Sorry for the header issues. I still haven't been able to work out those kinks. Either it's the correct size, until the page is minimized or its automatically shrunk to a portion of the size.
I'll eventually get it.. hang in there!
Monday, November 24, 2008
Searching for the best deals on flights!
My fiance has a few interviews scheduled next month scattered across the country, so the last few days have been busy around here trying to nail down all the arrangements. I pretty much took on the responsibility of making the arrangements, so he can take the time to focus on preparing for the interviews. For these plans, not only am I looking for the best monetary deal, but I take into consideration the ease of him getting around, with the least amount of stress and hassle.
I usually take great satisfaction in finding great deals, but I don't enjoy searching for the best flights deals. However, I do the best I can when the time arises. And since I am diligent in my searches, people tend to rely on me to find them the best flight prices too, which has given me alot of practice navigating this process.
I find that no one website is consistent at finding the best deals, and the prices seems to change daily, if not multiple times a day. I tend to start with kayak.com, playing with dates if this is a flexible option. Then I start looking at one way flights, seeing which airlines have the best deals in each direction on the dates I want. I may surf over to other 'discount' airline websites, but usually, from here, I go directly to the airlines websites to see if I can come up with an even better deal than found. Sometimes I'm sucessful, and sometimes I'm not.
After going through this process tonight, I had a "Doh" moment right after confirming my flight. When shopping online, there is usually a way to double dip and find other benefits or promotions. Since I have a upromise account, I try to always check their website right before paying for anything online. Forgetting completely to heed my own advice, I didn't check the upromise website before searching and booking my flight, and missed out on some additional savings. Not a huge bummer, but just something to keep in mind for next time. At least I did remember to take advantage of this by the time I got around to booking the car rental!
Once place we could have saved money would have been the optional rental insurance on the rental car. This fee was actually more than the charge for the car for two days!! Unfortunately, my fiances' car insurance is held by his parents, so we were unable to confirm if it included rental coverage. It is my understanding that it is included most of the time, but not wanting to chance it, we did pay for this option.
Oh, and one other thing to keep in mind when looking for best prices - discount cards. However, my advice is to not always assume you're getting the best deals with them! While searching for hotel deals, this is the pricing difference we got:
1. Hotel website, regular price - $80.00/night
2. Hotel website, with AAA discount - $84.95/night
3. Discount website, hotels.com - $80.00/night
I did a double take after I selected AAA discount and the price increased. Actually, I laughed out loud. Just something to consider!
So my overall advice:
1. Don't just assume that your discount card gives you the best priced deal. Try the same deal using multiple promotions and no promotion at all. For todays example, no promotion at all on the hotel booking gave me the best price.
2. If you see a great price, try not to hesitate. Before you know it, its gone, and has been replaced with a higher priced ticket. This happens to me all the time. I don't know if it's true, but when I end up oversearching for the best deal for a specific flight pattern, it seems to create a temporary artifical demand, and the prices inflate for a couple of days before returning back to the original price I spotted them for.
3. When flying, you don't need to take the same airline for both legs of a round trip segment. Using multiple websites, both the airline sites and discount sites, over a course of multiple days saved us $300! We actually booked the departing flight first, and didn't find a good deal on the return flight for another two days. We took a risk hoping flight prices would decrease, and this time it paid off.
4. On previous trips, we have saved by ordering a package deal with flight and hotels, or flight and a car rental. This sometimes does the trick. Sometimes, it doesn't. In our case, we needed a specific hotel, which was not an option in any of the package deals.
All this work, and only one trip scheduled. Two more to go! It is a positive that these interviews are going on, but on the flip side, I think (know) this will blow the November goals..
Beyond The Horizon
I usually take great satisfaction in finding great deals, but I don't enjoy searching for the best flights deals. However, I do the best I can when the time arises. And since I am diligent in my searches, people tend to rely on me to find them the best flight prices too, which has given me alot of practice navigating this process.
