WalletPop Blog http://www.walletpop.com/blog WalletPop Blog http://www.walletpop.com/blog/media/feedlogo.gif WalletPop Blog http://www.walletpop.com/blog en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Buy an engagement ring, get a free honeymoonhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/08/26/buy-an-engagement-ring-get-a-free-honeymoon/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/08/26/buy-an-engagement-ring-get-a-free-honeymoon/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/08/26/buy-an-engagement-ring-get-a-free-honeymoon/#commentsFiled under: ,

Weddings are expensive. So are engagement rings and honeymoons and everything else peripherally associated with your nuptials. Valentine's Jewelry in Harrisonburg, Va., is trying to help you keep costs down. The jeweler has teamed up with Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Lines to put together a really awesome offer.

Starting Sept. 1, customers who purchase engagement rings from Valentine's will be given a certificate for a free, 8-day, 7-night Caribbean cruise for two with either of the two cruise lines, to be redeemed within one year.

Rings must be at least 14K gold or platinum, with at least a 0.60ct G SI2 diamond. Valentine's will pay for the cruise, and you just pay port fees and taxes. The store is located in Virginia, but online purchases count toward the promotion as well.

Continue reading Buy an engagement ring, get a free honeymoon

Buy an engagement ring, get a free honeymoon originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>engagement-ringsfree-caribbean-cruisenorwegian-cruise-linesroyal-caribbeanvalentines-jewelryMeg MassieWed, 26 Aug 2009 17:00:00 ESTNautilus recalls 78,000 Bowflex home gymshttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/03/04/nautilus-recalls-78-000-bowflex-home-gyms/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/03/04/nautilus-recalls-78-000-bowflex-home-gyms/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/03/04/nautilus-recalls-78-000-bowflex-home-gyms/#commentsFiled under: ,

For the second time in as many years, Nautilus has issued a recall on its Bowflex Ultimate 2 Home Gym, this time due to reports of a faulty seat fastener.

The seat is designed to be latched in a vertical position for storage, but the fasteners that hold it in place don't always work, and there have been almost 20 injuries -- often some sort of laceration -- reported when the seats have unexpectedly come unfastened.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, it is still safe to use the $2,300 machines, just not safe to store the seats in their intended fashion -- so don't think you have an excuse to take a day off your fitness program now! Nautilus is shipping repair kits to all registered Bowflex owners to fix the issues with the seat.

I'd be pretty annoyed if I shelled out thousands for a fancy home gym only to have it recalled, and then have to fix the problem myself, even. This recall certainly is a turnoff for anyone considering an investment in home gym equipment. But you don't need expensive machines to stay fit -- remember that pushups, squats, and crunches are three of the most efficient and effective exercises you can do, and all you need to do them is a little bit of floor space.

Nautilus recalls 78,000 Bowflex home gyms originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>bowflexexercisefitnesshome-gyminjurynautilusMeg MassieWed, 04 Mar 2009 15:00:00 ESTEconomy makes Madison Avenue less exclusivehttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/02/18/economy-makes-madison-avenue-less-exclusive/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/02/18/economy-makes-madison-avenue-less-exclusive/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/02/18/economy-makes-madison-avenue-less-exclusive/#commentsFiled under: ,

It's a well known fact that when you walk into a high-end retail store, you have to look the part of the high-end retail customer to get any service -- nice clothes, expensive accessories, wallet full of cash. At least, that's how it used to be. Maybe sales associates everywhere are just getting nicer, but we don't think that's it... In any case, commission-paid salespeople have learned that they can't afford to ignore any potential sale in this economy, even if it's a customer that would've previously been shooed out of their stores.

New York Times reporter Eric Wilson recently tried a little experiment on Madison Avenue to test just how tolerant these once snooty retailers could be. He walked into several of the most exclusive shops in Manhattan dressed like a typical college kid straight out of the classroom. At Chanel, Emanuel Ungaro, Ralph Lauren, Prada, and Tom Ford, Wilson was greeted kindly by enthusiastic clerks who were pleased to show him and attempt to outfit him in some of their finest merchandise. My, how the times have changed!

