A few years ago I got fed up with all the needless fees and finally fired my bank. It took me months, OK years, to muster up the courage to make the switch. Why did it take so long? Well, it’s no secret that moving an account to another bank is a major pain in the arse.

For example: you’ve got to open the new account, add some cash, notify your billers, find your depositors, link your other accounts, find your infrequent transactions, and hope to goodness you don’t miss a pre-authorized payment and incur an overdraft fee. Yikes!

But switching banks can be painless. If you’ve found a better banking deal at a nicer bank, then go ahead and make the switch with help from this handy Switch Bank Accounts Checklist. It’s got a funny name, I know. But I’ve made an American and Canadian version for all my friends who are fed up with fees. Oh, and ask your new bank for a “Switch Kit” to make the move even easier.

Canadian: Switch bank accounts checklist

Ok Canucks, if you’ve had it with the Toronto Dominion Bank (TD Bank), Canada Trust, Bank of Montreal, Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), or Bank of Nova Scotia then it’s time to make your move. Switching to a no-fee or lower fee account at an online bank or a credit union can save you big money over the years.

Download: Switch Bank Accounts Checklist (Canadian)

Here’s how it works:

• Gather your personal information.
• Follow the steps in How to break up with your bank
• List your pre-authorized payments (mortgage, insurance, and bills)
• List your direct deposits (employer pay, government benefits)
• Identify your internet banking linked transactions (credit cards, high interest savings accounts, chequing accounts, investment accounts)
• Check off each item when it’s moved!
• Fire your old bank

Don’t forget to also switch your pay deposits with your employer by providing a voided cheque. Getting paid is kinda nice.

American: Switch bank accounts checklist

I’ve seen the news. Americans have dealt with a lot of banking turmoil in the past years. So if you’re ready to find a better bank and move away from Bank of America, Chase Bank, US Bank, Wells Fargo Bank, National City Bank, Bank of American Online, or Tyra Banks (kidding), then use this checklist to make your move.

Download: Switch Bank Accounts Checklist (American)

Here’s how it works:

• Gather your personal information.
• Follow the steps in How to break up with your bank
• List your pre-authorized payments (mortgage, insurance, and bills)
• List your direct deposits (employer pay, etc.)
• Identify your internet banking linked transactions (credit cards, high yield savings accounts, checking accounts, investment accounts)
• Check off each item when it’s moved!
• Fire your old bank

I hope this checklist helps make firing your old bank easier. There’s no sense in wasting a good mood by complaining about excessive bank fees, poor customer service, or banking delays when there’s a better bank just waiting for you to switch.

Your Two Cents: Have you ever fired a bank? Got any switching bank account tips?

	397 Ways to Save Money Spend Smarter & Live Well on Less By Kerry K. Taylor

I’ve put together a bunch of free budget worksheets for this series, starting with the household net worth spreadsheet. Periodically calculating your net worth — the value of your assets minus your liabilities — is one of the best ways to track your financial well-being (I think). Knowing your individual or household net worth can also help you to reach your financial goals sooner.

If you want all the juicy net worth calculation details on what to include, then check out Financial Planning: How to Find Your Net Worth.

Anybudgetingbusiness, let’s get to the budgeting tools. After asking the friendly folks on the Squawkfox Facebook Page about their successful budgeting secrets, I decided to create two excel spreadsheets — an American version and a Canadian version. Since Americans don’t care so much about RRSPs and Canucks don’t have Roth IRAs, it just makes sense to have specific net worth spreadsheets for everyone.

So go grab a binder, make a workbook, and print out the worksheet that works for your country. Keeping a record and tracking your budget in a three ring binder keeps your paperwork in one place.

Household Net Worth Spreadsheet (American)

Americans can use this net worth excel spreadsheet for either individual or household use.

Download: Household Net Worth Spreadsheet (American)

Here are a few different ways to use this simple excel spreadsheet:

• Add up your 401k, Roth IRAs, Traditional IRAs, CDs, and US pension plans
• Use as a net worth calculator
• Print it out to use as a worksheet
• Tally your household net worth OR find your individual net worth
• Track your liabilities
• Find your assets
• Establish a baseline for reaching your goals.

Household Net Worth Spreadsheet (Canadian)

Canadians can use this net worth spreadsheet for either individual or household use.

