This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.
“How to be Richer, Smarter, and Better-Looking than Your Parents,” by Zac Bissonnette should be on every young adult’s summer reading list. The 23-year-old author writes about finances with an honest and humorous style suitable for young adults who want a secure, stable and happy life.
Bissonnette is the author of the popular “Debt-Free U” which I reviewed back in 2010. Back then he wrote about paying for college without going broke. Now, he’s back to guide young adults through the traps that await them in their post-college years. He writes:
Can you spot the fake? fairfaxcounty / Flickr
This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.
Even if you’re not in the market for designer bags or clothes, knowing how to spot counterfeit merchandise is a must to avoid getting duped. This is especially true since common targets include cosmetics, perfumes, computer software, jewelry, and more! The latest issue of ShopSmart lists tips to learn how to spot a fake and what to do if you’re sold inauthentic merchandize. I summarize them below.
This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.
Right smack in the middle of a fancy schmancy dinner I received a text meant to swindle me out of money. On our way home I checked my phone and found the text, at right. I had received the Walmart text scam that’s been going around.
There were red flags all over this thing. For one, I am not a Walmart shopper. Though it was my birthday, I knew it wasn’t my lucky day as I hadn’t entered any giveaways. The biggest clue this was a scam was the number. It was a regular 10-digit number instead of the usual shortcodes used by legitimate companies.
This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.
Complex money books are aggravating. These books just make things so difficult to understand. So when I received a copy of “The Super Duper Simple Book on Money” I was hooked even before I began to read. Find out how you can get a free copy below!
Author Alan Akina also dislikes complex money books and that’s why he decided to write a short and easy to read money book. He writes:
I promise that anyone who reads and follows the principles in this book, can live better, breathe easier, and build a solid financial foundation that will help you thrive through-out your life.
Echo9er / Flickr
I subscribe to your daily emails. I live in CA and I’m going to Washington, DC soon. I was looking online for Night Tours of DC and found a great deal on a site called “Kgb Deals”. They appear to be a Groupon like company. Have you ever heard of them or done business with them? I tried to research online and one guy said they were not legit. There really wasn’t a lot of info about them, but they have supposedly been in business for a long time.Thanks for your time and I LOVE your daily emails!Debbie
Do you "envelope" budget? Credit: PinkMoose/Flickr
A friend emailed me with a bit of budgeting advice passed on from her mother, the professional organizer Janet Fishman:
Set up separate bank accounts for: living expenses, play, long-term savings, education, charity, and retirement and have either a percentage or fixed dollar amount from each paycheck go into these accounts. Most all companies that offer automatic deposits for payroll have the ability to automatically deposit into multiple accounts. Figure out how much you need to pay taxes, divide by the number of weeks you work, and that constitutes the dollar amount to set aside for each week. Repeat this for the categories above and you will be fully prepared and organized year round!
This ads up to six accounts – or more if you set up one for taxes and other categories. Phew! That strikes me as a lot to manage. Plus, you would have a harder time hitting minimum balance requirements to keep your account free or low cost.
On the other hand, how much money you have to spend on any given thing would be crystal clear. No pushing money earmarked for one expense to cover something else. Plus, retirement is singled out, which makes it more likely that you will save for retirement.
What do you think of this modern take on the “envelope” system? Would you use it?
kevin dooley / Flickr
This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.
Reader AliceB is puzzling over a Target purchase where she expected to get a bonus gift card, but didn’t. She left the comment below on one of our drugstore freebies and deals post. She wrote:
TobiasMik / Flickr
This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.
Reader Asia wants to sell her furniture online. She’s looking for a website to safely get rid of items in her home. Asia writes:
Hi,
Previously I noticed on your website that there is a website if you want to exchange household items for use by others in your area. I was wondering if you know a website (other than Craigslist) where I can safely sell my furniture.
Thank you,
Asia
agrilifetoday / Flickr
This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.
This year’s tax deadline, April 17, is looming. Have you done your taxes, yet? If you’re opting to hire a tax professional to complete your taxes, I share 8 tips for finding a reliable tax preparer.
- Check the preparer’s history. You can check with the Better Business Bureau to see the ratings and complaint record on the preparer.
GoodNCrazy / Flickr
This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.
A recent story in Time Moneyland analyzed a study that found parents are terrible financial role models. The study reveals only half of the 1,008 parents surveyed regularly set aside money to save. That’s definitely not behavior kids should be imitating! Parents also said it’s easier to talk to their children about drugs, smoking, and bullying than money. I share tips below to help you talk to kids about money.
401k / Flickr
This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.
Getting assistance with your taxes does not have to cost you a dime. If you made less than $50,000 last year, check out the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program.
The program is sponsored by the IRS and it’s run by IRS-certified volunteers who go through tax training to prepare and file your taxes. Many volunteers also receive training that allows them to help filers in their specific states.
Neil T / Flickr
This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.
The April 2012 issue of ShopSmart, published by Consumer Reports, points out five scenarios that can get consumers in trouble when using their debit card. The story made me realize I’ve become careless. I summarize the dos and don’ts of staying safe when you use a debit card below. How do you keep safe when using your debit card?
Winner announced below!
This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.
I was surprised that only 17 readers entered our book giveaway contest. I’m assuming it’s because “Money Saving Blueprint” by Bryan Bowers is a Kindle book and not many have the e-reader. Those who entered had a higher chance of winning, but I could only pick one person!
I initially wanted to give the book to reader Kay, who said the Great Recession has greatly affected her family. She said after reading the book she would share it with her book lending club for other local families to benefit from her win. There was only one problem – it’s a Kindle book. Rats!
401K / Flickr
This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.
This past weekend I did my taxes and found out I owe Uncle Sam a nice chuck of change. Thankfully, I prepared for this by stashing away money. If you find yourself in this predicament without any savings, I share five tips to pay off your tax bill below.
- Take a deep breath and face the situation head on. Avoiding your tax bill will only lead to penalties that will end up costing you more in the long run. The IRS can also go after your assets and wages if you attempt to avoid them. (more…)
Win a Kindle version (or PDF version) of this book!
Today is your last chance to comment for a chance to win Bryan Bowers’ “Money Saving Blueprint.” Only 6 readers have entered, so your chances of winning are super high! Bowers shows you how to cut down expenses in his easy to read, 39-page book.
Bowers’ family had to trim expenses after being hard hit by the recession. He wrote the book to inspire others. He writes:
