Wise Bread (Paul Michael)

Secrets of Telemarketing From an Industry Insider

Paul Michael — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:15:02 +0000

They call you at all hours. They don't care if you're eating dinner or taking a shower. And they really don't like to hear you say no. They're telemarketers. And recently, someone from "behind enemy lines" came forward to give us all invaluable tips on dealing with those harassing calls.

The information comes from reddit's Ask Me Anything section (IAMA). Usually, people will put themselves out there to answer questions on anything from work and hobbies to computer games and, well, anything you can think of. Today, a telemarking insider came forward to reveal all on a profession that's about as beloved as dog poo on your shoe (he uses the pseudonym "Lotkrotan" to protect his identity).

He explains that roughly 90% of telemarketing calls are made from specialized call centers, not the business itself. From Bank of America to EA Games, everyone is outsourcing this stuff. Often, it's to places like India, but there are still plenty of call centers here in Uncle Sam's country. The numbers they call are on an auto-dialer which recycles numbers on a monthly basis. And as for the human you eventually talk to, they're armed with a bag of tricks loaded with everything they need to convince you to say YES.

The original post is quite lengthy. But here is a condensed and edited version that gives you the best advice in a nutshell. Follow it wisely, and arm yourself with the knowledge that will stop these people getting between you and your hard earned cash.

Here are the 10 top tips on dealing with telemarketers.

1. So you're on the Do Not Call List? So what?

This is not a cease and desist order to every telemarketer in the world. Bottom line, if you have ANY kind of relationship with the company, or it's a political or non-profit group, the list does not apply. You can request to be put on a do-not-all list for that specific company, or you can ask to be put in that call center's do-not-call database. If this doesn't work, you have the FTC on your side. Call them.

2. Never hang up immediately.

Why? Because the reps mark it as an early hang up. No pitch was made, so you're still a prospect. Hence, you go back on the list.

3. Don't be rude.

Aside from the fact that these people probably hate their jobs anyway, they have the power to put you back on the calling list. And they will if you're rude.

4. A simple NO isn't good enough.

Saying you don't want the product doesn't mean they won't bug you again. And again. And again. So ask to be taken off the calling list as well.

5. Trickery won't work either.

We've all done it: "Oh, he's not here right now" or "No speak English" may get you off the hook for that one call, but it won't stop the next one.

6. The telemarketer has to rebut when you decline.

Getting mad because they initially won't take no for an answer is not going to help. Reps often get fired for not rebutting at least once, often twice. But after that, it's time to ask to be taken off the list or speak to a supervisor.

7. You have rights.

Check out the TCPA. The Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 provides rules that telemarketers must follow, or face serious penalties. If a telemarketer breaks ANY of these rules, your have the law on your side (yes, you can sue). They include:

Solicitors may not call residences before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., local time.
The solicitor must maintain a "Do Not Call" (DNC) list, which must be honored for 10 years.
Solicitors must provide their name, the name of the person or entity on whose behalf the call is being made, and a telephone number or address at which that person or entity may be contacted.
Solicitation calls cannot be made to residences with artificial voices or recordings.
Calls cannot be made with artificial voices or recordings to cell phones or to any service in which the recipient is charged for the call.
Prerecorded or autodialed calls cannot engage two or more lines of a multi-line business or to any emergency number.
In a related section, unsolicited advertising faxes are also prohibited.
In the event of a violation of the TCPA, individuals are entitled to collect damages directly from a solicitor for $500 to $1,500 for each violation, or recover actual monetary loss, whichever is higher.

8. Beware of buying from infomercials

Many are legit. Just as many are high-pressure sales outfits with all sorts of upselling techniques and sketchy practices. Here's a direct quote from "Lotkrotan":

We used simple circle talking techniques to trick people into buying our product. In the infomercial it was $120. We had a list of people that called the number from the infomercial but didn't buy the product. We called them back and offered the same product for $45. Then if they refused we'd go down to $35 and eventually $25 as a last resort effort. They were willing to sell this product for $25, and people were buying it for over 4 times that much! (Employees got the product for $5)

9. Learn the rebuttal and "permission to continue" laws for your state.

Some states require that the rep ask your permission to continue. Others must terminate the call after your first refusal. Know the law for your state and it's another weapon in your arsenal. There's a ton of info here.

10. Remember, you're dealing with a real person.

This is a person with a real family, real bills and real problems, just like the rest of us. It's a minimum wage job and it's not pleasant. They most likely took it because it was all they could get and they're just trying to make ends meet. Before you get into a fit of rage over their call, remember that they're only trying to make a living and your attitude could get them fired.

Here's the complete text. I did my best to cut it all down for you, but it's well worth a read if you want to learn a little more. Also, the other links contain a lot of info, but that is also very helpful.

Permalink | 15 comments | Paul Michael's blog | Channel: Consumer Affairs, Shopping

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Halloween Is Over. Now, Go and Buy Your Costume.

Paul Michael — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:00:02 +0000

By Paul Michael

With the exception of Christmas, Halloween is the most lucrative holiday for retailers. This year, Halloween sales will have topped an incredible $6 billion!

It's also a holiday that comes with a delicious treat for most stores...ALL SALES ARE FINAL. Ah yes, the usual rules for consumers don't apply here, because retailers have given themselves an adequate amount of protection from the "buy it, use it, return it" crowd. Halloween is about one night, and until that night is over, you're paying through the nose for everything.

But then, November 1st rolls around, and those same retailers now have a whole bunch of almost useless leftover stock. Most costume stores advertise 50%-75% off sales for November 1st a week before Halloween night.

