Are Gift Cards Worth It?

More and more people now give out gift cards as holiday gifts. May it be that the person you are shopping for is very picky, very hard to shop for or that you are just crunched for time. But are gift cards worth it? In my opinion, not most of the time. Rather than churning up a story let me list some of the problems I see.
CONS:

1. Might expire and or charge monthly, yearly or dormant fees.
2. A person is restricted to use the card at a particular place.
3. If lost or stolen can be hard and or costly to replace.
4. People forget to use them at times.

These are just some of the cons. And guess who profits? The company you bought the card from. I for one do not feel like throwing away money like this. So what should you do instead? Now personally if you are going to give some one a gift card, give the person cash or a check. Why? It's the same amount you would have spent on the gift card or maybe cheaper given some card issuers like American Express charge a fee. Feel bad about just giving cash? Many banks have fancy holiday cash envelopes, utilize those. Be creative and get like $2 bills or something. Just saying that in my opinion it is better to give out hard cash or check in a fancy way than giving plastic.

Thinking of Buying A Gift Card This Holiday Season?

Many people will purchase gift cards this holiday season. Why not make a few bonus points on your credit card for that? There are certain credit cards that offer double to 5 points for purchases made at grocery stores, drugstores and gas stations. So when you go out to purchase gift cards remember to use the right card!

I personally buy gift cards whenever I have to go shop somewhere. For example, if I want to buying something from Home Depot, I buy the appropriate amount gift card from a local grocery store thus earning 5 points on my credit card rather than the 1 point I would have earned had I used the credit card for the purchase. Keep in mind, if you end up returning the item, you will be stuck with a gift card or store credit.

Citibank Credit Cards Thank You Network

Citibank's Thank You Network has a special holiday pricing going on right now! From Nov 2 - Dec 28 2006 you can get certain gift cards for less points. This is a pretty cool deal! Here are the details from their website:

Gift cards can be shipped in as few as 3 business days*.

	Banana Republic –	$50
	Crabtree & Evelyn® –	$50	$100
	Eddie Bauer® –	$50	$100
	Gap –	$50	$100
	Lands' End® –	$50	$100
	L.L. Bean –	$50	$100
	Macy’s –	$50	$100
	Pier 1 Imports® –	$50	$100
	Spa Finder® –		$100
	The Sharper Image® –	$50	$100
	Avis® –	$50	$100
	Carnival Cruise Lines –		$100
	Marriott® Cheque –	$50	$100	$200
	Ritz-Carlton® Currency –	$50	$100	$200
	Royal Caribbean® International –		$100
	Bennigan's® –	$50
	Legal Sea Foods –	$50	$100
	Omaha Steaks® –	$50	$100

Ti's The Season To Go Broke!

Ti's The Season To Go Broke!

As the holiday season approaches, many will feel the pinch in their pockets. Follow these few steps and you might come out alive this new years. Budget, budget, budget! Now is the time to make a budget for your giftivity if you will. First, make a list of the people whom you wish to give gifts this season. Categorize them and give each person a price limit. Check to see if you can get away without actually buying something expensive. Do not try to get into "showing off" or out doing the other. This will only end in disaster. It is okay to get an expensive gift and in return give a gift of nominal value. Remember its the thought that counts. Here are a few ideas:

1. Shop big sales, look for coupons and cash back.
2. DVDs are a sure bet this season.
3. Home made gifts are great. Don't feel "cheap" or try to buy something else to go with it.
4. Gift cards though an easy way out, might not be the best bet unless you are strapped for time.
5. Buy things in bulk and make your own gift packages/baskets and personalize them. (Dollar Store, Costco, etc)

Making minimum? You just got a raise - MSNBC Article

Election day was something. I was up until 3 AM flipping through channels as the votes unraveled and looks like Virginia the deciding vote went to the Democrats giving them the majority in the Senate and the House of Representatives. This says something about the Republican Party and President Bush. He said something like this on TV, " I thought we were going to do just fine yesterday, but this shows what do i know.." I think that's what he said or something to that effect.

Back to the minimum wage issue:

"Tuesday's election means more money for minimum-wage earners in several states. Voters there increased the rates above the federal standard of $5.15 an hour." ...... "

"$7.25 high on Democratic agenda"

Read the entire article Here

Don't Fall Victim to Phony Emails

Last week I got numerous phony emails from Paypal, Bank of America, Citibank and a lot more none of them were real. Just remember never click on the links on an email to access your accounts. If suspicious call your financial institute to inquire about the email. Delete the emails and report them to the financial institute. BEWARE!

