Using your benefits before the plan year expires is important. Most plans run on the calendar year, which means you may have less than a month to use the benefits before 2014 ends. If your benefits are employer sponsored, verify with your Human Resource Department if you are in doubt on the plan's benefit period.
If you have an FSA (Flexible Spending Account), you will forfeit the money in your account once the plan year ends for qualifying expenses. If your plan offers a grace period, you can submit receipts for items purchased or medical EOBs (Explanation of Benefits) prior to the end of the plan year. The IRS dictates eligible FSA expenses and the financial limits of what you or the employer can contribute. The employer can opt to have the plan limit be less than the maximum. Since this is money you elected to contribute (in most cases), you are actually losing money if you do not use it. You may want to consider adjusting your election amount for the next plan year.
Some benefits may roll over into the following year, again this is at the discretion of how the plan was set up by the employer. Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRA) can permit at least a partial carryover if funds remain at the end of the plan year. Check your plan document to see if this is the case.
Other reasons to use your benefits now are items like deductibles and co-pays may raise next year; your employer may not offer a particular benefit next year; and once the new plan year begins, your deductible resets and you will be responsible for the first dollar that is owed for any benefits used.
Remember the Open Enrollment window is a short time, so take time to consider your election decisions for the next plan year. See November's blog entry for more information on Open Enrollment for employer sponsored benefits. Remember the Medicare Open Enrollment period comes to an end in just a few days on December 7, 2014.
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Monday, November 3, 2014
Decision Time
It's that time of year! Not only is it the time to begin planning for the holidays, it is also time for many people to make choices on their benefits.
Whether you are still employed and it's Open Enrollment time at work, or you are retired and deciding what Medicare Advantage plan to select for the next year, here are a few key points to consider.
Most plans run on the calendar year, which means all deductibles and out of pocket maximums reset to a starting balance of $0. If your plan does not have a renewal on January 1, this will happen on the date that your plan renews.
If you are employed, your options may be limited to the choices offered through your employer. If you purchase your own insurance, there are many options available and here are a few key tips and definitions.
Let's start with a few definitions.
A deductible is the portion of the expenses the insured must pay before the insurance plan begins to pay. There are some exceptions to items considered to be preventative.
An out of pocket maximum is the maximum amount you will pay in a plan year with the exception of prescription and doctor visit co-pays, which do not go away.
A co-pay is a payment made by the member for a prescription or a doctor visit. A primary care physician normally has a lower co-pay than a specialty physician like a cardiologist.
The premium is what you will pay for the benefit. It can be based on a weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or in another time period. Many employer sponsored benefits are taken on a pre-tax basis, allowing your salary to be reduced before taxes are taken. Also, most employers pay most of the premium as a benefit of employment, leaving the employee to pay a small portion.
An aggregate family deductible requires all family members to "contribute" to the overall deductible before the total is reached. The total can be reached by one person or multiple family members. An embedded or "per individual" deductible means that family members must each satisfy a portion of the family deductible before the overall deducible is reached.
When selecting a medical plan, whether you are doing it on your own, through an employer, or if assisting an older family member looking for a Medicare Advantage plan, look at the options available, always verify the following:
Are your doctors and your hospital of choice in network? A network exists for lower costs to you when your providers join a network. You will pay the in network co-pays and portion of the insurance until you reach the deductible. If a provider is out of network, your portion increases.
In what tier are your medications? If you take a brand name medication, it may be in a higher tier for the co-pay. If a generic medication is available, request it to save money. Look at the co-pays for each tier. Using a mail-order pharmacy plan can save you money for a prescription you take on a daily basis.
If your employer offers additional benefits including a 401k or retirement plan, an FSA (flexible savings plan), and ancillary benefits (disability, life, etc.), take the time to carefully review these additional options since you can only enroll during open enrollment or for some if a qualifying event (marriage, death, new child) occur during the year. Take time to review the paperwork, ask questions, and consult with professionals if necessary when making your decisions.
Whether you are still employed and it's Open Enrollment time at work, or you are retired and deciding what Medicare Advantage plan to select for the next year, here are a few key points to consider.
Most plans run on the calendar year, which means all deductibles and out of pocket maximums reset to a starting balance of $0. If your plan does not have a renewal on January 1, this will happen on the date that your plan renews.
If you are employed, your options may be limited to the choices offered through your employer. If you purchase your own insurance, there are many options available and here are a few key tips and definitions.
Let's start with a few definitions.
A deductible is the portion of the expenses the insured must pay before the insurance plan begins to pay. There are some exceptions to items considered to be preventative.
An out of pocket maximum is the maximum amount you will pay in a plan year with the exception of prescription and doctor visit co-pays, which do not go away.
A co-pay is a payment made by the member for a prescription or a doctor visit. A primary care physician normally has a lower co-pay than a specialty physician like a cardiologist.
The premium is what you will pay for the benefit. It can be based on a weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or in another time period. Many employer sponsored benefits are taken on a pre-tax basis, allowing your salary to be reduced before taxes are taken. Also, most employers pay most of the premium as a benefit of employment, leaving the employee to pay a small portion.
An aggregate family deductible requires all family members to "contribute" to the overall deductible before the total is reached. The total can be reached by one person or multiple family members. An embedded or "per individual" deductible means that family members must each satisfy a portion of the family deductible before the overall deducible is reached.
Are your doctors and your hospital of choice in network? A network exists for lower costs to you when your providers join a network. You will pay the in network co-pays and portion of the insurance until you reach the deductible. If a provider is out of network, your portion increases.
In what tier are your medications? If you take a brand name medication, it may be in a higher tier for the co-pay. If a generic medication is available, request it to save money. Look at the co-pays for each tier. Using a mail-order pharmacy plan can save you money for a prescription you take on a daily basis.
If your employer offers additional benefits including a 401k or retirement plan, an FSA (flexible savings plan), and ancillary benefits (disability, life, etc.), take the time to carefully review these additional options since you can only enroll during open enrollment or for some if a qualifying event (marriage, death, new child) occur during the year. Take time to review the paperwork, ask questions, and consult with professionals if necessary when making your decisions.
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Shopping Reward for Overpayment
One of the largest chains in America has a cash reward feature that can give you a refund credit. Most people shop at Walmart because their locations are convenient and abundant. In the last 10 years, one opened within 5 miles of my home.
On a recent September shopping spree, I noted an index card sized tablet at the register. I tore off a sheet and once at home I read the paper. I learned that this major retailer wants to put money back into the pockets of their shoppers. No staff member had ever mentioned it to me, so I have to question whether the staff has been informed about it or are they just avoiding a wonderful promotion that assists their customers.
Called Savings Catcher (https://savingscatcher.walmart.com), any shopper can simply register their Walmart shopping receipt on the store's website for a review of the receipt vs. local competitors for a cheaper price. Up to 7 receipts can be entered during a week and within a few days, two emails will arrive in your inbox letting you know that your receipt was registered and if any money is being placed into your "account." This "account" is available for use on an upcoming Walmart shopping trip through an eGift Card.
Upon entering my first three receipts, I was disappointed to have a $0 balance. It was the fourth receipt that garnered $3.80 for purchased items. When this application checks local grocery stores and other chain stores, it found $.33 in savings for the razors purchased and $3,47 in grocery purchases including a whopping $2.53 for the grapes as compared to Bottom Dollar (a store in which I have never shopped nor even know of a local location).
My fifth receipt has placed $.66 back into my account. It was only on one item, frozen pizza that had a lower price at Weis Markets.
For shoppers with a smart phone, there is an app available. Both the app and the web site require minimal information after you are a registered Walmart user. Above the bar code on your receipt is a TC#, a 20 digit code that is unique to your shopping spree. The other piece of data is the date of your shopping spree.
Rules for use and the items not included in this program can be found at for following link. Many categories are excluded including electronics. https://savingscatcher.walmart.com/faq#faqs-matching
Walmart is not my firs choice for shopping. Some of the products we like are not available elsewhere in other stores. I know I will continue to spend the few minutes entering my receipts since I am seeing some savings.
On a recent September shopping spree, I noted an index card sized tablet at the register. I tore off a sheet and once at home I read the paper. I learned that this major retailer wants to put money back into the pockets of their shoppers. No staff member had ever mentioned it to me, so I have to question whether the staff has been informed about it or are they just avoiding a wonderful promotion that assists their customers.
Called Savings Catcher (https://savingscatcher.walmart.com), any shopper can simply register their Walmart shopping receipt on the store's website for a review of the receipt vs. local competitors for a cheaper price. Up to 7 receipts can be entered during a week and within a few days, two emails will arrive in your inbox letting you know that your receipt was registered and if any money is being placed into your "account." This "account" is available for use on an upcoming Walmart shopping trip through an eGift Card.
Upon entering my first three receipts, I was disappointed to have a $0 balance. It was the fourth receipt that garnered $3.80 for purchased items. When this application checks local grocery stores and other chain stores, it found $.33 in savings for the razors purchased and $3,47 in grocery purchases including a whopping $2.53 for the grapes as compared to Bottom Dollar (a store in which I have never shopped nor even know of a local location).
My fifth receipt has placed $.66 back into my account. It was only on one item, frozen pizza that had a lower price at Weis Markets.
For shoppers with a smart phone, there is an app available. Both the app and the web site require minimal information after you are a registered Walmart user. Above the bar code on your receipt is a TC#, a 20 digit code that is unique to your shopping spree. The other piece of data is the date of your shopping spree.
Rules for use and the items not included in this program can be found at for following link. Many categories are excluded including electronics. https://savingscatcher.walmart.com/faq#faqs-matching
Walmart is not my firs choice for shopping. Some of the products we like are not available elsewhere in other stores. I know I will continue to spend the few minutes entering my receipts since I am seeing some savings.
Monday, September 1, 2014
One Online Storage Option
Have you ever needed to access a document or an important piece of information when you are away from your home computer? Was your wallet stolen or you experienced a disaster when you lost important documents such as a college transcript or your driver's license?
There are many sites on the Internet where you can safely store items like your resume, a copy of your driver's license, and photos.
Google Drive is just one of these free cloud locations. By creating a profile on www.google.com, you can gain access to a series of applications that permit the storage of spreadsheets, typed documents, photos, videos, and scanned important documents. It's like having your hard drive accessible anywhere or not needing to carry a flash drive with you.
