Swine Flu Scare Could HELP the Economy

Image by Fugue via Flickr

How many of you are panicking about swine flu?

How many of you have rushed out to purchase items in bulk that you wouldn't usually if you weren't scared to death that something bad was about to happen?

Flashlights, canned food, bulk packaged items, batteries, toiletries, medications, water, masks, soap, radios... all of these things are suggested for purchased by various organizations, the government, and even some folks in the blogosphere. People are running out and purchasing these things, when they wouldn't usually bother with it.

So I've seen articles about how this "imminent pandemic" could make the economy suffer even more. However, that's if we even reach a full-scale pandemic. What if we don't? I believe we won't, what about you?

If we don't have a full-scale pandemic, then all of this shopping everyone is doing is going to strengthen the economy. Aha! Go out and shop for all of this stuff. Stock up and buy more than you ever would before. Fill your carts with tylenol, water, and canned goods, and spend your money.

There's nothing like a country full of panic stricken people expecting a disaster to strengthen the economy spending their money.

I'm not saying this is frivolous spending, nor do I recommend you don't do it. I'm not making any recommendation here. I'm simply making a prediction.

In addition, and this is a real touchy subject for many people, big pharmaceuticals will greatly, and perhaps unjustly, benefit from this fear. A vaccination is in the works, and many people will flock to their local clinics to get one for every member of their family, without any assurance that it's truly safe. Tamiflu and other flu remedies will be obtained in bulk, and many will take them to prevent illness. This will also strengthen the economy by putting money in the pockets of pharmaceutical companies. This doesn't sit as well with me as shopping for water and tylenol, but it's still a fact.

What do you think? Do you think this fear of a pandemic could strengthen the economy if it all blows over?

UPDATE: I see fear mongering everywhere. One article I read talks about how the United Arab Emirates has banned importation of pork. Forgive me, but are arab countries really big consumers of pork products anyway? I mean, I know not all arabs are Muslims, but doesn't the Muslim faith forbid consumption of pork products? Does this really have a noticeable negative impact on any economy?




Swine Flu Scare Could HELP the Economy




Should one purchase cell phone insurance?

Image via Wikipedia

Several months ago, my husband and I switched cell phone providers and, as a result, got brand new, spiffy phones. I picked mine because it was purple, and my husband picked his because it had a little keyboard for easier texting.

When we got our phones, my husband and I got into a discussion, a little disagreement, about purchasing phone insurance. I thought it was a waste of money, but he figured it was a good idea because we got the phones so cheap and they wouldn't be as cheap if we had to purchase them full price if they were lost, stolen or broken. (When you purchase a cell phone plan, you often get a huge discount or even a free phone with the deal).

I gave into him, knowing that we would never need the insurance and that was just money we threw away.

Until Tuesday, that is...

Where did my mind go? I have no idea. I always check my pockets for anything and everything before running clothes through the laundry. But somehow my mind was elsewhere when I put the pants I'd worn that day into the washing machine, forgetting that I had left my cell phone in the pocket.

It wasn't until I went to check if a friend called me back that I realized I probably left the phone in the pants that just finished the spin cycle in my washing machine.

I ran to the washer, mumbling "No no no no no, please no..." as I pulled every article of clothing out and onto the floor. I found the pants, but no phone in the pocket. I continued to dig, just in case it fell out, and then I saw it. My beautiful, purple phone, shiny, clean, and completely dead.

I took out the battery, dried it off, and tried reviving it. But it was too late. The damage had been done, and there was nothing I could do.

Of course, my husband rubbed it in my face. "Aren't you glad I got that phone insurance?!"

"Oh, shut up," I responded. "Yes."




Should one purchase cell phone insurance?




Suze Orman Fans at Meetup.com

Image via Wikipedia

If you like Suze Orman as much as I do, perhaps you want to find a local meetup group of like-minded individuals near you.

Yes, I'm just as surprised as you are. I found this completely by accident, and what a wonderful find it is! I just knew I immediately had to share this with all of you.

Suze Orman Meetup Groups

There are currently, at the time this blog post was written, 8 groups in 8 different cities across the United States. There are also 407 people interested in having a Suze Orman meetup group in the United States and abroad, so you might find some potential to start your own group.