I find that no one website is consistent at finding the best deals, and the prices seems to change daily, if not multiple times a day. I tend to start with kayak.com, playing with dates if this is a flexible option. Then I start looking at one way flights, seeing which airlines have the best deals in each direction on the dates I want. I may surf over to other 'discount' airline websites, but usually, from here, I go directly to the airlines websites to see if I can come up with an even better deal than found. Sometimes I'm sucessful, and sometimes I'm not.
After going through this process tonight, I had a "Doh" moment right after confirming my flight. When shopping online, there is usually a way to double dip and find other benefits or promotions. Since I have a upromise account, I try to always check their website right before paying for anything online. Forgetting completely to heed my own advice, I didn't check the upromise website before searching and booking my flight, and missed out on some additional savings. Not a huge bummer, but just something to keep in mind for next time. At least I did remember to take advantage of this by the time I got around to booking the car rental!
Once place we could have saved money would have been the optional rental insurance on the rental car. This fee was actually more than the charge for the car for two days!! Unfortunately, my fiances' car insurance is held by his parents, so we were unable to confirm if it included rental coverage. It is my understanding that it is included most of the time, but not wanting to chance it, we did pay for this option.
Oh, and one other thing to keep in mind when looking for best prices - discount cards. However, my advice is to not always assume you're getting the best deals with them! While searching for hotel deals, this is the pricing difference we got:
1. Hotel website, regular price - $80.00/night
2. Hotel website, with AAA discount - $84.95/night
3. Discount website, hotels.com - $80.00/night
I did a double take after I selected AAA discount and the price increased. Actually, I laughed out loud. Just something to consider!
So my overall advice:
1. Don't just assume that your discount card gives you the best priced deal. Try the same deal using multiple promotions and no promotion at all. For todays example, no promotion at all on the hotel booking gave me the best price.
2. If you see a great price, try not to hesitate. Before you know it, its gone, and has been replaced with a higher priced ticket. This happens to me all the time. I don't know if it's true, but when I end up oversearching for the best deal for a specific flight pattern, it seems to create a temporary artifical demand, and the prices inflate for a couple of days before returning back to the original price I spotted them for.
3. When flying, you don't need to take the same airline for both legs of a round trip segment. Using multiple websites, both the airline sites and discount sites, over a course of multiple days saved us $300! We actually booked the departing flight first, and didn't find a good deal on the return flight for another two days. We took a risk hoping flight prices would decrease, and this time it paid off.
4. On previous trips, we have saved by ordering a package deal with flight and hotels, or flight and a car rental. This sometimes does the trick. Sometimes, it doesn't. In our case, we needed a specific hotel, which was not an option in any of the package deals.
All this work, and only one trip scheduled. Two more to go! It is a positive that these interviews are going on, but on the flip side, I think (know) this will blow the November goals..
Beyond The Horizon
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Learning the Couponing Ropes
Before this month, I rarely, if ever, used coupons. I've known about them, but never seriously considered integrating them into my shopping. Guess I always thought of them as 'old ladyish' or part of the responsibility of a mother. How often do you see people in their twenties with folders of coupons at the grocery store. Now that I've calculated how much we're spending on just food (and toiletries) in one month, I've started at looking at ways to trim down our grocery bill.
Now, I've read around the blogosphere the two arguments of couponing and have taken them both into consideration on how I'm approaching shopping with them.
The pro: The manufacturer's are giving you free money that you should be taking advantage of. If you're going to buy the product anyway, why not get it at a discount. There are people who are saving hundreds of dollars at the grocery store on a weekly basis with putting into it just a little bit of work!
The con: The main argument most people make against using coupons is time. Time is money. It takes time to cut coupons and find the best deals in town. It takes time and gas to drive around to all different places to get the best deals, which cancels out the savings you earn. Then there is the fact that using coupons to buy things you normally don't or wouldn't ends up costing you more. Its great when you save $5.00 on four boxes of cereal, but you spent $4.00 to buy products that you wouldn't normally buy. And the food products you do buy with coupon's tend to be pre-packaged food, usually meaning bad for your health.
