Junk Mail Junkies

When Joshua was seven years old, he loved to check the mail for me, it was his "job." He would scour the letters, as most kids do, looking for mail for himself. I would ask my girlfriends to send him a letter, just so he could receive mail! One day, he was bringing in an arm full of junk mail and paused to sort through it, looking for that golden letter. All of the sudden, I heard a huge shout as he ran into the kitchen where I was working.
"Mama!" he was more excited than just getting a letter in his name, "Mama! We won! We won the publisher's clearinghouse! We won ten MILLION dollars!"

I looked at the junk mail in his hand, saw that it was the usual clever packaging, designed to fool adults with the IQ of a seven-year-old. It was just a chance to be entered into the contest if we bought magazines.

How many of us waste valuable time, energy, and effort going through all the junk in our e-boxes and mailboxes? Not to mention the phone calls that come in the middle of watching the fabulous HBO series on John Adams! If you're wasting effort in this area, it's time to stop the madness. Here are a few tips on how to keep the junk mail junkies from poisoning your life:

• Listless - Get off mailing list by going to the Mail Preference Service registry of the Direct Marketing Association at http://www.dmachoice.org/ and select "Remove my name." This service is free and takes care of 80% of your problem with junk that arrives in the mail. It's good for three years at your current address, when you move, change it again.
• Numberless- To stop telemarketing solicitors, go to the National Do Not Call registry at 1-888-382-1222 or go to http://www.donotcall.gov/ and register all your phone numbers. Don’t forget to register cel phone numbers as well because these numbers are now released to telemarketers and the consumer pays for the call. Telemarketers should not call your number once it has been on the registry for 30 days. If they do, you can file a complaint at this Website.
• Formless - When you register a product, you are opening yourself up to a whole new realm of junk. Most of these forms are for recalls, so just don't fill them out, the same goes for contests and sweepstakes--those are like standing on the middle of a wildlife reserve with a piece of meat in your hand and a bunch of hungry lions under the nearby trees--you're just saying "come and get me!"
• Creditless - Some of the most dangerous email are the preapproved credit forms you receive--these should be SHREDDED to avoid Identity Theft. If you call 888-567-8688 and give your social security number, you'll stop the mail and reduce your chance if ID theft.
• Anonymous-When you sign up for your grocery store card or other frequent buyer programs, you can do so anonymously, without giving vital information. Use a different name, with no address, to protect your privacy.
• Catalog-less-To opt out of catalogs (a frequent occurrance if you shop online), go to http://www.catalogchoice.org/ and stop the temptation from arriving in your mail.

A word of caution: the only instance in which you will give your social security info in order to opt out of junk is the credit card form. Do not ever release your SS # for any kind of other opt out.

Now, with all that extra time you have, go out and have a cup of coffee with a friend, take the time to enjoy those who enjoy your company because life is too short for high maintenance relationships or junk mail junkies!

Ellie Kay

http://www.elliekay.com/

America's Family Financial Expert (R)

Girl Time--Shop, Don't Flop

Girlfriends! You gotta love them. They are the ones who cry with us when we gain weight, have a fight with our hubbys or find out we paid full price for an item that went on sale the next day. They are also the ones who do the happy dance with us when we lose weight, have a nice date with our hubbys or find the world's best bargain on a new purse! I recently heard from my girlfriend, Brenda and she made me happy. You can see from the picture that she's prone to do that--a lot. She's a friend who I love to do three things with: shop, drink coffee and chocolate and have lunch! Shopping with our girlfriends can be a great way to save money, too, if you know how to shop and not flop when it comes to finding those bargains.

• Clubbing – Warehouse clubs, like Sam's (my favorite) can be a great place to save but not if you overspend to get quantity discounts. Buy these items with a friend and each will take home half of the bounty with all of the savings.

• Perishables –While you're at Sam's remember that produce is least expensive purchased in bulk and in season. For example, a bushel of peaches or flat of strawberries cost less than “by the pound” purchases. Go in on these big buys together and save even more.