Suze Orman Fans at Meetup.com




Even Sin Suffers in a Recession

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

You know the economy is going to heck in a hand basket when prostitutes and brothels are offering incentives and discounts for their services to boost business.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/brothels-cut-prices-to-beat-the-recession-1674400.html

All day passes, 50% off for seniors and taxi cab drivers, and rebates for golfers. You have got to be kidding me.

Here in Las Vegas, NV, casinos are suffering as well. The strip seems to be doing okay, although there are layoffs occurring, but the casinos hit hardest are those that cater to the locals who wish to keep away from the touristy craziness of the strip. Some are even filing for bankruptcy and going out of business entirely.

I'm torn when I read things like this. For one, these businesses are major economy boosters for the local areas. In Germany, prostitution is a $12 billion per year industry, and Las Vegas is known for gambling. That's the first thing anyone thinks of when you say "Vegas". So, simply put, a lack of business for such services is going to affect the industry itself and the entire local economy, however, I'm overjoyed by the fact that people who are struggling have a good grasp on what is necessary and what are completely unnecessary expenditures. It would be very easy for folks who are down on their luck to take chances on gambling in order to make some money, and while some people are undoubtedly doing that, for the majority of people, this isn't the case. That's incredibly reassuring.

As far as prostitution goes, although demand is down, supply is up. Yes, many women who aren't doing well financially because of hours lost at work or lay-offs are moonlighting as prostitutes. I wonder how many of these women are truly struggling, and how many of them are simply trying to keep the house they could never afford from going into foreclosure.

What's the point of this post? How does it help you with your finances? I'm really not sure. I just found it interesting and a bit amusing.




Even Sin Suffers in a Recession




Debt Reduction Carnival - Doing it Right.

Today, my blog has been listed in a blog carnival at Automatic Finances Carnival of Debt Reduction - Doing it Right! Edition.

Check out the post, and learn something from the various other bloggers who were also included.   You can read the post that was included here - Free Credit Counseling Service.




Debt Reduction Carnival - Doing it Right.




Do people think you're poor?

Image via Wikipedia

I just read a wonderful blog article at A Second Cup that got me thinking about how people have perceived my family's financial situation in the past.

As you have seen in previous posts, such as I'm debt free! Are you? and Pros and Cons of Mobile Home Living, we have no problem downsizing our lives in order to live within or below our means. However, when this happens, is there a perception from onlookers that we are poor and possibly in need of financial assistance?

That happened to us when we were living in Massachusetts. We lived in a trailer, survived on a single income, had two used cars that were paid off, and didn't spend our money like crazy. Although no one said anything, I began to realize that some people were concerned that we weren't well off financially. I didn't realize this until we were about to move, when some individuals stated that they hadn't realized we were doing so well, commented about how a mini-van purchase would be "really expensive" out of concern, or when our priest gave us cash as a going away present so we wouldn't stay in any seedy motels during our trip out west.

The perception of poverty in this country is incredibly skewed. Struggling a little bit financially doesn't make you poor. Do you have food on the table? A roof over your head? Can you pay your bills? If you answered yes to these questions, then you aren't poor.

Now, if you require credit to pay for all of these things because you have more going out than you do coming in, then yes, you're poor. If you work 3 jobs, are behind in your bills and have to choose between heating your home in the winter and buying food, then you're poor.

Someone needs to explain to people that a lack of spending money to go out with friends, driving old cars instead of upgrading, and living in smaller homes doesn't equal poverty. It's just good sense, because it means we are living within our means and won't spend ourselves into the poor house when the economy gets tight.

Be smart with your money. You may be prosperous today, but that doesn't mean you should spend spend spend, because you might be broke tomorrow. It's happened to so many just like you recently, and it's probably happening to you right now as well. Take a lesson from this recession. (Hey, that rhymes! That's a great catch phrase! I'm copyrighting that, so don't steal it!)

Thanks to A Second Cup for posting about this. It's so important for kids and teens to learn about finances and what being wealthy really means.




Do people think you're poor?




Freebie Fridays - Free Web Hosting with NO ADS!