As a frugal shopper, it's painful to know that a $50 costume I buy on October 30th will be available for as little as $12 a few days later. And that's why you should be running out now to buy your supplies for next year's Halloween bash. You can still be the star of the show next year, but you can spend a lot less money on costumes and spooky supplies.

Think ahead, look at the costumes available and plan accordingly. For instance, a very popular movie or singer right now may not be so popular a year down the road. There were a ton of Michael Jackson outfits this year, and if he'll always be your idol go ahead and buy them...but he certainly won't be as topical in 2010. However, some outfits are evergreen and should be considered a bargain whenever they go on sale. Batman, Superman, Spiderman and the usual super heroes will never really go out of style. Also look for the comic couple duos, like Fred and Wilma, Jack and Jill, Mario and Luigi, and Morticia and Gomez, plus the more inventive ones like Plug and Socket, Bull and Bear or Sweet and Sour.

The same rules apply for the kids, too. When it comes to costumes, they probably won't be too happy being stuck with an old costume if there's a new flavor-of-the-month next year. Just be careful if you snap up a bargain Transformer or G.I.Joe, because next year's blockbuster will come with a slew of costumes at wallet-busting prices. Again, the safe bets are the timeless super heroes, villains, cartoons, ghouls and non-specific costumes. There’s always room for a zombie, ninja, werewolf or vampire. Oh, and remember to buy a size or two bigger...kids have this annoying habit of growing like weeds between holidays. Dress-up clothes are also a bargain right now. You can snap up princess outfits, pirate gear and other cool costumes for almost nothing. No need to wait for Halloween next year, the kids can have a blast anytime.

As for the decorations, they’re always a bargain. With very few exceptions (I did see a sequin-gloved hand coming out of a grave...poor taste I think) they’re always reusable. Strobe lights, fog machines, spider webbing, skeletons, wall decor, party plates and cups — they’re all on sale right now. And as the week continues, expect to see the prices drop to 90% off. Stock up now, fill a box or two with next year’s Halloween costumes as decorations and costumes, and tuck them away in the basement, garage or attic. When October 31st rolls around next year, you’ll have all of your Halloween shopping done early...and at a fraction of the cost. Now, go hit up those sales before the bargains are all gone.

Permalink | 4 comments | Paul Michael's blog | Channel: Deals, Shopping

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How to Get Laid Off: A Step-By-Step Guide

Paul Michael — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:00:03 +0000

By Paul Michael

It seems ironic in this economy, and with a high unemployment rate, that anyone would want advice about getting kicked from a job. But last week a question was posed to me, and it was genuine — “How do I get laid off?”

When I dug below the surface of the question, I realized that the person in question was just done with the job (like this), but didn’t want to quit outright. Instead, being laid off was a more favorable option, with reasons including severance pay, vesting for stock options, contractual obligations, and a much more fitting job opening up soon in another company. Some people even call this the “no job vacation.”

In this obviously rare situation, quitting is not ideal. Being laid off is a better solution, but believe it or not, being let go or even “fired” can be difficult if you’ve been doing everything right. You need to change the dynamic. As someone so tactfully explained to me, it’s like purposely acting like a jerk in a relationship so that the other person breaks up with you.

So, if you’re in the awkward position of looking for a way out of your current job, here are some tips I have received from different industry professionals and HR websites that give you a way out without destroying your career. Some are perfectly ethical, others, well you decide for yourself.

To start with, the ethical list:

1. First and foremost, check in with HR to see what kind of severance pay and other benefits your company offers. You need to know where you stand.

2. If all looks well, let HR know that you’d volunteer to take redundancy if there was downsizing at the company. Not only are you making life a whole lot easier for HR, you’re also planting the seed that you’re not 100% committed to the job.

3. Let other people take credit for your good work. And, adversely, you can take some of the blame for projects that went wrong. Even if you weren’t actually working on it, people love a scapegoat.

4. Nurture your own replacement. If you see a bright, shining star with serious ambition, you can let everyone know that they’re perfect for your role. A few comments here and there like “wow, that Brian kid is one amazing worker…he’s even teaching me a thing or two, and I earn way more than him!” OK, well choose your own words, but you get the idea.

5. Start using up your remaining vacation time. This is free money and it’s also a good way to get noticed for being absent a lot.

6. Have a computer? It’s time to become a web surfer. Employers really don’t like you using the Internet at work to do your shopping and watch movie trailers. Don’t be blatant about it, but if Ebay is on the screen whenever your boss walks by, it won’t make you look like employee of the month.

7. Sleep at your desk during your breaks. Not every day, but dozing off once in a while can certainly help you stand out as a mediocre employee. If you don’t have a desk, use the break room or another public place. Remember, there’s nothing that says you can’t take a nap during your breaks…it just doesn’t look great.

8. Renegotiate your salary. It’s usually a delicate subject but now, you have nothing to lose. It can give you the confidence to ask for more and you may just get it, giving you a reason to stay. If you have a new job offer, why not take the terms you received at your new job and ask your old job if they will match it?

9. Look into employee benefits and start asking thoughtful, insightful questions. For instance, why doesn't your company have a day care program? What’s the paternity leave policy? Can I get reimbursement for professional conferences? Start circulating this discussion among other employees. At the very least, you will stand out as a hero to them and, possibly, a thorn in the side of HR.

10. Start enjoying every available company perk. If you have employee discount programs, use them often and in large amounts. If you get reimbursed for further education, take lots of classes.

11. Talk enthusiastically about additional education and training in a field completely unrelated to your job. For example, if you work at a tech company, talk about how excited you are about getting your new real estate license.