After you create a free account at google.com, look for the "tic tac toe" like icon (a nine small square board) in the upper right corner of the screen. When you open this icon, a series of nine applications are visible - Google+ (a simpler version of Facebook that has not caught fire), Search, YouTube, Maps, Play, News, Gmail, Drive, and Calendar. An additional option of "More" appears at the bottom of the window offering a variety of other choices. Each of these applications is free to use, some with the possibility of purchasing additional storage space.
I use Google Drive to store and access documents that I may need outside of my own laptop. Included in this is a spreadsheet of my user IDs, passwords, and security questions. Also, I have scanned important documents including my husband's and my drivers license, car registrations, medical ID cards, and other documents that if lost in a disaster like a fire or flood or if stolen, I can easily access anywhere from a computer.
To learn more, a tutorial is located on Youtube.com at www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpOmuG3HfPo.
There are many sites on the Internet where you can safely store items like your resume, a copy of your driver's license, and photos.
Google Drive is just one of these free cloud locations. By creating a profile on www.google.com, you can gain access to a series of applications that permit the storage of spreadsheets, typed documents, photos, videos, and scanned important documents. It's like having your hard drive accessible anywhere or not needing to carry a flash drive with you.
After you create a free account at google.com, look for the "tic tac toe" like icon (a nine small square board) in the upper right corner of the screen. When you open this icon, a series of nine applications are visible - Google+ (a simpler version of Facebook that has not caught fire), Search, YouTube, Maps, Play, News, Gmail, Drive, and Calendar. An additional option of "More" appears at the bottom of the window offering a variety of other choices. Each of these applications is free to use, some with the possibility of purchasing additional storage space.
I use Google Drive to store and access documents that I may need outside of my own laptop. Included in this is a spreadsheet of my user IDs, passwords, and security questions. Also, I have scanned important documents including my husband's and my drivers license, car registrations, medical ID cards, and other documents that if lost in a disaster like a fire or flood or if stolen, I can easily access anywhere from a computer.
To learn more, a tutorial is located on Youtube.com at www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpOmuG3HfPo.
Friday, August 1, 2014
Safety First
My goal in writing this monthly blog was to provide ways for you to save money. Sometimes there are other things that are more important, like safety.
Recently I learned from our local television station with a wonderful "On Your Side Team" that my year old car was under a recall. Their ability to share safety issues to the mass public in south central Pennsylvania is a major benefit to thousands. While this blog will only touch a few people, it may just be the the thing that makes someone's life safer.
The web sites I am featuring this month is an invaluable resource for anyone due to the vast nature of the items included. Whether you own an item or are looking to buy something new or used, keeping your family and home safe gives you piece of mind.
Log onto www.recalls.gov to search for recalled items. If the item you search is subject to a recall, instructions will be given on how to file a claim or where to return the item.
For example, select models of Gree dehumidifiers have been recalled due to the potential of a fire. We owned one and followed the instructions, including the immediate disconnection of the unit from the power source, cutting the power cord, and mailing it along with the completed recall form. This link shows which models by which manufacturers are under the dehumidifier recall and explain the recall process. www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2014/Gree-Reannounces-Dehumidifier-Recall
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls) is the agency that oversees the recalls. There is a listing of recently recalled items. That list includes clothing, light bulbs, a laptop computer, a snowblower, and many other items for which I did not see anything in the media. Auto recalls are not listed on this site. You can also report a product you feel is unsafe on their site
If you purchased a used car, it is extremely important for you to check for a recall. The major auto manufacturers only contact the original owner as long as they still reside at the same address where they resided when the automobile was purchased. Unless you take the vehicle to the an authorized manufacturer service center for the auto dealer, existing recalls will go undetected when your vehicle is in for servicing.
News agencies do cover recalls that affect the masses. Unless you have time on your hands to read newspapers and watch television all day, you will miss most of them. The Federal Government can be proud to offer the web sites that places all recalls in one convenient location.
Recently I learned from our local television station with a wonderful "On Your Side Team" that my year old car was under a recall. Their ability to share safety issues to the mass public in south central Pennsylvania is a major benefit to thousands. While this blog will only touch a few people, it may just be the the thing that makes someone's life safer.
The web sites I am featuring this month is an invaluable resource for anyone due to the vast nature of the items included. Whether you own an item or are looking to buy something new or used, keeping your family and home safe gives you piece of mind.
Log onto www.recalls.gov to search for recalled items. If the item you search is subject to a recall, instructions will be given on how to file a claim or where to return the item.
For example, select models of Gree dehumidifiers have been recalled due to the potential of a fire. We owned one and followed the instructions, including the immediate disconnection of the unit from the power source, cutting the power cord, and mailing it along with the completed recall form. This link shows which models by which manufacturers are under the dehumidifier recall and explain the recall process. www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2014/Gree-Reannounces-Dehumidifier-Recall
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls) is the agency that oversees the recalls. There is a listing of recently recalled items. That list includes clothing, light bulbs, a laptop computer, a snowblower, and many other items for which I did not see anything in the media. Auto recalls are not listed on this site. You can also report a product you feel is unsafe on their site
If you purchased a used car, it is extremely important for you to check for a recall. The major auto manufacturers only contact the original owner as long as they still reside at the same address where they resided when the automobile was purchased. Unless you take the vehicle to the an authorized manufacturer service center for the auto dealer, existing recalls will go undetected when your vehicle is in for servicing.
News agencies do cover recalls that affect the masses. Unless you have time on your hands to read newspapers and watch television all day, you will miss most of them. The Federal Government can be proud to offer the web sites that places all recalls in one convenient location.
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Deal or no deal?
Growing up, I fondly remember going to a store in my hometown called Grants. It was a variety store, selling a little of this and a little of that. It was similar to the 5 and 10-cent stores that existed in many small towns and some cities years ago. These locations were an easy way for our parents and grandparents to go to one location and shop before the days of shopping malls and Internet shopping. Many people could even walk to the store and carry their purchases home.
One of today's version of the variety store is known as the dollar store. Some are true dollar stores where item is one dollar while other stores sell items in one dollar increments like a 64-oz. bottle of laundry detergent for $3.00. The array of items they sell can save you money on many products, if you know what to look for while shopping. Determining the deal depends upon many factors.
1. Know what you would pay in another store. What is the price for the size? The dollar store size may be smaller in size, so do the math and determine if the price is worth it per ounce.
2. Be familiar with the label. Some of the stores sell major brands as well as look-a-likes, products that are similar to major brands in appearance and name. Counterfeits do exist, so be familiar with the company's logo and their packaging colors. Recently CNN reported on fakes in certain products. Here is the link to the story: http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/08/justice/new-york-counterfeit-beauty-supplies/index.html
3. Review the products packaging the manufacturing location and the ingredients. Many of the products are made outside the United States with ingredients that do not match those in the name brand product. There may be items like shampoo or toothpaste where you will not want to try another product due to the differences in the ingredients. There may be additives that change the quality of the product.
4. If the item is something that could expire, check for the expiration date. Buying out of date or about to expire products would be a waste of your money and could be dangerous to use or eat.
5. Shop at well established chains. Some are nationwide while others are regional.
6. Be careful of impulse buying. Keep to your list so you keep to your budget. Knowing you can fill your cart for less does not mean you should.
7. Look at the quality of the product. Is it well made or something that could break easily. One item I have seen with a major difference is aluminum foil. The dollar store version is a very thin foil in a smaller size.
Just like any other shopping, you can find deals. Try their items and see if you like the quality as much as that of the name brand item. One of the we sites that rates items in categories as a deal or not a deal for the dollar stores is Kiplinger. http://www.kiplinger.com/article/spending/T050-C000-S001-dollar-store-deal-or-no-deal.html
In the end, it is your decision where to shop and what to purchase. Be a conscious consumer while keeping money in your pocket.
One of today's version of the variety store is known as the dollar store. Some are true dollar stores where item is one dollar while other stores sell items in one dollar increments like a 64-oz. bottle of laundry detergent for $3.00. The array of items they sell can save you money on many products, if you know what to look for while shopping. Determining the deal depends upon many factors.
1. Know what you would pay in another store. What is the price for the size? The dollar store size may be smaller in size, so do the math and determine if the price is worth it per ounce.
2. Be familiar with the label. Some of the stores sell major brands as well as look-a-likes, products that are similar to major brands in appearance and name. Counterfeits do exist, so be familiar with the company's logo and their packaging colors. Recently CNN reported on fakes in certain products. Here is the link to the story: http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/08/justice/new-york-counterfeit-beauty-supplies/index.html
3. Review the products packaging the manufacturing location and the ingredients. Many of the products are made outside the United States with ingredients that do not match those in the name brand product. There may be items like shampoo or toothpaste where you will not want to try another product due to the differences in the ingredients. There may be additives that change the quality of the product.
4. If the item is something that could expire, check for the expiration date. Buying out of date or about to expire products would be a waste of your money and could be dangerous to use or eat.
5. Shop at well established chains. Some are nationwide while others are regional.
6. Be careful of impulse buying. Keep to your list so you keep to your budget. Knowing you can fill your cart for less does not mean you should.
7. Look at the quality of the product. Is it well made or something that could break easily. One item I have seen with a major difference is aluminum foil. The dollar store version is a very thin foil in a smaller size.
Just like any other shopping, you can find deals. Try their items and see if you like the quality as much as that of the name brand item. One of the we sites that rates items in categories as a deal or not a deal for the dollar stores is Kiplinger. http://www.kiplinger.com/article/spending/T050-C000-S001-dollar-store-deal-or-no-deal.html
In the end, it is your decision where to shop and what to purchase. Be a conscious consumer while keeping money in your pocket.
Sunday, June 1, 2014
Free Museum Entry
This month’s
blog is more restrictive as to those who will benefit from the tip. It applies to a select group of people and is
only valid now through Labor Day 2014.
If you or a
loved one is a currently enlisted active duty service member (including
reserves) or other dependent family member, you are in luck. An active duty military ID, the DD Form 1173 or
DD Form 1173-1 is required for admission in one of the participating museums. A listing is available at http://arts.gov/national/blue-star-museums. Click on the state and by town, a listing
will appear of the participating museums.
For additional
information regarding this opportunity, including more information on the
required identification, click on the FAQ link on the right side of the page.
Enjoy your
visit.
Thursday, May 1, 2014
Gardening in Small Spaces
Gardening is a creative science. In one sense, it is imaginative by producing unique combinations of plants, and in another it is innovative by finding unique ways to display what you grow.
For anyone living in an apartment, a townhouse, or any other location with a small outdoor area, usable space may not be available to have a large garden. It does not mean that you cannot plant and grow a small garden. Being ingenious is part of the key. With planting season upon us, now is the time to be motivated to try something new.
