That’s what Customer Service is For!

Posted by on October 6, 2011 No comments

Customer service, a field I’m so glad I never got into. Closest I got was food service, and people complained enough to me when I was doing that. Anyway, like I said on Tuesday, I was gone for two weeks, and right before I left, I had my friend who was going on the trip with me at my house. We decided to order pizza, because pizza is good. Not good for you, but good. Anyway, we order two pizzas and wait. And wait some more. And even more. An hour passes, and she finally calls the pizza place. It turned out that our driver was new to the area and got lost because a road was closed and her GPS wasn’t helping her at all. She shows up, and then we get a call back from the manager telling us that the next time we ordered we would get 2 free medium pizzas. Good deal, right?

Honestly, my friend and I weren’t complaining to customer service at all, we just wanted our pizzas. But, like a good manager, she offered us some free food to right the wrong. Now, this doesn’t always happen, but a lot of times it does. The problem is, too many people just “deal with it.” They feel bad bothering the managers or the company because of their “little issue.” The thing is, that’s what you’re supposed to be doing! A good company almost begs for feedback and then uses that to improve their service or keep doing what they’re doing so that their customers are satisfied!

There’s another extreme to it. Just take a look at product reviews on websites like Amazon; who are 75% of the people commenting on products? They’re people who are complaining about something being wrong with the product. Many times, we contact companies when something has gone wrong, but we should also be contacting these companies when they’re doing something right as well. Sometimes, you’ll get as much of a reward for doing that.

That’s part of the reason why a lot of companies have been putting customer satisfaction surveys on their receipts that offer free food or the possibility to win a large gift card or something like that. They really do want to know what their customers are thinking, and sadly, because people are lazy and/or don’t want to bother with it, they basically have to bribe people in order to respond to what’s gone on at a branch of their company.

Should you just do it for the freebies? No way. When you complain and/or compliment customer service to a company that actually cares about feedback, everyone wins in the long run. It keeps costs down because the company’s not dealing with lawsuits and a loss of customers, and it keeps the customer’s experiences enjoyable.

So, call up customer service, fill out those surveys, write emails, do whatever you need to in order to get in touch with the companies that you utilize most. You’ll be rewarded for your persistence in one way or another. Have a great weekend!

4 Tips for Saving on Gas Costs

Posted by on October 4, 2011 No comments

With a recession in sight, one thing that has finally been going down is the price of gas. I was away for two weeks, and in the time I was gone, gas went down almost 30 cents. Wow! I’m all about that, let me tell you. Anyway, gas is still expensive. Gone are the days of gas being under a dollar (I remember that happening shortly before I started driving, it was quite cool to see), heck, gone are the days of gas being below two dollars. I even have friends who think it’ll never go below 3 again; I disagree, but hey, who knows.

With gas still being a huge money guzzler, what can you do in order to reduce that big chunk of your budget? Today, we’re going to look at four big ways that we can cut the cost of getting around.

  1. Why drive? Do you live in a town like I do? Then walk or ride your bike! I understand that you may not always be able to do this (I’m currently on crutches, so obviously I can’t), but if you’re able to, why not? It’s healthy, and that’s less times that you have to fill your tank. It costs more to get in your car and drive two miles 15 times then it takes for you to drive 30 miles once, because town mileage on vehicles is so bad. So get a new pair of sneakers with the money you’ll be saving and take a hike!
  2. Perform regular maintenance. You’ve heard it before, it’s true, if you regularly get your oil changed, your car tuned up, and your air filter replaced when it needs to be, your gas mileage will be significantly higher and you will be significantly happier with the number of times you have to fill up your tank a month.
  3. Consider downsizing. Do you drive a gas guzzling SUV?  Consider trading that baby in for a nice car that may double, or in some cases, triple your gas mileage. Maybe most of your driving local and alone, like mine is? Then maybe it’s time to get a motorcycle or scooter, like I did. Best $350 I ever spent; in the 6 months I’ve had it, I’ve probably saved that much in gas, and I’ll have the thing for several more years.  If you can downsize, do it!
  4. Carpool. The most obvious of all of these. I have friends who live near DC, and their reward for carpooling is an awesome thing known as the High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane. You can drive in this lane if you have more than 1 person in the car. I’d say that’s a pretty awesome reward, considering traffic during rush hour is crazy! Not only that, but if you have people to split gas with or take turns driving with, that’s less that you’re spending to fill up your tank on your own.

