PennyWise

How to Save On Cell Phone Bills

PennyWise — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 13:14:14 -0700

Since the proliferation and popularity of cell phones, it seems like more people are spending a lot more time and not to mention on their phones. Between text messages, taxes and minute usage an average American can spend the equivalent of about four flight trips from New York to California a year on cell phone charges.

Cutting costs, trimming corners and finding those small savings is more important than ever this year with the economic uncertainty. Your cell plan is just the place to start to reduce those bills and save.

Here's a few tips to Saving on your cell phone bills:

The 7 Deadly Sins of Personal Finance

PennyWise — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 13:30:57 -0700

If you are reading this, I can safely assume that you are concerned about your finances and want rectify what your doing wrong. Well there's one thing your doing right- reading this! Identifying your weakness' is the only way to maximizing your financial resources. So if you don't know what's wrong you can't come up with a solution to fix.

Below is a list of 7 bad habits that have probably put you in a financial hole in the first place....I like to call them The 7 Deadly Sins of Personal Finance!

While following these tips won't make you a millionaire overnight, it certainly will help you find financial stability, the first step to financial success.

Hidden Costs: What You Really Have to Consider Before Purchasing an Item

PennyWise — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 08:17:09 -0700

When we purchase anything, we often only consider the price tag on the item and ignore to pay attention to if that item will cost us more money in the future. In many cases the price of an item or the upfront cost is only the tip of the iceberg that one can see easily over the surface. But lurking under are the hidden costs that come back to bite people's budget since they are overlooked. There are a surprising number of these hidden costs and a lot of the products we purchase have them. So being better informed and taking all the costs into consideration you can plan and maintain your budget more efficiently.

Here's a look at some of the hidden costs of some of the products we purchase:

10+ Ways to Save Money on Gasoline

PennyWise — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 03:24:13 -0700

Can you afford to drive your automobile?

With the price of gasoline constantly increasing, we are all looking for ways to save on this necessary liquid. If you own a gas guzzler, you might need to look for all the help you can get just to be able to afford the fuel for necessary trips.

Rebates: What you need to know

PennyWise — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 03:24:07 -0700

Lawmakers have given their final seal of approval to a $170 billion plan intended to spark the slowing economy.

The plan's centerpiece: tax rebates.

But questions remain about how the program will work, and officials at the Treasury Department and IRS are scurrying to work out the details.

In the meantime, here are some answers based on currently available government information and experts' analysis.

10 Great Ways for Teenagers to Earn a Little Extra Spending Money

PennyWise — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 11:04:53 -0700

Instead of just giving your kids an allowance raise each time they ask or flat our denying them, it's great to get them to realize the value of a dollar by earning it on their own by doing a few odd jobs for neighbors or yourself. So the next time your time your kid asks for a some extra allowance encourage them that they could make a lot more by trying a few of these tips. They're great to keep them busy, while teaching them responsibility especially during summer.

To make it more interesting you can give them a bonus if they do well. A friend of mine promised her son, she'd double anything he earned during the summer to raise money for a new bike...that motivated him to really try an earn as much as he could so his mom would have to pay up. Let's just say my fried had to shell out 3 times more than if she would have just paid for the bike in the first place. But she never regretted the decision, he son didn't blow it all on a fancier bike but instead saved all he's cash for later saying he worked hard for it and didn't want to just blow it away!

So even if they are small jobs and simple tasks that we take for granted everyday, giving a teenager the job- will be a few bucks spent, and a life lesson learned!

Here a 10 Ways a Teenager can earn a few extra dollars:

10 Great Wines Under $10

PennyWise — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 12:04:21 -0700

People always associate the quality of a Wine with it's price. The more expensive the better it must be, is the attitude. But that's not true. In these economic times there are really good wines out there without the big price tags. If you love wine but don't want to spend a big chunk of your budget on the expensive stuff...here are 10 cheap but well received wines from some wine experts themselves. These Wine's also make great inexpensive Gifts!

