Tag Archives: product testing

Free Stuff Friday!

free stuffEverybody likes stuff. And we like it even better when it’s free. I do, anyway! If you like stuff and you don’t want to pay for it, then check out this timely article at Kiplinger.com entitled, “Fabulous Freebies — Valuable Things You Can Get for Free.” The list of 69 things carries the disclaimer, “We don’t allow any useless junk on our list, only quality goods and services that you would happily pay good money for (or perhaps you already are.”)

Here are some highlights:

  • Baby Stuff
  • Beauty Stuff
  • Sample Stuff
  • Pet Stuff
  • Medical Stuff
  • Diet and Fitness Stuff
  • Travel Stuff
  • Cultural Stuff
  • Recreation Stuff
  • Hobby Stuff
  • Entertainment Stuff
  • Education Stuff
  • Computer Stuff
  • Financial Stuff
  • Retirement Stuff

…and on and on (and on!) If you have some “Free” time, check out the original article. And if you don’t have any free time, then make some…it’s free! How about you? Have you tripped across any valuable freebies? Let us know over at the MindField Online Facebook page, and have a nice weekend!

Getting Out of Debt

debtDo you have what it takes to get out of debt? The answer is probably yes, even if you don’t know how to go about it – yet. I have been there: student loans, credit cards, youthful “living it up.” And then the bill comes due.

So, there are plenty of people who were in the same boat, and taking on water. They were able to turn it around, but how? How did they change their behavior? We turn to money dude Dave Ramsey for hints about the characteristics of debt-free people, in an article conveniently titled “7 Characteristics of Debt-Free People.” Here are the bullets:

  1. Wisdom: Acknowledging the problem, as they say, is the first step.
  2. Patience: Learning that there are very few things we actually have to have NOW!
  3. Confidence: Having faith that we’re doing the right thing, even if our friends ride us for being a cheapskate!
  4. Goal-driven: And, equally important, having a plan to get there.
  5. Responsibility: Seeing that shedding debt is a necessary step to getting our lives together.
  6. Non-materialistic: Giving up our addiction to stuff.
  7. Sacrifice: Dining out constantly, the top-shelf cable package, etc. These aren’t bad things, but they are if we can’t afford them and we don’t stop indulging.

Those are the highlights. Be sure to check out the whole piece. I think one thing to remember is that you didn’t get up in debt overnight, and you won’t get out quickly either. It takes time and patience. The most important thing is to STOP DIGGING! The second is get that debt going in the right direction, which is DOWN. How about you? Have you been there too? Did you get past it? How? Let us know over at the MindField Online Facebook page!

September Savings!

best dealsSo, the kids are back to school. You’re picking through the rubble they left behind in your home, and you’re wondering what’s next. How about some September savings? We have compiled this list from a few sources around the web. Here’s a sample, and links are below. Happy savings!

September Savings:

Anything Summer: It may still be 90 degrees in Charleston SC on September 10th (and it will be) but summer is officially over. So, anything summer or outdoor-related must go, including:

  • Bicycles
  • Lawnmowers
  • Sunglasses
  • Grills
  • Patio furniture
  • Swimwear
  • Summer apparel

Travel: The season is over, and deals are to be had. Time Magazine says Florida’s Emerald Coast (along the Panhandle) is a great deal in September

Otherwise, airline tickets and vacation packages in general are good bets.

Odd ‘n’ Ends:

  • Appliances (but November might be better)
  • Broadway tickets
  • Wine
  • Ceiling fans
  • Apple products: Next-generation models are coming, so look for deals on previous generation models.
  • Mattresses: Usually an April-May purchase but, for some reason, experts say September is also good – this year, anyway.
  • Coffee: 9/29 is National Coffee Day, so look out for freebies at your favorite fast food place.

Here are your links:

So, see any good deals? Did we miss any? Let us know at the MindField Online Facebook page, and have a great weekend!

How About More Money Saving Tips?

ID-100178555Time for the ol’ Friday standby: Money saving tips! There’s a realy good piece at The Simple Dollar called “How to Save Money: 100 Great Tips to Get You Started.” Lots of common sense – and otherwise – ideas, some straight out of everyday life, some that require making some changes. Let’s take a look at some highlights.

