Superbowl Party Tips & Links

El Carino and I were visiting San Francisco the day of the division playoffs between the New York Giants and the San Francisco 49ers. We ventured into a Marriott and were caught off guard by the abundance of NY Giants fans. This gaggle of folks spawned an interesting conversation about the finances of football fans. First, a little background, we are die hard football fans and have watched every single NY Giants game for years, on

SUPERBOWL PARTY - GO GIANTS

television. We have never been to a live game, although we did venture up to Albany, New York one summer to check out Giants training camp.

In the hotel lobby, we struck up a conversation with a girl dressed head to toe in Giants attire in town to see the game with her dad. They have season tickets and planned to go to the super bowl as well. El Carino and I decided to figure out how middle income folks can afford to attend live football games. We understand how the wealthy and corporations can afford the tickets, but what about those fans who are middle class. How do they do it?

How to Afford Live Football on a Middle Class Income

This is all conjecture, as we don’t know anyone personally who has season tickets to the NY Giants. Although my uncle did have tickets to the Bengals, but he was wealthy, so that doesn’t count. But for arguments sake, I have to believe the middle class can afford to attend live football.

Season Football Tickets (estimated)

NY Giants Season Tickets: $850.00 to $7,000.00

Parking: $200.00

Food: $300.00

Playoff game (including travel, hotel, tickets): $1,500.00

Total: $2,850.00 on Up

I am pleasantly surprised at the results of this calculation. For a single guy, making $55,000.00 per year, it is certainly possible to afford $2,850.00 for a season of football fun. (I’m not counting a superbowl visit) Granted, it’s 5%  of your gross pay. But if football is really important to you and you prioritize going to live games, it’s doable.

I’ve talked a lot about spending on what matters. In short, living in accord with your personal values. For a die hard fan, the majority of your entertainment spending can go towards football.  Skimp on other expenses, and it can work! Forgo an annual vacation and eating at expensive restaurants and a football fan could afford season tickets.

For the rest of us, here are some tips and thoughts for celebrating the Superbowl on the cheap.

Barb Recommends

How to Host a Superbowl Party on the Cheap at Personal Finance Journey

Superbowl Party Trays; Can You Save Money by Making Your Own? at Frugal Confessions

5 Ideas to Save on Superbowl Party Food, Recipes, and Supplies at Money Crashers

50 Party Recipes for the Big Game at iVillage

Superbowl and the Stock Market at Squirrelers

Score Big with a Superbowl Party at Blogging for Change

 Barbara Friedberg Personal Finance Across the Blogosphere

Be sure to visit these sites who published and promoted my work.

• Free Money Finance-Star Money Articles
• Young Adult Finance-What are Your Goals for 2012?
• My University Money-Carnival of Financial Camraderie
• Control Your Cash-Carnival of Wealth
• Carnival of Passive Investing-Afford Anything
• Totally Money Blog Carnival-Canadian Personal Finance
• Yakezie Carnival-Amateur Financier

 image credit; xboxaddict80

 & LINKS

“As a break,” I head over to twitter to see what’s going on. I retweet a few tweets and click through on a few more. Before I know it, 20 minutes has elapsed. What I hoped to accomplish was 3 fold:

Is social media worth it?

1. Take a break from what I was doing.

2. Work on building my online presence.

3. Drive more folks to my blog.

Did I accomplish any of those goals? Well, I took a break; check. Did I improve my online presence or drive more people to visit my blog? I’m not sure. Although I get a fair amount of traffic referrals from twitter and retweets from fellow bloggers, “Is it worth the amount of time spent on the twitter site?” Although I measure twitter referrals to my site, I don’t keep track of the amount of time I spend on twitter. So it’s difficult to determine whether the amount of time spent on twitter improves my blog in a substantial way or not.

