Finance Central

The Designer Rules

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:33:00 +0000

We all like to treat ourselves from time to time and my friend is no different. She loves her christian louboutins and would be more than happy to pay a fortune for them if she could afford them. I was talking to her about this yesterday and she happened to mention her "Designer Rules". I asked what she meant and she said she had three points that she had to stick to. I thought these points were so good and could be applied to anything to the point at which I had to share them:

Point 1 - Save, save, save. She never makes purchases unless she can pay for them in cash so she sorts out a savings schedule and sticks to it, only buying her shoes when she can do so without getting into debt.

Point 2 - Compare, compare, compare. She always goes online and tries to find her shoes as cheap as possible without falling for the many fakes that exist. This way, she is saving more money towards the next pair of shoes before she starts. Of course, this does not have to be for shoes for you. It could apply to anything.

Point 3 - Use, use, use. She always makes sure that she gets her money's worth out of everything she buys. That way she can justify the next pair!

So there you have it - the perfect rules for making expensive purchases!

Make the Most of Space in Your Home

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:20:00 +0000

Are you struggling for space in your home and feel that you need to move to a bigger place? I have heard so many stories like this recently but people just cannot afford to move so they have to make the most of what they already have. This may be difficult if you are fed up with where you live but certain questions are worth asking. For example, do you have clutter? If you do then get rid of some of it by selling it on eBay or at a car boot sale. Are you using all rooms effectively? If you have a basement or attic, why not make it usable. For example, you can look at basement flooring options to make it possible to use your basement, even if only as a storage room. Finally, have a massive spring clean. It is worth it because you will feel better afterwards and be able to enjoy your house that little bit more.

Save a Fortune on Maternity Clothes

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:08:00 +0000

Are you pregnant or thinking about trying for a baby in the coming year or so? If you are then you may already be thinking about money. I was really concerned about money during the final few months before my daughter was born and now we are considering trying for another I am just as concerned. As such, we are looking to make savings now. How? By doing our homework.

We are looking at everything from household bills to maternity clothes to see where we could save a little cash. There are fantastic offers online and, as I have said a million times before, it is the best place to find bargains so work out what you will need in the coming year or so and go from there to save cash.

Look Online for Christmas Gifts and Bargains!

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 22:13:00 +0000

I am a huge fan of Christmas shopping but not so much a fan of the crowds, pushing and generally stress that comes with it. Only this morning I had a 70 year old lady try to push into a queue behind me until I politely reminded her that the lady who was actually in the queue behind me was before her. That's another story though! Back to gifts - do your shopping online! Not only can you find great exclusive gifts like spongeables online when you may not have the same luck in physical stores but you can also pick up bargains and take full advantage of offers like free shipping and free gifts or money off. Do it now before the postal cut off and you can put your feet up in December, safe in the knowledge that you have awesome gifts sorted without the hassle.

Planning Your Christmas Party on a Budget

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 21:12:00 +0000

Planning a Christmas party for your friends and family may be a major priority every single year and also high on the list this year. However, if you are on a budget then you may find that it is really tight this year. Here are a few tips to help you to have a good time without breaking the bank.

1) Decide on the luxuries you can afford to spend a bit on. For example, if you have montecristo cigars then you may not want to compromise on price. If this is the case then spend here and save elsewhere.

2) Make a list and stick to it. Do not be tempted to get bits and pieces that are not on the list or else you almost certainly will go over budget

3) Shop online so you can keep an eye on your total price. If you see how much you are spending then you can cut your budget down if necessary by substituting items.

Find Memory Foam Comfort at an Excellent Price

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 14:15:00 +0000

Are you one of the millions who has been on the lookout for an affordable memory foam mattress? If you are then you may be pleased to know that you can now get a high quality memory foam mattress for less than $200. When they first came out they were really expensive and beyond most peoples' budgets but if you have been saving then now may be the best time to buy one. Take a look around and you will soon be able to see how much money you can save.

Make Killer Christmas Savings

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 13:48:00 +0000

Hi all and welcome to the holiday season! Or the most expensive season of the year as the case may be for many individuals and families alike. You have decorations, food, gifts, cards and even travel to think about so where do you start, especially if you re on a budget? Well, I always find that lists help and serve to limit expenditure very well. For example, you can make a list of all of those you plan to send greetings cards to and then order the exact number you need as that can often be cheaper than looking for the packs containing, 10, 20, 30 etc cards. Sites like invitationbox.com holiday cards allow you to buy individual cards so start there and get your holiday season off to a good start.

