(ARA) - Trying to lose weight could cost you a lot of money - gym memberships, special diet foods, exercise equipment for your home or even hiring a personal trainer.
But there are ways you can lose weight without spending a lot of money. You will still need dedication, time and a willingness to make changes in your life to achieve your goal. Here are some inexpensive ways to lose weight and stay fit:
* Start a neighborhood walking club. Invite neighbors who have dogs to come along. Or join a local pick-up game of dodgeball, basketball or racquetball. At the most, you'll need the equipment for the game. Set a weekly time for games and a daily time for the walks. Having other people involved will help encourage you to continue moving and exercising.
* Add healthy ingredients that benefit your body to your daily menu. For example, relaxing with a cup of natural tea can help you reduce body fat and increase your metabolism rate. Oolong tea contains rich amino acids and cellulose, which can help lower your cholesterol levels. Green tea leaves contain vitamins C and E and a good amount of fiber. If you prefer black tea, its benefits include help with digestion.
Drinking a cup of tea (without the sugar or cream calories added) after each meal will help you slowly dissolve fat in your body. Premium tea leaves give you the best quality and best taste. Teawan (www.Teawan.com) has both quality tea and teaware products from Taiwan. You can choose tea bags or loose leaf options, depending on your preference.
* Do your own home workout. Grab a full jug of laundry detergent and use it for some lifting. If you're looking for something lighter, fill a plastic bottle with water to use as a weight. Start dancing around your house and in no time you'll break a sweat. This is great for cardiovascular exercise, and enjoyable if you can crank up your favorite tunes.
* Borrow a fitness video from the library and tone your body with the experts. Repeat the video several times and then switch it for a new one from the library. If you have cable or satellite television, tune into some of the fitness channels for different programs. You'll find styles ranging from yoga workouts to belly dancing to step aerobics. Set specific times each week to run through a 30-minute workout.
* Clean the house. Pushing a vacuum at a rapid pace is good exercise. So is scrubbing floors or bathtubs. These activities also are good for toning muscles.
Don't let money keep you from accomplishing your goal of losing weight and getting fit. If one exercise or activity gets boring, switch to another to keep your workout fresh and to target different muscles. And organize a plan with a friend or family member so you can help keep each other on task to accomplishing both of your goals.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
(ARA) - The travel bug is striking Americans across the country. Most of us feel a need to get away and recharge our batteries with a change of scene. If this urge to travel has struck your family, there are deals to be found, whether you're planning an in-state excursion, flying across the country or even boarding a boat for a cruise.
Imagine taking your family to a national park this spring break. Or celebrating the end of the school year on a family cruise. Or taking some time away from the kids with your spouse on a romantic weekend adventure.
Whether you're planning to fly, drive, sail or just spend some time in the hotel, you can find fantastic travel deals and discounts right now.
* Look for the specials. Cruise ships, airlines, hotels, restaurants and even activity centers are offering special vacation deals. Think about visiting different port cities in Alaska or seeing the New England coast from your cabin's balcony. Or rent a convertible and feel the wind whipping through your hair as you drive through the mountains.
* Use your favorite online vacation search site for great savings when you combine hotel, car rental and airfare purchases. To make the deal even better, purchase your trip on these sites through Ebates.com, which will give you cash back on a percentage of your total purchase for additional savings. The best part about using a site like Ebates.com is that there are no points to accumulate or miles to redeem, and the cash back you earn is yours to use any way you want to.
* Consider varying the timing of your travels, especially if you're booking flights. Leaving on a Wednesday and returning on a Tuesday, or traveling early or late in the day can lower the prices tremendously.
* If you have accumulated miles, make sure you redeem them while searching for airfare deals.
* Start gathering the materials you need for your trip. Purchase travel books or luggage through more than 1,100 online stores on Ebates.com, and not only save money using coupon codes and discounts, but also receive a check back in the mail for a percentage of your online purchase.
