How to Pawn Items
Welcome back!
I live on the fringe of a major city, but I am also far enough that I can pickup a few local television stations. My area so far as been relatively insulated from the current recession. However, just east of me has not been so lucky. They have lost jobs at an alarming rate. Entire towns are closing down.
I sometimes choose to watch the local news from that area, because sometimes they cover the town that I live in. While I was watching the newscast last week, I thought to myself, what a different tone the news had taken in that area, within the past six months. Major stories on the last newscast included, where to get food, how to apply for financial assistance and announcements of more layoffs. It was truly sad to see.
I do not delude myself that people are really struggling right now but the real slap in the face came when the news did a story on how to pawn your valuables in order to keep your utilities on or feed your family. The story covered the basics of how to pawn items, and which items were bringing in the most money.
As I watched, the newscaster sifted through family heirlooms and wedding bands. It was heartbreaking to see people have to sell these things in order to survive. However, if I were faced with that situation, I too would sell my precious items to feed my loved ones.
Pawn shops are doing great right now in this economy. If you do end up in a situation where you must pawn your items, to stay afloat please make sure you understand the process. Pawn shops are not necessarily bad places, they are a business like any other.
How to Pawn
When you take an item to a pawn shop, you are essentially renting it with the option to buy it back from the shop owner. In some shops there is the option to come and buy the item back within a certain amount of time. Please be careful when you decide to do this, because in essence you are selling your valuables to another person. You will most likely never see that item again.
My mother learned this lesson all too well in the mid-1980′s after my youngest sister was born. Times were tight and she went and pawned her wedding band, to feed our growing family. She was left without any other choice. She sold the ring to a pawn shop, and she has looked for the ring ever since. She has never seen the ring again. I once asked her if she wish she would have not done that. She replied that of course she wish she still had the ring, but feeding her family was more important.
So, please keep in mind, that you may never be able to find the item that you pawn agin. Make sure that you can live with loosing it. Also do some homework as to the value of what you are pawning is. The most important thing to remember is that you do not have to sell it to the pawn shop once you are there. If you do not want to, then don’t.
The End of the 24 Hour Society?
As President Obama said, last week in his press conference, Americans are loosing jobs at an alarming rate. Stores are closing like crazy. I am amazed to see even bigger chain stores closing in my area.
We have become an around the clock society. So many stores offer 24 hour services, as opposed to 10 years ago. We have come to expect, that certain mega-retailers and drugstores will be open at all hours of the night, just incase we need something.
However, as the jobless rate goes up. and payroll gets harder to cover for many business’ large and small, will we start to see a decline in the 24 hour store? When I started to thing about this concept in depth, which I had never really done before. I was amazed at how expensive it must be.
A store that is open for 24 hours, 7 days a week must incur some serious costs. Payroll must be outrageous. If you thing about it, the store must be staffed at all times, usually with more than one person. Almost all 24 hour stores have a manager on duty, at all times. Managers are payed more than regular staff and are therefore more expensive.
Then I thought about,how much the energy costs of keeping your doors open at a 24 hour store must be. Heat, or air conditioning, lights, and water? That kind of usage must really add up quickly. Especially for a mega-retailer such as Walmart.
Taking all of these thoughts into account, I wonder, with the downturn in the economy will the 24 hour store survive? As we all know, retail sales are down sharply for the country. People are not out shopping. Which I would think would certainly effect the over night crowd that frequent 24 hour stores.
I am grateful for the store that stays open for 24 hours in times of sickness or emergency. However, I think that with stores being open constantly are slowly changing our society. We are able to do things like shop whenever we’d like that we were not able to do before now.
So, what does this current depression have in store for the 24 hour shopper? I guess only time will tell. Until then, covet your ability to feed your 2 am. fix for that Heath Bar or be thankful that you can buy junior diapers at 4 am.
What To Do With Your Tax Return?
Tis’ the season of the long awaited tax return for those early filers out there. Those glorious checks that cheerfully find their way to your mailbox, unless you live in California. With dollar signs in the eyes of many, strict budgeting is need and it is needed fast.
