Jason Texter / Flickr

This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.

I recently read a story in the LA Times about Hallmark adding unemployment cards to its sympathy line. The cards are apparently a good way to show compassion, but to me spending $3 to $5 on a card is ridiculous! This got me thinking of five frugal ways to show your support for those going through a rough time.

Not surprisingly, Hallmark is not the only company getting in on the action. You can also buy layoff cards from online companies Zazzle Inc. and Greeting Card Universe.

1. Provide a survival kit – Share our job loss survival kit which includes everything from keeping your health care while unemployed to tax brakes for job hunters. This is invaluable information that may be missed when they’re too shell-shocked to think straight.
2. Help them network – Offer up your contacts to begin the process of searching for a job and mention any job opportunities you hear about. You can also help your friend prepare a resume and cover letter, and get ready for interviews.
3. Help them stay current – If you have skills that will help your friend stand out from other applicants, then offer free lessons. A former coworker of mine taught me the basics of InDesign when I was looking for a job. It was very helpful and it was much appreciated.
4. Give a care package – Heading to the grocery store to buy necessary seems like a better use of money than buying a card. Getting a week’s worth of groceries (or whatever your salary allows) is helpful. Don’t forget to use My Coupon Database to  keep the cost down by printing off grocery and drugstore coupons.
   
5. Take the Person to Dinner – Treating your pal to a meal helps him/her enjoy the pleasures that are often the first to go when money gets tight. You don’t have to break the bank! Save 25-45% off your bill with Restaurant.com. Not only will you enjoy a night on the town, but it will alleviate stress, or at least push it away for an hour or two.

How else would you help a friend? Would you buy a greeting card for someone who just got axed?

a loves dc / Flickr

This post is brought to you by Concept Personnel – The UK’s No. 1 for Marketing Jobs and Creative Jobs in Newcastle, Edinburgh & Glasgow.

This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.

If you are itching to make money this summer, it’s time to start sending out applications. Below you’ll find 13 tips to help you put your right foot forward when looking for a summer job.

1. Determine what you want to get out of the job – Whether you’ve lost your job and are looking for a source of income or you want to use this job as a stepping stone to get you closer to launching your career, look for a job that will help you reach your goal.
2. Know your hunting seasons – During summer, places like theme parks, pools, vacation resorts, retail stores, restaurant and hotels become busy and these are the jobs that are most likely to hire. Look now because come summer the positions will be filled.
3. Identify prospective employers - Research employers you are interested in working for by doing a quick online search. The search can reveal the perks and benefits of working for a certain company. For example, if you work at a coffee or smoothie place, you’ll get a free drink when you are on your shift and this will help you save money on drinks.
4. Search for job openings – Wondering where the jobs are? Take advantage of career fairs held at your university or in the community to find them. Browse the classified advertisements in newspapers to figure out who’s hiring and send your resume to employment agencies. Browsing the internet for employment opportunities is also a good idea. Most importantly, network at parties and gatherings and ask friends and family if they’ve heard of job openings in your field.
5. Contact managers or the HR department pronto – Get in touch with the right persons as soon as possible to ask for an application. Leaving things to the last minute could cost you the job and the money that comes along with it. Expect to make a few calls to track down the correct person to apply to. Your time is well spent. Send it to the wrong person, and your resume may never be seen by the person who makes the hiring decision.
6. Develop a resume - Depending on the job you are going for, you’ll need to put a resume together to show that you are the best person for the job. Make sure you have someone else look over it to catch typos. Look online for popular formatting styles and always print with a high quality printer.
7. Prepare for your interview – Walk in knowing as much as possible about the company. Ask questions about the company that reflect your knowledge and passion for the company and your industry. Develop answers to common interview questions like why do you want to work here? What do you bring to the company? How do you deal with challenges? Practice with a family member or friend. You want to have your answers down.
8. What to wear – Dress conservatively for the interview and if you wear makeup, keep it simple. This is not the day to try the latest trends from the runway. Your clothes should be neat and tidy.
9. Complete applications – Make sure they are legible and you answer questions fully.
10. Be on time - And by that, I mean get there early. You may have to fill out paperwork so bring a pen and any other documents you may need.
    
11. Give references a warning – If you are putting someone down as a reference make sure to give them a call ahead of time to let them know you are using them as a reference. Tell them about the position you are going after and why you would be good in the position so they too can be ready to recommend you.
12. Things to leave behind – Cell phones and laptops can be useful, but you won’t need them the day of the interview. Put your phone on vibrate to avoid awkward interruptions. No texting until after you walk out with a job.
13. It’s all about attitude – The positive kind, of course. Have a positive attitude and be professional. Don’t make it all about money and the time you’ll be getting off or you’ll get looked over. People want to hire applicants who are excited to work for them.