Get started now on planning that vacation getaway to rejuvenate your body and refresh your mind. And try several of these tips to help you save money on your trip.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
ARA) - A mom is always walking a fine line between trying to provide her family with everything they need, while at the same time balancing a budget and saving money for the unexpected surprises life can throw at her.
Yes, life can get busy with running errands, shuttling children and taking care of the household chores. Here are some tips that you can use as a smart mom to save time and money.
1. Go on a treasure hunt at garage sales and estate auctions with your children. This is a great opportunity if you are redecorating a room, or looking to replace household items. Create a "scavenger hunt" list of what you wish for, and scour the sales, looking for the best deals. If you save money on curtains, home accessories, furniture or toys, everyone wins.
2. As a busy mom with three girls, Anna Teoli found shopping online was the easiest way for her to save time.
"I always looked for the best deals, and for some reason, I always felt that if I searched more, I would find an even better deal," Teoli says. "One day it just hit me, why not gather all that information myself and let everyone know - all the best bargains and deals, online coupon codes, in-store coupons and all the ways to save more money."
Teoli started the MommySavesBig blog in 2007 and now MommySavesBig.com has all the coupon codes, deals and in-store coupons for popular stores a mom needs to keep her budget and family happy at the same time.
3. Before shopping at a favorite store online, join the company's newsletter. Not only will the company give you the latest product and services information, but within 48 hours they usually will e-mail you a coupon.
4. Compare prices with a little research. This is very important when you are shopping for more expensive items. Use the Internet to research the products available, compare prices for the product you want at different stores, and also search for available discounts or coupons. Don't be in a hurry to buy, because you will always save more money by doing your homework.
5. Ask for discounts. Some stores accept printable coupons. Other stores accept expired coupons or competitor coupons. It doesn't hurt to ask if you can get a discount, and there is nothing wrong with trying to save money, especially in these hard times.
Moms work long hours and are always trying to make ends meet, says Teoli.
"In today's world, having everything is not enough, we always want more," she says. "Therefore, shopping and spending my money wisely simply makes me feel better and MommySavesBig helps me achieve that goal."
Courtesy of ARAcontent
(ARA) - For many small businesses who weathered the economic storm in 2009, 2010 represents a new beginning to return to growth and jump-start projects put on hold during the recession. Goal setting will be critical to help small businesses get back on their feet, map out their business plans and prioritize what they wish to achieve in the upcoming year.
Accomplishing these goals once workers are back into the daily grind, with deadlines looming and clients calling, is easier said than done. They will be more likely to achieve success with some structure, support and accountability.
If you are a small-business owner or manager, there is a new Web site that can help get you on track for 2010. The Staples stickK to it! Business Challenge is a free, online tool that can assist in developing business goals for the year, and more importantly, gives professionals an easy formula to ensure success. Users can register at www.staples.com/goals and participate for free to receive encouragement from fellow colleagues to keep commitments on track. The platform even offers incentives toward reaching goals in the form of EasyPoints, redeemable for Staples products that can also help achieve success in the workplace.
Some goals on the Web site that you might consider to get your employees or career moving in the right direction include:
* Get organized - Eliminate paper clutter and reduce the amount of time it takes you to find important information. Having a good organizational program - whether it's a filing system or more efficient computer software - will help your office reduce wasted time and energy.
* Promote career development for yourself and your employees - Set a time line to update your resume, or start setting up informational interviews through networking. Make a commitment to talk to your boss about opportunities available within your company.
* Maximize your bottom line with smart tax preparation or better money management - There are many ways your company can keep more money in the business, so take a good look, line by line, to see what can be trimmed out of your budgets.
* Green your office - More and more companies are looking at easy ways to help the environment. Printing green, recycling or using environmentally-friendly cleaning products are three simple ways to start making your office more eco-friendly.
* Improve office communications with better technology - Look into whether wireless networking, better lighting or even better furniture can help increase productivity and improve communication among workers and clients.
"Setting goals is important for any business owner to do, and the New Year is a perfect time to sit down and create professional goals," says John Giusti, vice president of small business marketing at Staples. "Staples wants to improve the lives of small businesses by giving them this easy platform to ensure success."