Finding a Budget New York Hotel Room

PennyWise — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 12:04:18 -0700

New York City has always been one of the largest metropolitan cities in the world. New York has always represented the dream city for its work culture, fashion, media, politics, entertainment. One of the most famous cities known highly for its Empire State building, Rockefeller center, Central Park, Museum of Modern Art and of course the 'Statue of Liberty' - one of the most symbolic monuments in the world. Finding a cheap place in New York is not easy but it is not impossible. It takes a little planning and good research. Here are some tips on how to find a budget room in New York.

Go Green: 101 Ways to Save Green and Live Green

PennyWise — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 07:05:42 -0700

GREEN. It's the favorite word of the day, week, month, year. The newspapers and media are all over going GREEN. With the current trend to 'GO GREEN', everyone has jumped on the bandwagon for having a 'GREEN home', 'GREEN car', 'GREEN world' and a lot of the time it's easier said than done.

What we need is not to be told to Live GREEN...We need the common sense and the ability to treat each other and the environment with respect, to spread and share HOW each one of us can Live Greener Lives starting with small changes in our everyday lives. We need to ask our American politicians to do more than play lip service to celebrities and really get serious about the legacy we will leave to our children.

To get started here's a list of 100 Ways to Save Green and Live Green! If not all...there are some of these we can all implement to do our bit for the environment and Live Greener Lives. Add your own green tips and ideas in the comments below.

Planning a Wedding as a Budget Bride

PennyWise — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 02:53:19 -0700

Planning a Wedding on a shoestring budget is not easy, especially for the Bride who has probably been imagining and planning tiny details of the special day most of her life. In the all excitement and anticipation it’s easy to forget what it’s really about. It’s more than just a Party and Celebration. As clichéd as it may sound, it’s about the Feelings. It’s about the emotions you go through as you prepare to share your life with another…It’s about the Journey.

Keeping Track of your spending especially for your wedding is not always fun, but it’s also not fun starting your life as a newlywed broke or with a debt. With this in mind I’m not suggesting you don’t have your dream wedding at all, merely keep in mind that if you can’t have Dom Perignon, or lobster entrées at your wedding you'll be no less married to your loved one (and after all, isn't that what it is all about).

Here are some ways to keep your Big Day special but also in financial perspective by cutting costs on the little things that actually sum up to Big Savings.

5 ways to use your student status to save money

PennyWise — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 02:53:15 -0700

There is nothing wrong with taking full advantage of your student status. Considering the added expenses of gas for travel to school, books and supplies, and even childcare, there is lots of room for you to find bargains that will keep college from busting your budget. If you think student discounts only apply to teenagers, it’s time you started seeing yourself as a real student, entitled to anything available to you and your classmates.

Top 15+ Ways to Make a Small Kitchen Look Larger

PennyWise — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 02:53:05 -0700

If your family is like ours, it's probably in the kitchen. But no matter how large a kitchen is, it never feels big enough. Need a creative, quick save to rescue your faded kitchen having limited time and less money. These are ways any do-it-yourselfer can accomplish on a barebones budget and still end up with a dynamite result. To create the small but efficient kitchen design, you need to work on three major areas of small kitchen design: storage, lighting, and appliances. Some of these ways can make your small kitchen look larger.

Budget Beauty

PennyWise — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 02:52:57 -0700

Beauty in college can be a huge hassle. Time is short with classes, homework, a job, and friends. Then there's always the issue of money. Do I really want to spend my cash on makeup or would I rather go out with my friends. Nine times out of ten, I say friends. The tenth time, I'm either sick or stuck with even more homework than usual. The point is that I have better things to spend all my money on than makeup.

That said, makeup is a lot of fun. It can perk up a tired face, give a little boost o' confidence, and be a great creative outlet. I love colorful things, and I love putting color on my face. I'm not artist with paintbrushes, but I can have a lot of fun with makeup brushes. What's a girl to do when she always wants to try new things but her wallet says no. Here are a few tips I've compiled for the beauty queen on a budget.