Although you may want to grow corn, doing so in a planter may not be feasible for your porch, but growing a tomato plant in a large planter using a tomato cage for support or hanging it upside down in a 5-gallon bucket (www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/tomato/growing-tomatoes-upside-down.htm) is possible.
Some of the ideas you will read here have been posted sites where people share ideas - Pinterest and Facebook. Others have come from my favorite websites or were discovered while researching the topic for this blog.
Search the web for Small Space Gardening to find many unique ideas. In the results will be some that are inexpensive and may use common items, while others will require some money and will involve the use of some tools to construct. Performing an image search to see photos is a great way to speed up your search process.
Just a few of the unique planting results found included:
One overall site on vertical gardening is www.vertical-gardener.com. Imagine growing a watermelon on a patio in netting. Check it out on their site by scrolling down for a picture.
Plant a garden for a purpose, to make a salad or a specialty like gazpacho - www.sunset.com/garden/fruits-veggies/container-vegetable-gardening-00418000067113
Try a salad bowl in a recycled wooden pallet. Versions are available vertically or horizontally - www.hilaryhodge.com/tag/vertical-lettuce-garden and couponconnections.com/how-to-turn-a-recycled-pallet-into-a-salad-garden
If using wood, is it pressure treated? If so, read this to learn more about items like pallets and railroad ties that are treated, as it may not be safe for growing edibles. www.onehundreddollarsamonth.com/pallet-gardening-101-creating-a-pallet-garden
More pallet ideas with herbs and plants in clay pots - woodenpalletfurniture.com/garden/pallet-vertical-planter
Vegetables in a pot - www.sunset.com/garden/fruits-veggies/how-to-grow-veggies-in-pots-00400000012149
It's great to be a square. This could be adapted into a rectangle too - squarefootgardening.org/square-foot-gardening-method
The use of PVC plumbing pipes creates unique vertical and horizontal garden planters - diply.com/different-solutions/diy-hydroponic-garden-tower-using-pvc-pipes/22181
The ideas are endless and depend upon your imagination and available space. Try using window box planters, colorful sand buckets, wire storage racks, or anything that may be adapted to hold dirt even using cocoa shell liners or moss to maintain the soil while accentuating your design. Enjoy the beauty and fruits of your labor!
For anyone living in an apartment, a townhouse, or any other location with a small outdoor area, usable space may not be available to have a large garden. It does not mean that you cannot plant and grow a small garden. Being ingenious is part of the key. With planting season upon us, now is the time to be motivated to try something new.
Although you may want to grow corn, doing so in a planter may not be feasible for your porch, but growing a tomato plant in a large planter using a tomato cage for support or hanging it upside down in a 5-gallon bucket (www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/tomato/growing-tomatoes-upside-down.htm) is possible.
Some of the ideas you will read here have been posted sites where people share ideas - Pinterest and Facebook. Others have come from my favorite websites or were discovered while researching the topic for this blog.
Search the web for Small Space Gardening to find many unique ideas. In the results will be some that are inexpensive and may use common items, while others will require some money and will involve the use of some tools to construct. Performing an image search to see photos is a great way to speed up your search process.
Just a few of the unique planting results found included:
One overall site on vertical gardening is www.vertical-gardener.com. Imagine growing a watermelon on a patio in netting. Check it out on their site by scrolling down for a picture.
Plant a garden for a purpose, to make a salad or a specialty like gazpacho - www.sunset.com/garden/fruits-veggies/container-vegetable-gardening-00418000067113
Try a salad bowl in a recycled wooden pallet. Versions are available vertically or horizontally - www.hilaryhodge.com/tag/vertical-lettuce-garden and couponconnections.com/how-to-turn-a-recycled-pallet-into-a-salad-garden
If using wood, is it pressure treated? If so, read this to learn more about items like pallets and railroad ties that are treated, as it may not be safe for growing edibles. www.onehundreddollarsamonth.com/pallet-gardening-101-creating-a-pallet-garden
More pallet ideas with herbs and plants in clay pots - woodenpalletfurniture.com/garden/pallet-vertical-planter
Vegetables in a pot - www.sunset.com/garden/fruits-veggies/how-to-grow-veggies-in-pots-00400000012149
It's great to be a square. This could be adapted into a rectangle too - squarefootgardening.org/square-foot-gardening-method
The use of PVC plumbing pipes creates unique vertical and horizontal garden planters - diply.com/different-solutions/diy-hydroponic-garden-tower-using-pvc-pipes/22181
The ideas are endless and depend upon your imagination and available space. Try using window box planters, colorful sand buckets, wire storage racks, or anything that may be adapted to hold dirt even using cocoa shell liners or moss to maintain the soil while accentuating your design. Enjoy the beauty and fruits of your labor!
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Spring has Finally Sprung
After a very long and tough winter here in Pennsylvania, we are all very eager to see green grass and the beautiful of the rebirth as spring arrives with the trees regaining their leaves and new life as plants begin to bloom.
A few weeks ago, with more than a foot of snow on the ground, I purchased flower and vegetable seeds. It gave me a few moments to smile as I looked at the brightly colored packages and dreamed of the warm day when I would see a garden full of vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Since then, I have continued to plan and research in anticipation of the day that I can reap the first fruits of my efforts.
Gardening has been a hobby of mine for many years, and is a great way to get some exercise while creating a magnificent garden for viewing and eating. Seed packets will cost less than $2.50. For about $2, a four pack of most vegetables can be purchased and planted in your garden. Both will yield more than the minimal investment of for the seeds or the starter plants.
To start your garden, you need to know when the last frost normally occurs and in which plant hardiness zone you reside. This is just one of many zonal hardiness maps available online where you can enter your zip code to determine the zone in which you reside, a major factor used to determine what plants will thrive in your location at planthardiness.ars.usda.gov.
As you shop, your local garden centers will carry plants and seeds that are appropriate for your local zone. If you are purchasing seeds and plants online, then knowing your zone is even more important so your purchases will thrive in your zone.
Another important factor is knowing when is the chance of frost has passed. Even if the daytime high temperatures are rising, the nights can be cold, and the damage from frost can devastate your garden. If you plant early, be prepared to either bring plants indoors or cover them to protect their delicate foliage.
To save money, consider starting some seeds indoor in the next few weeks. Saving the plastic four and six-pack containers in which many seedlings are purchased can be used with good potting soil to sow some early plants that will not need much room to start. Look around your house for items to use to start your seeds - egg cartons and single serve yogurt containers are just a few things you may have around the house.
For inside growing, a warm sunny window or grow lighting is needed to assist in the indoor process. Some people prefer to use an outside cold frame greenhouse (created with a few pieces of wood and either an old window or heavy sheet of clear plastic), either starting the seeds in the ground or in small pots allowing them to have the daylight warmth and the evening cool temperatures.
If purchasing your seeds and plants online, select reputable sites. Burpee (www.burpee.com) has been in the business since 1881. Their site offers vegetables, herbs, flowers, and fruits in seeds and plants. Burpee's web site also have a grow calendar at www.burpee.com/gygg/growingCalendarNoZipCode.jsp.
Proven Winners (www.provenwinners) is one of my favorite sites for plants. I have never purchased their plants online, as the local roadside stands and nurseries where I shop sell their products locally. I use this site for their container recipes, which show you how to create planters and hanging baskets for their products.
Another useful site for local growing information and a location to take free or low cost seminars is through the Outreach and Extension in your state. For Pennsylvania, their web site is extension.psu.edu.
A few other things to do in preparation of starting your garden would be to turn the soil while amending it. A short tutorial for checking your soil is at www.ehow.com/how_2193665_amend-soil.html. Crop rotation is also important, as well as knowing what crops grow best together. One site that includes flowers, herbs, and vegetables is www.ghorganics.com/page2.html.
Dreamig of an abundant garden of freshly harvested produce makes me smile! I am eager to get outside and dig my hands into the soil to start my 2014 garden. Take a look at your yard, what are you planning to grow this year?
Next month, I'll have some tips for people with limited space like those in apartments and townhouses who may not be able to plant a traditional garden in the ground.
A few weeks ago, with more than a foot of snow on the ground, I purchased flower and vegetable seeds. It gave me a few moments to smile as I looked at the brightly colored packages and dreamed of the warm day when I would see a garden full of vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Since then, I have continued to plan and research in anticipation of the day that I can reap the first fruits of my efforts.
Gardening has been a hobby of mine for many years, and is a great way to get some exercise while creating a magnificent garden for viewing and eating. Seed packets will cost less than $2.50. For about $2, a four pack of most vegetables can be purchased and planted in your garden. Both will yield more than the minimal investment of for the seeds or the starter plants.
To start your garden, you need to know when the last frost normally occurs and in which plant hardiness zone you reside. This is just one of many zonal hardiness maps available online where you can enter your zip code to determine the zone in which you reside, a major factor used to determine what plants will thrive in your location at planthardiness.ars.usda.gov.
As you shop, your local garden centers will carry plants and seeds that are appropriate for your local zone. If you are purchasing seeds and plants online, then knowing your zone is even more important so your purchases will thrive in your zone.
Another important factor is knowing when is the chance of frost has passed. Even if the daytime high temperatures are rising, the nights can be cold, and the damage from frost can devastate your garden. If you plant early, be prepared to either bring plants indoors or cover them to protect their delicate foliage.
To save money, consider starting some seeds indoor in the next few weeks. Saving the plastic four and six-pack containers in which many seedlings are purchased can be used with good potting soil to sow some early plants that will not need much room to start. Look around your house for items to use to start your seeds - egg cartons and single serve yogurt containers are just a few things you may have around the house.
For inside growing, a warm sunny window or grow lighting is needed to assist in the indoor process. Some people prefer to use an outside cold frame greenhouse (created with a few pieces of wood and either an old window or heavy sheet of clear plastic), either starting the seeds in the ground or in small pots allowing them to have the daylight warmth and the evening cool temperatures.
If purchasing your seeds and plants online, select reputable sites. Burpee (www.burpee.com) has been in the business since 1881. Their site offers vegetables, herbs, flowers, and fruits in seeds and plants. Burpee's web site also have a grow calendar at www.burpee.com/gygg/growingCalendarNoZipCode.jsp.
Another useful site for local growing information and a location to take free or low cost seminars is through the Outreach and Extension in your state. For Pennsylvania, their web site is extension.psu.edu.