• Two Fers – Department stores often run “buy one item and get the another item for a discount.” One time Brenda and I bought a trendy shirt for $20 with the second one free—so we each only paid $10!

• New Card Discounts – If you (or a friend) want to open a store charge account for convenience then do it on a day when you’re shopping together. There is usually a “first day” discount that can range from 10% to 25% off all purchases—including clearance items. Pay your friend the cash immediately for your purchases and encourage her to pay the charge account as soon as it arrives in the mail.

• Coupons – After all that shopping and saving, it’s time to have lunch and rest. Go to http://www.entertainment.com/ for a coupon booklet that has local restaurant values or check the Sunday paper for the coupon inserts. When you use a coupon, share the savings and double the fun.

Happy Shopping!

Ellie Kay,

America's Family Financial Expert (R)

http://www.elliekay.com/

Ellie Kay, Featured Expert: Front Page USA Today Story

I'm in Chicago last week, eating at "Bubba Gump Shrimp" in a business meeting. The waiter comes to our table with important issues--trivia questions:

1. Name the two rock and roll artists that Forrest meets
2. Name the three Presidents that he met.
3. Name his three best friends (one female, two males)

So far, I've gotten all the questions right and I'm feeling pretty good about life and then my assistant for the trip (Bethany Grace) gets a call from a USA Today reporter. He's doing a feature cover story on ways Americans are cutting back on "luxury items." I take the call outside the restaurant (did I mention Chicago was a chilly 5 degrees?) and tried to get out of the "Forrest" frame of mind and into the "Financial Expert" mode.

He said: "So do you think that the American public is headed for a recession."

I said: "Life is a like box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get."

He said: "Um...people are cutting back on things like Starbucks and Evian water, do you think that's smart?"

I said: "My mama always said...stupid is as stupid does."

He said: "That's fascinating, do you have any thoughts on the perceived peer pressure among people who are saving and those who are not?"

I said: "I just had 19 Dr. Peppers, I have to go...."

After about 30 minutes of this, the poor guy had to either end the interview or end his life. I guess he's still alive and I must have managed to say something worthwhile as the piece ran with my incredibly Forrest-like wisdom included. For the full article, go to http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/2008-02-26-consumers-cut-small-luxuries_N.htm?loc=interstitialskip .

As a result of that story breaking today, my offices were contacted by CBS radio and I did a slightly better interview for them than my Bubba Gump shrimp interview. You'll hear that airing throughout the day as well.

Just remember one more thing, if you follow the tips in this blog, you'll be able to get where you're going. You can have your savings and some of your luxury items too--if you cut back the smart way. Just step in my shoes and I'll take you there because "Mama says they was magic shoes, they could take me anywhere."

And that's all I have to say about that.

Ellie Kay

"America's Family Financial Expert" (R)

http://www.elliekay.com/

Valentines Day

Valentines Day.

Bob gave me a sweet card and a Lladro figurine of a "Bride and Groom Couple" which was beautiful. The male was in a top hat, the female had delicate flowers in her hair. And did I mention they were dogs? Yes. Very cute, it made me howl with laughter when I opened it up, especially since, at that very moment, our dogs were jumping on me and wrestling. fun. fun.

Philip mailed me the sweetest card and signed it "I love my mama." Bob gave Bethany flowers, a CD and a card and Philip gave her the most wonderful "Sisterfriend Valentine" card, too. I gave the little guys chocolate and a $15 Starbucks gift card. Bethany gave Bob Sees candy.

The little boys did the "Oh, crud! I forgot about mama" routine and then Joshua announced,"Uh, when you can go out to eat, Papa and I are going to take you." While Jonathan said, "And even BEFORE you gave me this card, I was going to say that I would take you out for a Frap for Valentines." Yeah, right. I told them that this last minute, oh-crud-I-forgot-so-I'll-just-think-quick-and-make-something-up-and-hope-she-won't-notice routine was NOT going to cut it. One day, I told them, when they had wives, they were going to have to have some forethought and at LEAST fill out a card that says, "This card entitles you to a free dinner" or something other than what they did. They smiled sheepishly, hugged me and thanked me for the gifts.