Budget Wedding Dress Shopping

PennyWise — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 02:52:53 -0700

One of a Bride’s biggest dilemmas is picking out that perfect wedding dress. It’s something she’s dreamt about for a long time now- walking down the aisle with all eyes on her in a beautiful long white dress. It’s a very daunting task to find that perfect dress for someone with who doesn’t have to think of the price too much and even more so for one who does. The dress is ONE thing the bride is NOT going to be happy to settle for anything less than what she’s imagined and why should she.

There are ways to get that dress of you dreams or at least something very close by not burning a hole in your pocket. It’s a matter of having the patience and knowing where to look….so I’m going to help you out as much as I can in this post and also post some great dresses as I find them…so keep track of my blog- Budget Bride

Budget Travel: 10 Tips to plan a Vacation-Travel on a shoestring budget

PennyWise — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 02:52:51 -0700

Looking for a break from work...thinking of a vacation for a long time but haven’t really planned it out since planning means actually going for a vacation… And you’re stuck wondering whether you can really afford it… Well here is the good news. ‘YES, you can afford that wonderful and exotic vacation.’ Now travelling to a foreign country is not a big deal like it used to be (if you have a passport, obviously). But, of course, no vacation is complete without some grand shopping and some exquisite food hunting. Plus, accommodation and sight- seeing are intrinsic, which again means more shelling out. But do not let that change your mind, because if you look carefully, you may be able to save a few bucks. So if you’re worried that your dream vacation might turn out to be an expensive affair, here are some tips to follow which will be helpful, no matter where you travel across the globe.

Do you know the Hidden costs of Online Shopping?

PennyWise — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 02:52:32 -0700

Over the years the Internet has become a great source for bargain hunters for good reason. There are many great buys online, price comparison companies that help us drill down to the best prices, shipping and tax advantages, and the convenience of not having to leave home. However sometimes the deal that looks great falls short of what has been advertised. Dealing with communicating dissatisfaction can be difficult online versus face-to-face and often takes enormous patience and tenacity to achieve satisfaction.

10 Ways of Saving on Pet Costs

PennyWise — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 13:04:16 -0700

While buying a pet not many people consider the expenses that come with caring for a pet. People often consider whether they'll have the time to walk their dog and care for them but not many consider that it's like having a baby and you need to factor in the costs of food, toys, vet costs and even luxury purchases for your pets.

While I'm not saying you shouldn't buy a pet because their expensive (the joy they can bring into your life is priceless!), it's good to understand that a pet is not just a one time cost or purchase. So if you have a money crunch or your on a tight budget it would be okay to put of having a pet till you can better afford them.

In the meanwhile those pet owners who are just realizing that they are getting a one-two punch in the wallet for pet food and the costs involving you pet...

8 Bad Habits to Avoid While Saving Money

PennyWise — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 06:37:26 -0700

Saving money is not easy. It's a habit you have to cultivate and only gets easier with time. There are some bad habits which don't make it any better to save money and only if you recognize these can you overcome them to make saving easier.

So Here are 8 Bad Habits and How to Overcome them while trying to Save Money:

20 Inexpensive Makeup Tips to Look Great!

PennyWise — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 14:36:54 -0700

It's Labor Day Sale Everywhere

PennyWise — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 00:07:52 -0700

Labor Day is observed on the first Monday in September. The holiday originated in 1882 as the Central Labor Union (of New York City) sought to create "a day off for the working citizens".
Congress made Labor Day a federal holiday in 1894. All fifty states have made Labor Day a state holiday. Traditionally, Labor Day is celebrated by most Americans as the symbolic end of the summer.

It’s Labor Day weekend, and, for me, there are several reasons to celebrate. Forms of celebration include picnics, barbecues, fireworks displays, water sports, and public art events. Families with school-age children take it as the last chance to travel before the end of summer.