So, there you have it. Some simple, common sense ways that your gas tank won’t end up killing your bank account. Have a great week!

Home Sweet Rental?

Posted by on September 29, 2011 No comments

The American Dream used to be described having a spouse, 2.5 kids, a dog and/or cat, and most importantly, owning your own home, complete with white picket fence. As the economy struggles, the American Dream seems to be shifting quite a bit from that ideal. More and more people wait until they’re in their late 20’s or so to get married (if they get married at all), families are smaller, and buying a house has being replaced with living in rentals.

Not more than a few months ago, most economists were telling people with good credit and stable jobs to go buy a home instead of rent.  Interest rates were low, foreclosures were frequent, and because the housing market was kind of cruddy, you could get a mortgage for less per month than you could rent for. And if you look at the market right now, it’s still that way.

But not for long. If you heard the news last month, Standard and Poor reduced the United States’ credit rating because of the increase in the national debt that occurred. Now, by itself, that wouldn’t be a big deal. Throw in a cruddy economy and banks that already had to be bailed out and you get what we’re going to see soon. Interest rates will rise, higher credit ratings will be required in order to even get a mortgage, and at that point, why would you want to? The initial increase in interest rates may not seem like much, but over the 20 to 30 years that most people have a mortgage for? It’s not pretty, friends.

Renting leaves a nasty taste in some people’s mouths, but honestly, it’s becoming the cheaper alternative, and as it becomes more difficult to buy a home, many people opt to rent their homes out until they can be sold, thus creating more of a rental market. That also makes the rental market stay reasonable, keeping monthly payments lower than what you’d be paying when the market was lousy.

If you’re considering renting instead of buying a home, here are a few things to give you a little less stress about the situation.

  1. Don’t settle for second best. Look around for awhile if you can spare the time. You may come across your best option without knowing it.
  2. Always ask about what’s included. Always. I wouldn’t have gotten my current rental at its monthly cost… until I found out that heat was included. That totally sealed the deal.
  3. Read the lease carefully. It’s a contract, something you are legally bound to abide by. Make sure you know what it says inside and out.
  4. Maintain a good relationship with your landlord. This will make your life easier. I never see my landlord, because we have such a good relationship that I established early on and he trusts me greatly. He’s incredibly flexible because of it as well.

Go forth, and live the new American Dream. Find your dream rental, save money, and enjoy your weekend!

Invest like a Pro- 3 Tips for Beginning Investors

Posted by on September 27, 2011 No comments

Investing is a scary word right now. An unstable stock market, decreased value of the dollar, and political unrest all around the world make investing a big risk. Do you still want to attempt and be part of the solution? Then invest like a pro. Today, we’re going to look at three things that all wise investors take into account when planning their investments.

  1.  “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” This is probably the age-old investment tip. Basically, it means that you shouldn’t put every dollar that you invest into one stock or even the same category or stocks. Heck, it means you shouldn’t put it all in the stock market, either! This is referred to as diversification and its one of the best strategies out there to help your portfolio have the least amount of risk. Many experts suggest that you diversify between standard savings accounts, the stock market, and bonds. How much you put in each of these three things will depend on how much risk you want to take; the more you have in “safe” investments (savings accounts and bonds which cannot lose money), the less overall risk you have.
  2. Do some research, both before you invest and while you have money in the stock market. Don’t just go on your whims. Get out there, read about the companies you’re considering putting money into, see what their patterns have been for the last year, and compare them to other companies in the same industries. No, eeny-meenie-miney-mo does not work. Please don’t try it; the results will not be what you’re looking for.  After you put money into stock, keep an eye on it. It’s not like a crock pot; you cannot ‘set it and forget it.’ Continue to read up on the industries you’ve invested in and on the market as a whole. Staying “in the know” will help in further reducing any risk you have.
  3. Don’t play it too safe. Now, these first two tips were about risk and reducing it. But any knowledgeable investor knows that there has to be some risk involved in your portfolio or your profit will be minimal. If your intention is just to set some money aside that you can come back to later with accrued interest, then this doesn’t apply. But if you want to be successful and get ahead, take a couple risks. Don’t be stupid with taking risks, but be willing to lose a little to potentially gain a lot.

This definitely isn’t everything that you need to know in order to invest successfully, but it’s a great start. Make sure to always go to a professional before you make any decisions, if to do nothing else but seek their opinion. Have a great week!