If employee attitudes are a sign of financial desperation, then only Gucci must be handling the recession -- salespeople there were not at all welcoming, and were in fact quite condescending. So if you want to see what it's like to be treated like the rich and famous, try stepping into one of these shops on Madison Avenue -- but if you're going into Gucci, you'll still need to dress the part.

Economy makes Madison Avenue less exclusive originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Wed, 18 Feb 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>chanelemanual-ungaroguccimadison-avenuepradaralph-laurentom-fordMeg MassieWed, 18 Feb 2009 18:00:00 ESTGive your kids a piggyback toward good credithttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/02/12/give-your-kids-a-piggyback-toward-good-credit/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/02/12/give-your-kids-a-piggyback-toward-good-credit/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/02/12/give-your-kids-a-piggyback-toward-good-credit/#commentsFiled under: ,

If the only way to get credit is to have credit, it can be hard to break into the realm. Maybe you don't care about having a credit card (good for you if you can live without one!), but what happens when you want a loan for a new car, house, or even just need some credit references for a new apartment or cell phone plan? You may not need credit cards, but you've got to have credit, and it can be tough to get your foot in the door, especially for a young adult.

Lenders are more wary than ever, so you'll want to have a good, solid credit history before you ask for a loan of any kind. One of the simplest ways for a young person to establish credit is to piggyback on his or her parents. A parent with established credit can add a child as an authorized user on a credit card. The credit company won't require a credit check on the child, as long as the parent remains the primary cardholder, but having the child's name on the account will establish a credit history.

Parents need to establish some ground rules here, though. As the primary cardholder, the parent will ultimately be responsible for all the charges. If you don't want to give your kid free rein with your money, insist that they pay for what they charge, and keep the limit low just in case. Use the card regularly and pay it off each month to establish a good credit history. It's best to start early with cards like this so kids can have a well-established credit history by the time they are ready to take out loans in their own names.

Piggybacking on parents is a great way to get started with your own credit history, but keep in mind that lenders will be wary of those who piggyback on just anyone. If your credit history begins with your parent or spouse's credit cards, fine, but when it's someone who's not closely related to you, that can raise red flags.

Give your kids a piggyback toward good credit originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>creditestablishing-creditpiggybackingMeg MassieThu, 12 Feb 2009 09:00:00 ESTRecession fun: Hobbies and hangouts on the cheaphttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/01/29/recession-fun-hobbies-and-hangouts-on-the-cheap/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/01/29/recession-fun-hobbies-and-hangouts-on-the-cheap/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/01/29/recession-fun-hobbies-and-hangouts-on-the-cheap/#commentsFiled under: ,

Most people would probably say that the recession has put the brakes on their social lives. It's hard to justify spending $20, $50, $100 or more on an evening out when you know you're just adding to credit card bills that you can't pay off any time in the foreseeable future. And we can forget about pampering ourselves with the small luxuries we used to enjoy in better times, right?

I can't give you the secrets to living like a millionaire on a pauper's income, but there's no reason you can't still go out just as much, or treat yourself just as much as before the recession made everything seem impossible -- it just takes a shift in perspective. There are plenty of enjoyable activities, both of the social and personal pampering varieties, that are not only free but could even save money or create a little bit of income, if you're the crafty type.

First of all, get away from the idea that you have to go out to have a good time. Hobbies like gardening and cooking can be incredibly fulfilling. You can share the fruits of your labors with your friends, and the money saving possibilities are many. Obviously if you grow your own veggies, that's less you spend at the store, and if you serve dinner at home, that's money saved on restaurant tabs. Pot luck dinners are a great way to get a group of friends together without spending very much money.

Continue reading Recession fun: Hobbies and hangouts on the cheap

Recession fun: Hobbies and hangouts on the cheap originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>cheap-activitiesfree-activitiesrecession-hangoutsrecession-hobbiesMeg MassieThu, 29 Jan 2009 18:30:00 ESTPeanut processor knowingly shipped contaminated productshttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/01/28/peanut-processor-knowingly-shipped-contaminated-products/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/01/28/peanut-processor-knowingly-shipped-contaminated-products/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/01/28/peanut-processor-knowingly-shipped-contaminated-products/#commentsFiled under:

Following the recent nationwide salmonella outbreak, the Food and Drug Administration inspected the Peanut Corp. of America (PCA) plant in Blakely, Georgia. The FDA's findings are more than a little disturbing.