Online retailers are gearing up for a flurry of holiday sales, they are doing whatever they possibly can to motivate shoppers. One of the biggest motivating factors to get out and shop is the "Discounts and Offers"

Deals are out in full force for Labor Day Weekend. Here is a round up of some of them. Here's a rundown of the deals you'll find during the Labor Day Sale.

How to maintain your appliances

PennyWise — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 02:00:09 -0700

Appliances are one of the most important element of house-making. Be it dishwashers, microwaves, coffee-maker or computers, laptops, TV set, washing machines or the air conditioner, humidifiers etc. Our lives are completely dependent on appliances. And we have no problem buying the essentials as well as the not-so-essential appliances for our homes.

But the problem arises only when these appliances require cleaning, dusting and regular maintenance. Doing that itself can turn nightmarish for most of the home-makers or house-keepers. Learn to care for furniture, clean appliances and remove any sort of stain. Also get to know how you can organize a junk closet, clean the stove or, if all else fails, hire a housekeeper or cleaning service.

Kitchen appliances should be thoroughly cleaned inside and out at least twice a year to keep dirt and bacteria under control.Here are some simple tips to go about cleaning and maintaining your appliances.

26 Ways to Get Upgraded on a Flight

PennyWise — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 01:27:32 -0700

First class is the Holy Grail of air travel, and, especially on international flights, for good reason. Back in the halcyon years of air travel, it was sometimes possible to get an upgrade to first class just by asking the flight attendant nicely, or at least that's how we want to remember it. Nowadays that's no longer the case—in fact, flight attendants are strictly forbidden from moving a passenger without the permission of a supervisor on the ground or, in case of emergency, the pilot. Now there's no fool-proof way to get an upgrade—apart from paying for one—but there are still ways to increase your chances of a free upgrade

How to buy Wedding Gifts within Budget

PennyWise — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 02:31:15 -0700

For the Budget conscious, receiving a wedding invitation, makes you race towards two things. One is the wedding dress that you are going to wear and the other is the wedding gift that you need to buy. These wedding gifts mean that you will have to spend money and in turn means that you will have to make very effort to meet this month budget. In the end if you have got two or three wedding invitations then I am pretty sure that you will have over spent your budget.

Here are some ideas for buying a wedding gift within your budget

8 Way's of Saving Money for Your Wedding

PennyWise — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 11:22:49 -0700

Your wedding is supposed to be one of the best days of your life...a new beginning, but if you do not manage your finances properly it can be a financial nightmare!

In that attempt to make your day perfect, there are many ways where you can overspend and over shoot the budget, not saving enough for the post-wedding reality called 'LIFE'. These concerns of over spending can only arise if you have the money to spend, in the first place! So step one to plan any wedding is to save up the money for one and then budget and make sure you don't cross it.

As for how brides and grooms can save money during their wedding-planning, there are plenty of ways out there. To get you started here are 10 Way's on how you can save money for your Wedding Day:

Myths About Air Travel and Airports

PennyWise — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 04:22:29 -0700

So you are not really sure about what happens if you arrive late at the airport or if the weather keeps you from flying. It's time to wade through some of the myths and confusion surrounding air travel.

10 inexpensive way to go Organic

PennyWise — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 22:42:47 -0700

Adapting an 'Organic lifestyle' is the latest trend amog people now. Organic simply means to keep it natural - be it vegetables, fruits or even clothes. But all this also comes with a cost. So here is a guide that will help you to be 'Organic' without spending a lot of money. But however, every family decide on its own budgets. Grocery items like vegetables, milk and egg prices go up and down like the stock market. So this makes it difficult for families to adopt one particular life style or a budget plan.

They have to make the choices that are right for them in case of financial constraints. So suppose, a sign board says apples $1.99 a pound next to a sign that says organic apples $2.35 a pound we would generally reach for the cheaper ones thus compromising on the health aspects. Spending more for organic (which, however isn't always necessary) is not just about wonderful, safer produce.