Other tips for setting goals come from stickK.com co-founder Ian Ayres, author of "Super Crunchers: Why Thinking-by-Numbers is the New Way to be Smart," a New York Times best-seller:
* Be specific in setting your goal. Make sure it will be easy to tell whether you succeeded or not.
* Be reasonable. Choose a goal you can accomplish.
* Invest in tools. Ensure that you have the proper resources and tools to achieve your goals
* Choose a referee and get support. Let someone else verify that you keep up with your commitment and have friends on the sidelines cheering on your progress.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
(ARA) - The typical taxpayer is expected to spend more than three business days and more than $200 completing his or her tax return.
"That's too much time and too much money," says Gary Lundberg, product management director for CompleteTax (www.CompleteTax.com), an online income tax preparation program. "The good news is, there are a few easy things people can do that will help them save time and money doing their taxes, as well as make sure they get the biggest refund they're due."
As people get ready to file their 2009 tax returns, there are a few things they can do to save time and money.
1. Make sure you're prepared.
Having a few key items available when you start your taxes will save a lot of time. These include:
* Your tax return from 2008
* Social Security numbers for you, your spouse and children
* All W-2s (wage and tax withheld form for 2009 supplied by your employer), 1099s (statements on investment income provided by your financial services institutions), mortgage interest statements and other statements related to income
* All statements related to expenses that you will be claiming on your tax return
* The routing numbers and account numbers for the accounts in which you want to directly deposit your tax refund.
2. Use an online tax program.
One advantages of using an online tax program is that many of the items you need to start your taxes - like your prior year's return - can be stored by the program. So, you don't have to waste time hunting down information every year.
More than 32 million people filed their tax returns from their home computers during 2009, up nearly 20 percent from the prior year, according to Internal Revenue Service data. That number is likely to continue to increase as more people realize the benefits of online tax prep and electronic filing.
Using the right online tax program makes it a lot easier and faster for people to finish their tax return with no need to go to the store or download a program onto their computer.
Online tax programs also are a lot more accurate. In fact, the IRS reports that an electronically prepared and filed return has an error rate of less than 1 percent, compared to an error rate of about 20 percent for a paper prepared return.
3. Free file if you can.
Depending upon how complicated a person's taxes are, they may be able to prepare and e-file their tax return absolutely free. For example, if you don't need to itemize, and only have a few simple requirements - such as claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit - you may be able to use a free online tax program. For example, CompleteTax offers a free version of its program and the IRS lists other providers participating in the Free File Alliance.
If your tax situation is more complicated - for example, you have itemized deductions, investment income or you are a small business owner - you will want to make sure to purchase the online solution that is tailored to your needs. Good online tax programs for people with general tax needs are available for less than $20 and even investors or small business owners who have more complicated returns can find solutions for less than $75.
"Completing your tax returns does not need to be a drain on your wallet," says Lundberg. "The right tax program can save a taxpayer both time and money."
4. Maximize your credits and deductions.
The average tax refund for 2008 was nearly $2,800. However, many taxpayers have the sinking feeling that they are not getting the tax breaks they should. In fact, according to an independent survey conducted by CompleteTax, two-thirds of 1,000 randomly surveyed taxpayers fear they may overlook tax breaks or make mistakes that could cost them in fines or penalties.
"There are dozens of credits and deductions that people may have available to them. So it's important to make sure that the tax program they're using is geared to identify these and guide them to options that will maximize their refund," says Lundberg.
Some programs will also provide tools to help further ensure accuracy. For example, while millions of people donate clothing and household items to charities, few have any idea of the value. A tax program, such as CompleteTax, with a charitable donation calculator, provides an easy way for determining and documenting the fair market value of these items, helping you realize the greatest charitable contribution deductions you can.
5. E-file and use direct deposit.
Electronically filing and using direct deposit significantly increases how quickly taxpayers have access to their refund. Generally, e-filers can have their refund deposited directly into their accounts within a few days, compared to the weeks it takes to receive a mailed check. Certain tax programs also allow customers to split their refund and deposit it into three separate accounts. For example, you could deposit part in your checking account, part in your savings account and part directly into a tax-advantaged IRA account.