The question, “Is it worth the time spent?” could be elaborated to include almost anything we do. Is the time spent on any activity worth the reward. Now, with your paid employment, the answer is quite clear. You do your job in exchange for a paycheck. Hobbies and part time activities raise different questions. Did I have enough fun at the movies to justify the $14.00 ticket, or was the movie and money spent a waste?

While watching the Giants-49ers playoff game, I decided to check the #Giants twitter feed. My family asked why I was going online when we were all watching the game and cheering together. Actually, I don’t have an answer to that question. What is the sociological explanation for tweeting during a football game?

Back to the initial question, “Is Twitter a Time Waster?”  I learned from Optify that you can actually build a Twitter Strategy. Does this stuff really work? I copied this tweet from my twitter feed;

Wondering how to build a #Twitter strategy for your business? Download The Ultimate Twitter for Business Guide. http:// blah blah blah / #b2b

Barb Recommends

 7 Financial Lies People Tell Their Spouses at Moneyrates.com. I just might have committed one of these, but I’m not telling.

FREE eBook, 6 Ways to Improve Your Wealth Right Now at Money Cactus. Who doesn’t like wealth and free?

What Buddhism Teaches us about Personal Finance at Prairie Eco Thrifter appeals to the Zen in me. I’m always trying to find that balance. What about you?

The Teacher Man wrote at Young and Thrifty, Germany and It’s European Family. It is an informative read about the ongoing economic trials and tribulations in Europe. I’m following the events with great interest. After all, we live in a globally interdependent world.

Krantcents gives you the Three Bs of Success. You can always count on great wisdom from Krantcents.

Real Estate Investing Resources from Family Money Values. Thinking about investing in real estate? Don’t miss this excellent read.

Get your free eBook, Student Loan Debt-Getting in Smart, Getting Out Painlessly from The College Investor. Read it or pass it along to someone who can use it!

Narrow Bridge disclosed some dirty secrets in How I Ripped People off With Store Credit Cards.

Everything Finance published a guest post by Newlyweds on a Budget entitled, How to Manage Money in a Marriage. Personally, I believe you and your partner have to decide what approach works for you. There’s no one size fits all!

Financial Highway hits on Extreme Penny Pinching. Personally, I consider these tips more practical than extreme. What do you think?

Are you nosey? Interested in how others spend? I certainly am. Check out Financial Samurai‘s latest credit card bill.

Young Adult Finances blogged about How to Write a Job Getting Resume. Excellent tips, if you are looking to update your resume, check out this article.

April Dykman wrote How to Negotiate your Salary at Get Rich Slowly. After you write an awesome resume, get a great job, read this one to up your pay! Lot’s of actionable tips.

 eMoneymakingonline offers some excellent blogging resources in 8 Plugins to Monetize Your Blog

Beating Broke writes how Frugality Will Change You. This article reminds you how practice makes permanent.

Canadian Finance Blog reminds readers to Upgrade Instead of Replace

Barb Across the Blogosphere

Be sure to visit these sites who published and promoted my work.

• Yakezie.com-Featured article, Patience and Persistence; The Path to Unlimited Success
• FindtheBest-PNC Cash Builder Visa, Is it For You?
• Are Facebook Ads a Fad or a Trend at Benzinga
• Family Money Values-Real estate investing resources
• Totally Money Blog Carnival at Family Money Values
• Self-directed Investing for Retirement Carnival; Ratings Downgrade Edition at Arbor Investment Planner
• Len Penzo.com Black Coffee; Why I Don’t Tweet Suze Orman or Have too Many Facebook Friends
• Yakezie Carnival-Credit Card Edition at Prairie eco Thrifter
• Carnival of Financial Camaraderie at My University Money
• Dividend Ninja-the Yakezie Challenge

What do you think, is twitter a time waster?

image credit; linkedmedia grp

a version of this article was published in March, 2010

Enjoy Life First

“Buy what thou hast no need of and ‘ere long thou shalt sell thy necessities.” Benjamin Franklin

There is a ton of junk online and in print. I spent a good part of this morning reading a book called Millionaire Fastlane which proclaimed that the traditional “get rich slowly advice” is false and that anyone can get rich fast.

