Dear Penny Pinching Mom

Index of Resources for Spending Less, Getting Out of Debt, Saving More, and Growing Your Wealth

2009-04-26T05:48:00.000-07:00

read and submit comments for this post! send me your links to add! more links added Jan 16 2010!

This post is intended to be an index to my DearPennyPinchingMom posts and to resources on other blogs and the web, plus seminars and events, that help you spend less, get out of debt, save more, and grow your wealth.

DearPinchy says "Let's Beat the Recession!"

SPEND LESS: PINCH YOUR PENNIES
Dear Pinchy Advice:
Pinchy's Overall Guide to Cutting Your Expenses
How Not to Buy Everything Your Kids Want
Adjust Your Thermostat to Save Money
Save Money with Cold Water Wash
Penny Pinching Diva
Be a Customer Service Ninja
Cash for Your Gold Jewelry
Negotiate with Your Landlord to Lower Your Rent
Find Your Missing Money
Lower Your Credit Card Interest
Save Money by Cooking with What's in Your Pantry and Fridge
Angel Food Ministries Helps You Feed Your Family Great Food
Ten Tips for Saving Money in Your Social Life
Ten Tips for Saving Money on Recreation
Perfume, Beauty, and Tea Freebies
Get Another Free $5 Gift Card from Target
Ten Tips for Saving Money around the House

Info On the Internet:
All Things Frugal
Angel Food Ministries
Being Frugal
Cell Phone Recommendations
Cheap By Choice
Frugal Zeitgeist
Huddler's Green Home Blog
Hypermiling.com
The Conscious Consumer
Shopping Links
The Thrift Shopper

SPEND LESS: FREEBIES AND DEALS
(Please note that freebies do expire, so apologies if some of these are gone before you get there!)

Dear Pinchy Tips:
Get a Free $100 Gift Card from Verizon
Freebie Finds
Get a Free $5 Target Gift Card
Bank of America Launches Add It Up
Sweet Free Stuff

Info on the Internet:
CouponMom.com
Darlene's Link City
Free Leaf Free Tea Samples
SwagGrabber
What It Costs

GET OUT OF DEBT

Dear Pinchy Tips:
Pay Down Credit Card Debt

Info on the Internet:
TamarianG went from more than $60,000 in debt to financial security. She tells her story on the Fool message boards:
Part I: I owe HOW much?!
Part II: Budgeting in real life
Part III: LBYMs as a friend
Part IV: Getting those rates lowered
Part V: Getting back in the kitchen again
Part VI: Don't mourn, organize!
Part VII: Stop, Think, Plan, DO!

SAVE MORE
(links coming soon)

GROW YOUR WEALTH
Dear Pinchy Tutorials:
What is a Mutual Fund? The Basics
The Difference Between Load and No-Load Mutual Funds

Info on the Internet:
Ten Things the IRS Won't Tell You
The Motley Fool

FORUMS
(links coming soon)

SEMINARS, EVENTS
(links coming soon)

COMMENT PLEASE!
Did you find this helpful? Other resources you'd like to see added? Want to trade links? Drop a comment to DearPinchy and let me know!

DearPinchy Says: How to Beat the Recession! Ten Tips for Saving Money Around the House

2009-04-12T12:41:00.001-07:00

There are a lot of ways to save money around the house - some are obvious, and some are things we just don't think of. You'll find that you can cut your expenses, and use that money to pay down debt or build your savings for future security.

1. Save and reuse plastic sandwich bags and paper lunch bags.

2. Wash and reuse transparent plastic wrap.

3. Use crumpled up aluminum foil for scouring pots and pans.

4. Do it yourself instead of hiring someone: cleaning, yard work, painting, home repair.

5. Use cloth handkerchiefs instead of buying tissues.

6. Use a dishcloth instead of paper towels.

7. Wash and reuse foil wrap.

8. Turn off the TV. Don't watch the ads! (Anytime that you can avoid marketing and ads you reduce the chance that you'll spend money unnecesarily. Especially, try not to watch those late nite Infomercials! You do not need Snuggies! Well, OK, only if wearing that cute blanket lets you turn the thermostat down enough to pay for itself in saved energy costs.)

9. Unplug all electrical appliances not in use. (They use energy even when they're turned off, so they are still costing you money.)

10. Use cold water to wash your clothes.

Quote of the Day: Financial Freedom

2009-04-10T03:45:00.000-07:00

"Money frees you from doing things you dislike. Since I dislike doing nearly everything, money is handy."
-- Groucho Marx (1890 - 1977)

A Pinchy Tutorial: Learn About Mutual Funds - The Difference Between a Load and a No-Load Mutual Fund

2009-04-09T03:20:00.000-07:00

When you are trying to decide what mutual fund to invest in, you need to understand the difference between a load and a no-load mutual fund.

Here's what you need to know:

A "load" is a sales commission on the money you invest. A load mutual fund is one that charges you that commission on money that you invest in the mutual fund. This can be up to 8.5 percent of your investment.

A "no-load" fund does not charge a sales commission. It may charge other fees, which you can identify, but it does not charge a sales commission.

