5 Economical ways to celebrate the new year

Ready to party like it's 2011? You can check off and start the new year with your bank account. Here are five frugal ideas:

1. Dick Clark's new year's rockin' at home on TV. Curl up with a remote control and your new LCD TV (we hope Santa brought you that) and watching Ryan Seacrest, Dick Clark and guest host Fergie ring in the new year. Enjoy the star-studded guest list Avril Lavigne, Mike Posner, Jennifer Hudson and much more — all from your own living room. Watch television at home is a good option, especially if you live in New York, where they just got 20 inches of snow, don't worry about braving the elements in times square!

[Photo: 12 money mistakes nearly everyone makes]

2. Board games with friends. Invite friends over and organize some of the classic games: Pictionary, Scrabble or monopolies (this may take a little long, so be careful!). You can always go rummy, Canasta card game route, or even a friendly game of poker in the low stakes can be enjoyable. There is also a new game: settlers of Catan (real favorite tech community) and cranial big game that combines elements of many older games.

3. grab a store-bought pizza and cook it yourself.Why go to an expensive restaurant for dinner, where you can go get a pizza shop bought for a fraction of the price? If you have a large family, it's hard to beat prices Papa Murphy's take and Bake pizza when it comes to feeding of all children. Most grocery stores also sell you you can bake a pizza. DiGiorno is popular is very affordable!

4. Cheap champagne — don't bust the budget! Ring in the new year in style with a glass of mobile, just don't break the Bank when you do it! There is no reason to spend more than $ 50 per bottle in a bottle of sparkling wine or champagne when you can get a high quality for $ 8 to $ 15 per bottle. If you are a true sparkling wine connoisseur, you'll notice the difference between $ 15 and $ 50 USD per bottle, but the difference may not be much and why not save money?

[Visit United States News blog my money for best money tips from around the Web.]

5. Go to lunch at the beginning for the discount.If you're really craving dinner at the nice restaurant, Miss popular dinner time 6: 30 to 8: 30 and then try going sooner. If you go about 5 hours, you can even take part in special happy hour, where you can get prices for drinks and snacks at the numerous restaurants. You can eat like half off when you go to the beginning of a restaurant and order off discount.

These are just a few examples of things you can enjoy the new year and don't spend tons of money. Combine all these discounts to your new year's nice, but modest experience!

Chad Fisher spends his time building and promoting websites for people to find out more about cheap apartments and has developed a free site for consumers access car insurance quotes from suppliers in their State.

View the original article here

10 Easy ways to save money on environmentally friendly products

Although most of us are aware of benefits of organic food, sometimes it is hard pill to swallow, knowing that organic products are often cost a lot more than conventional products. If you are on a tight budget, this can be very saddened to see regular oil listed at $ 3 a pound, and then have a look and see what organic oils are $ 5 per pound. However, there are ways to save money on organic foods. Here are just a few of these methods.

[Photo: 12 money mistakes nearly everyone makes]

1. coupons! Coupons! Coupons!

There are several ways to get coupons for organic foods. You can check these circulars that come to your Inbox, search your store website for coupons or visit the manufacturer's coupons for the particular item you are looking for. You can also subscribe to newsletters and emails you'll receive coupons and promotions for organic foods. To get started mambosprouts.com check.

2. "buy one get one free" offers

While shopping in a grocery store, pay close attention to any buy one, get one free offers. If there is any element of organic food that you use a lot, take advantage of the offer to purchase and get one free. This time, you may receive offers, however, may not be available the next time.

3. get rewards card

Many shops these days offer card rewards when you shop at their store frequently. These cards often will save you money at the checkout counter. If you use the card awards at the drugstore, you could use the extra money you save to buy more organic foods.

4. Buy organic food is grown locally

Your local food markets often have lower prices for organic foods than traditional grocery stores. You can check the website Local harvest markets that are in your area.

5. comparison shop

If you contribute to your grocery store, take note of how the cost of organic food. When you go to other stores, to take note of their price, and sometimes prices will vary, and it can save you money to go to another store.

6. subscribe to save

Consider a program as Amazon Subscribe and save this program that gives you 15% discount on food (and other elements) that you "subscribe" to automatically acquire and shipped to you in 1, 2, 3 or 6 months.

