DailyFinance.comhttp://www.dailyfinance.comDailyFinance.com%http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/BlogURL%/media/feedlogo.gifDailyFinance.comhttp://www.dailyfinance.comen-usCopyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Readers' Tips for Financial Renewal, Part 4: Get the Right Jobhttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/02/09/readers-tips-for-financial-renewal-part-4-get-the-right-job/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/02/09/readers-tips-for-financial-renewal-part-4-get-the-right-job/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/02/09/readers-tips-for-financial-renewal-part-4-get-the-right-job/#commentsFiled under: ,

Job searchWhen we asked DailyFinance readers for their best tips for putting your financial house in order, we weren't prepared for the deluge. From saving to spending to investing, they suggested dozens of great ways to lay the groundwork for a long, happy financial life. But to grow your money, you first need to make some money ... which means, of course, that you'll need a job.

Seems like a no-brainer of course ... but in this economy, there's nothing simple about finding employment. So even if it doesn't quite fit the traditional "boost your finances" motif, we're going to pass on some of those reader suggestions, too.

To begin with, many advised that the first step toward financial stability lies in giving up the dream of finding a job that you love in favor of finding a job you can depend on. "Meek6" suggested that real money -- and security -- lies in finding a job that may not be a lot of fun, but is a necessity: "Pick something that needs to be done, but that most people do not want do." After all, he notes, people "will pay to have someone else do" jobs that are less enjoyable, or less attractive.

He also notes that there's a lot more security in jobs that require some education. This isn't a fresh idea, but Meek6 puts a somewhat new spin on it: Rather than using higher education as the measure of a good job, he suggests considering licensure: "If [a job] requires a license, so much the better, it requires an entry hurdle that takes effort, time and some money to achieve." Since many people won't go through the trouble of studying, applying, and qualifying for a license, Meek suggests, people who do so will be competing against a much smaller pool of applicants.

Meek6's theories have been borne out by the job market: Careers in home health support, nursing, medical assistance, funeral planning, and security installation -- for example -- may not sound like a lot of fun, but they are predicted to be among the top growth sectors in the next 10 years. Not surprisingly, most of these jobs require some measure of education and licensing. His idea -- looking for a relatively unpleasant hole in the job market and seeking to fill it -- may be a solid strategy for long-term career stability.

Working for Yourself

The idea that the true path to wealth lies in owning your own business is nothing new, and several of DailyFinance's readers suggested that hanging out your own shingle is the best way to get full value for your work. However, the success rate for new businesses is extremely low: More than half shut their doors within five years and more than two-thirds do so within a decade.

So how does someone find a business that will survive? Part of the secret to success lies in going with what you know, rather than what you want. As many experts note, entrepreneurs often start businesses -- like restaurants -- in highly-competitive industries, and they often pick fields in which they have minimal or no experience. Doing that is, of course, a recipe for failure.

Another suggestion of DailyFinance readers involves changing your standards of workplace satisfaction. Rather than looking for happiness based on impressing friends or owning the business of your dreams, search for satisfaction in the work itself. "JetDevil 68" puts it this way: "My reward is answering only to my customers and myself."

And that reward needs to be sufficient, as there is a tremendous amount of work involved in owning a small business. As JetDevil 68 goes on to note, "I started my business sixteen years ago, and I've taken two weeks of vacation in those sixteen years. I'm on the road or in the shop for 10-12 hours a day, Saturdays included, and I spend most nights catching up on paperwork."

While these reader suggestions aren't especially groundbreaking, they do plot a course toward financial security. What's more, as "lkec9444" reminds us, the benefits of hard work are not entirely financial: "My job has given me rewards beyond belief."

Bruce Watson is a senior features writer for DailyFinance. You can reach him by e-mail at bruce.watson@teamaol.com, or follow him on Twitter at @bruce1971.

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]]>Bruce Watsonjob openingsjob search adviceJobOpeningsjobsJobSearchAdvicelicensingself employmentSelfEmploymentstart your own businessStartYourOwnBusinessTwitterwork for yourselfWorkForYourselfBruce WatsonThu, 09 Feb 2012 12:20:00 ESTTwice the Heart, Half the Cost: Our Readers' Budget Valentine's Day Suggestionshttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/02/08/budget-valentines-day-gift-ideas-suggestions/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/02/08/budget-valentines-day-gift-ideas-suggestions/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/02/08/budget-valentines-day-gift-ideas-suggestions/#commentsFiled under: ,

FireplaceValentine's Day is looming, bringing a tidal wave of chocolate, roses, lingerie ... and rich revenues for the retail industry. In search of gifts that say more about the heart than the wallet, I asked DailyFinance's readers for their best tips for inexpensive but meaningful ways to express your love on Valentine's Day. Starting with their suggestions, I've compiled a list of ideas that can -- hopefully -- let you demonstrate your love without bruising your bank account.

In the interests of full disclosure, I should admit that, like many men, I can't stand Valentine's Day. I love Thanksgiving, get giddy around Christmas, eagerly anticipate Easter, and spend weeks preparing for Halloween. But when candy hearts go up in stores and flower prices go through the roof, my mood heads south.

Part of this has to do with the pressure of the day. For young men in freshly-minted relationships, Valentine's Day is a high-pressure exercise in blindly gauging their own feelings, as well as those of a potential significant other. And, not unlike the Grail scene in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, the wrong choice can be deadly: A poorly thought out gift can kill a promising romance or -- possibly worse -- keep an ailing, better-off-dead relationship on life support far past its expiration date.




Either way, perils abound.

Jewelry, Chocolate and ... Sheepskin?

Valentine's Day -- or at least the version that shows up in the local mall -- often seems to have more to do with commerce than with romance. This is hardly accidental -- the Valentine's industry, with its emphasis on showing your love through consumption, is designed to help fill the post-New-Year's slow spot in the retail calendar. And this strategy works: According to the National Retail Federation, this year's average Valentine's celebrant will shell out $126.03 to buy chocolates, champagne, jewelry and other gifts for families, friends, significant others and pets (yes, pets). And, as one might expect, these expenditures will break along a fairly strict gender line: the average man will spend $168.74, while the average woman will spend just over half as much: $85.76.

Of course, Valentine's Day isn't just about love and money: it also has a quasi-religious veneer. Officially called St. Valentine's Day, it was originally designed to honor one of the 14 saints who has that name. However, it has been off the Catholic liturgical calendar for over 40 years, due in no small part to the fact that nobody really knows anything about the St. Valentine who was martyred on Feb. 14. In fact, today's celebration of love actually has a lot more to do with Lupercalia, a Roman holiday honoring the wolf that suckled the founders of Rome. In the middle of February, half-naked men would drunkenly reel through the streets of the city, whacking women who wanted to be fertile with furry strips of sheepskin.

(Lest you're considering reviving old customs, be warned: Your significant other will probably not respond well if she opens a heart-shaped box to find a sheepskin whip.)

Showing How You Really Feel

So how can you transform a high-pressure, high-consumption cash grab by America's retailers into a meaningful, heartfelt expression of your love? One reader, "Leah," suggests that real romance is about the little things:
If I come home and (after a long day of his own) my hubby has a fire started, a bottle of Cabernet breathing, and something (anything) simmering on the stove, I am irrevocably lost. Don't buy me flowers, chocolates, or jewelry ... just let me know you see ME.
Another reader, "Stan H," offers a similar perspective, noting that some of his gifts to his wife are the simple things he does every day, including "the household chores like the dishes and laundry." To make the day special, "I also take her out to dinner. She's disabled, so I try to do quite a bit of cooking for her."

For "E.R.W.," Valentine's is a time for remembering how love began -- and how it continues to grow. He advises readers to channel young love by "recreating your first date or first meeting together." Given that many of us met our loved ones when we were a bit poorer, he notes that "More than likely, your first date didn't cost a lot of money. In my case, it was pizza and a movie -- inexpensive, but the conversation was priceless and led to our marriage, now forty-three years strong."

Valentine's Suggestions for Younger Couples

Recapturing old memories is great, but what if your romance is still in its infancy? "Williamsburg 2001" offers a suggestion for a Valentine's gift that will keep growing with your relationship:
On our first Valentine's day after we were married, my husband gave a beautifully wrapped notebook. Just a plain old black and white spotted binded notebook, like you kept in school for your journal or poetry writings. He told me to look at the first page and there was a quick note telling me the date and how much he loved me. He then informed me that he would write something about me, our love, and our lives together each and every day. And believe it or not he did!
Over the years, her husband filled the book with memories of his wife. On their tenth anniversary, "he had it printed and bound in our own book." The tradition didn't end there, though: "He bought me another black and white notebook for the following Valentine's day, and still continues to write little tidbits for me. I look forward to getting up every morning, just to read what he has written."

If you're not sure where your relationship is going to go, there are still several playful, reasonably-priced options. As "Leah" and "Stan H." suggest, a home-cooked meal can be a nice, intimate way to celebrate the holiday. Ziplist has a handy checklist to help plan the evening, while Allrecipes.com offers a selection of aphrodisiac dishes that range from the subtle (strawberry and feta salad) to the incredibly obvious (oysters Rockefeller). And if you're looking for something to do after dinner, Coupon Cabin has several reasonably-priced romantic movie suggestions.

