Wise Bread (Linsey Knerl)

Frugal Super Bowl Party Ideas

Linsey Knerl — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:24:21 +0000

As with most years, the upcoming big game sends consumers frantically dashing to the store to stock up on paper supplies, good eats, and spirits to indulge in. Even with the annual sale pricing on common staples like corn chips, sodas, and little weenies, it can be a financial drain to go all out for the event. Since many of the most frugal ideas are also more creative — and fun! — I’ve rounded up some expert tips to help you have the best blow-out without blowing up your budget. (See also: 45 Other Things to Do on Super Bowl Sunday)

Super Bowl Stew

Reminiscent of the fairy tale “Stone Soup,” this modern-day feast can easily accommodate as many guests as you can fit into your home and will likely get cheers from the crowd. Bjorn Karger, author of The Underground Guide to Living Frugal dishes on the details: “It needs everyone's help to win; just ask everyone if they could bring something to add to the stew. Have a simple broth going — water and a powdered soup-packet will do, or slice up an onion and add a few herbs and oil. Even with a small party of four to six guests you'll be surprised at how much food will come in and how fun it will be.” Ideas for ingredients guests can bring include potatoes, chicken, shrimp, okra, carrots, and even coconut and curry. Sounds like a fun and delicious way to bond!

Grilled Cheese Station

If the idea of a hotel waffle bar gives you tingles, you’ll likely be the type to appreciate a grilled cheese station at your next Super Bowl party. The idea is simple — set up a table with an electric griddle, and lay out an array of unique ingredients to create one-of-a-kind grilled cheese sandwiches. Don’t forget to include five or more varieties of cheese, and remember that the thicker the bread is, the more filling (and affordable) the sandwiches will be. Not a grilled cheese fan? Put a twist on it by offering the same set-up for paninis or even quesadillas.

A Presentable Potluck

Is asking your guests to bring a side dish or even alcohol acceptable in today’s culture? Most definitely! Will it yield positive results? Not always. As many experts have pointed out, many people interpret the word “potluck” as “stop by the dollar store and pick up a few jumbo-sized bags of chips.” If you’re concerned that guests won’t put effort or creativity into their offerings, assign categories of food to people based on their last name (first letters of A-E bring one item, F-K another type, etc.) In any case, don’t depend on guests to provide the bulk of the food and drink; always have a main course and a substantial amount of non-alcoholic offerings to go around.

Budget Beverages and Tableware

While most people assume that food will be the most expensive part of the party, drinks and tableware can be even more costly. Wona Miniati, co-author of the popular Cooking With Trader Joe's cookbook series, suggests starting simple where tableware is concerned: “Thrift stores are a great place to pick up one-off pieces. A collection of non-matchy-matchy plates and glasses can be cute and eclectic.” She also likes the idea of serving plain water with a selection of fancier garnishes like fresh citrus fruits, cucumber, or pomegranate seeds. For an affordable spritzer, combine one part juice with one part sparkling water.

With less than a week until the Super Bowl, it may be too late to use some of the more extreme tactics of coupon-clipping and ad matching. What tips do you have for making the big game gathering even bigger?

Written by Linsey Knerl and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

Get More for Your Old Treadmill by Bartering

Linsey Knerl — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 10:36:12 +0000

It’s the New Year, and people across the U.S. are refocusing on ways to lose weight and get in shape. This means a sharp increase in the number of treadmills and exercise equipment products at retailers. Those who don’t have the cash or credit to buy new might be looking to obtain a used piece of equipment as part of a barter agreement; if you happen to have one you don’t want, you could be looking at a sweet deal! (See also: Why It's Wise to Barter)

A Look at the Exercise Equipment Market

A quick glance at my local Craigslist ads in the Barter section shows an uptick in activity for those looking to trade items. Yes, there are those folks who received gift cards for Christmas and who are desperately trying to unload them for what they truly asked Santa to bring them. The majority of the ads, however, are pleas for excellent-used-condition treadmills and elliptical machines, and these people are willing to offer some pretty neat stuff to get what they want.

One ad, for example, offers to give hunting equipment, power tools, and a gun in exchange for a used treadmill. Another offers to hand over three antique sewing machines for that coveted exercise staple. The ads are varied, but one thing is certain — treadmills are hot this time of year.

How You Can Profit

What does this mean for you, the treadmill owner? If you are willing to part with a well-functioning, albeit dusty machine, you may be able to make more than a buck. In fact, many of the trades seem to be coming from people who are cash-strapped, may not have credit, and aren’t resourceful enough to snag free exercise equipment from a home realtor. This means that they are offering much more than the value of the treadmill, because the perceived value of that treadmill is higher in their minds. If you’ve wanted something unique, you may find that it will cost you nothing to get it — and you can free up some space in your garage.

Since the value of the dollar has been going down, you may even be able to get much more through a barter situation than you could shopping retail. Take the example of a trade of $700 of hunting equipment for a treadmill you paid $1,300 for last year. Sure, you could try to sell it, but many people are short on cash this time of year (meaning it could be difficult to liquidate), and the used fitness equipment outlets will likely give you ½ of what they hope to sell it for. You are like to get a much better deal with bartering.

Don’t Forget Uncle Sam

There is a tax to consider. While I can’t give specific advice for making sure your tax reporting is on the up and up, you can give the IRS guide for barters and exchanges a look before you go ahead with your deal. While it’s doubtful that the amount of tax owed would negate the high value of the exchange, it is something to think about if you do it often enough.

Do you have a piece of neglected-yet-functioning exercise equipment that you’ve been reluctant to let go of? Imagine the value of it plummeting as 2012 gets underway — you may find it best to trade it away now for something your heart truly desires.

Written by Linsey Knerl and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

5 Things Angry Birds Has Taught Me About Life

Linsey Knerl — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 11:24:28 +0000

I play Angry Birds. I don’t know too many people with a smart phone who don't. Good or bad, the game is highly addictive, and sometimes I feel guilty about the time spent playing. Other times, however, I realize that it’s time I would have spent zoning out on bad TV or sleeping on a plane. Here are some of the lessons I’ve taken away from playing the nation’s most popular gaming app — and they’re pretty good, if you ask me. (See also: 21 Personal Finance Lessons From Harry Potter)

1. If you don’t succeed, try again. And again. And maybe one more time.

Because the game is like crack-cocaine in how it compels you to keep doing it, I’ll admit to trying a level 100+ times in a row. I can’t think of too many other things that I’ve shown the same commitment to, but for those things that I have kept at until the end, I’ve seen wonderful rewards. If only we could approach our businesses, families, and desires to change the world with the same stubbornness. (I bet things would get better very soon.)

2. It may simply be your approach.

Not sure what you’re doing wrong with an unbeatable level in Angry Birds? It may be that you’re attacking it from (literally) the wrong angle. With life, as well, it may work to try something completely off the wall for your next approach or give it a “throw it and see if it sticks” effort. Even if it’s not the winning play, you may gain some insight into just how you should go about it next time. (“Let’s not try THAT again” is also a useful — even if painful — revelation.)

3. Move on to new things, but revisit ways to sharpen your existing skills.

I love trying new experiences, but I haven’t abandoned those pursuits that I’ve kept with me since childhood. Just like in the game, you are allowed to move to new levels once you’ve passed the previous; it’s very rewarding, however, to go back and master older levels to attain those coveted three gold stars. Whether it’s piano playing or snowboarding, I highly recommend taking a trip back to old talents to see how you can polish them up.

4. You don’t have to do it alone.

It’s amazing how all it usually takes for me to pass a difficult level is to leave my iPad 2 on the living room couch for my husband or 8-year-old to find. I can come back a day later guaranteed that the code will be cracked. It’s not that they are smarter (they also leave levels for me to assist with); more likely they have that unique perspective and fresh approach that I was lacking on that particular day. Handing life’s troubles off for a time to someone less frazzled works; don’t be afraid to call in reinforcements.

5. Someone will always be better than you.

I’ve learned not to obsess about getting a high score in my house or the online Angry Birds community. Life works in the same way for me; there will always be a better blogger, piano player, drummer, and marketer. But I can take peace in focusing on my score in the game and the real world by tuning out what others are doing. (You really can’t be happy measuring yourself against others all the time.)

Angry Birds is just a game, but it is crazy good fun. It also resembles so many things that I deal with on a daily basis as a mom of five and a small business owner

What games do you enjoy that have taught you real-world lessons?

Written by Linsey Knerl and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

5 Daily Deal Sites for Small Business

Linsey Knerl — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:43:09 +0000

Link:

http://www.openforum.com/articles/5-daily-deal-sites-for-small-business

If you thought the daily deals sites were only for those interested in restaurants, gifts, or spa services, you may be surprised and delighted to learn that small business owners can also find applicable discounts through these types of retailers. Here is a list of sites that offer exclusive bargains perfect for your home office or entrepreneurial dream.

Startups.com

If saving up to 90 percent on a hot web app is your thing, then Startups.com may be for you. Each deal is tested prior to being advertised, and the offerings have quite a variety. Past deals include apps for gaining more Twitter followers, organizing tips for your cloud-based documentation, professional translating tools, and web-based hosting. Startups.com offers a 30 day money back guarantee for all purchases, as well is a $10 refer-a-friend program.

