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5 Best Gas Rewards Credit Cards

Jason Steele — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:36:19 +0000

Americans are having a tough time adjusting to the reality of purchasing gasoline at $3.00 a gallon or more. When possible, we’ve bought more efficient cars, moved closer to work, and taken fewer road trips. Nevertheless, gasoline continues to consume a disproportionate amount of our budgets, and we are always looking for a way to save anything we can in this critical area.

How to Pick the Best Gas Card

First, you want to consider the savings you will realize from each card. Some products offer a percentage off your total purchase, while others grant a fixed amount of savings per gallon. Next, think about where you buy gas and which stations in your area have the lowest price. Some cards are specific to a brand, while others allow you to choose most stations except for warehouse stores. Finally, consider the other benefits of each card. Several of the cards on this list offer excellent rates of cash back for purchases beyond gas, while others do not. This is important if you plan on using this card for more than just fuel purchases.

Our Top 5 Gas Rewards Cards

A few years ago, I signed up for a SimplyCash American Express Business card that offered fantastic 5% cash back on all gasoline purchases. Sadly, that deal is no longer offered, but I was able to save a few hundred dollars using that card. These days, a credit card that offers higher rewards for gasoline purchases can still slash your price at the pump by 15 cents a gallon. Here are my top picks.

1. Visa Platinum Cashback Rewards Card From PenFed

PenFed is the Pentagon Federal Credit Union. While they are not well known, and they are not even a bank, they do offer some of the most consumer friendly products on the market. Their Platinum Cash Rewards card offers 5% cash back on all gasoline purchases. Unfortunately, this card offers a paltry .25% back on other purchases. On the other hand, PenFed has a great reputation for low fees. This card has no annual fee, cash advance fee, foreign transaction fee, or over the limit fees. To apply for this card, you must be a member of the credit union, which is open to current and former members of the military, many government contractors, their relatives, and household members. Even if you do not qualify on this basis, you can do so by making a one-time, $15 donation to a military charity.

Click here to apply now

2. Costco TrueEarnings Card (Business and Personal)

For those familiar with this brand, the word Costco is synonymous with savings. The consumer version of the Costco TrueEarnings card offers 3% cash back on gasoline, while the business version offers 4%. Costco limits the higher returns on gasoline to the first $3,000 each year for the consumer card, and $6,000 annually for the business card. Other benefits included 2% cash back on travel and at restaurants, along with 1% cash back everywhere else. Strangely, the 1% rate also includes purchases from Costco, an odd feature in a world where extra rewards are typically awarded for purchases from the co-branded merchant. Another odd fact about thing about this card is that the rewards are issued in the form of a voucher each February. You can use your voucher for purchases at Costco stores, or redeem it for cash at their customer service counter. If your account is closed before February, your forfeit all of your rewards. There is no fee for this card with your paid Costco membership

Click here to apply now

3. Amex BlueCash Preferred

Here is a top notch, all around rewards card that happens to offer a competitive 3% reward rate on gasoline purchases (it is also the best credit card for groceries). While there is no limit to the amount of cash back you can earn, this higher rate does not apply to fuel purchased at superstores and warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club. Other rewards include 6% cash back at supermarkets, 3% cash back at department stores, and 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Click here to apply now

4. Citi ExxonMobil Mastercard

Citi and ExxonMobil are two giants of banking and energy, and their ExxonMobil MasterCard offers competitive cash back on both gasoline and other purchases. Cardholders will receive a 15 cent per gallon rebate on Exxon and Mobile purchases at over 10,000 nationwide locations. Essentially, customers receive a larger percentage of cash back when the price of gas goes down, and relatively fewer rewards when the price goes up. Customers will receive another 2% cash back on their first $10,000 of eligible purchases each year, and 1% cash back after that. Cardholders receive a free Speedpass device to make quick purchases, and there is no annual fee for this card.

Click here to apply now

5. Chase Marathon Mastercard

While Chase is a major national credit card issuer, Marathon only has stations in 18 states in the Southeast and Midwest. Nevertheless, this card offers a competitive 5% rebate on all purchases that is applied to future Marathon charges. Other charges also return a reasonable 1% cash back. There is no annual fee for this card.

Click here to apply now

The Downsides of Gas Cards

Now that you know about all the great deals out there, pause for a second and consider if one of them is really right for you. As with all reward cards, you are not saving any money unless you are paying each statement in full and on time. To do otherwise ensures that you will owe more in interest that you ever earn in cash back. Also remember that you are not saving much money if you have to pay a higher initial price or drive further to take advantage of credit card rewards. Finally, consider how much money your household can save with one of these cards over the course of the year. That amount has to easily exceed the cost of any annual fees, or the point is moot.

Note: Some links contain affiliate codes.

Written by Jason Steele and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

A Beginner's Guide to Homemade Bread

Tara Struyk — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:24:19 +0000

I’d venture to say there are very few people who can resist fresh, homemade bread; when I pull a loaf out of the oven, a crowd inevitably forms around it, and we wait for it to cool so we can slather it with butter while it’s still warm. A fresh loaf of bread seems a bit miraculous when you make it yourself, as you watch a few simple ingredients rise into a golden dome under the oven light. It always led me to assume that making bread was difficult or complicated. What I found out is that it can be very simple — if, unlike me, you choose the right approach.

How Not to Start

When I decided to start making bread, I was charmed into it by a beautifully illustrated book and followed book written by a famous artisan baker. I followed the instructions for making sourdough starter — essentially a smelly, homemade yeast, created by allowing grapes to ferment with flour and water for several weeks. Then I proceeded to dive into artisan bread recipes that involved several painstaking steps — and many days — to complete. (See also: How to Bake Sourdough Bread)

I produced countless loaves of bread that were so flat and dense you could hardly cut into them. One loaf of raisin brioche rose to monstrous proportions in the oven, pushing raisins out of its billowing sides; another burned black on the outside and oozed wet dough in the center.

After flipping around in that first book, I realized that there’s a method to learning how to bake more complicated recipes successfully. The first page of the book dealt with making a simple white bread.

Step 1: Start Simple

Making bread is chemistry, which means there’s a certain ratio of ingredients that will produce that soft, chewy, texture. Most baking books start with white bread. This is because a simple loaf of white bread is the easiest kind to make successfully. When whole-grain flours are added in large proportion, things get a little more complicated, and you’re more likely to end up with a brick than anything that resembles real bread.

Start with white bread or wheat breads with a low proportion (less than 30%) of whole-grain flour until you get the hang of things. Once you master this, you’ll have the basic skills that are required to make more difficult recipes work.

Step 2: Know Your Ingredients

If you haven’t made bread before, you might assume that flour is flour. Not so. Bread flour isn’t a gimmick; it’s flour that contains a higher proportion of protein, or wheat gluten. This is what gives bread dough its elasticity. If your recipe doesn’t state the kind of flour you should use, consider trying each once. Some people like the airy texture all-purpose flour can create. If you are sensitive to gluten, getting the right texture will be more difficult, but a good gluten-free cookbook should help.

Yeast is another key ingredient in bread baking. Make sure you get the type the recipe calls for — either active dry yeast or instant yeast. You should also keep your yeast in a sealed container in the fridge or freezer to keep it fresh for longer. It’s alive, so treat it gently by letting it warm to up to room temperature before adding it to a recipe.

Step 3: Understand the Basics

Making a simple loaf of bread involves the same basic steps: mixing, kneading, rising, shaping, and second rising. This sounds like a lot, but most of it is actually hands-off; just set your timer and let the flour and yeast mingle in privacy.

Mixing

This generally involves combining all the dry ingredients and all the wet ones, then combining the two and mixing until a kneadable dough forms. Just follow the directions in your recipe, and pay attention to any instructions about temperature — lukewarm liquids are often requested and will affect how the yeast responds.

Kneading

This is the fun part, and it generally needs to be done for 6 to 10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic, but still pliable. You can also do the mixing and kneading in your bread machine using the dough cycle. Just be sure to put the yeast on the bottom, followed by the dry ingredients and then the liquid. This prevents the yeast from being activated too early.

First Rising

Once you’ve kneaded the dough, you can make it into a ball, cover it with plastic wrap, and put it in a warm place to rise. I like to put it in the oven and turn the light on; the warmth from the light bulb provides just the right amount of heat. This takes 30 minutes to an hour, or until the ball has swelled to twice its size.

