal Duchess book review. Here's a snippet of the review:


In the book, Sharon weaves her tips through the tale of her own journeys by using her Dream House as the main character of the book. There is a Mediterranean mansion in her neighborhood that she covets.

She first fell in love with it in the mid-1990's when the asking price was $425,000. As of March 2007 it was listed for $2.6 million. Needless to say quite a bit of appreciation given its prime neighborhood in Miami. Sharon knows this house in great detail and shares her musings in a way that would make any Law of Attraction vision board guru proud. As the book wore on I was just dying to know whether she ever achieved her goal of owning the Dream House which had taken on a life of its own. --Frugal Duchess book review


Here are a few reasons why I haven't purchased my Dream Home:

1. I am still saving for a down payment

2. The price continues to drop and I am waiting for real estate to bottom out in my neighborhood.

3. I won't buy a home until I also have a home emergency fund. My siblings and friends have stressed the importance of having a home fund to cover emergencies, repairs and other costs related to home ownership.


Thanks to Paula for hosting the online book tour and thanks for providing the wonderful insights about the bottom-line message of my book. [Read her review for the summary.] Here's a little bit about her:

Paula Gregorowicz, is a life coach for women who can teach you to become comfortable in your own skin and boost your bottom line. Get the free 12 part eCourse "How to Be Comfortable in Your Own Skin" at her website and start taking charge of your own success.

Related Posts:

Online Book Tour: Brady Bunch vs Cosby Family at Chief Family Officer

Online Book Tour: Frugal Uniforms Featured at Fabulous Financials

Online Book Tour: Queercents Delivers a Book Review

Online Book Tour: Paid Twice Hosts Depression Era & The Duchess

Online Book Tour: The Simple Dollar Book Review

Online Tour Stop: Girls Just Want to Have FundsOnline Book Tour: Old Clothes Featured at Get Rich Slowly

Online Book Tour: LA-Story Hosts a Frugal DIY Spa

Online Book Tour Visits Digerati Life with a Silicon Valley Interview

Online Book Tour: Budget Savvy's Payday Strategies

I Can't Afford to Go on a Book Tour, But I'll Travel Online


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Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Online Book Tour: Brady Bunch vs Cosby Family at Chief Family Officer

My family resembles the Cosby Family. But during the 1960s, the Cosby Family was not always welcome in Brady Bunch neighborhoods. That's how my latest guest post begins at Chief Family Officer, which is hosting the Frugal Duchess online book tour.

In addition to an overview of my book, Cathy of CFO is also sponsoring a book giveaway. Here are details about the contest:

You can enter up to three times (one for each type), and you must submit separate entries for each type. I'll select the winner using Random.org and announce them here on CFO as well as contact them by email. The winner will have 48 hours to send me their address, otherwise their prize will be forfeited and a new winner will be selected. The giveaway ends at 6:00 p.m. PST on Tuesday, November 18. Sorry, this giveaway is open only to residents of the U.S. and Canada.--The Frugal Duchess book giveaway!


Thanks to CFO for hosting the book tour. Hey Cathy, I appreciate the time and attention. Here's a little background about CFO:

My name is Cathy, and I'm an attorney, wife to Marc, and mom to Alex (age 3) and Tyler (age 1). I'm also the CFO of our family. I post often on my favorite topics: family finances, parenting, and cooking. I also post reviews and links to freebies and samples at CFO Reviews ....Read the Best of CFO.

Related Posts:

Online Book Tour: Frugal Uniforms Featured at Fabulous Financials

Online Book Tour: Queercents Delivers a Book Review

Online Book Tour: Paid Twice Hosts Depression Era & The Duchess

Online Book Tour: The Simple Dollar Book Review

Online Tour Stop: Girls Just Want to Have Funds

Online Book Tour: Old Clothes Featured at Get Rich Slowly

Online Book Tour: LA-Story Hosts a Frugal DIY Spa

Online Book Tour Visits Digerati Life with a Silicon Valley Interview

Online Book Tour: Budget Savvy's Payday Strategies

I Can't Afford to Go on a Book Tour, But I'll Travel Online

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Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Midweek Roundup & Frugal Blog Network

Here are a few stories that caught my eye:

From the Frugal Blog Network:

A $500 a Month Retirement Budget from Tight Fisted Miser

When the bell tolls, maybe it tolls for thee (what to do after losing a job) from Frugal Zeitgeist

Open Enrollment Time from Not Made Of Money

How to Look Fabulous, Frugally: Part Three from almost frugal

Frugal Organic Play Doh from Frugal Babe

Other favorite links:

Could You Eat Healthfully on One Dollar a Day? from Get Rich Slowly

12 Million American’s Are STILL Paying Off Last Year’s Christmas! From
AllFinancialMatters

Back to Basics: Keep on top of your income streams From Mighty Bargain Hunter

A Plan to Cook at Home for Single People From Mapgirl's Fiscal Challenge


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An Awful Flight Taught Me Market Lessons

A few weeks ago, I had a rough flight from Miami to New York City. It was the perfect ride for a turbulent era, and I learned a lot about money and the markets during that trip. That's because the flight was almost as volatile as the stock market following a grim unemployment report.

As we rocked and dropped through cloud vapors, I studied my options: 1) Pray, 2)Write notes to friends and family, or 3) Go to sleep.

I decided against sleep. Been there, done that. In fact, I can honestly say that I've slept or sleepwalked through other periods of personal or financial turbulence. But that solution solved very little and instead, when I was finally jolted awake, I rubbed my eyes feeling dumb and dumbfounded. So I nixed the sleep option.

Write letters to friends and family? Not very practical, especially due to the up-and-down motion of the plane. And besides, I was too tense and too lazy to string together a coherent sentence. I can't write when I'm uptight.

Prayers? Hmm. Frankly, I offered up a few whispered bargains, deals and promises. And whatever I said, must have worked because I'm here now in front of my Dell laptop computer, which needs a new battery. (And I'm now praying that my battery will be recalled, so that I can call the company for a free replacement.) And anyway, while praying I stared at the clouds and while meditating on clouds, I had a flight of clarity. I calculated that if that moment in the air was really my last, I could at least enjoy the ride.

I re-considered the turbulence. It was a fun ride. In fact, at Disneyworld and Universal Studios I have paid good money -- lots of money --over the years for such thrill rides. And if this was going to be my last flight, at least, I could relax and enjoy myself.

Okay, so I'm not trying to sound like a Pollyanna, but at that moment, the terror stopped even though the turbulence continued. I had no control over the plane, but I could control my roller coaster of emotions. And I am applying that lesson to my obsessions about politics, world events, job security, regrets, missed opportunities and economic uncertainty.

My new contract: I'm going to do my best, say a few prayers and admire clouds. And yeah, I'm enjoying the ride.

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Monday, November 10, 2008

Online Book Tour: Frugal Uniforms Featured at Fabulous Financials

I have a cheap, but fashionable strategy for work and social commitments. I wear uniforms and that topic is in the spotlight at Fabulous Financials, the latest stop in the online Frugal Duchess book tour. Here's a snippet from my guest post at Fabulous Financials:

I work in a uniform. I party in uniforms. I shop in a uniform.

My uniforms are not standard-issue, mass-produced garments. They are not pre-packaged items, but rather outside-the-box, one-of-a-kind creations. These haute — so hot! — uniforms save money because my wardrobe provides an easy fashion guide for the different roles that I assume in life. Here are the uniforms that get me through the week....article continues:--The Frugal Duchess Frugal Uniform

Fabulous Financials is a personal finance blog with lots of attitude and great information. I appreciate the space, time and support provided to me. Thank You Single Ma! Here's a short description of the author and her blog:

I’m a 30-something single mom with a lil diva in training (often referred to as BabyGirl). We have the typical parent/child conflicts, but she also makes me very proud. Sometimes I even think I have the best child in the world! She’s my reason for living. Financially, our long term goal is to achieve a $1M+ net worth.