Continue reading Peanut processor knowingly shipped contaminated products

Peanut processor knowingly shipped contaminated products originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>FDAPCApeanut-butterpeanut-butter-recallMeg MassieWed, 28 Jan 2009 11:30:00 ESTEmployers entice workers to take care of themselveshttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/01/20/employers-entice-workers-to-take-care-of-themselves/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/01/20/employers-entice-workers-to-take-care-of-themselves/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/01/20/employers-entice-workers-to-take-care-of-themselves/#commentsFiled under: , ,

When you get lazy about your health, you cost yourself a lot of money. But that's just the start of it. You cost your employer a pretty penny, too, in lower production, paid sick time, and higher insurance premiums. Savvy businesses know that healthy employees are the most productive employees, and that's why more and more companies are starting to invest in employee health incentives.

Many companies offer small rewards for simple steps. For instance, Affinia Group gave its employees $10 Wal-Mart gift cards when they took free high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes tests. Often, individuals don't realize their risks until they've already faced serious health problems or emergencies. By testing and detecting risks early, many of those at risk get the motivation to make healthy changes before it's too late.

Some employers are going above and beyond simple early detection testing. As health insurance premiums rise ever higher, it is worth it for employers to invest lots of money in workers' health. Disease management programs have become popular in recent years, where employers will offer discounts on treatments as long as employees work to reduce their risks, either by attending counseling sessions or working with health professionals to manage risk. Other companies pay for employees' membership in weight loss programs and/or gyms.

If you're lucky enough to have an employer offer to cover these costs for you, you should absolutely take advantage of this! Getting healthy can cost a lot of money, but if someone else is footing the bill, why wouldn't you try it? Staying unhealthy is expensive, too. More and more companies are offering up rewards for the things we should be doing anyway. How much more motivation do you need?

Employers entice workers to take care of themselves originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Tue, 20 Jan 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>careeremployershealthhealth-carehealth-incentivesinsuranceMeg MassieTue, 20 Jan 2009 17:00:00 ESTYour weight and your wallet: Earning dividendshttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/01/14/your-weight-and-your-wallet-earning-dividends/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/01/14/your-weight-and-your-wallet-earning-dividends/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/01/14/your-weight-and-your-wallet-earning-dividends/#commentsFiled under: ,

Losing weight is an expensive endeavor, but once you reach your goals, you'll see that investment pay off in so many ways that you'll never wonder if it was worth it.

First, there's the emotional benefit. Fifty-seven pounds ago, if you'd told me I could fit into the pants I'm wearing now, I would've given just about anything. But I did it without selling my car or my house or my soul, and the confidence and happiness that come with that are priceless.

I joined Weight Watchers to break through my last plateau and meet my final goals. Now that I've met those goals, I'm a Lifetime Member, which means I don't pay for the meetings and online tools anymore. Weight Watchers was a huge part of my personal success, and knowing I have access to those services for the rest of my life makes the idea of weight maintenance a lot less terrifying. And hey, now it's free! Of course I'm going to keep using the program. There's $35 a month that my weight loss is now saving me.

Continue reading Your weight and your wallet: Earning dividends

Your weight and your wallet: Earning dividends originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Wed, 14 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>featuredfitnesshealthhealth-benefitsweightweight-lossYour weight and your walletYourWeightAndYourWalletMeg MassieWed, 14 Jan 2009 11:00:00 ESTYour weight and your wallet: The weight loss investmenthttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/01/13/your-weight-and-your-wallet-the-weight-loss-investment/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/01/13/your-weight-and-your-wallet-the-weight-loss-investment/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/01/13/your-weight-and-your-wallet-the-weight-loss-investment/#commentsFiled under:

I recently wrote about the financial cost of putting on weight. Weight gain is like a slow-moving train. You barely notice it until it's built up enough momentum that it's nearly impossible to stop.

Everyone has a breaking point, though, where you make up your mind that you will do whatever it takes to turn it around. My breaking point was both emotional and financial. After gaining 50 pounds, it was depressing to be so dissatisfied with my appearance and my fitness, and I couldn't bear the thought of spending my hard-earned paycheck on plus-size clothes I didn't even like because nothing else in my closet fit me.

Over the course of the two years it took me to pack on 50 pounds, I determined that my weight gain cost me about $10,000. Yikes! Finding a way to reverse that trend was like giving myself a $5,000-a-year raise. Think about that next time you lack motivation!

But it costs money to lose weight, too. Many of these costs are optional, but you're still going to spend at least a little bit. Here's a breakdown:

Continue reading Your weight and your wallet: The weight loss investment

Your weight and your wallet: The weight loss investment originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Tue, 13 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>changedietingexercisefeaturedfitnessfoodgym-membershipgymsprogramsweightweight lossweight-watchersWeightLossworking-outMeg MassieTue, 13 Jan 2009 11:00:00 ESTYour weight and your wallet: The cost of weight gainhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/01/12/your-weight-and-your-wallet-the-cost-of-weight-gain/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/01/12/your-weight-and-your-wallet-the-cost-of-weight-gain/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/01/12/your-weight-and-your-wallet-the-cost-of-weight-gain/#commentsFiled under: , ,

They say weight loss is an investment. Perhaps that's intended as some sort of uplifting figure of speech, but finances really do play a large role in weight management and fitness.

Believe me, I know. I've spent the last three years trying to lose the 50 pounds I put on while I was in college. It was a long, frustrating seesaw, but now I've lost those 50 pounds (and seven more), and I'm in the best shape of my life. I've also spent literally thousands of dollars getting to this point. No surgeries or expensive prescriptions -- just all the little expenses that come with the journey and add up over time.

Sure, losing weight is an investment, but it costs a lot to gain weight, too. Let's look at the costs of some unhealthy habits:

Continue reading Your weight and your wallet: The cost of weight gain

Your weight and your wallet: The cost of weight gain originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>featuredfitnessfoodgetting-fathealthmetabolismweightweight gainweight lossweight-managementWeightGainWeightLossYour weight and your walletYourWeightAndYourWalletMeg MassieMon, 12 Jan 2009 10:00:00 ESTDoes this recession make me look fat?http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/01/10/does-this-recession-make-me-look-fat/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/01/10/does-this-recession-make-me-look-fat/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/01/10/does-this-recession-make-me-look-fat/#commentsFiled under: ,

As Americans look for ways to cut costs wherever possible, doctors worry that the changes we make to our food purchases will lead to an even worse obesity crisis than we're already facing.

There's a definite link between income and obesity, as numerous studies have shown that lower-income Americans are much more likely to be overweight. Healthy foods tend to be more expensive, so when people have to cut back on their grocery bills, they end up selecting cheaper foods that are higher in sugar and saturated fats. Things like fresh fruit and organic veggies become a luxury, and cash-strapped families turn to fast food dollar menus.

A look at some earnings numbers confirms this fact -- McDonald's appears recession-proof, while health food giant Whole Foods can't keep up with its projections. But is anyone really saving money by shunning healthy foods for cheap but fatty fast food? Probably only in the very short term. Weight gain from too many Big Macs will translate to a need for new clothes, and just one new outfit costs more than the difference in a week's worth of healthy groceries versus cheap alternatives. In the longer term, your health risks increase exponentially when you gain lots of weight, and medical care isn't cheap.

Doctors remind us that there are healthy ways to eat cheaply, though. Looking back to the Great Depression, before poverty stricken Americans had the dollar menu, people survived hard times on a diet of cheap and nutrient-rich foods such as ground beef, beans, milk, nuts, cheese, carrots, potatoes, canned tomatoes, soups, and rice. Maybe not as yummy as McDonald's, but if you're really trying to save money, this is definitely the best way to go. That dollar menu is going to cost you more in the long run.