Get Rich Quick is a Fallacy

I’ve had the good fortune to know many very wealthy individuals. They include large real estate developers, business owners, even the CEO of a fortune 500 company. I’ve also read extensively of others experiences and it is the rare individual that gets rich fast. Sure, it can happen, you make a groundbreaking invention, you sell your company to google, you hit the lottery, you become a professional athelete; it is possible to get rich fast. But it is rare.

If you are interested in developing financial wealth, it will take some time. If you want to get rich overnight, you can stop reading right now, because I don’t have a clue about getting rich fast!

Pure Fun

That said, I have some ideas about how to get wealthy over time, and how to enjoy the journey. My personal experience is that the process is more fun than the outcome!

A Dilemma and A Solution

One of the great challenges today is balancing your present needs and wants with those of the future. It requires quite a bit of introspection.  While almost every Ben Franklin quote oozes wisdom, this one in particular, speaks to the reality that if you go overboard consuming recklessly, you will run out of money, fall into debt, and end up in a bad way!

There is much said about saving for this and saving for that and a lot about sacrificing and giving up something today so you have money for tomorrow. And of course, you all know that in order to have money to buy stuff later, a car, a home, a vacation, etc.; you have to save. But, who has actually sat down and figured out; EXACTLY what you will want in the future and just how much IT WILL COST?

Before you even think about how much money you need later, there is an important step to take first.

Life is Uncertain; What to do?

Figure out what makes you happy.

Simply put, spending time and money on things that improve your life is the way to have a better life!

Trent, from The Simple Dollar site wrote a fascinating post on February 5, 2010 about change called, “What’s Coming Next?” He surveyed his life over the past several years and compared his LIFE EXPECTATIONS (take some college classes and work in a factory; work at Microsoft; remain in debt, unmarried, and childless) with his REALITY (work in a genetics lab, a non-profit, become a full time writer, get some books published, get married, get out of debt, and have 3 kids). His post reminded me that life is uncertain. And this two year old article still holds important wisdom. Trent has gone on to grow his website and work on writing fiction as well. He certainly was not an overnight success yet he is an inspiration to those who want to follow their dreams.

Plan for the Unexpected

Yet, in spite of this uncertainty, it is important to plan and set some goals.

Because, if you don’t figure out what you enjoy, and make some effort to get more of those pleasurable activities in your life, it just won’t happen.

Life is best led striving to do what you love.

By becoming a full time writer and published author, Trent turned his passion into cash. And that is a life lesson for all!

Figure Out What Fulfills You        

If you don’t already know what you are passionate about, take some action to figure it out! Life is much better when you spend time on activities which are important to you. Having a job you like is fabulous, because it doesn’t feel so much like work! So if you aren’t sure what you are passionate about, check out What Color is Your Parachute by Richard Bolles. Also, think about the times in life when you lost yourself in what you were doing? Ask yourself, “Can I do more of those types of activities?”

Spending more time on satisfying activities equals more pleasure!

You may discover that some of your passions cost money or even more schooling or training. Maybe you want to transition into another career, learn to sky dive, take an art class, or explore Asia. And of course, most of us realize that we want the option to have some cash when we retire to enjoy our potential longevity. But if you don’t consciously explore your passions and set some goals, you are left with little possibility of achieving them.

I went back to graduate school in my 40′s and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It set the stage for my life today.

Wealth is an Attitude

There are those with millions, unsatisfied with their lot and looking at those who have more. Turn your glance inside for a minute or two. Take some time to determine what you value, and then set on a course to get what you want. After you know what direction to head, figure out the dollars and cents of your aspirations.

In part 2 of Enjoy Life and Make Money, learn about the abundant ways to increase your income and net worth. But, while you are pursuing your financial  goals, remember to drink in the enjoyment of the wealth and good fortune you already have.

