Land of the Free? Not for the Uninsured

By leanne | December 1, 2009

Annually45,000 Americans die from lack of health care. That’s a Harvard statistic. At this writing, CNN is disputing the spending of federal funds on Afghanistan and citing the need for Americans to have health care. As if the tax dollars spent on one, limit the spending on others. We all know, when in doubt, the country will just print more money or find the cash to pork barrel in whatever politicians deem fit. What’s a few trillion spent here and there after all?

 I guess, according to the protagonist on the show, you and I could argue those 45K uninsured fatalities for hours.  I’ve never been one to get involved with politics and I’m not going to on this forum.

 I am however, going to state what it’s like to have no insurance and need diagnostic tests. I’ve steered clear of the details of my health issues lately. I don’t like feeling as if I’m on display and I’m not a sympathy seeker either. But possibly, this can illustrate a point to those who waffle or who get stuck on topics like funding, budgets, statistics or political arguments. This issue is about humans not policies. Spend some time thinking about the cost in human factors if even one of those 45K were your mother, spouse, sister, friend or child.  You’d stop your tea parties and your protests, folks and would likely be holding a sign begging the government to cough up some cash to treat your loved one…

Here’s my latest health gig in brief:

I’ve been having a series of increasing medical problems- the short list are:

  1. Confusion
  2. Inability to control my fingers, feet, limbs etc to the dexterity I should. (typing is hard, as though I know what my fingers should do, but their movements are clumsy).
  3. Mental fogginess
  4. Listing to one side- not dizziness, but rather feeling like I’m tipped
  5. Headaches
  6. Uncontrollable shaking after these events
  7. Spontaneous bleeding from my gums/nose
  8. Increasing white floating spots in my left corner of my eye
  9. Short term memory loss
  10. Alternating insomnia and sleepiness

A week ago, we thought we had this pegged, with some early tests as a blood issue. Then Thanksgiving day, I had what looked like a mini stroke, or seizure or other nasty choice in public. I was at the store in the morning on the holiday with my 17 year old. As I’d not been feeling well for several weeks, my grocery shopping was limited. My daughter and I went to pick up items so I could cook for the gang of my kids the day after Thanksgiving. While there I had a scary event. Honestly, had she not been with me, I couldn’t have found my way out of the store. I got so confused and had an episode of nearly all the above symptoms- plus a new weird item- I was speaking in numbers NOT words. Last I checked, that’s rather terrifying to know what your brain is supposed to do and not be able to make your mouth do it…. And when I got in the car, I discovered I had been drooling out of the right corner of my mouth… Most normal people would be right in the car, on the way to the ER or even call an ambulance (this costs a minimum of $100). However, knowing that an ER visit would incur another several thousand dollar expense, I waited it out even though my family threatened me heavily…. And waited and waited…. Till the doc who is kind to me fiscally was back in the office yesterday…

I’ve played every scenario in my head for weeks now… Where most people would have scurried off to a physician, those of us without insurance wait it out.

Here’s why- something like this, to rule out the ugly possibilities- will take diagnostic testing. Testing that costs thousands upon thousands of dollars.  This is why you hope the numbness in your brain is temporary, a fluke based on diet. So you try a few weeks of eating better, drinking less coffee, sleeping differently. Then you cling to the minutes of feeling improved, that you’ve discovered your own cure. When symptoms reappear or worsen, you research and you try other means of trial and error.

Then when horrible symptoms happen, you still do the same- only hoping you’ll find a doc who can offer some enlightenment without costing you and arm and a leg… today I ‘m headed to the hospital for a few thousand dollar test- it’ll be over in less than an hour, but it’ll take me a year or two to pay for… An MRI of my brain/brain stem. If that shows nothing, we might end up back at square one… and I’ll have to weigh, with my doc the pro’s and con’s of spending versus the likelihood of having whatever disorder proposed and the cost….

Is this really America? Land of the free? It doesn’t feel free to me today, when I am trading health today for years of my life paying…years that will cost my kids in money I could give them for college or to pay for a wedding for them. However, it should be pointed out that I’d like to also be around to see them marry or graduate from college so going today and for other tests later will most likely be necessary…

Ick.

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Toys R Us Black Friday Deals

By leanne | November 25, 2009

Not sure where to be and when on Black Friday? With so many retailers offering slashed prices and advertising flooding us every waking moment, it’s hard to know where the best deals and more importantly, when to be there. If you have children, its likely Toys R Us is one of your stops for bargain hunting this holiday season.  Spend some time familiarizing yourself with the deals in advance.

Toys R Us Black Friday tips and info:

Not one to be daunted by Walmart’s powerful force, Toys R Us is opening their doors at Midnight on Black Friday. Yes, you crazy-for-a-deal parents can line up and be buying for your kiddos at 12:01 am on 27th.  

