MONEY-SAVING TIPS--NAIL POLISH: IT'S NOT JUST FOR NAILS

Nail polish. It’s not just for adorning the tips of your fingers and toes. Every woman knows that a dab of clear nail polish will stop a run in a stocking from continuing to run. However, nail polish can be used in various other ways from everything to saving money, saving time, and even preventing paper cuts on your tongue. Yes, you read that last one right! So instead of tossing those half-empty bottles of thickened polish or colors you decided didn’t quite work for you, put them to use in other ways. Here are a few ideas:

1. Are you someone who has to carry around a key ring loaded with keys? How often to you stand in front of a lock, trying one key after another before you successfully open the lock because so many of those keys look alike? Dab different colored nail polish on the heads of your keys to tell them apart. Choose colors that correspond to the locks: red for your front door, silver for your car, etc. or match up the first letter of the color to the first letter of the item, like green for gym locker or orange for office.

2. Ever notice how the labels on prescription meds seem to smudge and fade over time? If the medication is one you don’t take daily, you might forget when you were supposed to take it or how. On an empty stomach or with food? First thing in the morning or before going to bed? Paint several coats of clear nail polish over the labels, and you’ll never face this dilemma again.

3. Have you ever had a can of shaving cream leave a rust ring on a bathroom counter, tub, or shelf? Brush some nail polish around the bottom of metal cans that get exposed to water, and you’ll never be faced with this problem again.

4. If you have little kids or grandkids, you’ve probably discovered holes in your window screens from time to time. For some reason kids love to poke at screens. Maybe it’s the springiness of the screens and/or the sound they make that fascinated them. Replacing the screens is costly but not plugging up the holes lets in bugs. Repair the screens by covering the holes with a patch of fabric slightly larger than the hole. You’ll need one piece of fabric for the inside and a second piece for the outside of the screen. Secure the fabric to the screen with several thick coats of nail polish to keep bugs out.

5. And now we get to those paper cuts on your tongue. They usually occur from sealing envelopes. And man, do they ever hurt, especially if you make the mistake of eating something citrusy before the cut heals. Of course, you can splurge and buy self-sealing envelopes, but they can be extremely costly, especially if you often have to mail quite a few envelopes. Instead, seal your envelopes with a swipe of nail polish and save your tongue.

Looking for other money-saving and household tips as well as quick and easy dinner recipes? Check out We’d Rather Be Writing: 88 Authors Share Timesaving Dinner Recipes and Other Tips.

The authors who contributed to this book are a rather creative and resourceful bunch when it comes not only to carving out time from their busy lives but also saving money. And a percentage of the profits from the sale of the book will be donated to No Kid Hungry.

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LIVING ON A SHOESTRING WITH GUEST AUTHOR LYNETTE SOFRAS

A former English teacher, Lynette Sofras gave up a high level career in education to focus on her writing a few years ago, thus fulfilling her lifelong dream. She mainly writes women fiction, often with suspense and/or a supernatural twist. When not producing novels, she works as an editor and writing tutor at 24houranswers.com. Learn more about Lynette and her books at her website and blog.

It's said that most Americans will experience poverty at some point in their lives, particularly inner city or rural dwellers. What seems almost ludicrous to me is that as the world advances in so many ways, poverty is steadily increasing. In the UK, the dramatic rise in the number of people using food banks is testament to the fact that poverty is no longer a third world issue.

When times are tight, there are numerous ways you can cut back on expenses to save money for essentials. You don't have to starve or live in misery, thanks to food banks and the supermarket price wars. Buying budget brands doesn't always mean sacrificing quality and essential nutrition. In the UK, stores like Lidl and Aldi are forcing competition and the big name supermarkets are having to downprice accordingly. If you don't want to switch loyalties, try switching brands for a month to see how much you can save. Search for offers and money-off vouchers in free magazines or the Internet. Visit markets, boot/garage sales and auction houses to hunt down cheaper alternatives.

Foregoing expensive forms of entertainment for a short while can also help you save pennies. Cut out fancy restaurants and get experimental in the kitchen. Visit museums and libraries and broaden your mind for free or simply get healthy with a walk in the park and perhaps a picnic lunch.