In these difficult times, this additional money can really help make a difference in a person’s budget, if they spend it correctly. I have some very dear friends, who I love very much, who will have received about $3000. worth of tax refunds from Uncle Sam this year. As their money is starting to trickle in, so are the unneeded large purchases.
I am not a financial scholar, I have made my mistakes financially. When I see friends of mine making such large frivolous purchases, this makes me start to think about how others will be spending their return as well. Will the whole country be as irresponsible as my dear friends?
I will not be receiving a return this year. I am totally bummed, because I could really use the extra influx of cash, right about now. I am sure that most of the country could use an influx of cash right now as well. Even though I will not be receiving a return this year, I pondered that if I had, what would I do with the money. I do know that large unneeded purchases would not be happening.
How can people like my friends even think about shelling out large amounts of cash at a time like this. I do understand that spending stimulates the economy, but in these shaky times, when jobs are not guaranteed, doesn’t it make sense to not spend but save? I know that there are those out there who will not spend like money is going out of style.
There are those out there that need that money to stay afloat financially. Wether that tax return comes or not, financial responsibilities never stop. I hope that for those who really do need the checks right now, that they use it in a responsible manner.
Austerity and Our New President
Tonight our president came before the press and the American public. Finally some questions about what the stimulus entailed, how it would be put into practice, and how its sucess could be determined.
It was wonderful to see a strong message broadcast to a leary country. Obama ventured to Elkhart Indiana today to see one if the hardest hit towns by this economic recession. I have driven through this area within the past year and I have to say that the scene was deviststing. I was so pleased that our President took the time to go there to see the average American’s plight. Tonight he used these people as an example saying that Washington needed to stop positioning themselves for the next election and work for the people who depend on them.
I watched the entire confernce and a few things stood out to me. First of all the President Obama said,
“As we speak, similar scenes are playing out in cities and towns across the country. Last Monday, more than 1,000 men and women stood in line for 35 firefighter jobs in Miami. Last month, our economy lost 598,000 jobs, which is nearly the equivalent of losing every single job in the state of Maine. And if there’s anyone out there who still doesn’t believe this constitutes a full-blown crisis, I suggest speaking to one of the millions of Americans whose lives have been turned upside down because they don’t know where their next paycheck is coming from.”
I knew the unemployment rate was sky rocking but, it is truly alarming when one looks at the raw data. Large portions of the country have been insulated from what the rest of the country is going through, tonight those people got to see how badly things have become for their fellow Americans.
I also liked how President Obama closed his speech by saying,
“We find ourselves in a rare moment where the citizens of our country and all countries are watching and waiting for us to lead. It is a responsibility that this generation did not ask for, but one that we must accept for the sake of our future and our children’s.”
We as a country are at a history making juncture, it’s sink or swim time. I am optimistic at this point in time, I think that our country will band together and rise again, like we have out of every other depression and recession. This country is not a stranger to hard times, and we have always pulled through. So, lets not break that trend. Let’s help our neighbors where and when we can and stand up as a country to make it through.
The Library, all the Entertainment You can Stand
Most communities have a public library within a drivable distance from their homes. Libraries have been around forever, therefore they have been mostly forgotten, except by the select few. Well, my friend the time of looking to the local library for entertainment is back. For little to no cost, everyone can participate, all you need is a library card.
Today’s library has more than books to entertain you. My local library has videos and DVD of feature length films which are available to be rented. They also have books on tape, for those of you how do not prefer read. The tapes you have, can be imported into an MP3 on your computer. The possibilities are endless when at the library!
If you do like to read or if it bores you, try a book from the non-fiction department about something exotic, like a travel book, or a recipe book. These can be a ton of fun, on a snowy or rainy day. I always love to look at gardening or fashion books with beautiful pictures. Want to go on an exotic vacation but cannot afford it, get a picture book and substitute.
As I said earlier many libraries also offer multi-media selections. Learn a new language on cd, or listen to music from a favorite artist, or even surf the internet. Many libraries offer free internet to those who hold a library card for that particular branch.
Another great benefit that you may find at your local library is a book club. My local library has a wonderful book club that meets once a month during the lunch break hour, to accommodate professionals. If your local library does not have one, and you are a habitual reader, start one.