BizDeals.com

For those looking for more tangible savings, BizDeals.com can help you out. By using the power of group discounting, the site can offer significant savings on items like telephones, video cameras, and tradeshow printing services. The majority of the deals still seem to be service-based (web design, for example), but there but are definitely deals here that aren’t posted elsewhere. [Note: Like all deal sites, do some research before committing to a purchase. Some of the bargains we found here were widely available to anyone and weren’t always the best price.] There are usually no more than two deals running at a time on this site.

AppSumo

The new love of my life is AppSumo, a highly addictive shopping site with everything from e-books to virtual seminars to design services. Perhaps the most valuable deals listed here are those that promise to educate. Techies will love the tutorials designed to up your programming skills or social media strategy. You don’t have to be a hard-core IT buff to enjoy the deals, however. Some of the most popular bargains would be useful to anyone; a recent deal involved a deep discount on test prep software for the SAT, ACT, GRE, and more! AppSumo has a 100 percent money back guarantee and gives $10 credit per each referred sale.

GroupPrice

When you’ve found yourself with a shrinking budget, but need some of the more traditional marketing and promotional services to fulfill your business plan, GroupPrice may be able to help. This site offers quite a few deals at a time, and the offerings range wildly. Some of the more notable deals include items that mid-sized businesses would likely buy anyway: automated calling services, remote staffing, and even online video spokespeople! If you’re still in the homegrown stages, however, you may find their venture capital pitch review or stock video footage services to be more your speed.

RapidBuyr

Looking for a decent price on a laptop, printer, or full-color ad in a major magazine? RapidBuyr strives to provide high-end goods and services to business owners with their competitive deals. Like more generalized deal sites, RapidBuyr offers a credit equal to the unused portion of a deal you purchase and are unable to redeem, and most deals run from 1-5 days (provided they don’t sell out first!) One handy feature of the site is an embedded price comparison chart that shows major competitor’s pricing and what they call “street pricing.” Our own searches found that they were, indeed, at least 10 percent lower than all outlets on the deals that were active at the time.

Finding more deal sites can be dangerous (especially if you like to shop.) As a small business owner or purchasing manager, however, they can also provide the potential to stretch that buck in some hard economic times.

Have you used a business deal site? Is there one you love that we missed?

Written by Linsey Knerl and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

All About Black Friday

Linsey Knerl — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 11:36:25 +0000

Whether you're a dedicated deal-hunting warrior or you try to avoid the crowds entirely, around this time of year, it's hard to not hear about the shopping frenzy known as Black Friday. From some history on the event to how to handle it and more, read on! (See also: 3 Ways to Beat Holiday Shopping Stress)

When Is Black Friday?

The “busiest shopping day of the year” traditionally takes place on the day after Thanksgiving, although longer shopping days and earlier store hours have now taken the one day holiday into the “Thanksgiving zone.” Some stores are now set to open as early as 11:59 p.m. on turkey day itself, and Black Friday-like sales can be found happening online beginning November 1st. A few select stores have also dabbled in replacing the annoying “Christmas in July” marketing strategies with their own misplaced “Black Friday” promotions, which have appeared throughout the calendar year. The purists, however, still claim that there is one day (the Friday right after Thanksgiving), and anything else is just a marketing ploy.

Why It's Called “Black” Friday

Investopedia (and most everyone else) credits the dark name to the fact that stores are likely to turn profitable for the first time on this shopping holiday, and that their business ledgers would actually see their numbers go from “red” (indicating a fiscal loss) to “black.” Others (specifically, anti-commercialism groups) have more recently taken some of the most newsworthy incidents that have occurred on the holiday (store tramplings or robberies, for example) and have assigned new meaning to the “black” portion of the term.

Deals Offered on Black Friday

In addition to “door buster deals,” which claim to offer shoppers up to 60% off popular items like TVs, toys, and clothing, there are special promotional perks, such as in-store refreshments and giveaways. Many who participate, however, just like the rush of the deal, waiting in line, and communing with other deal-seekers.

Wise Bread has covered the topic of Black Friday and its deals extensively over the years, including articles such as Black Friday Tips From Money-Saving Experts, 5 Things You Shouldn't Buy This Black Friday, and 6 Ways to Spend Black Friday at Home.

Black Friday Facts

In addition to the essentials of how and why, I thought it would be fun to share a few random facts about the shopping holiday.

Cyber Money is the online version of Black Friday, offering shoppers exclusive deals at their favorite dotcoms; many of the best prices, however, are still available only on Black Friday, and most stores have moved to sharing the best deals online on the day after Thanksgiving.
In all of Black Friday history, 2008 was the only year to see a drop in electronics sales.
In recent years, Canada has held its own version of Black Friday to discourage border-hopping on the big day. As their deals haven’t been as aggressive as many U.S. retailers, however, many Canadian consumers have continued their “field trips” across the border to buy up good deals on consumer goods.
In an effort to control the messaging of their deals (and to pre-empt the “leak” sites that have been sharing deals before their official release), many major retailers, including Walmart, have taken to officially “leaking” their own sales. For example, this year customers were asked to sign up for a special email list to be among the first to view an official Black Friday ad — weeks before the ads were distributed in newspapers and online.
The emphasis on buying has caused some groups to rebel; AdBusters will again this year celebrate their own “Buy Nothing Day” to coincide with the hype of commercialism that Black Friday often brings about.
Mobile payment technology has created growth in the Black Friday market; just last year, PayPal reported an increase of 27% over 2009’s transactions (thanks, in part to the 310% increase in mobile shopping).

If you are not already tired of hearing about this year’s “Black Friday” event, chances are good that you will be. The hyped-up holiday, however, is an important part of many stores’ annual budget, and cash-strapped shoppers will always be looking to take advantage of the deals.

Will you venture out this year?

Written by Linsey Knerl and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

5 Small Businesses That Made It Big With The Help Of Reality Shows

Linsey Knerl — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 02:57:07 +0000

Link:

http://www.openforum.com/articles/5-small-businesses-that-made-it-big-with-the-h...

Do you ever wonder about those business owners who get featured on reality TV shows? Whether they offer professional advice or nanny services, life is rarely the same for the real-life “stars” of these popular and additive docudramas. Here are five small business owners who can share just what being on TV is like, as well as their favorite piece of personal finance advice.

1. Linda Webb (aka “the fraud dog”), Contego Services Group

This expert in fraud is a major player in FraudDog.TV, a series covering the less-than-honest behaviors of individuals worldwide. While Linda admits that reality shows have a tendency to want drama and conflict, her business acts well as a team. She also gives this sage tidbit to anyone looking to make it big with reality TV: “I think it does bring exposure, and helps get publicity, but not as much as one would think. You still need a strong public relations marketing firm, and constant SEO optimization, with social media interaction.”

Favorite money tip: "Do your due diligence first and know who you are engaged with when dealing with money matters. There are a lot of fraudsters out there."

2. Candi Wingate, owner of Nannies4hire.com and Care4hire.com

Candi’s business Nannies4hire was a hit in the household of TLC’s famed reality television family Jon and Kate + Eight, which led to a big increase in brand recognition and a relationship with top media guru Dr. Phil. The show chronicles Kate as she searches for the right nanny for her kids, giving Candi’s business several mentions and an on-air display of one of her company’s nannies. While she cautions people to know what they are getting into with any reality TV contract, Candi shares that TLC was great to work with. “When you work with any celebrities, it is a plus in a business.”

Favorite money tip: "Don't forget to save for a rainy day."

3. Dave Levine, owner of CNV.com Inc (parent company of one of the largest online adult retailers)

Dave shares the full details of his experience on The Millionaire Matchmaker via his website (some text possibly NSFW), but even with the bad dating experience, his outlook in business couldn’t have been brighter. Knowing that he wouldn’t have the opportunity to mention his domain name, Dave got creative with a nickname to market his brand during the two episode gig. “They couldn't promise anything, but I figured there wasn't much down side. Turns out they did allow me to show some of my toys and talk about my business in a positive light so the risk paid off.” Regardless of your thoughts on the adult novelty industry, Dave has proven that reality television can promote your business and your personal brand.

Favorite money tip: "Gold has been a currency and store of value for over 2,000 years, and currencies not based on gold have rarely lasted more than a few decades. I suggest you use a brokerage like E*Trade as your bank account and hold your money in ETF GLD, which is gold. Then sell gold in chunks when you need to pay your bills."

4. Clint Arthur, author of What they Teach You at The Wharton Business School and president of Five Star Butter Co.

Clint of Five Star Butter Co. is no stranger to television, having been interviewed on several major news networks over the years. He also did a spot on Iron Chef, giving him quite the education on reality television appearances. He shares this sobering piece of advice: “You really have to know what you are doing. Once they have tape of you, they've got it and can do whatever they want with it. Practice being on TV as much as you can, get as much time in front of cameras as you can, and watch the tapes over and over to improve. Also have people critique your performances, especially PR pros.” Clint also credits much of his personal, professional, and spiritual transformation to the television experience.

