Continue reading Forbes drops the layoff axe for the third time

Forbes drops the layoff axe for the third time originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Two months ago, I moved into a new apartment and needed to cut the fat in my spending. Where did I trim first? The landline.

I know, I know, after discussing the benefits of the landline in a post earlier this year, one would think I'd never do away with it. Maybe I'll reconsider later on, but for now, saving an extra $30 a month is worth it.

Where I am NOT saving, I discovered, is in my cellphone use. My monthly bill skyrocketed as soon as I got rid of the landline since I now use it to conduct interviews and of course, there's the occasional one-hour wait for customer service to handle whatever gadget, credit card or travel-related problem I am having that week. Please note that I have a BlackBerry and so I also pay for Internet use.

My roommate chose a pre-paid phone plan since she's only staying in the U.S. for half a year and when I found out she was paying $50 for her unlimited calling, texting and data monthly plan, I got jealous.

"There must be a catch," I thought. "How could a pre-paid service be cheaper than a monthly, contract-based service? I thought I was getting a deal!"

So when the opportunity arrived, I did some research and discovered some shocking information.

Continue reading What will save you money: a pre-paid cellphone plan or a 1- to 2-year contract?

What will save you money: a pre-paid cellphone plan or a 1- to 2-year contract? originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Thank goodness artist Michelle Vaughan has a soft spot for pirates. Otherwise, how else would New Yorkers and tourists alike rediscover the magic of the South Street Seaport, hidden beneath glitzy shops and overpriced restaurants?

From now until Oct. 18, history buffs, pirate enthusiasts and NYC addicts can treat themselves to Vaughan's FREE Sea Warriors art exhibit, which depicts 11 historical pirates -- including Queen Teuta and Sir Francis Drake -- painted on wood panels.

If that tharrr does nay be makin' ye jump fer joy, you can now stick one of Vaughan's pirate designs on your wall, thanks to her collaboration with dVider, a modern design studio specializing in wall decals.

Continue reading Arrrg! Pirates seize a wall near you

Arrrg! Pirates seize a wall near you originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Continue reading Waste Not: Testing dishwashing methods for biggest water waste

Waste Not: Testing dishwashing methods for biggest water waste originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Make love, not porn, because if you live in the Ukraine, you'll get fined and sent to jail. Tuesday, Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko signed a bill into law, making the possession of pornography a criminal offense in the country.

I first heard of the report while watching the Russian news network last night and my immediate reaction was: "WTF?" Thinking the announcement couldn't possibly be true and must have been Russia's unfunny way of mocking my birth country, I hopped onto the Internets, only to find --10 seconds later -- reports of the aforementioned law.

"But what constitutes 'pornography' in the Ukraine?" I wondered. And the only definition I could find was one claimed by XBizNewswire to have been featured in the 2003 legislation, which states, "Pornography is vulgar, candid, cynical, obscene depiction of sexual acts, pursuing no other goal, the explicit demonstration of genitals, unethical elements of the sexual act, sexual perversions, realistic sketches that do not meet moral criteria and offend honor and dignity of the human by inciting low instincts." Hmmm. Not at all subjective.

Continue reading Ukraine outlaws possession of porn, but can't define what it is

Ukraine outlaws possession of porn, but can't define what it is originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Can't get enough of the Big Apple? Thanks to the folks at the Tribeca Film Festival (who sponsored this promotion), Time Out New York offers you a free two-year subscription to its weekly magazine. So whether you're a tourist searching for top-notch entertainment and upscale restaurant ideas or a local explorer extraordinaire looking for recession-friendly weekend activities, don't pass up this opportunity and sign up fast!

According to Time Out's marketing department, this offer wasn't meant to be publicized (even though it's proudly displayed on their site, right above the "Subscribe now and save 90%" offer).

TONY is one of my favorite magazines as it offers a chance to experience New York City through the eyes of real New York connoisseurs. It has been my guide to free gallery events and mouthwatering cheap eats for more than 10 years. Naturally, as soon as I heard about this promotion, I signed up right away, and according to the site, my first magazine issue should arrive in about four weeks.

Free two-year subscription to Time Out New York originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This is not a hoax or an accidental giveaway.

Domino's recently sent out a free-lunch offer to its loyal customers, promoting the pizza chain's new bread bowl pastas. On April 29, stop by participating Domino's locations between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and receive one free bread bowl pasta of your choice. (Carry-out only.)