Action Steps:

Get a notebook label it: “(your name) Personal Finance” and keep it by the computer. Use it for all of your personal finance goals, thoughts, activities, and plans.

1. List 25 activities you enjoy.

2. Practice one from the list daily.

 Which activities give you the most wealth in your life?

& Holiday Links

You must subscribe to my WEALTH TIPS newsletter on the right. You get invaluable wealth building information and a FREE e-copy of my award winning 20 Minute Guide to Investing. Do not hesitate!

With drunk drivers on the loose, and the crazies out and about, here are some ideas for a really fun New Years Eve at home. Try these out with the family, a few friends, or a big group.

FOOD

Pot luck is the way to go. If your guests bring some grub, they are automatically invested in the event! Set a theme for even more fun. Try hors’doerves, sandwiches, dips, international, or any theme you can come up with. Finger foods are recommended. Also, pot luck cuts down on costs!

New Years Eve Times Square NYC

DRINKS

Create some fun drinks; it’s New Years after all! You can make alcohol punch, Sangria, mixed drinks, beer, wine, or whatever combination you prefer. To keep the costs in check, keep it to a few choices! For those teetotalers, soda, mock-tails, or punch keep the fun rolling.

ACTIVITIES

The older El Carino and I get, the less we like (most) parties. Unfortunately, many of our contemporaries aren’t as much fun as when we were younger. When you come to our house, you are not going to be relegated to sitting around and talking – boring. We have had every type of ”activity” party. Get active, plan some events and invite the crowd. Pick and choose what seems fun for you.

• Charades
• Taboo
• Pictionary
• Balderdash
• Wii games- Tennis, bowling, and boxing tournaments
• Newlywed game with any sorts of couples (don’t have to be married or opposite gender!)
• Dance parties
• Improv games
• Trivial Pursuit
• Musical Chairs (too much fun with adults )
• Cookie decorating

MUSIC

The music sets the mood. Make it eclectic, lively and fun.

BARB RECOMMENDS

This ones for you bloggers out there. eMoneyMakingOnline published a superb explanation of Google’s latest update in Writing for web-What has changed with the Panda Update? I don’t usually worry too much about trying to write for anyone other than the personal finance readers, yet I know lots of my readers are also bloggers and this one will keep your site going in the right direction.

Blog Tyrant gives 13 excellent tasks For When You Can’t be Bothered Writing. Ever heard the term “epic article”. I’m not completely sure what qualifies, but the information covered in this post promises to move your blog on to bigger and better opportunities.

Budgets are Sexy reminds readers that It’s My Birthday and I Can Shop if I Want to! I sometimes imply that spending money is bad. J. Money reminded me that money is a tool, and not an end in and of itself. If you don’t enjoy the fruits of your efforts and over focus on the future, you are missing out.

Rich Beautiful and Single and I Wonder Why was a guilty pleasure read over at Financial Samuai. Sam shared an encounter with a beautiful (on the outside) woman; not so much on the inside. And she wondered why no suitors were beating her door down. I don’t get these type of women.

Ask Liz Weston responded to a reader who asked, Will Stocks Ever Return 8% Again? Although neither Liz Weston nor I are fortune tellers, and history does not predict the future, take a glance at a long term chart of the US stock market. The long term trend has been upward ever since the birth of the US stock exchange. If you think American companies and International Companies as well will continue to grow and prosper, then stock market returns will rise.

Miranda Marquit, writing for Bargaineering writes about an important investing activity, portfolio rebalancing, in End of Year; Time to Rethink Your Investment Strategy. She offers up some excellent questions to ponder while you prepare your investments for the coming year.

Mike piper at Oblivious Investor writes an  article explaining muni bonds. If you’re in a high tax bracket, you do not want to miss this one.

Don’t be Perfect is awesome advice from Canadian Personal Finance. Although Alan was referring to investing, the applications are much broader. Perfectionism is a success killer. Focus on the important, don’t be afraid to make mistakes, take some calculated risks and success will follow.