And Something for the Guys

While Valentine's Day shopping can be difficult for men, it's no picnic for women either. Most online gift suggestions for boyfriends and husbands focus on things like memberships to the microbrew of the month club or baskets full of preserved meat. Not to question the value of beer or bologna, but some may argue that suds and processed meats aren't particularly romantic.

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Finance correspondent Nicole Lapin offers a few low-priced ideas that may help bridge the gender gap on Valentine's Day. She notes that downloading the free Kama Sutra app on a boyfriend's iPhone sends a definite message, as does a suggestive bag of candy. She proposes Hershey's kisses ("the little black dress of Valentine's gifts"), and advises gift-givers to "spice it up with Red Hots and say 'you make me red hot.'"

Personally, I'd argue that some gifts know no gender, and that the perfect present is one that can be shared. With that in mind, it's hard to do better than a half pound of "Pig Candy" -- chocolate-covered bacon -- from Roni-Sue chocolates. Alternately, if you decide to go the alcohol route, think about something unique that you can enjoy together. For example, Santa Theresa 1796, a Venezuelan rum, is aged in bourbon and cognac barrels and splits the difference between rum and whiskey. At $35, it's a little expensive, but still comes in far below the average price for a man's Valentine's Day gift. And with a few more weeks of winter to go, there's plenty of time left to curl up with your beloved and a couple of mugs of hot buttered rum.


Bruce Watson is a senior features writer for DailyFinance. You can reach him by e-mail at bruce.watson@teamaol.com, or follow him on Twitter at @bruce1971.

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]]>adviceBruce WatsonbudgetchocolateEntertainmentFerrara Pan Candy Companyflowersgifts on a budgetGiftsOnABudgetKama SutraNicole LapinRoman HolidayromanceSaint ValentinetipsValentine's DayBruce WatsonWed, 08 Feb 2012 15:40:00 EST6 Strategies for Young Adults to Save More in 2012http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/02/07/6-strategies-for-young-adults-to-save-more-in-2012/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/02/07/6-strategies-for-young-adults-to-save-more-in-2012/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/02/07/6-strategies-for-young-adults-to-save-more-in-2012/#commentsFiled under: ,

Saving MoneyBy John Miley, Kiplinger's Personal Finance

Saving doesn't come easily for us young adults. Entry-level salaries don't give you a lot to work with. And, well, we also tend to spend what we make -- and then some -- on the latest gadgets and flashiest fashions.

But don't worry. We're not doomed to frivolity and the wreckage it can make of our finances. Here's how you can start saving smart throughout 2012:


Gallery: 6 Strategies to Save More This Year

ReviewPlay Keep AwayStart Off SmallHow Many Hours Does That Shirt Cost?Resist The Temptation To Splurge


More Galleries on Kiplinger:

o. Quiz: Are You Saving Enough for Retirement?

o. Tax-Unfriendly States for Retires

o. On the Home Stretch to Your Retirement


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]]>adviceBankrateemergency fundEmergencyFundFederal Deposit Insurance CorporationFinancehousehold budgetHouseholdBudgetMint.comonline budgetingOnlineBudgetingpersonal financePersonalFinancesaving guidelinesSavingGuidelinessavingsStarbucks Corptipstricks to saveTricksToSaveKiplingerTue, 07 Feb 2012 11:30:00 ESTWant a Better Used Car? Shop like a Womanhttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/01/25/want-a-better-used-car-shop-like-a-woman/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/01/25/want-a-better-used-car-shop-like-a-woman/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/01/25/want-a-better-used-car-shop-like-a-woman/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Used car shoppingAre women actually better at buying used cars than men? A company called LeaseTrader, which runs a used-car marketplace for people who want to get in or out of a lease rather than buy, crunched some data and came to just that conclusion.

LeaseTrader found that women who use their service are significantly more likely than men to ask sellers tough questions, evaluate a car's safety features, and have vehicles inspected by mechanics before making a deal.

Men, on the other hand, tended to limit their questions to subjects like engine performance and technology -- and nearly half declined to arrange a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic, even when buying long-distance.

'Fess up, folks: Are we really surprised?

The Right Way to Buy a Used Car

What women and men both have right is that buying a used car isn't a casual purchase -- it's a big deal, and you need lots of information in order to make the right choice.

It's no surprise that men and women would prioritize the information they need differently. It makes sense that moms who expect to spend a lot of time with kids in the car will ask hard questions about a car's safety. And guys... well, we guys tend to romanticize our cars a bit. We like horsepower and great stereos, so it's a no-brainer that many of us will pay close attention to those aspects of a car's feature list.

Of course, those are stereotypes, and plenty of purchasers on both sides of the gender gap fall outside of those descriptions. But no matter your gender, you'll do a lot better in your used-car hunt if you do your research the right way.

The Two Questions You Must Ask Before Buying

Impulse buys are fine at the mall, but not a good plan when you're spending thousands of dollars on a vehicle that will carry you and your family for several years. Before handing over that check, there are two big, critical questions that need to be answered about any new-to-you car:

1. Is this the right model for me? Do you fit comfortably in the driver's seat? Do your kids fit in back? Does the model have good reliability ratings from Consumer Reports? Are the controls laid out in a way that works for you? Does it have the features and specs -- safety, performance, fuel economy -- that you want and need? Does it feel good to you on the road? Do you like it? (Don't underestimate the importance of that last one. You're planning to live with this thing for several years.)

2. Is this particular car a good one? Does it look like the previous owner took good care of it? Are the door panels, the interior surfaces, the tires in good shape? Are there signs of accident damage? Test drive it: Does it drive well, with no vibrations, rattles or squeaks? Does it accelerate smoothly and stop briskly? Can you live with the color? What does your mechanic think of it?

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Answering the first question -- deciding on the kind of car you want to buy -- will require some research to narrow down the possibilities, and probably a few test drives. Don't be afraid to cast your net widely -- while the mainstays from Toyota (TM) and Honda (HMC) mostly deserve their top-drawer reputation for reliability, the best offerings from Ford (F) and General Motors (GM) have been just as good lately -- and can often be had at a better price used.

And the second question? It's always best to check out each car in person -- but nowadays, when so many folks buy cars over the Internet, that's not always possible. But what is possible is to arrange for a pre-purchase inspection by a competent mechanic, something that should always be done whether the car is local to you or far away.

Don't Skimp on This Last Step

Most good mechanics will be happy to do a pre-purchase inspection. If you're buying long-distance and you're an AAA member, the club can help you find a reputable shop that's local to the seller.

Typically, pre-purchase inspections will include basic engine diagnostics, a survey of wear and tear on things like suspension parts, and a check for rust or accident damage; in short, the things you want to know about a used car, but often cannot easily determine yourself.

Expect to spend about $120 or so for an inspection like this. That's not cheap, but it's money well-spent if you're ready to buy, and it's money that both men and women should be ready to lay out to make sure that your new-to-you ride is as good a deal as you hope.

At the time of publication, Motley Fool contributor John Rosevear owned shares of Ford and General Motors. The Motley Fool owns shares of Ford, and Motley Fool newsletter services have recommended buying shares of General Motors and Ford. Motley Fool newsletter services have also recommended creating a synthetic long position in Ford.





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]]>buying a carBuyingACarconsumer reportsConsumerReportsinspectionleasetrader.commechanicspersonal financePersonalFinanceshop like a womanShopLikeAWomanshoppingTest Driveused carsUsedCarsJohn Rosevear, The Motley FoolWed, 25 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST5 Unconventional Ways to Squeeze Extra Cash Out of Your Budgethttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/01/24/5-unconventional-ways-to-squeeze-extra-cash-out-of-your-budget/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/01/24/5-unconventional-ways-to-squeeze-extra-cash-out-of-your-budget/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/01/24/5-unconventional-ways-to-squeeze-extra-cash-out-of-your-budget/#commentsFiled under:

Looking for moneyWhen traditional financial advice doesn't fit your situation, it's time to get creative. In the case of finding ways to save money, ignoring the conventional wisdom and writing your own rules can lead to dramatic results.

Here are five savings strategies that may at first seem counterintuitive, until you start adding up all the dollars you're no longer spending.

1. Rent, don't buy

AOL co-founder Steve Case recently spoke on The Colbert Report about the shift from owning to sharing. It's a shift I've seen firsthand, living near popular Zipcar (ZIP) locations and bicycle-sharing stations. In this economy, it just makes sense to switch to a pay-per-use model on items you don't use frequently.

For 2011 (the latest figures available), AAA estimated that the average cost of car ownership is $9,000 a year, assuming you drive 15,000 miles each year. Since my weekly trips to the market don't even come close to that, the $7.75 an hour car rental from Zipcar -- which includes the car, gas, insurance, and 180 free miles -- is a much better deal. (Note: Rates vary by location. Zipcar requires a nominal application fee.)

The renting math doesn't just apply to automobiles, either. During the past few years, a new term has made its way into our collective vocabulary: mortgage prisoner. Studies have shown that, all things considered, you'll save approximately $1,700 per year if you buy rather than rent, provided you stay in your home for six years or more.

But if you're someone who's ever been trapped in a mortgage or a long commute, or couldn't take a job in another state because you couldn't sell your house, you know that $1,700 in per-year savings doesn't always materialize. Sure, it's a little harder to make a place feel like a home when you don't own it, but renting also makes it easier to pack up and leave should a better opportunity come along.