Perhaps you've thought about building a website with your own dot com domain name, but your budget doesn't allow you to pay $100+ up front for a year of hosting.  You've probably looked into free web space, but were put off when that space included ads the hosting company placed on your site, and don't allow features like PHP programming, a user friendly control panel, mySQL, PHP MyAdmin, personalized e-mail accounts, webmail, webstats, and more.

I set up a quick account with a subdirectory URL at http://moneysaver101.netne.net/.   You can get a subdirectory URL as well, or if you prefer, you can register a domain name elsewhere, or link a domain name you already own to the free hosting.

I know the page isn't impressive by any means.  I was only putting it up so that you can see that I have tried the service. I've browsed through, and it's well done, especially for a free hosting service.

You actually have nothing to lose.  You can try it out for free, and it stays free. It's not a free trial that you will end up paying for. It's not a money back guarantee that you will have to hound them to refund you for later.  It's 100% free from the very beginning.

If you think you might want to give it a shot, sign up for free web hosting.  It only takes a couple of minutes and you're up and running in no time at all.




Freebie Fridays - Free Web Hosting with NO ADS!




Economy vs. Commerce: Funny Financial Comic

Economy vs. Commerce - a Comic perspective...

I found this great comic online that I wanted to share with all of you explaining the difference between economy and commerce.  It's informative, but also just silly and adorable.  Check it out at Mill City Fiasco. 


Economy vs. Commerce: Funny Financial Comic




Save Money in the Shower

If you're looking to save money and conserve our natural resources, look no further than your bathroom shower.

Consider everything you use in the shower that can be conserved:  water, gas/electric (water heater), shampoo, conditioner, soap...

You can save all of these by following a few simple tricks.

Save Water, Save Money

While showering uses less water than bathing, and is much cleaner as well, you may still be using more water than you need to cleanse your body.  How can you save more water in the shower?

1.  Don't shave in the shower.  Lots of women like to shave their legs in the shower, but you're wasting water when you do this.  Instead, after you're finished cleaning yourself, turn off the shower, sit on the edge of the tub and shave.  When you're finished, rinse your legs in the shower and then turn the water off again.

2.  Turn off the water regularly.  When you turn the water on, hop in and get wet all over.  As soon as you're damp, turn the water off, shampoo and soap yourself up.  Then turn the water back on to rinse.  If you use conditioner, you can repeat this step or you can opt to use leave in conditioner that you don't have to rinse out.

3.  Don't leave the water running.  Lots of people turn on the shower to get it nice and hot before they get in, but then leave it running while they brush their teeth, use the toilet, or hop on their computers to check a few e-mail messages.  Don't do this. Once your water has reached the desired temperature, get in.

Save Gas / Electricity and Save Money

What do gas and electricity have to do with the shower?  It all has to do with what kind of water heater you use.  So if you're spending more than you can afford on your gas or electric bills, consider a few changes to your daily shower.

1.  Turn down the water heater.  This is very simple.  Every water heater has a function where you can manually change how hot the water gets.  If you find yourself mixing a lot of cold and hot water together to keep from being scalded, then your water heater is heating your water too much.  Turn it down.  This will keep you from being burned and will conserve energy.

2.  Don't make the shower so hot.  Of course, you want to be comfortable and enjoy your shower, but if you keep the hot water to a minimum, you'll save it for another time.

3.  Rinse with cold water.  I know this sounds scary, but if you do your final rinse with cold water, it will save energy and make your hair shinier.

Save your Products, Save Money

Is it possible that you're using too much shampoo, conditioner, or body wash?  Use less and keep adding more if it's needed instead of washing three showers worth of product down the drain all in one go.

Shower Less and Save Money

I know it sounds a little gross, but Americans shower much more than is necessary.  Your hair doesn't have to be washed everyday, and neither does your entire body.  Instead of showering everyday, just cleanse specific parts of your body with soap and a warm washcloth, like your arm pits and other smelly areas... please don't make me get specific.  Not only will you save water, energy and products, but you'll also do your hair and skin a wonderful service by not constantly washing away oils designed to keep them healthy and moisturized.

What do you do to save money in the shower, besides obsessing over your budget?