Download: Household Net Worth Spreadsheet (Canadian)

Here are a few different ways to use this simple excel spreadsheet:

• Add up your RRSPs, TFSAs, GICs, and RESPs.
• Use as a net worth calculator
• Print it out to use as a worksheet
• Tally your household net worth OR find your individual net worth
• Track your liabilities
• Find your assets
• Establish a baseline for reaching your goals.

Your Two Cents: When was the last time you calculated your net worth?

	397 Ways to Save Money Spend Smarter & Live Well on Less By Kerry K. Taylor

I’m worth it. You’re worth it. We’re all worth it. Great. I love it when advertisers sing me the tales of “worth” to make a sale. The pitch must be working because everyone these days is praised for being “worth it”.

But are you worth it? The sad scenario is many of us have no clue what we’re worth. We amass assets, incur debts, and still have no idea how the mathy math adds up.

I want you to know how the math adds up.

What is individual net worth? Your individual net worth number is a vital financial planning tool. It serves as a barometer for your personal financial health and helps you establish a baseline to measure your progress towards your financial goals, including: paying off debt, buying a home, saving for retirement, planning a wedding, traveling, or whatever!

What is household net worth? Your household net worth is the accounting of both you and your partner’s assets. Partners may often calculate their individual net worth first to see how each of their retirement plans are doing, then add the results together to calculate their household net worth to complete the financial planning picture.

Finding either your individual net worth or your household net worth sounds scary, but really it’s just this simple calculation:

Financial Assets – Financial Liabilities = Net Worth
What You Own – What You Owe = Net Worth

Calculating net worth is all your financial assets (what you own) minus all your financial liabilities (what you owe). If your net worth is a positive number, then you own more than you owe. If your net worth is in negative territory, then you have debt.

When crunching your money-math, it’s important not to confuse your net worth with your self worth. Don’t let a negative net worth give you a case of the “sads”. Having debt doesn’t make you a bad person, and having a million dollars doesn’t make you Mr. Wonderful either.

This may sound strange, but your net worth number is not the most important factor in doing this exercise. Surprised? What is important is how your net worth changes over time and the direction it’s going. The idea is to move your net worth into positive territory, and increase it over time.

In order to gauge the direction your net worth is headed, you need to calculate it regularly, and objectively chart your progress.

Add up your assets

There are numerous ways to chart your assets, and not everyone agrees on the right approach. Since I’m a Flexible Fox, I’ll give you a few options to consider. The idea is to pick your method and stay consistent.

Tally your financial assets. A financial asset can be cash in the bank today, or an investment you plan to cash out in the future. So if you’ve got cash in the bank, stocks, bonds, retirement accounts, CDs or GICs, government benefits, pension payments, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, or cash stuffed in your mattress then you’ve got financial assets. Yay!

Is your home a financial asset? There is debate as to whether you should include your home as a financial asset in your net worth calculation. This argument may be emotionally based for some and logically solved by others.

Those for adding a primary residence to your net worth believe a home is your biggest financial asset, representing one of your largest single investments. Yes, homes are expensive.

Those against including a primary residence argue that selling your home can certainly give you cash, but what if it sells for less than you paid for it? Also, selling your home kind of makes you homeless. Since we all need shelter, you’ll probably use the money from the sale to buy another place to live.

If you’ve just painted the living room and installed a new kitchen, you may be miffed by the idea of not including your home as an asset. No worries. There’s a way to bridge the gap. Some financial types suggest you only include your home if you expect to sell it and live off the cash, or if you plan to downsize to a less expensive property and use that equity to fuel your lifestyle. If this is your plan, then add this equity as an asset.

What about your personal property and car? I hate to break it to you, but your designer jeans and Jimmy Choo shoes are not financial assets. Sure, they may be an asset to your arse, but generally speaking, your personal property is not a financial asset. However — and this is a big however — if you plan to sell your Choos for cash in the near future, then kick up your heels and include them in your net worth.

Cars are another gray area. If you add your fine automobile as an asset, then be sure to account for depreciation when you next update your net worth statement.

Those who have used my 15 Free Printable Home Inventory Worksheets have a leg up when tallying personal assets. Having your stuff listed in a personal inventory can serve as valuable tool for planning your estate and establishing a record for insurance purposes.