Credit Card Protection Plans

I for one can not stand these credit card protection plans. There seems to be a protection plan for everything now, from electronics, to toys to even just simply living... You get the picture. Credit card protection plan might be good for a few but not for most people. I hate it that whenever I call the credit card company for anything they try to sell you one thing or the other. I recently was signed up to Citi's Credit Protector - why did I sign up? I was in no mood to argue and agreed thinking I'll cancel the next day. Well I cancelled today, just a few days before the trial period. The lady I talked to tried to sell me a more "cost effective plan" i.e. the same plan but at a cheaper price. Sheesshhh, when I told her absolutely not, she got an attitude, cancelled the plan and basically just hung up.

These plans charge you around 85 cents for every $100 balance you have. They try to sell it to you by saying if you pay the balance in full there is no fee. NOT TRUE! I pay my Credit Cards off every month. For the plan to have no fees you have to pay the balance off before your statement CLOSES! So beware. Read the fine print and if you don't charge a lot and pay it off, I don't think you need this type of service.

Dealing With Identity Theft & Fraud

I got a lot of emails some arguing that I "really wasn't a victim of identity theft" and so on. Well lets look at the definition of identity theft: " Identity theft occurs when someone wrongfully acquires or uses another person's personal data, typically for their own financial gain. Sometimes it is referred to as "identity fraud" since the criminal impersonates rather than 'removes' the victim's identity.Most commonly, this term is used in relation to credit card fraud although mortgage fraud and other kinds of financial fraud are common. " (Wikipedia.com)

Here are the some steps to follow:

1. Do not give out personal financial information or other private information to anyone over the phone or online.
2. Check your credit reports frequently. Remember you get one free credit report a year from each of the three credit bureaus. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com
3. Review your credit card bills, and other financial accounts at least once a month.
4. Look for missing statements in the mail. Switch to e-statements if you prefer.

In case you are a victim of identity theft:

1. Contact the account administrator and close the account. File a claim.
2. File a police report. This will be crucial depending on your case.
3. Contact all three credit bureaus.

• Equifax: P.O. Box 105069, Atlanta, GA 30348
  Report fraud: Call (800) 525-6285
  
  
• Experian: P.O. Box 9532, Allen, TX 75013
  Report fraud: Call (888) EXPERIAN (888-397-3742)
  
  
• TransUnion: P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92834
  Report fraud: (800) 680-7289
  

Identity Theft Issue

As I mentioned that I was a victim of identity theft, even though it was just one credit card it was still something. I am going to post a detailed article with steps to follow if you are a victim of identity theft tomorrow. The sooner you act the better it is!

New ATM At My Local Bank Of America

There is no deal or bonus here but I just had to share this with everyone. I went to make a deposit at Bank of America and found out that they had installed a new ATM. With this one you do not need a deposit slip or an envelope! It takes your checks one by one and scans them and it counts your cash right away. Thus, for me at least it made all my cash available immediately where as it made a $100 from my check available immediately. Another cool thing: it prints a mini image of your check deposit on your receipt! I just think that was so cool and I have a record of exactly what I deposited! If you bank with BoA go and check out if you have these cool new machines. (I am a sucker for things like these!)

Victim of Identity Theft

I recently was a victim of identity theft. I still haven't grasped the idea of what exactly happened but it sill has left me in shock. Someone apparently got hold of my MBNA credit card number and was charging like there was no end. How did I find out? I called to inquire if my payment reached on time and the associate after verifying my identity told me that my card was blocked as there had been some suspicious activity. Blocked? How? What? Apparently they tried to contact me but I had not updated my new number with them, so as a precaution they blocked my card. THANK GOD! After verifying that out of the thousands of $$$ in charges only $4, that's right $4 was mine she informed me that my card was canceled a new card was issued with a new account number. Phewww!

But I still can't figure out how this happened. I never use my cards online. I always use the virtual account numbers that you can generate to buy stuff online. I have read articles where restaurant employees swipe your card and retain the information which they later either sell or use. What a world we live in!

Word of Advice: Check you accounts at least weekly, set up e-alerts if your card issuer offers them. Keep track, if anything seems suspicious call the credit card company or bank immediately.

Think You Got A Good Deal?