Does this recession make me look fat? originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Sat, 10 Jan 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>cutting-costsdollar-menugrocerieshealthrecessionweight-gainMeg MassieSat, 10 Jan 2009 16:00:00 ESTContinental Airlines tests biofuel flighthttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/01/08/continental-airlines-tests-biofuel-flight/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/01/08/continental-airlines-tests-biofuel-flight/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/01/08/continental-airlines-tests-biofuel-flight/#commentsFiled under: ,

If you've ever measured your own carbon footprint, you know that frequent flying really takes a toll on the environment. And if you've bought plane tickets recently, you know that fuel costs are a huge part of the price you'll pay. Yesterday, Continental Airlines became the first major American airline to fly a plane powered in part by alternative fuels.

A Continental Boeing 737-800 jet left Houston's Bush International Airport with no passengers, and flew for one hour and 45 minutes. One of the plane's two engines used regular fuel, and the other used a mixture of half regular fuel and half biofuel derived from algae and jatropha plants. According to Continental, the biofuel exceeded specifications for regular jet fuel, and no modifications to the plane or its engines were needed, but it will still be many years before airlines are able to really use alternative fuels on a large scale. There simply isn't enough available right now.

Biofuel sources like algae and jatropha are sustainable, but there aren't enough facilities producing the biofuel to supply airlines with the volumes they need. 2008's fuel spike has given the biofuel industry a boost, though, and some experts predict that airlines will be using as much as 20% biofuels in planes within the next decade. As biofuel production increases and becomes more efficient, it will be able to compete more with petroleum. With sustainable sources, we shouldn't see such drastic price swings in biofuels as we've seen in the past few years in regular jet fuel and gasoline. When airlines begin to regularly integrate alternative fuels, we can expect to see cheaper, cleaner flights. Sounds like a win-win.

Continental Airlines tests biofuel flight originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>alternative fuelalternative fuelsAlternativeFuelAlternativeFuelsbiofuelbiofuelscontinentalcontinental airlinesContinentalAirlinesMeg MassieThu, 08 Jan 2009 14:30:00 ESTHoliday shoppers get crafty as economy plungeshttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2008/12/23/recession-helps-craft-sales/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2008/12/23/recession-helps-craft-sales/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2008/12/23/recession-helps-craft-sales/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Retailers across the board are reporting weaker sales this holiday season as shoppers have less money to spend on gifts and on themselves in this ugly economy. There is one exception, though. Craft sales are much stronger this year, as folks turn to do-it-yourself projects and handmade goods to save money on gifts.

In years past, maybe you spent $10 or $20 on each of your gifts, but when you can't afford to spend like that anymore, it's time to get creative. You can make your own gifts for the cost of some inexpensive craft supplies, or you can buy directly from crafters if you're not so talented with knitting needles and glue sticks yourself. Etsy, the popular website for buying and selling handmade goods, has seen a real boom in both listings and transactions this holiday season. Sometimes it's more expensive to buy handmade goods, but etsy is a great place to find less expensive but still high quality merchandise. I did a lot of shopping there myself this year!

Continue reading Holiday shoppers get crafty as economy plunges

Holiday shoppers get crafty as economy plunges originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Tue, 23 Dec 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>christmascraft-storescraftsdiydo-it-yourselfdo-it-yourself-giftsetsygiftshandmade-giftsholidaysjoannjoann-fabricsmichaelsMeg MassieTue, 23 Dec 2008 13:00:00 ESTCash-strapped families can't afford to keep their petshttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2008/12/22/cash-strapped-families-cant-afford-to-keep-their-pets/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2008/12/22/cash-strapped-families-cant-afford-to-keep-their-pets/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2008/12/22/cash-strapped-families-cant-afford-to-keep-their-pets/#commentsFiled under:

When you think about getting a pet, the number one consideration is probably time. Do you have the energy to walk a dog several times a day? Do you have someone in your neighborhood who can feed the cats while you're traveling? Usually, if a person can handle the time commitment of pet ownership, then it's a pretty easy decision.

Sure, it costs money to own a cat or a dog, but it's nothing compared to a child. Just a few bucks more on each grocery bill for food, litter, and miscellaneous supplies, then a few vet visits here and there -- but these expenses add up, and in an ugly economy, they add up to a heartbreaking truth. Thanks to layoffs, cutbacks, and higher costs, lots of people just can't spare the few extra bucks per week that it costs to own a pet.