  • 51. Don’t fear leftovers: I had an ex-brother-in-law who would dump whatever was left after the meal into the garbage – like, two more meals! Apparently this was some declaration of independence from his crappy childhood. It’s your money, man.
  • 52. Go through your clothes: You know how they say “shop from your pantry?” Avoid buying things you already have? Same thing. You probably have a new pair of pants in the closet you have never worn. (I know I do.)
  • 53. Brown bag your lunch: My wife does it every single day. It takes planning to keep from being boring, but you really save.
  • 54. Learn how to dress minimally: Mix and match to make several outfits. Or, do like me and keep shirts for 20 years!
  • 55. Ask for help and encouragement from your inner circle: I don’t know…it would have to be my SERIOUSLY inner circle. The hardest thing to admit to friends is that you may have money problems.
  • 56. Try to fix things yourself: My dad was a construction worker. I am a writer. So that’s my handicap. But I HAVE taught myself things, and I have saved over the years.
  • 57. Keep an idea notebook in your pocket: for me, it’s on the nightstand. I am forever bolting awake with some idea. If I don’t write it down, it’s gone.
  • 58. Invest in a deep freezer. BUT…only if you use it. That seems like a big IF for me.
  • 59. Look for a cheaper place to live: I knew a couple that moved to Kansas. They realized they were saving so much money that they started traveling extensively. So, I guess they didn’t actually save, but they got to do something fun that they wouldn’t otherwise.
  • 60. Check out free events in town: Excellent idea, but you have to keep up. I am always discovering that cool thing that happened yesterday!

As always, just the highlights. More ideas, and more detail, at the original piece, so check it out! How about you? See any good money savings here? Have you tried them? Do they work? Let us know over at the MindField Online Facebook page, and have a great weekend!

Best Deals for August 2015

best dealsTime for our monthly heads-up on the best deals! August shopping can be summed up in two ways: Back to School and End of Summer. These two notions that were a complete bummer for me as a kid. Seriously, I don’t know anyone who hated school more than I.

But, as an adult,  I get it. You are totally ready for school to start again. But it’s work – there’s so much to go out and buy! Fortunately, there are plenty of bargains to be had during the Dog Days. Here are some highlights, followed by some useful links:

  • Tax-free Back-to-School shopping: As we reported last time
  • Blue Jeans
  • Summer Clothes
  • Swimwear
  • Patio Furniture
  • Buy a New Grill: Savings are insane in August
  • Labor Day Deals a month early: Particularly in travel
  • Mattress Deals
  • Back-to-School Laptops and accessories
  • Don’t buy a TV: Wait for Fall
  • Don’t Upgrade Your iPhone or iPad: Wait for September or October

Much more detail at the original articles…

So, what bargains will you be snapping up this August? Let us know over at the MindField Online Facebook page, and have a great weekend!!

 

How to Save Money

dollarHard to beat that title, eh? Came across a terrific article at The Simple Dollar entitled “How to Save Money: 100 Great Tips to Get You Started.” They’re not all gems, and not all will apply to you, but you’re sure to find a few that hit you right in the pocketbook. Here are the top 20.

  1. Move bank accounts to take advantage of perks and earn more interest: And ditch those pesky fees when you can!
  2. Turn off the television: TV is really good at reminding you of what you don’t have. Also, as I have said a million times, cut the cable.
  3. Stop collecting, and start selling: My ex and her sure-to-be collectible Beanie Babies come to mind.
  4. Sign up for every free customer rewards program you can: Just be prepared to get a million emails every day.
  5. Make your own gifts instead of buying stuff from the store: Caution – requires talent!
  6. Master the 30-day rule: For big purchases, give yourself 30 days before you buy to make sure you truly want, need and love it.
  7. Write a list before you go shopping – and stick to it: I try, but those 2-for1’s at Publix always lure me away!
  8. Invite friends over instead of going out: Caution – requires having friends!
  9. Repair clothing instead of tossing it: I have had a couple of shirts for over 20 years, so this speaks to me
  10. Don’t spend big money entertaining your children: They say all kids really want is your time. Do you agree?
  11. Negotiate rates with your credit card company or complete a balance transfer: I did this once. A pain, but I did save a lot!
  12. Clean out those closets: Reduce clutter and sell or donate and tax the tax credit
  13. Buy video games that have a lot of replay value – and don’t acquire new ones until you’ve mastered what you have: Good luck selling that to your 13-year-old!
  14. Drink more water: Lots of health benefits, little cost
  15. Avoid convenience foods and fast food: Little health benefits, high cost
  16. For heaven’s sake, quit smoking. (!)
  17. Make a quadruple batch of a casserole: We tend to make at least double, have the leftover 3 nights from now. You really do save.
  18. Turn off the lights: This was pounded into me as a kid. Not even sure how much you save, it just seems wasteful to light a room you’re not in!
  19. Swap books, music, and DVDs on the Internet or at the library: Internet, sure. There are several “Swap” sites. Library? I’m not so sure.
  20. Maximize yard sales: Basically, don’t use low prices as an excuse to buy junk you don’t need.

…and 80 more! We might have to revisit this one at a future date.  Did you see any savings tips that spoke to you? Ones that you are already doing? Do they work? Let us know over at the MindField Online Facebook page, and have a great weekend!

Silver Linings for Young Job Seekers

hire me

It’s that time of year. Newly-minted college grads are hitting the streets, or the web, or both in search of a job. They face obstacles, for sure. The mirage of the big Recovery…oh don’t get me started. Let’s just say the job market still isn’t what the economists would term Super Awesome.