2. Turn off automatic bill pay

Sound counterintuitive? Automatic banking is great for paying regular, necessary expenses like a mortgage or rent, and is unbeatable for socking away savings. But the process of automation makes it too easy to forget about what you're buying.

Some bills you need to see to feel. It's that tangible act of getting a bill and taking the time to pay it that makes the spending register as "real." Also, automatic renewals can hurt you when it comes to professional memberships you're not using, overages on your cell phone, or an automatic top-off on your Starbucks card.

3. Unsubscribe, unlike, un-friend and un-follow

Customers spent nearly $25 billion shopping online this past holiday season. If you were one of clicking masses, you're probably getting frequent emails with unbeatable deals delivered weekly, if not daily, to your inbox, Facebook wall, or Twitter feed. If you're a member of a daily discount coupon delivery service, the temptation can be overwhelming. Who doesn't want a discount wine tasting or a balloon ride?

While those services can be great for saving on things you use (like a haircut or groceries), they can also be a gateway to spending too much money on unnecessary items. In fact, 58% of Internet users surveyed said they have made a purchase as a direct result of a marketing email, and 8% as a result of social media.

Curb the urge to cave in to shopping temptation. Turn off notifications from these and all emails that tempt you to spend money. Stop following retailers on your social networks. Opt out of anything that is selling you something. Not only will it help clean out your inbox, it will help keep you from cleaning out your wallet.

4. Declare a weekly "Shopping Day"

If you're prone to spend money in fits and spurts throughout the week, are an impulsive shopper or tend to be disorganized about your spending, pick a single day during the week to do your shopping.

Your shopping day can be devoted to gifts, household items, or whatever might be on your must-purchase list. Create a running list, or, if online shopping is your preferred mode of purchase, bookmark things you want to buy. Then, once a week, check back in and buy everything that you still need/want at once. (Although you'll probably find that after retracing your shopping footprints, you no longer need or want many of those "must have" items on your original list.) It's easy to spend a few dollars here and there, but seeing it all at one time will put things in perspective and help curb the impulsive shopping habit.

5. Lastly, put down your smartphone

Studies have shown that people spend 30% more when shopping on a mobile device than when shopping on a regular computer. Delete any store or shopping apps on your phone.

Motley Fool contributor Molly McCluskey does not own shares of the companies mentioned. Follow her on Twitter @mollyemccluskey. The Motley Fool owns shares of Zipcar. Motley Fool newsletter services have recommended buying shares of Zipcar.



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]]>automatic bill payAutomaticBillPaydeal of the dayDealOfTheDayFinancepersonal financePersonalFinancerenting vs. owningRentingVs.Owningsaving moneySavingMoneyshoppingShopping AppShoppingAppTwitterZipcarMolly McCluskey, The Motley FoolTue, 24 Jan 2012 07:00:00 ESTHow to Fire Your Boss Within 10 Yearshttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/01/23/how-to-fire-your-boss-within-10-years/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/01/23/how-to-fire-your-boss-within-10-years/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/01/23/how-to-fire-your-boss-within-10-years/#commentsFiled under: ,

Fire bossDo you love your job? I mean really love your job -- so much so that if money weren't an object, you would be doing exactly what you're doing for a living right now at exactly the same place?

Not many people can answer "yes" to that question. In fact, less than a third of Americans admit to being very satisfied with working for their employer.

But imagine what an empowering feeling it would be to wake up in the morning, head to the office, and spend a large chunk of your waking hours doing work that truly invigorates your mind, body and soul. After all, the more you enjoy what you do during the huge chunk of your life (40-plus years) you have to earn a living, the easier it is to enjoy your life in general.

But to get there, you may very well need to be willing to fire your boss.

Prepare to Make the Leap

When you need the money, it's very tempting to hold on to a lousy job, in spite of a bad boss, incredibly long hours, and work that simply doesn't motivate you. That paycheck is important, especially in a job market like the one we're in now, which hasn't exactly completely thawed.

So unless you're already prepared and have the perfect role to go to, don't quit your job -- yet.

Instead, start working toward that ideal situation where you love what you do and are able to earn a living doing it. If you put your mind to it, you can probably get there within 10 years. Yeah, that's a decade away, but if you don't actively move in that direction, how much longer were you willing to sacrifice your happiness for a job that pays your bills but sucks away your life?

What Exactly Are You Working For?

Your first step toward work-life harmony is to figure out where your money is going today. Debt service? Convenience items? Taxes? Housing? Gas? Food? Clothing? Medicine?

Ultimately, that's what it comes down to, after all. If you're in a job you don't love, and you're just working it because you need the money, figuring out what you really need and what you could live without will go a long way toward helping you turn down your current paycheck for your dream job.

You need to track it all -- every penny. Personal finance software like Quicken or sites like Quicken's Mint.com can help. But even a simple spreadsheet or good old fashioned pen and paper can do the trick.

What Are You Willing and Able to Give Up?

Once you've figured out where your money is going, your next step is to ask yourself what's holding you back. Which of your expenses are so worth sacrificing for that you're willing to stay in a bad job? Are you spending money on things out of necessity or habit? Is that spending filling a void with material things that could instead be satisfied through more enriching work?

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The next step, of course, is to get rid of those expenses that are anchoring you. This is no easy endeavor. It can take a while -- perhaps even years -- especially if a big chunk of your costs are related to debt service.

But cut back everything you don't absolutely need, aggressively snowball down your debts, and even consider moving if you have to, in order to drop your living expenses enough to take that leap to your ideal job.

When your debts are gone and your other costs of living are down to the bare minimums you're willing to accept, you'll find that you'll have cash available to save and invest. Here's where the dream of firing your boss and the reality of earning a satisfying living meet.

Quittin' Time

When you've freed up cash and whittled your expenses down to the essentials, it's time to get to work. With the money you're saving it's time to build up a "freedom fund" -- a pre-retirement nest egg that enables you to pursue your dreams.

In that freedom fund, save up enough cash to have a decent three-to-six-month emergency fund and enough seed capital to cover the cost of switching jobs. Also in that freedom fund, build an investment nest egg that may not cover your total costs of living but will cover the costs that your dream job won't.

When you reach that point, you won't be totally ready for retirement, but that's not the point. What you will be is financially prepared to work only at a job you love. That can be just as good, if not better, than retiring.

Again, getting to this point may take time. But while 10 years may not be enough time to go from zero to fully retired, it can be enough time to go from a job you have to work at to one you want to work at. When it comes to your quality of life, that can make all the difference in the world.


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]]>budgetdo what you loveDoWhatYouLovehousehold expensesHouseholdExpenseslife goalsLifeGoalsnew careerNewCareerpay down debtPayDownDebtQuickenquit your jobQuitYourJobChuck Saletta, The Motley FoolMon, 23 Jan 2012 16:00:00 ESTFast-Food Joints Stepping Up Menu Bargains in Januaryhttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/01/11/fast-food-joints-stepping-up-menu-bargains-in-january/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/01/11/fast-food-joints-stepping-up-menu-bargains-in-january/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/01/11/fast-food-joints-stepping-up-menu-bargains-in-january/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Fast-Food Joints Stepping Up Menu Bargains in JanuaryBy Kyle Woodley, InvestorPlace Assistant Editor


Fast-food companies face a two-headed monster after every New Year's Day: empty resolutions and even emptier wallets. While most people who swear off greasy-bag lunches will fall back off the wagon at some point, they'll spend January testing their self-control - and usually, their holiday overspending will help keep the debit cards sheathed, at least for a month.

So, as USA TODAY recently reported, fast-food companies have to get aggressive. In addition to warding off the January lull, the industry is coming off a 0.6% drop in third-quarter foot traffic, and NPD Group research expects visits to be flat - in the whole first half of 2012! To you and I, that means a solid month of gooey, cheesy, melty, lettuce-y deals.

Here's a look at the best bargains at a drive-thru near you.

Taco Bell: At the behest of this Yum! Brands (NYSE:YUM) chain's clamoring fans across social media, the 99-cent Beefy Crunch Burrito is back. It was a hit upon its 2010 debut, and while it has come and gone at varying prices, the Beefy Crunch Burrito's originally perfect mix of "cheap," "filling" and "marginally tasty" picked up a zealous following. So much so that a man was charged with aggravated assault against a public officer in 2011 after firing an air gun at officers - all in response to discovering the burrito's price was jacked up to $1.49. In the spirit of life, Taco Bell spared us the extra 50 cents this time around.

Papa John's: The Papa's making it happen for a little less coin. Large pizzas at Papa John's (NASDAQ:PZZA) are going for $11 - even specialties! Of course, it's trumped by ...

Pizza Hut: Which is doing the exact same thing for a buck less. And that's not even Pizza Hut's best deal by a longshot! For just $9.99 more, Pizza Hut offers the Big Dinner Box - two medium one-topping pizzas, eight wings and five breadsticks. Anyone ordering "just a pizza" is being taken for a sucker.

Wendy's: The House that Dave Built marches on with its 99-cent value menu, but Wendy's (NASDAQ:WEN) most recent commercials are pushing a pair of dollar burgers that blur the line of responsibility. The Jr. Cheeseburger Deluxe shows a beef patty, a slice of cheese, tomato, onion, lettuce and pickles. The Cheesy Cheddaburger eschews the ground-grown components of Junior for a "layer" of cheddar. Your reward for going veggies? More calories, more carbs, more fat. Go figure.

