Best Time to Shop: From Bankrate

Bankrate.com is good for more than just online calculators.

They have an article about the best time to shop for certain things. This kind of information is great if you're planning on making a big purchase and want to make sure that you're actually getting a good deal and not just an "advertised special"

Happy New Years Eve

I wanted to join the rest of the world and wish everyone a safe and Happy New Year's Eve.

Savings Idea - Store Closings

Lots of stores have signs about going out of business, but it's usually just a scam to get people in the doors.

Bombay Company recently announced it's being bought and the buyers are choosing to close the company's US stores.

Deals should be in the 40%+ off range. If you have a store nearby and are looking for a deal - Check it out!

For Sale: Slightly Used American Dreams

Millions of people are losing their home. It makes me really sad to see it happen. Newton's law says that there is an equal and opposite reaction to all of this and that is slightly encouraging. For every home that is being lost is an opportunity for someone to step into the house after them.

If you or someone you know is renting an apartment or condo and have thought about owning a home - the time is soon approaching.

Rates are heading lower. Sellers and banks are willing to take 15 - 50% off their sale price to walk away. Municipalities are hungry to regain the lost tax revenue and are providing tens of thousands of dollars for new homebuyers.

It's bittersweet, but all tragedies are.

Earn $100 from Bank of America (legally)

You can earn $100 from Bank of America by signing up for a new Checking Account. They say they'll pay it within 90 days and you have to set up a "monthly automatic deposit" into the account. For more information, check here:

http://www.bankofamerica.com/promos/jump/uspsmovers/

Bank of America is one of the largest retail banks with branches and ATM's all over the country.

6 ways to make 2008 richer

There are very few things I'm really passionate about. The underlying theme for them all is education and empowerment. In keeping with that montra, I wanted to highlight what seem to be strategies to make sure that your financial house is in order.

1) A high yield savings account - It used to bother me that my old bank only paid .05% interest but never enough to do anything about it. One good thing about the whole mortgage fallout is that banks need money. BANKS NEED YOUR MONEY. To make sure they get it and keep it they're offering rates as high at 5%. Transferring money to your checking account usually takes a day or two and you can ever set up your high yield savings account to pay your bills.

2) Dividend paying stocks - Everyone doesn't have a broker, or dream of being on the cover of the Wall Street Journal, but things have changed and being an investor is easier than ever. A dividend paying stock is a great idea because many of these stocks grow in value and basically pay you to invest with them.

3) Pay down debts - Most debt sucks. It's pretty hard to get rid of a mortgage or car loan overnight but planning to eliminate debt help in a lot of ways. In addition to less stress since you aren't worried about making ends meet, it also frees you up to put more into points 1 & 2.

4) Lose weight - I realize that for many this can be a touchy subject but I want to point out that losing weight translates into more in your wallet (or purse). If you weigh more, changes are that you eat more. If you were to only eat 80% of what you usually eat, you'd be able to use the leftovers for a meal. Those extra meals would save you hundreds a year. If you drive, weight impacts your car's fuel economy. Less weight in the car means better fuel economy. Better fuel economy means that you have to fill up less, and you enjoy the savings. Lastly, weight has been contributed to causing many health issues. Unless you have great benefits you pay everytime you see the doctor. Better health = better wealth.

5) Start a home business - If you think only big companies get to enjoy the IRS tax breaks you're wrong. For $200 - $400 you can setup your own home business. You not only get the tax breaks but you get to take a hobby and make it something you could do full time.

6) Save by shopping online - Yup. It seems backwards but if you shopping a little or a lot, it's worthwhile to leave the brick and mortar stores alone and shop online. I'd recommend using a credit or debit card that rewards you for your purchases. There are sites like Fatwallet.com that PAY YOU to shop. It works, and if you shop online you should save as much or earn as much as you can in the process.

If you have any other ideas to share - feel free to do so in the comments.

Back in action

After a much needed hiatus - I'm back!

In that time, I've done a lot of thinking and realized that in addition to talking about what's going on in the World of Money I want to share the things that I've brought into my own life.

Stay on the lookout.

In addition to this blog - I've begun another blog on travel; another of my passions.

Cheers for the New Year.