We own our home, have a comfy emergency fund, 401k, Roth IRA, 529 account, and no credit card debt. For your reading pleasure, I’ve participated in a few interviews where I discussed my thoughts about money, as well as my thoughts about women, ethics, and money. --Single Ma

Related Posts:

Online Book Tour: Queercents Delivers a Book Review

Online Book Tour: Paid Twice Hosts Depression Era & The Duchess

Online Book Tour: The Simple Dollar Book Review

Online Tour Stop: Girls Just Want to Have Funds

Online Book Tour: Tight Fisted Miser Book Review

Online Book Tour: Old Clothes Featured at Get Rich Slowly

Online Book Tour: LA-Story Hosts a Frugal DIY Spa

Online Book Tour Visits Digerati Life with a Silicon Valley Interview

Online Book Tour: Budget Savvy's Payday Strategies

I Can't Afford to Go on a Book Tour, But I'll Travel Online





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@ Borders
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Sunday, November 09, 2008

My Son's BOGO Clothes: a Library for Hip-Hop Teen Fashion

My teenage son's wardrobe is a mix of hip-hop elegance and edgy, preppy fashion. To look hot and save money, he and a buddy have started a clothes co-op, featuring fashion from American Eagle, Abercrombie & Fitch, Gap and other teen-trendy-friendly stores.

Here's how it works: My son and one of his best friends are the same size. At age 16, their tastes in clothes include flavor-of-the month fashions and a few classics. Well-trained in red-tag specials, they like to buy stuff on sale. But during one recent mall outing, they had a frugal AHA! moment, based on the following realization:

Let's get more for our money --or pay less -- by splitting the costs of clothes and then sharing the items. It's a real BOGO (Buy-One-Get-One Free) wardrobe deal. Their collection of shared items includes sunglasses, jeans, shirts, hats, belts, chains and more.

"We decided that because we're the same size, we might as well share a lot of our stuff," my son told me this morning when I asked for permission to write this post. "We get double the wardrobe."

More importantly, the kids aren't wasting a lot of money on trendy stuff that is hot-hot-hot on Wednesday and outdated by Saturday. The borrowing system works because they live in the same area and stay in touch about the items in the clothes library:

"Sometimes, he'll just call me up and tell me: 'I'm going to a party tonight, I really want those jeans,' " my son explained when we chatted about how the system works.

______________

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Saturday, November 08, 2008

Online Book Tour: Queercents Delivers a Book Review

My real estate fantasies and frustrations are in the spotlight as the online book tour continues with a stop at Queercents. Nina of Queercents has posted a thoughtful review of The Frugal Duchess: How to Live Well and Save Money. Thank You Nina!

Here's a snippet of that review:
The theme in Sharon Harvey Rosenberg’s first book, The Frugal Duchess: How to Live Well and Save Money is really about missed opportunity, in particular; the dream home that got away from her. This home (referred to as the Dream House throughout) is in Miami and sold for $425,000 in the mid-1990s. After a decade of double digit appreciation, it was listed in March of 2007 for $2.6M. I suspect today, Rosenberg could snatch it up for an easy $1.9M, but that’s another story.
Thanks to Nina and Queercents for hosting this stop on the online tour. I appreciate the interest and support. And yes, Nina, the price of my Dream Home has dropped a lot in the current market downdraft. I hear that the house is going for $1.5 million and the price continues to drift lower.

The house remains unsold and renters have moved into the huge sprawling house, which has been the centerpiece of my dreams for some time.

Here's some background about Queercents, which provides valuable financial tips:
"Queercents, founded in 2006 by Nina Smith, is a syndicate of personal finance writers serving the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. Financial tips and insights are aggregated daily from the distinct voices of several money writers. For more info: Introduction to Queercents"
Related Posts:

Online Book Tour: Paid Twice Hosts Depression Era & The Duchess

Online Book Tour: The Simple Dollar Book Review

Online Tour Stop: Girls Just Want to Have Funds

Online Book Tour: Tight Fisted Miser Book Review

Online Book Tour: Old Clothes Featured at Get Rich Slowly

Online Book Tour: LA-Story Hosts a Frugal DIY Spa

Online Book Tour Visits Digerati Life with a Silicon Valley Interview

Online Book Tour: Budget Savvy's Payday Strategies

I Can't Afford to Go on a Book Tour, But I'll Travel Online
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@ Barnes & Noble
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Friday, November 07, 2008

Online Book Tour: Paid Twice Hosts Depression Era & The Duchess

My parents were born during the Depression and that reality has shaped my life. That topic is featured at I've Already Paid Twice, the host of the current stop of the Frugal Duchess online book tour: The Frugal Duchess Book Tour At PaidTwice.