If you’re looking for the famed “Zhu Zhu Pets” – Toys R Us has them for the first 100 customers in line. Reportedly, after these sell out, more will be made available throughout the day (and during the month of December).  Toys R Us is limiting one Zhu Zhu Pet per person, like many retailers.  If you’re hoping to score more than one, you might bring another parent or friend with you. (Make sure it’s a nocturnal human). I’ve stood in line for Cabbage Patch dolls, Tickle Me Elmo and a hoard of Beanie Babies, so I feel the pain of those parents in their quest for these hot toys. (May the force be with you).

Any purchase at Toys R Us will earn you a box of Crayola crayons and an $18 Crayola coupon. Even if you just drop in for a tiny purchase, this alone is a great freebie- which may sweeten the deal on the late hour significantly after many pots of coffee awaken your brain.

Along with sales on virtually everything not nailed down, Toys R Us has hourly “door busters”. You’ll find up to 50% special savings on Matel products, Legos and hosts of other items. For those older kids (or even yourself), find an iPod 8g Touch for $199.00 (with a $50 gift card to boot!). In my book, this beats Walmart’s deal on the same item, even though Wally World’s sale is $10 cheaper. Getting a fifty dollar gift card is free money! For a list of their 120 plus door busters,  click here. 

Stay sane while shopping . You’ll need your strength to make it through all your Black Friday’s events- but with deals such as Toys R Us, you’ll definitely start the day off strong!

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The Myth of Free Satellite TV

By admin | November 24, 2009

Being very tight financially, I am always looking for ways to save money. Today, Kevin from Satellite TV Guru is going to warn us about falling for the hype of the free satellite tv. Hope you enjoy this post

Free satellite television, like all those free lunches, simply does not exist. Advertised by hucksters and billion dollar companies alike, the notion of “free satellite TV” is designed to prey upon those who are looking to cut back on expenses (who isn’t?) or those looking to get something for nothing but have no idea the consequence of their actions. Looking past the fine print on offers from Dish Network and DirecTV regarding “free TV” and satellite pirates who try to recruit you into their gang, it’s actually cheaper to stick with a basic satellite plan. Plus you can sleep at night.

Seen through multi-colored paper flyers and internet ads, free satellite TV can either mean two things: Dish Network or DirecTV are offering free installation and are walking a fine line on truth in advertising or there are those who don’t even bother with the right side of the law and can provide consumers with equipment to obtain pirated satellite signals.

For DirecTV and Dish Network, both leading satellite providers used to run a lot of ads with “Free Satellite TV*” emblazoned across the top with big fancy fonts. Notice the asterisk? It means read the fine print because this is too good to be true and it is. When both companies run these types of ads, (they’ve greatly decreased them) what they mean is free installation, not free content. It’s still a good deal but don’t be fooled; once either company strolls up to your humble abode, they’ll get you set up for TV viewing but make no mistake, they are going to send you a bill for all channels you get. Still, as far as Johnny Law goes, paying a programming bill to its owner beats obtaining their signals through illegal means.

Many fly-by-night operations advertise free satellite television by selling off-shoot dish equipment and cards that will allow buyers to pick up signals without the burden of payment. There’s a catch. DirecTV and Dish will discover you and knock out your service. When they do, all you can do is return to your “provider” to have them reprogram your card for a price. You’d have to keep doing this every time your service is knocked out. Plus, it’s not out of the question that DirecTV and Dish would be able to detect locations and relay that information to local authorities.

In the end, it’s just plan easier and cheaper in the long run to obtain satellite service through, let’s say, traditional methods. If you’re simply looking to slash budgetary costs, going with either DirecTV or Dish and purchasing their cheapest plan is the way to go. Both companies offer basic plans which run around $24.99 to $29.99 before tax with additional fees for HDTV and DVR service though Dish Network’s plan is the cheapest. The “DishFamily” package provides local channels and a handful of popular channels like Animal Planet, Discovery, Nickelodeon, TV Land and Fox News. Using each company’s “free offer,” installation is free up to four rooms along with dish positioning and receivers. DVRs may cost extra. Legal and cheap usually wins and, in this case, it does.

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Why You Really Need a Credit Card- Saving a Bundle on Medical Costs

By leanne | November 22, 2009

Part of being Mrs. Bankrupt is real life managing of finances and debt management. I suspect you can’t get any more “real life” than to delve into the events of my past few weeks. The start of my fiscal slide over a decade ago was a quantity of medical bills due to some significant health problems. I’ve been spending several years struggling post bankruptcy with recurring bills.

