99Tangents

Just as you can find a hotel, restaurant or pair of shoes in any price range, there is a spa experience out there for everyone. One in four Americans has been to a spa and stress is bringing them through the doors. Spas do not have to be a “once in a lifetime” experience. Here are six insider tips on stress-free ways to save at the spa.

As living and energy costs increase and the economy trends towards recession, many consumers resort to using credit for staples like food and gas, driving up balances and compounding the issue of higher food and energy prices – with interest.

More concerning is the fact that more than 30 percent of Americans have little-to-no savings and are living paycheck to paycheck.

It is clear that the current economic environment is leaving many consumers unable to deal with daily, let alone unexpected, expenses. If you are one of these consumers, it may be time to take a good hard look at your family’s budget and commit to making some financial changes. After all, preparing for the unexpected can keep a minor financial setback from becoming a major financial crisis.

Money Management International, the creator of FinancialLiteracyMonth.com, offers the following steps to help increase your financial know how and start you on the path towards smart money management.

1. Track daily expenditures. Carry a pocket size notebook and track every penny you spend for a month or two - from vending machine snacks to lottery tickets. At the end of the month, examine your spending log and determine which areas can be cut back to create surplus. You’ll be surprised to see how much money is being spent on items that could be easily sacrificed.

2. Develop a spending plan. Take a look at all sources of income and develop a monthly spending plan you can commit to. Categorize your expenses and note what percentage of your paycheck is needed to cover each category. Your monthly goal should allow you to end up with a budget surplus–money saved rather than spent. Reevaluate your budget quarterly and make adjustments as needed.

3. Establish priorities. Make a list of all your financial obligations in order of importance. Remember your housing and basic living expenses should be top priority. Consider calling creditors to request due date changes and reduction of your APR and minimum payments. Also, remember to communicate any dramatic changes to the family budget with all members of the family. It’s important that all members of the family understand the financial situation so that they can support change.

4. Remember to pay yourself. It is easier said than done, but saving is one of the most important financial obligations. Consider having a portion of your paycheck automatically deducted into a savings account, your 401(k) or individual retirement account (IRA). This will guarantee that money is saved and invested to secure your financial future.

5. Set financial goals. Decide on short and long-term goals, and develop an action plan to make them happen. Make your goals specific and measurable. For example, if your goal is to save an additional $100.00 a month, determine what specific steps are needed to accomplish that goal. Maybe it is as easy as taking your lunch to work at least four days a week or buying regular coffee instead of gourmet brews. Put the money you save into a savings account so you won’t be tempted to spend it.

“Change may be hard, but the payoff can be priceless,” said Cate Williams, vice president of financial literacy for Money Management International. “Taking these steps will not only improve your financial situation now, but will provide a solid financial foundation to benefit you throughout the rest of your life.”

If you’re just starting out learning how the stock market works, reading the stock tables in the paper can be confusing. Though it might be intimidating, it’s important to learn how to read stocks. Don’t worry, it won’t take much time.

When watching television, listening to the radio, reading the newspaper or browsing the internet you are likely to see many ads that claim they can fix your bad credit. Some of these companies are fraudulent. It is possible for you to begin to repair your own credit history. Here are some tips to help you.

Getting started in the Forex market can be daunting and a little confusing. There are some basics that everyone who is getting into the market needs to know before starting to make trades in order to ensure that they can make the most out of their investment.

So many credit card offers, what to do?

Credit card services

Managing your own investments can be quite a challenge. Julie Murphy Casserly of JMC Wealth Management offers the following tips for maintaining the right ass

Another school year is fast approaching. Canada.com has some helpful textbook buying tips for students.
1. Borrow textbooks you need from your friends or the library.
2. If you need to buy a book, try to find used textbooks through used bookstores, campus bulletin boards, and online forums.
3. If you must buy new, shop around - both [...]

Trying to save a buck or two on furniture or appliances? Good Housekeeping offers up a nice list of where and how to buy just about anything secondhand.
Furniture
1. Try offbeat flea markets, consignment shops and estate sales.
2. Check rental companies.
3. Shop for showroom finds.
4. Look for government auctions.
5. Browse office-furniture sites.
6. Sweep up carpet [...]

Photo: Henk L.

Love to cook, but shocked sometimes at what you end up paying at the supermarket? The Fun Times Guide offers up ten ways to save money when shopping for groceries:
1. Make a List
2. Bring your Coupons
3. Sign up for the grocery store’s savings program
4. Read the newspaper
5. Bulk Shop
6. Comparison Shop
7. Don’t buy [...]

Heading to college or university this year? Save some money - The National Association of College Stores (NACS) suggests these tips for buying textbooks:
1. Buy “used” books whenever possible, which could save you 25% off the cost of a new textbook. College stores strive to provide as many used textbooks as possible, but [...]

I don’t know about you, but when I walk into a retail store, I usually don’t think about haggling over the price. But according to Consumer Reports’ Money Advisor, you can negotiate a retail deal. Here’s what to do:

Timing is everything
Ask about future sales
Decipher the ticket
Look for flaws
Be polite

Source: The Baltimore Sun