A few other things to do in preparation of starting your garden would be to turn the soil while amending it. A short tutorial for checking your soil is at www.ehow.com/how_2193665_amend-soil.html. Crop rotation is also important, as well as knowing what crops grow best together. One site that includes flowers, herbs, and vegetables is www.ghorganics.com/page2.html.
Dreamig of an abundant garden of freshly harvested produce makes me smile! I am eager to get outside and dig my hands into the soil to start my 2014 garden. Take a look at your yard, what are you planning to grow this year?
Next month, I'll have some tips for people with limited space like those in apartments and townhouses who may not be able to plant a traditional garden in the ground.
Saturday, March 1, 2014
What is a Credit Score and Why Is It Important?
A credit score is a mathematical formula taken from the information in your credit report (check out the February blog for additional information). The formula used indicates how likely you are to continue to pay your bills based upon how you have paid your bills in the past. A few of the factors that can affect your score (going up and down) are based upon the number of open accounts you have; how recently you have opened or closed an account; how many times you have paid late on an account.
Each of the three main credit reporting companies have their own scale. If you wish to know your credit score, you will need to pay a fee to obtain your credit score. Their score is different than the score by the most respected and widely used organization. For additional information, go to www.consumerfinance.gov/newsroom/consumer-financial-protection-bureau-report-examines-differences-between-credit-scores-consumers-and-lenders-receive.
A FICO credit score is considered to be the standard in the industry. Founded in 1956 as the Fair, Isaac and Company, they created a system to examine a person's credit history and create a number used by financial services companies. To compose a credit score, payment history (35%), amounts owed (30%), length of credit history (15%), new credit (10%), and types of credit used (10%) are combined. Your credit score is a number based upon a range of different categories:
Excellent Credit: 750+
Good Credit: 700-749
Fair Credit: 650-699
Poor Credit: 600-649
Bad Credit: below 599
Having a low credit score and keep you from securing a place to live, getting a car loan, and even getting a job. Therefore it is important to maintain a good payment history.
There are ways to improve your score. Paying on time, reducing the amount owed, and keeping the accounts open (closing an account will actually reduce your credit) will allow the number to raise over time.
Another reason for a low score can be someone without a credit history such as a recent college graduate. Open a major credit card, charge a small amount each month, and pay it off.
To learn more about credit scores, go to the FICO site at
www.myfico.com/Downloads/Files/myFICO_UYFS_Booklet.pdf.
Each of the three main credit reporting companies have their own scale. If you wish to know your credit score, you will need to pay a fee to obtain your credit score. Their score is different than the score by the most respected and widely used organization. For additional information, go to www.consumerfinance.gov/newsroom/consumer-financial-protection-bureau-report-examines-differences-between-credit-scores-consumers-and-lenders-receive.
A FICO credit score is considered to be the standard in the industry. Founded in 1956 as the Fair, Isaac and Company, they created a system to examine a person's credit history and create a number used by financial services companies. To compose a credit score, payment history (35%), amounts owed (30%), length of credit history (15%), new credit (10%), and types of credit used (10%) are combined. Your credit score is a number based upon a range of different categories:
Excellent Credit: 750+
Good Credit: 700-749
Fair Credit: 650-699
Poor Credit: 600-649
Bad Credit: below 599
Having a low credit score and keep you from securing a place to live, getting a car loan, and even getting a job. Therefore it is important to maintain a good payment history.
There are ways to improve your score. Paying on time, reducing the amount owed, and keeping the accounts open (closing an account will actually reduce your credit) will allow the number to raise over time.
Another reason for a low score can be someone without a credit history such as a recent college graduate. Open a major credit card, charge a small amount each month, and pay it off.
To learn more about credit scores, go to the FICO site at
www.myfico.com/Downloads/Files/myFICO_UYFS_Booklet.pdf.
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Why is Your Credit Report Important?
With the recent breach at major retailers around the holiday, not only checking you bank statement and monthly credit card statement are important, but so is your credit report.
If you are turned down for a loan or a credit card due to a bad credit history, you can obtain a copy of your credit report to see why. The company who denies your credit should convey which reporting agency they used for obtaining your credit report. But being proactive and obtaining your three reports annually will keep being denied credit from happening.
There are many television commercials and web sites that claim to offer you access to these credit reports. Before ordering, make sure you do not have to pay anything, as most offer a "free" trial period that will quickly expire and then require a monthly credit card fee to monitor your credit history. By reading the fine print if signing up on a website or with a credit monitoring website, you will know if there are fees to access your credit report and how often you can access it.
In December 2003, the FAST Act (Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act) was passed by Congress, allowing you to annually obtain through one convenient source, a free copy of your credit file from the three major credit reporting agencies. Your TransUnion®, Experian®, and Equifax® reports are available through one place once every 12 months.
Look for the legitimate website at www.AnnualCreditReport.com. If you do not feel comfortable ordering online, there are two other options for obtaining your free credit reports. By telephone at 877-FACTACT or by writing to request a form from Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.
All three options will require you to give your name, address, Social Security Number, and birth date. You will also be required to provide additional information that verifies the agency is communicating with you, and not someone attempting to imitate you. To prove your identity, you will be required to prove a bill such as your monthly mortgage payment amount or another major reoccurring bill.
Some of the reasons why you should obtain copies for all three companies.
1. To stay on top of your credit history, obtaining more than one report is necessary. Different companies report your transactions to the different agencies. When you apply for credit (borrowing money to purchase a car or home, or opening a credit card, and even applying for a job) the company may only check one of these three sources. That's why checking all three is so important.
2. When you are delinquent account is caught up or an account is paid off, it may not be reported the each of the agencies in a timely fashion, allowing it to remain on your report. If you find anything that is inaccurate on your credit report, you can file an appeal with the agency. They must investigate with the company in question and update your report based upon their findings.
For additional information about your credit report, check out this government website: http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0155-free-credit-reports.
Next month, you can learn more about the importance of your credit score.
If you are turned down for a loan or a credit card due to a bad credit history, you can obtain a copy of your credit report to see why. The company who denies your credit should convey which reporting agency they used for obtaining your credit report. But being proactive and obtaining your three reports annually will keep being denied credit from happening.
There are many television commercials and web sites that claim to offer you access to these credit reports. Before ordering, make sure you do not have to pay anything, as most offer a "free" trial period that will quickly expire and then require a monthly credit card fee to monitor your credit history. By reading the fine print if signing up on a website or with a credit monitoring website, you will know if there are fees to access your credit report and how often you can access it.
In December 2003, the FAST Act (Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act) was passed by Congress, allowing you to annually obtain through one convenient source, a free copy of your credit file from the three major credit reporting agencies. Your TransUnion®, Experian®, and Equifax® reports are available through one place once every 12 months.
Look for the legitimate website at www.AnnualCreditReport.com. If you do not feel comfortable ordering online, there are two other options for obtaining your free credit reports. By telephone at 877-FACTACT or by writing to request a form from Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.
All three options will require you to give your name, address, Social Security Number, and birth date. You will also be required to provide additional information that verifies the agency is communicating with you, and not someone attempting to imitate you. To prove your identity, you will be required to prove a bill such as your monthly mortgage payment amount or another major reoccurring bill.
Some of the reasons why you should obtain copies for all three companies.
1. To stay on top of your credit history, obtaining more than one report is necessary. Different companies report your transactions to the different agencies. When you apply for credit (borrowing money to purchase a car or home, or opening a credit card, and even applying for a job) the company may only check one of these three sources. That's why checking all three is so important.
2. When you are delinquent account is caught up or an account is paid off, it may not be reported the each of the agencies in a timely fashion, allowing it to remain on your report. If you find anything that is inaccurate on your credit report, you can file an appeal with the agency. They must investigate with the company in question and update your report based upon their findings.
For additional information about your credit report, check out this government website: http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0155-free-credit-reports.
Next month, you can learn more about the importance of your credit score.
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Paying the Bill - Now or Later
Now that the Christmas and other winter holidays have passed, take time to double check your bank and credit card statements. In December, one major retailer had a breech of records and many people found items charged against their credit card or money drained from their bank account.
Constant monitoring of your accounts (online and in paper format) is a safest way to stay on top of potential problems anytime, especially after making major purchases, being on vacation, or holiday shopping.
Here are a few hints for before and after you shop:
1. Following a budget is paramount when shopping. Know who you are shopping for and what you are looking for. Check store ads and web sites for prices.
2. Many people prefer to use cash. It can be a good option, and it can be a bad option. Cash can be stolen and will not be replaced while a credit card or writing a check can offer a safety net.
3. Know who is authorized to make purchases on the account and know where the card is stored. One of the safest places for an unused credit card to be stored is in a safety deposit box.
4. Keep all receipts to verify against your account. Store them in a simple white envelope until you can justify your monthly statement.
5. Know the timing for when fraudulent charges can be contested against your account. The sooner you catch something questionable, the sooner the thief loses access to your account.
6. View your credit report annually (more of this topic next month).
Now is the time to start planning for next year's vacation or holiday shopping. Set up a "club" account for your vacation or next year's Christmas. If your bank does not offer this type of bank accounts, open an account at a different bank and do not chose the option of access with a debit/credit card. This will make the account accessible only when you physically go to the bank to deposit and withdrawal funds. Make normal deposits into the account through payroll deductions or when extra money is available (birthday, tax refund, etc.).
Having these funds will make the bills easier to "swallow" when the occur. Then you can enjoy spending this money and not feel the crunch of credit card bills after the event.
Constant monitoring of your accounts (online and in paper format) is a safest way to stay on top of potential problems anytime, especially after making major purchases, being on vacation, or holiday shopping.
Here are a few hints for before and after you shop:
1. Following a budget is paramount when shopping. Know who you are shopping for and what you are looking for. Check store ads and web sites for prices.
2. Many people prefer to use cash. It can be a good option, and it can be a bad option. Cash can be stolen and will not be replaced while a credit card or writing a check can offer a safety net.
3. Know who is authorized to make purchases on the account and know where the card is stored. One of the safest places for an unused credit card to be stored is in a safety deposit box.
4. Keep all receipts to verify against your account. Store them in a simple white envelope until you can justify your monthly statement.
5. Know the timing for when fraudulent charges can be contested against your account. The sooner you catch something questionable, the sooner the thief loses access to your account.
6. View your credit report annually (more of this topic next month).
Now is the time to start planning for next year's vacation or holiday shopping. Set up a "club" account for your vacation or next year's Christmas. If your bank does not offer this type of bank accounts, open an account at a different bank and do not chose the option of access with a debit/credit card. This will make the account accessible only when you physically go to the bank to deposit and withdrawal funds. Make normal deposits into the account through payroll deductions or when extra money is available (birthday, tax refund, etc.).
