Try some of these tips to stretch your dollars, save time, and conserve natural resources. Can you add to this list? Let us hear from you and we will include your suggestions in a future blog.
1. Drought-proof the landscaping. Slow-growing, water-efficient plants require less resources and maintenance.
2. Power down. Plug electronics into a power strip, and turn off everything before bed with a single switch.
3. Use smart products. Look for plant-based soaps with baking soda to use for laundry detergent. You can save up to 50% per load.
4. Recycle greeting cards. Remove the message portion and use the front panel as a postcard or a gift tag on a present.
5. Become your own handyman. Invest in a home repair book and learn to fix simple things yourself.
6. Deodorize your sneakers. Use a product such as baking soda or dryer sheets to deodorize smelly sneakers and gym bags. You won’t feel the need to replace them so soon.
7. Start a garden. Grow your own vegetables. They taste better and cost less than store-bought produce. Freeze or can extras and enjoy them all winter.
8. Plan a clothing swap. Have friends exchange clothes, shoes, and accessories they or their family members no longer wear.
9. Check out your local library. It has many books, movies, and music CD’s to borrow at no cost.
10. Share experiences. Research shows that creating experiences like going to the movies or meeting friends at the park brings a person more joy than spending money on material possessions.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Ace Your Interview .. or Not!!!
These real life interview bloopers, as reported by CareerBuilder.com, actually occurred. Be forewarned, these are ways not to get the job.
The candidate answered his cell phone and asked the interviewer to leave her own office because it was a “private” conversation.
The candidate told the interviewer he wouldn’t stay with the job long because he might get an inheritance if his uncle died – and the old man wasn’t “looking too good”.
The candidate said she couldn’t provide a writing sample because all her writing had been for the CIA and it was “classified”.
When the applicant was offered food, he declined, saying he didn’t want to line his stomach with grease before going out drinking.
The candidate flushed the toilet while talking to the interviewer during a phone interview.
Seriously, here are some tips that might help you on that interview.
Use the “hire me” handshake. Interviewers do base their initial impression of you on whether your handshake is strong or wimpy. In fact, your handshake makes more impact than your clothing or hairdo. The reason is that most people polish up for an interview but your handshake is more of a quick reaction. Remember, a strong handshake shows you are extroverted, confident and friendly – all qualities employers look for.
Sound like a leader. Employers want to hire leaders. Be sure to say “I”, not “we”. Saying “I did this” instead of “We did this” shows that you have the ability to head up projects on your own.
Grow a few inches. Stand up straight, wear heels and try to V-neck blouse. All of these tips will help you appear taller, which makes you look instantly more in charge.
Be watching for our next blog. We’ll give you some more job seeking tips.
The candidate answered his cell phone and asked the interviewer to leave her own office because it was a “private” conversation.
The candidate told the interviewer he wouldn’t stay with the job long because he might get an inheritance if his uncle died – and the old man wasn’t “looking too good”.
The candidate said she couldn’t provide a writing sample because all her writing had been for the CIA and it was “classified”.
When the applicant was offered food, he declined, saying he didn’t want to line his stomach with grease before going out drinking.
The candidate flushed the toilet while talking to the interviewer during a phone interview.
Seriously, here are some tips that might help you on that interview.
Use the “hire me” handshake. Interviewers do base their initial impression of you on whether your handshake is strong or wimpy. In fact, your handshake makes more impact than your clothing or hairdo. The reason is that most people polish up for an interview but your handshake is more of a quick reaction. Remember, a strong handshake shows you are extroverted, confident and friendly – all qualities employers look for.
Sound like a leader. Employers want to hire leaders. Be sure to say “I”, not “we”. Saying “I did this” instead of “We did this” shows that you have the ability to head up projects on your own.
Grow a few inches. Stand up straight, wear heels and try to V-neck blouse. All of these tips will help you appear taller, which makes you look instantly more in charge.
Be watching for our next blog. We’ll give you some more job seeking tips.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Don't Fall for Fake Check Scams
You have probably heard through the news of fake check scams. Don’t get caught in this illegal activity. Fake check scams are clever ploys designed to steal your money. There are many variations of the scam. It could start with someone offering to buy something you advertised, pay you to work from home, or request you help them cash a sizeable check. They are very convincing in leading you to believe the offer is legitimate.
The scam works when the fraudster sends you a check or money order for your goods or services. The check is for more than the purchase price of goods or service. The fraudster asks you to send the difference back to them as "change" or to cover "taxes" or "administrative fees". After you send the money, your bank informs you that their check or money order has bounced.
Because the counterfeit check or money order looks so real, even bank tellers may be fooled. Although you receive the money immediately, it may be weeks before it is discovered to be fake.
At that point the check bounces and you are left holding the bag. The bank will deduct the amount that was originally credited to your account, and if you don’t have enough funds to cover the counterfeit item, you will still be responsible for the funds.
Remember…there is no legitimate reason for someone who is giving you money to ask you to wire money back. If someone you do not know wants to pay you for something, insist on a cashier’s check for the exact amount from a bank that has a branch in your area.