Save Money in the Shower




Freebie Fridays - Home school Freebies

Mother by Design posted a great blog article about Home school Freebies, a web site dedicated to giving away free home schooling materials, such as educational audio recordings, e-books, coloring pages, and more.

Whether you're a home schooler or not, this is a great resource and I highly recommend checking it out to find great materials to educate your children at home.




Freebie Fridays - Home school Freebies




Freebie Fridays: Free Healthcare from Walgreens

Healthcare has been a hot topic in this country for as long as I can remember.  Some say that we need to reform our laws to regulate insurance companies more, while others insist that socialized, or universal, healthcare is the answer.

Unfortunately, we all know that our government isn't exactly helpful in this department, just like they aren't helpful in most things they try to "fix".  Everything they touch just gets worse and worse...

I'm a huge advocate of private organizations handling social issues and helping people in need, keeping the government out of it.

That's why when I learned that Walgreens has a free healthcare program for individuals who lost their jobs after March 31st, 2009, I knew I had to share this information with everyone.

Walgreens Take Care Clinic offers various healthcare services for free, including vaccinations, treatment of respiratory conditions, minor injuries, physicals, and more.  There is a qualification process, but that's a small price to pay for peace of mind during a stressful time.

It's said that many families have to choose between heat, healthcare and food.  Eliminate one of these burdens for yourself or someone you love, and check out the Walgreens free clinic program.

Also, if you're one of those folks who supports socialized medicine, perhaps it would be a good deed for you to start shopping at Walgreens to help them fund these programs.

If you're looking for assistance with your prescriptions, learn how you can get discount and free prescriptions.




Freebie Fridays: Free Healthcare from Walgreens




Save Money on your bills with Billshrink.com

If you need to Save Money on a cell phone plan or a credit card, then check out Billshrink.  

This web site asks you a few questions about your current cell phone and credit card plans and compares them with other companies to help you find the best rate and deal for the type of package you desire.

Check it out.  You may have done your research before signing up for your current credit card or cell phone plan, but you never know.  You might've missed something.  Get the best plan for your money.




Save Money on your bills with Billshrink.com




5 Items you can Re-use to help Save Money & Protect the Environment

In this economy, saving money is priority number one.  With the fear of global warming and the rise in pollution, saving our environment is also a high priority.

Can you save both simultaneously by making some simple changes and re-using items usually tossed into the trash?

Absolutely!

5 Items you can Re-use to help Save Money & Protect the Environment

Newspapers - Re-use them over and over again!

1.  Make a horrible cover story brighter, and have the kids color it.

2.  Use the comics as wrapping paper.

3.  Stuff a box you intend to ship with crumpled up old sheets.

4.  Use to wash the windows for a streak-free clean

5.  Line the litter box, or the bottom of your bird's cage.

Paper bags

1.  Re-use shipping boxes easily by wrapping them in paper bags.

2.  Use as a textbook cover and let the kids decorate them.

3.  Let the kids color on them and use them for arts and crafts.

4.  Decorate and use as wrapping paper

5.  Line the trash can if you hate using plastic or want to compost or burn your garbage

Plastic bags

1.  Use as trash bags inside of your car

2.  Use as trash can liners in the bathroom or an office bin.

3.  Re-use them at the grocery store to keep them out of the landfill.

4.  Stuff them into the diaper bag for an easy way to seal up those stinky diapers before tossing them in the trash.

Zipper bags

1.  Wash them in the dishwasher and re-use them.

2.  Use them to pick up nasty messes, like when the family dog does number 2.

3.  Use old, used zipper bags to seal dirty diapers before throwing them in the trash.

Paperwork

1.  Let the kids doodle on them, but only if you don't need them.

2.  Use the blank side as printer paper.

3.  Use the blank side for notes or to take messages.  You'll never need another post-it!

What ideas do you have?




5 Items you can Re-use to help Save Money & Protect the Environment




Freebie Fridays - Free Food in Restaurants!

Okay, so technically it's Sunday, but I missed last week's Freebie Friday and I wanted to share some great news I've recently learned to my readers.

There are lots of ways to get a free meal.  Hide some glass in your food when you're done eating and complain, skip out on the bill, pretend it's your birthday, etc...

Of course, I'm just kidding.  I would never endorse such terrible, unethical behavior.  What I am telling you about are legitimate ways to get a free meal at a restaurant, and that's to pay attention to current promotions.