The big problem with a load mutual fund is that you pay that fee upfront. So when you invest your $1000, if the load is 8.5%, you immediately lose $85.00 to the fees. That's a big chunk of your money that is NOT working for you.

So why would anybody pay a load? Maybe you think a load mutual fund is better managed and so it will make you more money. That is not necessarily true. And in fact, the load mutual fund must perform better to make you the same return, as you have less money invested. This can be a huge difference over time.

So when you are figuring out where you want to invest your hard-earned money, look at no-load funds, look at low management fees, check the fund manager's track record as well as checking the fund's track record, and always be sure to read the prospectus!

Meet the First Online Bum!

2009-04-04T15:45:00.000-07:00

Well here's a new one! Check out the first online bum. He has set up a web site, just to ask people for their spare change!

Here's the text from his first post:
"Welcome to a selfish cause yep. You see bums on every street corner, begging for loose change. I think it's high time that we have the first bum on the side of the Information Highway. That's what donate.2.me is all about. It's not a worthy cause. Heaven knows, we have plenty of those. It's not a scam. I tell you up front what I want - your loose change. And it's certainly not a guilt trip to make you part with your money."

And guess what? People are giving him money!

DearPinchy Quote of the Day

2009-03-29T13:29:00.000-07:00

"The mint makes it first, it is up to you to make it last."
-- Evan Esar (1899 - 1995)

What Is a Mutual Fund? DearPinchy Explains the Basics

2009-03-28T15:45:00.000-07:00

You know that it is important get out of debt, live within your means, make a budget and stick to it, not spend unecessarily, and save. But it is also important to invest. If you only save in a savings account, you lose money over time because interest earnings don't keep pace with inflation. To make higher return on your investments, you have to take some risk. Usually, the higher the risk, the higher the possible return. Unfortunately, as everybody is now learning through experience, that risk also means that you can lose your money. What is a mutual fund, and how can it be a good investment tool for you? This article teaches you how to understand.

A mutual fund is when different people put their money into the same pot, and the fund manager invests that money. The fund manager may buy stocks, bonds, money market instruments. Your money buys shares according to the price of the fund. The price/value of the fund changes according to the price/value of the shares that the fund is made up of.

The price of each share of the fund is called its NAV - its net asset value. The NAV of the fund changes every day, and is calculated by dividing the value of the fund's investments by the number of shares owned.

If the NAV goes up 10%, your own investment goes up 10%. If the NAV goes down 10%, your own investment goes down 10%. Like buying individual stocks, your investment can go up or down. Unlike individual stocks, your investment is spread over many different stocks/bonds/money market instruments, so your risk is also spread out. One stock may go up while another is going down, and your investment can then be less volatile.

So that's the basics. What kind of mutual fund should you look for? One that meets your investment criteria (are you looking long-term, short-term? how much risk do you like? do you want to invest in companies that help the environment, companies that support social good, particular sectors, index tracking funds, or whatever.) Stick with a company with a long and good track record. Look for a fund with low overhead fees. Check out the fund manager and see how good a job he/she has done in the past. All of these things will help you choose.

How to Get Another Free $5 Target Gift Card from LilaGuide

2009-03-26T17:47:00.000-07:00

Did you get your free $5 Target gift card from LilaGuide yet? It's really easy! eHow member Laurie1979 told us how to do that in her eHow article, How to Get A Free $5 Target Gift Card (DearPinchy told you all about it a couple of weeks ago!). I followed her directions, easy-peasy, wrote a few quick reviews on LilaGuide, got my $5 Target gift card in the mail shortly thereafter! Great! Now, even better, I got another email from LilaGuide offering me ANOTHER $5 Target gift card just for starting a group and getting five friends to join. Easy-Peasy! Another five bucks!! Here's how you can do it too!

AFTER you've joined LilaGuide.com, filled out your reviews, and gotten your FIRST $5 Target gift card, you'll get an email from LilaGuide offering you the chance to get another quick $5 Target gift card.

Just start a free online parenting group. Go to www.lilaguide.com/groups and follow the easy steps to create a group. The subject can be anything related to parenting that you're interested in. Yours truly, DearPinchy, chose neighborhood playgrounds in Silver Spring .

Use the "invite a friend" feature in your group to email your friends to get them to join. If you get 5 members to join your group by March 31st, LilaGuide will send you another $5 Target gift card.

Then, just email your LilaGuide username and group name to sguyton@lilaguide.com. She'll track your members, and send you your $5 Target gift card as soon as you have 5 valid members.

Hurry Up! You need to get your members to join by March 31 2009.

You can only get the reward for one group, not multiple times.

The members that join have to be real people, with real emails. No making stuff up!

DearPinchy Found Some More Nice Freebies for You!

2009-03-22T18:59:00.000-07:00

Freebies - Freebies - Freebies!

Today's special is perfume, beauty, and tea. Check these out:

FREE Sarah Jessica Parker perfume - get a free sample here.

FREE shea butter/green tea sample of Roots of Nature Remedies for your hair - get your free sample here.

Register on L'Oreal's website and get FREE samples. Now you can get FREE EverPure hair care product samples.