Shaping

This is when you deflate the dough and shape it for baking, either by putting it into a bread loaf pan or shaping it freeform on a pizza stone or cookie sheet. Then, cover the loaf with a towel for its second rising.

Final Rising

After being deflated, the bread should double in size again. This should take a little less time than the first rising — about 30 to 45 minutes. Preheat the oven to the temperature specified in the recipe during this time.

Once these steps are completed, put the bread in the oven, set the timer, and wait for what seems like forever.

Step 4: Learn When It’s Ready

I’ve cooked bread to a deep, acrid brown. I’ve also pulled it triumphantly from the oven when it looked just right — only to discover it was still raw in the middle. So how do you know if your loaf of bread is ready? Use the time and temperature specified in the recipe as a guide. When the bread is a deep, golden brown and smells like toast, it’s probably ready. To be sure, take it out of the oven, flip it over, and tap the middle of it with your finger or a spoon. If it sounds hollow, it’s cooked through.

Try, Try Again

Bread is alive, so learning how to consistently make great bread takes practice and patience. Over time, you’ll learn to know when the dough is the right consistency and when and how to make adjustments to fix it. You’ll probably also learn that loaves that rose a little too much, rose not quite enough, or are a little overcooked still taste pretty fantastic, especially compared to the dry, uniform slices from the supermarket. Learning to make bread is a process that takes time to perfect. Fortunately, the process is far from painstaking as even an imperfect loaf of fresh bread demands to be eaten.

Written by Tara Struyk and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

Best Money Tips: Ways to Save $1 a Day

Ashley Jacobs — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:00:23 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found some great articles on ways to save $1 a day, family-friendly Super Bowl parties, and cheap things that make life easier.

News & Events

Money Crashers Tweetchat (#MCchat) — Don't miss Money Crashers weekly #MCchat at 1pm PST! They will be giving away prizes!

The Jenny Pincher Tweet Chat (#jpchat) — Be sure to check out The Jenny Pincher's #jpchat on Sunday at 5pm PST!

Be sure to check out our News & Events Calendar to see all the awesome upcoming events in the personal finance world!

Written by Ashley Jacobs and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

Toxic Laundry: What’s in Your Dryer Sheets and Fabric Softener?

Kentin Waits — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:48:21 +0000

Fabric softeners, dryer sheets, fabric sprays...and now laundry crystals. Most American laundry rooms are beginning to look like home chemistry labs. Liquids, gels, foams, and fragrances are mixed and remixed in a never-ending (and quite ironic) search for “freshness.” It makes me wonder what, exactly, our clothes and linens are going through that requires them to so be thoroughly and aggressively treated. Are all these products really necessary, or have we wholly embraced some trendy loft full of marketers’ whiteboard dreams? (See also: 9 Ways to Help Your Clothes Last Longer)

The Chemicals

Some of these products are actually harmful to our bodies. According to the EPA and industry-generated Market Safety Data Sheets, fabric softeners and dryer sheets contain a laundry list (pun intended) of dangerous petrochemicals that are often used in untested combinations. There are enough toxins and carcinogens in most of these products to make Erin Brockovich stand up and take notice. Here are just a few:

Chloroform

In fabric softeners, chloroform is a solvent and aromatic agent.

Potential dangers: Chloroform is an anesthetic, neurotoxin, and carcinogen. It's on the EPA's Hazardous Waste list. Inhalation of chloroform fumes depresses the central nervous system. In high concentrations, chloroform may cause headache, gastrointestinal problems, dizziness, drowsiness, irritation of the respiratory tract, and loss of consciousness. It aggravates kidney, liver, heart, and skin disorders.

Ethyl Acetate

Ethyl Acetate is a solvent used in the manufacture of dryer sheets — it disolves easily and leaves behind only a pleasant smell.

Potential dangers: This narcotic is also on the EPA's Hazardous Waste list. It irritates the eyes and respiratory tract, and may cause headache, anemia, and damage to the liver and kidneys. Prolonged exposure may lead to defatting of the skin and dry or cracked skin.

Linalool

Linalool is an alchohol compound that has a pleasant flower-like smell and is often used to scent dryers sheets and fabric softener.

Potential dangers: Linalool is a narcotic that causes CNS disorders and can cause respiratory problems and impair motor activity.

Phthalates

In dryer sheets, phthalates are typically part of the "fragrance" ingredients. Phthalates help scents last longer.

Potential dangers: Phthalates are getting more and more attention in the European Union and in the U.S. as the scientific community explores the health effects from long-term exposure. Phthalates are additives used in the manufacture of children's plastic toys to make them softer and more flexible. They're also a common ingredient in wide range of cosmetics and scented products. Phthalates have been linked to breast cancer, allergies, and reproductive system problems.

To find out what other chemicals are in your fabric softener and dryer sheets, check out the article in Natural Life Magazine Are Soft Clothes Really Worth It?

This toxic recipe of chemicals isn't doing our clothes and linens any favors either. Fabric softeners are designed to be absorbed into the fabric’s fibers — creating a lasting fragrance and softness. But over time, these chemicals build up in our clothes and the residue can attract dirt and grime. Why are we buying laundry products that make our stuff dirtier? On towels, fabric softeners interfere with the natural absorbency of cotton and can make that plush bath sheet about as an inviting as polyester pantsuit.

Fabric Softening Alternatives

If you want all the benefits of dryer sheets and fabric softeners, but don’t want to invest in a hazmat suit to get them, there are alternatives. To soften fabric, add a quarter cup of baking soda to the wash cycle or a quarter cup of white vinegar (don’t combine with bleach) to the rinse cycle. For more natural commercial products, check out Seventh Generation’s Natural Lavender Scent Fabric Softener that uses vegetable products instead of chemicals to soften fabric. A Canadian company, Maddocks, has created a reusable dryer sheet called Maddocks’ Static Eliminator — it’s non-toxic and hypoallergenic.

I'm no scientist, and of course every consumer should to do his own research on these chemicals, but the more gunk and goo I pour into my washer and the more perfumed sheets I toss in the dryer, the less clean I feel. Water, a bit of detergent, some good old fashioned agitation, and a line dry takes care of most things. Save yourself a few bucks and guard your family’s health in the process — shut down the laundry lab and consider experimenting with some kinder, gentler options.

Written by Kentin Waits and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

15 Frugal Ways to Battle Boredom

Tara Struyk — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:36:15 +0000

If I have a free day with absolutely nothing to do, my first impulse is often to go shopping. I could just take a walk, window shop, and peruse my favorite stores without feeling the need to buy a thing. Unfortunately, my wallet is no shrinking violet.

The good news is that there are a lot of great ways to battle boredom and keep your spending under wraps. And you don’t even have to resort to doing laundry or balancing your checkbook (although that’s not a bad idea either). Here are a few of my frugal (and 100% fun) favorites. (See also: Mommy, I'm Bored: 25 Frugal Things to Do With Kids)

1. Find Friends

If you have good company, you’ll never be bored. Seek out a good friend and spend some time catching up.

2. Make a Theme

I’ve held a few parties, and the best ones always have a theme. So pick a theme you think you and your friends can get into, and invite a crowd over to celebrate the 80s, ugly Christmas sweaters, or any other theme that makes you smile. If it goes over well, make it an annual function. Better still, make it BYOB (bring your own beer). Check out some unique party ideas.

3. Cook a Feast

Have you ever cracked open Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking? Many of those recipes take hours to prepare, but if you have time on your hands it’s a great opportunity to put together the kind of meal you’d find at a fancy restaurant — for less than you’d pay at a greasy spoon.

4. Take a Nap

I can’t say there’s anything that makes me happier than taking a nap on a Sunday afternoon. Studies suggest that many people don’t get enough sleep. This is your chance to catch up! Plus, a short nap is one of life’s great (and free) luxuries, and it can do wonders to reduce stress and increase alertness.

5. Take a Short Trip

I’m often amazed by how many parts of my city I rarely visit or have never even seen. If you have time to kill and feel like getting out, go for a drive or ride your bike to an area you’re unfamiliar with. If you’re lucky, you’ll find a new store, park, or coffee shop you can make plans to visit again.

6. Read a Book

A good book — or even a trashy magazine — can transport you anywhere you want to go. Pick out a few good volumes at the library, then spend an hour or two curled up in your favorite chair.