Favorite money tip: "Your 'job' is to figure out how to get the money as fast as possible."

5. Leslie Haywood, inventor of Grill Charms

The high-intensity reality show Shark Tank was not a typical experience for Grill Charms' Leslie, who had lost her father just prior to taping. She lived through the experience, however, and encourages potential business stars to examine their motives for being on TV before they apply. “If you go into it expecting a certain outcome, you run the risk of tremendous disappointment. Instead, go into with the attitude that no matter what happens, this is an amazing opportunity and a once in a lifetime experience. And no matter what, try and HAVE FUN!” The upbeat and motivated Leslie is convinced that the level of success her business has would have been accomplished on her own eventually, but she credits the show for the amount of exposure she received on her small business budget.

Favorite money tip: "If you go one more day and don’t know what HARO is, you’re being lapped by your competition that does."

Reality television has truly changed the landscape of small business. Would you consider appearing if it could boost your buzz for little to no money? If so, here are some tips from the experts:

Dave suggests you check out sites that list casting calls for reality TV: Reality TV Casting Call, Reality Wanted, MTV's Casting Call, and Reality Blurred.
Try out for everything; think of the lesser shows as practice and a resume-builder for the more important ones.
Practice for TV by being yourself in front of a camera at home. Do you have annoying facial expressions or use words that would be a turn-off? You can’t change who you are, but you may be able to refine characteristics that could keep you off a reality show.
Find friends or professionals who work in the industry. Yes, reality TV is a BIG industry, and just like any other entertainment scene, networking can get you far — and fast!

Written by Linsey Knerl and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

How to Find Free Fun for Kids on Family Vacations

Linsey Knerl — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 13:00:40 +0000

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Traveling with little ones can be stressful. It requires more planning, additional room for all the extra stuff, and quite a bit more patience, as well. There is one major perk to bringing your toddlers and infants on the road, however; many of the activities and meals for children under five are free! Here is a quick guide to finding all the no-cost goodies for your youngsters.

Resorts and All Inclusives

Many of the big-name all inclusive resorts already boast free accommodations and meals for children under age seven, and they are forthcoming in their advertising and vacation package language. Other destinations aren't so obvious, however, requiring parents to do a little digging before they book. For the most updated promotions available for families with small kids, do a quick search for resorts in your area, and visit the website for their FAQ section. Most are clear that they will allow free room, board, meals, and even daycare for one child per paying adult. (Other destinations will allow up to four non-paying children per family.) If you can work out much of your eating and sleeping time to occur while on resort grounds, you have much of your vacation cost for the kids covered!

Bonus Tip: Most booking sites have long ignored the needs of families, but that's quickly changing! Expedia, for example, has expanded their themed search engine to offer deals and packages rated high among those with children. While it may not be advertised prominently on the home page, using a travel booking service's “site map” may help you drill down on just those deals that will apply to you.

Museums, Zoos, and Parks

For most kids under age 2, these types of tourist destinations are almost always free. To accommodate families with active toddlers, however, many activity-centered stops also offer free admissions to kids between the ages of two and five, as well. To take advantage of these offers, however, you will need to plan ahead. Many of these deals are only available in the coupon booklets available from the local Visitors Bureau or the website of the destination. If you really want to see a hot tourist stop and can't find any good bargains, however, don't give up; many times, you can call the local bureau and ask about unadvertised deals. They are likely to hook you up. (Find the number or email for the bureau you are interested in by doing a simple Google search for the city name and “visitor's bureau.”)

Bonus Tip: While still a growing site with limited cities at this time, MyKidsGoFree.com has free kids' promotions listed for particular urban areas around the country. Be sure to check it out before you leave home!

Restaurants

If you haven't thought through the cost of eating while on the road with kids, you may be in for a surprise when your dinner check comes. To avoid blowing the budget completely, it's wise to pack healthy snacks and non-perishable meal options for the times you aren't located near an affordable eatery. For the meals where you want to experience a night out, you can find many establishments that cater to the kidlets for free. Start with a site like KidsMealDeals.com (or its handy mobile app) to get listings for restaurants that won't charge for little mouths on specific days of the week. The search engine is easy to use and nets dozens of results!

Bonus Tip: Have a tiny eater who can't quite handle an entire kids meal? Skip ordering the extras, and allow your little one to share with you. Since most adult meals consist of extra-large portions and additional calories, order a side of steamed veggies or rice and an extra plate. Splitting is healthy and frugal!

While it may be exciting to remember the days of packing a carry-on bag and dashing out the door, having a family means taking additional time to carefully plot your every travel move. You can afford to bring your children with you on your next vacation; it will just take an open mind and extra flexibility to do it for around the same price as your single days. (You will also want to be sure to frequently update blog feeds, apps, and email newsletters from your favorite travel sites so that you never miss a deal.)

What savings strategies do you use to cheaply entertain the family on your travel adventures?

Written by Linsey Knerl and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

The Best Money Tools and Toys for Every Age Group

Linsey Knerl — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 10:24:19 +0000

It was almost four years ago that I initially researched the world of financial teaching tools for kids. At the time, I thought that many of the top-notch products on the market aimed at introducing children to money would be a great holiday gift. Now I realize that it’s never too early to pick up a reputable toy, tool, or application that can instill important money values into your child’s education. Here are some of the top picks I’ve identified, broken down by age group. (See also: This Season, Give Your Child the Gift of Fiscal Responsibility

Birth to Age 3

While they really can’t absorb many financial principles at this age, there are things they can learn about money. For starters, money doesn’t go in the mouth. They can also start to grasp a basic familiarity with cash by playing with toy piggy banks, complete with play money appropriate for their age group. (Look for toys that won’t become a choking hazard; they should be clearly marked for kids under 3.) The Fisher-Price Laugh n’ Learn Bank has been around for years, and it is one of the only banks on the market that’s approved for children as young as 6 months.

Ages 3–5

Preschool is an exciting time for kids! We like to get things rolling with a hands-on lesson in coinage and the appropriate names and values for each. In addition, we have found that DVDs are a major boost to the “wow” factor when teaching money. Our favorite is currently Munchkin Math: Counting Money, which has the kids singing the values of money and playing little games between activities. This is also the perfect age to teach basic business foundations by encouraging your little one to play “store.” There are dozens of amazing products on the market, but our favorites for durability and “kid appeal” come from Melissa and Doug. They offer some of the most innovative food and grocery sets around, and their play money seems to last forever!

Ages 6–8

For those who have grasped the basics and are now on to spending money and basic change-making skills, I find that the Rock N’ Learn: Money & Making Change DVD is great for kids with a short attention span. (Parents be warned, however; the songs are loud and you may not be able to tolerate it for very long.) My wiggly boys seem to absorb quite a bit via the Rock N’ Learn DVDs, and the recommended age for this DVD is spot on. You will also want to include them in basic shopping tasks at this age, which can include having them clip coupons, count out money at the register when checking out, or picking out the lowest price product at the store. (We always have the kids pick the cheapest “pink” milk from the grocer’s fridge.)

Ages 8–12

From age 8 on, I highly suggest that adults employ some kind of allowance system. The benefits for making kids work for their allowance are many, but even if you just hand them a couple of bucks a week for nothing, there can be a lesson made of the experience. There are many resources available to help kids track their earning, spending, and saving, and many of those I mentioned in my previous article are still around and awesome (including the Moon Jar and Money Savvy Pig.) Whatever you choose, however, try to avoid any banks or products that count the money for the kids. While it is neat to hear a robotic bank count out pennies, it defeats the purpose of having kids manage their own cash.

The Teen Years

Learning shouldn’t stop now, especially since kids will be exercising new freedoms with their money. For a fun way to reinforce basic economic facts in a way that football fans will enjoy, I think the Financial Football Game from Visa will help to engage bored students and break the monotony of textbooks. When you’re ready for a real-life application of using a budget, nothing compares to the concept behind Bill My Parents and their prepaid card for teens. Unlike other cards, which parents tend to load and forget, the BMP card provides updates to parents on every purchase made via text notifications and provides the control parents need to help get kids talking about where their money went.

College and Beyond

Parents, I’m pleading with you — PLEASE don’t forget about your college-aged kid just because they no longer live with you. They are going to make some of their most harmful mistakes while in their late teens/early twenties, and even with the new age limit for consumer debt accounts, there will be a need for preparation and practice. If you send care packages, now would be a great time to include a few choice issues of some of the better financial magazines on the market. If you find the hardcore economics reads to be too dry, an Inc. or Fast Company subscription will at least get their entrepreneurial juices flowing.

Are you incorporating an understanding of financial skills into your child’s daily life? Even with the classes offered in today’s schools, there are never enough “official” lessons being given to our youth. Take the lead as a parent, uncle, or friend, and see what the child in your life knows about money. The answer may surprise you, and the outcome to teaching them what they should know can only make our world a better place.