KFC: Speaking of healthy choices, the Colonel is hacking off $4 from the price of its 10-piece chicken buckets with "$11 Weekend Buckets." But everyone knows they get you on the sides - no one just sits down to a bucket of drumsticks and calls it a day.

Jack in the Box: The value meal is far from new, but Jack in the Box's (NASDAQ:JACK) current January deal is the stuff people in the Northeast can only dream about: A Jumbo Jack burger, two tacos, small fries and a small drink for $4.29. That's right: Burger. Tacos. Same restaurant. And more than half the country is missing out!

Of course, not everyone is trying to lull customers by pulling back prices. Among other plans in the works:

  • White Castle is experimenting with selling beer and wine in its locations. For those of you not in the know, beer and wine traditionally are the cause of most White Castle runs. Fish in a barrel, my friends. Fish in a barrel.
  • It's an Olympic year, which means McDonald's (NYSE:MCD) and Subway will be hauling out the medalists to peddle their wares. Of course, Subway has a much easier time leveraging the athletic spirit since you can believe Apolo Anton Ohno or Michael Phelps might actually eat its offerings as part of a training regimen. Maybe Big Macs help athletes nap.

USA TODAY's report on these and other fast-food deals can be found here.

As of this writing, Kyle Woodley did not hold a position in any of the aforementioned stocks.

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]]>Apolo Ohnobargainscheap eatsCheapEatsEntertainmentfast food dealsFastFoodDealsFish in a BarrelJack in the BoxMcDonald'smcdonaldsMichael PhelpsNPD GroupPapa John's PizzaPizza HutSubwayUSA TodayWendy's/Arby's Group IncWhite CastleYum! BrandsYum! Brands IncInvestorPlaceWed, 11 Jan 2012 11:05:00 ESTFrugal Americans to Take DIY Approach in 2012http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/01/05/frugal-americans-to-take-diy-approach-in-2012/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/01/05/frugal-americans-to-take-diy-approach-in-2012/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/01/05/frugal-americans-to-take-diy-approach-in-2012/#commentsFiled under: ,

By , FOXBusiness
Americans plan to apply this new DIY-attitude across the board: to their vacations, staying in shape and even beauty maintenance. Consumers are also looking to scale back and save more money this year.
According to the "What's on Your Slate?" survey released Wednesday by JPMorgan's Chase Card Services, 46% of respondents say they will exercise at home or outdoors instead of paying for a gym or health club membership. Additionally, 59% plan to pamper themselves at home rather than visiting a spa or salon this year.
The survey was conducted online by Research Now and surveyed 1,202 people ages 18 and older.
Caryn Kaiser, general manager for Chase Blueprint, says the overall trend of the survey was "back to basics," as consumers still feel the sting from the recent recession.
"People think, 'I need to keep life simple,'" Kaiser says. "We are seeing that manifest in everything we do and how we look at life."
Better money management is always a popular new year's resolution, and according to the survey, 19% of respondents said managing their finances more effectively is their top priority in 2012.
Consumer plan to scale back on leisure activities and vacations, with two-thirds of respondents saying they will be vacationing in the New Year, but 41% will be taking a road trip to get to the destination to save money. Eighteen percent also said they will be taking a "stay-cation."
"There's definitely a trend toward needing to slow down," Kaiser says. "There is a notion of balance and focusing on things that matter."
The survey also found that when it comes to appearance, only 22% report they will make regular salon visits, and only 2% would use full-service salon packages. Most will keep up their looks with at-home products like nail polish and self-tanner.
Even for special occasions, 29% say they prefer to celebrate a special occasion with a home-cooked meal, rather than going out to eat at a restaurant.
Although the economy is making a slow recovery, Kaiser says she think this more frugal approach will stay around.
"The extent of the do-it-yourself trend permeated every area we were surveying. Some of that will obviously stick with Americans."

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]]>beauty productsBeautyProductsdiyexerciseHealthhome cookingHomeCookingJPMorgan Chase & Copersonal financePersonalFinancerecessionsalonsaving moneySavingMoneyvacationFOXBusinessThu, 05 Jan 2012 12:15:00 EST5 Foodie Sites That Can Find You Fine Meals for Lesshttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/01/05/5-foodie-sites-that-can-find-you-fine-meals-for-less/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/01/05/5-foodie-sites-that-can-find-you-fine-meals-for-less/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/01/05/5-foodie-sites-that-can-find-you-fine-meals-for-less/#commentsFiled under: ,

Frugal foodies, rejoice!

A growing list of websites is making it easier to indulge in culinary adventures that won't take a big bite out of your wallet.

Here are five sites designed to help you find foodie-worthy restaurants that are affordable, too.


Gallery: 5 Foodie Sites That Can Find You Fine Meals for Less

BiteHunter.comCheapism.comLocaleats.comUeatcheap.comRestaurant.com




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]]>best cheap restaurantsBestCheapRestaurantsBiteHunter.comcheap good restaurantsCheapGoodRestaurantsCheapism.comdealsfoodieFoursquaregrouponIPhonelivingsociallocaleats.comrestaurant reviewsRestaurant.comRestaurantReviewsrestaurantsueatcheap.comUrban SpoonUrbanSpoonYelp, Inc.zagatBarbara ThauThu, 05 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST4 Tips for Getting Great Deals from Desperate Retailershttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/12/21/4-tips-for-getting-great-deals-from-desperate-retailers/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/12/21/4-tips-for-getting-great-deals-from-desperate-retailers/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/12/21/4-tips-for-getting-great-deals-from-desperate-retailers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The holiday season has been strong for retail sales overall -- strong enough for the National Retail Federation to increase its growth projection from 2.8% to 3.8% recently.

Still, despite the overall success, some chains have found lumps of coal in their stockings this year. But with the holiday season winding down, what's bad for retailers may be good for shoppers in the coming weeks.

Their Loss, Your Gain

Swing by the websites of retailers like Best Buy (BBY), Kohl's (KSS), J.C. Penney (JCP), and Gap (GPS) and you can't help but be blinded by the sale signs plastered everywhere.

These struggling retailers are much more likely to hand you a deal than those who are experiencing strong sales this season. For example, Best Buy is giving away a $50 gift card with the purchase of an Apple (AAPL) iPad and Smart Cover or a Microsoft (MSFT) Xbox 360. Buy the iPad at an Apple store, on the other hand, and maybe you'll get a free high five from an Apple Genius.

How should you play the holiday madness? Try these four strategies to nab great deals from desperate retailers.

1. Grab Your Coat and Car Keys.

Online shopping has in recent years been the place to find better deals compared with traditional stores. Black Friday online sales were up 26% this year.

But what's been a boon for the likes of Amazon.com (AMZN) has left bricks-and-mortar retailers out in the cold. Many have excess inventory they need to clear from their shelves before the holidays are over. It's a role reversal, with the real steals on the sales floors instead of online. So grab your car keys and get these discounts while they're hot.

2. Concentrate on No-Name Commodity Items.

Unlike most years, there was no Tickle Me Elmo, Furbie, or Wii console heading up the hot toy list this year. And without these "must haves" it's a lot harder to get customers to queue up for the regular lineup of toys, electronics, and clothes.

Sponsored Links

Stores are pulling out all the stops to create excitement. And that means last-minute shoppers can find real deals.

For example, Toys R Us has announced it would stay open 112 straight hours, from Tuesday through 10 p.m. Christmas Eve with tons of great deals and will even extend shipping deadlines for online shopping.

A warm start to the winter has kept outerwear from flying off shelves, and retailers from Gap to Saks are offering deals to get inventory off their hands.

Electronics like digital cameras and televisions are also deeply discounted if you shop at struggling retailers like Best Buy.

3. Try Your Hand at Haggling.

We're used to seeking deals with coupons and on clearance racks, but this year might be the right time to haggle for the right sale, especially in the categories mentioned above.

Just yesterday, I got 20% off a pair of Oakley ski goggles by ho-humming over the cost for a few minutes. When sales reps see a big purchase like this is hanging in the balance over what might be a few dollars, they'll usually pull out all of the stops to make it happen. (And if you've ever shopped for Oakleys, you know they don't hit the sale rack often.)

4. Hit Up the Mom-and-Pop Stores.

Bricks-and-mortar retailers are more likely to haggle, because they need to turn inventory over during the holiday season. But sometimes there's a lot of red tape involved for a sales associate at a big chain to give you a deal.

Not so at smaller shops, where the rules are easier to bend. These stores know that if they're stuck with product after this coming weekend, it's likely to go at fire-sale prices, so take advantage. Get chummy with salespeople. They're much more likely to cut you a break if you've built a bit of a relationship and maybe have a few things in common.

Procrastinators, Rejoice!

Finally, for the procrastinators out there (including me) there's plenty of hope for holiday deals. Everything I've outlined above gets even better as the holidays approach and even after they pass. And if you can wait until the holidays are over, you are going to find even better deals from desperate retailers.

Motley Fool contributor Travis Hoium does not have a position in any company mentioned. You can follow Travis on Twitter at @FlushDrawFool. The Motley Fool owns shares of Amazon.com, Apple, Gap, Microsoft, and Best Buy. Motley Fool newsletter services have recommended buying shares of Apple, Amazon.com, and Microsoft. Motley Fool newsletter services have recommended writing covered calls in Best Buy creating a bull call spread position in Microsoft and Apple.