"E-filing and direct deposit don't cost you anything, but they can mean you have your refund faster so that it can start working for you - whether that's paying off debt, buying something you want or saving for the future," Lundberg says.
Taxpayers can find more money-saving tips through CompleteTax news and tax alerts at www.CompleteTax.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
(ARA) - In today's economic times, it's more important than ever to protect the investment in your vehicle - whether it's a vintage collector, luxury car or an everyday car. Yet, there are many misconceptions about car maintenance that make it difficult to know how to best keep your car in good running condition. Properly maintaining the engine and using high-quality fuel in the right grade will go a long way to help protect the life of your vehicle.
Here are a few useful tips from Shell Oil Products U.S. that separate fuel fact from fuel fiction:
* Regular maintenance will help keep your vehicle running longer and can help save money at the pump: Fact
Keeping up on regular car care services, such as changing the engine air filter, oil changes and transmission checkups, can help your vehicle run more efficiently and avoid major expenses in the future - no matter how old your car is. Following a vehicle manufacturer's motor oil recommendation can improve gasoline mileage by 1 to 2 percent. Be sure to look for motor oil that says "Energy Conserving" on the API performance symbol to ensure it contains friction-reducing additives. Keeping your engine properly tuned can improve gas mileage by an average of 4 percent. Also, finding and correcting smaller mechanical problems before they turn into bigger ones can help save you money in the long run.
* All gasolines are the same: Myth
In addition to basic vehicle maintenance, gasoline choice plays a vital role in the cleanliness and performance of an engine. So if you've been using lower-quality gasolines in your vehicle, it is important to clean up the gunk left behind in your engine. Gunk, also known as carbon deposits, can begin to build up in as little as 5,000 miles.
Audi, BMW, General Motors, Honda, Toyota and Volkswagen believe that TOP TIER detergent gasolines will help keep engines cleaner than gasolines containing only the Lowest Additive Concentration (LAC) set by government standards. Using high-quality, TOP TIER gasolines like Shell Nitrogen Enriched Gasolines can help protect your engine against gunk and keep it performing at its best. For more information, visit www.passionate-experts.shell.com.
* Octane levels in fuel don't really make a difference: Myth
You probably associate octane with the numbers you see at the pump, but the technical explanation for octane is a fuel's ability to resist engine knock. If you use a lower octane fuel in an engine designed to use higher octane, engine knocking may occur, causing the car to shudder and lose performance. Most modern engines can sense knocking and go into a "safe mode" in order to protect the engine from serious damage, yet can reduce its ability to perform at its best.
According to Kelly Blue Book, 62 percent of new car models recommend premium fuel, which includes higher levels of octane. So check your owner's manual to determine what your manufacturer recommends. And if you have a performance vehicle that requires premium fuel (octane level 91 to 93, depending on the region), using the specified rating will help you achieve optimal engine performance.
However, it's important to remember that "premium grade" only references octane level, and doesn't always equal premium quality. Using a high-quality premium gasoline, like Shell V-Power, can provide benefits that go beyond octane. Shell V-Power contains a Nitrogen Enriched cleaning system with five times the amount of cleaning agents required by federal government standards, helping your vehicle achieve optimum performance.
Properly maintaining your engine is an important component in helping protect the life of a vehicle. In addition to basic vehicle maintenance like regular oil and filter changes and checking spark plugs, gasoline choice plays a vital role in the cleanliness and performance of an engine. Making these smaller, daily choices can help you to drive your vehicle longer, keeping more money in your pocket down the road.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
(ARA) - A slow economy and dwindling resources for financial aid may have you worrying more than ever about funding your child's college education. But there are still scholarships available for those who pursue them and take the all-important step of applying long before the school year starts.
Applying for scholarships should be one of the first steps in your search. However, scholarship myths continue to flourish and need to be dispelled.
Myth 1: Billions of scholarship dollars go unclaimed.
