Monthly Archives: October 2008

Why Does College Cost So Much?

Posted on October 31, 2008 by Joe Morgan

Consider that, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in the 20 years from 1985 to 2005 energy costs have risen 108%, Medical costs 251%, and college costs increased 439% — but a college degree is worth it, right? Not … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Personal Finance | Tagged , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

How to Save Money with the Cash in Hand Method

Posted on October 30, 2008 by M. Beddingfield

Did you know that buying with cash can actually save you money? The old saying, “Money Talks” has never been truer than in today’s economy. Even big name retailers are open to negotiation; their sales are down and more people … Continue reading →

Posted in Personal Finance, Saving Money, Shopping | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

Laid Off: Some Things I Learned

Posted on October 30, 2008 by Christina Pifer

The company I worked for up until last Friday had been facing financial challenges for over a year. All of the employees knew that it was only a matter of time before the company resorted to drastic measures. We joked … Continue reading →

Posted in Medical, Personal Finance, Work | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Think You Hate Leftovers? Think Again.

Posted on October 29, 2008 by Jennifer Derrick

A friend of mine was laid off from her job three months ago. Not surprising, given the current economy. Anyway, like many people, she’s in over her head financially. Without her salary her family is having trouble making ends meet. … Continue reading →

Posted in Food / Groceries, Frugal, Personal Finance, Saving Money, Shopping | Tagged , , | 24 Comments

Saving Money on Travel Vaccinations

Posted on October 29, 2008 by Amy L. Fontinelle

When traveling outside the United States, there’s a good chance you’ll need certain vaccinations in order to fully protect yourself from illnesses that are more common in other countries than they are here. These vaccinations may be ones that you … Continue reading →

Posted in Medical, Personal Finance, Saving Money, Travel | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Give Up Your Cell Phone! Five Reasons You’ll Save Money

Posted on October 28, 2008 by David G. Mitchell

There are many modern conveniences which we may not truly need but which remain quite useful. I would be lost without my computer, or the internet, or my television or a host of other gadgets and services. I value each … Continue reading →

Posted in Health, Personal Finance, Saving Money | Tagged , , , | 70 Comments

Change The World With Credit? Probably Not

Posted on October 27, 2008 by Jennifer Derrick

The other day I stumbled across an advertisement for Bank of America’s new Brighter Planet credit card. The idea behind the card is that every dollar you spend earns points which are then converted to purchase carbon offsets. Bank of … Continue reading →

Posted in Credit Cards, Personal Finance, Shopping | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

10 Ways to Save Money on Landscaping

Posted on October 26, 2008 by John Cain

Maintaining a beautiful lawn and other landscaping features can become a costly task. If you’re dedicated to the exterior look and feel of your property, but still determined to spend wisely, there are a few things you can do to … Continue reading →

Posted in Frugal, Personal Finance, Saving Money | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Coupon Blogger – Timeshare Writer Needed & Weekend Reading

Posted on October 26, 2008 by Jeffrey Strain

First off, we are in need of a coupon blogger to write at least 2 posts a week (more if desired). This is a paid blogging position, but it doesn’t pay a great deal. The position would likely only be … Continue reading →

Posted in Making Money, Personal Finance | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

Are Children Entitled to a College Degree?

Posted on October 25, 2008 by Joe Morgan

It seems like every personal finance magazine I read reinforces the idea that our children are entitled to a college education. Beyond that – it’s the parent’s sole financial responsibility to provide a college education free and clear for their … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Personal Finance, Relationships | Tagged , , , | 20 Comments

Freegan tips for the frugal

Posted on October 24, 2008 by Denise Trowbridge

When I was in college, my roommates and I didn’t think twice about picking sofas, coffee tables, and housewares out of other people’s trash. Don’t get grossed out. We always gave them a good scrubbing and disinfecting when we got … Continue reading →

Posted in Frugal, Personal Finance, Saving Money | Tagged , , , , , , | 14 Comments

Repair or Replace?

Posted on October 23, 2008 by Jennifer Derrick

This past weekend the battery in my cordless phone died. I thought, “No problem. I’ll just run out and get a new battery.” When I got to the store I was disgusted to find that a new battery cost $18.99. … Continue reading →

Posted in Frugal, Personal Finance, Saving Money | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

Time for a Energy Diet

Posted on October 22, 2008 by Jennifer Touchette

As the child of people who lived through the Great Depression, I grew up on an “energy diet.” My parents encouraged us to turn off the lights when leaving the room, put on a sweater instead of turn up the … Continue reading →

Posted in Frugal, Housing, Personal Finance, Saving Money, Utilities | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

White Bread and Green Dough or Why I Closed my Internet Bakery

Posted on October 22, 2008 by M. Beddingfield

In the previous article, I briefly described how I opened an internet Bakery. I didn’t go into the details on how I kept it running on a day to day basis or what products sold the best or even what … Continue reading →

Posted in Making Money, Personal Finance, Work | Tagged , , , | 7 Comments

Control and Letting Go In Times of Economic Crisis

Posted on October 21, 2008 by Jennifer Derrick

I see many people worrying themselves sick over this economic crisis. Their worry is jeopardizing their health and happiness. They can’t sleep or eat (or they eat and sleep too much). They’ve stopped exercising. They aren’t taking care of themselves … Continue reading →

Posted in Personal Finance, Saving Money | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

White Bread & Green Dough or How I Opened an Online Bakery

Posted on October 21, 2008 by M. Beddingfield

At the beginning of this year, I was looking for a way to supplement our income. I do seasonal data processing and the spring season had not yet begun. I had prior experience with selling handmade jewelry on the internet … Continue reading →

Posted in Making Money, Personal Finance, Work | Tagged , , , , | 14 Comments

The Bliss of Ignorance

Posted on October 20, 2008 by Jennifer Derrick

I have a friend who is, shall we say, “crunchy” (in the best sense of the word). She and her family eschew many modern conveniences such as dishwashers, fast food, and big box stores in favor of doing things the … Continue reading →

Posted in Investing, Personal Finance | Tagged , , , | 10 Comments

The Cost of Saving Money

Posted on October 19, 2008 by Joe Morgan

I love saving money. Ask my wife, she’d be the first to tell you. She thinks I’m a tightwad and that I wrote the book on skinning a flint. I like to think she is maybe a bit facetious. Maybe. … Continue reading →

Posted in Personal Finance, Saving Money | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Weekend Money Reading Roundup

Posted on October 18, 2008 by Jeffrey Strain

Weekend reading is a round-up of personal finance and money related stories that caught the eye of our forum members this week: Americans finally start saving again Tips for New Paupers Searching For a Market Bottom? Keep Looking 10 more … Continue reading →

Posted in Personal Finance | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Investment Properties for College Students

Posted on October 16, 2008 by David G. Mitchell

I was chatting with a neighbor – Mike — over the weekend. Mike’s daughter is a senior in high school and looking at a lot of different colleges. Mike is a successful dentist but he is still worried about the … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Housing, Investing, Personal Finance | Tagged , , | 8 Comments