Subtract your liabilities

Don’t roll your eyeballs in my direction. The majority of us have some loans and debts we need to account for. If you’ve got credit card debt, car loans, student loans, or money borrowed from friends and family, then it’s time to face the facts and tally up what you owe. Don’t forget to add the mortgage on your primary residence as a liability if you included your home equity as an asset.

Now take some time and find the paperwork for all your financial assets and liabilities. The next article will include some budgeting tools to help you account for these numbers. Yes, I’ll be posting a Net Worth Spreadsheet to help you along the way. But you need to find your paperwork first.

Your Two Cents: When calculating net worth do you include your home and personal property as financial assets? Do you monitor your net worth?

	397 Ways to Save Money Spend Smarter & Live Well on Less By Kerry K. Taylor

I’m dropping the B-word today. BUDGET! There, I said it. It’s funny how this simple 6 letter word has the power to strike fear into the hearts of some and cause serious indigestion for others. If your heart is fluttering and your stomach just lurched, then you’re not alone.

Despite it’s reputation for being boring, time consuming, and out-right tedious, creating a budget can actually be a liberating experience. Now, I’m not squawking about the kind of liberation where you’re running around naked with millions of dollars flying around you. Yeah, that’s my dream too. Sigh.

But seriously, keeping on track with a budget can show you where your money goes and help you plan for life’s expenses — whether you’re saving for a home, buying a car, going on vacation, saving for school, getting out of debt, starting an emergency fund, or just finding ways to save money. Whew!

It was, after all, through expense tracking and financial budgeting that I managed to pay off my student loan in six months and start investing in exchange-traded funds — how’s that for financial freedom?

A simple budget can also help you reach your financial goals sooner with less stress and worry.

About the How to Make a Budget Series

I want to make budget planning fun by squawkifying the process in a useful way. I would love for you to experience the many financial benefits from keeping track of your money. It is your money, after all. I want the “budget word” to cease being a 6 letter monstrosity by demystifying the process and making it simple to follow.

What is a budget? Simply, a budget is a financial plan for tracking the flow of money into and out of your life. The idea is to find the sneaky money outflows, plug the lucrative leaks, and save more of the inflowing cash for the stuff the really matters in your life. A budget will also expose the spending habits you’re not aware of and help you to better plan where to spend your money.

The How to Make a Budget series can help you to:

• Learn how to set up a budget
• Find your net worth
• Set financial goals, define your needs, know your wants
• Start expense tracking and track household expenses
• Get tips on budgeting for any income
• Make a household budget
• Download free budget worksheets and budgeting spreadsheets
• Benefit from budget planning tools
• Discover financial budgeting software
• …and have fun with it!

If you have read my previous resume series, then you know I put A LOT of time and effort into making each and every post packed with helpful, funny, and very approachable content. In similar squawky fashion, the How to Make a Budget series will run over the course of a few weeks and offer many budgeting tools, financial planning tricks, and some serious budget worksheets to get you on the right financial track. I am very excited about this budget series, and I hope you are too.

Your Two Cents: Have you ever tried budgeting? Were you successful or do you have a budget beef?

Squawky Note: For a very strange reason my blog sent out an old post last night — a Christmas post about gifts and CDs! If you’re an email subscriber, my apologies for the mix-up. The glitch has been fixed. Ohh, and Merry Christmas. sMiLe Love, Kerry

	397 Ways to Save Money Spend Smarter & Live Well on Less By Kerry K. Taylor

Sure, vacationing at home has its stress-free and cost-conscious merits, and if you haven’t become a tourist in your own hometown then there’s fun to be found by visiting your local museums, parks, festivals, and swimming holes for a refreshing day away. But what if you’ve dined locally and seen it all? Or maybe you want to get away from it all!

Getting Away: Enjoying the view from a local winery.

If you’ve got even a little cash in your pocket, then perhaps it’s time to leave town for what I call a “modified staycation” — a vacation where you pack your things and drive one town over to enjoy the sights and sounds of a neighboring community. Daring to drive to the town, city, or quaint village just a few miles away can afford you many vacation benefits without spending the big travel bucks.

Depending on where you live, it can be easy to plan and dash away for a refreshing weekend on the cheap. I’d love to share a few of my frugally fun “modified staycation” ideas with you and get you on the road to a little vacation fun. Here’s how to build your own modified staycation vacation package! Yay!