And, check out this cool page. It lists sites with FREE tea samples, over 30 sites you can go to and request free tea. Yes, I tried all of them!

Dear Pinchy Quote of the Day: Earning and Spending

2009-03-20T03:12:00.000-07:00

"Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure nineteen six, result happiness. Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure twenty pound ought and six, result misery."
-- Charles Dickens (1812 - 1870), David Copperfield, 1849

How To Pay Down Credit Card Debt!

2009-03-15T16:53:00.000-07:00

Check out Pinchy's new companion blog: Pay Down Credit Card Debt - http://www.PayDownCreditCardDebt.blogspot.com

Focused on becoming debt free!!

Dear Pinchy Says "Let's Beat the Recession!" Ten Tips for Saving Money on Recreation

2009-03-15T04:26:00.000-07:00

In the quest to cut spending and save money, it's important to look out for social spending. There are so many fun things to do alone, with friends, and with family that don't cost money. So make the suggestions, and make the plans - you'll find that your leisure and social life is much more fun if you're not worried about money.

1. Go to the movies early when prices are lower.

2. Go to the public library - for books and for events.

3. Cancel your pool membership and go to the public pool.

4. Go to the public parks and the hiking trails.

5. Check your city, county, state, and federal parks for free attractions and events.

6. Have a yard sale for fun.

7. Choose hobbies that help you make money, not spend money.

8. Trade books online at PaperBackSwap.

9. Cancel your gym membership or any other clubs you're not using.

10. Volunteer - you'll meet people, get exercise, and feel more fulfilled.

Tip from Dear Pinchy: Sweet Free Stuff

2009-03-14T09:59:00.000-07:00

Do you love Freebies?

Check out Sweet Free Stuff!

Today, you'll find a sweet offer for free tomato seeds from Campbell's Soup (grow your own soup promotion), free Aveda shampoo, Billy Boy pocket candy, Tide Total Care, and lots more!!

Cool! - or should I say, Sweeeet!!

Dear Pinchy Says "Let's Beat the Recession!" Ten Tips for Saving Money in Your Social Life

2009-03-14T04:45:00.000-07:00

There are lots of ways to hang out, have fun, do activities with friends and neighbors - without spending money! And, there are lots of ways that you can help each other to weather the recession by cutting expenses and saving money! Here are ten tips. Try them out!

1. Don’t buy expensive gifts. Give plants that you've grown or dishes that you've cooked.

2. Trade things you don’t want with friends, neighbors, relatives.

3. Trade baby-sitting with friends and neighbors.

4.Trade services with friends and neighbors who can do things you can’t.

5. Don't buy house plants or plants for your garden - trade cuttings with friends and neighbors.

6. Invite friends over instead of going out.

7. Check your community calendar for free events.

8. Cancel your cell phone or replace it with a pre-paid plan and don't talk as much.

9. Go to the community events and classes at the library.

10. Invite your friends to free activities.

DearPinchy's Quote of the Day: Save, Save, Save Your Money

2009-03-11T02:20:00.000-07:00

"If you would be wealthy, think of saving as well as getting."

---Benjamin Franklin (1706 - 1790)

Dear Pinchy's Tip of the Day: Bank of America Helps Consumers Stretch their Dollars With the Launch of Add It Up™

2009-03-10T16:14:00.000-07:00

Bank of America Helps Consumers Stretch their Dollars With the Launch of Add It Up™

New Online Shopping Service Gives Customers Up to 20% Cash Back on Purchases at Top Retailers

Here's a NewsFlash!

Pinchy Says: If you're going to spend money, make sure you get the most for your $$bucks$$. Keep your eyes out for deep discounts, and other ways to get extra benefits along with your purchases. So remember to make sure you really NEED it before you buy it, not just WANT it and can't really afford it. And then, have some fun, with this new program that sounds great! Leave me a comment or drop me an email after you check it out - is it really as good as it sounds?

Bank of America Corporation today announced the launch of the Add It Up™ program, a secure online shopping Web site that allows enrolled customers to earn up to 20 percent cash back on their purchases at more than 270 online retailers, including top names such as Walmart.com, BestBuy.com and Barnes & Noble.com. Customers with a current Bank of America credit or check card who are enrolled in online banking can register for free through the Add It Up site at http://www.bankofamerica.com/additup.

“As people are managing their budgets more closely, they’re weighing every financial decision and making every dollar count -- from meeting their savings goals to searching for the best deals on the purchases they need to make,” said David Owen, Checking and Debit executive for Bank of America. “With Add It Up, Bank of America is giving customers a new way to stretch their money by getting cash back on purchases from hundreds of retailers they do business with regularly, and letting them do it online at their convenience.”