Shelters across the United States are seeing a surge of animals that loving owners are forced to surrender because they can't afford to care for them anymore. According to the American Pet Products Association, the average annual cost of owning a dog is around $1,400. Cats are a little cheaper, at $1,000 per year. But finances are tight, and what used to be no big deal can now be an enormous burden. Pet owners with sick animals are more frequently choosing euthanasia over expensive medical treatment, too. Vets and shelter employees say that the people giving up their pets are not irresponsible owners who got in over their heads. They have loved and cared for these animals for years, but suddenly find themselves unable to afford them any longer.

If you are considering adopting a pet, you definitely need to take a good look at your finances first. If you determine that you can afford it comfortably, now is a great time to look for a new furry friend. Shelters are more crowded than ever, full of animals that need good homes.

Continue reading Cash-strapped families can't afford to keep their pets

Cash-strapped families can't afford to keep their pets originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Mon, 22 Dec 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>animalscatsdogspet-ownershippetssheltersSPCAMeg MassieMon, 22 Dec 2008 16:00:00 ESTLast-minute gift ideas? Have a cowhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2008/12/18/last-minute-gift-ideas-have-a-cow/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2008/12/18/last-minute-gift-ideas-have-a-cow/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2008/12/18/last-minute-gift-ideas-have-a-cow/#commentsFiled under:

Who here is NOT done with holiday gift shopping yet? There are lots of us, hmm? May I suggest a gift that doesn't require a trip to the mall or expensive last-minute shipping costs? Charitable donations are a stress-free Christmas gift, perfect for givers who hate to shop and recipients who already have everything anyway.

In this blogger's opinion, Heifer International is one of the best charities out there, worthy of consideration for any gift-giving occasion. When you donate to Heifer International, you're not just making a one-time offering. The money you send will be put toward animals (which you can choose or let the organization choose for you) that will be given to families in need. Heifer recipients go through rigorous training to learn how to care for their animals and make the most of the gift. Then, when their animals have offspring, they pass on at least one offspring along with their training to more needy families. This process makes the charity so much more successful than a program that simply donates cash or food to people in need. Heifer teaches people the skills they need and gives them the tools necessary to rise out of poverty, and in turn help others do the same.

It's called Heifer because it started with a cow, but now the organization deals in all types of animals, and even trees. (I think the ducklings make an adorable Christmas card.) If you can't afford to donate an entire animal, you can donate money toward that animal, which will be pooled together with other donations. It really is a gift that keeps on giving, and that's why I always do some of my holiday shopping in the Heifer International Gift Catalog.

Last-minute gift ideas? Have a cow originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>charitychristmasgiftsheiferheifer internationalheifer-internationalheifer.orgHeiferInternationalholidayspay-it-forwardMeg MassieThu, 18 Dec 2008 14:00:00 ESTDon't waste money on jewelry cleanershttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2008/12/17/dont-waste-money-on-jewelry-cleaners/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2008/12/17/dont-waste-money-on-jewelry-cleaners/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2008/12/17/dont-waste-money-on-jewelry-cleaners/#commentsFiled under:

Jewelry stores around the country will do the majority of their annual business between now and Valentine's Day. If you're buying bling for your special someone this year, good for you. Surely you've researched all the four C's, you know all about gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, and you know exactly what you want to buy and how much you're going to spend on it.

Once you've got the perfect piece picked out, ask your salesperson to ring it up and just say no to add-on sales, especially jewelry cleaners. Retailers will charge anywhere from $5-$25 for a small bottle of purple liquid that's supposed to be just for gems. I'm not certain what's in those bottles, but I'll tell you what they're using in the store to clean their merchandise: Windex. Really.

A little watered-down Windex will safely clean most any jewelry, and you can just about buy a lifetime supply of Windex for the cost of one ounce of that purple stuff, whatever it is. There are some gemstones that you don't want to clean with any chemicals, though, because the stones are too delicate. For opals, pearls, apatite, and other soft or sensitive stones, simply use an old toothbrush and some warm, soapy water.