Having these funds will make the bills easier to "swallow" when the occur. Then you can enjoy spending this money and not feel the crunch of credit card bills after the event.
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Planning Ahead
When I began writing this blog, I never thought I would write an entry like this one. Many of us are in the "sandwich generation," still raising our own children while caring for aging parents.
The last nine months have been hair raising for me, learning about major life decisions and senior advocacy. Although this is a different topic, please continue to read, as planning for your own future when you are a senior citizen or through a tragic event such as an auto accident when you need extended care can change your life without warning.
Look at your current situation. Do you have life insurance, retirement funds, a will, and plans for your life end? Have you asked your parents about these topics? If not, planning for your future and theirs is very important. Although this blog entry may not save you money now, it can save you and your loved ones money and stress in the future.
We all hope that we will remain healthy and live a long life. Illness and sudden injuries can suddenly change these plans, some leaving a family to cope with a tragic illness or even death and they not know about the wishes of their loved one.
One of the first decisions that needs to be addressed is a will. Do you have a will? If you do, when was it last reviewed? A will permits your loved ones to how you want your estate to be distributed and if you have children who should care for them. Not having a will leaves these decisions to the state.
Another major item to consider is life insurance. As you experience life changes (marriage, children, retirement, etc.), you may require more or less insurance. Term policies are in effective for a set number of years at a set premium. After the end of the term, the policy can remain in effective, with a large increase in the premium. Other policies like whole live and universal life can build a cash value while still providing protection.
Another form of insurance is long term care. When someone needs extended care after surgery or an illness, they can require extended medical care. All nursing homes and rehabilitation centers are not created equally. Having long term care insurance and advanced directives can assist your family in these tough times. To learn more, check out www.pahealthoptions.com/docs/LongTermCare.pdf.
Start by planning now before you or a loved one needs special care. If time permits, go to the facility to check it out yourself and speak with others who have a recent experience. Go to Medicare.gov to look for information on hospital, nursing home, and rehabilitation centers. It can be shocking to see how local facilities are ranked.
Talking to loved ones about the end of your life is not a comfortable topic. Let them know if you have a living will (and giving it to your physicians) or are listed as an organ donor on your driver's license allows the decisions you have made to be known. In a time of an emergency, these difficult decisions may be left to your family.
Have you purchased a cemetery plot or preplanned your funeral? Some of these decisions can be made now, saving your family money and the necessity to plan while they are grieving.
Finally, let family members know which attorney holds your will, the names of your financial planner and insurance agent, and any other necessary decisions on what type of care or final plans you want if you suddenly become ill or before you cannot speak for yourself.
The last nine months have been hair raising for me, learning about major life decisions and senior advocacy. Although this is a different topic, please continue to read, as planning for your own future when you are a senior citizen or through a tragic event such as an auto accident when you need extended care can change your life without warning.
Look at your current situation. Do you have life insurance, retirement funds, a will, and plans for your life end? Have you asked your parents about these topics? If not, planning for your future and theirs is very important. Although this blog entry may not save you money now, it can save you and your loved ones money and stress in the future.
We all hope that we will remain healthy and live a long life. Illness and sudden injuries can suddenly change these plans, some leaving a family to cope with a tragic illness or even death and they not know about the wishes of their loved one.
One of the first decisions that needs to be addressed is a will. Do you have a will? If you do, when was it last reviewed? A will permits your loved ones to how you want your estate to be distributed and if you have children who should care for them. Not having a will leaves these decisions to the state.
Another major item to consider is life insurance. As you experience life changes (marriage, children, retirement, etc.), you may require more or less insurance. Term policies are in effective for a set number of years at a set premium. After the end of the term, the policy can remain in effective, with a large increase in the premium. Other policies like whole live and universal life can build a cash value while still providing protection.
Another form of insurance is long term care. When someone needs extended care after surgery or an illness, they can require extended medical care. All nursing homes and rehabilitation centers are not created equally. Having long term care insurance and advanced directives can assist your family in these tough times. To learn more, check out www.pahealthoptions.com/docs/LongTermCare.pdf.
Start by planning now before you or a loved one needs special care. If time permits, go to the facility to check it out yourself and speak with others who have a recent experience. Go to Medicare.gov to look for information on hospital, nursing home, and rehabilitation centers. It can be shocking to see how local facilities are ranked.
Talking to loved ones about the end of your life is not a comfortable topic. Let them know if you have a living will (and giving it to your physicians) or are listed as an organ donor on your driver's license allows the decisions you have made to be known. In a time of an emergency, these difficult decisions may be left to your family.
Have you purchased a cemetery plot or preplanned your funeral? Some of these decisions can be made now, saving your family money and the necessity to plan while they are grieving.
Finally, let family members know which attorney holds your will, the names of your financial planner and insurance agent, and any other necessary decisions on what type of care or final plans you want if you suddenly become ill or before you cannot speak for yourself.
Friday, November 1, 2013
Discounts
We all enjoy keeping money in our own pocket. Recently, I learned more about asking for discounts while renewing our cell phone contract. Our company gives a discount if the main account holder is a current and former military member. Then we learned that my husband's employer is on the list of employers who also receive a discount. His employer's discount is at a higher percentage than the military discount, so we applied for that discount and received it.
When shopping, ask what discounts may apply. For most, you will need proof in the form of a membership or ID card; your driver's license; or for others, there may be paperwork to complete.
Discounts come in many forms, including military, employer, based upon your age (including AARP membership), and fraternal or other groups.
To prove a military discount, either a military ID or a DD214 form will be required.
A list of discounts is available at:
http://frugalliving.about.com/od/bargainshopping/a/Military-Discount-Directory.htm In Lancaster County, PA the Recorder of Deeds Office offers a discount card called Thank a Vet, with more than 100 local businesses offering a discount. Check out their web site for additional information on how to obtain a card at http://www.lancasterdeeds.com/vet_discount_program/.
From my background in education, I know that some businesses give a discount to teachers. Many times it is for benefit of their career. If you belong to a union or a professional organization for your career, check their web site or ask your group's president about their knowledge of discounts. Your work ID may be an acceptable proof to receive a discount.
Someone considered a senior, which can be range in age may receive a discount due to their age at a wide variety of businesses. Although the age can vary from 50 to 55, to 60 to 62 to 65. Proof is easily given with your drivers license. Anyone over the age of 50 can join AARP for a small annual fee. Discounts for age people age 50 and older can be found at:
www.seniordiscounts.com and http://frugalliving.about.com/od/frugalseniors/a/Senior_Discount.htm
If a discount is given to a fraternal or other group, a current membership card would be proof of membership. Check with the group, as they may be able to direct you to locations that will accept your membership card.
Spend time searching a company's web site or call their toll-free phone number to research discount programs. Just searching the word "discount" may not locate the information. Try discount program, discount eligibility, or other similar terms when searching. You may also want to call their toll free number to ask if a discount is offered or where to locate it on their web site.
Vacation locations may offer discounts to draw tourists to their stores and restaurants. When planning a vacation, check with the tourism web sites. You may need to pick up a discount card at their welcome center location.
Some general rules of thumb regarding discounts:
When shopping, ask what discounts may apply. For most, you will need proof in the form of a membership or ID card; your driver's license; or for others, there may be paperwork to complete.
Discounts come in many forms, including military, employer, based upon your age (including AARP membership), and fraternal or other groups.
To prove a military discount, either a military ID or a DD214 form will be required.
A list of discounts is available at:
http://frugalliving.about.com/od/bargainshopping/a/Military-Discount-Directory.htm In Lancaster County, PA the Recorder of Deeds Office offers a discount card called Thank a Vet, with more than 100 local businesses offering a discount. Check out their web site for additional information on how to obtain a card at http://www.lancasterdeeds.com/vet_discount_program/.
From my background in education, I know that some businesses give a discount to teachers. Many times it is for benefit of their career. If you belong to a union or a professional organization for your career, check their web site or ask your group's president about their knowledge of discounts. Your work ID may be an acceptable proof to receive a discount.
Someone considered a senior, which can be range in age may receive a discount due to their age at a wide variety of businesses. Although the age can vary from 50 to 55, to 60 to 62 to 65. Proof is easily given with your drivers license. Anyone over the age of 50 can join AARP for a small annual fee. Discounts for age people age 50 and older can be found at:
www.seniordiscounts.com and http://frugalliving.about.com/od/frugalseniors/a/Senior_Discount.htm
If a discount is given to a fraternal or other group, a current membership card would be proof of membership. Check with the group, as they may be able to direct you to locations that will accept your membership card.
Spend time searching a company's web site or call their toll-free phone number to research discount programs. Just searching the word "discount" may not locate the information. Try discount program, discount eligibility, or other similar terms when searching. You may also want to call their toll free number to ask if a discount is offered or where to locate it on their web site.
Vacation locations may offer discounts to draw tourists to their stores and restaurants. When planning a vacation, check with the tourism web sites. You may need to pick up a discount card at their welcome center location.
Some general rules of thumb regarding discounts:
- Most discounts aren't publicized - you need to ask.
- A valid ID is usually required. Most discounts only apply if you have a card that proves you are a member, including a Military ID or AARP card.
- A discount may vary by location. Some franchises leave discounts at the discretion of the owner or manager.
- A discount may not be the best bargain. You may be able to find better deals by shopping around (airlines, hotels, and travel are good examples of times when shopping around may lead to bigger savings). It's worth spending the research time if it is a major purchase.
- When booking a hotel or rental car, the discount may need to be applied in advance. Remember to ask or if booking online to look for a field to enter information.
- Discounts are a blessing, not a right. Discounts are offered out of kindness and respect. Thank the sales person who gave you the discount. Let them know you appreciate it.
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Selling from you Garage, Porch, or Yard
Hosting a yard, porch, or garage type sale can be very daunting due to all that is involved. With some good thought, it doesn't have to be daunting if you start early and get other family members or friends involved. If you want to make money, you will need to spend a little money to do so. It takes an organized person, willing to spend some time to plan, advertise, organize, and lay out the merchandise.
1. Plan
1. Plan
- Know the restrictions placed upon sales by your municipality and homeowners association. Some allow sales during certain time periods or may limit the number of sales. Do you need a permit to host your sale?
- When in the year will you host your sale? Depending upon where you reside in the country, think about normal weather conditions. Look at your families schedule for conflicts like sports, jobs, or other activities keep you busy and unavailable to host a sale. If there is a major event in your town, more people will be in your neighborhood.