[Visit United States News blog my money for best money tips from around the Web.]

7. Buy In bulk

Many food warehouse stores now offer organic food, and you can buy these items in bulk. Buy organic food wholesale is cheaper than buying a regular grocery stores.

8. buy organic produce In season

Out of season products may cost more because of transport costs, as well as demand and availability of the item. Buying products that are in season saves energy and reduces the cost of food. If you want a certain type of organic food all year round, and you don't want to spend more money when eating out of season, consider buying an item, when it is in season and freeze it in the off-season.

9. save money in other areas

You can save money in other areas of your life and put money on organic foods. Instead of spending a lot of money on shampoo or body washes, consider making your own with homemade recipe. Use the remaining money to buy organic food you want.

10. start your own organic vegetable garden

One guaranteed to grow your own way of saving money on organic foods. You can plant all kinds of fruit and vegetables, you like and freeze any more fruits and vegetables, you're not using it yet. When you grow up and freeze your own fruits and vegetables, you'll have an endless supply of healthy food. You may be able to even sell your own organic food at your local farmers market.

Here are some ways how you can save money on organic foods. It can be tough in today's economy to lead a healthy lifestyle, but with a few tips and tricks, it can be possible.

Bob Lotich launches christianpf.com personal finance blog with a Christian perspective.

View the original article here

Workers falling short of retirement savings

According to the typical American that they would need to retain a median of $ 300000 retire comfortably. But most investors say their retirement nest egg now consists of a median of just $ 20.000 or about 6.7 per their retirement goals, according to a recent survey Wells Fargo 1.756 middle class households earning less than $ 100000 annually.

[See 10 key retirement ages, plan for.]

Workers in their 50s set low to retirement for any age group the survey: $ 200000. Currently they are median $ 29000 saved about 14.5 per cent of their goal. A typical 50 something awaits their retirement for nearly two decades (19 years). Amount of savings, those investors are now grants the post-retirement income of about $ 190 per month more than 20 years, assuming that a 5% profit annually.

Individuals in their 60s average retirement goal $ 300000 but say they now only 10 per cent or $ 30000, tucked away on a pension. Workers in their 30s to the ultimate goal of any age group retirement savings: $ 400000. They are now 5%, or $ 20.000 saved.

[See 11 resolution pensions for 2011.]

"Too many Americans have their heads in the sand with the obvious savings deficit," says Laurie Nordquist, Director of the Wells Fargo institutional pension and trust. "People are not even close to where they should be in total savings. Barring a miracle, a winning lottery ticket or a large inheritance would be forced to dramatically reduce their lifestyle in retirement. "

Survey respondents were also asked to assess how they would spend on health throughout retirement. The median is the actual cost of care was $ paid far more than the typical working saved for retirement. All age groups questioned say health care is likely to cost more than they currently have saved except somethings 60 who are saved are barely sufficient to cover their expected health care costs.

[See pensions: what to expect in 2011.]

It is not surprising that the majority of staff surveyed plan (72 percent) continue to work after retirement, or because they need money (39%) or because they want to (33 percent), the survey found. Most middle class Americans (63%) say they plan to rely on social security as the main source of retirement income.

View the original article here

Why you shouldn't chase investment trends

On my weekly radio show, asked the audience "I heard that the dollar will go down in price, so there are falling dollar fund?" someone asked "inflation is forecast to grow — there is inflation?" answer: you don't need to buy these things. The Marketing Department of the investment firm may establish a Fund tries to profit from the trend at the moment, but that doesn't mean that investors need to take the bait. It may seem cool to buy dollar fund. However, the Fund will not be so great when the dollar goes up.

Instead of trying to be an amateur, stick to the best managers of mutual funds, which have demonstrated that they can choose the securities that will benefit the most everything that happens in the future. These fund managers must have the discipline and methodology to find stocks that will go up when the dollar falls. Management also enables you to determine which companies will benefit when the dollar rises.

[See why mutual funds are the best investment]

In fact the best managers will likely have already invested in stocks that would benefit from some tendency for many months before. Managers and their team of analysts armed with proprietary research from around the world, as well as access to top company executives to help them to predict what will happen in the future. The best managers also have access to trained economists who understand the market better than most people. In turn fund managers investing can stay ahead of the crowd and the purchase of this stock at attractive prices. By the time most investors are aware that the dollar falls, stocks that would benefit already grown up.