While I've never known real deprivation, I did go through a period of financial hardship when I was bringing up a young child with virtually no support from the father, while putting myself through university and beyond to ensure I could provide for us both in the future. It is perhaps hardly surprising, therefore, that money issues infiltrate some of my novels. In my latest romantic suspense, The Nightclub, two half-sisters, fleeing a pretty dreadful past, find themselves living hand to mouth and surviving only with great difficulty. Money is so tight, they have to live in a squalid flat, shop at charity shops or scavenge for market bargains, and re-use teabags to save pennies. But they have each other, determination and ambition.

The Nightclub

Trying to make a living for her teenage sister and herself, naïve Laura Hamilton accepts a job offer as a hostess at an infamous London nightclub. As she struggles to survive in a world of sex, drugs and corruption, she certainly doesn't expect to find her own knight in shining armour in the club's owner, Julian. But will he really save her from a future as a fallen woman? And is he involved in the criminal organisation that threatens not only her sister's life, but will change her own fate forever?

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MONEY MATTERS WITH SHEILA--SHOPPING DEALS MONTH BY MONTH

Do you know the best time of year to buy certain consumer goods? Are you getting the best price for seasonal items during the pre-season sales, the during-season sales, or the post-season sales? Have you ever bought something, thinking you were getting a deal, only to find out the following month you should have waited? The best deals can usually be found during the post-season sales, but supplies will be limited, and you might not be able to find what you want.

I recently came across a chart that shows month-by-month when you’ll get the best deals on different products. So if you’re in the market for any of these items, especially the higher priced ones, you might want to wait.

Need winter clothes or new bedding and linens? You missed the boat. January is when you’ll score the biggest deals on those items.

Right now you can find great deals on indoor furniture, certain home gym equipment such as treadmills and ellipticals, and humidifiers.

Wait until March for digital cameras, TVs, winter sports gear, and small electronics such as Blue Ray players.

April is the best month to buy computers, lawn mowers, and spring clothing.

In May you’ll find deals on athletic apparel and shoes, camping gear, mattresses, carpeting, and cordless phones.

Shop in June for swimwear, pots and pans, and dishes.

July is a great month to score on camcorders.

Think ahead and buy your snow blower in August, but wait until September for gas grills.

You’ll find deals on winter coats and bicycles in October.

November is a great sales month for baby products and toys.

Looking for a new GPS or home appliance? Wait until December.

MONEY MATTERS WITH SHEILA--HOW TO SAVE IN 2015

Did you make a resolution to save more and spend less this year? If so, you’re not alone. However, most resolutions fall by the wayside by Valentine’s Day—if not before.

Here are a few sobering facts: Did you know there are twice as many poor women as men? Did you know that women have 40% less money saved in their retirement accounts than men? Given that women live longer than men, this doesn’t bode well for our golden years. As a matter of fact, those golden years may be anything but golden if you don’t start saving more and spending less this year.

Here’s a tip that will save you an additional $1,000 in 2015:

Resolve to save $3 a day every day in 2015. Do this by setting up an automatic weekly transfer of $21 from your checking account to your savings account. At the end of the year you’ll have nearly $1,100. Use that money to open an individual retirement account where your money will grow tax-free. The younger you are, the more money you’ll have when you retirement age. That $1,100 a year over the course of thirty-five years will grow to nearly $130,000. The more money you save, the more you’ll have for retirement. So try to increase that daily amount to $5.

Now I suppose you’re thinking you don’t have an extra $3-$5 a day to set aside. I’ll bet you do! As a matter of fact, I’ll bet you spend far more than that every day on things you could do without. Think of all the ways you spend money during the week. Here are some ways to lower that spending:

1. Bag your lunch instead of going out to lunch every day.

2. If you can’t live without your daily Starbucks fix, order the smaller size latte.

3. Skip happy hour or only order one drink.

4. Only use ATM machines connected to your bank to avoid withdrawal fees.

5. Hand-wash your delicate blouses instead of sending them to the cleaners.

6. Stop downloading apps you have to pay for.

7. Listen to music free on Pandora instead of downloading tunes.

8. Make a budget and stick to it! Shop only for what you truly need.

9. Consider store brands rather than pricey name brands. The quality is often comparable.

10. Walk more; drive less. Gas may be coming down in price, but you still have to pay for it. Along with saving money, walking also gives you the double benefit of exercise and weight loss.