Benefits for customers who shop online through the Add It Up site include:
* Getting up to 20% cash back from more than 270 participating online retailers (such as Apple iTunes.com, Macys.com, BestBuy.com, Barnes & Noble.com, Walmart.com, Homedepot.com, Sephora.com, Staples.com, Gap.com, PETCO.com, Overstock.com, REI.com and Landsend.com)
* The ability to pay with either a current Bank of America check card or consumer credit card
* Choosing how to redeem cash back earned: into a checking or credit card account
* Combining Add It Up cash back with existing deals and discounts from retailers and other Bank of America programs such as Keep The Change® and BankAmericard Rewards®
* Keeping track of cash back earnings any time on the Add It Up website
* No limit on how much can be earned in cash back
The launch of Add It Up reflects Bank of America’s commitment to developing innovative products and enhanced offers to help current and new customers make the most of their finances and save money in today’s challenging environment.
Additional current offers include:
* A special interest rate offer on new 7 month or 9 month Risk Free CDs or new 12 month CDs through June 2009
* A special interest rate offer on new promotional money market savings accounts through June 2009
* A premium offer for most new personal checking accounts opened by customers who enroll in direct deposit and meet an average balance requirement
* A new Tiered Interest Checking account that allows customers to earn interest on their checking account balance

For more information on Add It Up (1) and additional current Bank of America offers, consumers may visit http://www.bankofamerica.com.

# # #

About Bank of America

Bank of America is one of the world's largest financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk-management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving more than 59 million consumer and small business relationships with more than 6,100 retail banking offices, more than 18,000 ATMs and award-winning online banking with more than 25 million active users. Bank of America offers industry leading support to more than 4 million small business owners through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients in more than 150 countries and has relationships with 99 percent of the U.S. Fortune 500 companies and 83 percent of the Fortune Global 500. Bank of America Corporation stock is a component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

1. Participating retailers and offers are subject to change. You must have either a Bank of America Check Card or Credit Card and be enrolled in Online Banking to be eligible for participation in the program. Redemption of accrued cash back rebates occurs in accordance with program Terms and Conditions, generally monthly when a minimum of $5.00 cash back has been earned. Program is not available to Online banking customers in WA or ID and select military bank customers. Select MyExpression™ credit cards, co-brand check cards, Business credit cards and other accounts are not eligible for participation in the program. Additional restrictions apply. Bank of America and the Bank of America logo are registered trademarks of Bank of America Corporation. All other company and product names and logos are the property of their respective entities and their use does not imply endorsement of or an association with the Add It Up program. For complete details see Terms and Conditions at www.bankofamerica.com/additup.

Was this helpful? Please leave a comment, let Dear Pinchy know what you think about it!

Dear Pinchy Quote of the Day

2009-03-07T05:07:00.000-08:00

"The safest way to double your money is to fold it over and put it in your pocket."

-- Kin Hubbard (1868 - 1930)

Get a Free $5 Target Gift Card

2009-03-03T13:36:00.000-08:00

Hi my penny-pinching friends!

I just read a great eHow article about How to Get a Free $5 Gift Card. Thanks, laurie1979!

So, of course, I checked it out. You basically just have to write 10 reviews for a parenting site, then they'll send you a $5 Target gift card. It took me about a half an hour to write my 10 reviews. Now that I know how to do it, I think I could do them faster. I started by entering things I wanted to review, but I realized it's faster if you look at what's already listed, and click those to review.

So, what're you waiting for? Go get your five bucks, before the deal is gone!

all the best,
Pinchy

Quote of the Day: Living Below Your Means

2009-03-03T09:33:00.000-08:00

"The art of living easily as to money is to pitch your scale of living one degree below your means."

-- Sir Henry Taylor

Dear Pinchy's Tip: Check out the Living Below Your Means discussion board at The Motley Fool for lots of great cheapskate, pinny-pinching ideas. Love it!

all the best, Pinchy

Tips from Dear Pinchy: Freebies - Freebies - Freebies!

2009-02-27T08:17:00.000-08:00

Tips from Dear Pinchy: Freebies - Freebies - Freebies!

Here are a few things you can easily get for free, just fill out the forms!

xxdesertash, an eHow writer, has a great article for how to get free samples online:

http://www.ehow.com/how_4750693_free-samples-online.html

follow the links she provides to get free Maybelline makeup, free Accuvue Oaysis, free Nicoderm CQ, free Benefiber, free Metamucil, free Stetson cologne and more!!

The Penny Pinching Diva gives us the link for a free baby blanket and toy:
http://www.pennypinchingdiva.com/2009/02/free-baby-blanket-and-stuffed-animal.html

cheapcindy, an eHow writer, tells us how to get free stuff on your birthday from over 100 places:
http://www.ehow.com/how_4518275_stuff-birthday-over-places.html

Darlene Michaud, an eHow writer, has the great freebies for us:

How to get a FREE SAMPLE of Chocolatey Drizzle or Cheddar Cheese Rice Cakes by Quaker
http://www.ehow.com/how_4806633_cheddar-cheese-rice-cakes-quaker.html

How to get a FREE SAMPLE of New Advanced Seal Crest Whitening Strips in the mail
http://www.ehow.com/how_4808140_seal-crest-whitening-strips-mail.html

How to get a FREE SAMPLE of New Dark Chocolate Raspberry Almond True Delights by Quaker
http://www.ehow.com/how_4805198_raspberry-almond-true-delights-quaker.html

How to get FREE Apple Juice at a HANNAFORD store with the COUPON in this article
http://www.ehow.com/how_4786310_hannaford-store-coupon-this-article.html

and, a few favorites from Dear Pinchy:
free BareNaked Granola:
http://www.bearnaked.com/

free Total Cranberry Crunch cereal:
http://www.totalcereal.com/default.aspx?source=447&WT.mc_id=paid_search_google&WT.srch=1?&destination=compare

Have fun!! Go get them all, before these freebie deals are gone!