I don't usually eat bread with my pastas for fear of a carbohydrate overload (and a possible heart attack); so if you're concerned about your carb intake, inquire whether you may try the pastas for free sans bread bowl, an option Domino's offers to paying customers.

Free bread-bowl-pasta lunch at Domino's on April 29 originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 00:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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You might not be famous for shooting cyborg assassins or leading a human resistance team against a world takeover by machines, but if your name is John Connor or Sarah Connor, you can get a Pizza Hut pizza on May 21 for free!

In honor of the release of Terminator Salvation, Pizza Hut is offering all individuals with the names of the famous mother-and-son robot battlers the Salvation special, a medium one-topping pizza. Make sure to bring your government-issued I.D. to claim your free pie.

In addition, Pizza Hut is sending one lucky Terminator fan (and a guest) to Hollywood to attend the world premier of Terminator Salvation, followed by an after-party and a behind-the-scenes tour of Warner Bros. Studios. Now through May 4, 2009, customers can sign up on www.pizzahut.com for a chance to win the grand prize.

Pizza Hut gives away free pizzas to John and Sarah Connors on May 21 originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Tue, 14 Apr 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Want to make $5,000 a month by working from home for approximately 10 hours a week?

Me too! And Scott Hunter, from Brooklyn, NY...err...Bluffton, OH...I mean Buenos Aires, Argentina, can show you how to realize your dream if you simply follow the directions on his blog.

Scott claims that his life changed as soon as he discovered the Google Cash Kit, which helped save him from astronomical debt and gave him the green light to quit his "boring" job as an account manager for a pipe manufacturing company. Heck, he even got married.

The Google Cash Kit he endorses is free, and for a teeny shipping fee of $1.97, we can put our feet up and wait for weekly $1,500 (and up) checks from Google Inc. to make their way into our mailboxes. And lest we think this is a scam (gasp)! Oh no! This works; it's different. Scott's argument? The numbers he's throwing at us are reasonable, compared with the $500,000 or $1,000,000 often promised in inheritance letters from Nigeria.

Does that still sound too good to be true? Perhaps, because it is. Not only is the company whose product you'd be purchasing in no way affiliated with Google, but Scott and his story are as real as the $5,000 check displayed on the site.

Let's dissect.

Continue reading Save yourself from the latest 'Google' scam

Save yourself from the latest 'Google' scam originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Can't shake off your Monday blues? Start your workday off with a free 12-ounce hot cup o' java from Seattle's Best Coffee. (Limit one per customer.)

But that's not all!

In honor of its 39th anniversary, from April 7-April 28, the coffee chain offers all 39-year-olds a free medium (16-ounce) cup of coffee per guest per day. Just show your proof-of-age ID and enjoy a complimentary brew. In addition, from April 10-12, you will receive a free medium cup of Anniversary Roast coffee with purchase of any pastry.

And from April 24-26, when you buy a 12-ounce or larger bag of coffee, you will receive a free medium "handmade" beverage of your choice.

Click here to find a participating Seattle's Best Coffee location near you.

Seattle's Best celebrates 39th birthday with free coffee originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 00:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Looks like Forbes.com will be updating its layoff tracker very shortly.

It was only a matter of time until Forbes slashed more staff at its Web site and thinning magazine. Beginning this morning, Forbes handed out pink slips to its unaware employees, allowing them two weeks to finish up work, clear out their desks, and say their good-byes, says a laid-off Forbes employee.

Forbes began its layoffs last November when it shut down its Forbes Autos site and left a skeleton staff at Forbes Traveler. In January of this year, staff suffered another blow when 19 people were laid off after the magazine and Web operations merged. According to my friends at Forbes, today's layoffs affected more than 50 people across the company, including the editorial, human resources, audience development and product management departments.

My sources say laid off employees will receive at least five weeks of severance pay, which is obviously better than nothing, but when the entire media industry is making drastic cuts and resorting to hiring freezes, laid-off employees should just use this money to take a long, needed vacation.

"I should've been sad," says a former Forbes.com audience development coordinator, "but I wasn't. I survived two rounds of cuts, so I feel lucky to have made it this far. With no one hiring, I think I'm going to take a trip to see family in Miami."