Written by Linsey Knerl and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

6 Signs That a Winning Notification Email Is a Fake

Linsey Knerl — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 09:48:22 +0000

I’ve written about my hobby of entering sweepstakes before, and like any worthwhile endeavor, there is always a downside. One of these, unfortunately, is the massive amounts of new email you will receive as you sign up for newsletters and give out your contact info for prize notification. While fake prize emails can be sent to anyone, those who enter giveaways seem to be even more prone to receiving them. And while most of my newly sweeping friends have a bit of a learning curve in identifying the fakes from the real thing, they eventually master these six red flags that something isn’t right. (See also: Sweeping 101)

1. You Don’t Remember Entering

Even with the thousands upon thousands of sweepstakes I’ve entered over the past 14 years, I have a mild recollection of most of them. If I were to receive an email saying that I won dinners for a year from a local eatery, it would ring a bell, and I’d likely get excited. If some random company tells me that I won a questionable amount of cash in a promotion I don’t remember, however, I would take a minute to examine it more carefully.

Not sure if you entered or not? Google the promotion name, company, and prize to see what you find. Most likely, if it is a legit sweep, it was listed on several sites that prize winners frequent.

2. The Company Is Huge

While Pepsi, Yahoo, and Google do hold many giveaways, they rarely handle their own correspondence. If you get an email from Yahoo itself claiming to have picked your name to get a free iPad, for example, see 1) if you remember entering and 2) if the email is signed by a fulfillment company. If the email is signed by a PR company, it’s more likely real than if it’s signed by Pepsi’s CEO.

Again, you can Google to get the info for the company that is handling prize fulfillment for the sweepstakes you are wondering about. Major sweepstakes are most often done by major companies that only do sweepstakes drawing, notification, and awarding.

3. The Word “Lotto” Is Ever Used

Seriously, do you even play the lottery? If you get an email from a foreign country with the happy announcement that you have “lotto” prizes, it’s not legit. Lottery takes money to play, and as far as I know, they never notify people via an ambiguous email.

Other sneaky terms to beware of include “grant award” and any mention of an international fund.

4. The Email Went Out to Everyone

Check the “to” field in your email. Do you find your email alongside a dozen or more other email addresses within the same alphabetical range as yours? Bad news — you’re on a spam email list. Someone is desperately sending this same email out to thousands of unsuspecting email account holders hoping someone will bite. Delete this one without question.

Whatever you do, do NOT reply or attempt to unsubscribe to any email that has dozens of addresses. This will only confirm to the spammer that the email is valid, encouraging them to send even more junk your way.

5. Hyperlinks Are Fishy

Most fake emails trying to access your info (also known as phishing emails) will try to get you to either click on a link within the body of the email, or reply to a particular email. The destination, at first glance, may seem legit (“Please check out xyzcompany to get your prize!"). By placing your mouse over the hyperlink and NOT clicking on it, however, you can see where the link is directed to go to. If this is anything but the address in the email, RUN! These are clever rouses designed to get you to sites you would never visit. Don’t do them the honor.

Do a quick link check of all URLs in the body and at the bottom of the email. PayPal scams, for example, often look a lot like an official PayPal email, but the hyperlinks within the text all direct to scam sites designed to get your sensitive information.

6. You Were Asked to Send Money

This one is quick and easy to master. Don’t pay shipping fees, processing fees, or award fees for your prize. A prize is a prize, after all, not something you ordered.

Beware of anyone claiming that you have to pay taxes upfront for any prize. The IRS handles income tax, your local treasurer handles motor vehicle and boat taxes. Let them do their jobs, and leave the scammers wishing you weren’t so smart.

Written by Linsey Knerl and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

Secrets to Finding and Winning Facebook Promotional Giveaways

Linsey Knerl — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 09:48:16 +0000

Remember how I told you about my secret hobby as a sweeper? Even with an increasingly busy schedule, I make time to enter sweepstakes for about 20 minutes each day. My efforts have definitely paid off; in the past four months, I have won a video camera, books, and an iPad 2 — all from Facebook promotions! Like most other kinds of sweepstakes, you can’t win if you don’t play. However, there are some unique aspects of Facebook sweepstakes that are important to note if you're going to participate.

Finding Facebook Giveaways

Many of the better giveaways can be found with the same tactics used to track down other promotions. (Read more on how to find blog giveaways.) Because Facebook promotions aren’t as heavily advertised, however, and the entry time can be much shorter (both increasing your winning odds), you will need to use some extra resources to find them. The best way to find most is through the WildFire App website. It will have all of the promotions running with that app (the most popular at this time), and you can sort by sweepstakes or contests, as well as ending time. Also, since many Facebook giveaways are for local businesses, you can pay less than $30 for membership to a site like Sweetie’s Secret Sweeps, and it will list promotions specific to your state, only.

Entering Facebook Giveaways

Since many of the rules for promoting and running a giveaway on Facebook have changed recently, there is a bit of confusion on how to enter successfully. Many believe that asking entrants to “Like” the company’s fan page as a requirement for entry is illegal. Actually, you can require it, but it can’t be the sole method of entry; they would still need to fill out some kind of form. Also, companies aren’t supposed to have you comment or post on a wall for the sole method of entry; they are encouraged to use reliable third-party promotional applications to take your info.

(Why is this important? Many entrants mistakenly forget to “Like” a company when entering a giveaway, but companies are allowed to choose a winner only from fans. This means that if you skip this important step, you’re entry won’t count!) To find out what is required of you to submit a legitimate entry, read the official rules for all Facebook sweepstakes.

One other thing to note is that many Facebook giveaways are hidden to anyone who doesn’t “Like” a promotion. This is called “Like-gating”, and while it is legitimate, you have to remember that the act of Liking will not count as entry alone. (You still need to fill out that form!)

Calculating Your Odds

In the traditional sweepstakes world, tens of thousands of entrants compete for the same prize. Some promotions, like the HGTV dream home giveaway, can generate millions of entries. Facebook giveaways, on the other hand, usually offer more modest prizes, having a shorter timeframe for entry, and aren’t as heavily advertised. You can actually see how many people may be eligible to win by looking at the number of “Likes” a company has. (ABC Company, for example, has only 9,000 fans at the time of a giveaway ending. Assuming that not all of those fans entered the giveaway, you can assume that your odds are pretty good!)

Remember that many entrants have skipped the “Like” step — making your odds even better.

Sweepstakes vs. Contests

Because Facebook is all about the social aspect, it seems to have a higher-than-average percentage of contests on the site. (Contests are giveaways that require some level of engagement, like submitting a photo or essay, and then has voting or judging to determine a winner. Sweepstakes, on the other hand, are completely random. This means that if you aren’t a fan of having to ask friends to vote, or you aren’t particularly creative, you might not do as well. For those who want to enter purely as a numbers game, sweepstakes — or those promotions that are completely random — are for you. If you have a large social circle and are a talented photographer, for example, contests may be more your thing.

Being Notified as a Winner

Per the terms of Facebook, companies cannot use Facebook to tell you that you’ve won. Assuming that you filled out the entry form correctly, they should have some other method to contact you (email, phone, etc.). This means that you don’t have to keep checking your Facebook wall or messages to make sure that you didn’t miss a big win. You should find out in a more reliable way.

Privacy Issues

You can often tell if a person enters many Facebook giveaways by looking at their wall. It isn’t necessary to notify the world of your entries, however, especially if the sponsoring company doesn’t quite line up with your image. (When I first got started, a wall post went up letting the world know about a trip I entered to win — sponsored by a condom company.)

Once you have “Liked” a company and proceed to enter, you will be prompted to allow Facebook to access your information. This won’t share anything with your friends, or even post anything to your wall. It is the only way to proceed with the giveaway, however, so make sure you hit “Allow” for your entry to continue.

Upon submitting their sweepstakes form, there is usually a small checkmark at the bottom that says “post to wall”. You can always uncheck this if you don’t want your wall cluttered with hundreds of giveaway notifications.

Many promotions will also prompt you to share with your friends. You can also “skip” this step. (Once you receive confirmation of your entry into the giveaway, you are under no further obligation to share, post, or refer.)

Also, if you don’t want your “Interest” profile littered with beer companies or strange hobbies, you can always “Unlike” a company after the end of the promotion. (Just go to the company’s fan page, and look for the “Unlike” link at the bottom left-hand side of the page.)

One final piece of advice I can give regarding Facebook giveaways is to get in while the action is hot. Facebook is still a relatively new way to promote sweepstakes, and so the competition isn’t nearly as stiff as more traditional methods of entry (online forms at a sponsor’s site, blog giveaways, Twitter parties, or mail-ins). Even if you don’t use Facebook to communicate with friends and family, I recommend setting up an account with stiff privacy settings for the sole purpose of entering to win!

Have you won anything cool on Facebook?

Written by Linsey Knerl and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

Line Drying Your Laundry: Frugal or Foolish?