Quote of the Day: Rich and Happy

2009-02-22T06:04:00.000-08:00

"Who is rich? He that is content. Who is that? Nobody."

-- Benjamin Franklin (1706 - 1790)

How to Get a Free $100 Gift Card from Verizon

2009-02-21T04:29:00.000-08:00

Checky out Pinchy's new article on eHow.com

How to Get a Free $100 Gift Card from Verizon

http://www.ehow.com/how_4802112_gift-card-verizon.html

Do you have Verizon FIOS internet, TV, telephone? Well, in this difficult economy, Verizon is anxious to keep you as a customer. They know you have a tight budget, that you are looking to cut expenses, and that you will cut your service or switch to a cheaper provider to save some bucks.

Start by checking your Verizon bill to see what services you have, and how much you are paying.

Then look up the competition. This will vary by local area. Check prices for your local cable, internet, and satellite tv providers. Also look at online and cell phone provider prices. You can usually check prices and special deals at each vendor's website.

With all this information at hand, call Verizon. Let them know that you are struggling to pay your bills, that you like their service, but it is too expensive. Ask them to cut the prices. If the rep is not helpful, then calmly ask for a supervisor. If you just can't get a nice rep to talk to, hang up and call back. You can start again with a different rep. (And be sure to complain about the bad rep. It is in Verizon's best interest to have good customer service and they will appreciate getting the feedback.)

The Verizon rep will review your bill. Be clear that you are looking for costs to cut. They should be able to lower your rates, recommend a service or extra option for you to drop. If you already have the lowest rates, they will not be able to lower it. But if your rates are not the lowest, they will be able to lower your bill.

Then politely say, you hope there is something else they can do, since this is really a high cost that you cannot afford. At this point, the rep should offer you a $100 American Express branded gift card. If the rep does not offer it, then ask specifically. Say, "I am aware that you have gift cards to give out to your customers. Could I please have one." Again, if the rep says no, you politely ask to speak to a manager.

Repeat as needed, til you get your card!

Dear Pinchy:Help Me Feed My Family Healthy and Inexpensive Meals

2009-02-19T11:45:00.001-08:00

Dear Pinchy,

We're a working family - middle class, not poor. But we are really having trouble making ends meet. I am cutting all expenses, and your advice has really helped our family a lot. Now, I am trying to find more ways to save money on the grocery bill, but still feed my family healthy and nutritious meals. Can you help me?

Frugal Fergie

Dear Frugal Fergie,

There are a lot of ways to save money on your groceries - using staples to stretch your budget, planning your menus in advance, clipping coupons, watching the sales. But if you're using all of the tried and true methods and you're still struggling, here's an idea for you.

Check out Angel Food Ministries at http://www.angelfoodministries.com/

From Angel Food Ministries' website:

"Each month's menu is different and consists of fresh, frozen and packaged food. Angel Food is purchased from the nation’s top food suppliers. Providing quality, nutritious food at significant discounts on a regular basis is one practical way to give people a “hand up” during difficult times. The cost for a box of Angel Food is $30. There is no purchase limit for boxes of Angel Food. There are no applications or qualifications necessary to purchase...

By buying food from first rate suppliers at substantial volume discounts, Angel Food Ministries is able to provide families with approximately $65 worth of quality nutritious food for $30. Angel Food Ministries does not use out-of-date food or inferior products."

Use their online locator to find if there is a location near you.

The way it works is, you check out the menu, find a location and the date that you need to order by, and go to pick up your food on the assigned date. You will have good quality healthy food at a substantial savings over any grocery store - enough to feed your family.

It is not an income-based program, you do not have to meet poverty requirements to participate and benefit. The more customers that Angel Food Ministries has, the more volume they can purchase and the better discounts they can give. So the bigger the program grows, the more good it can do.

And, if you can spare time, you can volunteer to help!

Good luck getting through the tough times!

Pinchy

Lower Your Rent!

2009-02-18T11:11:00.000-08:00

Check out Pinchy's new article on eHow.com!
http://www.ehow.com/how_4787241_negotiate-landlord-lower-rent.html

How to Negotiate with Your Landlord to Lower Your Rent
Now that the economy has changed, everything is negotiable - including your rent - and renters have the upper hand. Your landlord does not want to lose you! If you are a good-paying tenant, and you make a good case, you may be able to reduce the amount you pay for rent.

First, do your research. Check the rentals nearby, and see what their rates are. Are the other rentals cheaper? Do the other complexes have freebies for new leases free month's rent, free internet, whatever)? Do they offer better amenities (pool, clubhouse, etc.)? Get all the facts at your fingertips before you call your landlord.

Call your landlord. Make sure you are speaking to someone who has the authority to negotiate. It is fine to ask that directly. You want to speak with the rental manager, or property manager, not with an assistant.