Recently, I’ve been having yet more health problems, which have the potential to be serious, long term and/or costly.  I’m uninsured. Like most folks without health insurance I put off seeing a doc until absolutely necessary, especially if it incurs more than an office visit bill. This week, due to some very real medical issues, I’ve had to have tests. I’m still waiting on results and likely more tests, which of course means further money spent.

Because I have a history of cancer, ruling out a secondary cancer is imperative. I’m glad my medical professionals are being thorough. At least the medical staff took my symptoms seriously. Yet, its four weeks before Christmas and I’m really despondent about dropping upfront cash that only more cuts deeply into my already fragile finances-along with some normal concerns about my health.

It’s been a while since I’ve needed the medical system like I do at present. Things have changed a bit regarding financial mercy toward those who are uninsured. I suspect it’s due to the increased media coverage. While each local hospital or medical clinics are unique, here are some options that many health care providers are offering:

  1. Discounts if the debt is paid in full at the time of service. I was offered a 40% reduction if I paid in full immediately or a 30% reduction if I paid in 28 days. (Gee, just in time for the holidays)
  2. Opting for the cheapest lab rates. Blood work in the ER, (versus a clinic or a doctor’s office) usually costs much more. If it’s not a life threatening condition, ask if you can have those same lab tests performed somewhere else more cheaply.
  3. Getting medication at a pharmacy of your choice instead of an ER. Shave off a ton of money here, folks. Have them call a script in for you before they dismiss you, instead of using a hospital pharmacy. Even if it’s convenient to take meds with you from the hospital, it’ll cost you nearly double in some cases.
  4.  Many health care providers will now give you a reference sheet with options for various facilities that do CAT scans, X-rays or MRI’s at lower costs. In my small town, it means to get the best rate; you’d need to drive to larger cities imaging centers- which are $500.00 cheaper for some tests.  If your provider doesn’t offer these comparative rates, ask for other options or price on your own. Then request your tests at the facility of your choice.

While I’m thankful that I no longer feel like quite as much of a second class citizen due to this new heightened awareness for the uninsured’s plight, I’m none-the-less perplexed by a few items.

If medical facilities have a 30-40 percent margin to work with, why don’t they simply cut the costs over all to begin with? Don’t get me wrong, because I’m grateful for some of these new changes, but we are talking about vital health care, not buying gas at the pump with cash. Could it be that a visit to my doc, plus labs might really cost only $279.00 instead of nearly $500.00 all along?

The very people, the uninsured, who need the discount often are strapped with other bills and can’t pay at the time of service (or even within the 28 days) to get a lower rate. (This means the service amount will then nearly double and I’ll be on the slow boat to China route of paying). Correct me if I’m wrong, but doesn’t that seem as if this process still rewards those with money and punishes the poor?

Those with decent credit scores and no health insurance should truly investigate getting a credit card for medical emergencies such as the one I’ve described above. You’ll save a bundle if you can opt for this discount. I discuss the many perks of rewards credit cards in purchasing necessary items frequently. However, if you’re still dragging your feet about getting a credit card, medical issues might be a worthwhile reason obtain one.

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Save Without Scrooging- Christmas 2009

By leanne | November 17, 2009

 This year will be a frugal holiday season for many folks.  Lavish spending has always bothered me. My own children have routinely come home and reported post-holiday break about the families who took a trip to Hawaii or that bought a fleet of snowmobiles or 4-wheelers for their kids- (approximate value of gifts- over $10K) (OMG).  I applaud those who actually can afford those sorts of gifts. Who wouldn’t want to live like Warren Buffett? But the harsh reality is- most people couldn’t afford what they bought in years past. Even fewer can keep the fiscal pace up this holiday season.

I talked to one lady who has sworn off giving gifts altogether. This is unfortunate. In my opinion, there is something in between wild, frivolous spending and zero gifts. I’ve personally lived it. To be truly frugal but “un-scroogy” you really need prep time- which also is free, but necessary.

Here are creative ways to gift others on the free or almost free. (You’ll need time to accomplish this, so start today).

Start Stocking Freebies-Though time is limited, you can still rack up FREE items by signing up for free samples as many places as possible. Granted, some that are mailed to you might not make the holiday rush via snail mail, but others will arrive in a flash. Take a gamble and see what comes in. Additionally, as you frequent various sites, you’ll also find occasional print-out coupons that you can instantly redeem for samples at a retailer.

For example, currently Aveda is giving away trial sizes of products with a printout coupon at their salons. Build a Bear was recently offering $5 off coupons on $10 Bears. Make use of free items at CVS and Walgreens, too. Combine coupons and in-store reward bucks and walk out each week with a few free or nearly free treasures. If you have a reward credit card, such as Discover, you’ll pile the savings on (provided you are responsible in payments). 