In reality, the number of unused scholarships is minuscule. You'll need to do your research and apply early to have a chance at getting your share of available funding.
Myth 2: Scholarships go only to the best students.
Many scholarships are awarded based on elements other than academic achievement. Some scholarships are based on the student's major field of study, involvement in extracurricular and community activities, ethnicity and geographic origin, or other factors.
Myth 3: Scholarship searches are worth paying for.
This myth eventually will die as people discover the many free resources available on the Internet or in the print media.
So how do students and their parents sort through the myths and get to the facts? Start the process early - January is perfect for the next school year - and utilize the resources around you. To find scholarship opportunities, start with your high school guidance counselor and local library for a list of possible resources. Next, check with your college financial aid office. Most states and many colleges offer scholarships, so students should also inquire about them. Finally, the Internet and organizational Web sites are excellent places to search. Remember, this information should always be free.
Don't count yourself out just because you are not the valedictorian, class president or star athlete. There are scholarships available for many interests, backgrounds and abilities. The bottom line is apply now, and the more scholarships for which you apply, especially local and regional opportunities, the better your odds are to be selected.
Though the scholarship application process can be time consuming, most scholarships require similar information. Once you complete your first application, you can easily re-use the same information for additional scholarships.
Scholarships come from many sources, but the student may have to do some detective work to uncover them. For example, at www.usbank.com/studentloans, you can apply to be one of 40 high school seniors or college undergraduates to receive a $1,000 U.S. Bank Internet Scholarship. Over the past 13 years, U.S. Bank has awarded more than $350,000 in scholarship funding for this program. Scholarship award recipients are selected through a random drawing process. There are no essays to complete or minimum grade point average requirements. The U.S. Bank Web site also features a powerful scholarship search engine.
Scholarship search tips
* Start early - Experts recommend college-bound students and their parents start looking as early as their freshman year in high school. By identifying potential awards, students can choose classes and activities that will increase their chance at winning a specific award in the future.
* Use the Internet - But be wary of scams posing as scholarships. If a scholarship is reputable, you should be able to find information about it through multiple sources. Try to use two sources and make sure the profile submitted is accurate; paying fees does not increase your chances of winning.
* Think small - Competition can be tough for large awards. Smaller awards ($1,000 and less) typically have less competition and are easier to obtain.
Additional free scholarship Web sites you may want to visit include:
* www.collegeboard.com/scholarships
* www.collegeplan.org
* www.collegescholarships.com
* www.collegenet.com
* www.scholarships.com
Courtesy of ARAcontent
(ARA) - There are many new and exciting advances in the world of consumer electronics, and when it comes to purchasing your newest gadget, wading through endless options can be daunting. Ask anyone who has gone on vacation with a sub-par camera or sat through a grainy or fuzzy movie or sporting event on their TV - there is nothing more frustrating that dealing with outdated or confusing technology.
With so much confusion around electronics and what to look for when buying, it leaves many people wishing they had a personal shopper to help them determine what's best for them, with a minimum amount of hassle. The best idea is to turn to a trusted source that can help you make a well-informed decision.
The same attention that we pay to making sure our clothes have the right style for us should also be given to making sure electronics are the best fit for our lifestyles. While we don't all have personal shoppers, there are great online resources and tips from electronics experts that can make your search and shopping process easier and more fun.
Know the ABCs of cameras and TVs
The many acronyms that get tacked onto cameras and TVs to describe their characteristics and capabilities can make your head spin. However, it really is important that you understand what you are buying, so you can make sure to get exactly what you need. When it comes to TVs, simply finding out what kind of screen you need is confusing. Do you opt for an LCD (liquid crystal display), plasma or LED (light-emitting diode)? Is one better than the other for video games or watching Blu-ray discs?
Searching for a new camera can be just as confusing. There are so many camera terms to understand, megapixels, RAW, SD cards . . . you'd need to be a pro to explain the laundry list of functions and settings on some of the more advanced models. Before making a final purchase, you should definitely conduct some research and create a list of questions you need answered. Find a few models that are of interest to you and do some comparison shopping.