Then there's Daniel. He had the biggest Valentines Day in the family--a day early. Yes, my baby boy got engaged last night! It was really sweet, he asked everyone's permission ahead of time (Bob and I, her mom, her dad). Then he took her to their favorite place, the Botanical Gardens in FTW, and at sunset, he walked her over to a fence, got down on one knee and proposed. He said he was nervous and didn't say what he really wanted to say and he kind of fumbled, but he made it through. She started crying and couldn't stop. The ring he got her was diamonds and emeralds (her birth stone) and one she picked out. It is beautiful--simple and elegant.

Then they went to eat at the Cheesecake Factory and he gave her my book, The New Bride Guide that I had autographed to her already. On the way home from the restaurant they called me and were punch drunk in love. He was gloating at how suave and clever he was and she was just crying for joy. He's the one who called and he said, "Well, guess who has been engaged for the last couple of hours?" I guessed correctly. Then I asked to speak to her and let HER tell me how he proposed. She started crying again just retelling the story. I welcomed her to the family, told her she would be a great asset and that we loved her already. I told her that I knew she'd take good care of my baby boy and while he would officially be "hers" now, he will ALWAYS be my baby boy.

When Daniel got back on the phone, he said, "Well, mama, your baby boy did it right!" He was oh, so smug and oh, so happy and just plain drunk on love. But before he hung up he said, "But I'll always love my mama!"

And so it begins...

The $199 Cruise - Fact or Fiction? - Part Two

If you read part one of this blog, then you're asking for part two---where I tell you how you FIND these cruises and the savvy and simple ways to keep the COSTS down. Here are my Top Ten Tips for Titanic Savings to make the $199 cruise factual and keep it from becoming fiction once you're onboard.

1. Travelzoo - The first step is to subscribe to http://www.travelzoo.com/ 's "Weekly Top Twenty" and be prepared to act fast once you get notification of the $199 cruise. We've taken advantage of their deals in order to have a sweet experience in Ireland ($1199 covered two round trip tix, 5 nights at B&Bs, and a rental car) and honey time in Hawaii ($799 covered airfare for two and 5 nights on Waikiki Beach)
2. Relocation Cruises - If you don't want to just sit and wait for the Top Twenty, then do your own research at http://www.google.com/ "$199 Cruises" and "Relocation Cruises." The latter cruises are special deals when a ship is being taken to a different port for a new assignment. For example, if the ship is relocating from the U.S. to Europe to be put into service for a Mediterranean Cruise--they take passengers for the 10 day journey and then you fly home. You will pay more that $199 and you'll usually pay a one-way ticket as well, but there are fabulous deals to be had.
3. Just Say No - This little tip will save you an accumulation of hundreds of bucks. Closely evaluate all the "specials" offered on ship. You might as well call them "money makers" for the cruiseline. They offer art, jewelry, alcohol, and spa services as soon as you get on board. For example, you can sign up the first day for spa specials, but is it really a good deal to have a $239 stone massage for only $199? NO, it's not. Instead, I chose the $99 "Ladies Night Out" special where I got five, fifteen minute spa services (facial, massage, hair treatment, etc). Say "no" to spa extras (see below), special drinks, jewelry (it will likely be on sale for 50% the last day of the cruise), photos, etc.
4. Spa Tips - Be prepared to say "no" when you go to the spa on that $99 special (or the equivalent) because they make most of their money on the products they try to sell you. It's pretty amazing, the staff starts to "sell" while they're massaging your shoulders or finishing up your beautiful hair, and while you are relaxed and vulnerable. Then they start to tell you how your hair is really in bad shape, or your muscles need a special oil, etc. They convinced me that I desperately needed $212 worth of hair treatments & body lotions or my hair would fall out and my back would stiffen up. Thank goodness I came to my sense before at the register when I saw the total in black and white. When they start this part of their job (they are required to do it), then say something like, "You know, if you don't mind, I'd like to just relax in silence a while, I need the space." They'll understand and you'll walk away the relaxing knowledge of savvy savings.
   