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]]>Apple StorebargainsBest Buybricks-and-mortarchristmas giftsChristmasGiftsGapHagglingholiday shoppingHolidayShoppingIPadkohlsMicrosoft CorpNational Retail FederationOakley, Inc.TwitterXbox 360Travis Hoium, The Motley FoolWed, 21 Dec 2011 15:45:00 ESTSavings Expert Jean Chatzky on How to Avoid 2011's Spending Traps in 2012http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/12/20/savings-expert-jean-chatzky-on-how-to-avoid-2011s-spending-trap/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/12/20/savings-expert-jean-chatzky-on-how-to-avoid-2011s-spending-trap/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/12/20/savings-expert-jean-chatzky-on-how-to-avoid-2011s-spending-trap/#commentsFiled under: ,

ChatzkyIn 2011, shoppers were hot -- sometimes too hot -- for bargains.

Daily deal sites such as Groupon and Living Social, and flash sale fashion sites like Gilt Groupe and Rue La La, surged in popularity. Recession-scarred shoppers turned hunting for low prices into a part-time job, whiling away precious hours to find the best deals.

Meanwhile, consumer spending spiked and dipped in response to the economic news of the day. As a result, people fell into a pattern of short-term buying at the expense of long-term budgeting.

Savings guru Jean Chatzky, director of education and editor-in-chief of SavvyMoney.com, and its CEO, JB Orecchia, weigh in on the major spending trends and pitfalls of 2011, and how to keep them at bay in 2012.

2011 Trap: Daily Deal and Flash Sale Addiction

Flash sale and daily deal sites "really took hold" this year, Chatzky says.

By offering a limited amount of merchandise for a limited time, these sites were like catnip for impulse buyers. "Psychologically, they really have consumers where they want them," she says.

They create a sense of urgency via ploys such as displaying a clock ticking down the seconds until a given sale ends. Their goal: to make you feel that the deal "is going to go away -- and you've got to take advantage of it," Chatzky says. "The danger is that [people] overspend."

o. 2012 Takeaway: These websites spark impulse -- rather than needs-based -- purchases, Chatzky says. In turn, "Don't take advantage of every deal for the sake of the deal."

Orecchia says that first, shoppers need to assess what they really need, be it a new coat or a pair of shoes, and set up their own process of discipline.

That could mean avoiding daily email blasts from these sites and setting up your account to receive offers on a less frequent basis, suggests Chatzky, or unsubscribing from the sites altogether until you need to make a purchase.

2011 Trap: The Exhaustive Hunt for the Sale

In the years since we tumbled into the Great Recession, "we've learned how to be smarter shoppers," Chatzky says.

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In fact, many people have become "precision shoppers," targeted on specific items and laser-focused in their quest for deals. These consumers use techniques like extreme couponing, and spend the time to hunt down the best prices -- "particularly at the grocery store," she says. "Shoppers will know when that Diet Coke will be on sale."

But the relentless hunt for the deal can become its own trap. "We know a good deal when we see it, but [can] take too much time to get that extra little bit off."

o. 2012 Takeaway: Remember that time is money, Chatzky says. "You know how much approximately your time is worth per hour. If you're not saving more than that [in the pursuit of a deal], then it's not worth doing."

This especially holds true online. "The Internet can be a time suck," she says. So, take a only few minutes -- not an hour -- to search for a coupon code, for example. If you can't find one, move on. "That's time you could be working, or doing something you actually like doing," she says.

Also, factor in the cost of getting to a deal. If you're driving to four grocery stores to take advantage of different sales at each, or traveling 45 minutes to a discount outlet, think about this: A store's better prices aren't worth it if you're spending more on gas to get there than you save on the purchases you make.

2011 Trap: The Mood of the Day Prevailed

Consumers were living and spending in the present tense this year, Chatzky says. Purchasing spiked with good financial news, and contracted when the headlines were dour.

"When the [stock] market was having a good day, and we felt flush, we were happy to spend," she says. "Conversely, after the debt ceiling debacle, everybody pulled way back, and we were talking about a double-dip recession, and really, nothing in the underlying economy fundamentally changed."

What has changed, notes Orecchia, is that financial news is now in the mainstream media, and we're getting it 24/7 online, in newspapers, on TV and radio. This meant that even spending among people "who weren't flush with investments" also tended to ebb and flow with the economic news, he says.

o. 2012 Takeaway: "Keep an eye on your long-term financial goals and don't be swayed too much by negative or positive news," Chatzky says.

Instead, stay focused on what you want in three years, be it a new house, money to pay for your children's college tuition or enough to retire, "and how much you'll need to get there."

2011 Trap: Big Bank Fees

Excessive bank fees -- and the public outcry over them -- were among the big stories of 2011. When Bank of America threatened to charge consumers a new fee to use their debit cards for charges -- and other banks planned to follow suit -- consumers fought back. One result was that "we saw massive defections of people to credit unions," Chatzky notes.

In turn, many banks retracted their trial tests of some higher fees.

o. 2012 Takeaway: Consumers should be vigilant about monitoring their credit card and bank fees, and be proactive in dealing with issuers to keep interest rates and incremental fees as low as possible. "Call your credit card issuers and see if there's an opportunity to get a better rate," Orecchia says. "You should scrutinize all areas where you're charged, and challenge where you can get a better deal" -- from credit cards to cable bills.

"Understand that it's a competitive landscape," Orecchia says. "Ask [companies] for the best deal that you qualify for, or [tell them] you're going to move your business somewhere else."

There's some positive news on that front: As banks looked for ways to increase revenues, they stepped up their credit loyalty programs, such as as free airline miles or cash-back rewards based on spending. But, while those rewards programs offer you an opportunity to maximize your savings if they fit your spending patterns, "don't fall into the trap of spending just to get the free benefit," Orecchia warns.

2011 Trap: A Savings Shortfall

While there's been chatter about the nation's savings rate rising in a recessionary climate, Americans continue to under save, Chatzky says. Savings "popped during [the height of the recession] to 5%, according to government data, but we're not saving enough, and we haven't been saving enough."

o. 2012 Takeaway: Don't shop until after you save, Chatzky says. "You want to save at least 10% of whatever you're earning for your long and short-term goals."


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]]>bank feesBankFeesbargainsconsumer spendingConsumerSpendingDaily dealdaily deal sitesDailyDealSiteseconomyExtreme CouponingExtremeCouponingfinancial adviceFinancialAdviceFlash SalesFlashSalesGreat Recessiongrouponjean chatzkyJeanChatzkyonline shoppingOnlineShoppingshoppingtipsBarbara ThauTue, 20 Dec 2011 14:05:00 ESTTarget Debuts 'Almost Last Minute' Holiday Salehttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/12/07/target-debuts-almost-last-minute-holiday-sale/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/12/07/target-debuts-almost-last-minute-holiday-sale/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/12/07/target-debuts-almost-last-minute-holiday-sale/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Target Debuts 'Almost Last Minute' Holiday Sale Retailers are finding ways to put a fresh spin on the classic limited-time sale this holiday season.

In stores and online, Target (TGT) is launching the Almost Last Minute Sale, which it's touting as a new sales event from Dec. 8 to Dec. 11 that will offer discounts on items from its most popular gift categories, such as home, apparel, accessories, toys and electronics.

To spread the word about the promotion, the cheap-chic discounter will drop an eight-page ad in daily newspapers nationwide Thursday. Shoppers can get a preview of the event on Target.com.

During the Almost Last Minute Sale, shoppers will also receive Target gift cards with certain purchases.

The deals include a Sony DSCW-530 digital camera for $89.99, down from $119; counter top appliances such as a Black & Decker 12-cup coffee maker or an Oster Belgian waffle maker for $25, reduced from $39.99; Merona cardigans and pullover sweaters for $25, marked down from $32.99; Gilligan & O'Malley pajamas for $10, reduced from $17.99; and classic board games like Twister and Operation for $8, reduced from between $9.89 and $16.99.



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]]>Almost Last Minute SaleAlmostLastMinuteSalechristmas shoppingChristmasShoppingclothesdiscountselectronicsholiday giftsHolidayGiftsonline shoppingOnlineShoppingTargetTarget CorporationtoysBarbara ThauWed, 07 Dec 2011 13:00:00 ESTHoliday Shopping Alert: The Sweetest Deals Are Yet to Comehttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/11/30/holiday-shopping-alert-the-sweetest-deals-are-yet-to-come/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/11/30/holiday-shopping-alert-the-sweetest-deals-are-yet-to-come/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/11/30/holiday-shopping-alert-the-sweetest-deals-are-yet-to-come/#commentsFiled under: ,

Attention holiday shoppers: Don't feel blue if you missed Black Friday or Cyber Monday. Retail analysts say the best is yet to come, with discounts growing deeper as the week before Christmas draws nearer.

"The promotions we saw on Black Friday serve as a baseline for what's to come," says Howard Davidowitz, chairman of retail consulting and investment banking firm Davidowitz & Associates. "The best deals are never this early. It always gets cheaper the closer to the holiday ... the last couple of days before Christmas are when you see the best deals."