Harness the power of the Web
One of the best resources for consumer electronics information is the Internet. It's most people's go-to research tool these days, and there are some great sites devoted to specific brands and models of TVs and cameras, along with consumer reviews to give you more piece-of-mind.
However if you really don't have time to do research about every last detail, new tools like TVMatchMaker.com and CameraMatchmaker.com from Sears are ideal resources. You simply answer a few quick questions about where and how you'll use a new camera or TV and it does the matchmaking for you, providing the three top choices for your exact needs.
If you're looking for a new television, the TV MatchMaker suggests the best television options for you based on your criteria including:
* the brightness of the room
* where you'll put the TV and
* the other kinds of equipment you'll be connecting to the TV
The Camera MatchMaker takes into account information like:
* the kind of pictures you most often take
* how much control you want to have over the settings
* what type of camera design you prefer
* your brand preference
The only thing better than getting the right product for your needs is getting it for a great price. If you go to the TV and Camera MatchMaker sites and answer the questions to find your best match, you can also enter the MatchMaker Sweepstakes for a chance to win a gift card that may be used toward your home electronics purchase with one quick click. For complete official rules, go to: www.sears.com/tvmatchmakersweeps.
Just as you wouldn't wear a sweater or shoes that don't fit, you shouldn't have electronics that don't meet your needs. For more information about finding the right TV and camera for you, visit TVMatchMaker.com and CameraMatchmaker.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Few of us have funds set aside for this endeavor. In addition, the College Board's annual "Trends in College Pricing" reports a rise in tuition costs at public and private institutions for the 2009-2010 school year. According to the report, annual tuition and fees at private four-year colleges rose 4.4 percent to $26,273, and public university costs rose 6.5 percent to $7,020.
Prospective students often don't know where to start. But take heart; Darlene Violet, director of Financial Aid at Brown Mackie College - Akron, Ohio, offers advice on funding your education. "The U.S. Department of Education distributes $96 billion a year in grants, work-study assistance, and low-interest loans," Violet says. "Every student begins the process of seeking financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form, known as the 'FAFSA.'" Information submitted on the FAFSA form determines the amount a student may receive through a federal Pell Grant, which is based on financial need. The recent economic stimulus program increased Pell Grant funds by $500 per student. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.
Beyond completing the FAFSA, many turn next to student loans. "An education is always a good investment," says Violet, "but many people don't realize the loans must be paid back starting six months after leaving school. I advise students to seek out and apply for scholarships." Wide varieties of organizations offer scholarships, from fraternities and sororities to community groups, foundations, and corporations. Winning candidates receive funds based on a vast spectrum of criteria, including ethnicity and cultural heritage. "Students just don't take the time to find them," Violet continued. "It can be a lot of work."
The Scholarship Committee at Brown Mackie College - Akron hired a group of honor students to help others navigate through the many scholarships available, complete the application forms, and provide feedback on essays written for submission. "This allows students the security to delve deeper into the scholarship world. It's well worth it," Violet says.
Scholarship awards can be as important to the educational institution as they are to the student. Federal guidelines, known as the 90-10 rule, mandate that no more than 90 percent of the funds received by a college can come from Federal loans and grants. A minimum of 10 percent must come from outside sources, including scholarships, private loans, and the students' own financial contributions.
Violet recommends checking additional resources as well. "Many employers will pay or reimburse tuition expenses, sometimes even for immediate family members. And the Veteran's Administration offers benefits to those who have served our country," she says. The Workforce Investment Act offers grants to those who qualify, and many churches offer scholarship opportunities. In addition, the Orphan Foundation of America offers scholarships to students who are wards of the state.
Further savings can come in the form of a temporary tax credit. The American Opportunity Tax Credit, included in the economic stimulus bill signed by President Barack Obama, can be worth as much as $2,500. People who earn $80,000 or less a year (or $160,000 or less for joint filers) can claim this credit on money paid for tuition, certain fees and course materials for higher education in 2009 and 2010. For complete details, visit www.irs.gov.