5. Pass on the Soda Pass - The first day you may be offered a "soda pass" that gives you all the pop you can drink for one low price. Au Contraire! You want to drink lots of water, not soda on this cruise to get your money's worth. Water keeps you healthy from all the salt in the rich food. Plus, you might feel obligated to drink your weight in soda if you bought a pass and the end result will be an unhealthy feeling (even diet soda!). The goal isn't to leave the cruise feeling bloated and stressed, but healthy and relaxed instead!


6. Pack Two Water Bottles - Each person should pack two bottles of water (we stick them in shoes in our luggage) to save big bucks. You cannot bring in cases of water, or six packs of soda--that's not allowed. On board, water sells for $2.50 to $4 per bottle and it also costs that much on shore at excursions, too. But you can bring a couple of bottles to use and refill. The tap water in your room is the SAME water source used for glasses of water in the dining room. Keep and refill your bottles to save a lot.


7. Digital Pix - One of my fave nights is formal night because Bob wears his dashing Air Force Mess Dress uniform that he spent 25 years earning (and still fits in) and he upstages the Captain! The downside is that people usually ask him questions about the ship, like how fast is it going, how much time he spends on the bridge, etc. Formal night photos are a must. By all means take pix from the ship's service, you can look at them later and don't have to buy them. But be sure to have your new friends onboard take plenty of digital pix with your own camera--you'll save the cost of the formal photo and probably get better shots anyway.
8. Rank and Research Shore Excursions - You could easily double or triple the bottom line total for your cruise by spending money on shore excursions. Before you sail, when you go to the cruise website to print your boarding pass, look at the shore excursions and print out the options. Or do this as soon as you get onboard. You and your sailing mate (spouse, friend, mom) should rank order the excursions, The first step is to pick the ones you like best for each port. Each person pick their top three for each port of call, giving a number of 3 to your top pick, two for the second best and 1 for your last choice. Give the same ranking for the excursion with the most time (i.e., a 5 hour island tour, etc) 3 for the most time, 2 for the second most, 1 for the least amount of time. Finally, rank the costs of each--3 for the least expensive, 2 for the next expensive and 1 for the most money. Add up all of these and the excursion with the biggest number is usually the best value.
9. Excursion Extras - It's important to walk and work off some of that rich food--you'll feel better and get more for your money, time and effort. Try to walk as much as possible on excursions and avoid bus, shuttle or cab fares. Bring your own water bottles (see Tip # 6) and don't throw away the bottle when you're done. Eat breakfast on board before you go to save $$ on food. Try to postpone lunch until you're back on ship, or bring an apple or banana to tide you over (we order room service the night before a port of call and have all these delivered to our room). If the port is close to the town, you can even walk back on board (getting that coveted exercise) and eat lunch on board, then go back out again.
10. It's SHOW Business - The entertainment on board is generally pretty good--but it's a hit and miss. Get your money's worth by going to the shows (and walk out if it stinks, plenty of people do that when it's not worth your time or the entertainer is offensive). Sign up for free classes (salsa, line dancing, pilates, yoga, etc) and try your hand at karaoke. Do these with your new shipmates to multiply the fun. It's all part of the cruise experience!

Happy Cruisin'!

Ellie Kay "American's Family Financial Expert" (R)

http://www.elliekay.com/

The $199 Cruise: Fact or Fiction? - Part One

Is the $199 cruise a reality or is it a scam that will cost you four times as much? The answer is "YES" to both questions! If you know the ins and outs of the $199 deal, you can be cruisin to savings and have a fabulous time, as we did earlier this month! However, if you aren't cautious and act like a first time cruiser, then you're sunk.