- Involve neighbors or friends in the sale. Larger sales can bring in more shoppers.
- If your residence is not an appropriate place to host a sale (i.e. on a hill), is there a local organization hosting a sale where you can rent space?
- Gather supplies you will need to advertise and set up the sale.
- Determine the date(s) and time period for the sale.
- Just before the sale, go to the bank and have ample money available - $100 in smaller bills and coins.
- Traditionally people search their local newspapers. Look into the requirements a few weeks in advance and look at other people's ads for ideas. Create your ad and following time deadlines for submission.
- Purchase bright colored poster board and a black Sharpie marker to make signs. You want people driving by to be able to read your sign. Make the lettering large and simple. Each sign should include an arrow, date and time. Place them at key intersections near your home on the Monday before your sale, unless there are restrictions set by your municipality or homeowners association.
- Print fliers to place at local stores on their bulletin boards.
- Consider posting your sale on the Internet. Look at sites for other sales in your area. Again, look at their requirements as to the size of the ad and number of photos you may post. Some popular sites include:
- Craigslist.com
- yardsalesearch.com
- yardsales.net
- yardsales.com
- garagesaletracker.com
- yardsaletreasuremap.com
- garagesales.com
- garagesalehunter.com
- yardsalequeen.com
- As a common courtesy, take down all signs after the sale.
- Designate a location for gathering sale items - have boxes or shelves available to start sorting.
- Taking one room at a time, look around your home and decide what items are not being used, are outgrown, or no longer needed by you and your family.
- Make sure the item is clean, all pieces are there (use a plastic bag to gather small pieces), and if damaged make note of it.
- When you transfer items to your temporary storage location, place similar items together after pricing them. Be careful when placing tags on items that they will not damage the surface.
- If other people are sharing your site, place your initials on your price tags.
- Expect people to ask for a lower price. If your price is firm (not willing to go lower), note that on the price tag.
- Think of your sale as a store, what would help draw people into your sale?
- Place like items together such as kitchen items; clothing arranged by gender and size; furniture; etc.
- Overcrowded displays are not appealing. Because your sale is competing with others, people will spend time looking through boxes or piles of items.
- Electrical items should be placed near the building with an electrical cord available for testing.
- Keep the money with you. Most people are trustworthy, however some are not. If you are distracted by showing someone an item, your money box could be left unattended.
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Where to Find a Hidden Gem or Junk at 7 a.m.
For centuries, people have bargained and traded items.
It was how they survived when money did not exist in some cultures.
Today, people still trade items, but normally they buy and sell them for
cash (paper and coin) or credit.
There is little recorded history of how and when people began hosting sales at their homes known as yard sales. Another name for them comes from the word romage which is a nautical term for how cargo was packed into a ship, and how the captain would sell unclaimed items on the docks. From the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a rummage sale is “an unusual informal sale of miscellaneous goods.” As the saying goes, one man's junk is another man's treasure and these sales abound with treasures.
Yard or rummage sales can go by many other names including garage sale, porch sale, tag sale, lawn sale, attic sale, moving sale, thrift sale, junk sale, estate sale, bazaar, and flea market. They are a way for the seller to make money while finding a way to dispose of unwanted or unused items. Some of these events are run by individuals while others are run by an organization to raise money for a cause. The reasons why someone shops at yard sales is as varied as the items you can find at them.
These sales can be a wonderful resource for furnishing your first apartment, looking to replace a missing or broken item, or to find an unusual treasure. Some sales are organized and items labeled with a sale price, while others are disorganized and items have not been priced. You never know what you might find.
Learning how to locate sales has changed in recent years. Other than the local newspaper, bulletin boards at local stores, or driving around town to find signs, the advertising of these sales is now available on the Internet. Searching these websites has varying results. On some you may not find any listed for your area, and on other websites results appear. It all depends upon how the people hosting the sale advertise. Some web sites are:
There is little recorded history of how and when people began hosting sales at their homes known as yard sales. Another name for them comes from the word romage which is a nautical term for how cargo was packed into a ship, and how the captain would sell unclaimed items on the docks. From the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a rummage sale is “an unusual informal sale of miscellaneous goods.” As the saying goes, one man's junk is another man's treasure and these sales abound with treasures.
Yard or rummage sales can go by many other names including garage sale, porch sale, tag sale, lawn sale, attic sale, moving sale, thrift sale, junk sale, estate sale, bazaar, and flea market. They are a way for the seller to make money while finding a way to dispose of unwanted or unused items. Some of these events are run by individuals while others are run by an organization to raise money for a cause. The reasons why someone shops at yard sales is as varied as the items you can find at them.
These sales can be a wonderful resource for furnishing your first apartment, looking to replace a missing or broken item, or to find an unusual treasure. Some sales are organized and items labeled with a sale price, while others are disorganized and items have not been priced. You never know what you might find.
Learning how to locate sales has changed in recent years. Other than the local newspaper, bulletin boards at local stores, or driving around town to find signs, the advertising of these sales is now available on the Internet. Searching these websites has varying results. On some you may not find any listed for your area, and on other websites results appear. It all depends upon how the people hosting the sale advertise. Some web sites are:
Craigslist.com
yardsalesearch.com
yardsales.net
yardsales.com
garagesaletracker.com
yardsaletreasuremap.com
garagesales.com
garagesalehunter.com
yardsalequeen.com
Here are some tips for taking on the adventure:
1. When attending these sales, use the same
common courtesy that you would want to receive if you were the person having
the sale. Read their ad thoroughly to note what is available and the
date(s) and time of the sale, including special instructions such as no
early birds.
2. When going to a sale, dress for the weather,
wearing layers of clothing in cooler climates and good walking shoes (morning
grass can be dewy). Have a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen available
even in the off season you can get a sunburn.
3. In advance, go to the bank to obtain
change for the money you withdrawal. Paying for a $1.25 purchase with a
$20 bill may break their money box.
4. Have a focus on what items you are searching
for, even if it’s not written down. Know the size or measurements,
color, etc. for what you are seeking. Use your cell phone
camera to photograph something you are trying to match while searching can
help. Take a tape measure with you for measuring items at a sale.
5. Plan your route in advance, knowing
which sale is the most important and where it is located. Then drive to
another sale that is nearby. Some weekends you may strike out with few
sales and on other weekends you may have to limit the number of sales you
attend.
6. Have a shopping buddy, a friend or
family member to tag along. They can navigate your route, help carry
items, and keep you grounded. Have refreshments available in the car
for staying hydrated and nourished. To clean your hands after
touching yucky items, bring along a bottle of hand sanitizer or wet
wipes. Keep supplies available including plastic bags, newspaper, rope,
and a box to hold your purchases safely inside your vehicle.
7. What are you willing to pay? Know the
worth of items. Know that the cost would be if the item was new, if
it is an antique, or a limited edition item. Unless the item has the
work "Firm" on the sticker, be willing to make a reasonable offer.
8. Unlike a store that has a return policy,
these types of sales are final. Check items carefully before
purchasing. Check for condition – stains, tears, chips, rust, etc.
Does the item come in the original box, if so open it to make sure it is
the item shown on the box and to see if it includes the owner's manual, and have
all of the pieces?
9. If purchasing electronic items, ask
to plug in the item to see if it turns on.
10. There normally isn't a place to try on
clothing, but that does not have to stop you from purchasing
clothing. Clothing can shrink when washed, so do not rely on the
size on the label. Look at the condition searching for fading, worn
spots, stains, tears, missing buttons, and working zippers.
11. Pick up and carry items you are considering
purchasing. You can always put it down if you decide against the
purchase, but by not picking it up, someone else may select it.
12. Items at these sales may be under a recall.
This is of particular interest to those purchasing baby items like a car
seat. If you have a smart phone, check out the Consumer Product Safety
Commission web site while at the sale or call them during the week at
1-800-638-2772.
13. If you purchase a large item like a sofa or a chest
of drawers, and do not have a truck with you to transport it immediately, ask
for a receipt when paying and take a part of the item with you like a cushion
or a drawer. Most sellers are reputable, but by not doing so they could
sell your item to another shopper.
Who knows what treasurers you may uncover while shopping in
someone else's garage!
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Thrifty Shopping for Non-Clothing Items
Many thrift stores and consignment shops offer more than clothing and accessories including shoes, belts, and purses. Under their roof you may find furniture, Christmas decorations, books, luggage, and so much more.
To live thrifty and obtain items, when you are shopping is this item something you need or want? There is a difference, and knowing this difference can help you live a wonderful economical life. To be financially savvy, it is important to understand the difference. A need is an essential purchase, and a want is a discretionary purchase. We tend to get confused about the two. Often what we think that a need is a want. Those working in advertising tend to help us by confusing us, letting us think we need something that is actually a want.
Part of how we understand needs and wants comes from how we are raised and how the advertising industry displays things in front of our eyes.
One way to explain it is to look at something we have can understand. If you have ever been outside in 90 degree weather for 15 minutes and feel parched because you have not stopped to hydrate, you can say "I am thirsty." That is a need, as our bodies require a certain amount of liquid refreshment to be hydrated. What you chose to drink is the want. If you chose a soda over water, you have chosen what to drink.
Likewise, the choice of how to spend our budget can be dramatically effected by our wants and needs. That is where shopping at a consignment and thrift stores can save money. Last month's blog was about purchasing clothing at these stores.
Both consignment shops and thrift stores may sell glassware, dishes, curtains, small appliances, books, baby merchandise, sporting equipment, collectibles, and furniture. Being a smart shopper involves knowing that what you are buying may not be a bargain because the item is may be overpriced or damaged. Here are some tips for purchasing non-clothing items:
1. Inspection - always examine the item for the condition. Look for brakes, stains, and defects.
2. Repurpose - can you take an item and with a new coat of paint turn it into something else.
3. Condition - check electrical items, ask to plug them in and make sure they work. Does the store allow you to view DVDs or listen to CDs? The outward appearance may be fine, but what is on the inside is unknown.
4. Price - is it a bargain? Knowing the regular retail will help you determine if it is a bargain. Many times thrift stores offer items at specific prices that are a set intervals.
5. Budget - are the items in your stash within your cash flow? Setting a budget and having a list is important to not overspend.
6. Real or knock off - know what to look for in the logo for your favorite brand.
7. Price - look for an original tag or price sticker. If you have immediate access to the Internet on your cellphone, take a minute to look up the item for the retail price and possibly reviews.