1. Pick a Place

If you’re going to hit the road it helps to know where you’re heading. To pick the perfect place, head to your local Tourist Info Center and ask about seasonal activities just outside of town. Does the next community over host a big sporting event, boast amusement parks, host city festivals, offer picturesque camping grounds, or run tours through farms and wineries?

Stunning Staycation: A local winery offers free tours and wine tastings.

Chances are you’ll find many local activities for a lot less. Being a member of AAA or CAA could score you free travel maps and give you access to local travel deals — so don’t forget these resources to help you pick the perfect local travel location.

If you don’t want to blow your budget on fuel, here are 10 Ways to Save Money on Gas, and check out this Gas Mileage Calculator to help you calculate your costs.

2. Plan Your Adventure

Are you looking to lounge around or actively pursue an adventure? Whether you’re a beach bum or a thrill seeker, there are lots of opportunities around town. You just need to know where to look!

Best Travel Sites for Helpful Tips

If you’re stuck for activity ideas, then why not get online and search around — there’s an endless amount of information on the internet for free. I’ve often consulted large travel sites to get the goods on local areas and events. I’m constantly amazed to find honest reviews and candid experiences posted via online travel guides. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Trip Advisor
• Virtual Tourist
• Budget Travel
• Let’s Go!

Just enter your local travel area into the site’s search and find awesome reports on what’s happening in and around town. You may just find some of the following frugal activities:

• Wine tasting and winery tours
• Local resort discount packages
• Sunset cruises on local lakes, served with dinner
• Local theater, a touring circus, or a one-stop Broadway show
• Farm tours, hay rides, and U-Picks
• Concerts and music festivals
• Gallery and museum special collections
• Historic home tours
• Off-season ski lift rides
• Local Bed and Breakfasts
• Local bike tours, hikes, and serene secret beaches
• International sporting events

Using these simple tools and travel guides I’ve found many amazing outdoor activities for free — many of which I never would have discovered without doing a bit of online research.

International Sporting Event: Watching Ironman Canada and getting inspired by the athletes at the finish line.

For example, I’ve done several road trips over the years to Penticton B.C., either to watch or compete in the Ironman Triathlon. But last summer Carl and I ventured to several vineyards around Naramata to taste and experience the local wineries.

Wine Education: Enjoying the abundance of free wine information.

We found that getting a winery tour is usually free, and the wine tastings are a mere $3-$5 for several sips. Buying a bottle (or two) usually waived any and all tasting fees, making the tour a fun “try before you buy” experience!

Along with our love for vino and free wine education, we met many amazing people and had fun for less.

3. Get a Room

The downside to traveling away from home is you need a place to stay. For the outdoor enthusiasts there’s always sleeping under the stars at a KOA camping site. If you prefer less people, then find a camping-approved State National Park (USA) or Provincial Park (Canada) to pitch your tent.

Having friends or family in fun places could save you some bucks by staying with them, and asking for a sofa to sleep on is free! If curling up on a couch is your style of vacay, then check out the Couch Surfing directory to find people willing to have you stay over for free.

For a special night or two away I prefer a little splurge by staying at a Bed and Breakfast Inn. Find one near you via Bed and Breakfast Inns or BB Canada. You might even find a discounted off-season rate by calling ahead!

4. Dine on a Dime

Dining out can get super expensive super fast if you’re eating out for every meal. A smart way to keep costs in check is to choose only a few local restaurants worth your dining dollars. A great way to find the perfect local eatery is to ask the locals when you get in town. I’ve often stopped at cute stores and clean gas stations and asked the staff for their best recommendation.

If you’re too shy to stop for dining direction, check out Chow Hound — where “food-lovers worldwide gather to swap expert tips about restaurants, foods, stores, and bars.” You may just find a local sweet spot for dessert by searching Chow Hound’s popular forums and talking to others with keen taste buds.

If you’re super frugal, then rent a room that comes fully equipped with a kitchenette and cutlery, and make the majority of your meals at home. Stopping in at a grocery store with a simple shopping list can keep your costs very low and lets you spend your modified staycation cash on other activities.

Building your own “modified staycation” vacation package is easy if you’ve found the right local place, the right frugal tools, and have your activities all planned out. But, before you leave your home, be sure to download your Printable Travel Checklist and Packing List so you don’t forget your wallet.