All I Want for Christmas is a... Job?

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 14:01:00 +0000

Are you one of the millions around the world who do not have a job right now? If you are and have been searching really hard for employment that it may well be at the top of your Christmas list. I have one piece of advice for you - do not give up. Plenty of places are looking for Christmas temporary staff and even a few weeks worth is better than nothing. Similarly, more jobs have been posted online this month than in the previous couple of months, even those you may not expect like Emergency Medical Technician Jobs. Good luck!

Compare, Compare, Compare for Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 19:45:00 +0000

And while we are on the subject of household spending and the need to look around for the best deals, I just want to provide you with a new mantra this year - compare, compare, compare for Christmas! Whether your child wants a psp or a new bike, make the most of the Internet when you are sat at home in front of the TV. It takes just a few minutes to compare prices across a few retailers and you can see if you can save money by buying from a certain provider. Use comparison sites and you will soon find that your life is easier and your purse is heavier!

Mummies To Be: Don't Break the Bank

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 19:32:00 +0000

Are you lucky enough to be expecting at the moment? If you are then I feel your pain because no doubt your household budget is being stretched to the limit. Even before your baby is here, you will quickly find that there are numerous things to buy that you have not planned for. Take maternity wear for example. You obviously need to clothe yourself and your bump so it is essential that you find a source of affordable but stylish maternity clothes. The Internet will certainly help you there. You do not need to wear big t-shirts and leggings for the next few months if you are on a tight budget. Simply take a look at what is available online and you will soon find that you need not spend that much money to make your new found curves look good!

Get Ahead and Save for Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 10:08:00 +0000

I may well be shouted down for saying this but... we are on the countdown to Christmas! Judging by the weather and the fact that leaves are on the ground, the autumn and winter months are underway. You may have already started to think about Christmas and you are not alone. I've been buying presents for family since May!

If you do want to get ahead with your Christmas preparations and save stress and expensive purchases nearer the time then check out the Personal Creations xmas sale. Personal Creations offer all sorts of personalised stuff for gifts and some of their savings are fantastic. I've been checking the site out today and had to share it with you so take a look yourself and get on the Christmas case!

Beat the Frustration of Unemployment

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 14:20:00 +0000

Are you struggling to get a job at the moment? If you are then the likelihood is that you lost your job during the economic problems of the last few years and have found it difficult to even get a response from many employers in recent weeks. A friend of mine has been unemployed for some time but has found it difficult to even get an acknowledgement from many of the job applications that he has made. However, he has found a way to ease his frustration and I thought that I would pass on the tip - he looked at the Admissions Director Jobs he wanted on a jobs website and paid particular attention to the requirements the employer spoke about. He then went about making sure that he could fulfil each and every one of them by going to college for a few weeks and getting the additional qualification he needed. Of course, it can take years to do that but it does make you feel like you are proactively working towards a new job and eliminates some of the frustration.

Cut Costs and Reuse!

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 09:41:00 +0000

Are there areas of your household spending that you could cut back on and save money? I'll bet there are because households always spend too much money on some things that need not cost a penny. Take batteries for children's toys for example. Why keep buying regular batteries when you could invest in rechargeable batteries and charger and save money? So how can you identify such areas?

Well, the first thing to do is write down what you use in a week and then look at how you can reuse (like the batteries) or cut down. You will soon see that there are plenty of areas you can save in and enjoy a little more spare cash!

Get Active With Free Offers!

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 09:34:00 +0000

Has anyone seen the advert with Tom Daley lately? It is the one about Nestle products and how they are offering activity days to help the nation get active. Offering hockey, archery and even horse riding classes, they are aiming to give people tasters of various activities to help get them moving and get the nation fit again. It really is a fantastic offer and is ideal for giving your children something to do in the last few weeks of the summer holiday.

But what if you like the activity and want to do more? Well, then you should turn to the Internet. For example, you can find archery supplies at low prices online with some great deals available. Take a look around and you will soon find fun and an active life need not be that expensive.

High Street vs. The Internet: Grab A Bargain!