Most libraries offer classes on many different subjects, for only a few dollars. This can be a great way to entertain yourself cheaply. My local library has lamaze classes to basket weaving. Most of the classes meet in the evening, so that more people can attend. Also look to see if any clubs meet at your local library.
Most people never set foot into their local library. There is a treasure trove of entertainment to be had. Be brave, go in and get a card. Learning something new is a wonderful way to entertain yourself. The Library is a very budget conscience way to entertain yourself, just watch those fines.
Don’t Waste What You Have, Eat your Leftovers
Not to waste is not a new concept to America, just a forgotten one. Survivors to the first depression learned a very valuable lesson, don’t waste anything. Take for instance my grandfather, who is a survivor of the great depression, he saves everything. One day I was in my grandfather’s den, and I noticed that he had a stack of used carbon paper. I asked him why he was saving used carbon paper. He replied that it could always be used again.
Grandpa may be a bit on the extreme side of not wasting but, he’s got a point. Get the most out of what you do have. I am amazed at how much stuff we as a society throw away. It is true that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Instead of throwing things in the garbage, such as clothing or furniture, donate it if possible. There are plenty of needy people out there.
One of the best ways not to be super wasteful is to realize how much food you actually throw away. When I actually started to look at how much food that I was throwing away on a weekly basis I was shocked. My most common food that was thrown away was left-overs. I always put away dinner that went uneaten and took dinner home from restaurants that was uneaten as well. I always had the best intention of finishing my leftovers but, it never happened.
Then I got smart, looking at how much food was actually being thrown away was upsetting. I worked hard to pay for that food, not throw it away. I started to eat my leftovers in my fridge religiously. Not, only was I not wasting but, my grocery bill went down because my food was lasting longer.
My pledge to start eating my leftovers in my fridge, changed the way I did my monthly shopping. I realized that whatever I cooked, I was going to eat until it was gone. I started to cook food that kept well for a few days and was as tasty tomorrow as it would be when I cooked it. Chili, stew, soup, and casseroles are great leftovers.
You can even make leftovers fun. Have a leftover night. Leftover night is where you cook all of the leftovers at once. When other time can you eat Chinese, pizza and pasta at the same time. It can actually be really fun. We used to do this when I was a kid and I loved it.
I won’t say that I don’t throw any food away, I do, but it is a lot less. I hate to throw food away. I recognize how lucky I am to even have food. Really try to eat your leftovers. However, a word of caution, be careful how long you keep leftovers. Know the shelf live of things, and usually as a word of caution don’t eat leftovers that have been in the fridge for more than a week.
How to Save Money on a Date; Have it at Home
Date night just seems to be getting more and more expensive, to share a nice night out with a loved one. My husband and I have ditched the traditional date route, of dinner, dancing and a movie. Instead we have decided to have our date nights at home. To many this could sound lame, but it’s actually really wonderful. Date night at home really does have its benefits, especially when the weather is really nasty. We started our at home date nights about a year ago, when we were so stretched for cash, that we could not afford to go out.
Home can be the most romantic setting with a little effort. Set the mood, light some candles. When my husband and I do date night at home, we usually refrain from cooking, unless we cook a special meal for each other. While there is still a cost for ordering in, it is much less than dining out. Plus, we don’t have to go out in the cold weather. We can also have a bottle of wine with dinner at a much more reasonable price. Plus, there is the added benefit of not having to drive home after enjoying a bottle of wine with our dinner.
We will usually rent a movie, pick one from our on-demand from our cable provider, or watch one of the favorites that we own. Keep your romantic evening going in front of your television. Think of your living room as your own personal movie theater. Make popcorn and pick up candy to make it feel more authentic. Even though the movie and snacks may cost money, it will still be less that one would spend on one ticket at the movies. Sometimes we’ll even move our movie night into our bedroom so we can snuggle up together, which you can not do at the movies.