Helpful Hints for Holiday Shopping

Posted by on September 22, 2011 No comments

No! That time is here again isn’t it? The giant yard decorations in Wal-Mart, the garden section has become inundated with Christmas trees and decorations, and this month or next, the Christmas Club money that you’ve been saving up is going to be deposited in your checking account. Yes, it’s September, which, for some bizarre reason, means it’s time to start holiday shopping in the United States.

Now, before you run away screaming in terror, please wait and listen to me for awhile. Some people live for the early sales. Others wait till the last minute when your local store of choice is a royal mess. Does the thought of holiday shopping give you a case of hives when it comes to mind? It used to do that to me too, until I started following some friendly advice that I’m going to share with you today.

One thing that you should always do is hold out. If some of the gifts on your list are items that are bound to be popular this coming year, try to wait as long as you can. The sales will only get better as the holidays get closer. Now, if you’re like me, the crowds just get to be too much as people rush to holiday sales. What do you do if that’s the case?

Two words: The internet. The internet has come to the rescue of the socially anxious, the easily stressed out, and the last-minute shopper alike. The only issue you may have to deal with is lag and the very rare delays at the Post Office, and neither of those things are half as stressful as holiday lines, upset kids, and angry parents. Amazon even offers free shipping, which makes it cheaper than the gas and pretzel you need to go to the mall. What, you don’t need a pretzel to go to the mall? I totally do.

Another great idea is to get creative. If you’re especially good at something, why don’t you utilize that skill or talent in order to give your family and friends unique gifts that are also cost-efficient? If you’re good at baking, make your friends baked goods; who doesn’t like them? I have a friend who cross-stitched some different things for her friends to hang on their walls one year. Another friend made miniature scrapbooks. Remember, gifts don’t have to be extravagant to make the recipients happy; they just need to be from the heart.

Lastly, always be sure to look for sales, compare prices, and to utilize coupons and rebate offers. If you want something, start looking for coupons for that specific item. Go to their company website or the websites of places that may offer that item and see if you can find those killer discounts you may be looking for.

Sure, it seems early, but to start thinking about all of these things now will make the whole process easier and more streamlined in the long run. Have a great weekend, we’ll see you here next week!

Think you can Eliminate Your Cable Bill?

Posted by on September 20, 2011 1 comment

In 2010, the residents of the city of Raleigh, NC, spent more than any other American city on cable and satellite TV to the tune of $1,033 a year. And that was an average. Did everyone get premium packages in Raleigh or what? The average American household that same year spent around $550. For some people, that’s a nice chunk of their income. That brings up an important question: Is there a way to reduce or eliminate that sometimes overbearing expense? I think so, considering I’ve been without cable for over a year. Here are a few ways that I’ve dealt with it.

-        The Internet. The internet is quite a good alternative for cable. Between finding silly videos on YouTube, playing games on various websites, and using Hulu and station websites to watch my favorite shows, I’m highly entertained for much less a month. I also listen to baseball games on there for $20 a year, satisfying my sports fix as well!

-        Netflix. Netflix and Blockbuster Online are both high-quality services that offer both movie rentals and online streaming. I don’t use the rental service, I only use online streaming, and I don’t feel like I’m missing anything. Newer movies aren’t on there, but I’m not a huge movie watcher, so I’m satisfied watching all of the great options they have… seasons upon seasons of various TV shows makes me quite happy.

-        Digital Converter Box. I have said I was going to invest in one of these for about a year. I still haven’t, for one reason or another. It’s just like the old rabbit ears you used to be, but in a little box you hook up. You get like 5-7 channels, depending on what’s available where you live, and it’s only for the cost of the box (approximately $50).

-        Books. Some of you are going to look at this and say that you don’t like to read. I understand… but everyone does like a good story. If you don’t like to sit and read on paper, then join an audiobook club like Audible. For less than a month of cable, you can get tokens for 1-2 books a month that you can listen to. It’s TV for your ears!

-        Radio. One of the biggest reasons that I watched TV in college was to make background noise while I was studying or writing a paper. After college, I realized that that same thing could be accomplished by something that I could get for free… the radio. Whenever I do work or chores, I turn the radio on, and all it costs is the minute amount of electricity it takes to run it.

If you’ve ever considered dumping your cable, these are some solid options for you. It’s worked for me thus far, maybe you should consider it. Have a great week!