7. Do Something You’ve Always Meant to Do

Many people have a “bucket list,” but it often consists of big-ticket items such as traveling, running a marathon, or learning a language. You may be able to begin to tackle some of these in your down time, but if not, consider having a mini bucket list of simple activities you’re always meaning to do, but haven’t gotten around to.

8. Write a Story

More than a 100,000 people run a Google search on how to become a writer each month. If you’re harboring a desire to put pen to paper, skip the search and start putting your thoughts on paper.

9. Visit an Ethnic Food Store

Visiting a local ethnic food store will introduce you to a whole new world of foods you may never have even heard of and provide you with key ingredients to cook some authentic cuisine from another part of the world. It’s way cheaper — and way more fun — than takeout.

10. Call Your Mother (Father, Grandmother, Great Aunt)

A busy day-to-day life can often get in the way of relationships. If you’ve been thinking of someone, give that person a call and find out how they’re doing.

11. Play at the Park

I’m about 20 years past my prime park-playing days, but I don’t let that stop me from taking a ride on the swings now and then. If you think you’re too old for the park, bring some kids — they’ll provide encouragement.

12. Indulge Your Dog

The dog park is one of my favorite places in the world. Give a dog some space to run, and it will respond with pure, unadulterated, tongue-lolling joy. Sometimes, it does the same for me (minus the tongue).

13. Learn an Old-Time Skill

It’s getting increasingly hard for many people to imagine, but there was a time before TV, which can often become crutch we use to make time pass rather than spend it doing something we enjoy. Consider taking up an old-time hobby such as knitting, collage, listening to music, or playing cards. Some of these activities involve an initial investment, so start small to see how you like it.

14. Start Up an Old Hobby

The older I get, the more I feel like doing the things I loved when I was a kid. Maybe you collected stamps, built model airplanes, or played guitar. Whatever it was, think about some of the hobbies that made you happy in the days when you had nothing but time.

15. Play a Board Game

If you haven’t played a board game lately, you might think they’re a thing of the past. No so. In fact, manufacturers are coming up with new games all the time, and you’ll find that most of your old favorites are still available too. Check out the list of best-selling board games in 2011 for some ideas. These games can be pricey, but they last for years. Choose one you love, and invite your friends to play rather than going for dinner. It’ll pay for itself in no time.

The opposite of earning money doesn’t have to be spending it. The next time you’re feeling bored, look for a way a valuable way to spend your time, rather than spending your money. And, if I’ve missed your favorite cure for boredom, send it my way — I’d love to hear them!

Written by Tara Struyk and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

How to Choose a Real Estate Agent

Camilla Cheung — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:24:13 +0000

Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial transactions you will ever make, and it’s important to have a real estate agent who can give you a true idea of your options, explain the details of the transaction to you, and help to navigate any potential problems. But how do you choose a real estate agent? How do you avoid the untrustworthy agents and find someone who is professional and has your best interest at heart? (See also: When Should You Fire Your Real Estate Agent?)

1. Have High Expectations

If your expectations for a real estate agent are simply someone to chauffeur you to houses and unlock the doors, or someone who will just list your house for you, your expectations are too low, and they will be self-fulfilling. Think of a realtor as a professional, not a salesperson, and hold them to the same expectations that you would hold any other professional, such as a CPA, an attorney, or a doctor. This is the person who will be advising you on how to spend a huge chunk of money. The agent should be able to educate you on your options and help you to understand the consequences of whatever choices you decide to make.

2. Look for Certain Qualities

In the current market, there are few easy deals to be had in real estate. Many transactions, especially complicated ones such as short sales, require someone with the skills and expertise to navigate all of the potential problems. Whether your real estate agent has the right skills may affect whether or not you are able to buy or sell a home at all. Markus Brown, a real estate agent in Orange County, says these are the top qualities you should look for in a real estate agent:

Organization skills and detailed knowledge of the stacks of paperwork and legal issues that are involved
Negotiation skills — someone who can deal efficiently with problems as they come up, who has good people skills when dealing with opposing agents
For sellers, a marketing strategy and experience marketing homes
Excellent communication skills — someone who can explain things to you in terms that you understand, empowering you to make the right decisions

3. Interview Your Potential Agent

Brown says, “Sellers usually interview agents, since they are paying them, but buyers often don’t think of interviewing agents, to their detriment.” Whether you are buying or selling, take the time to interview at least three real estate agents. You can meet real estate agents through referrals from family and friends, or you can find them at open houses. It’s a good idea to visit an open house and talk with a real estate agent face-to-face before requesting an interview. If an agent isn’t interested in being interviewed, find someone else.

Be careful about working with family or friends who are real estate agents. Buying or selling a house is possibly the biggest financial transaction of your life, and you deserve to work with the best person for the job. Family obligations should have no place in this business transaction, and if a deal goes sour, it may cause awkwardness and heartache in the end.

When interviewing a real estate agent, Brown suggests the following questions:

How long have you been in the business?

This is the agent’s opportunity to explain how they gained the skills for the job. How an agent answers this question can provide insight into the way they think and work. Agents who use this question to brag about how amazing they are instead of how they helped buyers and sellers accomplish their goals might be the sort of people who talk more than they listen — a bad sign. Remember, just because someone has been in the business forever doesn’t mean they’re the right person for the job; sometimes someone with less experience can be just as knowledgeable and may have other skills that will be valuable.

Can you describe the process, from start to finish, of buying or selling a house?

How well does the agent explain things to you? Do you have a clear picture of the process, and do you feel empowered rather than belittled? Never work with an agent who talks down to you.

Can you describe how you treat the offer process? How do you submit my offer to the seller? (Or, if you are the seller — how do you assess potential offers?

Does the agent present offers in person? Do they try to meet with the listing agent to establish a good rapport? How will the agent discuss potential offers with you, and what strategies do they have for responding to offers?

4. Look for Red Flags

At the end of the day, you have to decide whether you feel comfortable working with a particular real estate agent. If something about them feels untrustworthy, go with your gut and look for someone else (there are plenty of agents out there). Be especially wary of working with the following:

Agents who talk more than they listen, or talk about themselves more than they listen to you.
Agents who are part-time — either they can’t cut it in the real estate world and have to hold on to a day job, or they won’t have the detailed knowledge and expertise of someone who makes it their primary business.
Agents who are desperate for your business. If they are trying too hard to gain you as a client, chances are they will not give you objective advice. An agent who wants to close the deal too much may pressure you into something you aren’t happy with.

Have you had a good experience with a real estate agent? What qualities made that agent successful?

Written by Camilla Cheung and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

Best Money Tips: Stock Your Liquor Cabinet on the Cheap

Ashley Jacobs — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:00:17 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found some awesome articles on how to stock your liquor cabinet on the cheap, small changes that give instant savings, and using the short cycle.

News & Events

Wise Bread Tweetchat (#WBChat) — Don't miss our weekly #WBChat at 12pm PST! We will be giving away prizes!

Be sure to check out our News & Events Calendar to see all the awesome upcoming events in the personal finance world!

Written by Ashley Jacobs and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

How to Run Your First 5K

Julie Rains — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:48:12 +0000

The Couch to 5K Running Plan and similar programs have inspired and prepared thousands of people to run a 5K. But not everyone who starts such a program crosses the finish line.

Age, weight, height, strength, and prior conditioning influence how quickly you can move from an inert state to a 5K finish line. And, if you are short like me and many of my friends, running 30 minutes at a beginner’s pace (the goal of many such programs) will NOT allow you to cover 5 kilometers (3.1 miles).

Since re-starting my fitness regimen after a 15-year hiatus, I have run a handful of 5Ks plus a couple of 10Ks, completed a sprint triathlon, and finished epic bike rides. Though I have developed new friendships by participating in these events, I'd love to see some of my longtime friends run a 5K. Those who have started have been quickly sidelined by injuries or gotten off track for various reasons.

The promise of quick results is appealing (and attainable) for many people, but if a 9-week or even a 12-week program doesn't work for you, there are alternatives. I thought about what it took for me to finish my first 5K and got advice from an expert in exercise physiology. Here are our suggestions. (See also: How to Run Without Music)

Running a 5K: What Worked for Me

Having athletic experience from my youth gave me the background knowledge to prepare myself when I was older. It wasn't fast, but I made steady progress. Here are the techniques that I used to get ready for my first 5K.

Allow Plenty of Time to Get Ready

When I decided to tackle a 5K, I had been lifting weights and doing cardio workouts for several months. I doubt I could have gotten ready within a couple of months after just starting my exercise regimen.