Linsey Knerl — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 10:24:17 +0000

I’ve had the joy of using a new HE washer and dryer for the past year, but life wasn’t always so plush. In fact, there have been times more recently when I have washed by hand and line-dried — out of necessity, not due to a love of energy conservation. I will admit, however, that line-drying has made sense in some instances, and the perks cannot be replaced by any mechanical means. But is it for everyone and every situation? Here are some facts on the perks and put-offs of letting it all hang out. (See also: Kilowatts a Killer? Tips for Air-Drying Clothes)

Line Drying Saves Energy

According to the website Flex Your Power, it costs California residents nearly “30 to 40 cents to dry a load of laundry in an electric dryer and approximately 15 to 20 cents in a gas dryer.” That may not seem like much, but if you have a large family or work a dirty job, it can really add up in costs and drain on the system. Line drying, however, is free after getting the line and pins.

But...

In less-than-ideal situations, you can use more energy line drying. Laundry exposed to the elements has a higher chance of getting soiled again (bird droppings, dust from vehicles, an unexpected rain shower), and may need to be re-washed. Be sure to carefully monitor the weather and conditions of your drying area to avoid having to rinse and repeat.

Line Drying Smells Fabulous

There really is nothing better than the scent of clean sheets on laundry day — provided they are free of chemical perfumes and have been allowed to stay in the sun for at least an hour. While the causes of your laundry smells will vary by location, sun-dried clothing generally rocks.

But...

On the other side of the coin is the laundry that can become stinky from being outdoors. Laundry hung near cattle operations, certain bodies of water, or high-traffic areas, for example, will take on the scent of the air around it…and that may not be a good thing. In addition, pollen, dust, and mold spores can adhere to laundry dried outside and cause sickness in those with sensitivities. Even if you personally aren’t bothered by these allergens, bringing laundry into the home after being outside can wreak havoc on others living with you.

Line Drying Can Extend the Life of Your Clothes

As Andrea already discussed, there are many things you can do to make your clothes last longer. Line drying can be one of those things, especially if you are concerned about keeping your dainties dainty. Shrinking is never a problem with drying on the line, and you won’t run into dryer snags or melted Sharpie pens, either. Anything left in pockets can pretty much stay there when hanging from the line.

But...

While line drying can extend the life of things like blue jeans and t-shirts, it can also stress out other items. Certain hand-made or dyed items may bleach in the sun, and sweaters may fall victim to birds (which have been known to pick a thread for a nest.) Depending on the area, bird droppings can permanently stain light-colored clothing (especially if you are located anywhere near a mulberry tree.) There is also the matter of clothing thieves, which I have not encountered, but who are certain to exist.

If you need another reason to carefully consider line-drying, how about the fact that it could make you a criminal? Some have dared to compare the simplicity of hanging laundry with the art of keeping chickens in your backyard, and laws abound to keep those criminal driers in check. (In all seriousness, you should always check to see if it is legal to hang your clothes. Housing authorities, especially, have more laws concerning this than other populations.)

I’m all for line-drying under the right conditions. You won’t catch me doing it in subzero temps, and I tend to save my best towels for the dryer — I’m not a fan of the exfoliating properties of crunchy towels. I do understand why it’s a good thing for many, however, and for at least four months out of the year, it is my go-to method.

Do you line dry?

Written by Linsey Knerl and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

Self-Employed? Tips for Taking Time Off Without Trauma

Linsey Knerl — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 09:48:05 +0000

Vacation days from a traditional employer are almost as valuable as the paycheck itself. In fact, since becoming a work-at-home mom in 2007, I haven’t really ever taken a real vacation. Sure, I was forced to check my online meetings and frequent business trips at the door of the hospital when I gave birth to my fifth kid in 2010 — but other than that, time off has been limited.

You may be wondering, then, “What makes Linsey qualified to tell me how to take off time from my own business? She rarely does herself.” It’s amazing what you can learn from your mistakes, however. And so I give you a brief list of the wisdom I’ve learned to getting some much needed me-time, even if your small business cash flow limits the “when,” “where,” and “how often.” (See also: 5 Office Habits to Keep When Working From Home)

Look Beyond the Week Off

Some traditionalists claim that you need at least three days away from the iPhone, laptop, and email to truly get into the zen mode that vacations are famous for. I call “bull” on that theory. The length of time it takes you to get out of “work mode” and into “fun mode” has more to do with your personality and boundaries than any industry standard.

If I personally know that I am having two days off with no work duties, I take that time and have the best 24 hours I can imagine. Given an entire week at that rate, it may actually be too much and I might never return to my grown-up responsibilities. Others will need far more than six days to let their hair down. That may be a sign that you are wired too tightly into your business and frequent, shorter breaks can help you to learn to appreciate the chunks of life in between your working tasks. Whatever your tendency, seven straight days of vacation can be too costly (both in time and money) to commit to. Don’t overlook the value of the short break, and see how you can work on ways to learn to enjoy 24-48 hours of peace. (Like a weekend. Remember?)

Live in the Real World

Looking forward to leaving your online business to pursue “other” online entertainment endeavors? Try to avoid this, if possible. Yes, role playing games, Facebook connections, shopping for the best online deals, and watching hours upon hours of old Firefly episodes on Netflix can be great ways to unwind, but if your small business requires you to stare at screens all day, your body (and mind) may really need a break from being so plugged-in.

Don’t feel you have to abandon your online communities completely, but do try to schedule some vacation time without your gaming buddies. Go outside. See a new “real” place. Breathe the air and remember what it’s like to live in the slow crawl that is tangible humanity. You’ll have plenty of time to work on that wicked case of carpal tunnel when you return to work.

Budget for Your Break

If you really want to take a short intermission from your small business, make sure you plan for the interruption in revenue. You can either work ahead of time to earn that money before you go, or set aside a chunk of “vacay revenue” to help you through in the down time. (I actually prefer to set aside a chunk of money and NOT try to scramble to make up the revenue I will lose. My work schedule is murderous enough without having to try to earn EXTRA before I leave.) A friend of mine does a mixture of both, and outsources the work she would have done while on vacation to a friend. She earns 20-40% of her regular fees and can walk away and enjoy her break.

Let People Know Where You’ll Be

If you work with hundreds of people in your business, you don’t need to email them all individually. A nice “I’ll be on vacation from this date to this date” will suffice. (Be sure to use BCC, okay?) Otherwise, an out-of-office reply lets only those who need you know that you’ll be back and to hold any important new business until you return. (No need to alert the world that you’re gone unless they are actually looking for you.) Be sure to avoid this common out-of-office reply faux pas, however.

Just the fact that you’re looking to take a recess should be commended. There is much to gain from stepping back from your small business and much to lose by ignoring the need to reconnect with friends, family, or just yourself. Whether you see the world, or just hit a new local eatery, you’ll never regret the time off, provided you look ahead and put it into your plan!

What fun breaks have you taken from your small business?

Written by Linsey Knerl and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

Eliminate Junk Mail With the Click of a Button

Linsey Knerl — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 09:48:47 +0000

On a good day, I’ll see a postcard from my dentist, two magazines, and a freelance check in my mailbox. On a bad one, I’ll be inundated with phone books, flyers, credit card offers, and even a fake certificate for 20% off a custom-made hearing aid. Generally, I’ll dump the unwanted mailings — or “junk” mail — into my recycling bin before I even get into the house. But what if there was a way to easily access the mailing order for these items online and stop them before they get to me? (See also: Magazines for Free or Cheap)

You might already know about some of the more basic tips for killing mailbox clutter, but did you know about all of them?

1. Sign Up to Get Less

Go to the Direct Marketing Association’s website and sign up for their services. You could potentially reduce up to 80% of your junk mail by notifying them of each piece of mail you receive that you would rather not.

2. Opt Out

Be careful when you fill out forms for sweepstakes, freebies, or more information on products you know and love. Look for language on the form (usually at the bottom) that lets you know if you will be signing up for mailers, including emails. There should be a box to check or uncheck to remove yourself from further communications. Make sure you indicate your preferences.

3. Cut Credit Offers

Address issues with unsolicited “preapproved” credit offers by going directly to the company that could remove your name and credit info from the lists sent out to companies. OptOutPrescreen.com is the place to go to sign up for a five-year or even a lifetime halt to having your info circulated. While it will take time to see a reduction in offers, it can eventually put a dent in the junk mail.

4. Challenge Charities

Yes, they can do good things.They can also place a combined total of 2-10 phone calls a day to the average household! If charity request phone calls are driving you batty (and the accompanying solicitation mail pieces feel wasteful and intrusive), use this “fundraising reduction notice” to alert charities that you will be glad to continue sending gifts (if you already do), but don’t need the extra communication.

5. Cull Catalogs

Big, thick catalogs and those unnecessary phone book mailings are the worst offenders to your cramped mailbox (and the environment). Get proactive with the next batch of unwanted mailings by signing up with Catalog Choice. They can do a search by ZIP code or company name to find out what mass mailings are being delivered to all the mailboxes in your area, then help you to say “no.” They can also give you the tools to reject future mailings from virtually any company as well. (Their efforts to reduce waste by community are impressive.)

While you’re waiting around for your efforts to pay off — with a reduction in unnecessary packaging and a big break for the mail carrier — why not check out these additional resources? You can find more info on the process of cutting clutter in the mailbox at Ecocycle.org and revisit some ways to unsubscribe by the good, old-fashioned telephone and postal mail in Nora's take on reducing mailings.