 Some spots to try for freebies:

Fan “Free Samples” on Facebook and check daily for new samples. This is a great site, as it hones down the items to real freebies, not “participation required” ones. Free Samples is updated several times daily. If you have time, check their Facebook wall a couple times a day for hot items that go quickly.

Read the Sunday Flyers and pay attention to items that offer Register Rewards (Walgreens) or Extra Care Bucks (CVS). Combine these items with manufacturer’s coupons and you’ll often get free shampoo, shavers, personal care items or cleaning supplies.

 Totally Free Stuff. Scan this site’s freebies- at least three times a week- BUT don’t waste time on “too good to be true” items, like $500 gift cards or $1k shopping sprees. Those require additional purchases, hours of scrolling through pages applying for other junk, etc. Stick to the listed freebies that seem legit, like samples of tea or cereal, beauty products, or coffee.  Remember, any site that wants you to “participate” for free items is just an advertising gimmick. Don’t waste your money or time on these!

What do you do with all these items, once you start accumulating an arsenal of them?  You can use these goodies as stocking stuffers or inventive gift baskets.

Suggestions:

Get a ton of coffee, tea, hot chocolate or other beverage samples. Add a thrift store tea cup or mug and you’ve got a snazzy gift basket. Total cost- (depending on the coffee mug/tea cup price), under $3.00.

Pick up those “buy one, get one free” makeup sales that occur every week like clockwork at drugstores or K-Mart. Use coupons on both the purchased item and the free product to get ultra bargain prices. I bought 2 Revlon nail polishes on a buy one, get one free sale- (retail normally $4.99 each) for $2.99 total with 2/ $1.00 coupons. At $1.50 each that’s a great deal- especially when I used CVS Extra Care Bucks to pay instead of cash. This meant the items were free! Use makeup purchases for girlfriends, teenagers or female relatives. You can add eye cream samples, moisturizer or other makeup products to create cheap and very original gift baskets.  For extra samples, go to your local mall’s beauty counters and ask for samples of everything that isn’t nailed down.

For the men in your world create gift baskets or stocking stuffers out of shavers, shaving cream and samples of shampoo. There are weekly sales at drugstore chains like Walgreens and CVS that knock these prices down to nearly zero, when coupled with reward bucks and manufacturer’s coupons. Other guy friendly finds to look for include: Chapstick, vitamins, aftershave, lotion or candy bars.

Use spa samples, lotions, skin care, soaps, candles, etc to create a spa gift package. Glade has a plethora of coupons recently for their scented candles (most are buy one, get one free). Watch for sales at CVS or Walgreens and use your reward points to nab some for under $2.00.

Get the whole family toothbrushes and toothpaste on those same drugstore sales that abound. These make great stocking stuffers. 

While these, obviously, don’t take the place of big ticket items for immediate family or friends, you’ll save a bunch for those little gifts and be able to creatively produce stocking stuffers without gouging your bank account. Christmas is for giving. Give the gift of creativity, time invested and thoughtfulness, while staying frugal, not scrooge-like!

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Techno-Freebies and InDesign InSanity

By leanne | November 11, 2009

In the many months I’ve been blogging away here on Mrs. Bankrupt, I’ve never touched on this topic. Techie sites don’t usually trip my trigger. I’m not a software person, nor a whiz at such things. Frankly, in years past if the truth be told, I was one of those who clung to my old Royal Standard typewriter, when technology was moving at lightening speeds ahead of me. I didn’t care for what seemed eons to my budding computer geek children.

I liked the click clack of the keys and imagined all the Pulitzers that were written by such lovely devices. I could close my eyes and breathe in harmony as the return slammed triumphantly with authors across the globe. Another ancient product I’ve clung to throughout the decades has been my pen and moleskin. For those of you who don’t know what that is, you’re missing out on the pocket journal poets and authors scrawled the greatest works of literature on. Yes, I’m proudly (and perhaps defiantly) reluctant to move forward into technology’s world.

I did obviously succumb to the computer world, now finding Explorer and Word to be more efficient, but not as sublime as my beloved typewriter and moleskin. I’m rarely free from a computer and often, without Spell-check’s mind numbing effects discover I’ve lost sadly much of my abilities to spell words I formerly knew. I don’t know in pondering if I’ll ever get over the nostalgia of days gone by.  Not only am missing my clacking keyboard, I’m also dumber.

This week though, I did find something that helped ease my transition. Some of you reading this might be budding computer geeks, or be as I was completely unaware of the wonders of certain software. Let me share with you two lovely finds I’ve made this week you may enjoy if you fall into either of those groups.