Follow up from Bloggers Making $1000.00 per Month at Cash Flow Mantra will keep you motivated. My readers and myself are always interested in inspiring money making articles! I’m going to be watching closely as Cash Flow Mantra ramps up his money making plans!

Square Pennies offers up more tips for Entertaining for Less & Keeping the Fun.

BARB ACROSS THE BLOGOSPHERE

Please support these fine sites who published my work.

Charles Schwab Investment Research Tools at Findthebest.

What’s up with Europe? Should I Avoid Investing There? at Benzinga.com

Carnival of Personal Finance at Money Cactus

Carnival of Financial Camraderie at My University Money

 What are your best New Years Eve ideas?

image credit LeSimonPix

Just out, you must read my latest Benzinga Brain Trust column, Advice for Investors, Informed by Ben Bernanke

LIVE PERSONAL FINANCE LESSONS FROM  FINCON

These past 3 days I learned scores of tips from the top personal finance bloggers in the world and I want to must pass them on to you. I want you to live a wealthy life, personally and financially and I can help you do that. For the next week I am going to divulge a tip a day that, if taken, can lead you closer to your dream life.

Personally, I’m at a crossroads in my own life. I have more to do in my life than I can accomplish in the amount of time available. So, I’ll let you in on a secret, these tips are for me too, to help me organize my expanse of personal and financial aspirations.

Step back this week, and let’s work on our personal dreams and see if we can take a step closer to wealth in money and life.

TIP 1; You Can’t Do Everything, But You Must Do Something

“If you say yes to one thing, you automatically say no to another. And, conversely, if you say no to something, you free up time to say yes to something else.” Suze Orman

One of my favorite presentations was a top notch tutorial about “How to Create and Sell a Product” by Adam Baker of Man vs. Debt. Adam is a credible spokesperson as he completely transformed his life going from deep debt, selling everything, to a six figure income earned from his products.

Among his inventory of products is a multipart video series detailing how to get out of debt. His comprehensive advice included recommendations to poll your audience and test your ideas, basic market research so you are giving your audience what they want. He also talked about the psychology of pricing and how $99.00 is better than $100.00 and if you are going to charge $22.00, you can probably get the same amount of sales for a price of $29.00. The abundance of information went on and on. He is an awesome resource for Selling Your Crap and getting out of debt.

The presentation was awesome, products professional and high quality. And this system is a great money making opportunity for him. And, it reminded me that everyone has a niche. A niche is something you are great at for which people will pay! Although this was Adam’s niche and he was quite successful, and there were some excellent takeaways, the key message is this; INVENTORY YOURSELF and find your niche.

Carve out a few minutes, maybe during a break at work, or when the kids are napping, and think about your own situation.

• Do you have enough money?
• Do you have enough leisure time in your life to really enjoy yourself every day?

If not, realize that something has to change.

Here’s how to get started today.

ACTION STEPS:

Get a notebook and label it: “(your name) Personal Finance” and keep it by the computer. Use it to keep all of your personal finance goals, thoughts, activities, and plans.

Write out the answers to these questions:

1. What do you like about your money and lifestyle?
2. What do you want more of?
3. What do you want less of?
4. Write down 3 actions you need to take to better your situation.
5. Put in your planner how and when you are going to get started. (For example, if you’re in debt, visit Man vs. Debt; if you need to learn about investing visit Oblivious Investor and check out his blog and books.)
6. Get rid of the activities that won’t get you where you want to go.

Decide how you want to focus your own time and energy. Use what you read to inspire and motivate you to action on your own goals.
No one is excellent at everything, but everyone has a talent and a dream.

Stop by next time for Part 2, The Power of Networking.

And don’t miss Part 3, Learning from Others

For a quick overview of Investing Strategies, pick up my FREE eBook; 20 Minute Guide to Investing (top right of the page). If you like what you’re reading, sign up for my RSS feed or email subscription and follow me on twitter so you get the word immediately.