Allow enough time to build cardio capacity and strength and account for setbacks. Common reasons for missing workouts and not staying on track include:

Bad weather (for those who do not have access to a treadmill or indoor track or don't have winter running gear)
Illness
Schedule conflicts (you underestimated your obligations, things came up unexpectedly, or your running partner couldn’t make scheduled runs)
Injury

A longer timeframe allows you to focus on your goal but still take breaks (or weeks off) when you must and resume running without guilt or fear of failure.

Stop Looking at Your Watch

At the suggestion of a fast-running friend, I bought a Garmin Forerunner 305 that tracks my pace, distance, and heart rate. I look at this device attached to my wrist (my “watch”) frequently — probably too much. But while I love tracking the numbers, I have noticed that many people are confused by too much information. They just want to run, or walk, or whatever. Whereas the numbers tend to energize me, figuring out and following a formula (running for 90 seconds, walking for 90 seconds, for example) zaps the energy and resolve of many.

When I first started, I noted my time and tried to track my pace loosely but spent most of my effort just running, recovering while walking, and then running again. I paid attention to my body, not a specific regimen.

So if sticking to precise time frames of running and walking is difficult, do what works for you. Strive to run more and more, but don’t get upset (or give up) if you can’t run as much as you’d like, especially soon after you start.

Go the Distance

After I signed up for a 5K, I decided to make sure that I could go the distance first and then worry about my speed. Finishing the race was much more important than my time.

I started focusing on running 31 times around an indoor track that was approximately one-tenth of a mile (an alternative is to map out a route of 3.1 miles). My fatigue and time at the end of that distance became my “worst case scenario.”

Completing the distance in a workout gave me a confidence boost. Then I could relax about the race and use energy previously devoted to stress toward fitness.

Note, however, that the first event I signed up for was a “cross-country race.” I welcomed not having to run on paved roads with traffic but had no idea that this involved running on a trail in the woods, having to navigate tree roots and, uh, hills. (Don't let hills scare you though — practice running up them or decide to walk them on race day.)

Lift Weights

One of the biggest problems I had when I started running again was knee pain. I started using machines to increase my strength, and my stronger muscles were able to protect my joints. Later, I was able to continue running and improve without having to spend a lot of time in the weight room.

Rest and Recover

When I restarted my fitness regimen, I found that I needed large amounts of recovery time, at least 2-3 days instead of the usually recommended 1-2 days. That means that I ran just one or two times each week, rather than three or four times.

In many cases, simply resting enough between workouts helped me to recover from minor injuries. If I had kept pushing despite pain, then I may have caused damage that would have taken weeks or months with physical therapy, rather than a few extra days of recovery here and there.

Another reason to allot more time to prepare for a race is to give your body the time to build strength and complete the workouts at a pace that works for you.

Eat Well

Improve your diet at the same time that you improve your fitness. One of the reasons that I got back into my exercise routine was to avoid heart problems that both of my parents and one of my in-laws developed when they got older. I adopted dietary recommendations given to them, specifically started reading labels and avoiding trans fats. I am not sure, but I often wonder if my diet helped me to push myself to a higher fitness level.

What Experts Recommend

Sarah Dlugosz at Kingley Health spent five months getting a group of obese and previously sedentary individuals ready for a 5K. She gave me tips on what worked for them.

Do Interval Training

Interval training involves pushing yourself and then recovering lightly before pushing yourself again (at regular or random intervals). To incorporate this type of training into your regimen, alternate running at moderate and fast paces, increasing speed over time. The speed helps boost your fitness level and, naturally, helps you finish the 5K at a faster pace than otherwise. (Note that physicians are consulted prior to beginning the program.)

Log Distance and Speed

Track your distance and speed. Seeing results (that is, increasing your distance, speed, or both) is motivating and inspires you to stick with the program.

Run With a Group

Running with a group creates a social and fun atmosphere that keeps you engaged. These fellow runners serve as accountability partners, as Matt suggested in his article on sticking to an exercise plan.

Celebrate Milestones

By tracking your progress and running with friends, you can identify and celebrate running milestones on the path to finishing your first race. Sarah suggests that milestones may include running a mile without stopping or running a couple of miles without pain.

Get Technical

Prior to starting the program, participants received a Functional Movement Screening (FMS) along with a fitness assessment. Those with any asymmetries, immobility issues, or instability were given corrective exercises to ensure proper bio mechanics. They also followed any guidelines that their physicians may have had.

Stretch and Practice Sole Training

Stretch after running, not only your legs but also your feet. Sarah uses sole training, exercises designed to improve strength, flexibility, and stability in the feet and ankles. (I have never had problems with my feet until I started training for a half-marathon. Though I am not familiar with this method, I have found that stretching my feet after a long run has helped deal with pain and prevent injury.)

How did you overcome problems to run your first 5K? Share your tips in the comments.

Written by Julie Rains and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

Join Our Tweetchat on Thu 1/26, 12pm Pacific for a Chance to Win Prizes

Ashley Jacobs — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:04:53 +0000

Join our Tweetchat this Thursday at 12:00 pm Pacific for lively conversation and a chance to win prizes! Use #WBChat to participate.

This week's topic: Saving money on pets. Learn about keeping vet bills down, saving on food expenses, and spoiling your pet with toys without breaking the bank. Share your tips on training, keeping boarding expenses to a minimum, and share stories about your pets!

For an easy way to keep track of the conversation, try using our special Tweetchat Chatroom.

Anyone can participate, but you must be following @WiseBread and RSVP below to win our prize!

To make it easier for us to keep track of attendees and pick our winners, please RSVP below with your twitter ID (put that in the "Link Title" field), email address, and your twitter URL (put that in the "URL" field, do not put your blog's url in there). Winners will be selected at random from RSVPs. If a winner is chosen who RSVPed but did not attend a 2nd winner will be chosen.

New Parenting Chat Immediately Before #WBChat

Our sister blog Parenting Squad (@ParentingSquad) will be hosting a parenting chat every Thursday at 11:00 am Pacific. Drop by for fun parenting conversations and a chance to win prizes! Use #PSChat to participate.

Written by Ashley Jacobs and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

14 Tasty and Cheap Meals for One

Mikey Rox — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:36:10 +0000

I’ve always loved to cook, but when I was single it was chore. I mean, what’s the point of spending all that time in the kitchen cooking — then cleaning — if you’re the only person who’s going to enjoy the meal?

That was a poor philosophy to have, mostly because I didn’t put any effort into thinking of delicious dishes to prepare. I deserved better than ramen and ham-and-cheese roll-ups — you know you’ve made that for dinner more than once — and so do you.

To help you get cooking, here are two weeks’ worth of meals I go to when it’s just me, myself, and I enjoying the fruits (and veggies) of my culinary skills. (See also: 6 Tips for Making Cheaper, Faster, Better Meals)

1. Spinach and Parmesan Omelet With Hash Browns

Anderson Cooper and I have a few things in common, one of which is a hatred for greens, especially spinach. Maybe that’s because when I was younger my mom made me eat (force fed is more like it) canned spinach, which is absolutely disgusting. I was on a trip to California once when I saw this healthy-ish omelet on the menu, so I decided to order it — totally out of character for me. When in Rome, right? To my delight, I loved it — and it’s totally easy to make at home. Prepare an omelet the way you normally would — whole eggs or just the whites — and when it’s still just a tad undercooked, add in the spinach and Parmesan cheese, flip, and season with salt and pepper. For a quick starchy side, peel and grate one potato and sauté it in butter on one side on low-medium heat for about five minutes or until golden brown. Flip to cook the other side to perfection.

2. Beet Salad

You can use canned beets for this recipe, but I wouldn’t recommend it; at many markets you can find fresh, cooked beets in the produce section. Build the salad with mesclun greens, the sliced beets (perhaps even quartered), orange slices (a smaller type would be ideal, like a clementine), walnuts, and Parmesan cheese; and top with a citrus vinaigrette that you can make with the juice from another orange, olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.

3. Carrot and Ginger Soup With Oyster Crackers

Have you seen this soup maker and blender from Cuisinart on TV lately? Even though I don’t need it — and you probably don’t either — I live for anything that pulls double duty. In any case, for this carrot-ginger soup recipe you’ll need chicken broth, carrots, fresh ginger, parsley, onion, sour cream, sweet cream butter, and whipping cream. If it sounds rich, that’s because it is — taste-wise, anyway; it’s fairly easy on the wallet. Top with oyster crackers, because, well, who doesn’t love those? This recipe yields eight servings, but freezes very well.