Date night at home allows a lot of freedom to do whatever you like, with your special someone. However, when you are having a date night at home, it is important to remember that you’re on a date, let the dinner dishes soak in the sink. Would you get up and do the dishes at a nice restaurant on a date? If you have children, see if they can stay at a friend’s house for the night. Date night at home, is still a date.
Be flexible with date night at home. Sometimes my husband and I will watch a move, or television. We have even slow danced during nice dinners in our own living room. We’ve also had mock picnics in our living room. Why not? Dinner and a movie doesn’t have to be the order of the evening, do whatever you and your spouse enjoy.
Date night at home can be so much fun. Some of my best dates with my husband have been at home. I actually prefer to have a home date night with my husband than go out. With the current rescission, things just seem to keep getting more expensive. I would prefer to save the money. When I actually think of the value of a dinner and a movie, out, I often don’t feel that it was worth it. So, give it a try, a date night at home. See where it takes you.
The Over Materialization of Parenthood
In these difficult economic times, everyone seems to be cutting back in one way or another. We as a society are really being pushed to ask, what do we really need. American society is materialistic to it’s core. For decades, people have been judged by many, by what they have not who they are. As this trend grew, so did the cost of “keeping up with the Jones.’”
I think that this upward trend of materialization is very prevalent in parenting culture here in the United States. Just like in the wedding industry, women and some men, are sold a dream of how things should be, and that dream is really expensive. However, many do not realize how expensive this dream is until reality hits them.
My husband and I have been discussing starting a family. We know that raising a child is not an inexpensive endeavor, but it does not have to be as expensive as society lets on. In realistically looking at what we would actually need to take care of a baby, their needs are relatively simple. I wondered what the basics would run, crib, bottles and other basics. I was shocked how expensive things were. My mom had my youngest sister when I was a teenager, and I did quite a bit of shopping with her. I was amazed at how much more expensive baby things are today.
Many couples are victims of up-selling, this is where the couple chooses an item and are talked into buying a more expensive item instead. Many are guilted into buying what they cannot afford. Every parent wants the very best for their child, but does that mean that one has to spend $2000. on a crib? Since when did the money that parents spent on a child, measure the degree of love that they have for their child? I know that there are certain items that are expensive, and there is no way around it. Some items must be bought new, due to safety regulations and hygiene issues.
I just do not understand why anyone would overpay for basic items, just as a status symbol. Why is the $600 stroller better than the $100. stroller? What does not make sense to me is that new parents are shelling out ridiculous amounts of money on items that could be bought more economically. With the prospect of raising a child for the next 18 years or more, why not try to be frugal from the beginning?
As for my husband and myself, we know that starting a family will be the most expensive thing we probably ever do. But, we will not be bullied by society that we do not care for our child because we do not have the newest designer clothing on them, or the hottest new car seat. I think it is too over complicated, as long as the product does the job that it is meant to do safely, then why over pay? To me it just does not make sense, why not save the money on the designer stroller and start a college fund for that child?
In this tough economy more and more couples are stepping back and really analyzing what they need to raise a baby. I have come across numerous youtube video on how to save money while raising a child. Having a baby does not have to be as expensive as society lets on. As long as a couple realistically look at what they will actually need, buying all of the needs for a baby does not have to bankrupt new parents.
Like all major purchases, do your homework before you go out and start shopping for your new bundle of joy, do your homework. Ask other new parents what they actually used. So many people over-buy stuff that they will newer even use. When you go into a store to make purchases, set a budget and stick to it. Do not let anyone guilt you into buying something more expensive, that you really don’t need. The prospect of raising a child is costly at best, but don’t let that scare you away, just know what you need and stick to it.
Austerity Guide to Menu Planning – Menu Planning 101
I’ve discussed how to save money at the grocery store before. One of my biggest tips is to plan meals BEFORE you go to the store. When you plan your meals, extras will not find their way into the cart as easily. There are some out there who are meal planning pros, and others who are not so hot at it. Menu planning is so essential to saving money, that I chose some of the best menu planning sites that I have come across. The sites range from expert advice, to directions of how to begin making a meal plan.
Learning How to Make a Meal Plan
Ehow has set up a page that gives step by step directions to setting up a menu ahead of time. The page is laid out very simply and the directions are very easy to follow. I think this is a great starter for those of you who are unsure of how to go about planning a menu.