Is this a final round of layoffs for Forbes? I hope so. It's always heartbreaking to hear my friends' desperation for their and their families' future. My tipsters, however, claim another round of layoffs will follow next month.

The layoff ax is Forbes' 'capitalist tool' originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sneak away from the office during your lunch break for a little me time and indulge in a complimentary 40-minute facial treatment from Clarins. Just print your certificate, locate a Clarins counter near you, and reserve your appointment.

There, a Clarins skin-care specialist will demonstrate a personalized skin-care routine on you, teaching you how to take care of your face from morning to night. And as you are being scrubbed and massaged, you'll gather some mindful tips on how to maintain your skin's healthy glow.

For more information on what to expect during your facial, click here.

Unwind with a free facial from Clarins originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Sat, 28 Mar 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Don't have any plans for today? If you're in New York City and are in the mood for some Central European fare, head to Brouwerij Lane, a trendy new beer shop in Brooklyn's Greenpoint neighborhood, and celebrate its grand opening by sampling a variety of wursts, goulash and 10 beers on tap for FREE! Although this is a perfect opportunity to save money on lunch and/or dinner, this event is also a great way to bond with your beer-loving friends.

The party kicks off at 1 p.m. and lasts until 8 p.m.

Brouwerij Lane is located on 78 Greenpoint Ave. (between Franklin and West Streets).

Brouwerij Lane in Brooklyn lets you eat and drink for free! originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Sat, 21 Mar 2009 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It's all we've been hearing about: February will go down as the worst month for layoffs in as far back as most of us can remember, especially in the private sector. With companies scrambling to cut costs in the face of an economic tidal wave, unemployment has catapulted to a staggering 8.1% (from January's 7.6%). Positions once deemed essential are suddenly written off as unhealthy excess. Businesses tighten their belts, axing everyone from executives to mail-room personnel in a frantic effort to stay afloat.

Gallery: Cash-Making Web Destinations

Continue reading Websites that can help you make extra cash on the side

Websites that can help you make extra cash on the side originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Fri, 13 Mar 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Call me traditional, but I like flipping through pages to get to the climax of my novels. I enjoy reading the newspaper in the morning while sipping on tea and eating Belgian waffles. And I definitely cannot get enough of watching movies on my 42-inch-screen television, curled under a blanket with a bowl of buttered popcorn in hand. After working all day on the computer, I want to pop in a DVD and have a little romantic-comedy time.

But Netflix -- my beloved movie-rental service -- might not think that's a profitable idea anymore.

Recently, CNBC.com reported that Netflix is planning to do away with its overnight mail-order service, possibly only offering Internet-streaming movies and shows for a monthly fee of $9.99. But company spokesman Steve Swasey says, "It's all speculative at this point. Netflix is always testing and researching and investigating ways to improve its service for members."

Netflix has been trying out Internet-streaming service with its "Play" option for selected films in a member's queue, and I'm going to confess: I have used that option on multiple occasions when my desire for instant gratification kicked into high gear. However, waiting for movies to finish buffering and for the picture to stop scrambling is not my idea of relaxation. And I'm sure I won't find many movie-buffs who'd rather watch their anticipated releases on a 15-inch computer screen than a 30-inch flat-screen TV.

Yes, I know; "for only $99.99" I could purchase Roku, a digital video player that streams movies from Netflix over the Internet to my television. Also, I could buy an Xbox 360 for $200 and stream the films over Xbox Live. But I don't have extra cash laying around, and besides, why do I have to buy new technology to use the Netflix service? There are obvious reasons why I am a faithful Netflix subscriber: plentiful movie selection, speedy delivery -- but mainly, a super cheap monthly subscription fee!

Continue reading Netflix to eliminate mail-order service?

Netflix to eliminate mail-order service? originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Wed, 25 Feb 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Continue reading Indianapolis most affordable city in the nation, who knew!

Indianapolis most affordable city in the nation, who knew! originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Fri, 20 Feb 2009 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Yesterday, reports about Verizon's $5 landline offer were popping up all over the Internet. I'm surprised the Google search for it didn't hit Denny's free breakfast offer numbers. I mean, $5 for landline service? Sweet deal.

Well, not yet.

