Tripping On The Ladder

 By Jenaissance
 (c) December 15, 2009

Whether you’ve recently been let go at work or whether you are finally pursuing your dream of small business ownership, chances are you’re saving your pennies right now.

It wasn’t that many years ago that saving money involved stuffing a sock with extra cash and hiding it under the mattress. Thankfully, we’ve all become much more creative since then, as these three new online resources—a must read for everyone interested in managing money—will surely attest.

WiseBread: Living large on a small budget
www.wisebread.com

Its name says it all: Be smart about your money. This blog and online community, a member of the larger Money Tips Network of finance-related blogs and news sources, leads readers on a journey toward frugal living, one lifestyle choice at a time.

WiseBread publishes a daily blog featuring a vast library of articles written by an extensive team of finance bloggers and money experts. A sampling of recent articles include:

• “The cell phone app that’s saving me a fortune”
• “The best way to avoid the worst financial problems”
• “6 powerful strategies for paying down debt”
• “Things you should and shouldn’t buy at Walmart”

In addition, WiseBread features a weekly “deals of the week” round-up and frequent contests in which readers are invited to submit their own frugal tips and the tipsters with the most innovative suggestions can win a prize.

Mint.com: The best (free) way to manage your money
www.mint.com

No matter how much of it you have (or don’t have, as the case may be), managing personal finances is often no small task. But Mint.com, a new financial web site, actually makes it easy…and fun! This free and secure online service allows users to manage bank and credit accounts; develop budgets; and manage investments—all in one place. (Just think: No more jumping from one web site to the next when trying to balance your finances.)

What makes Mint.com particularly invaluable is its built-in system of alerts, which includes a weekly e-mail to notify you about the status of your savings, credit and investment accounts, plus alarms that will help you avoid overdrafts, late fees and even changes to your interest rate that the bank might otherwise prefer you not notice. And, with its expansive graph system, Mint .com can also help identify areas where you might save more and spend less.

And, it’s not just us at Tripping on the Ladder who love Mint.com. It also was honored as a “Four Star” service by Money Magazine, named PC World’s Top-Rated Online Finance Service and recipient of PC Magazine Editor’s Choice Award, and listed among TIME Magazine’s Top 50 Web Sites. 

Get Rich Slowly: Personal finance that makes cents
www.getrichslowly.com

Recently named the most inspiring personal finance blog by Money Magazine, Get Rich Slowly is a spirited online community devoted to promoting sensible personal finance. The site was created by a self-professed “average guy” who found himself in tens of thousands of dollars in debt. So, he decided to do something about it, first by reading every personal finance book and resource he could find—and then by sharing what he learned so that others, too, could benefit—one small step at a time.

The site features regular bank rate comparisons, customized mortgage quotes, articles on home and mortgage topics (our favorite: “Furniture and Scambags: Adventures on Craigslist”) and lively message boards where readers share their best tips and wildest experiences relating to personal finance.

Ultimately, Get Rich Slowly is a story of a nice guy finishing first, for himself. And, really, what’s not to celebrate about that?

 By Dan d’Man
 (c) November 27, 2009

 
It’s an unfortunate reality that most of us will have at least one person on our holiday shopping list who is a recent addition to the ranks of the unemployed.

If you’re looking for the perfect gift for someone in a job transition, here’s a list you’re going to want to check twice:  

 1o. The gift of luxury

Life’s little luxuries are the first things that most people eliminate when faced with the loss of income. If your friend is someone who craves her morning cup of java, a gift certificate to her favorite coffee shop will surely be appreciated. Coffee shops are also a great place for some impromptu networking.

9. The gift of health

In “Bummed Out or Burned Out? How You Can Identify When the Normal Sorrow of Job Loss Becomes Something More Serious,” Charlie Cummins, president of Life Transitions Consulting, communicated the importance of remaining active and fighting lethargy when dealing with a job loss. A membership to a health club or training class shows you care about your friend’s health and well-being.