Menu Planning Instructions From Ehow.com
How to Make a Few Items Work Throughout the Week
Mill Musings is a blog written by another budget conscious blogger. I chose this blog because it illustrates how a few items can last through out the week. In the sample menu that is shown, certain ingredients are used many times during the week, but they are done in a unique and tasty looking way. I also liked that this menu incorporated pictures of the made food.
Menu Ideas for Everyone
Budget 101 is a wonderful website for many different types of services for those who want to get a good deal. I chose this website for the more experienced menu planners or those who want to give planning a try. I like this site because it gives many different types of menu options, whether it be vegetarian or simply feeding 2 people. This is a wonderful database for budget meal planning.
A Wonderful example of a Pro menu planner
The hillbillyhousewife is another great sight for planning meals. I was really impressed at how organized her meal plan was. I was also happy to see that her meal plan was extremely healthy and filling. I think that this is a wonderful example of how to plan a menu. I also like her use of a grid at towards the bottom of the page, which clearly lays out all meals and snacks. I use this technique myself.
Menu, tips and full layout of meal planning
Menu Planning Service
Dine without whine is a menu planning service. Some people out there are just not planners. I am not necessarily saying that this is a good option to save money, because this service does cost money. However, it could be a good start for beginners to see how menu planning is done, or for those who simply do not have the time.
Menu plan is essential to saving money in the grocery store. Sit down have yourself a cup of coffee, get yourself a pen and paper and start planning. I always like to include some of my favorite foods for the week. Don’t plan your menu so cheaply that you don’t like what you put on it. Buy food that you and whoever you are feeding likes. Once you know what you want to eat, start you list for the store. It is much harder for unneeded extras to work their way into your grocery cart when you have a list in hand. Happy Planning!
The Austere Wedding: 10 Tips For a Cheap Wedding on a Budget
Photo from Flickr
Every little girl dreams of the most special day, her wedding day. For many women, their imagination has painted an unrealistic image of the day. Images of insanely expensive weddings are pushed on females of all ages. Books, magazines and movies show elaborate weddings, usually ignoring what the cost of these events actually is.
Just because it’s a tough economy doesn’t mean that you still can’t have a nice wedding. Tough times will require you to pare back your elaborate plans and create some realistic expectations.
I got married two years ago and managed to do it on the cheap. People still tell me that I had the nicest wedding that they had ever been to. I saved a lot of money and I have helped a lot of friends do so as well, and now I want to help all you brides out there that are looking to save a few thousand dollars. Here are my Top Ten Ways of Saving a Money on your Wedding Day.
Top Ten Ways to Have a Wedding on a Budget:
1. Lower Your Wedding Expectations
I know this may seem harsh, but this is a harsh lesson to learn. I had all of the wonderful images of the big white wedding, memories of beautiful movie weddings. I had never given much thought to what a wedding would actually cost. What a slap across the face, when the realization of what the type of wedding that I had grown up seeing in movies and magazines would actually cost. Now, in saying lower your expectations, I am not saying you’ll have cheap looking wedding, I am just saying be realistic about what things really cost.
2. Wedding Photographers Can Be a Huge Waste Of Money
This was the biggest sticking point in my wedding planning. I was shocked to see how much wedding photographers actually charged just to shoot the wedding, which is really only a cople hours worth of work. I shopped around, a lot. My first choice was extremely expensive, but once I lowered my expectations, I chose another wonderful photographer. I was able to negotiate a deal to shoot the wedding.
The pictures were great but I soon realized that the wedding pictures were so expensive that I couldn’t afford to buy any of them! This was when I realized what had really happened, the shooting fee was cheap so that the money would be made in picture sales. I wish I would have realized this before hand. Honestly, I feel that my photographer was a waste of money. Member of my family shot many great pictures themselves while the photographers shot mostly the same photos. I could not tell the difference between the two.
So ask yourself, do you really need a professional photographer? Is there a few family or friends that can shoot the day for free?