4 Easy Steps to Take to Prevent Identity Theft

Posted by on September 15, 2011 No comments

Identity theft is one of the top fears of many Americans today, and it’s not unfounded. Technology acts as a double-edged sword; it both protects us and makes us more susceptible to identity theft. The good news is that, like most things we fear, there are some things you can do to make it less likely that you are affected by the mess that can come from getting your identity stolen.  Today we’re going to look at 4 of the simplest ones.

  1. Keep your computer secure. Please, above everything else, be careful about your computer. Now, if you don’t do online banking or shopping, you don’t have to be as cautious, but still, computers are expensive. Don’t mess it up just because you’re lazy. Here are a couple things you can do.-Use reputable anti-virus and anti-spyware programs. Don’t think you have to spend money. AVG and Avast! are free antiviruses; Ad-Aware and Spybot are free anti-spyware software packages. All of them are safe and reputable. If you already have programs of these types, make sure to scan with them regularly.
    - Change passwords regularly. Make them different too. Don’t just throw extra numbers on.
    -Clean your computer regularly.     Defragmentation, disk cleanup, and cache clearing are vital to your computer running smoothly and keeping your information safe from hackers.
  2. If you’re using your debit card to pay for something, don’t use your PIN. I had a dear friend not follow this, and one day she got a letter from her bank saying that she was going to get a replacement debit card in 2 weeks. Why? Because the Wal-Mart near our college had someone break into their credit processing system. People who had used credit cards or debit cards as credit were safe, but hundred’s of people’s pin numbers were compromised. She learned her lesson and I learned it from her mistake: Use your debit card as a credit card, and don’t ever use your PIN unless you’re withdrawing money from an ATM.
  3. Keep self-identifying documents in a safe place. One of the first things that many thieves look for are your self-identifying documents: birth certificates, social security cards, passports, etc. All of my items like that are sitting in a fireproof lockbox in a storage closet. Easy access if I need them, hard to get to if you don’t have a key. You don’t want to lose that stuff anyway. I lost my social security card once; not a fun process.
  4. Shred everything. Scissors will do. Just make sure that anything that has any sort of credit card, account, or social security information is destroyed when you’re done with it. People do still dig through the trash to find that valuable information if they’re looking hard enough.

So there you have it. 4 simple ways to keep your identity safe that take no time to do. Have a great weekend, and we’ll see you here next week!

Do’s and Don’ts of Job Hunting

Posted by on September 13, 2011 No comments

With President Obama’s speech last week on his proposal for what should be done about the job crisis in the United States, jobs and careers seem to be on everyone’s mind. Are you part of the 9% of Americans who are jobless or the 8 or so percent that don’t have enough work? Job hunting is more of a hassle and challenge than it has ever been. Here are some do’s and don’ts for you to consider if you’re hunting for any sort of job.

Do’s:

  1. Always have flexibility. One of the biggest mistakes that people make is telling their potential employer that they can only work weekdays or mornings or whatever. The more flexible you are, the more likely you are to be considered. Now, if you have a religious observation, kids you need to pick up from school or another important reason, mention that, but otherwise, be flexible.  
  2. Watch what you put online. Social networking is a double-edged sword. While it can make networking and communicating a piece of cake, it can also be what destroys you in your job hunt. Don’t have controversial statements, pictures from wild parties, or other posts that could be detrimental to a potential employer’s view of you.
  3. Follow up. Always do this. When you put in an application, if they don’t contact you within a week, call and see if they received your application. It shows ambition, and you’re more likely to be remembered by such an action if you come in for an interview. If you get an interview, always follow up a couple days later with an email, phone call, or postcard thanking the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you. You could end up with a potential contact, and networking is vital to success in the job market.

Don’t:

  1. Don’t be shy.  Your résumé and interview are your chance to shine. Don’t sound cocky, but make it so that the interviewer can recognize your confidence in your own skills. Don’t overemphasize your weaknesses (but be aware of them!), make sure to point out your strengths and how that can benefit the company as a whole.
  2.  Never stop learning. Add credentials to your résumé! Take or audit classes, further your education, go to workshops, get certified in things that could be beneficial to your field.  Don’t become overeducated, but don’t let your brain become stagnant either.
  3.  Don’t forget to update your résumé. Always update your résumé with anything that changes. Previous jobs, references, learning opportunities you have taken, new addresses and/or phone numbers. Whatever changes are made in your life, make sure to change your résumé along with it. This will ensure that nothing important gets left out.

I’m not saying that following these will guarantee to land you your dream job, but I am saying that these will make the possibility of your employment more of a reality.  Enjoy your week!