Guide to Using Online Coupon Codes and Promo Links

PennyWise — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 11:18:06 -0700

A great way to save a little while shopping is by using online coupon codes and promotional links. Online coupons are rapidly increasing in popularity, but still many do not fully understand what they are.

There are many different coupons and promotional codes available for online shopping. One type is called the "coupon code" or "promotional code" and the other is a "link only" promotion. Most online merchants will offer one or the other when running online promotions. The most common types of coupons and promotional codes available are those which offer a discount on the total purchase price of an order and promotional codes which offer free shipping on an order. Both of these offers can be financially beneficial to the shopper.

You just need to know where to go online to find these codes, and exactly how to use them and that's what this guide's about.

Save on Gym Fees: Invest in good Exercise Equipment at home

PennyWise — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 04:46:32 -0700

Consider saving money on a gym membership by exercising at home? For many, home exercise equipment ends up cluttering up their living room or collecting dust. To avoid this, choose apparatus that suits your lifestyle as well as needs.

5 Ways on How to Lower Energy Bills

PennyWise — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 03:27:42 -0700

Saving Energy has become the need of the hour.If you are tired of paying high electric bills, or simply want to improve the environment by using less energy, then you will benefit from this article's easy steps. Changing a few habits can save energy and cut your electric bill.

The typical family spends $1,300 on energy bills during the course of a normal winter – but with energy prices still near their all-time high, you can expect your bill to be significantly more than that. What can you do? Let's start with plugging the air leaks.

12 tips to Organize your Travel

PennyWise — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 05:20:06 -0700

Vacations and business travel don’t start the day of departure. They’re a process that includes planning months – if not years – in advance. Whether it’s a weekend getaway, a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon, a summer vacation with the kids, or a deal-making business trip, consider every detail to ensure as few surprises as possible. How? Start planning early. Once you know where and when you're going, begin gathering or noting the supplies you’ll need – from excursion planners to maps, to hotel and dining recommendations, to air and land travel details.

Need a passport? Better apply three months in advance. Flying? Book a few months early to get the lowest fare possible. Reserve hotel and car rentals well ahead of time – and confirm everything a few weeks out. Surf the internet for maps, destinations, attractions and pricing for the place of stay. Following are some tips as to how to organize your travel.

Saving on Back to School Expenses

PennyWise — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 06:34:09 -0700

It's time to get the kids back to school, and that always means extra expenses. With the clothes, backpacks, lunch totes and school supplies, we parents can spend a small fortune. But it is possible to save with smart shopping strategies.

Here are some tips you can use to save money on Back to School expenses:

Flat Panel TV Buying Guide: Plasma Vs LCD

PennyWise — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 07:40:14 -0700

Today is the age of Flat Panel TV's.....and if your in the market for a new TV, you must have seen and heard of Plasma TV's and LCD TV's. Now what's the difference you may ask. Is there a difference in the picture quality? Which consumes more power? Which costs more...and WHICH IS BETTER FOR YOU?

It's a tough choice especially with both technologies improving everyday and different manufacturers excelling in different areas. Well with a little research on both I hope to help you understand what Plasma TV's and LCD TV's and note their differences so you can assess which is better for you. At the end of the day though you need to look at each manufacturer and the product itself as it the analysis may vary.

Amtrak Trains That are Cheaper Than Flying!

PennyWise — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:04:47 -0700

When planning your next trip on a budget seriously consider taking a Train instead of flying. While Amtrak does not have trains to every city in the US, the ones it does have a worth a look at before buying those Air tickets. Trains, if you’re hopping across a few states, can be less expensive and sometimes faster than taking a flight! While your flying time may be just 2 hrs to a destination,if you add the time spent arriving early to the airport plus waiting in baggage claim you can easily spend close to 5 hours in transit. Here's a few more reasons to consider Trains:

- No long lines at security
- More spacious cabins or leg room
- Many even have power outlets for Laptops and phones
- Add most stations are in the heart of the city
- You can get an additional 10-15% off train fare if you are a student, AAA member, or military
- Traveling by Trains Save Money!