4. Lemon-Pepper Grilled Shrimp With Mixed Greens

This may be hard to believe, but shrimp are relative expensive, depending on the size and quantity you’re purchasing. For a meal for one, pick up about six medium-size shrimp, which will probably cost you less than three dollars. At home, sprinkle the shrimp with a lemon-pepper seasoning salt and grill in a pan while brushing with a bit of butter. When the shrimp are cooked through — one to two minutes per side is all it takes — arrange them on a bed of greens lightly dressed with a lemon vinaigrette that you can make with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

5. Grilled Cheese and Bacon With Tomato Soup

Everybody knows how to make a grilled cheese sandwich, but this one gets extra oomph by placing slices of cooked bacon between the bread before putting the sandwich together. You can use any kind of cheese you want, but I believe that there isn’t a better tasting grilled cheese than one made with good ol’ Kraft American Singles. Once your sandwich is grilled, golden, and bubbly, dip it in a bowl of warm tomato soup (Campbell’s condensed, of course) that will take you right back to your childhood.

6. Chipotle-Cilantro Quesadillas With Mexirice

All you need to make quesadillas is tortillas and cheese, but to kick this version up a notch, add a few chopped chipotle peppers and cilantro. Place one tortilla in a 10-inch skillet — no butter; that’ll make it greasy — and top it with the ingredients. When it’s all good and melty, top with the other tortilla and flip until that side is crispy and golden brown too. Cut the quesadilla in quarters so it’s dippable in salsa or sour cream, and serve alongside a Mexican-style rice, like Uncle Ben’s.

7. Baked Potato With Broccoli and Cheese

A friend of mine in Hawaii says I make the best baked potatoes in the world — and that’s probably true (I’m patting myself on the back right now) — but the problem with making the best baked potatoes in the world is that it takes time. Cut the time it takes to make yours in more than half by poking holes in the potato with a fork and microwaving it for whatever time your microwave recommends. While it’s cooking, steam a handful of broccoli florets and heat up a bit of Cheez Whiz. When the potato is tender inside, cut it open, add the broccoli tossed in butter, and top with the Whiz.

8. Turkey Club With Homemade French Fries

Here’s how this goes — toast three slices of bread (preferably whole wheat) and spread one side of two slices and both sides of one slice with mayo. On the bottom piece of bread (one with only one mayo-ed side), layer turkey breast, lettuce, bacon, and tomato, and top with the slice of bread that has mayo on both sides. Repeat the process until you have a double-decker sandwich. Before that, however (because making the sandwich doesn’t take long at all), cut one large Russet potato in wedges, season with olive oil, salt and pepper, and cook on 400 degrees for about 30 minutes.

9. Prosciutto and Melon

I was in Spain when I had melon and jamón for the first time, and that’s all it took for me to fall head over heels for this incredibly delicious and quick dish. In fact, among these dishes on the list, this is the fastest. You can buy a whole cantaloupe, but unless you’re going to eat the entire fruit before it goes bad, I would recommend buying a slice or two of prepackaged melon. While you’re at the store, go to the deli and pick up about four slices of prosciutto or another salty, thin ham. When preparing this dish, all you need to do is drape the ham over the sliced prosciutto and dig in.

10. Tuna Tartine

Tartine is French for an open-faced sandwich. For this version, toast a slice of bread, and top with tomato, cucumber, mixed greens, and a scoop of prepared tuna. If you want to get real fancy, you can crumble feta or blue cheese on top if you have it.

11. Pork Chop With Sautéed Cauliflower and Raisins

You have to go to high-end market or butcher to get single slices of pork (or any meat, for that matter), so to cut costs, buy a pack of two chops and put one in the freezer. Pan fry or grill the chop — your preference — and serve along side steamed cauliflower and raisins. The latter may seem like an unusual combo, but trust me, it’s good.

12. Mussels Provencal

I know what you’re thinking — mussels are expensive. And, like most seafood bought in a large quantity, they can be. But if you’re eating for one, you only need to purchase as many mussels as you think you’ll consume; my recommendation would be 10 to 12. When you’re ready to eat, prepare the mussels with this recipe that calls for ingredients that you probably already have on hand. This dish is a real treat for those who want to eat like a prince on the budget of a pauper.

14. Beef With Brown Rice and Gravy

This is a no-frills, very affordable dish that I used to make in college. My roommates would laugh at me because it’s one of those meals that you eat when there is nothing left in the house, but I had the last laugh when it was in my belly. Stew meat, which is totally cheap, is what this dish calls for. Sauté the meat in olive oil, salt, and pepper while boiling one pouch of brown rice; I buy my fast-cook rice in pouches so it’s perfectly portioned, by the way. Prepare the brown gravy from an instant mix as directed and pour over the combined beef and rice. The mix makes enough gravy for two, but I use it all. Mikey don’t share his gravy.

Have even more recipes or tips on how to make meals for one? Let me know in the comments below.

Written by Mikey Rox and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

Credit Card Churning: Making the Most of Bonus Offers

Jason Steele — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:24:18 +0000

What if you could earn hundreds of thousands of frequent flier miles without ever leaving the ground? It is possible. In fact, I have earned most of my miles this way by using a practice called credit card churning. This technique is considered somewhat controversial and is definitely not for everyone. Nevertheless, responsible credit card users have the potential to earn vast sums of valuable points and miles simply by giving banks the opportunity to earn their business. (See also: Best Travel Credit Cards)

What Is Credit Card Churning

Credit card churning is a term coined by hard-core travel rewards enthusiasts who discovered that certain banks allowed customers to receive the sign up bonus multiple times for a particular credit card. In the past, it was possible for customers to apply for and receive some airline affiliated cards every few months. With each new card, account holders qualified for a sign up bonus of 25,000 miles or more. Just like the game Monopoly, where players can be dealt a card that says “Bank error in your favor, collect $25,” credit card users were repeatedly receiving these bonuses despite written terms to the contrary. The banks eventually caught on to this practice and ended it, although it took them far longer than anyone thought it would. Cardholders kept their miles, but banks would no longer approve customers for the same card every few months. Today, the term credit card churning refers to the practice of receiving one sign up bonus from several different cards throughout the year. In most instances, customers can again receive a new sign up bonus from each particular card about 18 months after their last application.

An Example of How I Earn Credit Cards Sign Up Bonuses

Two years ago I was granted an American Airlines card that featured a sign up bonus of 35,000 miles. The first year’s annual fee was waived, and I canceled this unremarkable card the following year. This year, I applied for two new American Airlines credit cards from Citi. I received both their Visa and American Express cards, with a sign up bonus of 75,000 miles each. I have since been approved for the business version of that card, which offers not only another 50,000 miles, but a $150 statement credit and two day passes to their Admiral’s Club lounge.

Credit Card Churning and Your Credit Score

The benefits of credit card churning are clear. In this case, I earned a total of 200,000 AAdvantage miles, which is enough for two round trip award tickets to Europe in business class, conservatively worth $10,000. Yet skeptical readers and responsible credit card users should rightfully question the wisdom, if not the sanity of this practice. Most people have difficulty understanding how I can maintain a strong credit history. In response, I assure them that no one is more focused on keeping a high credit score than I am.

The way I practice credit card churning does not significantly impact my credit score, and it can even raise it in some cases. Throughout my churning, I have always kept my FICO score in the high 700s or low 800s. This is because there are only two aspects of your credit score that are affected by churning. These are your recent inquiries and your debt utilization ratio. Having too many recent inquiries does negatively impact your score, but the effect is temporary and minor. On the other hand, increasing the total amount of credit that you have been extended actually reduces your credit utilization ratio. This improves your score slightly as long as your debt remains the same. It is important to realize that both of these effects of credit card churning are minor in comparison to the practice of carrying little or no debt and paying your bills on time.

While it is likely that my credit score is sometimes a few points lower than it could be, experts will tell you that any score approaching 750 is considered excellent and will qualify borrowers for the most favorable mortgage rates. My experiences have confirmed this to the true, as I have always received the lowest advertised interest rate when I have purchased or refinanced my house. For example, when I refinanced my home this fall, the lender pulled my credit reports from all the major bureaus. My scores were all between 780 and 800, and I easily qualified for the record low rates being offered. Maintaining a credit score above 800 might offer you bragging rights, but it has no tangible benefit over having credit of 760 or above that is considered excellent. Clearly, my ability to be approved for new credit cards has never been diminished.