4 Quick Steps to Starting a Budget

Posted by on September 8, 2011 No comments

Do you have a budget? Did you know that most people don’t have a budget, and even those who do don’t stick to it? Budgeting is incredibly important to you and your family’s financial stability. It helps you to spend wisely, live frugally, and be less stressed out in the long run. Today, we’re going to look at 4 quick steps to starting a budget.

  1. Figure out what you make per month. First and foremost, you can’t work backwards. You need to have at least an estimate of what you make per month after taxes. Yes, I know you make $12 an hour on your contract, but you know as well as I do that you don’t bring that home. Look at your past paystubs and round down to the nearest dollar to see what you’re bringing in and to make up for those months you may make less due to holidays and/or sick days.
  2.  Split your spending into categories. Sit down and figure out what you spend money on. Some examples could be: bills (which I would separate by the bill, especially because some of them don’t change), groceries, credit card/loan/mortgage payments, savings, giving, child care, whatever you spend money on, put it here. This also includes recreational activities – too many people don’t budget for fun and end up spending way more than they intend to!
  3. Prioritize and analyze your spending. Prioritize it. What must get paid every month? Is there a way to reduce my spending? Can you drive less, change your insurance plan, use less electricity, become a couponing guru, and/or be more aware of discounts? Then do it! And stick to it; don’t get lazy and just start buying things because you want them. Take time, analyze how much you’re spending on what, and try to fix it if at all possible. Yes, that may seem like a pain, but in the long run, it’ll help you stick with your budget.
  4. Make sure to save, too! Please do not make the mistake that many people (including myself) have done. Make sure a portion of your income is going directly into savings.

 

To help with this, some people ascribe to what’s called the 80-10-10 plan. 80 percent for living expenses, 10 percent for saving, 10 percent for whatever else. Some people use it for giving to charity or for church, others save it toward a house, vehicle or other large purchase. This helps accumulate money that is specifically for that purpose, without saying “we’ll save for it someday.” Save for it now if you can.

Budgeting isn’t as big of a bear as it seems. Sure, it’s a little more than what I have here, but these steps are a fine start to the beginning of a beautiful relationship with your income and your future. Have a great weekend!

7 Ways to Get Funding for an Education

Posted by on September 6, 2011 1 comment

Getting a decent education is not cheap. Some of the country’s best colleges can leave you with hundreds of thousands of dollars in tuition bills. Ouch! Now, don’t get scared off. Your child’s education doesn’t have to put you in the poorhouse. Today we’re going to look at 7 ways that you can get funding for an education for you or your child.

Many of these require you to fill out a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). You can fill this out as soon as the taxes from the previous year are complete. Find out more information on this at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/.

Loans:

1.      Stafford Loans. These are probably the most common form of funding. The government offers these low interest loans to most students who have any sort of need. There are two different types of these: subsidized and unsubsidized, and which you get is based on your need. Subsidized loans do not begin to accrue interest until you are done with your degree, whereas unsubsidized loans begin to accrue interest immediately.
2.      Perkins Loans. These loans are even lower-interest than Stafford Loans. Usually provided by your state or your college, these are reserved for those who have the most financial need.
3.      Private Loans. These are granted through your bank or other financial institution, and are usually at the same rate as other loans. I suggest not using them unless you have exhausted all other forms of funding

Free Money:

4.      Grants.  When you fill out the FAFSA, you’re automatically considered for dozens of grants. But don’t just stop there, many organizations also offer grants. Involved in extracurricular activities? There’s probably a grant for it.
5.      Scholarships. These aren’t usually considered when you fill out a FAFSA, unless you’re planning to go to a small college that automatically throws you in the mix for scholarships when they receive your Financial Aid information. Talk to your student’s guidance counselor, your college’s financial aid office, and use websites like FastWeb to see what scholarships you can apply for. Like grants, if you do anything, there’s probably a scholarship for it.

Work-Related Funding

6.      Work Study. These programs are for undergraduates that want to make a little extra cash. A few schools also give a bit of funding toward tuition, but most don’t. This is more to find an on-campus job.
7.      Assistantships and fellowships. These, on the other hand, are for those seeking post-bachelor education. Many grad schools offer these work and research based types of assistance, often with a half or full tuition waiver and a paycheck. Pretty good deal if you ask me.

Don’t let education put you in the poorhouse. Do some research and get the most funding that you can before you go forward in your educational adventure. Have a great weekend!