In the course of my economic plan to move into freelance writing, I took on a project to write brochures for a client. As a writer, I was excited. Give me a topic and an hour and you’ll have an article. Even when I’m the most brain dead I can still create verbal spam that most folks seem to actually (gasp) pay for. Lest you have any ideas in your head about writing for a living, it’s a process not a linear point on a map. When you first start, you’ve got to write for peanuts and be glad for the peanuts- because now on a global market, we writers compete with hut dwelling folks in Pakistan who’ll write a 5K e-book for a buck.

 I was thrilled, therefore to get a large (and well paying) project. There was only one downside- I had to create my own brochures to go with said written content. As one who has used MS Publisher for this sort of task, I wasn’t daunted by the idea of creating brochures on another format. How difficult could Adobe’s InDesign be anyway? That wasn’t my choice, but the client’s- who laid out very specific guidelines about what and how said items were to be delivered.

Not being one to give up when food-on-the- table -money was evident, I threw myself into learning this process.  InDesign, for those unenlightened is considered by graphic artists to be one of the premier tools to create… well, graphic material- visuals and such that we are bombarded with but seldom think or care how they were created.

Things to know for the non-geeks in the event of an emergency “I’ve got to use InDesign” moment:

  1. InDesign is challenging. There’s a 300 page book on this topic (and it’s the Dummy version) floating around. I shudder to think how volumous the tech guides are.
  2. Adobe uses a foreign language for their software. Try inserting a picture.  You’ll spend a half hour looking for the missing “insert” button. There isn’t one, by the way. There also isn’t much of what I’m used to, screens that don’t let you copy and paste, others that do. Changing the color on font was a stroke of blind luck that nearly resulted in a full fledged keg party at my house.
  3. InDesign, however is worth every moment of initial frustration. The quality far surpasses what MS Publisher aspires to.
  4. If you must learn InDesign via crash course like myself, lean on my colleagues at Ehow for initial assistance. Fairly basic articles can be found on a quick search of the site.
  5. Google your truly stupid questions. You’ll be surprised how many other InDesign morons such as myself exist on the planet who’ve asked the same asinine queries. Some kind techie out there took the time to rescue them and as a secondary measure of heroics rescued me.
  6. Learn to swear like a sailor. You’ll need it for your first few hours with InDesign. Keep also away from sharp objects and warn the kids to steer clear of you. It takes concentration to become insane.
  7. Go to Amazon, and read the first few pages of “InDesign for Dummies” for free, it’s enough in the preview to give you the very basics. There are also many YouTube tutorials online that can guide you through some amazing designing tips.
  8. Layers are the process all the graphic junk is deposited on a page. It’s a simple concept really- once you get the hang of it. And boy, does it produce a plethora of options. Layer a hideous color on one item, make it translucent and add a soft edge and you’ll feel like you’ve created the Mona Lisa.
  9. Don’t fear screwing up. One universal you can count on is the beloved “undo” key. No one but you needs to know you’ve made 4K small green boxes that don’t belong on the document. Undo=safety net.

If you’ve got to create a document like a brochure and are hopelessly unfamiliar with InDesign- buy a template or get one free online. After searching, I can tell you a fabulous site, fun for the total geek and a life saver for the hopeless InDesign infant. Graphic River is a site where templates are CHEAP- cheap as in a few bucks. Buy a template for max $5 and spruce it up to be your own. I stripped these down to the margins, because setting up the page was the hardest part and then parceled out the graphics on different templates for my projects. Buying their products with the simple license will do you fine. Their commercial license is hefty and unnecessary unless you’re reselling the image or the graphics. Use it for work or a single client and you’re good to go.

You can save big bucks if you’ve got a project to do graphically and are struggling with MS Publisher’s quality by downloading a FREE trial version of Adobe’s InDesign. It’s good for 30 days of insane creativity.

To summarize, after you’ve pulled your hair out, sworn a lot and worn your brain ragged, you will find Adobe’s InDesign to be worth every frustrating moment. Don’t succumb to the overly priced garbage out there for templates- use Graphic River. Techies who like buying virtual wallpaper, bits of graphics and other items will be thrilled with $1 prices on such items. I found one site in my searching that charged $200 for templates, other’s that charged $29-$59 for items of far less quality than the shareware created by Graphic artists on Graphic River. One artist even responded quickly to an email query I had- kudos to Graphic River’s talented folks who sell their stuff for prices we all can afford. Try out InDesign for free and you’ll really love the challenge and the creative energy that flows once you’ve sank your teeth (but not your cash) into it. One more note, you’ll need a zip drive to open the files from Graphic River, use the free version of WinZip to round out the savings!

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Oceans of Opportunities- The New Way to Work

By leanne | November 5, 2009

Authors Note: Often people ask me what I do for a living. When I tell them “freelance writing” I get bombarded with questions- “What is it?” “How do you do it?” “Do you get paid?”  In this world of challenging economics and gloomy employment statistics vast numbers of qualified professionals are moving away from traditional workplaces and meeting the needs globally of a workforce re-defined.  This is my  personal accounting of what is termed, “The New Way to Work”.

