Young Free Alberta

Next Step: Buying your first home!

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 00:01:00 -0700

Welcome to an all-new week at Young Free Alberta!

This week is another in the Next Step series. The Next Step I will be teaching you about this week is buying your first home!

I found a great video that gives you Top 10 things first time Homebuyers should know.

I know I’m looking into buying my first home at the moment, so this week will be helping me as much as it is helping you!

Enjoy the video, and I’ll have some more tips tomorrow in The X Spot.

Weekend (Wedding) Prepper

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 00:01:00 -0700

I have a special Weekend Prepper for you!

It’s a weekend wedding prepper!

Basically I found an entire episode from GetMarriedTV on how to save money on your wedding!

It’s a little lengthy, but if you’re planning a summer wedding, or any wedding, the tips are worth it to the max!

I hope you enjoy your weekend and get a chance to either catch a bouquet or a garter. But if not, maybe you’ll get to this summer! Unless you’re actually already getting married, in which case, best of luck to you on the Next Step!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Myles First Dance, Bells, Rice and Something Old And New Peterman

The Young & Free Account Song

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:01:00 -0700

Hey everyone!

I blogged about this on Monday and posted the video and am super excited that I got so much positive feedback!

Thank you all and I’m glad you enjoyed it.

I decided that I would post the song so you could listen to it, and download it for your listening pleasure!

Download it here!

Again, I hope you enjoyed it!

See you tomorrow where you will be prepped for the weekend!

Myles 'no parking' Peterman

BQ: Something borrowed, something blue...

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:01:00 -0700

Big Question time today!

Here are last week’s results:

It looks like the majority (36%) of you purchased your first automobile at a dealership.

Like I told you last week, I was ridin’ dirty on my parent’s wheels. By ridin’ dirty I mean following the rules of the road completely. I just wanted to sound cool, which obviously that achieved.

For this weeks Big Question:

With all of the talk about weddings and such things, I think we should ask: Where have you/would you put most of your money into for your wedding dress?

Click on the poll picture to go and vote!

And cash out comments below with all of your awesome wedding stories! They’re the best ones, now I need to go watch Wedding Crashers with all of this wedding talk. And no, not so I can reenact it in real life.

Also, I would like to give out huge congratulations to one of my best friends Kaljo Baxter and his bride Larissa Peters. They got married July 1st, today!

I wish you both a wonderful beginning, and a love to last a lifetime!

Myles Petergroom

X Spot: Going to the chapel

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:01:00 -0700

Do you have champagne taste and caviar dreams, but you’re a young couple just getting married? Don't worry; you can still have a beautiful but cheap wedding. Check out these 10 great ways to cut costs and save money on your wedding.

1. Trim Your Wedding Guest List

Each time you add a name to your invitation list, you're increasing your budget significantly. It's not just the catering costs, but also the extra centerpieces, favors, rentals, etc. Don't invite anyone you haven't talked to in five years. Don't feel obligated to let single people bring a date. Avoid feeling pressured to invite all your work colleagues. And don't let your friends bring their children. You can also decide to eliminate categories like "relatives more distant than first cousins" or "friends from volunteer work." By not inviting anyone from that group, you'll help avoid hurt feelings.

2. Save Postage on Your Wedding Invitations

Forgo the inner envelope and blotter paper, which are leftover relics from times when ink needed time to dry, and people wanted a pristine envelope. Rather than having a reply card, ask guests to reply online or by the telephone. Not only will you save money from the printer bill, it should also reduce your postage expense.

3. Shop Sample Sales and the Internet for Cheap Wedding Dresses/Tuxes

If you wear a 6, 8, or 10, check out sample sales, which generally happen once a year. It's a great opportunity to get a designer dress at rock-bottom prices. You can also look on eBay, Craigslist and other websites for deals on used wedding dresses. Remember that cleaning the delicate fabric of a wedding dress may cost up to $250, so avoid the cheap dress with the filthy hem. And many towns have a shop where you can rent a wedding dress, saving you hundreds and hundreds of dollars.