8. The gift of family

If your recipient has children, the most welcome gift they can receive is the ability to give to their kids. A gift certificate to a movie theater, bowling alley, children’s museum or toy store will raise the spirits of their entire family.

7. The gift of inspiration

Does your gift recipient have bigger goals and dreams he was reticent to pursue before he lost his job? A book like “What am I gonna do with my life,” by Po Bronson might be just the inspiration he needs. A less conventional but much more fun source of inspiration could also be “Oh, the Places You’ll Go,” by Dr. Seuss. Add a personal note inside the front cover that conveys your belief in him and he will succeed … it’s 98 and ¾ percent guaranteed.

6. The gift of relaxation

Help your friend reset her stress level with a spa gift certificate for a massage.

5. The gift of information

Do you know someone who works in your friend’s profession — or a profession he’s always been curious about? Setting up an informational interview can help him learn valuable insights, make contacts and keep his interview skills sharp.

4. The gift of expertise

Just because your friend is a great engineer, it doesn’t mean she can write an effective resume. Covering the cost of a professional resume service could be the most important gift she receives. The Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PARW) is a good place to search for services near you. The PARW also offers information about professional career coaches and certified employment interview professionals — people who could make the difference between getting the job and almost getting the job.

3. The gift of laughter

Wrapping up a voodoo doll customized with a former boss’ face or a corporate logo (www.vudutuu.com) won’t help him find a new job … but it’ll probably bring a smile to his face.

2. The gift of membership

Paying your friend’s membership fee for a professional industry association will open the door to valuable continuing education opportunities and networking events.

1. The gift of yourself

Offer to proofread their cover letters and resumes. Babysit so she and her husband can get away for a night. Run errands so that he can attend a job interview or networking opportunity. It’s a free gift that’s difficult to put a price on.

By Sharon Korbeck Verbeten
(c) November 24, 2009

Yule know there’s a different feel to Christmas this year—the recession-tinged feeling is already in the air and in the store aisles.

While halls and malls are still decked out for the holiday season, the joy of shopping has been overshadowed—for many—by decreased wages, lost jobs or the threat of lessened job security.

Black Friday, indeed. These days that term might refer to the dread some feel about getting a pink slip on the last day of the work week. Still, there are those looking forward to the traditional “Black Friday,” when shoppers, like myself (I’m fueled by seasonal spirit, pumpkin muffins and Mountain Dew!) spring from our beds at 4 a.m. or earlier, eager to get the best deals.

According to the finding of one national survey, retailers are about to embark on the season of the serious bargain hunter. A survey by the National Retail Federation (NRF) found that U.S. consumers plan to spend an average of $682.74 on holiday-related shopping, a 3.2% drop from last year’s $705.01. And two-thirds of Americans indicated the economy will affect their holiday shopping plans this year.

So, what’s a savvy shopper to do? Here are a few well-considered tips.

Stacy Schuster, a sales associate with the GAP stores in Milwaukee, offered her best tip, based on personal experience. “Get a part-time job in retail at a store where you would normally shop,” she said. As an employee, the mother of two saves 50% on all her purchases—great for both personal and gift purchases.

Also a seasoned eBay shopper, Schuster recommends scouring the online auction site for items on wish lists. Bidding competitively—and early—can save a lot off retail prices.

Jennifer Hogeland, a mother of two from De Pere, Wis., also has turned to online shopping this year for most of her purchases, mainly because so many sites are offering free shipping. Shopping online also has a residual benefit, she said. “It avoids the whimsical and unnecessary purchases I’m sure to make if I’m in the store.”

The NRF survey also found that one in 10 holiday shoppers plan to shop thrift or retail shops for gifts this year. That may not only be smart and pocket savvy, but “green” as well.

“Why not recycle and repurpose items you don’t want?” said Pat DuChene, a single mother from Wisconsin. “Our family is doing a grab bag with a ‘trash into treasure’ theme.” Who knew re-gifting—once so uncouth—would now be considered so in vogue?

Now, where did I put that silly—I mean stylish—scarf I got last year…?