12. The most important rule, and the simplest: Do the minimum. Be less than you can be. You should never be exceeding expectations if you’re looking for a pink slip. As I heard once, “she had delusions of mediocrity.” So should you. This is a surefire way to place your head on the layoff chopping block, and when used with another tip from above, it could get you the pink slip and severance package you’re looking for.

Now, I also got a whole lot more tips that were phrased as “more sketchy” ways to get laid off or fired. I would say some of them are unpleasant, others just plain rude. I would also say that this is a list of things you should avoid in your quest for the pink slip. This may get you fired, but you don't want to burn a bridge completely that may affect your career later down the road.

13. Take a look at the code of conduct for your office and begin to bend a few rules, or even break them. Start to mess around with the dress code. Play your music a little louder.

14. Create your own, more flexible hours. Turning up five minutes late, taking longer lunch breaks and leaving early shows a nice lack of commitment.

15. Redirect your efforts to the wrong places. Spend 8 hours on a pointless task that should take 30 minutes. Rush a job that needs more attention. You’re still doing your job, but you’re doing it poorly.

16. Get noticed for all the wrong reasons. If you have a lot of meetings to go to, don’t feel afraid to make comments that are completely inane or make no sense at all. You can also say nothing, and spend the whole meeting doodling and staring out of the window. Put you phone on extra-loud and get people to call you all day. Let your appearance go, stop brushing your hair, allow a stain or two to appear on your shirts.

17. Be annoying. A great way to do this is to start cornering people with pointless questions that are a waste of time. Spend 10 minutes discussing something that should take 10 seconds. Ask the most obvious questions that you should already know the answers to. Hang around in the coffee room and start long conversations. When people start to avoid you, you’re on your way.

18. Become the biggest naysayer in history. Now, every idea is a bad idea. Nothing will work. The coffee tastes bad. The boss sucks. No one wants to work with someone so negative, and it puts you at the top of the lay-off pile.

19. Stop smiling. Be miserable. Act depressed. Remove yourself from conversations. Use one word answers. If you can’t annoy people with your loud music and silly comments, you can get under their skin by being about as much fun as a funeral.

20. Start forgetting things. Small things, big things, just have a memory like a cargo net. From meetings you should be at, to vital tasks, this is another surefire way to raise the red flag that your time has come.

21. Interrupt people, often, and with nothing more to add. That guy who keeps butting in when you’re talking, only to basically repeat what you just said, well maybe he’s looking for a way out of the door.

22. Memorize a bunch of useless quotes and start repeating them whenever possible, especially if they’re out of context. You can make quite an impression in a meeting if you’re asked for projected sales figures and instead come back with “Like all dreamers, I mistook disenchantment for truth.”

23. Send emails “accidentally” to the wrong people, revealing facts and figures that should not have been revealed. If the boss gets an email from you that was clearly meant for someone else, and the contents are less than flattering, that will certainly be a red mark against you. You can also send pointless or personal emails to the whole company instead of just friends, like a funny youtube video or your own ad for a garage sale.

24. Be messy. Stop cleaning up after yourself in the break room. Miss the trash can when you throw things away. Leave your office or cubicle looking like the aftermath of a twister. Untidy is one thing. Being a slob is quite another.

25. Use the office equipment for personal use, including job searching (obviously not the actual one you’re going to). It may even be prudent to leave your resume in the photocopier. And make plenty of personal calls, preferably talking loudly while doing so.

26. Do not keep secrets. If the boss tells you something private and personal, and asks you to keep your mouth shut, you may want to let that one slip out.

27. Start parking in the reserved spots. It will really bug those people who think a reserved car parking spot is important, and they will most likely be in charge.

28. Become a prankster on a daily basis. Whoopee cushions under chairs in the meeting rooms. Fart gas. Glue on the phones. Once is enough, but when you keep doing it you become a disruptive pain.

So there you have it; some advice to follow, and even more advice to avoid. Do you have any more tips? Do you think anyone trying to get laid off is just asking for trouble? Let us know. And remember, this is not advice for most of us — just the few people who desperately want an exit strategy.

Permalink | 34 comments | Paul Michael's blog | Channel: Career Building

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Should There Be a "Fat Tax" on Junk Food?

Paul Michael — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:00:02 +0000

By Paul Michael

Yes.

Well, that's just my humble opinion, but I really don't see why this has so many people throwing their arms up in the air with shock. We tax liquor and cigarettes, neither of which are essentials in life. Why not tax something that is bad for our health, preventing more people from buying it and generating much-needed cash in the process?

Taxes on beer, spirits and cigarettes vary from state to state (there's a detailed list here) but one thing's for sure...when you grab a shot of your favorite tipple, you're giving money to Uncle Sam. Like most things in life, liquor should be taken in moderation. It's a treat. And as such, we can stomach a little extra money being handed over for our shot of bourbon or pint of ale. (Cigarettes, well, they're a whole different animal and if it weren't for the enormous amount of money they generate they would have been banned years ago. Such is the power of the mighty dollar.)

Similarly, fast food is (or should be) a rare treat, too. Probably more rare than a glass of wine or cold bottle of Bud. If you recall Super Size Me, nutritionists interviewed by Morgan Spurlock said you should only eat junk food once a month, if at all. That doesn't stop most Americans gorging on fast food like rats in a New York dumpster.

Just look at a few statistics. In the U.S., 64.5 percent of adults are overweight and 30.5 percent are obese.

Over half of the population eats fast food once a week with 20 percent eating fast food at least every other day. And high frequency users are more likely to increase fast food consumption because of economic pressure and are attracted to "value" dining options. (See these and more distasteful facts here).