"Shoppers may find discounts of 40% to 70% off on targeted items," says Kathy Grannis, a spokeswoman with the National Retail Federation. "Retailers are trying to make their final push and offer discounts on popular gift items."

Some retail analysts believe the discounts will be much broader and cover a wide array of items. They expect storewide sales to gain in frequency, along with such marketing strategies as buy-two-get-one-free.

What You Should Wait to Buy

Of course, retailers will be motivated to discount in some industry sectors more than others. You can expect better prices in the coming weeks on electronics, toys, clothing and accessories.

"The week before Christmas, the whole electronics department will be on sale with the most desirable items, which is something we didn't see on Black Friday," says Davidowitz. He added that the prices on flatscreen TVs have collapsed and that items from digital cameras to tablet computers will be thrown into the mix.

Sponsored Links

Indeed, Consumer Reports gave Black Friday shoppers a word of caution that some of the prices on its recommended electronics models like cameras, laptops, and TVs would be at least 5% lower in the weeks after Black Friday.

A kissing cousin to the electronics industry is the toy industry. And toys are expected to take a hit on prices, given there is no blockbuster new product to carry the industry, Davidowitz says.

Meanwhile, the clothing and accessories industry is expected to grow only 5.5% to $65.7 billion in November-December sales compared with a year ago. Last year, the industry grew at a slightly strong clip of 5.8%, according to the International Council of Shopping Centers.

"Apparel is the No. 1 gift item," Davidowitz says. "But as it gets closer to Christmas, you'll see a massive sell-off in apparel, where discounts will be up to 70%. Apparel is perishable [due to its seasonality] and it's discretionary, which is difficult when consumer spending is weak."

Few 'Wow' Deals on Luxury Goods

Other areas to troll for deep discounts are sporting goods, books and hobby and music items. The ICSC forecasts November-December sales growth of 1% to $26.5 billion, far below the 5.6% growth of last year. Retailers in these sectors will be particularly keen to give shoppers incentives to spend.

But consumers may have to dig deep to find any "wow" deals on luxury items. Same-store sales at luxury chain stores in November-December are expected to be stronger than last year, according to ICSC. Luxury stores are expected to post a 7.5% increase over the same period last year. That is better than last year's 6.7% increase over the previous year.

"There is less discounting going on in luxury items," Davidowitz says. "But if the stock market collapses and everyone in the financial services industry doesn't get their bonuses, then all bets on luxury items are off."

Calendar Countdown

The caveat with ongoing markdowns is that consumers can't be sure whether the items they most desire will not just be cheaper, but actually in stock during the final days before Christmas.

"Retailers have been careful with their inventory, much more so than last year," Davidowitz says. "But if you talk to the salespeople and ask them if the item is well stocked, they're usually pretty honest and will let you know if you need to worry or not."

As consumers weigh the best time to go shopping, consider the ICSC's Top Holiday Sales Days. According to their list, the busiest remaining shopping days of 2011 will be:

Dec. 3, Saturday
Dec. 10, Saturday
Dec. 17, Super Saturday
Dec. 18, Sunday
Dec. 19, Monday
Dec. 22, Thursday
Dec. 23, Friday
Dec. 26, Monday

Dawn Kawamoto is a Motley Fool contributing writer. She is heavily invested in the spirit of Christmas.


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]]>accessoriesbargainsbest dealsBestDealsBlack FridayBlackFridayclothingcyber mondayCyberMondaydiscountselectronicsFlatScreenhdtvholiday shoppingHolidayShoppinglowest pricesLowestPricesshopping for christmasShoppingForChristmastoysDawn Kawamoto, The Motley FoolWed, 30 Nov 2011 12:05:00 ESTOnline Shoppers Can Save Money by Playing Hard to Gethttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/11/28/online-shoppers-can-save-money-by-playing-hard-to-get/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/11/28/online-shoppers-can-save-money-by-playing-hard-to-get/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/11/28/online-shoppers-can-save-money-by-playing-hard-to-get/#commentsFiled under: ,

Online Shoppers Can Save Money by Playing Hard to GetIf you shop online, chances are you've left a few full shopping carts at the checkout altar.

Researchers estimate that about 70% of e-commerce shopping carts are abandoned, resulting in as much as $18 billion in lost sales.

Some get left in limbo because customers can't find the products or information that they want, or they're unable to successfully navigate a site. But the main reason shoppers shy away from going through with the electronic purchase is that they start checking out prices elsewhere. Some come back later to complete their purchase. Many don't.

Trying to Revive the Relationship

There is a surprisingly easy way to lure shoppers back: Send a reminder email.

Sponsored Links

A recent report from Listrak found that emails sent about three hours after abandonment had the highest average order values. According to the report, it also paid off to follow up with a second email about one to two days later, and a third two to three days after that. That's three emails within a week -- but they help prevent customers from buying elsewhere.

Surprisingly, relatively few retailers try to reignite sales this way. And many simply empty your cart after you've left it idle for a while.

According to Listrak, only about 19% of the top 500 online retailers send follow-up emails to abandoners (that's 42% more than did back in January), and the vast majority of them only send one.

Hold Out for Something Better

A simple reminder about what you left behind isn't as effective as sweetening the deal. Of the emails sent containing special offers, nearly half offered a certain percentage off, such as 5% or 10%. About a quarter offered free shipping.

These kinds of offers can be effective, but they're not without some problems. For one thing, many retailers already offer free shipping. But if you can hold out even longer, you may get a note offering to knock down the price -- or an alert that the item you wanted went on sale.

As retailers get more savvy about running their electronic storefronts, indecisive shoppers are likely to hear back from them more often with follow-up emails (and even some phone calls) with attractive offers.

So next time you fill your virtual shopping cart, if you're not in a rush, consider abandoning it for a few days to see what happens. But take note of what you've picked out, just in case the retailer decides to empty your cart instead of enticing you back to finish the sale.


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]]>dealsecommercemoney saving tipsMoneySavingTipsonline shoppingOnlineShoppingReminderSelena Maranjian, The Motley FoolMon, 28 Nov 2011 13:00:00 EST8 Survival Rules for Black Friday Shoppershttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/11/24/8-survival-rules-for-black-friday-shoppers/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/11/24/8-survival-rules-for-black-friday-shoppers/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/11/24/8-survival-rules-for-black-friday-shoppers/#commentsFiled under: ,

Switch on the TV or open the newspaper today, and you'd think there was only one day in the year to shop for bargains: Black Friday (or, increasingly, Black Thursday). But if you're not careful, the year's most-hyped shopping day can be filled with traps that can bust tight budgets. Here's how not to get bamboozled in the excitement.

1. Beware of store cards and rebates.

It's tempting to sign up on the spot for a store's credit card to save an instant 20% off your purchase, but think before you leap. Store cards are profitable for one reason -- the majority of those who get them carry a balance, and the interest rates are sky-high -- 24.5% for Macy's and 25.24% for Sears, according to Bankrate.com.

"That 20% discount costs you a quite a bit in interest if you use the card and don't pay off the balance monthly," says financial planner Derrick Kinney of Derrick Kinney & Associates. "You can set yourself up for a trap down the road." He cautions against going for the deal with the plan of paying it off fast and then canceling the card, because the reality is, that's not what most people end up doing.

Also, don't count on rebates. While there is nothing inherently tricky about rebates, the majority of people simply fail to redeem them, says Kinney. Over $500 million in rebates go unclaimed each year, according to consumeraffairs.com.

2. Exercise your debit card.

"Don't charge Christmas," advises Kinney. "If you can't pay for it on up-front or on layaway, you probably don't need it."

If you must put your purchases on plastic, at least use cards that allow you to rack up rewards and points. Better still, use your debit card. "That helps curb overspending, because if you don't have money in the bank, your transaction is not approved," says June Walbert, a certified financial planner with USAA.

3. Ask for a discount.

Haggle on Black Friday? Absolutely! If you're buying multiples of the same item (DVDs, socks, video games, books) ask the merchant for a "volume discount" and see if you can score a buy-three-get-one-free kind of deal. Or, if you know that a similar product is cheaper elsewhere, see if the store will at least match the price -- or better yet, beat it by 10%.

If you're a student, teacher or AAA member, your affiliations could earn you additional discounts. Be sure to ask, since such discounts may not be advertised, notes Farnoosh Torabi, a personal finance expert on behalf of Chase Ultimate Rewards.

4. Avoid "gotchas."

Beware of shifting policies. Some stores change their rules on Black Friday, including cutting the flexibility of return policies and availability of layaway programs. At Amazon, for example, jewelry purchased on Black Friday may not be returned. And Toys R Us puts its layaway program on hiatus for the day, warns Torabi.

5. Stick to your list.

Before you go to the store or turn on the computer, decide how much you can afford to spend. Commit to that amount and have a list of what you plan to buy. Ideally, you've researched prices. "No matter how good the offer, only take advantage of a sale or coupon if you were planning to buy the item anyway," says Tanisha Warner, spokeswoman for Money Management International, a nonprofit credit agency. "Stick to your spending plan. Little items add up quickly,"

6. Remember that "sale" doesn't always mean cheaper.

Just because the sign says "sale" doesn't mean it's really a sale, explains consumer expert Andrea Woroch, in her round-up of Black Friday shopping strategies. For example, she says, "many stores are advertising blockbuster prices on the Kindle e-reader, but check with Amazon and you'll find there's no difference between the regular and so-called 'sale' prices."