I understand both sides to what people argue. What I've realized is that you have to coupon smart and not just look for the best deals on products you dont need. The time is money argument holds true if you are doing something with that lost time that is actually making you money. If that time is spent doing something like mindlessly surfing the web (in my case), well then it is beneficial to consider taking an hour a week to cut coupons.
As a newbie to the coupon world, this is what I found works for me:
1. On Sundays I get the paper for the coupons. It takes about an hour to go through the coupons, and cut out the ones we would use, and organize them in my binder. That is all the time I spend on cutting coupons. One hour a week.
2. I make my grocery list based on the things we need in the house, and the meals we plan on making. I do not take into consideration the coupons I just cut, because they would influence what I think we need.
3. After my grocery list is made, I compare what we need and what we have coupons for, and the deals going on at the grocery/convenience stores that week. This takes anywhere from an hour to an hour and a half. Most of this time is spent creating the grocery list, which I would have done anyway.
Believe it or not, this has netted us a decent savings in our grocery bill. We may not be getting $100 saving in our grocery bill, but we are still eating healthy and saving money at the same time. I've realized the biggest place we are saving money is not necessarily food items, but toiletries and household supplies. And all of these stores that I visit are all in the same shopping plaza or across the street from each other. I usually hit up two stores once a week. So, no extra gas used to drive from one side of town to the other.
Now that I've been applying this technique for three weeks, I have to admit that I'm hooked. I nabbed a few great deals on toiletries and household supplies, which have actually gotten me excited. I've turned into a couponing nerd overnight. So, now that I'm a convert, I'll list the best deals I got on the things I would normally be purchasing!
1. Razors - This has been my best category of savings so far. Two reusable razors, three cartridge refills and two packages of disposable razors for free! Most of them were accomplished combining store sales, with store coupons and manufacturers coupons. An added bonus on some of the items was when I got money from upromise, using their ecoupons. Since these deals were all last month, it doesn't benefit anyone to post the exact details. But next time I find a deal like this, I'll try to remember to post it! (Savings: $42.00)
2. Shampoo and Conditioner - Good branded items for $1.00 each, by combining store sale, store coupon and manufacturer's coupon. This may not be as great as other people are able to accomplish, but for items that I usually pay $3.50 for each, I thought this was a fantastic savings. (Savings: $5.00)
3. Cleaning Supplies - Windex and Fantastics for $0.50 each. Better price than generics at the dollar store! Store sale and coupons got me this deal. (Savings: $4.00)
Sometimes it really is those little things in life that make you happy! For me, it's getting a good deal every now and then.
Beyond Your Horizon
Now, I've read around the blogosphere the two arguments of couponing and have taken them both into consideration on how I'm approaching shopping with them.
The pro: The manufacturer's are giving you free money that you should be taking advantage of. If you're going to buy the product anyway, why not get it at a discount. There are people who are saving hundreds of dollars at the grocery store on a weekly basis with putting into it just a little bit of work!
The con: The main argument most people make against using coupons is time. Time is money. It takes time to cut coupons and find the best deals in town. It takes time and gas to drive around to all different places to get the best deals, which cancels out the savings you earn. Then there is the fact that using coupons to buy things you normally don't or wouldn't ends up costing you more. Its great when you save $5.00 on four boxes of cereal, but you spent $4.00 to buy products that you wouldn't normally buy. And the food products you do buy with coupon's tend to be pre-packaged food, usually meaning bad for your health.
I understand both sides to what people argue. What I've realized is that you have to coupon smart and not just look for the best deals on products you dont need. The time is money argument holds true if you are doing something with that lost time that is actually making you money. If that time is spent doing something like mindlessly surfing the web (in my case), well then it is beneficial to consider taking an hour a week to cut coupons.
As a newbie to the coupon world, this is what I found works for me:
1. On Sundays I get the paper for the coupons. It takes about an hour to go through the coupons, and cut out the ones we would use, and organize them in my binder. That is all the time I spend on cutting coupons. One hour a week.
2. I make my grocery list based on the things we need in the house, and the meals we plan on making. I do not take into consideration the coupons I just cut, because they would influence what I think we need.