 Oceans of sunset in south havenOpportunities

To some the economy appears dismal. Others have found a new way to work and are reinventing themselves and the job market itself- one person at a time. I’m one of those supremely fortunate people, who clutched a life raft called “freelance” and sailed to shore.

I’m not alone.

There are millions like me who have been able to make sense of their own lives when the big corporate waters around them were choppy and tumultuous. We now gladly captain our own unique and individual ships. This is a course of uncharted freedom and exciting destinations.

It’s a trade wind worth following.

What is this “New Way to Work”? It’s a means to thrive even in the midst of an economic storm. The new way to work matches skills and talent with global employers as no other career movement has before. I’m thrilled to be riding the crest of the workforce wave of the future.

Freelancing now spans the globe, linking client to highly qualified service providers worldwide with cutting edge technology. Gone are the mental images of bathrobe clad folks bleary in front of their computers. These contract professionals are the trendsetters and talented who know the marketplace is global, not corporate.

This wasn’t my port of call initially. The ship I’d been a passenger on, The USS Traditional Career, simply sank slowly to its demise into a sea of economically murky waters. I was left, clinging at age 44 to a small floating shred of dignity, the wreckage of my former job and five children to support.

As a stage III cancer survivor and single parent, I’d spent years building a successful career with few resources or finances. The thought of transitioning again, with children in tow, struck a genuine chord of fear in me.

My field of expertise is industrial safety and hygiene, which is a highly skilled but niche market.  I had years of compliance and safety as a national trainer, technical writer and developer of government required programs. Certainly there were clients who would value my education and background- I just had to find them. This meant I had to move from small traditional career inlets and into the wider open seas of opportunity.

In a search one night, I discovered several intriguing sites that changed my course and my thinking. Among them, Elance, who brought the ability to reach the broadest network of employers and offered me ready assistance.

Within a few weeks I linked to clients across the country. I sold my first articles to publishers I’d never have reached years ago without the technology of this new way of working. Later, I began developing programs, consulting and working for clients internationally in web content, blogging and marketing their products, ideas or sites.

Along the way, I continually find global colleagues that inspire, encourage and assist me in my new career and clients worldwide I consider friends and co-partners in enhancing their business.

Like many others, I’ve brought my own life to a calm place in the midst of this economic hurricane and pursued my dreams. Forget the stigma of “starving writer”- that too has been revolutionized by this newest way of spanning career horizons.

We, who freelance-whether writer, graphic artist or any number of qualified professionals-are not choosing a second best career option. We’ve started a revolution and we’re reclaiming our lives with each satisfied client, project and paycheck.

If mainstream career waters aren’t taking you where you want to travel, maybe it’s time to trim the sails and head into the winds of change- the new way to work in a worldwide ocean of opportunities.

 

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Ring. Ring. Parents- It’s UPromise Calling to Save You!

By leanne | November 3, 2009

 

upromise

 Are you scared of ringing phones? If you are, it’s likely you have a college student. That ringing phone can only mean one thing- a request for cash! This is enough to break most parents into a cold sweat picturing how much it will cost when they answer.  Late night calls from college kids can translate to seemingly endless unexpected financial needs.

Here are some blood curdling samples I’ve heard:

  1. I owe $80 in parking tickets but the towing bill is even worse!
  2. I’m stranded in x-place, (which will no doubt be a high crime area, full of gangland activity)
  3. It’s just a little tattoo, but it cost way more than I planned.
  4. My school books are paid. I wrote a check for only a $100 more than I have in the bank.
  5. Its ok, you don’t need to send money. I can go without food this weekend.
  6. The hotel wasn’t that trashed. I don’t know why they charged our band $200.00.
  7. Someone robbed our dorm. They took all my gas and food money, but at least I still have my Ipod.
  8. What does, “Overdrawn” mean? (see also, “What does NSF mean?”)

Sigh. What’s a parent to do to prepare for these unforeseen financial bumps in the road? Is saving money a real hardship right now? Odds are, you aren’t alone. Many parents are having economic trouble these days. It might be all you can do to stay afloat, much less bail that kid of yours out fiscally.  How do you save college money for these things?

Your salvation comes in one simple word: UPromise.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Go to their site and make an account. You’ll need basics, (i.e. name, address, phone, etc).
  2. Then Upromise asks you for the name of a college student you’d like your cash back money to go toward. What’s this?
  3. Simply enter the name of a student or a potential student (you don’t need school codes or social security info).
  4. Click on the “grocery ecoupons” tab once you’ve created your account.
  5. Select the coupons for items you normally buy, (i.e. brand name groceries, beauty and health care).
  6. Attach these coupons to nearly any store check cashing or members card, such as CVS, Kroger’s, etc by entering the card i.d number when prompted.
  7. Print list of coupons.
  8. When you shop, the selected items will earn college money for your child, grandchild or (even yourself if you’re going back to school).
  9. Choose whether you want a check mailed, deposited in a college savings account or applied toward a federal student loan.
  10. Save for college every time you shop!