The Dangers of Credit Card Churning

I cannot say in strong enough terms that no one should interpret this article as a recommendation to apply for as many cards as possible. Churning works for me and others because we meet the minimum spending requirements for each sign up bonus while always paying our balances in full and on time. Much of what I know about this subject comes from reading about other churners in blogs and by participating in online forums. These are people who monitor their credit scores every day, and their experiences confirm my observations — that each new application barely affects our credit history as long as we carry little debt and pay our bills on time. Churners are unanimous in proclaiming that anyone who will use their cards to spend more money or to incur any debt should never consider this practice. In fact, any credit card user who carries even a small balance should only be concerned with paying it off and forget about applying for new cards.

Is This Practice Wrong?

Banks spend billions of dollars advertising their products on television and on the Internet. In addition, most people return home each day to find their mailboxes stuffed with new credit card offers. Clearly, we are not twisting the bank’s arm when we request a new credit card. At the same time, I actually try to give each bank a chance to earn my business when I receive its card. For example, earlier this year I received the Sapphire Preferred card from Chase and earned a sign up bonus of 50,000 Ultimate Rewards points. I discovered that it is an innovative and worthwhile product, and I continue to use it long after I have received my bonus points. Furthermore, every time I use this card, Chase is earning merchant fees as a result of my patronage. Finally, I know that credit cards are some of the bank’s most consistently profitable lines of products, and it is my impression that they consider me to be one of their better customers.

Go ahead and call me crazy if you want, and feel free not to follow my example. But if you are one of the select few who have always maintained a high credit score by consistently paying every credit card statement in full and on time, you might carefully consider this extreme-but-rewarding way to earn more points and miles.

Written by Jason Steele and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

Best Money Tips: Financial Tips for Families

Ashley Jacobs — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:00:14 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found some great articles on financial tips for families, how to negotiate rent in your current apartment, and tips for packing work lunches.

News & Events

Credit Karma #CKchat — Don't miss Credit Karma's weekly #CKChat at 12pm PST! They will be giving away prizes!

Be sure to check out our News & Events Calendar to see all the awesome upcoming events in the personal finance world!

Written by Ashley Jacobs and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

11 Cool Uses for a Tablet Computer

Carlos Portocarrero — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:48:13 +0000

Tablets have taken the world by storm, and it seems like everybody wants one. And why wouldn’t they? They’re sleek, they're cool, and you can take them anywhere. It’s a great way to carry around your music, pictures, and videos.

But other than that, how else are you going to use a tablet? Are you really going to drop $200–$500 for just another screen to stare at between commercial breaks? If you’re dead set on buying a tablet (or just trying to convince yourself it’ll be worth it), here are 15 cool ways to use it. (See also: Frugal Advice for the Gadget Addicted)

1. Second Monitor

Instead of spending an another $130 to get a second monitor, hook up your tablet. Adding another display is a great way to become more productive at home or at work — plus using a tablet as a monitor is easy.

2. Remote Control

It depends on the way you’re set up at home, but it's likely you can find an app that will let you control your TV and your sound system from your tablet. It’s already going to be on your lap, so why not take advantage?

3. Play Old School Games

From old-school Nintendo games to Playstation and Nintendo 64 titles, emulators exist for just about any system you can think of. You’re supposed to own the games you download, so make sure you look into that first. Contra here we come!

4. TV in the Car for Kids

Kids get restless in the car, even if it’s just a 30 minute ride. Instead of buying a portable DVD player, just fasten the tablet to the back of a headrest and boom — they get some entertainment, and you get some peace and quiet.

5. Cash Register

If you own a portable business or are just trying to sell the junk in your garage, taking credit cards will make it easier to sell out. You can take credit-card payments from your phone too if you want, but why not go for the big screen? Happy selling!

6. Order at Restaurants

It’s only a matter of time before restaurants use tablets to take your order. That means they don’t have to run around as much, and your food comes out faster. If you run a food establishment, take note!

7. Make Music

GarageBand is one way to make music on your tablet, but it isn’t the only one — Audiotool Sketch for Android is also out there.

8. Recipe Stand

My wife and I bought one of those cheap plastic cookbook stands, and we never use it. Why? Most of our recipes come from AllRecipes or an email someone sent us. So why not use the tablet as a recipe stand? It’s portable, and we can take right into the kitchen. You can get a fancy stand or just slip it into a Ziploc bag.

9. Picture Frame

Load it up with pictures, set it down in the living room, and let it work its magic — just make sure you aren’t sharing any “personal” pics.

10. Place to Keep All Your Manuals

Manuals suck. I have them for everything I’ve ever bought, and it’s a hassle. Most are available online, but bringing them up on the computer and then going back and forth to the thermostat or whatever it is I’m fixing is a hassle. Instead, put them in a folder on a tablet and boom — you’re done.

11. Textbook

Apple just changed the game with iBooks Textbooks, and I’m thinking this is just the start. Forget about lugging around all those heavy books that don’t play videos or music — textbooks on your tablet are the future.

Tablets aren't cheap, but if you want a deal you can always find one. Keep an eye on the Cheapskate blog and sites like Techbargains for good deals.

Do you have any other interesting ways to use a tablet?

Written by Carlos Portocarrero and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

Ask the Readers: Do You Have a Prenup?

Ashley Jacobs — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:36:13 +0000

Getting married is oftentimes one of the best things to happen in someone's life. While most couples plan on staying together forever, sadly many marriages fall apart. Some couples recognize this and opt to sign a prenup before they say their vows. However, other couples avoid signing a prenup because they believe their love will stand the test of time.

Do you have a prenup? Why or why not? If you aren't married yet, do you plan on signing a prenup when you get married?

Tell us if you have a prenup and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

Win 1 of 3 $20 Amazon Gift Cards

We're doing three giveaways — one for random comments, one for random Facebook "Likes", and another one for random tweets.

Mandatory Entry:

Post your answer in the comments below

For extra entries (1 per action):

Go to our Facebook page, "Like" us, and leave a comment on this article telling us you did, or
Tweet your answer. You have to be a follower of our @wisebread account. Include both "@wisebread" and "#WBAsk" in your tweet so we'll see it and count it. Leave a link to your tweet (click the timestamp for the individual URL) in a separate comment.

If you're inspired to write a whole blog post OR you have a photo on flickr to share, please link to it in the comments or tweet it.

Giveaway Rules:

Contest ends Monday, January 30th at 11:59 pm Pacific. Winners will be announced after January 30th on the original post. Winners will also be contacted via email.
You can enter all three drawings — once by leaving a comment, once by liking our Facebook update, and once by tweeting.
This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered, or associated with Facebook.
You must be 18 and US resident to enter. Void where prohibited.

Good Luck!

Tell us if you have a prenup and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

Written by Ashley Jacobs and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

Absolut Repurposing: 17 Uses for Vodka

Elizabeth Sanberg — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:24:24 +0000

In college, I studied abroad in St. Petersburg, Russia. In a place where you can buy a liter of some of the finest vodka for only $3 and street stands sell bottles of the drink for 50 cents, it's no surprise that I came across some odd uses for the vodka while abroad. Here are ways (besides drinking) to make the most of it. (See also: Cocktail Time: Great Budget Liquors)

Household Cleaning

Did your in-laws just call giving you a 10-minute warning that they're on their way over — and you're all out of cleaning supplies? For the following remedies, mix one part vodka to three parts water in a spray bottle for any of the following cleaning methods. Then let sit and wipe clean with a damp cloth.

1. Shine and Polish Most Surfaces and Jewelry

Porcelain, glass, chrome, stainless steel, and most metals can be polished with the help of vodka. (Always be sure to test an out-of-sight spot on any surface you're unsure of.) And don't try to clean any sensitive jewelry, like pearls, opals, and porous jewels with vodka.

2. Remove Soap Scum

Whether it's on your bathtub, shower, sink, or faucet, soap scum can be easily removed with vodka.

3. Clean and Kill Mildew

You know the pink mildew that builds up on your bathroom caulk? The vodka's alcohol will kill it.