8. Before approaching the cash register, take a moment to review your treasures. Are they impulse purchases? Impulse buying is something to always consider in the grand scheme of things. Is it something you can live without?
9. Before finalizing your purchase, understand the store's return and exchange policy.
While shopping you may find a match to something to replace like a broken plate, a memory from your childhood, or a real deal, something that is not priced correctly. Take time and enjoy your adventure.
Next month tips for finding treasures at yard and garage sales.
To live thrifty and obtain items, when you are shopping is this item something you need or want? There is a difference, and knowing this difference can help you live a wonderful economical life. To be financially savvy, it is important to understand the difference. A need is an essential purchase, and a want is a discretionary purchase. We tend to get confused about the two. Often what we think that a need is a want. Those working in advertising tend to help us by confusing us, letting us think we need something that is actually a want.
Part of how we understand needs and wants comes from how we are raised and how the advertising industry displays things in front of our eyes.
One way to explain it is to look at something we have can understand. If you have ever been outside in 90 degree weather for 15 minutes and feel parched because you have not stopped to hydrate, you can say "I am thirsty." That is a need, as our bodies require a certain amount of liquid refreshment to be hydrated. What you chose to drink is the want. If you chose a soda over water, you have chosen what to drink.
Likewise, the choice of how to spend our budget can be dramatically effected by our wants and needs. That is where shopping at a consignment and thrift stores can save money. Last month's blog was about purchasing clothing at these stores.
Both consignment shops and thrift stores may sell glassware, dishes, curtains, small appliances, books, baby merchandise, sporting equipment, collectibles, and furniture. Being a smart shopper involves knowing that what you are buying may not be a bargain because the item is may be overpriced or damaged. Here are some tips for purchasing non-clothing items:
1. Inspection - always examine the item for the condition. Look for brakes, stains, and defects.
2. Repurpose - can you take an item and with a new coat of paint turn it into something else.
3. Condition - check electrical items, ask to plug them in and make sure they work. Does the store allow you to view DVDs or listen to CDs? The outward appearance may be fine, but what is on the inside is unknown.
4. Price - is it a bargain? Knowing the regular retail will help you determine if it is a bargain. Many times thrift stores offer items at specific prices that are a set intervals.
5. Budget - are the items in your stash within your cash flow? Setting a budget and having a list is important to not overspend.
6. Real or knock off - know what to look for in the logo for your favorite brand.
7. Price - look for an original tag or price sticker. If you have immediate access to the Internet on your cellphone, take a minute to look up the item for the retail price and possibly reviews.
8. Before approaching the cash register, take a moment to review your treasures. Are they impulse purchases? Impulse buying is something to always consider in the grand scheme of things. Is it something you can live without?
9. Before finalizing your purchase, understand the store's return and exchange policy.
While shopping you may find a match to something to replace like a broken plate, a memory from your childhood, or a real deal, something that is not priced correctly. Take time and enjoy your adventure.
Next month tips for finding treasures at yard and garage sales.
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Thrity Shoppers, Buying Second Hand Clothing
Saving money, but adding items to your wardrobe that may be slightly used or even new is possible due to consignment and thrift shops.
The word consignment comes from the French word consigner - to hand over or transmit. This type of a store allows someone to place items they no longer want with a shop to be sold. Although both consignment and thrift shops carry second hand merchandise, a thrift shop differs in the way it acquires their merchandise. The items are donated by the owner to the thrift store who becomes the new owner and most of these shops are operated to benefit a charity.
The following chart can help explain the differences between the thrift shop and a consignment store.
Consignment Thrift
Merchandise Ownership maintained by Ownership transferred to thrift shop
owner of item, store agrees to through the donation of merchandise
sell the item - fee included
in sale price
Condition Top quality name brands items Varies - some items may be very worn
in excellent condition, may while others may be new with tags on
specialize in one portion of the them
market like children's clothing
Prices Higher due to quality of items Items generally sell for a few dollar,
and includes a fee for the shop name brand or new items sell for
in the sale price $5-10 or even more
Tax Incentive None Can request a receipt for the donation
One of the things that can be seen as both a benefit to both is the turnover in the stock. You never know what you might find in these shops.
1. Before your visit, know your focus. If you know you are looking for summer dress blouses, then focus on the colors that would be good to add to your wardrobe. Set a budget so you do not go over your limit and come home with items you do not need.
2. On your first visit to a new shop, take a few minutes to look around the store to get the "lay of the land." This will help you see what merchandise they offer and know where your focus is today. It will also allow you to decide if it is a place you could come to again on a future shopping trip for other items. Look at the way items are displayed. Is it clutter-free with good lighting and wide aisles? Do they supply a shopping cart or a basket? Where are the dressing rooms and how many items may you take into the area at a time?
3. Stop by the customer service desk and ask for the store policies for acceptable forms of payment, return policy, shoppers loyalty card, and how often they restock their merchandise.
4. Locate the focus of your trip - the category of clothing you need to add to your wardrobe. Some stores may divided the clothing into sizes or display them by their color. Browse the racks and select items you may wish to add to your wardrobe. Some manufacturers styles are smaller, while others are cut larger. Look at items in the sizes close to your size, do a quick visual inspection for the possibility that they may fit.
5. After you spend time searching the racks, and made you selections, try on the clothing. Look at yourself in the mirror for the fit. Next inspect each piece for torn seams, missing buttons, and stains.
6. Review your budget with the items you have chosen and proceed to the check out with your final selections.
Part of the allure of shopping in consignment and thrift stores is in the treasurers that can be found far and wide. These shops also offer many other wonderful items and next month's blog will focus on some of the other treasures they can offer.
The word consignment comes from the French word consigner - to hand over or transmit. This type of a store allows someone to place items they no longer want with a shop to be sold. Although both consignment and thrift shops carry second hand merchandise, a thrift shop differs in the way it acquires their merchandise. The items are donated by the owner to the thrift store who becomes the new owner and most of these shops are operated to benefit a charity.
The following chart can help explain the differences between the thrift shop and a consignment store.
Consignment Thrift
Merchandise Ownership maintained by Ownership transferred to thrift shop
owner of item, store agrees to through the donation of merchandise
sell the item - fee included
in sale price
Condition Top quality name brands items Varies - some items may be very worn
in excellent condition, may while others may be new with tags on
specialize in one portion of the them
market like children's clothing
Prices Higher due to quality of items Items generally sell for a few dollar,
and includes a fee for the shop name brand or new items sell for
in the sale price $5-10 or even more
Tax Incentive None Can request a receipt for the donation
One of the things that can be seen as both a benefit to both is the turnover in the stock. You never know what you might find in these shops.
1. Before your visit, know your focus. If you know you are looking for summer dress blouses, then focus on the colors that would be good to add to your wardrobe. Set a budget so you do not go over your limit and come home with items you do not need.
2. On your first visit to a new shop, take a few minutes to look around the store to get the "lay of the land." This will help you see what merchandise they offer and know where your focus is today. It will also allow you to decide if it is a place you could come to again on a future shopping trip for other items. Look at the way items are displayed. Is it clutter-free with good lighting and wide aisles? Do they supply a shopping cart or a basket? Where are the dressing rooms and how many items may you take into the area at a time?
3. Stop by the customer service desk and ask for the store policies for acceptable forms of payment, return policy, shoppers loyalty card, and how often they restock their merchandise.
4. Locate the focus of your trip - the category of clothing you need to add to your wardrobe. Some stores may divided the clothing into sizes or display them by their color. Browse the racks and select items you may wish to add to your wardrobe. Some manufacturers styles are smaller, while others are cut larger. Look at items in the sizes close to your size, do a quick visual inspection for the possibility that they may fit.
5. After you spend time searching the racks, and made you selections, try on the clothing. Look at yourself in the mirror for the fit. Next inspect each piece for torn seams, missing buttons, and stains.
6. Review your budget with the items you have chosen and proceed to the check out with your final selections.
Part of the allure of shopping in consignment and thrift stores is in the treasurers that can be found far and wide. These shops also offer many other wonderful items and next month's blog will focus on some of the other treasures they can offer.
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Giving Your Wardrobe Personality
What is in style in clothing this year may be out of style next year. Watching the fashion runways show us many styles that are outlandish and impractical for the average person to wear and afford. Continue to build upon your basic wardrobe by now adding unique pieces that match your personality and are within your budget.
Last month's blog featured tips for reviewing your current wardrobe to build a basic wardrobe with some basic pieces for both men and women. This wardrobe may sound bland with basic pieces in the colors of black, brown, navy, grey, and tan. If patterns were chosen, they were simple, like a pinstripe. Now is the opportunity to add more color and pizazz to your wardrobe, allowing you to show others your own signature look.
First and foremost, have a game plan when you go shopping. Know what you are looking for - what needs to be added to your wardrobe the most. Factors to consider are the season, the type of clothing you need for your professional wardrobe, your age, and the field in which you work. You may decide to limit your shopping spree to a certain part of your wardrobe such as shirts to wear for work.
Before walking into a store, take time to check out their sale ads both from the newspaper and online. Buy on sale whenever possible. After Christmas or season’s end sales are best. But don't buy something just because it is on sale or is a great deal. It should be something you want to wear and coordinates with your style. Also, if you find something on sale that may not have a perfect fit, don't be shy about considering buying it and having it tailored. Buy comfortable clothes that make you feel confident and fit your style.
However, flexibility may be needed if you find an unexpected sale or end up at a store you did not plan on visiting. Unless you are shopping for a something like a dress to wear to a wedding, you may find something that you can use within your budget limits.
Whenever you shop, look for clothes that are constructed well and need limited care. Remember that dry cleaning bills can add up quickly for those dreaded "Dry Clean Only" items.
If you find a brand you like, consider purchasing more items in their line. Many times, the material used is the same and you can mix and match pieces from something like a suit giving you additional options in your wardrobe.
Your body type can play a role in the style of what you should wear. Many people do not find it easy to stand and stare at themselves in the mirror, but doing so can identify what your shape is and allow you to more forward in your clothing choices. Look at the fit of the garment on your body. Here is just one site with more information on body types. www.wikihow.com/Dress-for-Your-Body-Type
Also consider the pattern and the length. If you are tall, a larger and bolder print is normally a good choice. However, vertical stripes will make you look taller than you already are, so avoid them. The opposite goes for someone who is shorter with vertical stripes, but stick to a smaller pattern. If you are short, wearing something very long may drown you. Likewise, if you are tall, do not wear lengths that are too short.