Written by Linsey Knerl and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

10 Surprising Facts About Flooding and Your Home

Linsey Knerl — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 10:36:21 +0000

We think, for now, that we have narrowly survived a flooding of our home. Located just three miles from the Missouri River, we have witnessed the swelling of her waters and the panic that has gripped our neighbors. Questions and rumors have buzzed for weeks, causing me to have to research quite thoroughly to find the facts about how rising waters could affect my home and three acres of farm land. Thankfully, I believe we will be spared the heartbreak of losing our home, but I’m glad to have learned these ten vital tidbits. (See also: Why You Should Have Renters Insurance)

1. You are likely not covered.

That’s what we learned when we checked our homeowners and rental coverage policies. It turns out that most home insurance coverage plans in the U.S. don’t have to cover flooding, damage from rising waters, or even mold from flood waters that don’t come into contact with your home or contents. To seek protection, you will likely have to purchase a separate policy written specifically for flood coverage.

2. Flood coverage doesn’t have to be expensive.

A common excuse for failing to get coverage in the past has been that it is too pricey for most homeowners. With the offering of the National Flood Insurance Program, however, it is possible to get coverage in certain communities for less than if you bought from a private issuer. (We pay less than $300 a year for our coverage.) It’s important to note that if your community doesn’t participate, you will not be able to receive coverage through the NFIP plan. Contact your insurance agents for details.

3. Flooding can happen to anyone.

One of the reasons we held off on getting flood insurance is that we were not considered to be in a flood plain. In over 100 years, the waters never came near us, and we didn’t see it as necessary. Fast forward to the announcement by the Corps of Engineers that they would be releasing record amounts of water from the dams north of us and combine it with the record rainfall our area received. Now we were faced with an unprecedented possibility of flooding.

In addition, flood maps change every year, making a home that was previously considered “safe” a candidate for being affected by changing water patterns. Floods can be caused by bodies of water that leave their boundaries, heavy rainfall, breaking dams and levees, or weather patterns like hurricanes and tropical storms.

4. Forget about the basement.

Even the most comprehensive coverage will likely not cover anything stored below the main level of your home. This includes basements, crawlspaces, and cellars. If anything is covered, it will be limited. (Remember, many homes contain a large portion of square footage in large “walkout basements.” These areas are subject to limited coverage as well.)

5. Being compensated for 100% of what you lose is unlikely.

The government-issued policies don’t cover everything you lose, and even if private insurance has you covered, there will be a deductible to pay. If you walk away from a flooding situation with the assumption that you will get a big check to replace everything with new items, you will be disappointed, to say the least. As with most policies, you must have proof of the items you lost, and not all items will be able to be repurchased at the replacement value. (Besides, what kind of price can you put on old family photos, jewelry that’s been in the family for generations, or your Star Wars memorabilia?)

6. You will have to wait.

There is a 30-day waiting period for any new policy issued under the plan. If you buy coverage on June 1, for example, your coverage will not start until July 1. It’s important to get coverage immediately if you suspect you will be at risk for flooding in the near future.

7. Once the flooding starts, it’s too late to get coverage.

Additionally, the flooding coverage does not cover “flooding in progress.” What this means is that once a flood event starts, coverage must already be in place. An excerpt taken from a recent FEMA memo (PDF) further clarifies this policy, as it specifically addresses the Missouri River Flood of 2011:

The exclusion is triggered on the date and time of the flooding event...Specifically, FEMA considers it triggered by the earlier of the following situations:

A. The community where the insured building is located first experiences a flood

B. The date and time of an event initiating a flood that causes damage, including but not limited to: a spillway is opened, a levee is breached, water is released from a dam, or water escapes from the banks of a waterway (stream, river, creek, etc.).

In laymen’s terms, if flooding is caused by opening dams (in our case), once those dams are opened, the flooding event has commenced and new policies will not likely be honored. (Flooding events can occur up to six months before actual damage is sustained — just another reason to get coverage BEFORE you need it!) FEMA encourages insurance professionals to go ahead and file claims that may not be covered due to this exclusion, but admits that compensation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

8. Federal disaster assistance won’t cover much.

Yes, you can likely apply for help if your home is damaged or destroyed by flooding, but the money will not be enough to make your home “good as new.” The government estimates that the average bill for residential flood damage is around $48,000 and actual payments from FEMA funds range from $1K to just enough to get your home livable again by legal standards. (It will not cover things like paint, carpet, or the contents of your home.) Homeowners are encouraged to not rely on FEMA help or other government programs to make them whole after flooding, and it is best to anticipate a lengthy waiting period between when you apply for funds and when you actually see them.

9. Accepting assistance changes the game.

If you do apply for and receive grants or loans to put your home back in order, you will be required to carry insurance moving forward — and indefinitely. According to the NFIP website, “you must cover the building for flood insurance for as long as you own it. Should you sell the building, you are required to inform the new owner of the necessity to purchase and maintain flood insurance. Failure to carry flood insurance could result in the denial of future federal disaster assistance.”

10. Mitigation is still the best policy.

Even if you carry a high-value policy with enough coverage to get a new home after a flood, it’s a good practice to try to avoid as much loss as possible. Errors can occur, either when issuing a policy or when it comes time to file a claim. Even if you are confident that your damage will be covered, it’s easier and less costly to everyone to move your valuables out of the flood area and to a safe level of your home or outside storage. (Note: Storage units are a hot commodity during flood events. Please be certain that any unit you rent is out of the flooding danger area, and become familiar with coverage of those items. Many policies don’t cover items stored offsite, and unit owners are not responsible for damage to items stored on their property.)

These facts have been acquired, in part, by information obtained by FloodSmart.gov, the official site of the NFIP — as well as my own experience. Please contact your insurance agent for any specific questions about flooding and your property.

Written by Linsey Knerl and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

6 High-Tech Tools to Help Your Garden Grow

Linsey Knerl — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 09:48:12 +0000

In many areas of the country, the seeds have been planted for various veggies and flowers. Trees have taken root in preparation for years of fabulous fruit. Time, sweat, and tears used to be the only way to ensure a bountiful harvest — and even then, there was no guarantee that weather and critters would cooperate with your best laid plans.

While I can’t promise that these six tools will usher in a promise of return on your investment, they are fun to use and can help fill in the gaps of your gardening strategies. (See also: Vegetable Gardening: Four Cheap Hacks)

PlantJotter

This subscription-based site offers a free 30-day trial, which makes it perfect for testing out before you buy. Features of PlantJotter include a handy journal, planning guides, photo book, and a maintenance calendar, all designed to help you reduce the guesswork of caring for and harvesting your garden. As with most gardening tools, PlantJotter won’t tell you exactly what to do (there’s no “Hey! It’s Thursday, time to pick those tomatoes!”). It does, however, provide you with a loose framework and a personal history of your gardening, something that will help you improve year after year. In my experience, I’ve found that your own experience is the key to successful gardening.

Home Farming

If you don’t mind garden tools with a commercial sponsorship, this free site by Triscuit is actually very useful. In addition to a simple garden planning guide and some nice descriptions of various plants in their crop guide, the robust community surrounding Home Farming may be the most helpful of all components. With over 1,000 questions already asked by community members, the answer to your burning gardening question has likely been addressed. It also features some nice social media perks, such as the posting of your garden status to Facebook.

FlowerPedia App

If blooms are your thing, you’ll surely love the smartphone app from FlowerPedia. While not free, it’s priced way below a good hard-copy field guide, and it features photos and descriptions of over 150,000 species from around the world. Use it to identify that rogue perennial that pops up every year, or see what is blooming on a map near you. (This could be a fun way for kids to help learn their botany, too!)

Dirr’s Tree and Shrub Finder

Not sure what that woody shrub is in your yard? The Tree and Shrub Finder app can help with that! Priced a little higher than most apps, this is actually an application version of the actual complete field guide for trees and shrubs. It includes zone info, water and light requirements, and planning tips. Because it’s written by an actual expert, it has the most clout of any other app of its kind! (I could see this as being an invaluable tool for students as well as landscaping enthusiasts.)

Herbs+ App

Many people love growing herbs. They are simple, easy to care for, and have a plethora of uses. Armed with a great app like Herbs+, you can effectively use herbs for cooking and medicinal purposes wherever you go! Perhaps the best features of the app are the crisp, full-color photos, which help you identify unknown herbs, and the ability to view the Wiki page for each — without ever leaving the app!

Dave’s Garden

Dave's Garden claims to be “hand down favorite website of gardeners around the world,” and I believe it. It provides an endless supply of videos, a fantastic community forum, and article info you can’t get anywhere else. Perhaps the most useful tidbits, however, come in the form of the collaborative tools. My favorites are The Garden Watchdog (a free directory of 7,292 mail-order gardening companies that have been peer reviewed by the community) and PlantScout (a searchable database of vendors by plant type). There is also a neat seed and plant swap component that really brings garden lovers together!