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 09:10:00 +0000

Do you shop around for everything you buy? Many people don't because they consider it a waste of time for a few pence but it is really easy to do as a result of comparison sites and the pennies soon build up. This applies to everything but there is another question that is worth asking right now - is buying online better than buying on the high street?

In at least half of cases, yes it is providing that you can wait for the goods. For example, if you buy s video cables then you can probably wait for them and would find them at an independent retailer for a reduced price online. However, if you need a few groceries or over the counter medication then looking for a price in your local area would be better. You also have to bear in mind that some retailers make you pay for postage so that ramps up costs straight way.

Ultimately, you have to do whatever works for you. If you have time, shop around. Mix the Internet with the high street and you will soon find that you can really get bargains out there.

Personalised Jewellery & The Great Online Market!

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 08:51:00 +0000

It may only be July but I'm already thinking a few months ahead. I don't know about you, but my little girl's first Christmas is on my mind at the moment. We're going to have to buy bits and pieces here and there to make sure that we can afford it but there is one thing I desperately want to get her - a silver bracelet that is personalised and an amazing keepsake as a result. I've been looking around and thought I'd drop a quick line on here about some of the fantastic bargains I have found online. Firstly, there is makemypromisering.com. This is a fab site for telling you all about jewellery. It's more of a blog than a sales site but is well worth a look. Also, there are some great independent jewellers around online that offer personalisation for an excellent price. More about those when I have the bracelet here...

Getting the Best Life Insurance for You

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 08:42:00 +0000

As new parents, my husband and I have recently been exploring the world of life insurance. We believe that we have taken out the best possible policy for us but not until we found a whole lot of confusion. The life insurance market is as clear as mud. After all, do you need key man life insurance or term life insurance? And what about whole of life insurance?

If you are a key employee then it is likely that your employer has taken out key man life insurance but your family would not benefit from it. It is excellent insurance for small to medium businesses but you may like to leave some money for your family in the form of life insurance.

If you are looking to take out a policy then you need to demystify all the jargon and find out about the different types of policy. Never ever take any policy out until you understand all of the small print, especially not if you are leaving your family in its hands.

Five Essential Considerations for Your Online Business

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 20:07:00 +0000

Establishing an online business is no easy task today, especially with so many individuals looking to set up a business after being made redundant or to make ends meet during these tough times. Now is the perfect time to try and create an income that is not dependent on anyone else. However, if you are considering establishing a business then you need to consider several points if you want to be a success:

1 - Research the Market - The only way to find a product or service that will sell is to research your market. Find out what is hot and what has a little longevity and you will find something that works for you.

2 - Establish a Website - There are free providers out there right now that give you space to create a website. However, you should also make sure that your site is submitted to the search engines and that you have a working knowledge of SEO to get it noticed.

3 - Adhere to Affordability - Never price yourself out of the market. Always make sure that you are able to market products at a level that appeals and encourages people to buy.

4 - Build a Reputation - The only way to grow organically as a business is to build up an excellent reputation via word of mouth. Advertising works too but a bad review will undo a lot of hard work in that department so use the barska method and provide excellent customer service as well.

5 - Use Social Media - Facebook and Twitter are tools sent from heaven for business so use them to your advantage!

Make Extra Cash: Take Paid Surveys Today!

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 10:07:00 +0000

A couple of years ago, I wrote a post concerning some of the best survey and cashback sites available to you if you wanted to make a little extra cash. I take surveys regularly and find that the cash soon adds up. I'll find that post out soon and revisit it, updating the survey companies to let you know which are still the best around. However, for now, you may want to try the following three companies:

IPSOS - An excellent survey company that provides all sorts of market research so the surveys you receive will never be boring! Again, it is points based and you can redeem them for vouchers from various major retailers.

MySurvey UK - This is a UK panel based site that asks for opinions in exchange for points. The points can then be redeemed for a payout via PayPal, gift certificates for Amazon, M&S and various others, or donated to UNICEF. The surveys are quite regular so the points soon mount up.

New Vista Live - A fantastic survey site that sends regular surveys for various points levels. A point is equal to £1 and soon mount up so you will reach the 50 point redemption figure for a cheque of £50 in no time.

For other sites, check out the bar to the right of the page. There is a list of links that you may like to check out under there.