MONEY MATTERS WITH SHEILA--ENERGY COSTS

The days are getting shorter...and cooler. Pretty soon we’ll all be cranking up our heating systems. Were your heating bills through the roof last year? There are ways to cut down on heating costs that don’t involve wearing mittens and mufflers around the house. Schedule a home energy audit. Many utility companies offer energy audits for free or at a reasonable rate. The auditor will identify places where you’re house is losing heat and suggest ways to prevent the heat loss. 

MONEY MATTERS WITH SHEILA--GUEST JOSEPH RODRIGUEZ

photo by Tracy Hunter

Joseph Rodriguez  writes about everything related to his thoughts on personal finance and money matters. His recent work is about the Top Online Masters in Accounting Degree Programs in the US. Today he joins us to offer some suggestions on saving money when planning the floral centerpieces for a wedding.

How To Save Money On Floral Arrangements for a Wedding

Floral arrangements are very important for any wedding. They're often the focal point to many beautiful backdrops for the special day, centerpieces during the reception, and an important accessory for the bride herself. So for the sake of saving a little bit of money on what's likely going to be a very costly day to begin with, there are easy some steps that you can take to keep your investment at bay.

Plan Out What You Need

First think about what arrangements you're going to want, and then start thinking about the place for all of these arrangements in the wedding. The ideal time to do this would be well before the wedding itself. While you want something that is fresh and delivered the day of, or the night before, you're going to have to inform the florist of the precise order well before you actually need the arrangements, to give them time to prepare.

Pick a Florist

You should do a little bit of research into your local area to see who's able to provide the quality of arrangements you're hoping for. There are likely several shops in the vicinity competing with one another, and you might be able to use this aspect to your advantage to get a better deal (this'll be worth it - flowers are costly). Make sure that you're spreading the word around that you have a big order for an upcoming wedding, and that you're looking for the means to save the most money while simultaneously getting the best arrangements.

Be Flexible

As a bride, groom, or other member of the court, you've got to give a little on what your ideal vision is. Furthermore, you might not have a particular arrangement in mind, and simply know what color scheme you're attempting to provide the ceremony. Give what information that you have to local florists and see what kind of arrangements they can make to best match what you would like to see. Give them a few days, especially if your arrangement requires flowers that aren't as easy to come by. Be open to suggestions, and never be afraid to ask for another idea - as long as you're doing so well in advance.

Give a Bit

If you're not willing to give in when it comes to your vision, at least be willing to give a bit when it comes to your time. Consider a trade off in order to save some money - is there room in your contract to thank your florist by name? Are you willing to spread the word to all your guests about where your beautiful flowers came from? Consider mentioning one of these possibilities in your next negotiation.

These tips should aid you in saving money a bit of money. Remember that timing is of the essence, and that providing an ideal amount of it can benefit your budget greatly. Just formulate a good idea of what you want, and see which of the flower shops in your vicinity can give you what you want for a price that you can both appreciate.

MONEY MATTERS WITH SHEILA - GUEST BLOGGER VIRGINIA CUNNINGHAM

Today we welcome Virginia Cunningham, a fashion, health and beauty blogger based in Los Angeles, California. Virginia currently writes on a variety of topics from natural herbs, vitamins and supplements for NorthWest Pharmacy. Today she brings us some great money saving advice with tips about shopping at thrift stores.

Thrift Store Delight

Thrifty shoppers leave no stone unturned and all thrift stores are fair game when it comes to optimizing the shopping dollar. Necessity has prompted many to explore thrift store shopping, but when that necessity no longer exists, many shoppers continue thrift store shopping for the sheer delight of finding bargains and vintage items that can be given a facelift for incorporating into one's lifestyle.

When shopping thrift stores, there are several tips to keep in mind that will even greater maximize your shopping dollar.

        1. Become familiar with the thrift store discount policy. Some stores offer 20 to 50 percent discounts on different types of items on a certain day every week. They also may offer a discount for being a senior shopper. Some stores offer discounts related to holidays. Like department stores, some thrift stores will discount seasonal merchandise to create room for the upcoming season. Certain thrift stores will also sell clothing and housewares by the pound. For some thrift store shoppers, the thrill of sorting through countless bins of items adds to the thrift store hype.

           2. Target thrift stores within a certain radius of each other. That way you're not wasting gas travelling back and forth across town. Schedule your trip early in the day and allow plenty of shopping time. You never know what types of items you'll find and when an item might get discounted. Sometimes if you see an item you really like but it appears too pricey, if you take your time browsing, by the time you get back to it, it may have been discounted.