It's right there in black and white. The "value" menus are making junk food way too attractive of an option. But what if, as of 2010, every Big Mac, Whopper and "Triple-Bacon Heart Attack Burger" sold in the USA had a $2 fat tax? The money generated would be enormous. We're talking billions and billions of dollars. Even with the decreased consumption due to increased cost, most people would still choose to eat junk food. Maybe not as much, but there are times when the smell of grilled cheese and ground chuck are just irresistible. Now put that fat tax on other junk foods and see the money pile up even more quickly.

People will always want that forbidden treat, and they'll happily pay for it. I don't see anyone complaining about the high price of Belgian chocolate or hand-made English Toffee. It's not necessary for survival. It only exists to give people pleasure. And as such, like so many other pleasures in life that are bad for us, we're willing to pay more for them. I know I'd fork over $8 for my junk food of choice, a Chipotle burrito. Right now it's less than $6, but what's $2 more for that one pound of delicious spicy goodness (or badness)?

Let the government tax our fatty treats, and let them use that money to pay off some of the debt, or create new jobs, or rebuild the crumbling bridges and infrastructure.

Here's another idea. What if we use the money generated by fast food purchases to subsidize the prices of healthy food, like fruits, vegetables and fresh fish? Right now, fast food is generally cheaper than a healthy meal, and much easier to come by. There are fast food restaurants everywhere, but the healthy, cheap and easily accessible options are much more scarce. By channeling the money from junk food to good food, we are not preventing anyone from eating a burger...we're just making it way more easy to buy a similarly-priced healthy alternative.

I say the time is right for a fat tax. I know many of you will disagree with me, and that's just one more thing that makes this country great. We can eat our fatty junk foods, we can slurp our sugary sodas, and we can have a good old debate about it all. Now, what's for dessert?

Permalink | 106 comments | Paul Michael's blog | Channel: Consumer Affairs, Food and Drink, Health and Beauty

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Being Healthy Can Have Big Cash Rewards

Paul Michael — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 15:22:02 +0000

By Paul Michael

I recently became a member of my wife’s gym. I had always hesitated — being a frugal person I preferred to work out at home with a few weights and some exercise DVDs. But, when I did join, I found out that my membership gives back in more ways than just my health. Cha-ching!

My reasons for joining the gym were many and varied. It was a chance to spend more time with my wife and children, it was much easier to stay motivated in that environment, and family membership was very affordable. However, I was surprised that no one at the gym told me about all the savings I get as a member. And in my case, they’re huge.

For the record, my gym is called LifeTime Fitness (and it would be fair to say it’s way more than a gym, it’s more of a leisure center). A great guy called Ryan helped me convert my wife's membership into a family plan, and that probably explains why he didn't bring up the benefits of belonging to the gym. But recently I got an email from LifeTime telling me about all of the benefits that members enjoy.

I was shocked.

This, to most people, would be a deal-maker. Anyone hesitant about joining would no doubt be tipped over the edge by the big benefits given to members. And when I show you a sample, you’ll see why. This is just a very small part of the benefits package I receive:

Autobuying Programs – Around $1500-$5000 saving on a new car
15% off my T-Mobile bill – Around $15/month saving
$100 gift cards for $85 at Sports Authority
10% off all Drugstore.com purchases
20% off at Footlocker, Champ Sports and many other sports stores
Over $500 off a Dish Network package
Half-price tanning at various salons in the area
10% off at UPS
Up to 25% off at many restaurants, some as high as 50% off.
Up to 50% off Budget car rentals
$50 off rooms at the Marriott
Preferred pricing at many golf clubs
Up to $400 off per eye on Lasik
Bank deals, including reduced closing costs
Up to 12% off Dell computers

I could keep going, but I think you get the idea. The savings I get on autobuying program alone will, when I do use it, pay for the price of my membership for years. Add in all of the other savings, including a nice monthly discount on my cell phone, and the benefits of staying healthy really do go way beyond the physical.

I would advise you to check with your own health club (or any other club you belong to) and see if you also have a benefits package. Chances are, you do. And you could be saving money right now just by checking it out and making a few calls.

Let us know how you get on.

Permalink | 13 comments | Paul Michael's blog | Channel: Health and Beauty

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51 Unusual Money-Saving Tips from Readers

Paul Michael — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 15:00:01 +0000

By Paul Michael

As a writer for Wise Bread, I get a fair number of emails that actually offer advice, rather that asking for it. Most of the time that advice is sound. Usually, I will either already know about it, or feature it in an upcoming article. But occasionally I get stuff that makes me scratch my head.

“Are they serious?” I wonder, “or are they playing with me?” Well, rather than let these nuggets go to waste, I thought I’d share them with you all. Maybe you can help sort the good eggs from the bad. Some are obviously more absurd than others though, and remember, these didn’t come from me. They’re from some of the more “inventive” readers of Wise Bread (you’ll soon see what I mean…#3 is a perfect example). I have put my own notes in parentheses on some of these, I just had to comment.

1. Use furniture wax on your car.

Just spray it on and shine it to a quick buff! Much quicker than car wax and it’s just as effective!! (Hmmm just as effective? Somehow I doubt that…)

2. Marry someone frugal.

If you’re having trouble with money, seek out a partner that has a great financial head on their shoulders. If you’re in debt, they’ll help you get out of it. If you throw money away, they’ll help you save.

3. Don’t waste money on toilet paper. Use newspaper, junk mail, bills and more!

There is a great deal of satisfaction that comes from wiping your butt on a credit card mailing or an electricity bill. And it helps the environment as well as your pocket!

4. Unplug everything In your home when you’re not using it. Even clocks!

Before I go to bed at night, I spend ten minutes walking around the home unplugging everything that isn’t in use. That includes the TV, the DVD player, the toaster, the computer and even the alarm clock on my nightstand if I’m not at work the next day. Saves me a bunch of money every month as these items all drain power.