Here's why the host uses the title Paid Twice:
The title “I’ve Paid For This Twice Already…” refers to the fact that anything I bought with my credit cards, I have probably paid at least the purchase price all over again in interest by now. So in essence I’ve paid for it twice (if not three times by now… ugh). It was a cold hard realization to me that all the effort and time I have spent shopping for a “good deal” means about zero when I charge the purchase and start paying interest on it. -- I've Already Paid Twice

Thanks to Paid Twice for hosting the book tour. I appreciate the time, space and attention.

Related posts
Online Book Tour: The Simple Dollar Book Review

Online Tour Stop: Girls Just Want to Have Funds

Online Book Tour: Tight Fisted Miser Book Review

Online Book Tour: Old Clothes Featured at Get Rich Slowly

Online Book Tour: LA-Story Hosts a Frugal DIY Spa

Online Book Tour Visits Digerati Life with a Silicon Valley Interview

Online Book Tour: Budget Savvy's Payday Strategies

I Can't Afford to Go on a Book Tour, But I'll Travel Online
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@ Barnes & Noble
@ Borders
@ Target.com

No-Cost Colleges: Flying Cheap Under the Radar

There are colleges and universities that offer free tuition. That's good news as I consider various options for my 16-year-old son. My current favorite: a four-year education plan consisting of two years of a local community college, completed with two years at a traditional college or university.

We're also going to explore the wide range of scholarships, grants and other awards available nationwide. Even Mercedes-Benz USA has a scholarship program and there are various essay-writing competitions that offer scholarship money. (see link below)

Meanwhile, the following article about tuition-free programs offers great information.: Pssst! Wanna Go to College for Free? by Alison Damast. Here's a snippet from that article:

Tuition-free colleges -- also known as full-scholarship colleges -- remain one of higher education's best-kept secrets. True to their name, they are institutions that guarantee to cover the entire student-body's tuition. There are only a handful of such schools in the U.S., which is one reason they are often overlooked by students, parents, and high school guidance counselors during the college search, says Sandy Baum, a senior policy analyst at the College Board. "It's not a trend of the future. It's just a certain niche market. These schools have unique situations that allow them to go tuition-free," she said. --Pssst! Wanna Go to College for Free?



Helpful links:

Where the College Scholarships Are

Can You Spot a College Scholarship Scam?

Financial Aid Calendar

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Thursday, November 06, 2008

Online Book Tour: The Simple Dollar Book Review

Every other week, The Simple Dollar features a book review. This week the Frugal Duchess online book tour stops at The Simple Dollar, which has provided a thoughtful and insightful overview of my book.

Thanks to Trent of The Simple Dollar for hosting this stop on the online tour. As one of the top-ranked personal finance blogs, The Simple Dollar is a must-read. His posts range from comments about his earlier financial mistakes to current common sense truimphs and tips: Your Single Best Action For Saving Money.


Related Posts:

Online Tour Stop: Girls Just Want to Have Funds

Online Book Tour: Tight Fisted Miser Book Review

Online Book Tour: Old Clothes Featured at Get Rich Slowly

Online Book Tour: LA-Story Hosts a Frugal DIY Spa

Online Book Tour Visits Digerati Life with a Silicon Valley Interview

Online Book Tour: Budget Savvy's Payday Strategies

I Can't Afford to Go on a Book Tour, But I'll Travel Online







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Here's how to buy my new book:





@ Amazon.com
@ Barnes & Noble
@ Borders
@ Target.com

Wednesday, November 05, 2008

What Obama Taught Me About Personal Finance

Barak Obama's historical presidential victory is one for the record books. Here are a few of the professional and personal finance lessons that I have learned from the president-elect's campaign.

1. Use technology to improve your fortune: Led by campaign manager David Plouffe and campaign strategist David Axelrod, the Obama campaign aggressively used technology. Facebook, e-mails, text messages and other online social networking tools helped Obama create a financial and political network.

Personal Lesson: Stay current with high-tech trends. Continue to look for opportunites to earn, network and learn online. My career could depend on how well I use various tools.

For the past two years, he's run a sprawling presidential campaign with tentacles in every state that raised some $650 million from 3.1 million donors.-- from Forbes.com

While Republicans and Mrs Clinton saw the political possibilities of the Internet as gimmicky, Mr Obama made it central to his campaign and his fundraising apparatus. --from Telegraph.co.uk


2. Use old-school networks: In addition to all of the bells and whistles of new-age technology, the Obama campaign also relied on a network of old-school face-to-face grassroots teams.