       3. Check out the item for wear, possible hidden flaws, ease in which to restore it. For electrical items, the thrift store will have a testing area where you can test them. Make sure you do. It's a good idea to try on garments. What looks like it may fit, might have an unusual cut that looks peculiar on you, so take time to try it on. Once the item leaves the store, that's it. All items are sold as is, no return policy. When considering household items, such as furniture, train your eye to see beyond its present condition. Sometimes under several layers of paint, is a beautiful piece of solid wood that can be stripped and refinished masterfully. For sofas and chairs, look for items that can be recovered easily.

Most thrift store items can be used without having to do much to it, other than a good laundering or cleaning. If you find an item that has not been priced, don't hesitate to ask the salesperson if someone could price it for you. Many stores have a policy that if the item doesn't have a price, it can't be sold. Sometimes if you hit your visit just right, they will accommodate you. They really do want to keep the merchandise moving out.

Expect the unexpected. Sometimes, and to the major thrill of the thrift store shopper, when you least expect it, you spy something you've been wanting for a while, or it's a deal simply too good to pass up. You might find the perfect vintage item that will work exceptionally well with what you've already got. Those are the trips that really make your day. You've become a bonafide thrift store shopper.

MONEY MATTERS WITH SHEILA - HEAT SAVINGS

It’s getting cold outside, and that cold air is probably making its way into your house. Caulking your windows and weather-stripping exterior doors will help prevent warm air from leaking out and cold air from seeping in, not only reducing your heating bills, but making your home much more comfortable inside.

But have you ever thought of using your ceiling fans in the winter? Heat rises. If you reverse your overhead fans to run clockwise on the lowest setting, the fan will push down the warm air. And that means you can push down your thermostat by a degree or two.

MONEY MATTERS WITH SHEILA--LUCKY PENNY DAY

Today is Lucky Penny Day, a day set aside to appreciate the good luck finding a penny is supposed to bring. Remember the old rhyme:

See a penny, pick it up,
all day long you’ll have good luck.

Unfortunately, pennies may not be with us much longer. For the sixth year in a row, it now costs the U.S. Mint more to manufacture and distribute a penny than it’s worth. A lot more. Every penny minted in the U.S. this year will cost 2.41 cents. That hardly makes sense.

Starting this fall Canada will stop producing pennies, saving our neighbors to the north 11 million dollars a year. Last year the U.S. Mint produced 4.9 billion pennies. That’s $118 million dollars spent to make 49 million dollars worth of pennies. Where’s the logic in that?

There’s now a movement to do away with pennies here in the U.S. Of course the zinc industry is opposed and lobbying against such a proposal. Pennies are mostly made from zinc these days. Another group in opposition to dumping the penny is the Lincoln Library which stated it would fight for the penny down to the last cent.

How long will we continue to waste money on the lowly penny? It’s not like you can buy anything for a penny any more. What are your feeling about doing away with the penny to save tax dollars? A penny for your thoughts?

MONEY MATTERS WITH SHEILA--DIY HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS

If your New Year’s resolutions include saving money, our money guru Sheila Conway has some ways to cut your cleaning costs. -- AP

That’s right, Anastasia. Not only are household cleaning products outrageously expensive, most are neither environmentally nor health friendly. Think about that tightness in your chest or the coughing spell that often accompanies cleaning the kitchen and bathroom. That’s because you’re breathing in toxic fumes.

So here are recipes for three DIY cleaners that will cover all your cleaning needs while neither affecting your health or our planet.

SCOURING POWDER
Use backing soda. It does a great job and is less abrasive than commercial scouring powders.

GLASS CLEANER
Mix a quart of warm water and 2 tablespoons lemon juice in a squirt bottle. Your windows and mirrors will sparkle, and your wallet and lungs will thank you.

ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER
Mix a cup of white vinegar with a cup of hydrogen peroxide. Add a few drops of tea tree oil. You can us this concoction to clean and disinfect all bathroom and kitchen surfaces except granite.

Great recipes, Sheila! For just a few pennies and a little time, we can all save big. -- AP

MONEY MATTERS WITH SHEILA--PLASTIC RECYCLING BASICS

Here at American Woman we’re all into reusing, repurposing, and recycling, but when it comes to plastics, it can get very confusing. Money guru Sheila Conway did a bit of research and is here today to give you a basic plastics education. -- AP

Thanks, Anastasia! Plastics come in 7 different varieties. You can tell which type of plastic was used for making a product by the number you’ll find inside the recycling triangle marked in the plastic.