Then, explain that you've always been a good tenant, always paid your rent on time, but times are tough and now you are struggling. You like the apartment, and you'd like to stay, but you hope your landlord could reduce your rent so that you can better afford the apartment. Otherwise, you may have to move (hint, don't threaten). Be calm, polite, persistent.

If your landlord says no, then, bring out your facts. But, complex ABC has these rates; complex XYZ has these amenities. Do you think you could match that.

Then, make your decision! Hopefully, you will now be saving some money every month!

If you decide to move, keep in mind moving expenses - the costs you incur moving will offset a cheaper rental rate.

Tip of the Day: Cook without Shopping!

2009-02-14T15:55:00.001-08:00

Pinch Pennies by postponing going to the grocery store.

Here's a great site that will help you: http://www.cookingbynumbers.com/

It has a list of common foods, you check off what you have sitting in your refrigerator, and it gives you a lot of recipes that use only the ingredients you have on hand.

How cool is that!

Dear Pinchy: Help! I am drowning in high interest debt!

2009-02-13T13:08:00.000-08:00

Dear Pinchy,

Almost a year ago, I couldn't make my mortgage payment so I had to get a cash advance from my CitiBank credit card. CitiCard is charging me more than 20% interest on that cash advance, but on the rest of the debt I'm carrying, they're charging me 12%. I cannot pay it all off! But I keep trying to pay down the high interest debt, and it seems CitiCard only applies a few dollars
to that debt, and they are killing me with interest charges. How can I pay down the high interest part of the debt.

--Drowning

Dear Drowning,

This is something the credit card companies do to make more money. But, there is a trick that they never tell you about. Here's how to get that high-interest debt paid off even when you can't afford to pay your card down to zero (don't we all wish!!).

For your next bill for your CitiCard, don't pay your bill online. You have to mail it in for this to work. When you pay your bill, don't use the envelope that came with it. Use a fresh envelope, and send it to this address:

Expedited Payment Processing,
P.O. Box 6005,
The Lakes Nevada 89163-6005.

Write your check out for more than the minimum payment. The minimum payment will all go towards your lower interest debt (your 12% debt). If you send your payment in the normal way, CitiBank will only apply a small percentage of the amount above the minimum payment to your higher interest (20%) debt.

Write your account number on your check. And here is the most important part: In the memo section of your check, write:

P. - $(and here put the amount of your minimum payment)
C. - $(and here put the amount above the minimum payment that you want applied to the higher interest debt).

You have to allow 5-7 days for your payment to be received and credited.

And of course, keep pinching your pennies and plugging away to get all your debts down to zero!

Pinchy

Tip of the Day: Lost and Found Money!

2009-02-08T06:55:00.001-08:00

Check out http://www.missingmoney.com/ to find out if you have any misplaced money. Just search on your state and your name (not all states are available, but it's worth checking!). If there is money that belongs to you, just follow the instructions, fill out the forms, and you'll soon have your check in the mail! Sweet!

Tip of the Day: Cash for Your Gold Jewelry? Watch Out!

2009-02-07T12:57:00.000-08:00

Have you seen that ad on TV for Cash for your gold jewelry and thought that might be a good idea? Easy and fast way to get some cash?

Word to the wise: Don't be too quick to act. Here's an expose written by a former employee of the company. Read it and think it through before you send in your valuables: http://www.complaintsboard.com/complaints/cash4gold-c117648.html

You may be better off to take your jewelry to a pawn shop, or sell it on e-bay or craigslist!

Quote of the Day: Budget Is as Budget Does

2009-02-07T12:55:00.000-08:00

"A budget tells us what we can't afford, but it doesn't
keep us from buying it."
- -William Feather

Tip of the Day:Value for Money Spent - Be A Customer Service Ninja

2009-02-04T03:00:00.000-08:00

The Consumerist (www.consumerist.com) has a lot of helpful tips for how to not get ripped off.

A few years back, Consumerist ran one of the most helpful articles I've ever read, How to Be A Customer Service Ninja -

http://consumerist.com/consumer/howto/be-a-customer-service-ninja-177811.php

I really hate it when I put out good money for a product or service that does not work as advertised, then can't get any satisfaction from the company. It is so frustrating to get the voice response lines (press 1, press 2, press 99, press 100), to get unhelpful or rude reps, or even worse - polite and helpful reps who Can't Fix the Problem.

Verizon over-billed me for my FIOS package for more than a year. Every month I would call, waste an hour or so on the phone, they would say it was fixed, and then - next month, wrong again! I followed the Customer Service Ninja tips, and was able to get a Verizon senior executive who called me back immediately, followed up with emails, got the right person to work on the recurring billing problem, and finally fixed it!

So if you're having problems with products or services you've already paid for, Pinchy advises, keep complaining, and take it to the top. Polite, persistent, and dealing directly with the people who can fix it will help you save your $$$.

Penny Pinching Heroine: The Penny Pinching Diva

2009-02-02T03:08:00.001-08:00

Check out the Penny Pinching Diva's website - she has the definitive explanation for CVS coupons. Ever had CVS tell you that you have too many coupons, they can't take them? Print out this letter from CVS HQ, keep it with you, and show it to the cashier/manager at your local store. Save some $$$$$!!