So why spend more for flights that continue to raise prices, add fees for luggage, and remove basic services when there is a cheap and comfortable alternative?

Here's a list of Train Routes that are Cheaper than Flying-

Investing In Gold

PennyWise — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 02:40:01 -0700

Gold is one of the assets people universally invest in. The value of gold is high, because its supply is limited. It has a long-term, reliable store of value because it is divisible, portable,easily recognisable and accepted as a form of payment, just like money. Gold can withstand any kind of financial conditions, as most of the economic policies do not affect
the transaction of gold.

It can be easily sold twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week in any number of markets around the world. The price of gold is not affected by a companies profit unlike stocks and bonds. Its price depends on supply and demand, the rate of the US dollar, inflation and interest rates. But instead of being negative, the price of gold moves in the opposite direction of stocks and bonds. When the market bottoms out, gold generally increases in value, thereby stabilizing the investment portfolio.

Throwing a Summer Party on a Budget!

PennyWise — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 12:21:53 -0700

Having a barbecue in the garden can be a great way of having an affordable party in the summer.But it's also easy to get carried away! If you don't keep tabs on your spending, the cost of even a small garden party can mushroom.

Here are lots of tips on how to keep your spending under control - so you can enjoy your barbecue without it burning a hole in your wallet.

Thanksgiving- Spend Like the Pilgrims while You Dine Like the Kings!

PennyWise — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 08:12:51 -0700

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays it includes the two things that matter the most to me Family and Good Food! Thanksgiving Dinner- Turkey, Ham, Stuffing, Mashed potatoes, Cranberry sauce, Green beans, Gravy, Crescent rolls, Pecan candied yam, decorations, the centerpiece, drinks....and so much more. Thanksgiving can be quite expensive and a bit overwhelming if you're on a budget. So here's a few ways you can have a Penny-Wise Thanksgiving and spend like the Pilgrims while you Dine like the Kings!

Cheap Shopping Tricks : What Stores don't want you to know

PennyWise — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 06:28:30 -0700

Every time you set out for shopping, you buckle up yourself and decide that this time your going to be a smart shopper and will not fall for any hidden traps at the Shopping malls. But some how you have this nagging feeling whether you have been ripped off or not.

You may have decided to use your money wisely, cutting out all frill expenses and focusing just on basic amenities. But still many times you do spend that money which you could have saved up. Here are some tricks for shopping you must implement in your regular shopping habits. These tips will help you to see through all those traps and tricks shopping stores would not want you to know.

The Best FREE Anti-Virus Options

PennyWise — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 07:14:41 -0700

Some of the top free anti viruses are much better than most of those paid for versions. So why pay for something you can get for Free and is sometimes better? Here's the Pros and Cons of the best Free Anti Viruses out there.

Tip: Never run two real time anti viruses at the same time. They cause conflicts.

100 Ways to Cut Wedding Costs

PennyWise — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 08:26:50 -0700

With average wedding costs hovering around $20,000, many newlyweds start their lives together in debt. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be that way. It is possible to save money and have a great wedding at the same time. Check out these tips for keeping your wedding day focused on celebrating love, not financial ruin.

Budget Travel Myths you should know about

PennyWise — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 02:44:16 -0700

Have you ever heard an "urban myth?" Many of these sensationalized stories started at some point and place with a kernel of truth and became completely distorted over time. The same can be true of many "rules" budget travelers use. Those listed below might have had some validity in the past, but are now misleading. Some have always been wrong. Consider busting these budget travel myths to find real savings on your next excursion.

Decorate Your house on a Budget

PennyWise — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:59:32 -0700

One of the greatest joy in a family's life is when you move in to your dream house. But with the burden of high mortgages, you wonder whether you can afford to decorate your homes to be the way you always pictured it. Beautiful, modern and a warm and cozy place to come to after a hectic and busy day at work.