It is interesting to note how people run to the store as soon as they hear there is some big sale going on. But is the sale really worth it? Not most of the time!
CASE-IN-POINT: JCPENNY like they always do has another sale going on this weekend, the main attraction buy one get the second for $0.88! You might think "WOW! it's like getting one free!" NO! If you have ever noticed how in a normal shopping day when there are no sales the prices are set below the sticker price but as soon as a sale like this or 20% off is announced the base sale price is the maximum for each product i.e. the one printed on the tag. EXAMPLE: There are graphic tees that sell for $8.50 - $9.00 any given day but for this sale the price for the tee was $18! Lets do some math:
$8.50 * 2 = $17.00 <-- Not on Sale
$18.00 + $0.88 = $18.88 <-- On Sale
Get the picture? Let me point out that no not every item is like that. There actually might be something that you get cheaper but the majority or or popular items are priced the way I have my example set up. So next time when you think about going shopping just because o fa sale, pay close attention.

October Earnings and Expense Estimation

October is going to be a tricky month for me. I will have an added expense of $200 a month in living expenses. A lot of birthdays! So my expenses are going to be around $800 more than last month which is going to hurt me (damn those expensive presents...but it's worth every penny to see the look on the faces of people you love when they open your gift). Keeping this in perspective I am not going to eat out at all this month, or at least try not to. I am going to do more of the extra activities such as surveys and mystery shops. I would estimate about $120 from surveys and mystery shops alone. This month most of my mystery shops are very entertaining and interesting so it should be fun. I hope everyone looks for the best deal be it for clothes, furniture or anything else. Since, I have been doing a lot of shopping this month, I have hunted for a lot of coupons and deals and might I say I have saved over $300 using those promotions. I have used 15% off to 40% off, free shipping, rewards etc. I think I will write an individual post on how to find the best deals and coupons before you purchase anything, and I mean anything.


For more information or if you have any questions about which service provider to sign up with for surveys and mystery shops just contact me.

Save A Little... Live A Little

Now that gas prices have developed a downward trend, be it politics or the abundance of supply, save! You can save a lot by trimming a few dimes here and a few dollars there. For example, log your gas purchase at the highest rate you can remember. Reason your daily purchases. Is $5 - $10 a day wise for eating out? Try buying ready to eat meals at a grocery store and take those for lunch. Using the "drive thru" at McDonald's or Wendy's to eat at home? Don't by the pricey sodas. Just think around $1.50 for a soda at McDonald's compared to less than$0.50 at home if you buy soda in bulk as cans or bottles. Think smart, save smart but still enjoy life. I am not saying that you should just stop spending but just reason each impulse buy or daily purchases that you make. Think about it! If you average saving even $3 a day that adds up to $90 a month! Then if you are earning 5.50% interest on it! Hallelujah!

Every Penny Counts

In today's world, money has attained a new priority in an average persons life. Money is the reason for many family feuds, end of relationships, friendships and in extreme cases someones life. I myself have noted a change in my way of thinking. From being a carefree, concerned human being, I have turned into a money minded freak looking to get the best deal, save every penny I can and just see my net worth grow. I realized today that this "disease" has cost me a part of my humanity. You see, I used to be very charitable. Ever since I was a kid, I would give most of my toys, money, and new clothes to the less fortunate. Anytime I would get cash for birthdays and holidays, I would give more than half out to charity. Now, I hardly do anything for them. I am fortunate to have a roof over my head and have three meals a day. I am fortunate enough to have a good education and money to spend.
So today I have decided to collect money for a month and donate to a charity or two. I have decided that I will not eat out for a month and the savings from that will go towards the charity which I will later decide upon. I urge you to donate as little or as much as you can. Every penny makes a difference. If I get a huge response I might open a donations account on paypal to collect the money. Please let me know if you would like me to open a donations account. I am planning on donating this to an organization that feeds the homeless, like a soup kitchen or feed the world campaign. I will list the organization later and when I make the donation I will post the corresponding documents.

My Charity Run Ends October 31st!

Cleaning Up A Big Mess

Let me ask you a few questions:

1. Have you ever bought anything that came with a mail in rebate? Did you mail it in? Did you keep track? And Finally did you receive it? If not, did you fight it and receive it then?
   
2. Has any online business ever con you out of money, or charged you outrageous fees? Were you refunded?
3. Have you ever had trouble with a retail store, shop or business where you think you were taken advantage off? Did you fight it and get whatever it was (money, goods, service, etc) ?