You can always tell the first time cruisers because they ask certain questions. Here are the top questions that real life passengers have asked the cruise director and his comments in red:

• What elevation are we? Uh, it's called sea level....
• Has this ship ever sunk before? If a ship sinks, do ya think they're really going to use it again?
• Does the crew sleep onboard? We have helicopters that transfer the cruise to and from the ship while we're at sea--whaddayathink?
• Is the toilet water saltwater or fresh? And why does it matter?
• Does the ship generate its own power? Well, either that or we have the world's longest extension cord (purchased at Costco) that runs from Los Angeles to Mexico!
• Do we have to go on shore for shore excursions? Let's see....they're called SHORE excursions, which means they're on the SHORE.

We weren't first time cruisers, so it's easy to compare this $199 venture with a previous trip we had on the same ship. Our recent trip cost $199 per person PLUS, we got a $100 ship board credit (per room). So it cost $298 for Bob and I to get onboard. For that basic price, we got our room (without a view), all the food we could eat, access to free shows and classes, use of the gym, use of the formal dining room, and access to all ports of call.

On our previous cruise, we paid $800 per person, no shipboard credit, for a total of $1600--which was a GROUP rate. (When you travel with a group, the costs are often more--not less--because you are also paying for the group meeting room and for the event planners to get their cabins free.) Sometimes, for big name cruises (like John Tesh), you are paying for the privilege of getting near the famous person with their "special" group rates.

Both of our trips were Mexican cruises, and the more expensive cruise had slightly better ports of call and a slightly larger room with a small porthole. Otherwise, we had all the same amenitiesl With the group cruise, we had required meetings and were a bit restricted in what we could do because of this. On our non-group cruise, we weren't in the room anyway, so we were content with our $298 version, it wasn't worth $1300 more! We also had unrestricted use of our time to do as we pleased and it was more relaxing.

The bottom line for us was that we did all the shore excursions we wanted (our top choices), bought souveniers, had a few spa treatments and had a fabulously fun time for a final, out-the-door total of $400 per person or $800 for both of us. Our previous cruise, as first timers doing the best we could, cost us $1500 per person or a total of $3000. Look for part two of this blog for the practical tips to Titanic savings and ways to keep those out-the-door costs down!

Happy Cruisin' !

Ellie Kay

http://www.elliekay.com/

"America's Family Financial Expert" (R)

One Tip To Save Thousands Each Year!

When I was a little girl I was a big fan of Peter Pan (the Lost boy not the peanut butter) and I believed in fairies. I remember making fairy wings with my seven-year-old girlfriend, they were beautiful. We would walk up a few steps in her house's open circular stairway leading to the second floor. Then we'd jump and "fly" with our wings. Our goal was to jump from the second floor. We kept flying off "one more step" until we were halfway up and got caught by her mom. Drats! Our airborne hopes were "grounded" and we went back to playing Chinese Jump Ropes instead.

If there is one tip you can use that is almost like sprinkling fairy dust over your finances, it would be to improve your FICO (or Fair Issac Credit Score). Currently, a good FICO can make the difference between paying $900 a month in mortgage payments or $1400. It can mean a $395 car payment or a $600 payment. It can mean you pay more in car insurance with a low FICO or you lose the job or the promotion because your employer checked the scores. This list could go on and on, but a better FICO can literally save you thousands of dollars each year---and its so easy to improve your score in three simple steps:

• Step One: Pay A Day Early Rather Than A Day Late - Late payments can cost you as much as $45 dollars in penalty fees and they are a hit on your FICO as well. Set up an automatic payment online at your credit card provider's website and you'll never be late again.

• Step Two: Pay A Bit More Than The Minimum - By paying as little as $10 more than the minimum balance on your credit card bill, you will improve your score. This shows up on the record as "paying down" your debt and it helps a lot!

• Step Three: Proportionality Plus - Keep the proportion on your various cards at 50% or below to improve your overall credit picture. This means that if you have a $5000 limit on a particular card, you don't want to charge more than $2500 on this card. Redistribute the debt on your existing cards to remain at 50% or less and you will truly help your FICO score.

Peter Pan had a score to settle--and you do, too! But you don't need fairy dust, you've got a good FICO to keep your finances flying high!

Ellie Kay
"America's Family Financial Expert" (R)
www.elliekay.com