What is your success dream?

image credit; anshumm.com

& Update on Moving Across the Land (Part 1)

You may think living with the folks is just for the young, not so! El Carino, Zoey, and Simon took my folks up on their kind offer to live with them “rent free” after our home sold. There were surprising benefits over the cash saved!

Quick recap for those just joining in.

El Carino got a new job at the other end of the country.

Last April we courageously put in an offer on a well priced, short sale (In a short sale, the buyer pays less for the property than the seller actually owes. It happens in a falling home price environment when the seller has difficulty paying the mortgage) condo in a beautiful development. We’d heard about the horrors of buying a short sale, but thought we had plenty of time to work out the kinks.

Fortunately, we sold our existing home, but we were left with nowhere to live. What was initially expected to be a couple of days has turned into a month with the ‘rents. (Update… 6 WEEKS WITH THE ‘RENTS)

From April until June, we were waiting to hear whether our offer on the property was accepted. After 2+ months, our offer was accepted.

Next hurdle, get our financing lined up on the condo. It didn’t seem to matter that our credit was great, or that we have successfully paid off several other mortgages. After sending reams of documents to the mortgage company over the ensuing weeks, we thought we were nearing the end of the loan approval process.

During the final week in July, we were informed that our loan was approved and the settlement papers would arrive any day. Five days later and no documents was no surprise.

While writing this article I received another call from the mortgage broker. Oops, they need one more piece of information. So our loan is approved, but we can’t close until we get this next piece of information is clarified. Mind you, it’s 7:14 PM on Friday evening. Not likely we’ll be able to do much else on this matter until Monday.

A week later, our loan is really approved. Another three days and the remote title company notary visits  the ‘rents home for us to sign the settlement documents.

Next, I’m off to the bank to wire the funds for the down payment!

In a few days weeks we will begin our journey to our new home with stops at Mount Rushmore and Brice Canyon. Our four month process of moving across the land is drawing to a close… stay tuned for the final episodes!

How We Saved the Cash; Would This Work For You?

Had the folks not offered their home, we would have been in temporary quarters for about $100.00 per night! A few days wouldn’t have been
too bad, but our temporary stay ran into an entire month 6 weeks or a total savings of more than $3,000.00 in hotel bills.

Although we are buying some food and incidentals, and taking the ‘rents out to dinner on occasion, the savings are huge. The folks love having us here, we’re old enough to clean up after ourselves, and we are pleasant company .

The evenings, filled with watching movies and playing games has been fun and a unique change from our usual routine.

For those readers strapped for cash, out of a job, or in transition; if you have willing relatives, go hang out with them for awhile. But remember, be pleasant, courteous, pick up some groceries, and take them out to eat once in awhile. You’ll save some cash and might even enhance your family relationships.

How have you handled major life transitions?

image credit; kc2014

UPDATE; Over the next month my family is moving across the country to a new home. Please enjoy a variety of guest articles from top notch bloggers and sponsors. Also, catch up with earlier favorites from Barbara Friedberg Personal Finance.  

For a quick overview of Investing Strategies, pick up my FREE eBook; 20 Minute Guide to Investing (top right of the page). If you like what you’re reading, sign up for my RSS feed or email subscription and follow me on twitter so you get the word immediately.

The following post is by Miss T who blogs at Prairie EcoThrifter. She grew up in the Canadian prairies and still lives there today. She is passionate about saving money, being healthy, looking out for our environment, and most of all having fun. Her blog shares tips on how you too can live a green, debt free, and fun life.

Spending time together as a family was a huge part of my upbringing. My parents always strived to spend time with us on a regular basis. Sometimes we would do activities at home and other times we would go out. Taking the entire family out for an evening of fun can be exciting and something all parents want to do on a regular basis. However, going out costs money and frequently it can cost more than the average family can afford, especially these days. So, if you want to enjoy an evening with your family, consider these 5 ideas for going out where you can really enjoy some family bonding while saving money at the same time. I did all 5 of these growing up and I still remember the fun I had to this day.