4. Change the Day of the Week

Have your wedding on a weeknight or a Sunday. There is less demand for these dates, so vendors will often be willing to give you a better rate. Read more ways to save money on your wedding location.

5. Save Money on Church Decorations

For religious weddings, consider having your wedding near a major holiday. The church will already be decorated, saving you lots of money on flowers. On other days, look for simplicity. A candlelit ceremony can be romantic, gorgeous, and inexpensive.

Not having your wedding in a church? Check out these tips on saving money on your wedding flowers

6. Learn to Ask for Help to Save Money

If you want to have a cheap wedding, pool your friends' and family's resources. Think of musicians you know, well-spoken friends who could be your officiant, and crafty people who can help you assemble things. They will generally be honored to be a special part of your big day. Also look for money saving tips everywhere. Check websites such as wedfrugal.com and frugalbride.com, and ask friends and family members for what they did to save money on their big day.

7. Get Crafty - Do It Yourself

Throw a "pitch-in party," where you ask your friends to be a special part of your wedding by helping you assemble favors and make invitations, centerpieces, and other homemade inexpensive touches. Be sure to put out delicious snacks and have inspiring tunes on the stereo, so that your friends feel like they're at a party, not just part of an assembly line. Click the link below for DIY wedding projects.

More: DIY Wedding Projects

8. Look for Cheap Wedding Food and Drink

Be honest with your caterer about your need to save money. Ask them which are the least expensive entrees and whether a buffet is cheaper than a seated dinner. See if they'll let you provide your own liquor, or if serving only wine and beer will be cheaper than a full bar. Also consider only having the bar open during your cocktail hour, then serving an inexpensive wine with dinner. Especially if you and your fiancé don't drink, consider having a dry wedding.

9. Make the Most of eBay

eBay, eBay, eBay. It's a great source for everything from second-hand dresses to wedding favors, cake toppers, ring pillows and more. Be sure to allow ample time for the auction to end, and for shipping. Look for trusted sellers whose feedback indicates they have accurately represented what they have sold.

10. Consider Cheap Wedding Invitations

Don't go for engraving - regular printed invites work just as well. There are a variety of cheap wedding invitations available on the Internet. For a casual wedding, consider printing your own invites from your home computer. Stationery stores now sell printed-paper meant to use in a home printer as cheap wedding invitations. More tips on saving money on your wedding invitations

Myles Weddederman

Introducing the Living Young & Free Show!

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 09:17:00 -0700

We are really excited to share episode 1 of the brand new Living Young & Free Show.

As more and more Young & Free regions go live, the opportunity to for the Y&F Spokesters to join forces has really become apparent. Up until now, each Y&F Spokesperson has essentially been an island to their own.

Well, that's all changing now. In addition to the regular independent blogging and videos, we are now producing a coordinated show. Cheryl, the Living Young & Free Community Manager is our (awesome) host and each episode will feature three educational segments from our spokesters.

The plan is to put out a new show every two weeks so stay tuned!

Episodes will be hosted on the Living Young & Free Network and you can check them out there: www.livingyoungandfree.com. You can also subscribe in iTunes by clicking here.

Please leave a comment. We would love to hear what you think!

The Y&F Alberta Team

The Young & Free Account

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:01:00 -0700

Welcome to an all-new Monday!

You should know that I’ve been working painstakingly on something, and now I finally get to show it to you!

I’m very excited about this and I hope you will be to!

Check it out, The Young & Free Account:

I hope you enjoyed that and it will actually be playing in front of some movies this summer at Fresh Air Cinema events. More on that later…

I have another song and video in the works so keep your eyes peeled. After all, time flies like an arrow, and fruit flies like bananas.

See you tomorrow with a new Next Step, where we’ll learn about marriage!