Shopping is not for everyone. Go into it with a good attitude and consider rewarding yourself afterwards. When you go shopping, wear clothing and shoes that are easy to get in and out of. If you are trying to find something to match a particular piece is clothing, wear it or bring it along.
Plan to take time trying on the clothes. Not every company makes their clothing the same. If you wear a particular size in one brand, you may wear a larger or smaller size in another brand. Also, as items are made, the manufacturer may cut them differently to make quotas from a bolt of material. A good quality item would be constructed with the pattern matching at the seams.
When you pick items to try on, be prepared to try it in different sizes for the fit. Look at yourself in the mirror, turning to see yourself from all angles. If you have a trusted family member or friend, so shopping together for that second opinion.
Go outside your comfort zone and try on different styles and colors. You may be surprised to find a new color that matches your skin tone and hair color or you may be surprised to find a new favorite color or clothing manufacturer.
Each store has their own approach to how their sales people will interact with you. Some are more helpful and will offer to locate a different size for you. Since most stores have a limit for the number of items you may take into a dressing room, ask the staff to hold items you have already selected.
Good luck in your search to dress to impress, and dress for success. Next month's blog will give you other shopping options to add to your wardrobe while saving money.
Last month's blog featured tips for reviewing your current wardrobe to build a basic wardrobe with some basic pieces for both men and women. This wardrobe may sound bland with basic pieces in the colors of black, brown, navy, grey, and tan. If patterns were chosen, they were simple, like a pinstripe. Now is the opportunity to add more color and pizazz to your wardrobe, allowing you to show others your own signature look.
First and foremost, have a game plan when you go shopping. Know what you are looking for - what needs to be added to your wardrobe the most. Factors to consider are the season, the type of clothing you need for your professional wardrobe, your age, and the field in which you work. You may decide to limit your shopping spree to a certain part of your wardrobe such as shirts to wear for work.
Before walking into a store, take time to check out their sale ads both from the newspaper and online. Buy on sale whenever possible. After Christmas or season’s end sales are best. But don't buy something just because it is on sale or is a great deal. It should be something you want to wear and coordinates with your style. Also, if you find something on sale that may not have a perfect fit, don't be shy about considering buying it and having it tailored. Buy comfortable clothes that make you feel confident and fit your style.
However, flexibility may be needed if you find an unexpected sale or end up at a store you did not plan on visiting. Unless you are shopping for a something like a dress to wear to a wedding, you may find something that you can use within your budget limits.
Whenever you shop, look for clothes that are constructed well and need limited care. Remember that dry cleaning bills can add up quickly for those dreaded "Dry Clean Only" items.
If you find a brand you like, consider purchasing more items in their line. Many times, the material used is the same and you can mix and match pieces from something like a suit giving you additional options in your wardrobe.
Your body type can play a role in the style of what you should wear. Many people do not find it easy to stand and stare at themselves in the mirror, but doing so can identify what your shape is and allow you to more forward in your clothing choices. Look at the fit of the garment on your body. Here is just one site with more information on body types. www.wikihow.com/Dress-for-Your-Body-Type
Also consider the pattern and the length. If you are tall, a larger and bolder print is normally a good choice. However, vertical stripes will make you look taller than you already are, so avoid them. The opposite goes for someone who is shorter with vertical stripes, but stick to a smaller pattern. If you are short, wearing something very long may drown you. Likewise, if you are tall, do not wear lengths that are too short.
Shopping is not for everyone. Go into it with a good attitude and consider rewarding yourself afterwards. When you go shopping, wear clothing and shoes that are easy to get in and out of. If you are trying to find something to match a particular piece is clothing, wear it or bring it along.
Plan to take time trying on the clothes. Not every company makes their clothing the same. If you wear a particular size in one brand, you may wear a larger or smaller size in another brand. Also, as items are made, the manufacturer may cut them differently to make quotas from a bolt of material. A good quality item would be constructed with the pattern matching at the seams.
When you pick items to try on, be prepared to try it in different sizes for the fit. Look at yourself in the mirror, turning to see yourself from all angles. If you have a trusted family member or friend, so shopping together for that second opinion.
Go outside your comfort zone and try on different styles and colors. You may be surprised to find a new color that matches your skin tone and hair color or you may be surprised to find a new favorite color or clothing manufacturer.
Each store has their own approach to how their sales people will interact with you. Some are more helpful and will offer to locate a different size for you. Since most stores have a limit for the number of items you may take into a dressing room, ask the staff to hold items you have already selected.
Good luck in your search to dress to impress, and dress for success. Next month's blog will give you other shopping options to add to your wardrobe while saving money.
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Building Your Wardrobe Basics
The workforce is ever changing, as with graduation looming for many and others job searching, the need for particular pieces of clothing can bring on a considerable expense. Most employers have a dress code for their employees. Fewer people are required to wear a uniform for their jobs today.
Pending the industry in which you work, you many have different clothing needs than some working in another industry. Maybe you are someone looking to update your wardrobe.
Before going shopping, here are some pointers to take stock in what you own and begin to create a game plan.
1. Take an inventory of what you currently own. Reorganize what is in your closet and drawers, placing like items together.
2. Look at each piece and determine what whether the condition warrants it staying in your closet or drawer. This step is time consuming, but worth the effort.
a. Repair a lose button or a seam that needs mending.
b. Attempt to clean something with a stain by using a laundry product.
c. Faded or thread bare items should be removed from your wardrobe.
3. If you have not worn a piece of clothing because you do not like it or the size is wrong, decide if it is worth the space to keep it in your collection.
4. Donate items that are still in good condition. Ask for a receipt when you do so and save it and make a list of the clothing that was donated for your income taxes next year.
5. Make a list of items you need to add to your wardrobe. It might be to replace something like that dingy white dress shirt or it could be something you do not own that you should own.
Once you have completed this, look over the list of basic wardrobe items below and see if you may have a gap that needs to be filled. These are basic lists for men and women. Your job may not require a business suit, but you may like to own at least one for special occasions.
If you do not have then money now, at least go window shopping to check out the department or specialty clothing stores. This way you will know what different stores have to offer, as well as their regular prices. When the time is right, you will know what stores have the basic pieces you wish to purchase from the list below.
Always try on the clothes for fit. Items vary from one manufacturer to another, as well as whether the item was cut from the beginning or end of the bolt of material. Consider using a tailor if an item needs to be altered unless you have the skills to do it yourself. Yes, this does add to the cost, but for a basic item listed below, it will be worth the expense.
Buying a good quality piece of clothing is important for something you will wear often. Build your wardrobe with basic items, then add specialty pieces that follow the current trends. Join store web sites to receive information about upcoming sales and coupons only offered to "members."
Men's Work Wardrobe Essentials
Suits - blue, gray, and black - classic basic colors that can be worn as separates.
Black and brown shoes and belts
Dress shirts basic colors and sleeve lengths- white, creme, pale blue, etc.
Ties - solid are best for any occasion
Blazers - blue, tan, and a nice tweed are good basics.
Khaki and other casual dress pants
Casual shirts - polo or casual button down shirts
Overcoat/Raincoat - pending where you live you may need them for different seasons.
Women's Work Wardrobe Essentials
Suits - blue, gray, and black - classic basic colors that can be worn as separates.
Simple dresses, blouses, and shirts - chose simple small patterns or solids. A simple black dress is always a classic piece.
Cardigan sweaters and/or blazers
Casual shirts like polo
Slacks - include neutral colors
Chino pants
Black, tan, and white dress heels and/or flats
Purses - look for classic styles in basic colors or small patterns
Now that your basic wardrobe is set, the column for June will continue with ways to spruce up your wardrobe with specialty pieces that can allow you to express your own style.
Pending the industry in which you work, you many have different clothing needs than some working in another industry. Maybe you are someone looking to update your wardrobe.
Before going shopping, here are some pointers to take stock in what you own and begin to create a game plan.
1. Take an inventory of what you currently own. Reorganize what is in your closet and drawers, placing like items together.
2. Look at each piece and determine what whether the condition warrants it staying in your closet or drawer. This step is time consuming, but worth the effort.
a. Repair a lose button or a seam that needs mending.
b. Attempt to clean something with a stain by using a laundry product.
c. Faded or thread bare items should be removed from your wardrobe.
3. If you have not worn a piece of clothing because you do not like it or the size is wrong, decide if it is worth the space to keep it in your collection.
4. Donate items that are still in good condition. Ask for a receipt when you do so and save it and make a list of the clothing that was donated for your income taxes next year.
5. Make a list of items you need to add to your wardrobe. It might be to replace something like that dingy white dress shirt or it could be something you do not own that you should own.
Once you have completed this, look over the list of basic wardrobe items below and see if you may have a gap that needs to be filled. These are basic lists for men and women. Your job may not require a business suit, but you may like to own at least one for special occasions.
If you do not have then money now, at least go window shopping to check out the department or specialty clothing stores. This way you will know what different stores have to offer, as well as their regular prices. When the time is right, you will know what stores have the basic pieces you wish to purchase from the list below.
Always try on the clothes for fit. Items vary from one manufacturer to another, as well as whether the item was cut from the beginning or end of the bolt of material. Consider using a tailor if an item needs to be altered unless you have the skills to do it yourself. Yes, this does add to the cost, but for a basic item listed below, it will be worth the expense.
Buying a good quality piece of clothing is important for something you will wear often. Build your wardrobe with basic items, then add specialty pieces that follow the current trends. Join store web sites to receive information about upcoming sales and coupons only offered to "members."
Men's Work Wardrobe Essentials
Suits - blue, gray, and black - classic basic colors that can be worn as separates.
Black and brown shoes and belts
Dress shirts basic colors and sleeve lengths- white, creme, pale blue, etc.
Ties - solid are best for any occasion
Blazers - blue, tan, and a nice tweed are good basics.
Khaki and other casual dress pants
Casual shirts - polo or casual button down shirts
Overcoat/Raincoat - pending where you live you may need them for different seasons.
Women's Work Wardrobe Essentials
Suits - blue, gray, and black - classic basic colors that can be worn as separates.
Simple dresses, blouses, and shirts - chose simple small patterns or solids. A simple black dress is always a classic piece.
Cardigan sweaters and/or blazers
Casual shirts like polo
Slacks - include neutral colors
Chino pants
Black, tan, and white dress heels and/or flats
Purses - look for classic styles in basic colors or small patterns
Now that your basic wardrobe is set, the column for June will continue with ways to spruce up your wardrobe with specialty pieces that can allow you to express your own style.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)