Your Two Cents: Got a frugal staycation or local travel tip for would-be vacationers?

	397 Ways to Save Money Spend Smarter & Live Well on Less By Kerry K. Taylor

We’ve made it to the final article in the How to Write a Cover Letter series. Yay! And just like in the How to Write a Resume series, I’m ending with a bang by giving you a few free cover letter templates for your downloading pleasure. Writing a cover letter is pleasurable, right? Think positive people!

Anyfreetemplate, landing that job interview with the right (write?) cover letter is a heck of a lot easier when you’ve got a few cover letter examples and free cover letter templates to play with.

I’ve put the cover letter templates in Microsoft Word format (just like the free resume templates), to simplify life for everyone. Now, a few words of caution — I’ve never been a fan of generic cover letter templates since they lack honesty, so please try to customize these templates to bring an authentic voice to your application. Now let’s get downloading! Wheee!

Cover Letter Template: Classic

Choose the Classic cover letter format if you’re applying to a traditional organization, require a business letter format, and you can be brief in a single page.

Free Download: Classic Cover Letter Template
(Microsoft Word Format)

Here’s the same Classic cover letter template, but this one contains example content.

Free Download: Classic Cover Letter Example
(Microsoft Word Format)

Cover Letter Template: Contemporary

Choose the Contemporary cover letter format if you’ve got stellar skills to highlight in bullet points and you’re applying to a less traditional field.

Free Download: Contemporary Cover Letter Template
(Microsoft Word Format)

Here’s the same Contemporary cover letter template, but this one contains example content.

Free Download: Contemporary Cover Letter Example
(Microsoft Word Format)

Cover Letter Conclusions

Phew! I am so beyond thrilled to have finished the How to Write a Cover Letter series for you. If you’ve been following this blog for a while, then you know how much effort and time I put into these posts, and I sincerely hope they find you well and help you even a little bit. I know it’s not easy to put yourself out there when looking for work, but highlighting your best skills in a killer cover letter is a sure-fire way to get closer to landing that job interview.

	397 Ways to Save Money Spend Smarter & Live Well on Less By Kerry K. Taylor

It’s always a little bit easier to polish up a resume or write a cover letter when you’ve got a few resume cover letter samples to mull over. Since I’ve spent eons mulling over and contemplating job applications, I’ll spare you some grief and just give you some sample cover letters for free.

Both of these cover letter examples are based on the Classic and Contemporary Cover Letter Formats, so if you’ve read through this series then you’ll know what I’m squawking about. If you’re looking at your computer screen with a blank stare, don’t fret. This blog is a fret-free zone. Got it? Good!

Each sample cover letter includes a little bio of the example job seeker to give you an idea if a particular cover letter format is a fit for you. So be sure to grab your target job, match your skills to the employer’s requirements, and get downloading these free cover letter samples. Ohh, and there are a few free resume examples available for download too. Aren’t I a super nice gal? Um, don’t answer that.

Classic Cover Letter Examples

The Classic cover letter format is the traditional method of formatting a cover letter since the content resembles a business letter.

Job Seeker Bio: Cindy Smyth, Administrative Assistant

In this sample cover letter, job seeker Cindy Smyth is applying for a job as an administrative assistant in the financial industry. She has opted to use the Classic cover letter format since her application is brief and the company she is applying to is fairly traditional.

Free Download: Classic Cover Letter Example
(Administrative Assistant Example)

Cover Letter Tips

• Compare Cindy’s sample cover letter with her sample resume and the target job. See how they match?
• Be sure to keep your Classic cover letter brief and stick to one page.
• Highlight your strengths and match your skills to employer requirements.

Contemporary Cover Letter Examples

The Contemporary cover letter format starts as a regular business letter, but instead of selling your skills in paragraphs, just list your stuff in a few bullet points. It’s easiest to write a Contemporary cover letter by copying the strongest points from your resume.

Job Seeker Bio: Jane Smith, Software Developer

In this sample cover letter, job seeker Jane Smith is the perfect candidate for the Contemporary cover letter format.

She has skills that are easily highlighted in bulleted points and her industry is not traditional. Due to the number of applicants in the technical field, I bet her hiring manager would appreciate a scannable cover letter.