Myles Samberg/Taccone/Schaffer

This is how to buy a used car!

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:01:00 -0700

I think that I've used enough of this week being serious and giving you real tips about how to go about buying cars for your Next Step. So I thought I should wend you into the weekend with a good laugh.

When you go to buy your car, just do this. Then film it, and send it to me.

Awesome!

You've been prepped!

Have a great weekend and I'll see you back here Monday for the next Next Step.

Myles Petez

How to Buy A Car For Under $1000

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:01:00 -0700

Hello!

I hope you enjoy this video that will give you some awesome tips on how to buy a car for under $1000.

There are many things to take into account when looking to purchase a vehicle, and I hope you're learning something this week!

Any funny car purchasing stories? Cash out your comments below!

Myles Peterman

BQ: Where you buy?

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:01:00 -0700

Guess what day it is?

Well, if you’re cheating and looking at a calendar you know it’s Wednesday. If you weren’t cheating, and genuinely tried to guess because you didn’t know, I’m sorry I spoiled that for you.

Now… last weeks poll results are in:

Turns out that the majority of you feel that the best way to find summer jobs is to ask around and get it known that you’re looking for a job.

Check out the rest of the results:

Today’s Big Question: Where did you buy your first car?

Maybe you used your parents? Bought it from a family member? Cash out in the comments section!

Let me paint you a little picture and bring you back long ago when I was a wee lad but 16 years of age.

The first car I ever had was a 1993 Nissan Sentra, which was my parent’s car. I to some degree eventually inherited it. Let me tell you, I loved that car.

Then, the car I next inherited was a 94 Chevy Cavalier, or Excellence on Wheels. The heater didn’t work, a light didn’t work, but that stereo did not stop kicking out the jams until I eventually had to sell poor excellence.

Now I drive a car that can be seen from space, but I don’t get to keep it.

At the end of my term, I’ll be on the prowl for another vehicle!

Maybe a motorcycle? Dun dun duhhhhh!

(Just kidding Mom and Dad… Maybe)

Vote at the polls!

Myles Bikerman

X Spot: Car Car

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 00:01:00 -0700

Hey everyone!

I’ve compiled an X Spot of the ten best online resources to use when buying a car!

Let get right into it then shall we?

Car and Driver

Popular automotive magazine offers buyer's guides for new and certified pre-owned autos. Read road tests and reviews of new cars, conduct a vehicle history report, and flip through photo galleries of new cars inside and out.
edmunds.com

New and used pricing website is "where smart car buyers start." Research new and used autos , check out tips and advice on what to consider before purchasing, and read vehicle reviews. Or compare what cars like yours are selling for to find out how much yours is worth.
HowStuffWorks: How Cars Work

Excellent information for the new car enthusiast. Learn about the engine, transmission, engine torque, drive train, and various accessories of the average automobile. Visit the auto channel for additional articles on a wide variety of car topics.
Cars at MSN Autos

This great website has prices and specs on both new and used automobiles. 360 Degree View section offers inside and outside views of a wide variety of automobiles. Read vehicle guides for trucks, sports cars, vans, and luxury cars.
Yahoo! Autos

Pricing, reviews, and photos for a wide variety of new automobile makes and models. Do research before making a new purchase. Use the finance calculators and check out the section on auto insurance.
J.D. Power

These folks award the coveted J.D. Powers quality awards. Hundreds of vehicles rated by thousands of people. Home of the coveted JD powers award. Consistently accurate reviews on cars, boats, insurance and finance. Automotive Ratings highly respected. Also see powerful buyers guides.
Motor Trend

Web site of venerable auto magazine has extensive reviews of different car models. Known for their car, truck and sport of the year. Also, very useful New Vehicle Buyers guide.
AutoSite

"Your key to automotive research." Access in-depth profiles of new and used autos. Read car reviews, see pictures, and conduct research on different makes and models. Find out about future vehicles that will hit the market soon.
Car Buying: About.com

Six easy steps to buying a new vehicle, new car reviews, and the pros and cons of different body styles. Also find safety facts, new car profiles, and help with how to choose the right car. Read the blog to get the latest news from the car world.
Kelley Blue Book

"The trusted resource" for new and used values for over 75 years. Access new and used car values by make or model. Also find reviews and ratings, financing and insurance, purchasing advice, and a section on certified pre-owned autos.