What tips would you give those on the job hunt?

A little graduate. Banana Custard / Flickr

This financial planning post is brought to you by Towry, the UK’s leading investment management and wealth management firm. Towry offers independent financial advice, pension advice, SIPP and retirement planning.

This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.

Graduation season is in the air. If you’ve already received graduation announcements, it’s time to start thinking of the perfect gift. Here are four helpful gift ideas to set grads on the right financial track.

1. Retirement accounts – Students seldom think of retirement because they are busy being young. This gift not only includes a chat with you or a financial adviser about retirement, but a cash gift, which we all like. Sit down with your graduate and help them start planning for the future. By starting early, the power of compounding interest and time will allow your graduate to build wealth. If they are working for a company that provides employee retirement plans like a 401k, encourage them to take advantage of it. Before they do, make sure to read Bargain Babe’s post on how to determine if your 401k plan sucks. If your graduate will be self-employed, a talk about how to open an IRA is a must. Keep in mind that whatever amount you are willing to gift your graduate is up to you and know that it will be welcomed and appreciated.

2. Start an emergency fund – Helping your graduate set up an emergency fund will keep them from falling into debt when unexpected expenditures come into his or her life. After graduation, your graduate will have loan payments to make and will probably not think of setting aside money when they have debt to pay off. By opening a high interest yielding account and gifting them the money to start it, you are setting your graduate for financial success.

3. Books on finances – Voracious readers will appreciate a book that will help them understand the transition they are embarking into adulthood and all its financial responsibilities. Make sure the book is written for the younger crowd. After spending endless hours in the library reading textbooks for classes, graduates do not want to spend time reading dry, boring material. If you need some suggestions, check out our personal finance book reviews.

4. Job search help – Unemployment is a reality many are facing. Lend your graduate a hand by helping them prepare for job interviews. It can be as easy as proof reading their resume, asking them standard interview questions, getting them a new suit, or passing on a contact. For many jobs, it’s not what you know but who you know that lands you an interview. Scroll through your Rolodex and help your graduate network his or her way to a new job.

What else would you gift a recent grad to get them off to a good financial start?

I would love to read this book. I have been looking for work since the end of April – it is very emotionally draining.

I hope this book helps you get through this difficult time, Debra. If you missed my review of the book, author Harlan Kidwell Jr. focuses on the emotional journey that follows getting laid off. One thing that comes up often – even when you have a job – is how to talk about money with friends who want to spend more than you do. Socializing can be a minefield when you are cutting back!

To reduce spending, go over your budget again or attend a totally free swap meet.

If you’re looking for ways to earn some extra money each month from the comfort of your own home, online surveys may be just the thing for you! I have been doing surveys for over a year now and earn approximately $100 per month. It’s certainly not enough for me to retire but it is my gas money that I don’t have to worry about!

I love that I can sit in my pjs or while I watch TV and earn money. You can also get product tests from doing surveys where they send you not yet released products to report back about. There are a lot of survey sites out there and I am signed up with over 30. I only blog about the ones I have had no issues with.

Before signing up with your first survey company, get a new separate email address for surveys only (I use gmail). I don’t get any spam in my surveys email account but I do get a lot of survey invites which could clog your inbox. All of the survey companies I blog about are completely free to sign up for. Remember, they are paying YOU for YOUR opinions!

Many surveys are looking for people that fall into certain demographics so you won’t qualify for every survey you do. I qualify for approximately half of all surveys I attempt. Don’t get hung up on why you’re not qualifying, it’s just the way it is.

Each survey company handles payment differently. Some pay in cash while others may pay in merchandise. Read the terms and conditions as you sign up to make sure you understand how you’ll be paid and if there is a minimum amount to be paid. I make an effort to redeem every month so I can maximize my monthly earnings.

Here are 6 survey companies I recommend:

My Survey
HCD Surveys
Ipsos-I-Say
Opinion Outpost
Global Test Market
Toluna USA

To read more about the survey companies I am signed up with, check out the survey page on my blog, Nicole’s Nickels.

Life after a layoff

Keeping your health care while unemployed

What if your employer files for bankruptcy?

Tax breaks for job hunters

Undercover job hunting

13 hot jobs in a recession

Start your own business

More resources from Bargain Babe:

Expenses to cut immediately if you lose your job

Tips for staying employed

A quick way to get ahold of your finances