Growing a garden may not be all that high-tech. Getting it right, however, may take a little extra skill that we can best acquire from our computers and iPhones.

Do you have a savvy site or awesome app that we should know about?

Written by Linsey Knerl and published on Wise Bread. Read more Technology articles from Wise Bread.

How to Save Big on Big Family Vacations

Linsey Knerl — Tue, 10 May 2011 17:31:30 +0000

They eat more. They laugh more. Big families are a blessing to those parents who are fortunate enough to have them, but the bill associated with taking them anywhere (especially on vacation) can be shocking. Before you resign yourself to a life of ho-hum campouts in the backyard, check out just a few of our tips from my recent My Life Scoop article that will help you save on big family travel.

Buy One, Get More

Vacationing can be an eclectic mix of restaurant visits, museum tours, and live events for many families, and with a per person admission (or meal) price to be reckoned with, it may be tempting to stay in the hotel and watch HBO instead of getting out there and seeing the world. While not offered to just those with large families, “buy one, get one” discounts are popular among those whose children are old enough to pay close to the adult price on anything from food to thrill rides. (My daughter, for example, pays just a few cents less than an adult price for everything, when establishments employ their $X times their age policy.)

Kids Meal Deals gives parents lots of listing for places that let you feed your brood for less – they even have a smartphone app! Sites like KidsEatFree.com are just starting out in areas like Orlando, but parents can purchase a card that lets the kids eat free at any time when in select establishments. For promotions on tourist’s spots outside of the dining genre, Google the visitor’s convention site for the area you will be staying. They usually have coupon books or email codes to help get the kids in for free.

Bonus tip: When getting a “free” anything, make sure you use it up on the kid that would cost the most at regular price. Many restaurants, for example, will just randomly pick a kid to comp, but smart parents know to ask for the kid that will get the biggest discount.

Read all of our tips at the My Life Scoop guide, and share your thoughts in the comments!

Written by Linsey Knerl and published on Wise Bread. Read more Travel articles from Wise Bread.

5 Financial Holidays I'd Like to See

Linsey Knerl — Wed, 04 May 2011 10:24:47 +0000

There are far too many holidays in this day and age, if you ask me. National Lox and Bagels Day or Turkey Neck Soup Day are little more than reasons to boost the food industry, and they are not something that most of us celebrate with vigor. If you had me design next year’s calendar, however, I would add a few holidays that would do quite a bit of good for the average consumer. Here are my proposed celebrations; feel free to add them into any day or month you choose.

Gift Card Balance Awareness Month

If you’re like most Americans, you have a drawer in your office with random gift cards — and possibly no clue as to the balance of each. It takes a bit of work, but you can call about each or check the balances online to see where you stand. Most major brand cards, like Starbucks, for example, can be combined into one gift card, making those small $1 or less balances useful again. Other cards, like those VISA or American Express gift cards, will need a bit more creative repurposing. (See also: How to Use Up Remaining Balances on Prepaid Gift Cards)

Money Mentor Appreciation Week

Most of us can name one person, at least, who has influenced us in a positive regard to our finances. For me, it’s my husband and this list of five financial gurus you’ve never heard of. If you know a blogger, author, financial professional, or family member who has helped you take your finances by the reigns and get things right, it’s time to say “thanks.” You can send a letter, shoot them an email, buy their new book, subscribe to their RSS feed, or even make a donation to their favorite charity or their non-profit organization. It’s a fantastic way to show you how you feel!

Fed Day

It could be argued that every day is fed day (it does, after all, seem like the controlling arm of so many things). I would like to approach the subject from the point of view of an American living in this somewhat complex economy, however. If you don’t know your ins and outs of our Federal Reserve System, it’s best to schedule a day (or week) this year to do so. Start out simply, with a reading from the Wiki page. Then graduate to commentary by political and economic analysts on both sides of the spectrum. You don’t have to learn everything at first, but living in today’s somewhat tumultuous times requires some knowledge of what’s going on. It’s best to set aside time to get ahead of the curve. (If you have kids, who likely aren’t learning this in school, pull them in for some of the more basic principles.)

National "Give Back" Month

No, this isn’t a feel-good attempt at giving people a chance to contribute to charities. It is, however, a great excuse to pencil in a month on your calendar to pay back loans; give back borrowed CDs, movies, and lawn tools; and return any favors you swore you would grant. People are generally becoming less and less good about keeping their word. (This is evidenced by the rising number of mortgage defaults and bankruptcies, and general attitudes towards paying back debt.) If you can’t pay it all back at one, work out a payment plan, consider counselling with a debt management service, or look into other ways to make good on your loan. We are as solid as our promises, after all. (Not sure you have what it takes to stare down tens of thousands of dollars in debt? Check out how I paid off over $50,000 in credit card debt.)

Check It or Chuck It Week

We all suffer from variations of a common disease known as “too much stuff” — except for a few of my nomadic or military friends. I have often wondered how much of my possessions I would miss in case of a natural disaster. As sad as this is, it is often just the process of deciding what to do with “stuff” that can be a burden. Do you keep it? Sell it? Give it away? What if you need it later? While it’s silly to assume that you can go through your home, garage, and outdoor buildings in just one week, putting purpose to everything you own, picking just one room this week to purge of the excess is a great start. (Need tips for moving forward? How about starting with these tips for clearing clutter from a self-proclaimed clutter bug?) A decrease in clutter can save you money, free up some time, and give back much-needed mental and emotional clarity.

Looking for some real holidays to boost your financial intelligence or savings potential? Why not check out Financial Literacy Month, National Coupon Month, or even “No Pants Day” (which is coming up soon and can save you a little on the cost of getting your pants pressed)?

What financial holidays would you like to be celebrated? Or do we just have enough to think about already?

Written by Linsey Knerl and published on Wise Bread. Read more Personal Finance articles from Wise Bread.

5 Resources to Help Moms Jump Start Their Online Career

Linsey Knerl — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 20:31:11 +0000

Many moms are making it big these days, using their abilities to multi-task, problem-solve, and roll with the punches to start thriving businesses based from the internet. While not everyone will easily replace a full-time income with their startup, many can fuel a passion and create much-needed cash flow with the right tools and guidance. Here are just a few of our top picks from my recent My Life Scoop article listing the tools that every mom should refer to when creating a biz online.

ShePosts.com

This site appears at first glance to be a bit of an online gossip mag, offering tips and tidbits into “who's doing what” in the more female-driven parts of the online world. ShePosts is more than just lists of brand ambassadors, blogger conferences, and the “who's who” of social media, however. It offers insights into building traffic, FTC compliance, marketing your business, and playing well with others. There are also interviews with those that have proven success in building an online career – especially while raising kids. ShePosts provides up-to-the minute news on job openings and blogging opportunities, as well.

Here's ShePost founder Esther Brady Crawford talking about what inspired her to launch the site:

Working Mother Magazine

This hard-copy magazine is one of the few that I continue to subscribe to, even thought I left the “traditional” workforce over 5 years ago. The majority of articles, while geared toward moms who still schlep their briefcase to some employer-owned office each day, can be applied to ANY working mom, even those who don't clock a typical time clock. There is a healthy section of print dedicated to moms who are “doing it all”, as well. Many of these featured role models are entrepreneurs who made it big by working hard at their online-based business. (Hint: Most of the best tools presented in the magazine are also available via their free website.)

WAHM.com

Have you ever wanted to get the inside scoop on an online or internet-based marketing opportunity before you meet with the pushy sales rep? WAHM.com has a a variety of guides designed to offer the facts about a number of national businesses that appeal to the mom genre. You can learn specifics on commissions, start up costs, and whether the business would be a good fit, as well as get links for how to sign up for more information.

The resources we've listed here may not always be the top ones to reference even one year from now. How then does busy mom keep taking her business to the next level? Read all of our tips at the My Life Scoop guide, and share your thoughts in the comments!

Written by Linsey Knerl and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

11 Smart Uses for Sheets

Linsey Knerl — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 10:36:11 +0000

You put them on beds. You store them in closets. What else can you use a fitted or flat sheet for, you might ask? As it turns out, these versatile cuts of cloth are becoming increasingly valuable in today's rising cotton market, and they are fabulous for assorted uses. (See also: It Can Be Done: How to Fold the Perfect Fitted Sheet)

Painter's Cloth

When giving a room a fresh coat, laying down some kind of protective cover for your flooring is just smart. The plastic cloths that you buy at your hardware store aren't always the best choice, however. The paint takes forever to dry on them, leaving a greater opportunity to step in spills and track the paint all over. (The surface of plastic sheeting is also very slippery, making it dangerous to place ladders on top of.)

Furniture Covers

You could buy commercial furniture covers for your sofa and chairs, but in a pinch, sheets work very well (and cost much less). Just tuck the sheet around the cushions to keep it in place and cover with a nice quilt or throw pillows. Since they come off easily, you can remove it in seconds in case of a spill or stain and throw it directly into the wash. This is a great solution for a busy family room or for day-cares and homes with small children.

Berry Catcher

Not every yard will have fruit trees, but if you need a quick way to harvest mulberries, shaking the tree branches and letting the berries fall onto a spread-out sheet is the best way get the berries down safely (for you and the berries).