I hope this list helps you first time car buyers to be know it all's in the field of car purchasing.

Keep on being awesome!

Myles Car'erman

The Underwear Affair

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:01:00 -0700

It’s Monday, Monday, Monday.

What a fun day, fun day, fun day.

…

I’m sorry; I had a lot of sugar today.

So this part weekend I went to a little Edmonton event called the Underwear Affair. By little event, I mean huge. Could I have saved time by just saying that? Probably.

For those of you that don’t know what the event was about:

“The Alberta Cancer Foundation needs your help to raise funds and unleash a voice for devastating yet “hidden” cancers like prostate, colorectal, ovarian, testicular, bladder, cervical, and uterine that may affect you or someone you know.

Participation in the Underwear Affair helps lift the taboo connected with cancers below the waist. Why are these cancers considered “taboo”? These cancers affect areas of the body that may be uncomfortable to talk about and that are often seen as embarrassing or shameful. Some people may not even want to see a physician to get screened for these types of cancers. This makes care and treatment an unexplored option to some of those who need it. Shedding light on these cancers means more awareness and more funding, making research and treatment a reality.

Proceeds from the Alberta Cancer Foundation’s Underwear Affair support research and patient programs at the Cross Cancer Institute here in Edmonton and 15 other cancer centers throughout the province.

These cancers account for 33% of all newly diagnosed cancers in Alberta each year. The goal is to uncover cures putting prostate, colorectal, ovarian, cervical and other cancers below the waist, behind us.

The Underwear Affair is helping to shed some light on these often hidden and under-funded cancers.”

I had an absolute blast at the event! I met a ton of really incredible people, made a few friends, and saw more than my fair share of under textiles.

Thanks so much to everyone for the interviews and for raising so much coin, and of course the braveness to run in your skivvies!

Check out the video, and always remember, if you have an event that you think would be great for me to come to, send me an E-mail at:

See you tomorrow, where we start the big/long topic of Next Steps…
Stay tuned!

Myles Underwearman

Weekend Prepper: Get Your Summer Jobs

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:01:00 -0700

This Weekend Prepper is all about concluding the topic of Summer Jobs for us Gen-Yer’s.

What are you looking for in a summer job? Are you struggling to find a summer job? Cash out your opinions in the comment section!

Myles Petez

How To: Summer Jobs

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:01:00 -0700

I thought this video might help to reinforce the tips I've been giving out this week! I really hope that it helps you all find exactly what you're looking for this summer and makes you feel more motivated to get out there.

People with English accents always get my tooshie in gear!

See you tomorrow for some weekend prepping!

Myles Summerman

Big Question: Summer Jobs, Summer Not.

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:01:00 -0700

Big Question Day! Which means new polls day!

All right, listen up!

You all (or Ya’ll) need to find some summer jobs right? So let me help you, and lets help each other.

The Big Question I have today is: What’s your tip for finding summer work?

Here’s my tip: Get the word out about your job search. Begin actively telling people that you’re looking for a job. Think about all the adults in your life: your teachers, guidance counselors and coaches, your family doctor and veterinarian, your parents’ friends, your friends’ parents, and so on. This approach could turn you on to job prospects.

That’s what I did last summer when I was campaigning for Spokester territory, and guess what.

So let’s hear it! What are some of your tips for finding summer work!

Hit the poll, but most of all, cash out your comments below and help some people out with your wisdomous wisdom.

Myles Pollerman