5. Turn your old wine into vinegar.

If you’ve got some old wine laying around that isn’t drinkable, you can turn it into vinegar. Just pour it into a container, preferably a barrel, and let it age. Voila, fine vinegar!

6. Top-up your condiments with packets from fast-food restaurants.

You always get a bunch of extra ketchups, mustards, mayos and other condiments when you eat at a fast-food joint. Don’t throw them away. Open them up and pour them into your bottled condiments at home. You’ll be surprised how much longer your bottle of ketchup will last.

7. Ladies, order LARGE meals on dates!

Hey, when you’re taken out to dinner make the most of it. I know I do. Just order a large meal and take half of it home in a box or doggy bag. Two free meals for the price of one.

8. Spend less money than you make.

Need I say more? (Nope, and this is shortest tip I’ve ever received.)

9. Double your toilet paper by separating it.

Buy 2-ply paper and pull it apart to make 1-ply. You can get four rolls out of one double-roll. (Is this even worth the time and effort?)

10. Limit toilet paper usage to two sheets per wipe.

Put a sign above the toilet at home reminding people exactly how much to use each time. (There’s frugal. There’s cheap. This one needs a new category.)

11. Cut your own hair.

It’s not difficult. Also cut the hair of your children and the rest of your family. You’ll save a small fortune.

12. Use the free envelopes you get with bills and junk mail.

Cover the company’s address with a label, put on your own stamp and use it for whatever you want.

13. Get free lemonade whenever you eat out.

Order a glass of water with extra lemons, pour in some sweetener from the beverage holder and hey presto, lemonade for free! (I know for a fact that some people actually do this and most waiters hate it.)

14. Free umbrellas are always available.

Just pop along to your local library and tell them you lost one. They usually have a stash in the lost and found section – say yours is black and small and they’ll almost always have one. Score! It also works for sunglasses. (I’d say this one is stealing. But some people disagree.)

15. Buy something for $1. Sell it for $2. Repeat.

(More money-making than money-saving.This one actually came from a friend of mine. It was a joke at the time, but to be honest I think he’s right on. Buy low, sell high, repeat, retire. It should be taught in every school.)

16. Plant fake flowers in your garden.

They last for years, require no maintenance and are in full bloom in winter.

17. Use old toilets as flower planters.

They look bold and attractive (??) and are usually available for free on Craigslist.

18. Use your employer’s resources.

It’s not stealing if you use them at work. Don’t bring your own headache pills, tissues or drinks. Your employer should provide them all and you should take full advantage, including the endless supply of free coffee and tea!

19. Turn off your car engine at red lights.

You will save a bunch of gas over time instead of leaving the engine idling.

20. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

There’s no shame in going through the neighbors’ trash once it has been placed outside for collection. It’s public domain, and you can pick up some great things that other people just don’t want or need any more.

21. Free food from the grocery stores.

They throw away perfectly good food every night. You can eat like a king for free on the bags of food they throw away at the end of the day.

22. Take a “vacation” at Christmas to save money on gifts.

Just let everyone know you’re going away for the holidays and will exchange gifts when you return. Then lay low, buy all of your presents in the after-Christmas sales for way less money and have a very happy New Year!

23. Keep one cup from every fast-food restaurant you visit.

Whenever you go back, just take the cup in with you and refill it at the fountain. You’ll never have to pay for a drink again! (I’m sure this one is stealing.)

24. Cover your floors with carpet samples.

You can pick them up very cheap, and sometimes free, from most carpet and hardware stores. Just arrange them in squares and glue them down. Great for a basement, playroom or even a hobby room. Also works with wallpaper samples.

25. Spill your drink at a bar or restaurant.

Wait until your beer is around one-third full, then get in the way of a member of the wait staff and make sure they “make” you spill your drink. They’ll usually offer to get you a free replacement, and it will be FULL! (Yep, this one is really dishonest.)

26. Keep a pitcher close to the sink.

When you’re running the faucet waiting for the hot water to come through, let the pitcher catch the cold water. You can use it later to water plants, flowers or boil pasta.

27. Donate your clothes then buy them back.

The local charity will clean them for you, and you can just pop back in a week, buy the ones you want for a few bucks. It's cheaper than a dry cleaner. (I think this is a joke...but the guy sounded as serious as a funeral.)

28. Train your cat to use the toilet.

It's easy to train a cat to jump up onto the seat and go into the toilet. It will save you a fortune in cat litter. Getting him to flush is the hard part.

29. Get your paint at one quarter of the price.

So this one is sneaky but it works. Pick out the exact color you want and get it mixed in the quantity you want. Take it back the next day to the hardware store you got it from and say the shade is off. They'll give you a full refund, and also put the "bad tint" on the sale shelf for $5 a can, roughly $15 less than the full price. Just go in the next day and buy all your paint back! Score!! (I'm sure it works, but man is that dishonest.)

30. Free flowers for birthdays, weddings and more!

Just go to a nearby cemetery and swipe some new flowers from a grave. The dead people won't miss them and someone else will get a smile from them. (Karma anyone?)

31. Use Canadian coins in laundromats and soda machines.

The exchange rate will give you a saving. (This must be really old, our currencies are now so close it would not be worth the effort.)

32. Old hair makes great stuffing for pillows.

If you don't cut your own hair, the local barber shop or hair salon will gladly give you the cuttings from the floor. It's soft, free and biodegradable.

33. Newspapers make great blankets.

They're not just for homeless people. If you get chilly at nights, slip newspaper pages between the sheet and duvet. Newspaper is a tremendous insulator.