Thanks for the advice, Penny Pinching Diva!
http://www.pennypinchingdiva.com/2008/10/cvsing-101-cvs-coupon-policy.html

Quote of the Day:Teach Your Children Well

2009-02-02T03:06:00.000-08:00

"The easiest way for your children to learn about money is for you not to have any."

-- Katharine Whitehorn

Quote of the Day: The Value of Money

2009-01-30T03:45:00.000-08:00

"It is said that for money you can have everything, but you cannot. You can buy food, but not appetite; medicine, but not health; knowledge but not wisdom; glitter, but not beauty; fun, but not joy; acquaintances, but not friends; servants, but not faithfulness; leisure, but not peace. You can have the husk of everything for money, but not the kernel."

-Arne Garborg

Dear Pinchy Going on a Budget Diet - Makeover Tips for Rapid Weight Loss!

2009-01-29T05:00:00.000-08:00

Dear Penny Pinching Mom,

I have been on reduced hours at work since the beginning of the year, and my husband just got his pink slip. We have some savings, but not a lot, and I am really worried - we are a family of four, and the cost of living is high. I've gone through our budget to see what we can cut, and I don't think there's much fat there. I need to find ways some creative ways to cut our expenses further. Please help me pinch my pennies tighter!

-- Pinchy Wannabe

Dear Pinchy Wannabe,

I am sorry about your employment situation, but don't give up hope. Even in the tight economy, there is always need for the right skills and hard work. So hang in there on that front.

As regards cutting your expenses, you actually can have fun with this. Even though it's a necessity, think of it as a game - how much can you cut - reduce yes, but also how many budget line items can you find to cut out completely! We all spend a lot on things that we don't need, and often we don't recognize that they are things we don't need.

Here's my main rule: Tightening up your household budget is not a one-time deal. Think of it like a weight-loss plan. You don't do it once, and then you're finished. Rather, it's something you are aware of every day (like every meal and every pound) and it works better with planning!

You will not get it "perfect" on the first round. You'll need to go through your budget every month to look for more ways to tighten it up.

Now, here's your 12-step plan to a new, slimmer, more beautiful budget:

1. Start by looking at your big spending categories, since that's where the biggest difference can be made. Can you get a better rate on your mortgage; can you get a better deal on your rent? Times have changed, and you can now negotiate anything. Call your landlord, or your mortgage company, and say "I'm having trouble keeping up with the bills, can you help me?" Stay calm, patient, and persistent, and aim for your goal: a cut!

2. If you're carrying credit card debt that you can't pay, move it to the lowest interest card. On all your cards, call the companies and ask them to lower your rate. Same as above: Calm, patient, persistent, eyes on the prize.

3. Next, if you're making a car payment, think about selling the car and buying a cheaper one that has no payment. Anything you can do that cuts out a monthly or recurring bill is a great thing to do - it saves you money repeatedly.

4. Insurance - on ALL of your policies - raise the deductible and decrease your payments. This can save you hundreds a year. Also, if you haven't shopped around for insurance in a while, then do so - compare the rates.

5. Of course, cut any subscriptions that you don't need. What are you paying for on a monthly basis? Cable (cut it!!), cell phone (switch it out for a pre-paid cell phone!), magazine subscriptions (don't renew! watch out for automatic renewals, get it cancelled!), gym club memberships (cancel and walk!) - you get the idea. Every month, look again at what you're paying - you will not get them all on the first go-round.

6. Cut your energy usage to save on utility expenses. Less water, less gas, less electricity - all good for the environment and immediately helps with your budget.

7. Cut your grocery bill. Plan your meals: plan meals around foods that are on sale, don't deviate from your plan, keep a grocery list and stick to the list. Don't take your kids with you when you shop (if you can avoid it), and don't shop hungry!

8. Don't shop for recreation! No matter how cute it is, or how good the sale is, you don't really need it. If you don't see it, you're not tempted to buy it. Find no-cost things to do for recreation.

9. When you watch TV, read a magazine, whatever - look at the ads critically. You do not need any of that stuff! Ask yourself, what was the marketer thinking, how are they playing me to make me think I need that? Re-train your reactions, so that your first response is, "don't need that!" (NOT, "that looks cool, I want to try it!)

10. Now, with your new critical marketing-thinking skills, look around your home, and see what you see. What are you buying because of the ads? Do you NEED dryer sheets? No! Do you NEED bottled water? No! Do you NEED....well, you get the idea. What do you use on a regular basis that does not add value to your life? Stop buying it!

11. Now tour around your home again with your new eyes and see what you have that you not only don't NEED, you don't USE. Sell it! Yardsale, e-Bay, Craigslist - turn it into money, and apply it to your household bottom line.

12. Lather, rinse, repeat. I.e., go through your budget again, and again. Cut repeatedly. You will continue to find savings, I guarantee. Financially speaking, watch your calories, and watch your excercise!

Good luck! And please keep us posted on your progress!