If you would like more information on this topic go to www.fakechecks.org.
The scam works when the fraudster sends you a check or money order for your goods or services. The check is for more than the purchase price of goods or service. The fraudster asks you to send the difference back to them as "change" or to cover "taxes" or "administrative fees". After you send the money, your bank informs you that their check or money order has bounced.
Because the counterfeit check or money order looks so real, even bank tellers may be fooled. Although you receive the money immediately, it may be weeks before it is discovered to be fake.
At that point the check bounces and you are left holding the bag. The bank will deduct the amount that was originally credited to your account, and if you don’t have enough funds to cover the counterfeit item, you will still be responsible for the funds.
Remember…there is no legitimate reason for someone who is giving you money to ask you to wire money back. If someone you do not know wants to pay you for something, insist on a cashier’s check for the exact amount from a bank that has a branch in your area.
If you would like more information on this topic go to www.fakechecks.org.
Money Matters
One of the big buzz words these days is BUDGET. For most of us, money is tight. What money we do have needs to go even farther. That may mean establishing or updating a budget. Here are some tips to get you started designing this tool to help you plan, prioritize, and manage your income and expenses.
To create a budget, you must
- Write down your monthly take-home pay. If you are out of work, write down your unemployment compensation. List income you receive from any source, including a part-time job, tax refunds, gifts, child support, etc. Add the sources to determine your actual income for that month. Keep in mind that some of the amounts may fluctuate.
- List how much you deposit in savings each month from your take-home income, even if it’s only a small amount.
- List your fixed monthly expenses . These are the predictable, set amounts for the must-have items and services that you pay for each month. These include rent or mortgage, car payment, and telephone, cable, or Internet access.
- List your variable expenses. These expenses are the amounts that change, as well as the expenses you pay weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or every year like groceries, clothing, haircuts, property taxes, auto and homeowners insurance, and gas and electric.
- List estimates for once-in-a-while expenses such as birthday and wedding gifts, or holiday gifts and entertainment.
- Total your fixed and variable expenses and divide by 12 to get a monthly estimate.
- If after paying your bills and putting money in savings, you still have funds, you can carry over the balance for the next month or use it for unexpected expenses. If the month’s balance is negative, look for ways to cut back on the variable expenses.
We have a great budget guide to use for this project. Good luck!
Monday, March 16, 2009
What Does Money Mean to You?
Who couldn’t use a little financial awareness during these difficult economic times? April has been designated financial literacy month. The Student Services office will be providing you with some timely information and suggestions regarding finances, budgeting and consumer services. Let’s start by thinking about what money means to you.
· If you agree with statements such as there’s no need to budget-either you have enough or not, or it’s not important to save a lot of money, then it may be that money is not important to you and you don’t worry about it.
· If you agree with statements such as success is a fancy car and a good-looking house, buying brand names is important, or it is important to have nothing but the best, then it may be that money is seen as a status figure. You are not interested in bargains and want only name brands.
· If you agree with statements such as there are a lot of things more important than money, money doesn’t buy happiness, or it’s silly to try to keep up with what other people have, then it may be that how you use money is more important, comparison shopping is important, and you tend to save and invest.
· If you agree with statement such as happiness is buying something new, it’s hard to wait for something you really want, or credit is great, then it may be that you use money for instant gratification, you shop for the latest tech items and feel your purchases are justified.
· Finally, if you agree with statement such as don’t buy until you really need something, paying cash is the best way, or shop around until you find the best price, then it may be you value money for the security it gives you and you are frustrated with careless spenders.
Think about these statements and see where you might fit. What about your spouse or children? How do they feel about these statements? Differences in money values can result in a lot of friction in a relationship. It can be helpful to have an understanding of your own money values and those of your spouse and children. This might be a great discussion topic around the dinner table.
· If you agree with statements such as there’s no need to budget-either you have enough or not, or it’s not important to save a lot of money, then it may be that money is not important to you and you don’t worry about it.
· If you agree with statements such as success is a fancy car and a good-looking house, buying brand names is important, or it is important to have nothing but the best, then it may be that money is seen as a status figure. You are not interested in bargains and want only name brands.
· If you agree with statements such as there are a lot of things more important than money, money doesn’t buy happiness, or it’s silly to try to keep up with what other people have, then it may be that how you use money is more important, comparison shopping is important, and you tend to save and invest.
· If you agree with statement such as happiness is buying something new, it’s hard to wait for something you really want, or credit is great, then it may be that you use money for instant gratification, you shop for the latest tech items and feel your purchases are justified.
· Finally, if you agree with statement such as don’t buy until you really need something, paying cash is the best way, or shop around until you find the best price, then it may be you value money for the security it gives you and you are frustrated with careless spenders.
Think about these statements and see where you might fit. What about your spouse or children? How do they feel about these statements? Differences in money values can result in a lot of friction in a relationship. It can be helpful to have an understanding of your own money values and those of your spouse and children. This might be a great discussion topic around the dinner table.
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