2.6.10
Weekly Roundup – Valentine’s Day Edition
Photo courtesy of ClaresCupcakes.co.uk
It’s been a while since my last roundup. One thing roundups give me the opportunity to do is discuss a topic on here that may not have otherwise come up. This week, one freelance writer and one blogger wrote about subject matters I’m deeply passionate about. Another blogger simply reminded me of the value in periodically analyzing your spending behaviors.
Get Paid to Save Money by Donna Freedman at the MSN Money column Living With Less – Donna does an excellent job explaining how Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) work. Of all the different savings vehicles, IDAs are my favorite. I’m absolutely, unequivocally, in LOVE with them.
If your income is in the low to moderate range OR you know someone in the low to moderate income range OR you might meet someone in the future who’s in the low to moderate income range, then read this article. Tell anyone who’ll listen about IDAs. Pretty please?
I first learned of IDAs when I signed up as a financial education volunteer for an organization that participates in them. Every time I go near that place I wish I’d known about IDAs when I qualified. I’m not ready to tell you which organization I volunteer for, but participants receive a $3 match, up to $1,000, for every $1 saved in their IDA. *Excitedly jumps up and down* That’s $3,000 just for saving your own money! Don’t you know I’d sell everything but my organs to get that match.
Well, there are a few more things I wouldn’t sell, but my point is, if you qualify, do all you can to sign up and come up with as much money as you can to get the maximum match.
Why You Probably Shouldn’t Hire Outside Help by Wojciech Kulicki at Fiscal Fizzle – I’m so glad Wojo poked big ol’ fat, gaping holes in a stupid and widely distributed argument about money. It’s the one about paying someone to do something for you if what you pay them is less than what you could make while performing the job yourself. With the exception of child care, I can’t think of anything people do on a regular basis where they actually use the extra time to put this glorious principle into practice.
I’m not saying you should try to do everything yourself. I fully intend on hiring a night nanny when the day comes for me to have a baby in the house. These points fully capture my logic for wanting to do so:
- I don’t want to do it myself.
- I can afford it.
Should these two points cease to be true, guess who’ll be crawling out of bed in the middle of the night to check on their baby.
Friday Frugal Tip – Pizza Delivery by Jeff Kosola at DeliveryAwayDebt – Jeff gives a rundown of the annual cost of pizza for three of his regular customers. The graphic demonstration of the money their spending on pizza alone is enough to make you wonder if you have any habits that cost you as dearly. Whatever you’re spending your money on, whether it be pizza or makeup, try to identify ways to reduce the cost either through elimination or reduction.
Whew! Wasn’t that fun?
So here’s why I decided to associate this Weekly Roundup with Valentine’s Day even though I currently have no man and no prospects.
I’ve been taking naps off and on all day. I’m in D.C. and the city pretty much shuts down when we get this much snow.
I just had a dream I found a 50% off bottle of Valentine’s Day themed sparkling wine after February 14th. I was so excited. In the dream, I’m waiting in line when the cashiers switch registers. Some hubbub ensues, and my fabulous find goes missing for what felt like an eternity. We finally reconnect, then I wake up.
I don’t know what’s sadder. The fact that I dream about getting steep discounts or that I dream about getting steep discounts on wine.
Don’t forget to enter the $50 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway sponsored by Buxr.com.
Tell Jeff to send me over one of his yummy pizzas!
Thanks for highlighting my post!!
Well, that post was awesome.
Getting Paid to Save Money, I would never have found this info on my own! Thanks Shawanda!
You're very welcome. Don't forget to tell a friend.
I started an IDA last month and am SO excited by this awesome program! I get $2 for every $1 saved, and can use it for college, business, or buying a house. I'll be using it for college.
My heart's all a flutter at the news. You're one of the smart and fortunate ones.