3. Wedding Flowers and Wedding Decor
Let’s face it, flowers make the decor to many brides, myself included. There are a few money saving options when it comes to flowers and decor. First of all, try to think rationally. I know it can be hard, being swept up in the spirit of it all, and the florist is counting on that. Know what you want before you go to a florist and be firm on what you had pre-decided. Also, if you tell the florist that you are having an event besides a wedding, you’ll save a ton of money. There is a wedding mark-up, it’s true. Many services hear the word wedding and they know they can charge more. Another tip is, think about doing the flowers and decor yourself. This can save a ton of money. If you’re not talented enough, see if there is a friend or family member who is. Flowers are insanely cheap from a wholesale florist.
4. Wedding Music
There are so many ways to save money here. My husband and I burned a CD with our ceremony music on it. We did not pay to have someone preform. Honestly, the music on the CD was wonderful. We made sure to bring a back up just in case the original CD did not work. The reception music can easily be done with an I-pod. Most DJ’s use I-pods these days. When searching for music for the reception, look for a deal. Watch out for that wedding mark-up. Make sure to ask around, ask other brides who they used and if the entertainment was a good value for the money.
5. Wedding Reception Venue
There are so many ways to save money when it comes to where to hold the event of your special day. First of all consider how many people you have to accommodate, and what will you be feeding them. The options range from all inclusive banquet halls to the local VFW post. My husband and I originally found a great deal by asking a locally owned eatery to host the reception. Just keep in mind, some facilities have kitchens on site and others do not. If you choose a venue that is not equipped to accommodate a dinner service, you may have to rent equipment and hire a caterer, so beware because that can add up quickly.
6. The Wedding Guest List
This can be such a touchy issue for many brides. If you plan on having a reception where you will be feeding guests, it comes down to the simple question of, how many people can you afford to feed? I know this seems harsh but you must look at this issue practically. Also make sure to take into account how many people your venue can accommodate. Don’t go broke feeding people that you don’t even know! You’ll need to make some tough decisions about who needs to be there on your special day. You don’t need to invite your friend from second grade that you haven’t seen since, well, second grade.
7. Wedding Contracts… Always Leave a paper trail!
I cannot stress this enough! This is the most important money saver when planing a wedding! When I walked down the aisle, I was so naive. I did read about how to plan a wedding and thank God that every book said leave a paper trail. This piece of money saving advice came in handy twice for me during my planning. The first time, with the bridal shop where I bought my dress. and the second time when my reception venue pulled out 5 weeks before my big day. Remember signed contracts are legal documents, and in case you do have to go to court, you are going to need those. Make sure to keep all receipts and contracts organized and in one place. The more paperwork that shows that you held up your end of a contract, the better it is for you if something does go wrong.
8. Do Your Wedding Homework
Research your vendors. Get recommendations from other brides. Word of mouth is very important. I bought my wedding dress from a terrible dress shop, that was notorious for bad service. I had found out after the fact that everyone in the area knew not to do business with that particular shop. Luckily, I had my contract and a rather large paper trail to save my ass and my dress. I would also recommend reading up on saving money on weddings. There are some really great books out there, so start reading.
9. Saving money on the Wedding Dress
For many brides this is the most exciting and important part of the wedding, with the exception of marrying the spouse of your dreams. Again be so careful here. I hear constantly of brides that have been put through the ringer by the dress shop they chose. Check up on the practices of the dress shop that you choose. Make sure they aren’t letting others try on your dress (my personal experience). Also, look other places for alterations, but when looking else where make sure to get references. Also, some dress shops will discount dresses if the bridesmaids get their dresses there too, which can be a good deal.
10. Think With Your Head Not With Your Heart
I know this is so hard to do for the excited bride, but it is a necessity. Think about what you are really paying for. Really think about the decisions that you are making. Do not let people pressure you into decisions. Many vendors expect brides to be irrational, and that makes them easy to persuade and manipulate. Stand your ground, this will be your day after all. In retrospect, I was able to do this and it saved me thousands of dollars. Wedding planning can be a fun thing, just try to keep emotion out of it as much a possible.
Do you have any tips on holding an Austere Wedding? Please post them in the comments below!