Personal Lesson: In addition to my laptop, email account and blog, I should also rely on traditional meet-and-greet events and opportunities. I need to attend more industry events and gatherings.

Obama also has the largest grassroots network of active operatives of any campaign in history.-- from Forbes.com


3. Delegate and build teams. Most successful drives --in sports, money and politics --are built on cooperation, team spirit and delegation.

Personal Lesson: From launching a book to raising children, I've learned the value of relying on the talents and time of family, friends, neighbors and co-workers.

On average, Obama has several thousand active supporters in each congressional district. Obama could ping them, with the same sort of calling and e-mailing tasks his volunteers fulfilled on the campaign--only this time to apply pressure to their congressmen. -- from Forbes.com

4. Show gratitude:

On Tuesday night, with the election results showing a decisive victory and Sen. John McCain offering a concession, Obama e-mailed a few million of his closest friends: "We have a lot of work to do to get our country back on track, and I'll be in touch soon about what comes next," he wrote. Then, signing off, "Thank you, --Barack."
-- from Forbes.com


5. Be organized and stay disciplined

He also was an incredible candidate who had a very tight, well-run campaign. They used the tools of the Internet and community building. It's a model for how campaigns will be run in the future." -- from Telegraph.co.uk

Throughout the campaign, the disciplined and nimble Obama team marched through a presidential contest of historic intensity learning to exploit opponents' weaknesses and making remarkably few mistakes. --from New York Times


6. Think about others. Look beyond yourself.
McCain created a great narrative about John McCain. Obama created a great narrative about America and its future. This was a new frontier election and Obama gave voters a vision of an America renewed, confident and restored."-- from Telegraph.co.uk

7. Aim for perfection:

Mr. Obama and his aides believed from the outset that the campaign would have to be nothing less than perfect -- this was an African-American man with an unusual name and past. --New York Times
8. Tackle difficult issues:

On March 18, Mr. Obama gave a landmark speech on race at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. He used the speech to distance himself from his former pastor, the Jeremiah A. Wright, who had made several controversial statements. -- New YorkTimes

9. Embrace change:
On June 3, Mr. Obama campaigned on a promise of bringing change to Washington. "You know in your hearts that at this moment -- a moment that will define a generation -- we cannot afford to keep doing what we've been doing," he said. "We owe our children a better future."--New York Times

10. Stay calm.
Mr. Obama kept himself, and his team, on an even keel — a character trait that paid immense dividends in the closing stages, when his understated approach to the economic crisis came off to many voters as steady leadership. --Near-Flawless
Run Is Credited in Victory

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Here's how to buy my new book:



@ Amazon.com
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@ Borders
@ Target.com

Monday, November 03, 2008

How to Save Money on Energy Bills: Stop the Vampires

The average household in the U.S. wastes about $1,000 each year in electricity, according to the International Energy Agency. Vampire power — the standby energy consumed by household gadgets and appliances — is the culprit.

We don't need an exhaustive scavenger hunt to find the sources of energy theft in our home. Everyday appliances such as computers, game consoles, plasma televisions and DVD/VCR players burn up energy — about 40 percent of our total bill — even when not used. That's because most gadgets have small "standby" lights (typically green, yellow or red) that continue to burn power even when we hit the "off" switch. This 24-hour consumption of power is a drain on our household budgets.

To highlight the hidden charges of vampire power, Best Buy recently launched a campaign to promote energy savings. The company offers the following money-saving tips for home electronics:

Tap into a power strip. Attach appliances and battery chargers to a power strip. When appliances are not used, turn off the power strip and cut the flow of energy into the small standby lights.
Remove the plug. Eliminate power drains by unplugging gadgets that are not in use. It's a waste, for instance, to leave a cellphone charger plugged into an outlet.
Shut down the computer. In the so-called "sleep mode," your computer is costing an additional $70 annually, according to Best Buy. Even screen savers can be a power drain. To save money, completely shut down computers, laptops and printers when not in use.
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Here's how to buy my new book:



@ Amazon.com
@ Barnes & Noble
@ Borders
@ Target.com