Free Download: Contemporary Cover Letter Example
(Software Developer Example)

Cover Letter Tips

• Compare Jane’s sample cover letter with her sample resume and the target job. See how they match?
• It’s easiest to write a Contemporary cover letter after the resume, since the best points are pulled from the latter.
• Don’t be lazy and just list points. Be sure to write a solid introduction and finish with a flourish.

I keep getting emails about my resume advice and I love your feedback. Thank you! Please let me know if these sample cover letters are helpful. Now stay tuned for the next (and last) installment of the How to Write a Cover Letter series since I may include a free cover letter template (or two).

	397 Ways to Save Money Spend Smarter & Live Well on Less By Kerry K. Taylor

I’ve been dreading the continuation of the How to Write a Cover Letter series. It’s not because I’m lazy. But getting my motor revved and my writing in gear to explain resume cover letter formats is a bit of a drag.

Since you’re reading this you’re probably spinning your wheels too. Yep, getting ready to write a cover letter can make anyone feel a little deflated — I don’t care how good your engine.

But no fear. I’ll speed ahead and make this bloggy post short and simple. Because when it comes to winning the cover letter race, the shortest and simplest formats reach the checkered flag first. Swoosh!

There are two cover letter formats I’d like you to take for a drive. I’ll get super creative and call them the Classic and the Contemporary formats. Snort. So get your seat belt fastened and let’s get this over with fast.

The Classic Cover Letter Format

The Classic cover letter is the most common format, and it’s the type most prospective employers expect to see. The Classic is the traditional method of formatting a cover letter where the content resembles a simple business letter. Here’s how to know if this format is for you:

Use the Classic cover letter format when:

• You’re applying to traditional organizations.
• You can stick to a single page.
• You can keep it brief.

A Classic cover letter works well for traditional jobs where sticking to conservative business practices lands you the job interview. I’ve also used the Classic format when applying to an internal position since the hiring manager preferred classic letters and was aware of my skills. Indeed, it helps to know what the hiring manager prefers.

The biggest problem with this cover letter format is the length — many job seekers go overboard and write a multiple page essay boasting their stuff. This is a “fail” since a long meandering mess buries your skills, fast. Most hiring managers spend seconds reading a resume and barely scan cover letters. If you can’t grab their attention at first glance, all your cover letter writing skills are a waste.

The best approach with the Classic cover letter format is to write brief paragraphs filled with relevant job experience, applicable skills, and outstanding accomplishments. Here is the basic Classic cover letter format:

Classic Cover Letter Format Example

Your Contact Information

• Name, Address, Phone Number, Email

Employer’s Contact Information

• Name and Title of hiring manager
• Organization Name and Address

First Paragraph

• Identify the position
• State why you’re right for the job

Second Paragraph

• State why you want to work for the company
• Show how you’re a good fit
• Use examples that highlight your experience

Final Paragraph

• Request an interview
• Thank the hiring manager

Closing

• Sincerely,
• Your name

I’ve covered the structure of the Classic cover letter in detail in Anatomy of a Killer Cover Letter. Check it out for some additional goodness.

The Contemporary Cover Letter Format

The Contemporary cover letter format is a little bit different — it tends to get noticed. And getting noticed amongst a bunch of applicants is how you land a job interview. This format starts with the basics, but instead of singing your praises in paragraphs you just list your skills using simple bullets.

Sure, using the right keywords, action words, and avoiding these cover letter pitfalls helps too. Here’s how to know if this format is for you:

Use the Contemporary cover letter format when:

• You’ve got stellar skills to highlight.
• Your skills match employer requirements.
• You want your cover letter to get noticed.

Since hiring managers scan piles of cover letters trying to find the right fit, it’s important to highlight your stuff fast — and the Contemporary method gets your message across at lightning speed. Here is the basic Contemporary cover letter format:

Contemporary Cover Letter Format Example

Your Contact Information

• Name, Address, Phone Number, Email

Employer’s Contact Information

• Name and Title of hiring manager
• Organization Name and Address

First Paragraph

• Identify the position
• State why you’re right for the job

Second Paragraph
Use THREE bullet points to highlight:

1. Quantifiable skills that match employer requirements
2. Your experience
3. Your accomplishments

Final Paragraph

• Request an interview
• Thank the hiring manager

Closing

• Sincerely,
• Your name

There you have it! Two cover letter formats to help you write a winning job application, get noticed, and land a job interview. Next I’ll share some sample cover letters and perhaps a cover letter template (or two).