Right now there are two promotions I'd like to focus on that are running, Denny's and CiCi's Pizza.

Wednesday, April 8th, Denny's is offering a 2-for-1 promotion from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.  When you order a Grand Slam for yourself, a friend will receive a free Grand Slamwich.  What a wonderful way to treat a friend who just lost their job, save money on a meal with your spouse, or, better yet, invite a homeless person to breakfast for a free meal.

Cici's Pizza also launched a promotion recently.  You've probably seen it on television.  They are dumping pennies outside of their various locations with promotional stickers on them.  Anyone who finds one outside of the restaurant and brings it inside eats for free!  I don't know anyone who couldn't benefit from a 100% free meal, and wouldn't it be nice if a few of these lucky folks donated their pennies to someone on the street?  It's definitely better than a little bit of pocket change that won't even buy a bag of chips at a vending machine.

Enjoy your meal - your free meal.  Yum!




Freebie Fridays - Free Food in Restaurants!




Save Money on Kichler Landscape Lighting

Graveyard Mall has done it again.  Right now, while supplies last, they are offering Kichler Landscape lighting for well below retail value.

If you're doing some landscaping and are looking for cheap alternatives to lawn lighting, Graveyard Mall is selling the Kichler 12v Landscape Pathway Light for $26.49.  These usually sell for $265.00!!  Can we say, "Deal!"?

Get over there while supplies last.

Click below to visit the store for your discount Kichler Landscape Lighting.




Save Money on Kichler Landscape Lighting




The Economy, Bail-outs, and Rep. Ron Paul

On C-SPAN, just a moment ago, I saw Ron Paul speaking on the economy, bail-outs, and big government interference in such issues.

I was a supporter of Ron Paul's when he ran for President.  His views on how this country is run and how it should be run, in my opinion, is spot on.  If you don't know much about his views, let me give you a basic rundown of what Ron Paul has said about the economy, money, and big government interference in monetary issues.

He stated, during this House meeting on C-SPAN, that current government interference punishes people who are smart with their money by reducing the interest they receive on their savings, while also taxing their income more in order to give that money to someone else.

I'm not heartless, and neither is Ron Paul.  People need help.  Some of these people have tried and worked hard and still aren't doing well, while others have been stupid with their money and have no one to blame but themselves for the financial situation they are in.  However, is it the government's job, nay, their RIGHT, to take money from hard working, financially wise Americans in order to give that money to others, whether they have a need or not?  If someone showed up at your door and said, "You have to give this man $100.00 to help pay for his medical bill," what would your response be?  I'm sure most of us wouldn't say, "Let me write you a check," especially when the money is demanded from us instead of requested.  This essentially is what the government is doing.  They are demanding money from us, when the correct way to handle this would be to have private charities receiving donations in order to sustain the American population that is hungry, homeless, and sick without healthcare.

Bottom line, the government is stealing from us, when most of us would be more than happy to give what we can afford to give to a respectable charity that would do a much better job helping people in need than the government could ever do.  They take money from us, we pay their salary, and have very little say on what they spend that money on.  I should be able to say, "I opt out of this program, because I disagree with it and don't want to pay for such 'services'."  Usually, you can fire someone when they don't do the job you want them to do.  Unfortunately, we haven't fired our government. That's not to say that we can't, we just don't.

This is a bit of a rant, and I apologize.  I just sincerely fear the socialist nation we are becoming.  I believe Obama has the best intentions, but I also believe he is horribly misled on what is going to actually help our country's economy, which is to leave it alone, let it bottom out and bounce back on its own.

As I listen to more on C-SPAN, all I hear going back and forth are accusations.  Republicans blame the Democrats.  Democrats blame Republicans.  News flash! They are all to blame.  Everyone made mistakes, including those in government and the citizens of this country who don't know how to manage their finances.

Take control of your financial situation.  Be smart.  Don't rely on the government to help you out and make this right.  We have to take this matter into our own hands.

Also, ask yourself why they are having this debate at midnight.  Yes, it's on tv, but most of America is sleeping right now.




The Economy, Bail-outs, and Rep. Ron Paul