The Wall Street Journal, which broke the story, noted that the $5 plan will be offered closer to summer. However, a Verizon executive, who asked to remain unnamed, stated that the third-party source providing information to the WSJ reporter made an error and there is no set time table for the roll-out of the plan.

The $5 service in question would allow for unlimited incoming calls and the ability to place a call to 911 and to Verizon's customer support line. The $10 service in consideration would also include unlimited outbound local calls. Both services are basic connection plans and exclude features such as call-wating, call-forwarding and caller ID. These plans, if introduced, would be offered to customers who live in areas where Verizon wireline services are offered: 25 states (plus Washington D.C.), or approximately 32 million households.

According to Kula, Verizon has seen a roughly 8% landline phone service loss every year, for the past five to eight years. The company hopes that by purchasing the basic telephone plans, customers would be motivated to order Verizon's high-speed Internet and digital entertainment services as well. Kula stresses that individuals do not have to subscribe to Verizon's wireless or broadband services in order to take advantage of the $5 and $10 plans, if they are introduced. Therefore, consumers, regardless of who your cable or cell phone providers are, you can purchase Verizon's voice plans with no hassle.

Continue reading Please hold: Verizon's $5 phone plan still up in the air

Please hold: Verizon's $5 phone plan still up in the air originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Wed, 18 Feb 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pack your bags, Americans, it's time to head to Europe.

Major airlines--Continental, American, Lufthansa and Alitalia, to name a few--have slashed their prices on travel from Newark airport in New Jersey to Europe for travel in late March to early April. Normally, travel in April (especially during school break) catapults as the weather gets warmer, but hey, airlines need to make money, too. After all, the fear of bankruptcy looms.

There's no better time to travel than in a recession (given that you have some money to spend, of course) because guess what? America's not the only country experiencing economic hardships! (Ahem, Iceland.) For example, you can fly to London from Newark for under $200 each way, and what a better time to fly than when the British pound is near its 23-year-low?

Now, you have the opportunity to trek to Europe and spend the same amount as you would on a cross-country trip in the United States (flight, meals and accommodations included).

Some sample one-way fares from Newark airport, taken from Travelzoo.com, are below. (Expect to pay around $350-$480 for a round-trip after taxes and fees.)

- Dublin ... $137
- London ... $149
- Paris ... $149
- Rome ... $149
- Barcelona ... $149
- Amsterdam ... $149
- Lisbon ... $149
- Stockholm ... $149

Continue reading Economic crisis: best time to travel

Economic crisis: best time to travel originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Sat, 14 Feb 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A bachelor's degree in international politics could get one far, correct? That's what my friend Miriam thought when she graduated from George Mason University in spring 2007. Needing to unwind after an arduous school year, she opted to work as a skin-care product specialist at a high-end department store during the summer, living a 20-something female's dream life filled with hefty discounts on designer handbags and shoes, free cosmetics, short work days, all while earning $25 an hour.

She bought a few diamond bracelets, a new car, stocked her closet to the brim with Gucci and Prada, sent out job applications in between--and before she knew, a year had passed. Miriam had everything she wanted, except for the job she fantasized about in countless all-night study sessions.

Positive her calling didn't involve anti-wrinkle creams and used cotton balls, Miriam took out a $30,000 loan to pursue a master's degree in public administration from George Mason. Coveted by individuals yearning to work in the government sector, this broad degree offers its recipients a much higher probability of finding a well-paying job (quickly) than a bachelor's in international politics.

Continue reading Young adults take on debt to pay for better future

Young adults take on debt to pay for better future originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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When my cousin found out her husband was laid off, she was hysterical and she had reason to be. Their household income of $85,000, most of which went toward paying a massive debt and sky-rocketing New York City rent was cut in half. And she was three-months pregnant.

Her situation isn't a shocker. Many U.S. families have suffered from the heavy weight of the recession. In fact, the fraction that hasn't experienced layoffs and reduced income mentally prepares itself for sudden unemployment, says Catherine Williams, vice president of financial literacy for Money Management International, a non-profit, Houston-based credit-counseling organization. "People are seriously planning on losing their jobs. 'I'm going to lose my job sooner or later,' they say. They're getting ready for it," she notes. Pessimism? No -- practicality. Had my cousin been prepared for a possible financial "slap in the face," she might have handled the news differently.

Continue reading Families learn new ways to cope with recession

Families learn new ways to cope with recession originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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