Type 1 -- This type of plastic is generally used for soda and water bottles and are usually clear plastic. Because of its porous surface, you shouldn’t reuse these bottles because of the possible accumulation of bacteria. Recycle all Type 1 plastics. They can be remade into everything from carpets to shopping bags.

Type 2 -- These plastics are generally opaque in color. They’re used for detergent bottles, milk bottles, and toiletries. There’s a low risk of leaching, so you can reuse them. They’re also very recyclable and are made into new containers.

Type 3 -- This type of plastic is used for food packaging and plumbing pipes. Don’t reuse them with food, and never microwave them. They generally can’t be recycled.

Type 4 -- You’ll find this plastic in squeezable bottles, some food bags, grocery bags, and food wraps. They’re safe to reuse but generally can’t be recycled.

Type 5 -- These plastics are used for yogurt cups, straws, and medicine bottles. They’re safe to reuse and recyclable, but check with your local recycling program. Not all recyclers take Type 5 plastics.

Type 6 -- This plastic is used for egg cartons, packing materials, and disposable cups. Don’t reuse them, and never put them in the microwave as they can release toxic chemicals. They generally can’t be recycled.

Type 7 -- This plastic is used for lids, ketchup bottles, and items made with mixed resins. They have various levels of risk for reuse and are generally not recyclable.

Thanks, Sheila! This is great information. Post a comment to be entered into the drawing for a book by our Book Club Friday guest author. -- AP

MONEY MATTERS WITH SHEILA--TOP 10 MONEY SAVING TIPS

Our money guru Sheila Conway is here today with her Top 10 List of  money saving tips. -- AP

1. Never go grocery shopping when you’re hungry. You’ll wind up buying all sorts of junk food your body and your wallet can’t afford.

2. Shop in bulk at warehouse stores.

3. Never buy the first version of any new technology. Version 2.0 will be better and cheaper.

4. Never buy the extended warranty. It’s not cost effective, just a way for the store to make more money off you.

5. If you don’t need it, don’t buy it.

6. Never believe the salesman. Get everything in writing.

7. Before purchasing items on line, search for discount coupons and free shipping codes.

8. Always keep your receipts. Many stores will no longer accept returns or exchanges without one.

9. Don’t be bullied by a high pressure salesman. Walk away. Fast.

10. If it sounds like it’s too good a deal to be true, it probably is. Let “caveat emptor” (buyer beware) be your slogan.


All sensible advice, Sheila. I'd add try not to go to the supermarket with your husband or kids. You'll wind up spending twice as much! What about you, readers? Any tips you'd like to share? Post a comment to be entered in the drawing for a book from our Book Club Friday guest author this week. -- AP

MONEY MATTERS WITH SHEILA--$$$ SAVING CHICKEN TIP

We’ve been on a bit of a chicken kick this month. Money guru Sheila Conway and food editor Cloris McWerther joined forces to bring you another money-saving tip when buying chicken. -- AP

If you watch any of the cooking shows on TV, many recommend that you buy cooked chicken to save time when making recipes, like salads, that call for cooked chicken. Whether you purchase the cooked, packaged variety or roasted chicken from the deli department, you’re going to pay a lot more for that chicken than cooking it yourself.

What? You say you don’t have the time to cook chicken? If you’ve got less than 15 minutes, you’ve got the time to poach chicken breasts. Here’s how:

Place boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a skillet. Add water or chicken broth to cover, plus a bay leaf and a sprig of thyme. Put lid on skillet and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.

Here’s another hint: Buy the chicken breasts when they’re on sale. Poach and freeze individually for future recipes.

Great ideas, ladies! Thanks for sharing.  What do you think, readers? Post a comment to be entered in the drawing for a book by our Book Club Friday guest author.-- AP

MONEY MATTERS WITH SHEILA--FOOD STORAGE

Money guru Sheila Conway is back today with ways to keep food lasting longer in the fridge. -- AP

Thanks, Anastasia! Do you often have to toss fruits and veggies because they’ve gone bad before you had a chance to use them? The trick to keeping fresh foods fresh longer is to know how to store them.