--Pinchy

Quote of the Day: Growing Your Wealth

2009-01-26T03:17:00.000-08:00

"If you can count your money, you don't have a billion dollars. "

-- J. Paul Getty (1892 - 1976)

Tip of the Day: Cold Water Wash

2009-01-25T14:32:00.000-08:00

One of the easiest ways to save money is to stop washing your clothes in hot water. Heating the water is the most expensive part of the wash. Set your dial to cold wash/cold rinse, and you are saving money every time you wash clothes - check your bill to see the difference!

Extra benefits: cold water keeps your clothes looking new longer, and saving energy helps the environment - go green!

Penny Pinching Heroine: TamarianG - Getting Out of Debt

2009-01-25T14:19:00.000-08:00

You may think of The Motley Fool (http://www.fool.com/) as an investment site. It is excellent for investment info, but it's much more than that. You'll find lots of helpful info on all aspects of personal finance. If you're trying to get out of debt, there is no more inspiring story than that of TamarianG - who went from more than $60,000 in debt to financial security. She tells her story on the Fool message boards in a very entertaining way, so even thought the posts are long, I'm providing links to all the installments of her story - a great read!

Part I: I owe HOW much?!:
http://boards.fool.com/Message.asp?mid=19584890
Part II: Budgeting in real life:
http://boards.fool.com/Message.asp?mid=19592536
Part III: LBYMs as a friend:
http://boards.fool.com/Message.asp?mid=19608553
Part IV: Getting those rates lowered:
http://boards.fool.com/Message.asp?mid=19624712
Part V: Getting back in the kitchen again:
http://boards.fool.com/Message.asp?mid=19644252
Part VI: Don't mourn, organize!:
http://boards.fool.com/Message.asp?mid=19672026
Part VII: Stop, Think, Plan, DO!:
http://boards.fool.com/Message.asp?mid=19721194

Quote of the Day: Financial Security!

2009-01-25T04:43:00.001-08:00

"I have enough money to last me the rest of my life, unless I buy something. "

-- Jackie Mason (1934 - )

Tip of the Day: 1 Degree, 2 Sweaters, 3 Percent

2009-01-24T15:17:00.000-08:00

Did you know that for every degree you lower your thermostat in the winter, you save 3% off your heating bill? (Similarly, for every degree you raise your thermostat in the summer, you save 3% off your air conditioning bill.)

Lower the temp by 1 degree every week, that way you get used to it gradually. We're down to 59 degrees now, and up to 2 sweaters. Gotta love that savings on the energy bill - good for the planet too!

Quote of the Day: Bye-bye CitiCard!

2009-01-24T15:14:00.000-08:00

"Never spend your money before you have it."

-- Thomas Jefferson (1743 - 1826)

Dear Pinchy Spenderella Learns a New Word

2009-01-24T14:30:00.000-08:00

Dear Penny Pinching Mom,

When times were good, before the economy tanked and I lost everything in my investment accounts, I used to buy lots of toys and expensive clothes for my young kids Tammy and Charlie. We enjoyed shopping together; they would throw things in the cart, and I was happy to buy them. When they saw ads on TV, they would say "I want that!" and I had no problem looking up the website and ordering what they wanted. We had a lot of fun shopping and spending together. Well, I cannot do that any more. I've tried to explain that times are tight, but they don't really get it. And the constant "I want that" is very stressful for me. I want them to have it too, but they can't! What can I do?

-- Spenderella

Dear Spenderella,

You will have to retrain Tammy and Charlie, because now they expect you to buy everything for them. Your problem is not just about reining in your impulse to spend, it is also the values that you have, and the values you want your kids to have. Start by not feeling bad when you say "no." You must practice saying "no" over and over - believe me, it gets easier! You don't need to explain, you don't need to stress or yell, just calmly say "no." Make this your habit.

And Spenderella, even if you could still afford to spend like that, I would advise you to spend less - except for time. Spend the time playing with Tammy and Charlie, with the things they already have.

To help you in your effort, learn these two important rules of penny-pinching: First, Turn off the TV. That immediately gets rid of a lot of the ads that are targeted directly to your kids, so you are not hearing the constant refrain of "I want that!" (This will help you spend less, and will also help relieve the stress you have been feeling over telling them "no.")

Second, do not go to the stores, especially not toy stores! If you have been shopping for recreation, you need to cut that out immediately. And again, if you are not in the stores, Tammy and Charlie will not be saying "I want that."

This is your program:
1. Learn to say "no."
2. Spend time, not money.
3. Turn off the TV.
4. Stop going to stores.

And please, check back in and let us know how it is going! We would love to hear about your progress!

- Pinchy

My Hero, Mr. Krabs

2009-01-24T14:04:00.000-08:00

If you've never watched SpongeBob Squarepants, go watch an episode now. You can usually find it on TV anytime of the night or day. If you know the show, then you know Mr. Krabs. The more I pinch my pennies, the more I love Mr. Krabs. That guy knows how to spend nothing, waste nothing, save everything, take advantage of every opportunity, and he is happy. He loves his money. Gleefully, unashamedly, hysterically happily in love with money. Hee Hee. Wish I had thought like him years ago.