And some young job seekers create their own problems. I always hear this second-hand (“My buddy has a friend who is a hiring manager and he says…”) but the popular notion is that today’s grads want no expectations placed on them, don’t want anybody on their back, and they demand $60,000 per year – on day one.

So, young job seeker, mistakes will be made, expectations will be unmet, and failures will lurk behind successes. These things don’t have to be complete surprises, however. That’s the point of this Time Magazine piece, “10 Tough Job Lessons Worth Learning by Age 30”. Here is a sampling of common career woes.

  1. Your dream job is a dud.
  2. You didn’t adequately prep for an interview.
  3. You were too eager to say yes.
  4. You got passed over for a promotion—or laid off.
  5. You have a nightmare boss.
  6. You scored a high paying job—and hate it.
  7. You covered up a mistake when you should have come clean.
  8. You blew a big presentation.
  9. You’re friends (or enemies!) with the wrong coworkers.
  10. You disagreed with your boss—in the open.

Just the bullets, of course. The point is, these are common. It’s not just you. I wish I had known that as numbers 2, 3, 5, 6 and 9 happened to me in my 20s. And the happy ending is that “Workplace setbacks are rarely career enders.”  It’s a great piece; it states the disaster, what you can learn from it, and how to recover. If this is you, seriously, you must read this piece.

How about you? Did any of these happen to you at that age? (I know they did.) Share your story at the MindField Online Facebook page, and have a great weekend!

Fixing Bad Credit

good bad creditThe old used car commercial goes…“Bad credit? Slow credit? No credit? NO PROBLEM!” But we know that’s not the case. Today, it’s YES problem, because it not only can it keep you from getting a loan, it can keep you from getting a job!

Money guy Clark Howard has some advice, in the form of “8 Ways to Rebound from a Credit Setback.” Here are the bullets…

  1. Be patient: it takes time
  2. Check your credit: you can do it for free
  3. Review and rework your budget
  4. Prioritize your payments: do the worst first
  5. Move fast if you are behind on payments
  6. Avoid the ‘quick fix’: are credit repair companies worth it?
  7. Ask for help: negotiate with your creditors
  8. Be persistent

If you’re in a bad or slow credit situation, you are not alone. It’s stressful. It’s embarrassing. But one way to get past that is to start doing the work to repair your situation! Be sure to read the whole piece, because there is much more info to get you ahead of being behind! And, have a great weekend!

The “Broke” Mindset

piggy brokeWe quote money dude Dave Ramsey from time to time here. Primarily because he’s not a know-it-all or a scold; he always seems to offer you HOPE, even when your financial situation is garbage. And this is another good example. This one is called 25 Myths Broke People Believe.

Broke is something you’re just passing through. We’ve all messed up by believing some of the prevailing money myths in our culture. The turning point comes, however, when you’re willing to own up, claw your way out, and never live in the lie again.

He asked his readers to record the things that their broke friends and relatives say about their condition, and here are the highlights:

I’ll save more next year when I’m making more money.
At my age, it’s too late anyway.
What’s wrong with a 72-month car payment?
We’ll pay it off when the tax return comes in.
I’ll start my budget next month.
I’ll worry about the future when it gets here.
I must be able to afford it if I was approved for the loan.
I work hard. I deserve it.
My rich grandparents are going to leave me money.

There are many more tips (and excuses) at the original piece, so check it out! As Dave says, “To win with money in the long term, you have to stop making excuses in the short term.” Have YOU used any of these money excuses? I know I have! Have you wised up? Let us know over at the MindField Online Facebook page!

 

 

Check Yourself?

selfcheckDoes your favorite retailer have self-checkout lanes? Do you use them? Some folks see them as a tremendous convenience, while others are pretty much insulted by them… “Oh, so I WORK here now?”

I use them occasionally at Walmart and Piggly Wiggly. Usually, I have too many items. Somehow, filling the bag and then trying to remove it creates a hassle. Or, I have too much produce, and looking up the price codes is beyond my ability. And, is it just me, but do you also slam your items in the bag so that the machine “detects” them? Because, again, not bagging is also a problem for the machine. I have better luck at Lowes Hardware. I think “hammer, one each” is the perfect application of self-checkout.

Anyway, Consumer Reports surveyed over 60,000 people about their impression of self-checkout. In general, people are happy with them, something like 70% satisfaction. Others have very specific complaints. Such as:

  • Machine didn’t work properly
  • Customers ahead of me took too long
  • I needed help, but nobody was around
  • I couldn’t figure out how to use it

There were differences between men and women. The biggest being “I needed help, but nobody was around.” 20% men, 2% women. Why do you suppose that is?

There are more interesting stats at the original piece, including a breakdown by age, so check it out!

So, are YOU a Selfie? Why or why not? Let us know over at the MindField Online Facebook page!