	397 Ways to Save Money Spend Smarter & Live Well on Less By Kerry K. Taylor

Booties!

Now, I’ve never been one for doggie dress-up or feline fashion since “pet wear” is expensive and mostly silly, but there are indeed times when a dear pet can benefit from winter footwear. So yes, when the weather outside is frightful I do protect my dog’s paws with the super durable Muttluks booties.

I’m pretty impressed with Muttluks since they’ve lasted many seasons on the farm. If your pet is suffering with dry cracked paws, a good dollop of Bag Balm on the foot pads and in between the toes is super frugal, healing, and helpful too. I use this balmy stuff on my own hands and feet too, so there.

To answer your most pressing dog bootie questions I’ve put together this video showing you how they go on and whether our mutt likes them. I’ll let you be the judge of the latter.

Backyard Chickens!

Now let’s talk chickens. Last year I had some major plans to build a little coop and house some backyard chickens since I love a good project and because organic eggs are tasty. All of my fine feathered plans took a left turn when a flying truck wheel nearly killed us in this car crash. Dealing with whiplash, replacing the car, and trying to promote my book were all I could handle — mentally and physically. So now I’m feeling better and back to sourcing chickens, feed, and finding coop plans. If you’ve got some backyard chicken knowledge then please do get clucky and share your comments.

Link Love

I’ve rounded up a series of financial and frugal posts from various blogs around the blogosphere. Enjoy!

Financial Fun for Everyone

• Would You Relocate for the Perfect Job? | Wise Bread
• How I Paid off $63,000 of Debt in 11 Months | Fiscal Geek
• Haiti Earthquake Relief – How To Help! | Million Dollar Journey
• Personal Financial Statements Shouldn’t Be Top Secret | Budgets Are Sexy
• Bringing Back the Organizing Challenge | Organizing Junkie
• Clutter Free Home: 6 Tips | Blogger For Hire
• What are the S&P Dividend Aristocrats? | Bargaineering
• Your Spouse: Financial Teammate or Financial Enemy? | No Debt Plan
• 3 Ways to Get Started Investing with $1,000 or Less | Debt Free Adventure
• Save Money and Protect Yourself When You Are On Vacation | Gather Little By Little
• What Are Opportunity Costs? – Textbook Personal Finance | Mrs. Micah
• Should I Buy ETFs Or Index Funds? | ABC’s of Investing
• Book Review: SuperFreakonomics | Four Pillars
• Real Rate Of Investment Return | The Smartest Consumer
• When And How To File A Credit Report Dispute | Amateur Asset Allocator
• 6 Tips to Lower Cost on Your Auto Insurance Policy | Good Financial Cents
• Is Variable Life Insurance the Best Investment for You | Consumer Boomer
• Is there such thing as good debt? | Personal Finance By The Book
• How To Save Serious Money in 2010 | Studenomics
• Don’t Forget About The Free YNAB Giveaway | Wisdom Journal
• Prepare Your Own Taxes – It’s Not Hard | Being Frugal
• Alternative Investment Options | Debt Kid
• Ambitious 2010 Business Goals | Man Vs. Debt
• 5 Tips for Making Extra Money | PT Money
• Carnival of Personal Finance: Support Haiti Edition | Million Dollar Journey

American Money Matters

• New Law Makes it Harder for Teens to Get a Credit Card Starting February 22 | Gen X Finance
• Get Organized For Filing Your Taxes | Bible Money Matters
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Got a request?

Do you have a frugal, financial, or fun post/question/thingy request you’d like me to write about? I get considerable questions on investing topics, frugal wedding ideas, and some farming things. I’m wondering if there’s something YOU would like to read on Squawkfox? I can’t promise to write about everything — I like to stick with topics that are sexy, delicious, and fun — so if you’ve got a request within this theme then feel free to shoot it my way. I’m not out of ideas (my head is packed full) but I’d like to hear your thoughts too.

Over the next few weeks I’ll be adding some book reviews to the mix and finally finishing off my How To Write A Cover Letter Series. No, I haven’t forgotten. Hope you guys liked the video!