4. Clean Mirrors and Windows

Vodka works wonders in removing everything from toothpaste to hairspray from your mirrors and things like kids' fingerprints and dog-nose prints from your windows.

5. Remove Glue (and Other Sticky Stuff)

When the price tag glue on your newest purchase stubbornly refuses to budge, dab a bit of vodka on it and let sit for a few minutes before rubbing off with a wet washcloth. It even works on bumper sticker adhesive.

Plants and Pets

Vodka is useful for cleaning and killing problems caused by plants and pets.

6. Kill Weeds

Dandelions can be killed with the help of vodka. Mix a half a cup of vodka and four cups of water in a bottle and thoroughly spray the weeds in your yard. Make sure the sun is bright; the alcohol and sun will work to dehydrate the weed and kill them for good.

7. Kill Pests

Next time you trap a bee in your windowsill, spray some vodka/water on it to kill it. And aphids can be killed on plants by spraying the plants with a well-diluted vodka solution (one teaspoon of vodka for each cup of water is best).

8. Remove Pet Odors

If your cat or dog stunk up your carpet, spray the spot with one part vodka to four parts water, and let dry.

Laundry

Vodka dries without an odor and is extremely useful in doing your laundry. Here are two ways it helps.

9. Remove Stains

Treat ink, lipstick, and grass/plant stains with a bit of vodka. Let sit for at least 10 minutes before throwing in the washing machine with the rest of your laundry.

10. Clean Mildewy and Moldy Towels

If your bath towels, washcloths, and kitchen towels are smelling a little rank, put a half to full cup of vodka in with your regular wash to remove the smell.

Personal Hygiene

You probably don't feel the most hygienic after drinking too much vodka, but the alcohol can actually be used in several hygienic ways.

11. Use as a Toner

Most toners contain a large percentage of alcohol. So, if you're in a pinch, apply vodka to your face with a cotton ball before showering.

12. Cure Dandruff

Cleanse your hair with a mixture of rosemary and a few tablespoons of vodka to prevent and cure dandruff.

13. Make Mouthwash

This mouthwash recipe calls for vodka, baking soda, water, Stevia, and herbs. I've also seen similar recipes that omit the baking soda and Stevia, and instead use cinnamon, vodka, and water. Try experimenting to find the best proportions for you. Just be sure to avoid swallowing.

Medicine

These are at-home alternative medicine treatments. Always consult your physician before trying to treat an ailment with a non-prescribed treatment.

14. Treat Earaches and Toothaches

In Russia, mothers used to put vodka in their children's ears and mouths for earaches and toothaches. I would never try this on my kid, but if the dentist can't see you until tomorrow, vodka treatment might be worth a try.

15. Treat Cold Sores

Supposedly, by treating your cold sore with a bit of vodka, the alcohol will dry up the sore.

16. Relieve Jellyfish Stings

If you're at the beach and would rather avoid a Friends moment, grab the vodka and pour it over the sting instead.

17. Relieve Poison Ivy

If you've brought vodka on your camping-trip-gone-awry, use it to remove the plant's oils that cause the reaction.

Have you ever used vodka for something other than drinking? What for? And did it work?

Written by Elizabeth Sanberg and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

Big List of Student Discounts

Kelly Kehoe — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:00:14 +0000

If you’re barely scraping by on your university student’s income (or Mom and Dad are giving you a very limited budget), then student discounts can really help you to stretch those funds until the end of the month. The following is a list of the major discounts obtainable to those with a valid student ID card (or college email address). (See also: 9 Places to Get Student Discounts)

Electronics

If you're looking for great deals on pricey gadgets for school, then look no further than the following section.

Apple Store for Education

The Apple Store for Education offers discounts its products (particularly favorable in regards to MacBooks and software) for college students and teachers, administrators, staff, and board members for K-12.

HP Pavilion

There are PC and laptop discounts for students and educators at HP Pavilion's store online.

Dell University

You can get discounts on PCs and laptops specially designed with students’ needs in mind at Dell University.

Sony Education Store

Students can find discounts of up to 10% on VAIO products upon checkout at the Sony Education Store.

Travel

Looking to travel on a budget as a college student? There are several deals created just for you!

Student Universe

One of the best websites offering low-cost flights and hotel bookings for students is StudentUniverse.com. I’ve used this one personally, and most flight offerings were much less than the stated price on airline websites, and even less than most other “discount travel” sites.

American Airlines

One of the biggest airlines in the U.S., American Airlines offers flight discounts for current college students, including 5% on land components (hotels, tours, rental cars, theme park tickets, etc.) when booking through their site.

Student Air Travel Association

One of the biggest travel agencies in the world is the Student Air Travel Association, targeting the traveling college student crowd.

Squaw Valley Lift Tickets

College students can find $59 Squaw Valley Lift Tickets (regularly $70-84) at the world-renowned skiing resort that once hosted the Winter Olympics. You can check to see if your local ski area offers discounts as well.

Food

Restaurants in college towns love university students for two reasons: they eat a lot, and they tell their friends afterwards (assuming the food was good). Relying on word of mouth marketing is crucial to these food joints staying in business, so they often offer student specials throughout the week. You never know which restaurants and fast food places may offer a student discount, so be sure to carry your school ID with you wherever you go, just in case.

Entertainment

Looking for a way to spend a few hours without a lot of cash? Check out the following options for entertainment.

Regal Movie Theaters

Students can get discounted movie tickets on select days at Regal Movie Theaters (price depends on location).

Several other movie theaters offer discounts for students as well. For more information, either call or check the website of your local cinema.

Broadway Shows

To help students save money and still get to see their favorite performances, many Broadway shows have begun offering tickets through a Student Rush pricing structure.

For smaller theaters, especially those on high school or university campuses, student discounts are usually offered to those who bring a form of ID. To see if a local theater offers student discounts, give them a call or check for ticketing options online.

Museums

Across the country, there are hundreds of museums that value their educationally inclined visitors and often have significant discounts offered to high school and college students with valid ID cards. For example, Columbia University students get free admission to 34 museums in New York through the CU Arts Program. The same applies for many other cities, so be sure to contact the museum before purchasing tickets. You might be able to save as much as 50% or more off of the regular admission price!

Basics

The following three items listed do not fit into a specific category, but they are too good not to mention.

International Student Identity Card

The International Student Identity Card has over 4.5 million members worldwide and over 40,000 discounts currently offered to members. This includes language schools, transportation, magazines, hostels, motels, clothing, etc.

Amazon Student

Free two-day shipping on millions of items and special deals and promotions offered frequently to members of Amazon Student.

Sam's Club

Get a $15 gift card through the Sam’s Club collegiate program when you sign up or renew your membership. This gives you access to the low prices on their entire inventory, saving you a bundle while struggling to get by in college.

What about your college town? Feel free to share other student discounts that you know about in the comments below.

Written by Kelly Kehoe and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

Best Money Tips: Tips for Working While Traveling

Ashley Jacobs — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:48:20 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found some awesome articles on tips for working while traveling, negotiating for a better deal, and tax strategies for salaried employees.

The Many Benefits of DIY

David Ning — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:36:20 +0000

I will be the first to admit that the I'm not a good handyman. I'm not proficient with anything that has to do with my hands other than, well, typing. But even for someone like me, DIY has its place. This is especially true when it comes to money-related matters. Here are five reasons why you need to learn how to do-it-yourself every once in a while. (See also: 5 Household Fixes You Should Stop Paying Others For)

DIY Costs Less Money (Most of the Time)

And it's not just because of the labor cost. When you know how to do things yourself, you understand the intricate details of what makes a high-priced product or service costly. Once you have this understanding, then you have the knowledge to choose what is important to you, saving money while getting something that will truly serve your needs. Take a home remodeling project, for example. A major expense is the appliances that you choose. The price difference between ultra-high-end and high-end products can be thousands of dollars. If you have the knowledge to know that the lower-priced option will work find for you, you can use the rest of the money to remodel the more of your house.

Learning Something New Is Fun and Fulfilling

Completing a DIY project gives you one of the most satisfying feelings anyone can have. And when you are happy, you can avoid the spending temptations that would fill an emotional void. Say good bye to your midlife crisis!

Your Pursuit for Improvement Gives You a Chance to Meet New People

As you dive deeper into DIY, you will find like-minded individuals, whether it's at classes you attend or local get togethers arranged through online forums dedicated to your craft. Over time, some of the wonderful people you meet will surely become friends.