5 FUN IDEAS

1. Head to the Theatre. I know you are thinking the movies are really expensive and there is no way you can afford to go. However, frequently during the week movie theatres offer specials, even 2 for 1 deals, to get more people in to see movies during the middle of the week. In our area we had a discount movie theatre where each ticket was only $3. We also brought snacks in my Mom’s purse so we wouldn’t have to pay the outrageous prices at the concession stand. The entire night cost less than $20 for the four of us.

2. Go Bowling. To this day I am still not good at bowling but it is a great way to have fun and few laughs. Many alleys offer specials during the week, especially for kids. Where I lived, Tuesday’s was the day to go. Make a quick healthy dinner, like wraps or soup and then head to the bowling alley for a few rounds of fun. You can even try novelty bowling where you bowl by standing in funny positions.

3. Head to the Park and get Ice Cream. Where I live they have a place called the BDI. It is a little ice cream shop on a bridge. We would go there as kids for a small treat and walk outside along the river. We would watch to see how many fish and birds we would see. Most kids love to go to the park and since the park is free it is perhaps one of the best places to go! Your kids will love exploring nature and the parents get some family time and fresh air. While you’re there, head to your local ice cream parlor and have a cone of your favorite flavor. A few licks of goodness is all you need.

4. Watch University Sports Games. Many kids really love sports so consider a family night out to a local sports game. Entrance is inexpensive and it can be a lot of fun to watch local people playing a sport.

5. DIY Pizza and Arcade Games. Another great night out with the family can be enjoying a family size pizza. Get each kid to pick what topping they want and then make a pizza together. Not only is this fun but it also helps children build cooking skills. Once you have eaten, head to the local arcade. Not only will you have a great meal that is inexpensive, but the arcade games are generally inexpensive as well. You can give each child $2-3 in quarters and let them play until they are gone.

Spending time together as a family really doesn’t have to be expensive. There are many ways you can have fun on the cheap.

What kind of activities have you done with your kids? Please share.

image credit; Rickydavid

And Links to Money Saving Coupon Articles; Your Free Gift

For a quick overview of Investing Strategies, pick up my FREE eBook; 20 Minute Guide to Investing (top right of the page). If you like what you’re reading, sign up for my RSS feed or email subscription and follow me on twitter so you get the word immediately.  

I introduced you to my mom last year when she guest posted, Financial Satisfaction; Now and Later. That article exemplified her positive attitude. Whatever is going on in her life, good, bad or otherwise, she sees the bright side. On top of that, if I want or need something from her, the answer is YES. She is chatty, helpful, and involved. When I was growing up she worked in real estate, raised my sis and me (with the help of my dad), and gave back to the community. There was always room at the table for one more!

Back in the day, she marched in Washington for civil rights and was a champion of the underserved. Not one to hold back, I knew what she thought.

Here are some of MOM’s LIFE and MONEY LESSONS:

1. You have a commitment to give back to society.
2. When given a gift, write a thank you note.
3. Save part of any money you get.
4. Avoid paying retail.
5. Buy a luxury used car and avoid the initial depreciation.
6. Do not waste resources. (I still remember the cut up pieces of scrap paper used for phone messages)
7. Enjoy life; go on a nice vacation or splurge once in awhile.
8. Think about others’ feelings.
9. Give to charity.
10.  Balance your checkbook.
11. Focus on accomplishments.
12. Clean your room and take out the trash (I had to throw those in ).
13. Compare prices.
14. Use coupons.*
15. Practice your religion.
16. Buy the least expensive home in a good neighborhood.
17. Shop smart (economically) to look well off.
18. Get a college degree.
19. Work hard.
20. Use proper grammar.

*NOW A GIFT FOR YOU (inspired by Mom); Articles highlighting COUPONS

• Money Crashers
• Bucksome Boomer
• Moms Plans
• Wealth Artisan
• KNS Financial 

 What are your mom’s lessons?