I was hesitant at first, assuming these would be for products I’d never use or buy. Happily, I was wrong! Who doesn’t buy paper towels, cereal or pasta, to name a few? UPromise is every parent’s best friend for college prep!

November’s sampling of the selected ecoupons are:

11/03/2009 Bounty Paper Towels Buy any 1 Bounty Paper Towels 6 count or larger, save $2.00 for college   $2.00 11/30/2009 NOT REDEEMED 1
11/03/2009 Bounty Napkins Buy 1 Bounty Napkins, save $0.50 for college   $0.50 11/30/2009 NOT REDEEMED 1
11/03/2009 Charmin MegaRoll Buy any 1 Charmin MegaRoll, save $1.00 for college   $1.00 11/30/2009 NOT REDEEMED 1
11/03/2009 Charmin Plus Lotion Buy 1 Charmin Plus Lotion, save $1.00 for college $1.00 11/30/2009 NOT REDEEMED 1
11/03/2009 Charmin Fresh Mates Buy 1 Charmin Fresh Mates, save $1.00 for college $1.00 11/30/2009 NOT REDEEMED 1
11/03/2009 Krusteaz Buy any 1 box of Krusteaz Waffles, Pancakes or French Toast featuring CoroWiseTM For A Healthy Start To Your Day, save $1.00 for college $1.00 11/30/2009 NOT REDEEMED 1
11/03/2009 Krusteaz Buy any 1 box of Krusteaz Waffles, Pancakes or French Toast, save $0.50 for college $0.50 11/30/2009 NOT REDEEMED 1
11/03/2009 Fisher Snack Nuts Buy any 1 Fisher Snack Almonds, Cashew, Mixed Nuts and Pecans, 5 oz. or larger, save $1.00 for college $1.00 11/30/2009 NOT REDEEMED 1
11/03/2009 Fisher Baking Nuts Buy any 1 Fisher Chef’s Naturals Baking Nuts 4 oz or larger, save $0.55 for college. Create confidently with Fisher Nuts $0.55 11/30/2009 NOT REDEEMED 1
11/03/2009 Snyder’s of Hanover Buy 2 Snyder’s of Hanover Tortilla Chips 16oz, save $1.50 for college. Visit us on line at www.snydersofhanover.com to learn about our products, join the pretzel eaters club, enter a sweepstakes, and much more! $1.50 11/30/2009 NOT REDEEMED 1
11/03/2009 Snyder’s Grande Buy any variety of Grande Tortilla Chips 12oz, save $1.00 for college. Grande Tortilla Chips are prepared the old-style way to deliver hearty flavor and a satisfying crunch! Look for them in Midwestern retailers! $1.00 11/30/2009 NOT REDEEMED 1
11/03/2009 Snyder’s Padrinos Buy any variety of Padrinos Tortilla Chips 12oz, save $1.00 for college. Padrinos capture the hearty flavor of real stone-ground corn, providing a light crunch texture filled with wholesome goodness. Sold in CA retailers! $1.00 11/30/2009 NOT REDEEMED 1
11/03/2009 Wacky Mac Buy 1 Wacky Mac Multi-Shaped and Multi-Colored Pasta, save $0.50 for college $0.50 11/30/2009 NOT REDEEMED 1
11/03/2009 No Yolks Buy 1 No Yolks Egg White Pasta, save $0.75 for college $0.75 11/30/2009 NOT REDEEMED 1
11/03/2009 Wacky Mac & Cheese Buy 1 Wacky Mac & Cheese Dinner, save $0.50 for college. Look for Wacky Mac & Cheese Dinner in the Kosher aisle of your grocer. $0.50 11/30/2009 NOT REDEEMED 1

 

Simply reload each month. Print a list and buy your groceries. You’ll be saving for that kiddo and keeping in budget at the same time!

Quick notes:

  • These take up to sixty days to reflect in your account.
  • You can stack these with manufacturer’s coupons to really save. You’ll still get the full cash back toward college, while saving cash up front.
  • Super stack the rewards by coupling with a rewards credit card, such as Discover More.
  • While UPromise has their own credit card, I’d advise against it. Too many cards can play havoc on FICO scores if they carry a balance. Plus your deals are still better with major credit card cards like Discover!
Posted in Thrifty Tips | Leave a comment

Kill Boredom, Not Your Kids! Family Days Out Rocks!