You May Even Be Able to Charge for Your New Skill

Many people come up blank when they are trying to think of ways to earn more money. If this is you, then you might want to start developing a skill to improve your income.

Having a side hustle is great not only because you can possibly earn side income, but you will also be less afraid of a layoff if you have more income diversity. Not being afraid of losing your job might help you speak out more and be more assertive, character traits that could help with getting a promotion.

DIY Gives You More Options in Retirement

Having DIY skills is perfect for retirement. For starters, you might find a way to use your expertise to bring in additional income, helping you achieve your retirement goal faster and allowing you to retire earlier. Even if you don't plan to charge for your skill, you might find retirement more enjoyable as you spend a good portion of your day enjoying your DIY passion.

Written by David Ning and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

Reverse Bucket List: Look Back Before Looking Forward

Nora Dunn — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:36:11 +0000

Everybody has a bucket list — a random list of things we'd like to do, be, or have before we “kick the bucket.” Some people make due with rough mental compilations, while others prefer their bucket lists typed, formatted, and prominently displayed. (See also: Goal Setting, Defined and Deconstructed)

But what of the bucket list? Where is the context? How satisfied will we feel about our lives today if we're constantly studying a list of things we haven't done? Where do we even begin with a list like this, instigated no less by a big clock in the sky counting us down towards an unknown “bucket date?”

I get panicky just thinking about it.

Although a bucket list can be motivational, I believe that in and of itself it can be more crippling than empowering. In order for a bucket list to reach its true potential, I think we should first start with a Reverse Bucket List.

What's a Reverse Bucket List?

In order to gauge where we're going, it's always good to know where we've come from. Creating a context of our journey thus far is imperative to understanding why we want the things we want, and ultimately, how to get them.

A Reverse Bucket List is a list of things that we think are “bucket list worthy,” but that we've already done. It's a creative way of reflecting on your life thus far and taking note of the some of the experiences that really sang to you.

Not only is it fun, but you might be surprised by what you've already done in your life. (Conversely, you may realize you need to get out of the house more.)

Either way, it's all good.

Reverse Bucket List Exercise

You may want to structure the exercise of making your Reverse Bucket List using the method for devising 100 ways to change your life.

By doing it as a fast-paced brainstorming exercise, you may be surprised at what makes its way on to your Reverse Bucket List. There are no right or wrong answers — only your own answers. It's your life, and your reverse bucket list; write down as many things as you can, without worrying about what you're actually writing. We'll get to that later.

Here are a few general ideas to get your reflective juices flowing:

Achievements or awards you've received
Fears you've conquered
Careers you've had
Friends you've made and people you've met
Places you've traveled to
Anything that's worthy of a story you tell other people
Goals and milestones you reached
Childhood dreams (no matter how silly in retrospect) you achieved
Bizarre or fun things that have happened to you or that you've done

What to Do With Your List

This isn't a pesky to-do list or a vision board that requires prominent display as a reminder of what you need to do or where you're going.

Instead, it's more in the act of constructing and initially reviewing your Reverse Bucket List that you will see the benefits.

Once you've finished writing out your Reverse Bucket List, read through it. What do you think? Do you notice any themes? Are there any gaps? How does reading this list make you feel?

Regardless of whether you feel there's too little or too much on your Reverse Bucket List, you might discover some of the things on it are surprising, even illuminating. And they might lead you to your next step.

The Next Step

Using the observations you made above, now is a great time to project your Reverse Bucket List forward. To reverse the Reverse Bucket List, as it were.

Here are some exercises you can do from here:

Written by Nora Dunn and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

Big Bytes: Using Tech for Restaurant Discounts

Mikey Rox — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:24:27 +0000

One of the best things about technology — according to just about everybody but Congress — is the wealth of information that’s available anytime and anywhere we need it.

As the Internet and smartphones have evolved, so too has the way people use this technology. Our iPhones and Androids aren’t just for looking up news and directions anymore, they’re also an excellent way to save money on food and snacks on the go.

If you’re a busy career person or just that guy or girl who’d rather eat take out than turn on a burner, here are 10 tech-savvy apps and websites that will save you money when those hunger pangs hit, no matter where you are. (See also: A Cheapskate's Guide to Eating Out)

Foursquare

You usually can’t score full meals using Foursquare specials, but there are probably good deals that you can take advantage of in your neighborhood. In my area, there are lots of restaurants that offer a free glass of wine just for stopping in — no purchase necessary. At a Ruby Tuesday once, my husband and I scored a free appetizer by asking for the manager as the special requested. We had already eaten our dinner and weren’t hungry for the appetizer, which means that we got free dessert instead. Cake is much better than pot stickers anyway.

Restaurant.com

I live by gift certificates from Restaurant.com for two reasons: 1) They’re a great way to try a restaurant that you maybe you wouldn’t have otherwise, and 2) they provide an excellent opportunity to save money on a restaurant that you frequent a lot. There’s a place around the corner from my house that I visit at least four times a week to finish up my work or to simply connect with others since I work from home all day. I keep my gift certificates in my bag (which, by the way, I buy at the deepest discount available — mostly 80% but sometimes 90% off; do your Google search), so if I get hungry while I’m there I can order dinner without feeling too guilty about it.

Scoutmob

I used Scoutmob for the very first time last week, and it was easy as pie. When I opened the app, I noticed that one of my favorite restaurants was offering 50% off meals with a max discount of $25 (other deals will vary more or less, however). When my husband and I were looking for someplace to eat on Friday, that’s the first place that came to mind. Deals on Scoutmob don’t cost the user any money, either. You just show up, check in, and hand your phone to your server so that he can verify the discount.

Groupon Now!

This app is similar to Scoutmob in that it shows the deals closest to you at any given time, but unlike Scoutmob, Groupon Now! charges the users a discounted fee for whatever food item is offered. Personally, I would check Scoutmob first, but the deals are still very good here, too.

Papa John’s App

I’m singling this app out for a reason. Papa John’s has a program called Papa Rewards that allows registered users to earn points based on the cost of their orders. You receive one point for every $5 spent. Once you receive 25 points — which to be honest, doesn’t take too long depending on how often you order from the joint (we order from here way too much!) — you qualify for a free pizza. I’m using Papa John’s as an example here to let you know that these kinds of programs exist (with keychain and punch cards, too), and they’re worth looking into if you frequent certain establishments.

GrubHub

When I originally chose GrubHub to include in this post, I was under the impression that new registrants of the web- and app-based delivery service received a $10 credit to use when placing their first order. That was true at one point, but the deal expired this past November. Because I didn’t want you to miss out on GrubHub if you haven’t yet tried it — and I certainly didn’t want to deprive you of a chance to save some dough — I called the GrubHub peeps yesterday, and they were totally excited to offer the first 50 Wise Bread readers (who are new GrubHub users) a $5 coupon code to use when checking out after ordering their meal. Just enter WISEBREAD5 before January 23 to redeem this exclusive offer.

LivingSocial Instant

LivingSocial Instant is the exact same concept as Groupon Now! Like I said before, you might find a deal here that Groupon Now! or Scoutmob doesn’t have. It only takes a few minutes to compare and save.

BlackboardEats

The BlackboardEats website/app is a bit more exclusive than the others, with deals targeting only Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Chicago. But registered users will receive weekly e-mails good for a percentage off their meal, a free bottle of wine, exclusive prix fixes, secret menus, and more at some of the best restaurants in their respective cities.

Happy Hour Finder

The best part about happy hours is the discount booze and sometimes free food. In fact, I once stumbled upon a happy hour at the Jersey Shore that offered a smorgasbord of food including pastas, sausages, and cold cuts — enough to feed a crowd full of juice heads and me — for free. As soon as you open the Happy Hour Finder app, you’ll find happy hours nearby plus their registered deals. There are 13 in my area right now. How many are in yours?

Restaurant-Specific Websites

Before a trip to Dallas two years ago, I did an Internet search for the best barbecue restaurants in the area — I mean, who goes to Dallas without getting sauce on their shirt? Anyway, the search told me that Sonny Bryan’s Smokehouse was highly recommended, so I visited the website to see what it was all about. I’m glad I did, too. Right there on the front page was a sign-up form for a buy one, get one free coupon. Total score! So many restaurants have these deals as part of their loyalty clubs and people overlook them — especially on birthdays when you can get a motherload of freebies…and a few extra pounds.

Written by Mikey Rox and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

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