I recently wrote about 25 low cost fun activities. My readers chipped in with even more suggestions. They were so good, I’d like to showcase their ideas here:

Sandy from Yes I am Cheap made a suggestion for the over-21 crowd:

I will admit that when I was younger and just out of college I would attend wine tastings with my BF as a day out. It was a cheap date and we did occasionally buy a bottle of wine, but it was also a way to get out of the house.

Krantcents added to the list with indoor and outdoor activites:

 I would add a walk on the beach, hiking, bicycling, going out for a coffee or just dessert. Museums and art galleries can be interesting too.

Retire by Forty pumped it up a notch:

free museum day
free Japanese/Chinese garden day
free ethnic festivals
free cultural events at colleges
free parades
library
neighborhood art walk
free outdoor movies
free talk/events – We went to see Michele Norris last week. She’s a great speaker. We’ve also seen Clinton, Obama and other public figures. I guess we are kind of nerdy.

I love free stuff!

Fun and recreation are a really important part of life. Some of you know that and overdose on fun, others go the other way by working too much.

 Let’s keep the list flowing so when you take a break, you won’t break the bank.

Add more FUN ideas and let’s see how many activities we can come up with. I’ll do another follow up with the new suggestions.

 In the meantime, print this one out and stick it on the fridge, that way when you need a quick reward, you won’t be tempted to overspend! Now, go back to the original article, 25 Cheap Ideas for Fun, and print that one out as well. Oh, and don’t forget to visit Budgeting in the Fun Stuff, for a regular dose of FUN.

For a quick overview of Investing Strategies, pick up my FREE eBook; 20 Minute Guide to Investing (top right of the page). If you like what you’re reading, sign up for my RSS feed and follow me on twitter so you get the word immediately.  

Come on, get creative and let’s get make this list longer. What are your ideas for CHEAP FUN?

image credit: Mori

UNSCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE

RISING PRICES?

After spending most of the week-end inside, El Carino and I decided on a quick run to the mall in the hopes of scoring some bargains. With increasing inflation, we are stocking up on items that will endure.

We split up immediately, El Carino to FYE for music and DVD’s and I headed off to NY & Co. After combing the 70% off racks, I left empty handed.

We met up in FYE where I found my wonderful spouse diligently combing every aisle. The ‘EVERYTHING ON SALE” sign propelled his thorough exploration, as the store was closing and he didn’t want to miss anything. Apparently, along wtih Blockbuster and countless other bricks and mortar media stores, this location of FYE was closing. This is part of the bad news, another beloved shopping destination is closing.

HERE’S THE GOOD NEWS!

The mall was packed! I haven’t seen it this busy in several years. Even though it is a minor shopping week-end, President’s Day, the crowds are overwhelming. Woo hoo.

Either the economic doldrums are abating or the entire city is fed up and decided to shop in spite of their financial situations’.

I’m going with the former.

NOW THE BAD NEWS!

As an expert bargain shopper, I know a “real sale” from a “pseudo” sale. The quantity of deep discount merchandise at NY & Co was less than usual (thus no purchase by me). The new items seemed priced a bit higher than recent seasons.

Beware, inflation is back, as usually happens WHEN ECONOMIC GROWTH PERKS UP.

What economic trends have you noticed in your area? What are your strategies to handle higher prices?

Barbara Friedberg Personal Finance across the blogosphere:

My work was recently showcased at these sites. Why not stop by and check out the excellent articles?

• Invest it Wisely-Carnival of Money Stories
• Fat Guy Skinny Wallet-Total Money Carnival
• Value Stock Guide-Carnival of Wealth
• My Personal Finance Journey-I’m sponsoring a $25 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway 
• Personal Finance Firewall-Giveaway (I’m a sponsor here too!)
• Little House in the Valley-Energy Hogs Round up
• How to Save Money-Round up

image credit: richmondsquarephotos