To separate the ho-hum from the really good deals, use pricing tools like Consumer World's Price Checker (to compare prices at many online stores instantly) and DealAlerter.com (to get notified when an item's price drops).

7. Don't trade quality for price.

A low price on a lousy product is no bargain. This year, for example, with cotton prices at an all-time high, some clothing manufacturers are cutting corners. Hems may not be properly finished, sleeves are shorter than normal, and manufacturers are using more synthetic fabrics to keep costs down. Consumer electronics is another area that's rife with cheap knockoffs.

Do your research up front by checking reviews on sites like Consumer Reports. Also, nothing beats reading customer reviews by owners of the products you are thinking of buying. Check Epinions.com, and read the user comments posted after most product descriptions at Amazon.com, suggests Edgar Dworsky, founder of ConsumerWorld.org, on his website.

8. And that goes especially for "free."

Say a retailer is offering a $10 gift card on toy purchases of $75, leading you to add enough items to your basket to hit the magic mark. If you spend more than you planned just to get the discount, that's no deal. Says Woroch, "Sometimes, free isn't really free."

And if all else fails, here's a bonus tip: Just stay home and eat those leftovers.




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]]>advicebargainsBlack FridayBlack ThursdayBlackFridayConsumer ElectronicsConsumer Reportscouponsdealsholiday shoppingHolidayShoppingpersonal financePersonalFinancesalessaving moneySavingMoneyshoppingtipsSheryl Nance-NashThu, 24 Nov 2011 03:15:00 EST7 Doorbuster-Free Ways to Save Big on Black Fridayhttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/11/24/deal-gurus-tips-7-doorbuster-free-ways-to-save-on-black-friday/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/11/24/deal-gurus-tips-7-doorbuster-free-ways-to-save-on-black-friday/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/11/24/deal-gurus-tips-7-doorbuster-free-ways-to-save-on-black-friday/#commentsFiled under:

Deal Gurus' Tips: 7 Doorbuster-Free Ways to Save on Black Friday Black Friday, the Super Bowl of the holiday shopping season, is upon us.

But you don't need to strap on a helmet and shoulder pads to get the best deals on holiday merchandise. Here's a pared down--and doorbuster free--list of simple ways to save during the weekend shopping blitz.

1. Swipe and Save

Tap savings-friendly credit cards this Black Friday.

The big credit card issuers, such as Citibank and American Express, are offering holiday perks "above and beyond all other discounts, so you're essentially getting multiple discounts," says Brad Wilson, CEO of BradsDeals.com, a coupon web site that monitors retailers' promotional strategies year-round. "It's another entire layer of savings," he says -- providing you can pay it off.

American Express (AXP), for one, is participating in Small Business Saturday, offering card holders a $25 credit when they shop at participating stores the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Check out CardHub.com for a list of its picks for the credit cards that will help you save the most during your holiday shopping.

2. Maximize Free Shipping, Return Policies

It sounds deceptively simple, but set your sights on retailers with free shipping and return policies: Ultimately, that can save you a bundle. "A lot of retailers will be offering free shipping as a promotion," says Graham Jones, general manager of PriceGrabber.com, the price comparison and online shopping site. Freeshipping.org offers a roundup of the shipping policies and free shipping promotional codes at the nation's big retail chains.

If you plan to ship a boatload of gifts this season, you might want to skip Black Friday altogether and wait until Free Shipping Day on Dec. 16, the one-day event when more than 1,200 retailers offer free shipping on online orders and the promise of delivery by Dec. 24.

3. Tap Group Buying Sites for Big Chain Deals

Daily deal sites have largely offered discounts to small, local merchants. But this Black Friday, look to snatch up more 50%-off deals from the big national chains on sites like Groupon, LivingSocial and Restaurant.com, Jones says.

You can also tap sites like CouponTrade.com, an online marketplace where consumers can buy daily deals -- and sell unwanted ones.

4. Remember Coupons

The advent of digital coupons has eliminated the drudgery of clipping them out of countless store circulars -- so there's no good reason to miss out on those savings, says Andrea Woroch, consumer and money saving expert.

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"Shoppers can sweeten Black Friday deals by an additional 10% to 20% off by using coupons for both online and in-store purchases," she says. So before you shop, scour store coupons on sites like Bradsdeals.com, Retailmenot.com and CouponSherpa.com to boost your savings.

5. Price Compare

These days, you can easily make sure the price is right. Tap price comparison sites like PriceGrabber.com and BizRate.com, where shoppers can type in a product name and find a store with the lowest price on the item.

6. Shop Online Tax-Free -- for Perhaps the Final Season

Congress is mulling the passage of the Marketplace Fairness Act, a law that will force online retailers to collect state sales taxes from consumers. "This may well be the last Black Friday where you'll save 1% to 10% -- depending on jurisdiction -- just by choosing an online store that doesn't charge sales tax for shipments to your state," says Dan de Grandpre, CEO and editor in chief of Dealnews.com. "Take advantage of it."

7. Stick With the Cheap Stuff

Black Friday is about "cheap merchandise at cheap prices," says de Grandpre, so expect the best deals on lower-end products. "Luxury brands don't usually participate in Black Friday," he says.

You won't find big bargains on high-end electronics like centerpiece TVs and loaded laptops, either. For those, you'll have to wait until Cyber Monday.

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]]>bargain huntingBargainHuntingbest dealsBestDealsBlack Fridaycash backCashBackchristmas shoppingChristmasShoppingcouponsCyber MondaydoorbusterFinancefree shippingFreeShippingholiday shoppingHolidayShoppingPriceGrabbersalesBarbara ThauThu, 24 Nov 2011 03:05:00 ESTFor TV Buyers, 'Tis Really the Seasonhttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/11/14/for-tv-buyers-tis-really-the-season/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/11/14/for-tv-buyers-tis-really-the-season/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/11/14/for-tv-buyers-tis-really-the-season/#commentsFiled under: , ,

For TV Buyers, 'Tis Really the SeasonIf you're in the market for a new TV, you'd be wise to scoop up one of the sweet deals out there for the rest of 2011.

Television manufacturers and retailers are eager to unload inventory due to sluggish sales. Among other issues, they over-projected demand for 3-D TVs, which could spell price drops of 30% to 40% from last year, James Wilcox, senior editor of electronics for Consumer Reports, tells DailyFinance.

"TV sales to date have been lackluster, so there's inventory in the channel. Manufacturers and retailers want to get rid of that, as new models are coming out next year," he says.

The business has been a victim of the tepid economy, as shoppers have postponed purchases of big-ticket items. A weak housing market has also stalled business.

The industry is also moving through a lull in the product cycle. Many consumers upgraded to flat-panel TVs in the past few years, and from standard-definition TVs to high-definition units over the last decade. Having made those shifts, they haven't had another compelling reason to purchase new models, experts say.

So, for the remainder of the year, shoppers can expect to find Black Friday-style deals on big-screen units, as well as Internet connected "smart" TVs, and 3-D TVs.

While the discounts on TVs will intensify over Black Friday weekend, prices could fall even further if sales are slow during the blockbuster selling period, Wilcox says.

"Consumers will be able to save $500 to $1,000 on TVs over the next few weeks" at stores such as Walmart (WMT), Best Buy (BBY),Target (TGT), H.H. Gregg (HGG) and Amazon.com (AMZN), says Shawn DuBravac, chief economist with the Consumer Electronics Association.

Big Deals on Bigger Sets, Feature Rich TVs

Expect to see steep discounts on larger units ranging from 42 inches to 60 inches, which are increasingly becoming mainstream.

In particular, 42-inch and 55-inch sets will be "the sweet spot" this year, DuBravac says. "We'll see 42-inch sets for under $500, and 55-inch sets for $1,000."

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What's more, "Consumers should look for even more feature-packed TVs, often at lower prices than before," a Best Buy spokesman tells DailyFinance.

That means we should expect Internet-connected TVs, which have been selling briskly, to hit a new lows of under $1,000, Wilcox says.

Or even lower. Best Buy's Insignia Connected TV, a house brand, is retailing for $499 for a 32-inch model, and $699 for a 42-inch unit, the spokesperson says.

Like Best Buy, stores will be heavily promoting their house brands this year. "You'll see secondary and tertiary brands at extremely low prices," Wilcox says.

They'll also be pushing cheaper 3-D TVs.

In 2010, "the industry expected to sell about 3.5 million 3-D TVs. But based on estimates I've seen, they sold only about 1 million in the U.S. last year," Wilcox says. Now, shoppers will find basic, 3-D units for as little as $300, he says.

Black Friday Bargains

Over Black Friday weekend, limited-supply doorbusters could include a 60-inch LCD TV from Sharp for about $900, "a couple of hundred dollars cheaper than it had been previously," Wilcox says.

The weekend could also bring to market the first 32-inch, $200 LCD TV -- something that would have cost about $350 a few years ago, Wilcox says.

On Black Friday, Best Buy will offer a 24-inch LCD TV from one if its house brands for $79, the spokesman says.

Retailers will also be offering free shipping and extended financing options through the end of December to seal the deals.