34. Shop at midnight.

Those late-night hours are great. You'll have no lines at the checkout, no crowded aisles, and your pick of the bargains and markdowns that are being put out for the next day.

35. Flush with less water.

Place a common house brick inside a plastic bag and seal it. Repeat this seal with another bag, just to make it super water proof (you don't want brick corrosion). Put this in your toilet's tank and it will save you a lot of money on your water bill over the years.

36. Learn to speed read.

You'll be amazed at how many new books you can read for free if you increase your reading speed. I spend an hour or two at Borders almost every evening and usually get through two brand new books every week. No charge.

37. Go through the trash at a college campus on move-out day.

College kids throw things out with no regard for their worth. They just want them gone, and they don't want to move them. I have picked up refrigerators, microwaves, desks, chairs, shelves and even TVs!

38. Negotiate your hours at work.

Rush hour driving is a gas guzzling experience. Train tickets are also more expensive at rush hour. See if you can start early and leave early. You'll work the same hours but save commuting cash!

39. Chop your veggies before you check out.

Most of the time, the real weight from your broccoli, beets and other veg comes from the thick stalks and stems. Cut them off, you'll cut the price by at least half!

40. The ice cream con job.

To most kids, the sound of the ice cream truck is a sign to come inside and beg for money for an overpriced popsicle. But not in my house. I told my kids that when the ice cream truck plays a tune, he has ran out! Then, I give them a much less expensive popsicle from my own freezer. (But means that one...one day, they will find out!)

41. Drive At 55mph On The Highways.

It may take you a little longer to get where you’re going, but this is the optimal speed for good fuel consumption. You’ll get a way better mpg from your car.

42. Don’t throw away old, bruised and soft fruit.

They can be great for making smoothies, muffins and other snacks and drinks that require flavor without needing the fruit to be in perfect condition.

43. Use your electric oven wisely.

These things take so long to cool down that you can actually turn them off 5 minutes before the cooking time is up, and your dish will come out fine. Also works well with toaster ovens.

44. Dump your partner at the right time.

If you’re thinking of quitting a relationship, make sure you exit before any major anniversaries, birthdays or anything like that. The last thing you want to do is buy an expensive present right before you go your separate ways. (I’d call that one a bit mercenary.)

45. Go at least one year without buying clothes or shoes.

I’m serious! Usually, you’re just buying on impulse anyway. It’s been proven that most of us only use about 20% of the stuff in our closets, so why add more to that unused portion? After a year, you will have saved hundreds and hundreds of dollars.

46. Guys, don’t get married.

There may be tax breaks but when you’re single you’re rolling in money, even on a low salary. Get married and it will all go away. For a start, women need way more money than men, including toiletries, clothes, shoes, hair styling and more. Most women can’t go five days on one big batch of chili or spaghetti – they want variety. And salads cost a fortune too. Once you start having kids, kiss goodbye to any extra cash you did have. Seriously, stay single. It’s the best way to save money. (Have to point out as a happily married guy with two kids that I do not agree with this one at all. But I do like big batches of chili!)

47. Do the gift-giving lottery.

Simple premise but it saves all of us a fortune in my family. We put all the names in a hat at Christmas, and then each pick out one. Kinda like secret santa, but without the secret. And that way, you’re all not buying gifts for everyone. Big waste of money that holiday.

48. Become good friends with your neighbors.

They will always have things that you can borrow instead of buying them. My neighbor comes over to use my edger, and I use his cultivator. Works great.

49. Tear baby wipes, make-up wipes and all other wipes in half.

They’re just as effective in a smaller size and they will last you twice as long.

50. Go on a one-day-a-week fast.

That means only 6 days a week of meals instead of seven. Over 52 weeks, that’s over 150 combined breakfasts, lunches and dinners that you don’t have to buy. And you’ll lose weight too! (Ummm…talk to your doc on that one. Sounds unhealthy to me.)

51. Shop with a friend.

All those BOGO offers are great, but only if you need two. Instead, split them with a buddy and split the bill. Score!

Permalink | 92 comments | Paul Michael's blog | Channel: Frugal Living

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Five Quick Remote Control Hacks to Save You Time and Money

Paul Michael — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 21:01:17 +0000

By Paul Michael

If time is money, and I sincerely believe it is, then these five remote control hacks will save you a little of both. I discovered them when I was searching for a way to increase the range of my remote control (I just can't change channels all that well from the kitchen) and found not one but five great hacks. Some are time savers, others money savers, and some do both. They're all quick, easy and require very little, if any, extra materials.

Skip Ads Easily with a Standard Cable Remote Control

This first hack should take you about five minutes.The basic premise is this: your average Motorola-made DVR, the one that your cable-TV provider gives you, should come with the ability to skip ads in 30-second increments. And yet, in most cases, it doesn't. I'm not going to go into the reasons for that here, but it's obviously related to money and advertiser pressure. Anyway, some clever dude has figured out a way to remap your remote control to enable this feature. I tried it on my Comcast remote and it worked like a charm. Here's what to do:

1. Press the Cable button at the top of the remote.

2. Hold the Setup button until the Cable button flashes twice.

3. Enter 994 on the keypad. The Cable button will flash twice again.

4. Push the Setup button once.

5. Enter 00173.

6. Finally, push the button that you want to use as the 30-second skip; I chose the A button since I don't use it for anything else. The Cable button will flash twice.

To restore the original functionality to that key, follow the first steps described above, but after entering 994, push the remapped key twice. The Cable button will blink twice if your input has been accepted.