Cheers,
Kerry

	397 Ways to Save Money Spend Smarter & Live Well on Less By Kerry K. Taylor

If you’re in the market for a shiny new gym membership, it may be wise to read the fine print and know your rights before agreeing to a fitness club contract. No one wants to be stuck paying for a membership they can no longer use, for whatever reason.

But if you’re revved and ready to burn a few calories, here are ten ways to get fitter while saving some cash on a fitness club or gym membership. Yay, fitness tips!

1. Scrutinize Promotions

Most gyms and fitness centers start the New Year with various promotional deals to entice new members to join. Get in the game by touring around town to find the best fitness deal for your dollars. Make a list and compare membership fees, contract lengths, termination terms, locker fees, facility offerings, class types, hours of operation, equipment types, and peak hours. If all things are equal, don’t be afraid to flex some muscle and negotiate a better rate by playing one gym’s promotional offer off another. Some gyms may have some wiggle room and will give you a discounted or promotional rate.

2. Weigh in with HR

Break free from your cubicle and head to your human resources department for information on corporate fitness passes. Chances are your employer has a group or discounted membership at a local gym. These days many companies are on-side when it comes to battling the bulge and want employees to get fit and live a healthier lifestyle. So it could be well worth your time to ask your company if you qualify for a fitness discount. Just be sure to skip the elevator and take the stairs when you visit HR. Smile.

3. Go Back to School

Ok, don’t sign up for a second (or third) degree just to score a free gym pass. Silly! If you’re a graduate from a local university or college, you could go to the head of the class and land an alumni discount. Head to your Alma Mater with your alumni card in hand and get some fitness for less. Now that’s smart thinking!

4. Get Physical with Non-Commitment Passes

Ask your preferred fitness facility or gym if they offer non-members no-commitment passes. To get you hooked on fitness many gyms offer special passes to let non-members visit on a trial basis for a few days or a week. Give these passes a go and try out the club and facilities before signing for a membership. You’ll find out fast if the club’s locations, programs, and hours of operation work for you.

5. Ask for Your Discount

Does your gym offer a family, student, or seniors discount? Many gyms want your business and will give you a discount if you qualify. Before signing the contract, be sure to bring your student card or driver’s license to prove your age or student status. Being studious, over 65-years-old, or a member of a family could carry a fitness benefit in the shape of big savings.

6. Find a Fitness Friend

If you’ve got a fitness fiend of a friend then ask to join them for a workout. Many gyms and fitness centers offer their members guest passes to entice friends to join. If you’ve got a friend with membership benefits at your gym of choice, ask for a guest pass to try before you buy.

7. Get a “Specialty” Membership

It makes little sense to pay for a pool pass if you only want to use the weight room. So ask for a specialty membership to restrict your use (and user fees) to only the activities you want. Many gyms offer “add-on” fitness fees for squash courts, weight rooms, hot tubs, classes, and pool.

8. Go Off-Peak

If you work flexible hours, then you could avoid the gym lunch rush by opting for an “off-peak” membership pass. Many popular gyms offer a less expensive membership option if you’re willing to sweat it out during the daytime or on weekends.

9. Check Out Your Community Recreation Center

Consider skipping boutique and fancy fitness memberships altogether by choosing to work out at your local community center. Many community centers offer affordable monthly and drop-in rates, making it cost-effective to choose only the classes you want without all the extra initiation or towel fees. Depending on where you live, your YMCA/YWCA may also offer affordable membership rates to help you keep costs down.

10. It’s Fun to Volunteer at the YMCA!

I’ve never tried this, but a few of my friends earned a free YMCA fitness pass by volunteering their time at the YMCA/YWCA. Spending a few hours a week giving facility tours could land you an all-access fitness pass without tapping your wallet. Besides, if you’re going to spend time working out, adding an extra hour to your gym visit is not an impossible task to accomplish.

If spending even a dime for a gym membership blows your budget, then check out these 10 Frugal Ways to get Fit this Winter and even 10 Free Ways to get into Fitness this Summer. My free Printable Workout Log has also been insanely popular this week.

Your Two Cents: Got a frugal way to cut the costs of a gym membership? Ever get caught by surprise fitness club fees?

	397 Ways to Save Money Spend Smarter & Live Well on Less By Kerry K. Taylor