You're already spending a lot of money buying jewelry. Save yourself the extra $5 and go for Windex (or an equivalent store brand) instead of the expensive purple stuff.

Don't waste money on jewelry cleaners originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Wed, 17 Dec 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>chemicalscleaning-jewelryhow-to-clean-jewelryjewelryjewelry-cleanerswindexMeg MassieWed, 17 Dec 2008 16:00:00 ESTWhich colleges are worth the investment?http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2008/12/16/which-colleges-are-worth-the-investment/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2008/12/16/which-colleges-are-worth-the-investment/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2008/12/16/which-colleges-are-worth-the-investment/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Your college education may well be the largest investment you ever make. Tuition costs are up again this year, as they have been every year in recent memory, and four years of higher education will run up a bill in excess of six figures for many students. Most will take out loans, and many will still be paying on those loans 20 years from now. Yikes.

You see why it's important to pick the right school? In a new twist on college rankings, SmartMoney has put together a list of the Colleges That Pay Off. SmartMoney looks at the cost of a degree at each school, and then the average income of alumni five and 15 years after graduation, then gives each school a payback ratio, which highlights the relationship between education costs and future earning power. A higher number is better.

With a payback ratio of 338%, the University of Georgia tops off the list of public universities. The top private school in the survey was Washington and Lee University, with a 145% payback ratio. Those private school tuitions really make a dent. SmartMoney gave the Ivy League schools their own category, with Princeton topping the list with a 132% ratio. Still think those Ivy League degrees are worth more? If only ego factored into the equation.

The debate rages on over where you go for the best education, but strictly speaking in terms of numbers, it's the public state universities that churn out the highest-paid graduates. The Princeton alum may have the bigger head, but Bulldogs have bigger houses.

Which colleges are worth the investment? originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Tue, 16 Dec 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>careerscollegecollege-planningfeaturedincomeivy-leaguejobsprivate-schoolpublic-schoolschoolstudent-loanstuitionugauniversitiesuniversityuniversity-of-georgiaMeg MassieTue, 16 Dec 2008 16:00:00 ESTVegas not so recession proof after all, babyhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2008/12/15/vegas-not-so-recession-proof-after-all-baby/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2008/12/15/vegas-not-so-recession-proof-after-all-baby/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2008/12/15/vegas-not-so-recession-proof-after-all-baby/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It turns out that the idea that gambling is a recession-proof industry is just another myth. Of course, casino insiders already knew this -- just ask them how business was following the 9/11 attacks in 2001. It took a while, but most casinos had pretty much recovered by the time the credit crisis turned our economy to mush, and now things are bleaker than ever before in the gaming industry.

The Nevada Gaming Control Board recently reported that statewide casino revenues fell 22% in the month of October, compared to October 2007 numbers. Vegas' haul was down 26%. This is the 10th straight month of declines, and the worst single-month dip ever. Atlantic City and other smaller gambling destinations are reeling, too, as gamblers everywhere are cutting back, with less money to play with and less willing to risk what's left.

Thousands of casino employees have been laid off in recent months, and not even the biggest names in gaming are safe from bankruptcy.

There is, however, a silver lining. Travelers can find better deals than ever before at casino resorts and hotels, and hey, the crowds aren't so bad these days. Nevada lobbyists are working the Control Board to lower the gambling age from 21 to 18, in hopes of bringing in more gaming dollars. Teenagers aren't going to singlehandedly revive this industry, though, so casinos will have to continue offering deals. As a tourist in Vegas, the deck is finally stacked in your favor.