If you can relate to any of the above let me tell you, you are not alone. I have had many problems with many businesses, websites, rebates etc. However, I have managed to get everything resolved be it a rebate check or a service charge refund. I am going to share my strategy with you, using real life examples.

Chaotic Mess # 1: Acomdata Rebate for an External Hard Drive - $30.00
I bought the hard drive during a promotion at CompUsa. I am responsible with rebates, I complete them, make a copy and log them in an excel file with the date and amount to keep track. I mail them out and wait. If the rebate is not received within the given time frame I contact the merchant to check on the status. I sent the rebate and after the time frame I contacted Acomdata via their customer service number and was told to wait another 3 weeks as it was in process. Given I was not in a hurry, I reluctantly accepted. Still no rebate, I called them again and was told they never got my rebate! Frustrated I emailed them and was told to email then a copy of everything and a picture of the hard drive. I did that. Still no rebate, I had an exchange of about 7 emails after that they stooped replying. I sent 1 email a day for a week and got no reply. Pissed! I resorted to my last option, which now come to think should have been my first option! I filed a complaint at the Better Business Bureau online (it took only 2 mins) and one with the FTC. Results? Within 2 weeks I had the check in my hand and an apology from Acomdata!

I can share a lot more things, but I guess you can get the picture. Remember you have rights, and you should not give up! It does not take too much effort all this can be done online within minutes. Follow these simple steps:

• Contact the merchant and keep a copy of the email.
  
• If you feel no resolution will be reached, file a complaint with the BBB
• File a complaint with the FTC.

• SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH EVERYONE! BLOG IT! POST IT! GET THE WORD OUT!
  

***Currently I am having an issue with PayPal. I will let you know how that goes. FYI read reviews about PayPal online. I would not trsut them with my money!***

Get the Best Deal

Buying books, furniture, jewelry, or anything else? Online or in a retail store? Are you getting the best deal?

If you put in a little time or effort in to finding coupons and codes you might end up with a huge discount on your purchase. For example, this semester my books if bought new at the bookstore would cost me $675 and if bought used cost me $485. Expensive? YES!
How much did I pay for all my books?
A mere $235! How? I searched for the best deal! I looked for used books online and especially international versions of the book (i.e. usually they are just soft covers but everything else is the same). I searched on Google, Amazon, eBay and ended up with the lowest prices and good condition of books.

This is not online for books, but clothes, phones, furniture, essentially whatever! To search for a discount just use a phrase like "Target coupon" in Yahoo! or Google and you will end up with numerous codes and coupons to use like Free Shipping, 10% off, 20% off etc. SO next time you shop try to invest some time in finding the best deal.

Gas Prices Drop Across The Board

As gas prices drop it might be a good idea to scout for the lowest gas price in your area and try to save a few bucks. With gas prices outrageously high this summer it is time to make up for the the difference. Economists claim that in a few years gas prices may go as low as $1.15 a gallon! I look for gas prices around the areas I am during the week. Prices differences? $2.60 where I live, $2.81 where I work and $2.35 near my school! Something to think about....

Find the lowest gas prices in your area at Gas Buddy

Washington Post's Article on Budgets

Michelle Singletary wrote in the Washington Post about Budgets! In her column "The Color of Money" she discussed budgets and it is an interesting read. She offers a suggestion of using percentages and use math to play the Budget Game. As mentioned before if you want to get your finances on track and need motivation to start savings, set goals and make a budget then work to keep up with it. It is a good read. Click to read the article "It Pays to Do the Math in the Budget Game"

If you have other suggestions or would like to share what your strategy is when it comes to budget please feel free to share it.

Check your Credit Reports!

I can not stress this enough but check your credit reports! And report any errors immediately! I had a friend of mine pull her credit reports a few days ago after she was complaining of getting extremely high interest rates. Guess what we found? There were two credit cards, one past due that she does not have and a lien after some court decision against her. The best part it was placed on her account when she was only 15! What happened? Errors happen! But that has plagued her credit history since then and she is finding this out now, in her twenties! You can imagine how adversely that has affected her so far. She is working on removing the erroneous information from her credit reports but please take her example and do a yearly credit check. You are entitled to a free credit report from the 3 credit bureaus so use them!

Here is their website: Annual Credit Report

Feel free to share any advice or stories.