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]]>3d tv3dTvAmazon.com Incbest dealsBestDealsBlack FridayChristmasConsumer Electronics AssociationConsumer ReportsdealsdiscountsFinanceHD TVHdTvholiday shoppingHolidayShoppingLCD televisionsalesSci/TechTarget CorporationtelevisionWal-MartBarbara ThauMon, 14 Nov 2011 16:30:00 ESTThe Best Black Friday Shopping Tip: Do It In Your Pajamashttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/11/08/the-best-black-friday-shopping-tip-do-it-in-your-pajamas/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/11/08/the-best-black-friday-shopping-tip-do-it-in-your-pajamas/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/11/08/the-best-black-friday-shopping-tip-do-it-in-your-pajamas/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Here's some Black Friday shopping advice: Stay home.

Ditch the stores, crowds and lines, and instead scour the online sites, where the deals and discounts often eclipse what you'll find in stores, says Brad Wilson, CEO of Bradsdeals.com, a coupon web site that monitors retailers' promotional strategies year-round.

E-commerce retailers aren't burdened by the overhead of brick-and-mortar stores, and sales tax is often waived -- "which makes it 25% to 30% less to shop online than brick-and-mortar stores," he estimates.

Wilson weighs in on where to snag some big bargains on shoes, electronics, jewelry, apparel and home goods during the kick off to the holiday shopping season.

Consumer Electronics

While Amazon.com (AMZN) is highly price competitive on consumer electronics, they're not the only ones.

Also check out Buy.com, Newegg.com,Tigerdirect.com and BuyDig.com for deals on everything from tablet computers to smart phones to HDTVs. "You're [likely to] find as many deals there as on Amazon," Wilson says.

Shoes

Zappos.com offers unrivaled customer service, but you'll find bigger footwear deals on Shoes.com, Shoemall.com and Shoebuy.com on a wide range of brands such as UGG, Timberland, Calvin Klein, Steve Madden and Aerosoles, to name a few. "They'll have more of a selection than any physical shoe store on the planet," Wilson says.

Jewelry

While markups are built into the prices of retailers like Tiffany (TIF) to fund marketing campaigns and store operating costs, Blueline.com buys from some of the same wholesalers, selling everything from diamond rings to charm bracelets and gold earrings for an estimated 20% markup-- about five times less than the national jewelry chains, he says.

Apparel

On Black Friday weekend, mine Overstock.com -- where retailers and suppliers go to unload excess goods -- as well as SmartBargains.com, a division of private sale site Rue La La, for designer duds at a discount.

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Also check out Asos.com for a bargain "boutique" shopping experience, Wilson says. It's where you'll find discounts from independent boutiques and clothing labels, new designers and sellers of vintage fare.

For savings on outdoor apparel, try Moosejaw.com. "Moosejaw is great for brands like North Face and Patagonia," Wilson said.

Home Goods

As home goods such as cookware, small appliances and bedding are "big volume sellers" at national brick-and-mortar chains during the holidays, check out Macys.com (M), Target.com (TGT), Kohls.com (KSS) and Sears.com (SHLD) for deals. The sheer velocity of sales of these items in November and December means the big chains can afford to sell housewares at steep discounts, Wilson says.

And before you thumb shop this Black Friday, don't forget to sweeten the deal with a coupon. Checkout sites like Bradsdeals.com and Retailmenot.com for online coupons.


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]]>ASOS PLCbargainsbest dealsBestDealsBlack FridayBradsdeals.comCalvin Kleinchristmas shoppingChristmasShoppingclothingdealselectronicsFinanceholiday shoppingHolidayShoppingjewelryKohl's CorpMacy'sNeweggOverstock.com IncSci/Techshoesshopping onlineShoppingOnlineSteve MaddenTiger DirectBarbara ThauTue, 08 Nov 2011 06:30:00 EST3 Tips for Cleaning Up Your Finances After a Credit Card Debt Stormhttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/11/07/3-tips-for-cleaning-up-your-finances-after-a-credit-card-debt-st/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/11/07/3-tips-for-cleaning-up-your-finances-after-a-credit-card-debt-st/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/11/07/3-tips-for-cleaning-up-your-finances-after-a-credit-card-debt-st/#commentsFiled under: , ,

When you get deep into credit card debt, it can feel like you've been through a financial storm. That's the story for a social worker named Heather, who has $30,000 in credit card debt. DailyFinance's Laura Rowley looks at key steps to clear the debris from her path to a brighter financial future.




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]]>credit card debtCreditCardDebtfeatured videoFeaturedVideoFinancefinancial planningFinancialPlanninghousehold budgetHouseholdBudgetminimum paymentsMinimumPaymentsmoney and happinessMoneyAndHappinesspaying off credit cardsPayingOffCreditCardsLaura RowleyMon, 07 Nov 2011 08:30:00 ESTSave Your Sole and Your Budget: Run Barefoothttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/11/04/save-your-sole-and-your-budget-run-barefoot/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/11/04/save-your-sole-and-your-budget-run-barefoot/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/11/04/save-your-sole-and-your-budget-run-barefoot/#commentsFiled under: ,

Save Your Sole and Your Budget: Run Barefoot Want to save $500 a year, be as fit as a lion, and stick it to big corporations? If you're a runner, it's easy. Give up running shoes and go barefoot. Your gait will improve, you'll suffer fewer injuries, and you'll be making great strides toward easing your budget, devotees insist.

Sneaker-wearing entrants in this weekend's New York City Marathon might have already felt run over by sticker shock. Major brands like Nike (NKE) and Adidas (ADDYY) cost north of $110 and manufacturers tell you to replace them every 300 to 500 miles, says Christopher McDougall, a prominent figure in the shoeless movement and author of the bestselling Born to Run.

If you're running 50 miles a week, you could be buying up to eight pairs a year. That puts you on track to becoming the Imelda Marcos of the sneaker set.

McDougall tells DailyFinance he has saved "thousands of dollars" going shoeless. "It's not so much about running barefoot," says McDougall, who has a feature about shoeless running in this Sunday's New York Times. "It's about not buying something you don't need."

McDougall once asked a major shoe executive why his company couldn't make a shoe for $20. "He looked at me like I was speaking Lithuanian," McDougall says.

If pocketing miles worth of moolah doesn't make your tootsies tingle, then how about this? The guru for the unshod says the savings from eliminating visits to the orthopedist are also significant, as is swearing off other activities we pay for. "You don't need massage therapy, you don't need a gym membership, you don't need yoga, you don't need stretching balls," he says. "As animals we are hardwired to enjoy running. Everything else we created. Running was the one thing that came to us as a gift."

Have No Fear for Your Feet

Barefoot running has tiptoed away from the fringe into a boomlet in recent years. The Barefoot Runners Society increased from 680 founding members in 2009 to 1,345 a year later, according to The New York Times. Sunday's marathon, now the nation's biggest, will feature tens of dozens of barefooters among the 47,000 entrants pounding pavement for 26.2 miles.

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Competing shoeless is not new in modern sport. Abebe Bikila of Ethiopia won the 1960 Olympic marathon gold medal with his feet au naturel. Zola Budd of Great Britain ran barefoot at the 1984 Olympics, colliding famously with Mary Decker in the 3,000-meter race.

But among rank and file joggers, the trend has accelerated in the last five years. It didn't take long for the shoe companies to co-opt the movement, producing "minimalist" footwear with maximal price tags. The Vibram Five Fingers has a five-toed design to imitate the contours of your dogs for $90. The Nike Free is anything but free at up to $125. Barefoot advocates say cheap moccasins or even ballet slippers can provide protection.

Shoe companies are heels, McDougall says. They took over running in the 1970s and haven't loosened their grip. "The best marketing tool of all time is fear. 'If you don't have all this stuff, you're gonna get hurt.' People listened to that, and the truth is the exact opposite. You buy that stuff and you will get hurt."

Doctors Have a Foot in Both Camps

Thomas Hollowell, author of the The Complete Idiot's Guide to Barefoot Running, calculated that he saved $482 on shoes in the last year. Hollowell switches between shoeless and minimalist, saying that even a pricy minimalist model will last long because there's no concern about decreasing support. Either way, he says, "Many runners are happy to save. This might give them more money to travel or join other races, or enjoy spending their money on other pursuits."

Arch enemies of the movement say it's dangerous. Aficionados swear that the ball-first ground strike promoted by barefoot running allows the cushiest part of your foot to naturally absorb shock, whereas the traditional shod heel-first impact jars the entire body. The American Podiatric Medical Association explains in a statement that the evidence on both sides is inconclusive. It warns barefoot practitioners about possible lower-extremity injuries and puncture wounds from ground debris.

For an exercise to learn proper barefoot running form, check out McDougall's video (in sandals this time) for the New York Times Sunday Magazine.

Those who want to try barefoot should start slowly, experts urge. Walk even. Increase your distance by yards each time, not miles. In a while, your feet won't be the delicate dogs you may think they are. Hollowell runs shoeless on asphalt and in winter, saying his feet warm up quickly. But on unfamiliar or snowy terrain, he uses minimalist slip-ons. Common sense should dictate your choices.

As you stride off down the path to big savings, run shoeless -- not clueless.



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]]>Abebe BikilamarathonNew York City MarathonRank Hovis McDougallrun barefootRunBarefootRunning barefootrunning shoesRunningBarefootRunningShoessave moneySaveMoneyshoesThe New York TimesThe New York Times MagazineZola BuddRon DickerFri, 04 Nov 2011 06:00:00 EST