By leanne | November 1, 2009

Coolest of Cool Sites for Families

family days out

Tired of looking endlessly for things to do with kids? Are your least favorite words, “I’m bored”? Don’t have a bunch of money or time to find the perfect activities? Have I got a site for you! Let me introduce you to Family Days Out USA.- It’s a parent’s dream come true for squelching the boredom factor in a snap! (Thereby saving you from killing the children) Every once in a while I find a site worth passing on for either ease or  cost worthy benefits. Today’s site is a double header in both categories.

This super cool sanity producing site has a 1-2-3 simple approach to ending planning headaches.

Simply enter:

  1. State or zipcode
  2. Indoor or outdoor activites  
  3. Age of children

Then let the fun begin!  Discover numerous things to do to get your family “out” without draining the pocketbook via Family Days Out USA. Even the skinflint in me approves heartily.

As a mom of five, I’m weary from searching state park and separate festival sites which supply meager information. All of these require an archeology worthy dig through to find age and budget appropriate activities.  Say goodbye to those frustrating hours of sifting for small treasures, when you see all the great timesaving options Family Days Out USA offers.

Family Days Out USA rocks with quick and easy “find-it-at-a-glance”  color-coded categories (water parks, educational, animals and nature, etc.) once you’ve entered your zip code or state search.Amping up the enjoyment factor are details such as distance, Google maps, and full addresses as well as phone numbers to each spot, along with brief descriptions.

A few tips for maximum enjoyment:

  1. Make sure you call each spot to obtain hours of operation.
  2. Check prices when you phone and ask for special values or discounted days to save a few bucks.
  3. Bookmark this site and use it for planning travel activities before you hit the road.
  4. Going abroad? There is Family Days Out site for the UK, too!

I tried a search of my region, (Indiana) and pulled a veritable host of stuff-to-do from theme parks to museums. There were even two caving adventures, an ice-skating spot and exotic animal park  within an easy days drive from my hometown. This is no paltry mix of basics, but a real option for finding a wide variety of memory making activities. I’m certain even the aliens occupying your home, (otherwise known as teenagers) would find enjoyment in the options offered on Family Days Out USA. And that, is worth noting.

Posted in Thrifty Tips | Leave a comment

How to Use Social Media to Score Free Stuff!!!

By leanne | October 27, 2009

For most of us with Facebook accounts, linking up with old friends, colleagues and far away family is one of the greatest parts of these social media spots. You can catch up via pictures, live through chat or by posting comments and taking multiple silly quizzes. But there’s another side to Facebook and social media that suits a bargain hunter – finding deals and getting FREE stuff!

How do you do this?

You’ll obtain great items first hand by becoming a fan of the many clothing, restaurants or retailers Facebook pages. Get emailed or notified on your home page when a special deal is being offered and be the first to grab it.

Some of recent note were:

  • Herbal Essence’s coupon for a free bottle of product, given away and announced through links on Facebook.
  • Little Debbie’s free box of cupcakes give-a-way on October 18th-likewise posted on Facebook.
  • Dippin Dots Coupon notification on their FB page.

    Victoria Secret LIp Gloss Freebie!

    Victoria Secret LIp Gloss Freebie!

  • I Tunes give away of 20 Free Songs commemorating their new FB page.
  • Free Victoria Secret’s lip gloss coupon via tip from FB page of Free Samples.
  • Oregon Chai Free Sample

So, have I whetted your savings taste buds yet? Where do you find these deals and freebies?

There are three pretty significant ways to score a freebie or a super coupon from your favorite spots on Facebook.

  1. When you are on your favorite retailer’s web pages, see if there is a link for Facebook and then add them as a friend.  You’ll be notified on your home page when there are specials and freebies. If you have a lot of friends and risk losing the notices, manage this by either creating a new Facebook account just for freebies or checking these sites often on their fan page.
  2. Make a top twenty list of your most frequented restaurants, clothing stores and items you purchase, do a search of Facebook for these retailers and add them as a friend.
  3. My personal favorite- Add a site that spots these for you, like Free Samples or Free Sample Deals.

Free Samples is a shining example of social media at its savings best. Simply pop onto her site daily (add as a friend, first) and then take a gander at the offerings Free Samples has found around the web.

You’ll also find her tips on items, mini product reviews and advice on how long to wait on your samples or special offers. Easy+Time Saving=Free Samples. Another to try is Free Sample Deals, which offers the same benefits and amazingly so, different items! Both are great sites! Whee! Free!

 Seriously, though you’ll really find some money saving items and free products through these means. In the last month, without trying hard or expending a lot of time, I suspect I’ve reaped about $30 in free products though Facebook offers.

Posted in Thrifty Tips | 2 Comments
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