Berries should never be washed before storing in the refrigerator. Wash them just before eating or cooking.

Lemons and limes will keep at room temperatures for a week. If you want them to last longer, place them in a sealed plastic bag in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. They’ll last 2-3 weeks.

Apples should never be stored at room temperature for more than a day or two. Keep them in a sealed plastic bag, to which you’ve added a tablespoon of water, in your crisper drawer, and they’ll last up to 4 weeks.

Store bananas at room temperature, but if they ripen quicker than you can use them, just toss the ripened bananas into the fridge. The skins will turn black, but the bananas will stay ripe.

Keep fresh mushrooms in the refrigerator, first placing them in a brown paper bag covered with a damp paper towel.

Wrap fresh herbs in a dry paper towel. Place in a sealed plastic bag and store in the crisper drawer.

Nuts stored in the freezer will keep longer and shell easier.

Great tips, Sheila! I hate having to throw out food. Readers, do you have other tips you’d like to share? Let’s hear from you. -- AP

MONEY MATTERS WITH SHEILA--CLEAN GREEN

Our money guru Sheila Conway is always looking for ways to save you money. Today she has one that saves both money and the planet. -- AP

Thanks, Anastasia! Ever notice that when you need to buy cleaning products, your grocery bill skyrockets? And once you’ve bought those products, you have to deal with the noxious fumes and odors when you use them. More and more companies are coming out with green cleaning products, but often at a premium price.

Did you know you can do much of your cleaning for pennies with items you have right in your refrigerator? Take the humble lemon, for instance. Squeeze half a lemon into a bowl filled with two cups of water. Add the squeezed half to the bowl, and place the bowl in your dirty microwave. Microwave on high for 5 - 10 minutes. Let the bowl stay in the closed microwave for another 5 minutes. Open the door and wipe the inside of your microwave clean with a sponge or towel.

What a great suggestion! Thanks, Sheila! And I’ll bet your kitchen and microwave smell lemony fresh afterwards, too. Readers, do you have any money-saving or cleaning tips you’d like to share? Let’s hear from you. -- AP

MONEY MATTERS WITH SHEILA--SUCKERED BY THE SUPERMARKET

P.T. Barnum said there’s a sucker born every minute. Today, money guru Sheila Conway gives some tips on how to outsmart all those Madison Avenue tricks employed by supermarkets that want you to spend, spend, spend. -- AP

Thanks, Anastasia. I’m sure it comes as no surprise to any of you that supermarkets have been stepping up their marketing campaigns over the last few years in an effort to get consumers to spend more than they need to each week. They do this by employing experts who use psychology as a marketing tool. A savvy consumer aware of the tricks they employ will not become one of P.T. Barnum’s suckers.

So here are some things to look for:

1. Ambience. Don’t be suckered in by the food court, books and magazines, coffee bars, and lovely décor. All of this creates a desire to browse. Make a list. Get in. Get out.

2. End caps. Many people think end caps (those sections at the end of each aisle) are for sales merchandise. Not necessarily. This is prime real estate. Manufacturers pay for it. Compare the unit price of the merchandise on the end cap to the unit prices of the merchandise on the aisles. Often the end cap products are more expensive.

3.  Unit pricing. Since I mentioned it above, let’s talk a little more about it. The giant size or sale product is not always the cheapest. Check the unit pricing on the little tags at the front of the shelves. Bigger does not always equate to cheaper.

4.  Look up. Look down. We’re programmed to zoom in on the products at eye level. Again, this is prime retail real estate. Check out the brands on the upper and lower shelves. You might save money by reaching higher or stooping.

5. Un-sales flyers. Check out those weekly flyers. Read the fine print. Not everything publicized in the flyer is necessarily on sale. Manufacturers pay for this space as well.

Great tips, Sheila! I’m sure our readers will become more savvy supermarket shoppers thanks to these tips.  Our Book Club Friday guest author has a very crafty giveaway this week. Post a comment to be entered in the drawing. -- AP 

MONEY MATTERS WITH SHEILA--JUST SAY NO

Money guru Sheila Conway dishes out some tough advice today. -- AP

Thanks, Anastasia. Unless you’re a hermit, I’ll bet you’re constantly accosted by friends, relatives, neighbors, and co-workers trying to part you from your hard-earned dollars. This week it’s Bob in accounting whose kid is selling popcorn for his Boy Scout troop. Last week it was your next door neighbor inviting you to a Tupperware party. Next week your niece will be selling wrapping paper to raise money for the PTA.