Operate Your Remote Control with Only One Battery

If you have kids, the following scenario will be all too familiar. You pick up your TV's remote control, ready to change the channel from SpongeBob to something a little more grown up, and voila -- nothing happens. And so you turn over the remote to see the battery cover missing and just one lonely battery occupying the two-battery compartment. At this point, the frantic search is on to find a battery that will replace the one now residing in some kind of loud, flashing toy. And if you're like me, you don't have an enormous supply of back-up batteries. But, you probably do have paperclips. And by following this simple hack, you can get your remote working again until your next trip to the store. It's not a permanent fix, but it does work.

Boost the Range of Your Remote Control

So, on to the inspiration for this article. I often like to make dinner while watching a TV show or listening to music. And despite fresh batteries and the long reach of my arm, I often have trouble getting the remote control to change the channels or volume. Well, here's Kipkay to the rescue. As some of you may know, I rely on Kipkay for a lot of my technology hacks, and once again he did not disappoint. All this remote hack takesis just a few minutes of your time and some aluminum foil.

Fix a Broken Button on Your Remote Control

How many times have you almost thrown the remote control through the window because the #9 button needs to be pressed with the same kind of pressure that The Hulk has in reserve? When one or two buttons on your remote control begin to show signs of wear and tear, you can make them work again with this simple hack. All it takes is a little glue, some foil and a pin. That's just a few minutes of work for a fully-functioning remote control, and the restoration of your sanity.

And if all else fails...

Make Your Own Remote Control

To be honest, it would probably be easier to go and buy a new remote for $10. But if you have a few spare parts lying around and relish a challenge, or the remote stops working at 3am and you desperately need to change channels without moving, well, this one's for you. OK, it's impractical, but it's a fun little experiment to round off the group. It requires a mini maglite, an old floppy disc, a small magnifying lens, and a generous helping of patience. Have fun.

Permalink | 4 comments | Paul Michael's blog | Channel: DIY, Technology

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Are Most Businesses Going Green Just to Save Some Green?

Paul Michael — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 14:00:03 +0000

By Paul Michael

I heard an interesting story the other day. A radio DJ was annoyed because when he went to pick up his boarding passes from the check in counter, he was handed them without any kind of ticket wallet to keep them together. The reason: “It’s our effort to save the environment sir.” But was it really just an effort to save money?

When you think about it, airlines are hardly the greenest of companies. When you get to you gate, you are presented with your jet plane complete with thousands of gallons of fuel. The haze of fumes rising from the fuel is enough to make you think you’re witnessing an oasis in the desert.

But still, every little helps. And yet when the DJ was informed of the disappearing wallets for boarding passes and ticket stubs, he was more than a little cynical. “I don’t buy it. Are they being green, or just saving some green?” he asked his audience.

It’s a legitimate question. Is it fair for businesses to hide cost-cutting exercises under the guise of environmentally friendly intentions? It seems more than a little sneaky to me. After all, if they’re making these cuts for the planet, and not for profit, then shouldn’t we see some of that money coming back to us in the form of lower prices? Most likely, any cuts that are made benefit the corporations and their shareholders, not the general public.

When I started looking for other examples of “green initiatives” I did start to wonder if the planet really was the cause for the change, or was it simply done as a way to increase the health of the corporation’s bottom line.

From cheaper, recycled toilet papers, to decreased services in hotels and restaurants, I noticed the influence of the environment everywhere. On a flight recently, I was asked to re-use the same plastic cup. In a hotel, the towels were only washed if I specifcally requested it. At a New York pizzeria, napkins were limited to THREE per customer. (I only needed one by the way, but if you've ever eaten out with young children, those three napkins would have been stretched thin.) Ironically, in that same pizza place I saw that the prices had actually gone up, with makeshift stickers being placed over cheaper prices. The economy is certainly taking its toll, and yet the environment is supposedly the cause of the cutbacks.

Now I, for one, like that we’re saving the planet in any way that we can. And I love that our corporations are embracing it. But it does make me wonder what the real reason for change is.

Have you noticed these changes around you? Have you been charged MORE for green products and services that actually cost less to produce and maintain than the non-green versions? Have you ever felt a nagging doubt that profit was the real reason for change, not the environment?

At the end of the day, I suppose it shouldn’t matter too much. After all, if the business saves money and helps the environment in the process, regardless of their intention, then that’s a good thing, right? But when you see no added benefit in the form of a price reduction, or you even see a price hike for going green, well that leaves a bitter taste in the mouth.

Permalink | 8 comments | Paul Michael's blog | Channel: Consumer Affairs, Green Living

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A Cheapskate’s Guide to Eating Out

Paul Michael — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 16:00:01 +0000

By Paul Michael

When I was a young lad, eating out was something of a luxury for my family. Most of our meals, at least 95%, were prepared and eaten at home. This was the model for most people my age or older. But these days, society has migrated to eating out of the home way more often. The result is that we’re spending a lot more on food than we used to. So, are there ways to chop the bill and eat out for less? You bet.

1: Share your soft drink
Most of the time, my wife and I find that one drink is adequate for both of us. But in this day and age of countless free refills, we will never run short of our soft drink anyway. It’s not much, but a couple of buck saved every time you order a drink at a restaurant or fast food place really adds up. And that goes for the kids’ drinks, too. My kids are quite happy to share a juice box or fountain drink. Oh, and before anyone cries for the poor fast food joints or restaurant chains, it’s worth noting that the average fountain drink costs the restaurant around 20 cents and they charge you around 10 times that for the beverage. So, I’m not losing any sleep over it; they’re still making an insane profit from any drinks we order.