Here are some tips which will help you to go ahead with your plans to decorate your homes without having to shell out a lot of money.

10 Tips To Gardening On A Budget

PennyWise — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 05:40:39 -0700

Gardening does not have to be an expensive hobby, there are ways and means to be able to garden even on a very tight budget, all you need is a little time and effort.

Gardening can be a family activity, it can be something you start and then develop over the year, something you are all involved in. Some thing that is yours.

So here are 10 tips to help you on your way to gardening on budget.

How to plan a Shopping Trip within budget

PennyWise — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 02:06:17 -0700

Shopping is always said to be more of an impulsive nature where many times we end up buying things we never really need and are way above our budget. Some people shop only for basic necessities while others shop whatever catches their eye. In both cases, it is always better to have a planning about what you need to buy and what not to buy.

Shopping is exciting and fun when one gets to buy the best bargains. But that again is a challenge, to find proper discounts and on-sale bargains.

How to get Your Money's Worth for every Gallon of Fuel you Buy

PennyWise — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 12:02:25 -0700

A friend who works in a petroleum company gave me some tips to get more of your money's worth for every Gallon of fuel you buy. With Gas prices going through roof and with no signs of letting up, we could all use some tips to get our dollars worth! So keep these few tricks in mind the next time you go to fill gas.

Nature Travel when on a Low Budget!

PennyWise — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 09:24:41 -0700

Traveling can always be fun and everyone love to travel in their vacation, but fear about financial aspects and give-up the idea of traveling.

Plan something differently, which does not cost you much and make the vacation trip memorable.

Sometimes, you want to travel long distance and cannot make out the trip, as you are not permitted to take leave from your job.

Don’t get depressed, you can travel to your local places in a week span and still enjoy the feeling of a long vacation when you get one with Nature.

Saving money to buy a new house

PennyWise — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 02:41:36 -0700

You have well settled down with your job. And now thinking of finally buying a house. But something has been stopping you from going ahead with it. Because doesn't buying a house mean that you need to have a good financial backing? And what about the house loans, down payments, having a huge saving?

When you want to buy your dream house, there is always the tingling fear of whether you will be able to afford one. But with a little bit of common sense, smartness and saving habits, we can buy the house of our dreams. But it does require a little bit of hard work...

Couples family budget

PennyWise — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 05:55:45 -0700

It is never too late to start planning a budget for your family. The best team to make the plans are indeed you and your spouse. The simple reason being, you both are the ones going to live your life together and the only financiers and decision makers when it comes to how to spend your money.

Why is there so much emphasis on budgeting with spouses? It is because one of the major reasons for fallouts and problems in a marriage is Money. No matter how well funded you may be, there never will seem to be enough to fulfill all expenditure, medical bills, emergency funding and down payments. These issues are bound to come up. So a couple needs to have a good plan to overcome any sorts of financial crisis that might come their way.

Here are some tips on how to make a composite family budget with your spouse.

How to set up an Emergency Fund

PennyWise — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 01:00:27 -0700

We are living in a world which has many possibilities of war, natural calamities, road accidents, stock market crashes, job loss, financial crisis and many other things. How well are you prepared in such a situation. Do you have enough resources that will help you out of the problem and set you back on track? If not, you need to set up your Emergency Fund.

Trimming your Beauty Budget

PennyWise — Tue, 27 May 2008 08:10:44 -0700

Women today often spend a large portion of their income on cosmetics, hair products, and beauty treatments. Many wonder how to cut spending on personal care and still achieve results. Saving money on beauty products and services is easier than you might think. Here's how you can do it.

Great Everyday money-saving tips

PennyWise — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:01:48 -0700

If you decide to redecorate or have building work done, you'll be able to find the most affordable way and the best time to do it. The more time you spend sorting your finances, the less energy you'll spend worrying about them. Here are ways to help you get started.