Vegas not so recession proof after all, baby originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Mon, 15 Dec 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>casinosgamblinglas-vegasrecessionvegasMeg MassieMon, 15 Dec 2008 18:00:00 ESTPhylicia Rashad is the new Jenny Craig spokeswomanhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2008/12/15/phylicia-rashad-is-the-new-jenny-craig-spokeswoman/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2008/12/15/phylicia-rashad-is-the-new-jenny-craig-spokeswoman/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2008/12/15/phylicia-rashad-is-the-new-jenny-craig-spokeswoman/#commentsFiled under:

As the New Year looms and people start thinking about weight-related resolutions, the Jenny Craig weight loss program is taking on a new celebrity spokeswoman -- again. Phylicia Rashad, best known for her role as Claire Huxtable on The Cosby Show, will take over the reins from Queen Latifah, the latest in a line of celebs who've endorsed Jenny's plan. There's no job security in weight loss endorsements, because once you've lost the weight, you're just not as interesting anymore -- and if you don't lose the weight, or can't keep it off, well, then, that's not the endorsement the company wants. So we expect to keep seeing a lot of turnover in this position.

The Newest Spokesmodel

    As the new spokewoman for Jennie Craig, Phylicia Rashad will become a role model for those trying to lose weight, and the company hopes her popularity will help draw in new customers.

    Noel Vasquez, Getty Images

    Rashad may be setting herself up for a short-term job assignment. If she succeeds, the company will move on most likely, and if she doesn't, she could also lose her job.

    Joe Corrigan, Getty Images

    Rashad has struggled with her weight in the last decade or so. This photo is from a red carpet appearance in 2007, which shows off her figure.

    Mark Mainz, IMG / Getty Images

    Rashad and her husband, sportscaster Ahmad Rashad were the life of the party in the 1980s, when she had a much leaner look at red carpet events.

    David Mcgough, DMI / Time Life Pictures / Getty Images

    At the height of her popularity on the long-running NBC hit 'The Cosby Show,' Rashad was always elegant.

    AP

    Rashad takes over for Queen Latifah, who has been extremely successful in keeping off her weight -- so much so that she may not be a great inspiration for new customers.

    April L. Brown, AP

    The same goes for Valerie Bertinelli, who is in the maintenance phase of the program.

    Gregg DeGuire, WireImage.com

    Kirstie Alley ran into trouble as a Jennie Craig celebrity spokeswomen when she regained weight. The company dropped her.

    Frederick M. Brown, Getty Images

Continue reading Phylicia Rashad is the new Jenny Craig spokeswoman

Phylicia Rashad is the new Jenny Craig spokeswoman originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Mon, 15 Dec 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>cosby showCosbyShowjenny-craigphylicia rashadPhyliciaRashadweightweight lossWeightLossMeg MassieMon, 15 Dec 2008 13:00:00 ESTPreposterous products: New pre-chewed pencils help kids concentrate?http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2008/12/12/preposterous-products-new-pre-chewed-pencils-help-kids-concentr/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2008/12/12/preposterous-products-new-pre-chewed-pencils-help-kids-concentr/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2008/12/12/preposterous-products-new-pre-chewed-pencils-help-kids-concentr/#commentsFiled under:

From the Who Thinks This Stuff Up? files, there's a new pencil on the market, designed to help your kids concentrate in school. The British company Concentrate recently launched a pre-chewed pencil design. It's not really pre-chewed, it only looks like someone's been gnawing on it.

The company studies things that distract kids in school, and then designs products to help students focus. They say that these pencils are cheap but effective, because kids won't get distracted chewing on them if they already look like this. Um, hello? I see some flaws in this logic.

First of all, who says you can't chew and concentrate at the same time? I'm a long-time pen chewer myself, but it was never something that required a lot of my attention. I graduated with dozens of mutilated pens and straight A's, thank you very much. In fact, bad habit though it may be, chewing pencils or biting nails or cracking knuckles or whatever annoying thing that you do mindlessly while learning about the New Deal might even calm your nerves in a way that helps you concentrate.

I also know what it feels like to have a chewing compulsion, and I doubt these nasty looking pencils will deter anyone, really. A real dedicated pencil muncher will hardly notice the marks, and those who are bothered will simply reach for a different pencil. Or, you know, not buy these in the first place.

The verdict? You get points for creativity, Concentrate, but these pencils aren't going to revolutionize education. This idea stinks like #2.

Preposterous products: New pre-chewed pencils help kids concentrate? originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Fri, 12 Dec 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>concentratepencilspre-chewed-pencilspreposterous productsPreposterousProductsschoolMeg MassieFri, 12 Dec 2008 17:00:00 EST