No matter how low on funds you are, you usually buy at least the cheapest item in the catalog because you’re a nice person and feel uncomfortable saying no to these people, even if the last thing you need is a tin of popcorn, more wrapping paper, or another plastic storage container. Not to mention the fact that even if you did need popcorn, wrapping paper, or a plastic storage container, you could buy them all for a lot less at Target or Walmart.

Social pressure and the need to be liked make you spend money you don’t have. Then you feel like kicking yourself afterwards as you shove the popcorn, wrapping paper, and Tupperware into a pantry, drawer, or cabinet. There’s also the fact that at some point your kids will be selling Girl Scout cookies or overpriced boxes of M&M’s, and you don’t want people slamming doors in their faces.

If you added up all the money you’re coerced into spending each year, I’m certain you’d be shocked by the total. I’m here today to give you permission to say no. Don’t be intimidated. You don’t owe these people any excuses. Don’t feel guilty about being extorted. Just say no. Your neighbor has no right to twist your arm because she wants to earn a little extra money. The guy in accounting shouldn’t be extorting his co-workers so his kid wins a prize for selling the most tins of popcorn. And if money is tight for you, your relatives should know better than to try to get you to buy overpriced stuff you neither want nor need.

And when it comes time for your own kids to sell stuff? Tell the organization your kids aren’t an unpaid sales force.

Wow, Sheila! Now all I need is the courage to follow your example. What about the rest of you? Ever find yourselves shelling out money for something you didn’t want? Let’s hear from you. Post a comment to the blog this week, and you're entered into the drawing for a free book from our Book Club Friday guest author. -- AP 

MONEY MATTERS WITH SHEILA CONWAY--YARD SALE SAVVY

One woman’s junk is another woman’s treasure. Sheila Conway, American Woman’s Go-To Money Saving Guru talks today about how to pull off a successful yard sale. -- AP

Thanks, Anastasia. As you all probably know by now, decorating editor Jeanie Sims is our yard sale queen. Jeanie loves hunting through yard sales to find all sorts of discards she can turn into useful treasures. If you’re one of those people who would make Jeanie drool if you let her loose in your basement, attic, and/or garage, why not put all that stuff you no longer use up for sale and reap the cash benefits?

Yard sale season is in full swing. Like Jeanie, many of your neighbors spend their Saturday mornings traveling around from one yard sale to the next. It only takes a little bit of work to entice them to fill your coffers while cleaning out your piles of unwanted clutter.

Here are some tips for having a successful yard sale.

*Display the items you have for sale in such a way that they entice people to take a closer look. Make sure everything is clean and set out on tables and benches.

*People will drive by without stopping if they see you’re only trying to get rid of what amounts to trash. Don’t offer dirty or broken items.

*Make sure all electronics are in working order. Have an extension cord and/or batteries handy so items can be tested.

*Display items either by category or price. All housewares together, all electronics together, etc. Or a $1 table, a $3 table, a $5 table, etc.

*Mark prices on all items. If someone has to ask about price, that person might walk away instead of asking.

*Don’t overprice items. You’re having a yard sale, not opening a designer consignment shop. All items should be at least 50% off their original price.

*Be willing to negotiate. Remember, accepting a few dollars less for an item you don’t need or want is better than not selling that item at all. You’ll only have to haul it back into your home or trash it.

*If items aren’t selling, don’t be afraid to drop the prices. Again, if you don’t sell it, you have to keep it or trash it. Isn’t it better to sell something on the cheap than not at all?

*Make sure you have lots of change. You don’t want to lose a sale for a $2 item because the prospective buyer only has a twenty dollar bill and you’ve run out of change.

*Get the word out. The night before the sale post signs in strategic spots around the neighborhood where drivers will see them. Use poster board and thick marker. Write a very big, bold SALE and an arrow pointing the way. Add address, date, and times below. The morning before your sale, post it on Craigslist.

*Plan to get up early to haul everything out and set up. Die-hard yard sale devotees often show up well before the start time. You want everything set up before they start arriving.


Hmm...maybe I need to root through my attic. Thanks, Sheila! What about the rest of you? Anyone ever had a yard sale? How did it go? Post a comment to be eligible for a free book this week from our Book Club Friday guest author. -- AP