2: Don’t be shy - use coupons
I see people hand over coupons at the grocery store all the time, but in fast food places it happens less; and in restaurants, it’s even more rare. There seems to be a taboo about coupons in restaurants, maybe because people feel like they’re picking the pockets of the waiter who is looking them right in the face. As several commenters have pointed out, your waiter will gladly accept coupons as long as you remember to tip the waiter based on the price of the bill BEFORE the coupon was deducted. That way, you get the saving, the waiter gets the same tips, and only the restaurant chain itself is out of pocket. But as the coupon enticed you in, the loss of revenue is worth it for the extra custom. Therefore, bring on the coupons, hand them over proudly and enjoy your free grub.

3: Be wary of the advice from your waiter
When we go into a restaurant we’re unfamiliar with, we will often ask our waiter “so what do you like?” or “what do you recommend?” Unsurprisingly, our helpful waiter usually picks from the more expensive end of the menu. Rarely do we hear “go for the burger” if there’s a filet mignon for four times the price. The more expensive items mean a larger bill, which equates to a larger tip. It may well be a great meal, but it may also stretch your budget; so, load the question with something more useful, like “what do you recommend in the $8-$10 range?”

4. Order apps as main courses
Appetizers are supposed to whet your appetite for the main meal. Have you seen appetizers these day though? They’re just as big as the main meal! I ordered potato skins a few months ago and could hardly finish half of my main course. So, although they’re cheaper and labeled as appetizers, there’s no reason not to order them as a main course.

5: Split a meal
Many restaurants these days go way overboard on portions. A restaurant I go to occasionally called Claim Jumper serves half and full portions. They recommend the half portions unless you’re insanely hungry. So, as the full portion is only a few bucks more, it’s well worth asking for that and an extra plate. You can also split the rest of the food, including salads and dessert, and will no doubt be surprised at how satisfied you are with the amount of food you got to eat. Half portions these days are like whole portions from the fifties.

6: Take advantage of your birthday
Hey, it only comes around once a year (unless you’re the Queen of England) so make full use of the special offers handed out by restaurants and fast food joints. A few near me give you a free entrée on your birthday. Others do a BOGO, and some offer free drinks or desserts. And remember, that infamous fake birthday song that most places sing to the guest of honor, well, that comes with a free cake or free ice-cream. Sure, you have to endure 30 seconds of embarrassment, but for free dessert? Go for it.

7: The salad bar three-course meal
These days, salad bars are becoming the norm in many restaurants. They’re easy to stock, they’re self-serve and most people don’t take full advantage of them. But you really can just order the salad bar and do very well for yourself. Start with salad and bread, move on to the pasta dishes and finish with fruit, cheeses, pudding or anything else that’s on offer. At about $8-$9, it’s not a lot to pay for a healthy three-course meal.

8: And then there’s the buffet…
Whether you love Indian food, Mexican, Chinese or traditional meat ‘n’ potatoes grub, buffets are a great way to feed your whole family for around $20-$30. Now, buffets get a lot of criticism because the food is not always the best quality and the atmosphere is hardly conducive to a wonderful evening out. But this is budget dining, and if you choose good foods (vegetables, fresh fruit, salads, pastas, the grill and so on) you can have a great meal for peanuts. Usually, kids get in for free or a few bucks per head. Our local Country Buffet has been packed out every time we visited recently. In tough times, the buffets get the customers.

9: Doggie bags rule
If you’re not into the idea of splitting a meal with someone else (or you’re eating alone) then split the meal with yourself. As I’ve mentioned earlier, portion sizes are huge these days, so eat half of your meal and ask for a box for the rest. This splits the cost of your meal in two, and dinner has already been made for you for the following day.

10: Look for half-off gift certificates
My favorite site by far for this is halfoffdeals.com. Here, you can buy gift certificates to over 41,000 restaurants for around 50% of their face value. You can search by zip code or city, and there’s even an email alert system to tell you when new deals go live. Most certificates do come with restrictions, which is why you get such a great deal. A common one is that you don’t get any cash back from your certificate, if there’s any left. But if you pay $15 for a $25, do you care about the extra $5 anyway? And remember, you can always order something to take home.

Permalink | 44 comments | Paul Michael's blog | Channel: Budgeting, Consumer Affairs, Food and Drink

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Quick Hack: How To Age a Digital Photograph in Seconds

Paul Michael — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 19:00:08 +0000

By Paul Michael

Aging a photograph used to be quite a skill. In fact, only the best retouchers could pull it off convincingly. Computers made the process easier; and programs like Adobe Photoshop have "actions" that can make it happen ever quicker and easier. But now, all you need is your digital photo and one Japanese website that can do the conversion in seconds.

As a professional in the ad industry, I'm often required to create visuals for presentations. This weekend, I needed to make a modern photo look at least 70 years old. I searched online for video tutorials that I could use in conjunction with Photoshop, and it looked like it would take about 30 minutes of my time. Then, just before I set about performing the task, I stumbled upon a link that did the job for me in seconds. And when I say that, I don't mean 300 seconds. It's more like 3 seconds.

The site is Japanese, but fortunately it comes with an English translation (look in the top right corner).

You simply open the photo you wish to transform, hit the "convert" button and almost instantly your aged photo will appear on screen. Then you can save it and do whatever you need to do. The site costs nothing, the service costs nothing and the results are very impressive. For something that is as quick as it is, and completely free, I have to say it's one of the best links I have ever found for such a handy tool.

Here are a few before and after photos. I did all three. Judge for yourself it you think it's a good tool. Personally, this one now has a permanent place in my bookmarks folder.

Piggy Bank - New And Aged

Shuttle - New And Aged

My Girls And I - New And Aged

As yet, I don't believe the site has the ability to handle hi-res files, but this is a great start for bloggers, scrapbookers, card makers and journalists. Enjoy.

Permalink | 2 comments | Paul Michael's blog | Channel: Technology

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