Don't Blow Your Holiday Budget: Clothing Bargains

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 09:49:00 +0000

Are you going on holiday this summer? If you are lucky enough to be heading away from home, even if it is for just a few days, then you need to consider how much it is going to cost you. Obviously you have to think about the accommodation and travel but you also need to tot up elements like spending money, clothing for the holiday and transport when on the ground. SO how can you limit your budget and bag a bargain?

Well, the first thing is to ask yourself whether you really need something for your holiday or not. For example, you will need to invest in surfing clothes if you are going on an active holiday but not so much if you are heading on a city break. Using the holiday as an excuse to purchase items you want is easy but why not spare your budget the burden? Also, no matter what type of holiday you are going on, use the sales. There are plenty of stores looking to attract customers via the sales and offers so take advantage of them.

Shopping for Bargains: Check Out the True Value of Package Deals

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 22:28:00 +0000

Do you check deals before you buy them? Most people don't but recent research has proved they should. Did you know that many supermarkets and large retailers use them purely and simply to draw people in and encourage them to spend more money. For example, larger packets of coffee may be marketed as value for money but they often cost just as much per 100g as a smaller jar would. An electrical retailer may offer a cinema system with all the trimmings as an offer but purchasing a TV, floor stand and sound system separately may cost less.

Just because it says it is a bargain in store, it does not necessarily mean that it is so check out the deals before you buy to make sure that you get the value you deserve.

Motto of the Week: Use What You Have!

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Sun, 29 May 2011 11:04:00 +0000

I was cleaning the kitchen earlier on this week and found myself, three hours later, playing with fire... literally! I found out four old air freshener candles from a well known brand that had burned down the wick but had left a lot of wax around the edges of the glass holders. Reluctant to throw them out at £6 a pop in the supermarket, I found a few tealights out, placed one in the middle of each holder and started to melt the wax around it. In no time, I had three candles that smelled just as good, would last that little bit longer and cost just a few pence extra.

The moral of the story - use what you have and do not waste anything that you can use. Why buy a brand new iPod when your old one works and you can rejuvenate it with a cool iPod accessory? Why spend money on food that you then throw out when you can use the leftovers in creative ways? Why buy new candles when there is still wax in the old ones?

Save money and use what you already have!

Sniff Out Great Online Deals

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Thu, 26 May 2011 19:59:00 +0000

There is a new skill around that millions of people all over the world are learning. Those looking for a bargain and to save as much cash as possible are doing it and you could too. The skill is sniffing out a great deal online! Some people find it impossible but others have saved thousands over the years via free offers, cashback facilities and online vouchers and codes. It really is easy to develop the skill in no time at all and you will notice a difference in your bank balance.

The best thing about sniffing out a great deal online is that it applies to all products and services that exist. For example, if you search for dating sites then you will find a whole host of services offering three months free, joining discounts and even free dating online at Zyngle.com/. If you search for concert tickets, you should avoid eBay and go to events sites that offer coupon and discount codes. Always looks around for alternatives before clicking to buy and you will soon build up a list of sites to visit. Saving money has never been so easy.

Mum's Tip: Preparing & Saving for Your New Arrival

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Mon, 23 May 2011 08:03:00 +0000

Hi all, I hope you're well. I received an email a few days ago requesting some tips for mums to be as well as those with children already so here is the first one in that vein!

The first tip is to decide what it is you need and what is an optional extra. For example, do you need a video baby monitor to settle your nerves or do you only need one with sound so that you can head to your baby when he or she begins to cry? What you want and need are two very different things so work out the latter and then add elements of the former depending on your budget!

Looking for Bargains Online: Store Discounts

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 20:10:00 +0000

Have you ever been taken in by an online offer that was too good to be true? Many of us have and, as a result, have spent money on stuff that we neither wanted or needed. 50% discounts, 25% discounts, 3 for 2 offers... we have all been there and done it. However, if you ask a few simple questions then you can bypass this problem and make sure that you always get what you want and need in addition to value for money.

First of all, the obvious question to ask is whether you need something or just want it If you answer the latter then the obvious question that follows on is whether or not you can afford it. If you can but are looking to implement a little frugality then the third and final question is whether you know exactly how much of a bargain that you are getting. For example, there is currently an offer on chamilia beads for new customers, which offers $25 off a $150 spend. With this offer, you know exactly how much of a bargain you are getting and exactly how much you have to spend to get it.

The moral of the story is literally assess offers before you get sucked in and that way you really will get a bargain.