Once a student enters college, Violet advises making other financial considerations:
Ride public transportation. In addition to saving on fuel and parking fees, public transportation provides time for students to get a head start on assigned reading and homework.
Avoid credit card offers. However tempting the offer seems, credit cards charge interest on purchases and impose fees for late payments.
Work while attending classes. Many students work full- or part-time while earning their degrees. The federal work-study program helps eligible students find employment on campus.
"Taking the time to apply for scholarship funds is a step that can help now while they're in school, and in the future when no bill comes due," Violet says.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
(ARA) - As we head into this holiday season, shoppers will start to plan their holiday gift lists, hit the stores and start shopping. Getting the most for your holiday shopping dollars this year will not only be about sticking to a budget, but managing valuable time to spend on shopping for the holidays.
Bing.com commissioned University of Washington Economist Ali Tarhouni to analyze data on consumer shopping behavior and found the time spent holiday shopping could be more valuable than you might think.
* Research reveals that an average American can expect a $114 savings, or roughly 10 percent savings per transaction in time and material cost this holiday season by reducing the running around typically associated with holiday shopping.
* Shoppers could make an average of 5.4 trips to the mall for holiday shopping this coming season, which is equivalent to an average of $98 for lost working productivity and approximately $16 for gas, according to Tarhouni's research.
* A typical consumer visits an average of five stores, shops for an average of two hours and spends an average of $150 per mall trip during the holiday season, according to a survey by Baker Retail Initiative and Verde Group Research. Conducting research by comparison shopping online before heading into stores or making purchases online can help reduce the amount of time and money spent.
Mary Hunt, personal finance expert and author of "Debt Proof Living," believes it's important to be smart in the way you approach your holiday shopping so you can avoid these hidden costs and be more productive this holiday season.
"This season it is all about value, and time is often a more precious resource than money," says Hunt. "If we consider how valuable each hour of our holiday shopping experience is, consider how much more valuable spending time with loved ones is, or volunteering at a local food bank. Shopping is about efficiency this time of year, and it's about using the tools available to make better purchasing decisions faster."
Hunt offers a few tips to help you make faster and more informed shopping decisions this holiday season:
* Use tools available online: when creating your holiday shopping plan, start online. You can organize your list, set your budget and comparison shop fast and efficiently. Sites like Bing.com offer comprehensive user and expert reviews, and you can choose to shop entirely online, or hit the mall more empowered to find what you want in less time.
* Shop alone. Take the kids to the mall to see the Holiday sights and sounds and enjoy hot chocolate and cinnamon rolls, but shop alone when you are not distracted or pressured. Shopping solo gives you the luxury to compare, contemplate and change your mind.
* Keep organized with an exclusive online shopping e-mail account and keep all receipts. Create an e-mail address that you use exclusively for online shopping. Now it will be a snap to keep all your invoices and receipts together in one place where they can be easily retrieved. Returns are always easiest when you have the receipt. Ask for "gift receipts" that do not show the dollar amounts to give to your recipient just in case the sweater doesn't fit or the color is all wrong. A stack of envelopes, each with the name of a person on your list, is the best way to stay organized.
* Shop early to take advantage of deals and free shipping. If you wait until the last moment you may spend all your savings on overnight shipping. Shop early when you have the luxury of the cheaper and slower - delivery options.
* Get cash back. More online retailers than ever are offering cash back this holiday season. Try Bing cashback for cash rewards on purchases from more than a thousand of your favorite retailers including Walmart, Target, HP, Nordstrom, and eBay.
Bing shopping offers you a single destination to shop and get cashback from more than 1,000 retailers nationwide. You'll reduce your online shopping time with features including search result filters, comprehensive shopping results and opinion ranking.
Bing cashback allows you to set up an account and receive actual cash back on qualifying purchases. The site tells you up front what items will qualify and how much you'll save. Money is deposited into your account and you can ask for a payout 60 days (varies by merchants) after purchases as long as your account total tops $5.
Log on to www.Bing.com/shopping to save time and money this holiday shopping season and earn cash back on your purchases.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