Chasing, investing trends reminds me of those infomercials that tout medical remedy for every type of ailment imaginable. If your muscles or joints pain, there is a pill that will ease the pain — doesn't matter all harmful side effects. In reality all you probably need to soothe your muscles-aspirin and rest. Another example is the "new and improved" version of washing, toothpaste and popular snacks that consumer product developers are trying to get us to buy in the supermarket. We really need "Doritos 3rd degree burn Habanero flavored? Scorchin ' Tortilla chips? It's all marketing.

In investing, stick with the tried and true mutual funds. Yes, it sounds boring, but that's OK. To find the best fund managers who are looking for consistent performers. This means that their funds in good markets and not as bad in a down market. These leaders have demonstrated that they are aware of the economic conditions are better than individual investors. We also wanted to managers who have been running it for a long time.

So don't get sucked in "new and improved" or fancy facility at the week that pushes some investment companies. Remember that there is no quick fix in investing. In the long run the best mutual funds can provide you with everything you need to achieve your goals.

Adam Bold is the founder mutual funds of the Bank that provides only the payment for an investment consultation areas transcontinental. He also hosts the show mutual fund, a call-in radio broadcasting across the country. Bold bold truth is the author of the book about investing (April 2009). Bold is Investment Director of mutual fund research centre, SEC registered investment adviser which provides investment funds and asset allocation recommendations and studies for stores in the system of mutual fund.

View the original article here

Worse they discharge 2010

It was a record year for stocks, index, S & P 500 to healthy 13 per cent or so in 2010. Stocks recently hit a two-year high, putting them back near the level of 2008, right in front of the financial panic of nauseating plunge in value of the stock portfolios. Some analysts believe the bull market will keep rolling straight until 2011.

[See companies cratered in 2010.]

But as a general economic recovery, stock market rally is an invitation only parties and dozens of State-owned companies are still suffering from the devastating effects of the recession, which lasted from 2007 through 2009, leaving 15 million Americans. Analysis of capital IQ, a division of Standard & poor 's, show that about 200 public companies United States with a market value of over $ 1 billion has been falling stock prices in 2010, many of them double-digit declines. Weak performers provide a glimpse into the most troubled parts of the economy where many firms are still facing the consequences of the economic downturn and painful long-term changes. Here's 10 worst stocks performers * 2010:

Weyerhaeuser (stock price down 57% from 2010). The fate of this lumber, pulp and paper companies are closely related to the housing market, which have been felled in epic bust. Revenue down by more than 50 per cent since 2006, Weyerhaeuser has been slashing costs and handling units, and it also plans to change its corporate structure to reduce taxes. Within the framework of this restructuring, the company paid a special dividend in the year 2010, to compensate for the regrouping of shareholders.

Dean Foods (down 54%). Thrifty consumers and rising commodity prices pinched profits at DIN, which sells a variety of milk and other dairy products. Premium lose ground for cheaper store brands, although the cost of the ingredients of thorns. Dean, who owns brands such as land o' Lakes, silk and Garelick farms, laid off 1000 employees and shaving plans $ 100 million over the next few years.

[See who will thrive in 2011]

H & r Block (down 43%). Higher unemployment means less tax returns and more employees trying to save money by doing it themselves. The crimped revenue in the nation's leading tax preparation, although reorganization helped keep the profit. Prospects of companies mainly relate to the improvement of the economy is rather uncertain at the moment — plus investors want to see stronger growth companies "do it yourself" software.

Dividing resources (down 40 percent). Energy prices are notoriously unstable and plunging prices of natural gas have suffered this energy company, which operates primarily in Texas and Louisiana. Strong energy companies protect against price fluctuations, by diversifying into different forms of energy, but 94 per cent of the proved reserves of natural gas, which fell in price by approximately 55 per cent from 2005.

Apollo Group(down 36%) The company commercial education operates the University of Phoenix, which offers relatively cheap online degrees and enjoyed a surge of business during the recession. But Apollo financial practices has recently caught the attention of federal regulators — most recently, investors want to hear. The Government is exploring the possibility of insider trading and other violations, and some investors have filed a class action lawsuit claiming false statements from the company execs. Apollo says he did nothing wrong and fights suit, but bad advertising led to a decline in population, and the company recently expelled 700 employees.