Tablecloth

Depending on the size and shape of your table, a flat sheet may fit on it with no alterations. If you have small, rounded, or custom-made tables, you will need to tailor the sheet to work. Either way, sheets are generally cheaper on a clearance sale than seasonal tablecloths, and you can pick from many more styles this way.

Curtains

You can, theoretically, use sheets as actual curtains, provided you adjust for length and create some way to hang them (either by sewing on tabs or affixing hooks). A more design-friendly and professional way to use sheets as window dressing is explained in this tutorial for drop-cloth curtains, which combines canvas painter’s cloth and a patterned sheet for one fabulous curtain design. Use more sheets for more flair. They are much more affordable than custom curtains.

Emergency Ladder

You will only want to do this with sheets in good condition (and having a real commercial ladder is preferred), but in a pinch, sheets can provide a way for older children or adults to escape a 2nd story room in a fire.

Plant Cover

In the case of hail or an unexpected hard freeze, you can protect rose bushes or garden vegetables with a sheet. Just drape over them lightly (or place over clothesline that has been strung over the plants). We keep a few in our garden supplies for just this purpose.

Animal Bedding

Living on a farm, you never know when you'll need extra blankets or cloths for a birth event or medical purposes. You can also keep sheets that are stained, holey, or otherwise unusable for actual human bedding as a comfy material for your dog house or pet carriers. (Never throw out sheets. Most animal shelters would love to have them for their foster pets.) If your dog likes to chew, however, be careful to keep sheets with tears out of its space. They make tasty (and dangerous) snacks!

Clothing

I don't sew, but I've seen some adorable creations from pillow cases and sheets that I would wear myself. Sheets in great condition can be sewn into dresses or accessories like head coverings or scarves. Much like Fraulein Maria used the nursery drapes for stylish outfits for the Von Trapp kidlets, you can find patterns for all kinds of clothing made specifically from sheets. (Of course, if you find sheets on clearance that are actually more affordable than custom-cut fabric, you can adapt any pattern to use with the sheets.)

Quilts

Sheets aren't always sturdy enough to be used in some quilting designs, but they make a great backing or patchwork component for many quilts.

Baby Gear

Nursing covers can be very expensive, and considering that they are essentially sheets that have been cleverly sewn to cover a mother's body during breastfeeding, you could make one yourself with the right pattern and a pretty sheet. (Better yet, make two or three!) Other baby necessities that you can make from sheets include stroller covers and burp cloths. Sheets for baby cribs and playpens are also very expensive, given the amount of fabric used. If you are handy with a sewing machine, why not create your own from an adult-sized sheet?

Hay and Cow Movers

This bonus tip will fit a very small portion of our audience, but sheets are one of the most versatile and accessible tools for moving heavy objects on the farm. We've used them to move hay bales and cows when we haven't had machinery for either. Google for specific examples, but when a cow is down from illness, a few strong adults and a sturdy sheet can save the life of your bovine friend.

Regardless of your lifestyle, everyone can benefit from a good sheet. What have you used them for?

Written by Linsey Knerl and published on Wise Bread. Read more Home articles from Wise Bread.

How to Raise Backyard Chickens

Linsey Knerl — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 11:36:09 +0000

We’ve kept chickens on our small 3-acre farm for over five years. I grew up raising them, so I’m comfortable with the ins and outs of the practice. As food gets increasingly pricey, and consumers turn to organic and free-range for their egg and poultry needs, a backyard flock is becoming more popular each year. (See also: 10 Fantastic Facts About Eggs)

This short guide to owning a backyard flock is by no means complete. Entire books have been written on the topic, so consider this a conversation starter for those who want to explore the idea further. Chickens can be so much more than just food. Our entire family (even my young kids) has had a blast sharing our farm with these feathered friends!

Check Your Local Laws

If you live outside of city limits, chances are great that you’ll be able to lawfully keep chickens. As you head toward town, however, the ordinances become murky. Some towns allow for two hens in a backyard, properly contained. Others will not be so accommodating (especially if you come under a housing authority for your regulations). If you are unsure as to whether you can keep chickens, ask. Remember, however, that some chicken owners have been keeping their flock under the assumption that no law is the same as allowing it. Be wary if you choose to go this route. (Don’t like the law in your town? Change it!)

Set Up Your Habitat

Whether you choose to let your chickens run all over the yard (as we do) or confine them to a small run or fenced-in area, you will still need to provide them with a sturdy, safe shelter to protect them from the elements and predators. We converted an old shed into a coop by hanging some laying boxes, using broken ladders as roosts, and laying straw on the ground. You can look into buying premade chicken coops and chicken tractors, as well as plans for making your own. Remember, newborn chicks will not reside in the coop at first. They will likely live in a box with a heating lamp in your home or basement until they are old enough to go outside.

Order Your Chicks

Getting your chickens may be as simple as strolling down to the local farm supply store and popping a few in a box to take home. Depending on the variety you are looking at getting (and where you are located), you may have to order your chickens from a specialty supplier or a local hatchery. When ordering chickens by mail, be sure you will be home on the day they are set to arrive. They come to you just a few days old, in a box with holes poked in it. You will need to get the chickens out of the box ASAP and to their feed and water within hours.

Raising chickens from just a few days old is not for the faint of heart. It is likely that, even with your full attention and care, one or two may die. Baby chicks are extremely fragile in the first few days of life. They are prone to falling into their water and drowning. (I recommend filling any water dish with marbles to the top. This will allow the babies to drink from the spaces between the marbles, but not be able to fall in.) If you do not have any idea how to care for new babies, just skip the process altogether, and buy a pullet that is close to egg-laying stage.

I shouldn’t have to say this, but you will need to have hens (females) if you want eggs. Hens will lay eggs with or without a rooster. You can eat fertilized eggs — they won’t hurt you. If you do decide to keep a rooster or two, be prepared. They like to stay busy with the hens (if you know what I mean).

Watch and Care for Them

Chickens are relatively low-maintenance, but can be costly to keep (especially with the increase in grain prices). Once established, they will need nothing more than a daily “checking,” fresh feed, the proper amount of grit (to keep their gullets healthy and egg shells strong), and water. Keeping their coop clean is important to prevent disease, but chickens do not need to be bathed. If given access to dirt, they will take regular “dust baths” — burrowing into the ground to coat their entire bodies with fine dust. This prevents mites and feels good to the chicken!

You will want to pay careful attention to keep them from predators. In addition to neighborhood dogs, chickens can be attacked or eaten by hawks, ferrets, raccoons, and skunks, among other critters. (If you have large rats in your area, you will want to be certain to keep any small holes sealed from the inside. Rats will eat chickens, as well as your feed!)

Gather and Store Your Eggs

After about four or five months, your hens should start laying eggs, and they will continue to lay up to an egg a day during the sunny season, if properly fed. If you just have a few hens, you’ll probably eat the eggs as fast as they are laid. If you have as many as we do (40 at the moment), you’ll need to gather, clean, and store them properly — especially if you will be selling them to friends and family. There are many different opinions on how to do this, as many farmers have had luck leaving the eggs on a basket on the counter and then eating them as they get to them. I have a process of gathering daily, using an egg wash to gently remove any dirt from the shell, allowing to air dry, and then storing in clean egg cartons in my fridge for two to four weeks For details on how to “wash” eggs (which is really only necessary for very dirty eggs), see this document on egg-cleaning procedures.

To Eat, or Not to Eat

Perhaps you’re looking forward to eating your own fresh chicken meat. This is doable even with the smallest flock, although it’s not for the faint of heart. I have yet to butcher my own chicken, as I have a hubby that does the honors, but I do know that skinning instead of plucking is where it’s at. Those that want to explore the conversation further can reference this tutorial on skinning a chicken in 20 minutes or less.

Even after you’ve owned chickens for what seems like forever, it’s always useful and fun to stay connected to updated resources and a like-minded, chicken-loving community. I highly recommend the following resources for getting your poultry fix:

Chicken Revolution – The official website of CITY (Chickens in the Yard), a group focused on getting urban chickens legalized all over the country.
Urban Chickens – Don’t let the title fool you! While it’s designed to help you get started raising chickens within city limits, the tips are useful for farm folks, too.
My Pet Chicken – This is a great site for 101-level chicken info. I suggest reading over the FAQs before you make the commitment to buying your first chicken.
Grit – Perhaps my favorite print magazine for rural living, their chicken articles are perfect for any size flock.
Backyard Chickens – A visitor-friendly site with a little bit of everything, the site has a large assortment of coop designs.

This is a very abridged version of the ins and outs of raising chickens. There are so many benefits to backyard chickens that I would highly recommend it to anyone with the space, time, and commitment. Our chickens are more than a source of nourishment. They are a delight to be around! Inquisitive, friendly, and beautiful, chickens are one of God’s most charming creatures. Once you find a variety that suits your personality (we adore Barred Rock), you may stick with them for life!

Written by Linsey Knerl and published on Wise Bread. Read more Green Living articles from Wise Bread.