[See who will fight in 2011]

Diamond offshore drilling (down 34 per cent). This oil drilling company does a catastrophic spill XB, but it was sure that affected. Diamond contracts its services to large energy companies and the Gulf of Mexico is one of the main areas of its work. So at this year's drilling moratorium, plus new drilling restrictions in the Gulf, darkened picture of earnings. Plus performance type services, diamond were soft to BP spills, lax and two dividends decreased this year.

ITT educational services (down 33%). Business is good for the business entity that operates approximately 125 technical agencies offering associate 's, Bachelor's and master's degrees. However, the commercial school suddenly attract more government study, since students often increase debt load is largely thanks to financial assistance, subsidized by the Government and the struggle to repay it. New rules are possible, and even some investors hold a class action lawsuit against ITT educational services.

[See why did double dip recession]

BancorpSouth (up to 31 per cent). Come to this regional bank based on Mississippi dropped thanks to real estate loans, which account for about 75 percent of its loan portfolio. The Bank was trying to overtake the housing bust through diversification of insurance and other financial services, but not her income has consistently met the expectations.

SuperValu (down 27 percent). Sales are down at the big grocery chain, which operates under the names such as show, Acme, Albertson, shop 'n Save, and the buyer, thanks to cost-conscious consumers and fierce competition from big discounters like Wal-Mart was closed, some companies and restructuring, but the pressure in this low-margin business stays active. As skittish about workforce is highly unionized and disadvantages SuperValu investor value.

[See 4 reasons why jobs are still very scarce]

PulteGroup (down 24%). Income for the year finally can improve the dismal levels of 2009, but this House Builders continued to struggle as housing bust drug with high unemployment and limited credit dramatically depressing home sales. Pulte has a deep cut to survive, and if it can prevent losses in 2010, will be the first annual profit in 2006. But home values will probably keep falling in 2011, nobody can be sure that when the housing bust really ends — or of the future will be brighter for home builders.

* Includes publicly traded companies United States with a market capitalization of $ 1 billion or more United States in mid-December. With the exception of companies whose stock price was affected by the merger, spinoffs, paging and other events. On the basis of the shares in 22 December 2010.

Twitter: @ rickjnewman

Updated on 12/23/10: this story was updated to include information on the special dividend paid to shareholders of Weyerhaeuser.

View the original article here

Zen and the art of asset allocation

Although it is proved that the machinations of active investor's portfolio, probably did not help his return, a recent study shows that it did not help his happiness, either. Gallup World Poll 132 countries and more than 136 000 respondents indicated that in the United States, although it is a rich nation on Earth, gives poorer countries when it comes to personal pleasure.

According to the study of Latin America, the United States in everyday trounced happiness even if their income has fallen. Why is that? After you have reviewed the basic needs of human happiness seems to increase based on rewarding relationships and strong sense of community — no more wealth.

[See 5 financial solutions for new year.]

Researchers found two kinds of happiness that is correlated with wealth. One relates to the overall evaluation of the life of the individual. This form of happiness is as a person compares with their colleagues and establishes internal sense of accomplishment. More of their wealth, the more the person normally, assessing their satisfaction with their places in the world.

The second type of happiness everyday behavior and feelings of satisfaction measured, including laugh, smile, joy and what researchers call a "socially psychological well-being" Shockingly any income increase over $ 75000 per year has almost no correlation daily happiness.

One of the findings of a pilot is all the more a person thinks about money, the lower the rating of his happiness. When the researchers exposed objects in photographs large amounts in dollars or euros, savory Rating (measurement of how well considered the subject of the image, sunset, Panorama, etc.) was significantly reduced.

[See why mutual funds are the best investment]

This has obvious implications for investment styles, and stresses the importance of asset allocation on stock picking as passive and active forms of governance.

Asset allocation frees your time and your mind for more important things. When you know your money is diversified and your assets are safe, you can leave a computer monitor and get busy with a truly valuable things in life. You'll think less of your money and more about the people around you. And contrary to what some might believe most friends and family really don't want to hear about your recent stock or option.

When a person has to feel that their life is financially secure, he or she will be higher rated in terms of day-to-day happiness. As pointed out by Dr. Ed's Diner from Illinois State University, one person can have a motor home while the other mansion. If a person with motor home feel secure that their houses would never have taken their happiness will be ranked higher than those in the Mansion are afraid of losing their homes.

This principle emphasizes the importance of life within your budget and without pension capital to unnecessary risk. Active control requires increased risk in the endless search for income. Although index investing was beat active control over long time horizons, asset allocation has been proved to lower risk, providing a much greater stability of your portfolio.

When it comes to money, active and passive management debate, I understand that there's more discussion than profit. Both the economy and psychology demonstrate now that the distribution of passive assets exceeds the active management of both financial and emotional impact.

Steve Beck is MarketRiders, co-founder of the on-line investment advisory and management services to help Americans to invest for retirement. MarketRiders gives investors more piece of mind knowing that they attract the best thinking of Nobel and investment techniques used in the world's most elite institutions and wealthy families. MarketRiders is located on the investor side, helping to reduce investment costs and risks and increase retirement savings.

View the original article here

10 Easy ways to save money on environmentally friendly products

Although most of us are aware of benefits of organic food, sometimes it is hard pill to swallow, knowing that organic products are often cost a lot more than conventional products. If you are on a tight budget, this can be very saddened to see regular oil listed at $ 3 a pound, and then have a look and see what organic oils are $ 5 per pound. However, there are ways to save money on organic foods. Here are just a few of these methods.

[Photo: 12 money mistakes nearly everyone makes]

1. coupons! Coupons! Coupons!

There are several ways to get coupons for organic foods. You can check these circulars that come to your Inbox, search your store website for coupons or visit the manufacturer's coupons for the particular item you are looking for. You can also subscribe to newsletters and emails you'll receive coupons and promotions for organic foods. To get started mambosprouts.com check.

2. "buy one get one free" offers

While shopping in a grocery store, pay close attention to any buy one, get one free offers. If there is any element of organic food that you use a lot, take advantage of the offer to purchase and get one free. This time, you may receive offers, however, may not be available the next time.

3. get rewards card

Many shops these days offer card rewards when you shop at their store frequently. These cards often will save you money at the checkout counter. If you use the card awards at the drugstore, you could use the extra money you save to buy more organic foods.

4. Buy organic food is grown locally

Your local food markets often have lower prices for organic foods than traditional grocery stores. You can check the website Local harvest markets that are in your area.

5. comparison shop

If you contribute to your grocery store, take note of how the cost of organic food. When you go to other stores, to take note of their price, and sometimes prices will vary, and it can save you money to go to another store.

6. subscribe to save

Consider a program as Amazon Subscribe and save this program that gives you 15% discount on food (and other elements) that you "subscribe" to automatically acquire and shipped to you in 1, 2, 3 or 6 months.

[Visit United States News blog my money for best money tips from around the Web.]

7. Buy In bulk

Many food warehouse stores now offer organic food, and you can buy these items in bulk. Buy organic food wholesale is cheaper than buying a regular grocery stores.

8. buy organic produce In season

Out of season products may cost more because of transport costs, as well as demand and availability of the item. Buying products that are in season saves energy and reduces the cost of food. If you want a certain type of organic food all year round, and you don't want to spend more money when eating out of season, consider buying an item, when it is in season and freeze it in the off-season.

9. save money in other areas

You can save money in other areas of your life and put money on organic foods. Instead of spending a lot of money on shampoo or body washes, consider making your own with homemade recipe. Use the remaining money to buy organic food you want.

10. start your own organic vegetable garden

One guaranteed to grow your own way of saving money on organic foods. You can plant all kinds of fruit and vegetables, you like and freeze any more fruits and vegetables, you're not using it yet. When you grow up and freeze your own fruits and vegetables, you'll have an endless supply of healthy food. You may be able to even sell your own organic food at your local farmers market.

Here are some ways how you can save money on organic foods. It can be tough in today's economy to lead a healthy lifestyle, but with a few tips and tricks, it can be possible.

Bob Lotich launches christianpf.com personal finance blog with a Christian perspective.

View the original article here