3. After my grocery list is made, I compare what we need and what we have coupons for, and the deals going on at the grocery/convenience stores that week. This takes anywhere from an hour to an hour and a half. Most of this time is spent creating the grocery list, which I would have done anyway.
Believe it or not, this has netted us a decent savings in our grocery bill. We may not be getting $100 saving in our grocery bill, but we are still eating healthy and saving money at the same time. I've realized the biggest place we are saving money is not necessarily food items, but toiletries and household supplies. And all of these stores that I visit are all in the same shopping plaza or across the street from each other. I usually hit up two stores once a week. So, no extra gas used to drive from one side of town to the other.
Now that I've been applying this technique for three weeks, I have to admit that I'm hooked. I nabbed a few great deals on toiletries and household supplies, which have actually gotten me excited. I've turned into a couponing nerd overnight. So, now that I'm a convert, I'll list the best deals I got on the things I would normally be purchasing!
1. Razors - This has been my best category of savings so far. Two reusable razors, three cartridge refills and two packages of disposable razors for free! Most of them were accomplished combining store sales, with store coupons and manufacturers coupons. An added bonus on some of the items was when I got money from upromise, using their ecoupons. Since these deals were all last month, it doesn't benefit anyone to post the exact details. But next time I find a deal like this, I'll try to remember to post it! (Savings: $42.00)
2. Shampoo and Conditioner - Good branded items for $1.00 each, by combining store sale, store coupon and manufacturer's coupon. This may not be as great as other people are able to accomplish, but for items that I usually pay $3.50 for each, I thought this was a fantastic savings. (Savings: $5.00)
3. Cleaning Supplies - Windex and Fantastics for $0.50 each. Better price than generics at the dollar store! Store sale and coupons got me this deal. (Savings: $4.00)
Sometimes it really is those little things in life that make you happy! For me, it's getting a good deal every now and then.
Beyond Your Horizon
Saturday, November 22, 2008
After a three week break... a new commitment.
I quickly found that keeping up with blogging is challenging once I started working full time again. Everyone knows how it is when you first start a new job... it's tiring. My brain has been on overload trying to soak in all new information, learning new skills, socializing with new people and being 'on' all day long. By the time I get home, I'm exhausted. I've been dragging myself into bed not too long after dinner and getting prepared for the next day. With that said, I can't use that as an excuse. I was for the last two weeks, considering it an adjustment.. but its too easy to rely on that excuse. I have to break that habit... and now.
I have, however, been good at keeping tabs on our expenses as the month goes on. I do try to calculate that two to three times a week so to keep my goals in sight. So far, we're doing ok. Not as well as I would have liked, but definately better than last month so far. However, the month is not yet over, and we have to keep that into consideration. With the holidays around the corner, there are probably going to be alot more little expenses quickly adding up. I also anticipate last minute travel plans.
Looking at the short term goals I set up for myself four weeks ago, this is where I stand:
1. Increase Savings: I've only had one paycheck so far, which a portion did go into savings. On the right track.
2. Roll-over: Have not even looked into this. Stalled!
3. Eliminate PLUS loan: Made a payment using available cash from first paycheck. On the right track.
4. Track Monthly Spending: As noted above, On the right track.
In my other category... well, as you can see, the time spent working on the blog is a thumbs down. Also, with wedding planning, havent even put the key in the ignition yet... Le sigh.
Well, as this is just the beginning, there is alot of room for improvement. (Which should mean I have alot to write about :-) ) We'll see better progress as time goes on!
BeyondYourHorizon
I have, however, been good at keeping tabs on our expenses as the month goes on. I do try to calculate that two to three times a week so to keep my goals in sight. So far, we're doing ok. Not as well as I would have liked, but definately better than last month so far. However, the month is not yet over, and we have to keep that into consideration. With the holidays around the corner, there are probably going to be alot more little expenses quickly adding up. I also anticipate last minute travel plans.
Looking at the short term goals I set up for myself four weeks ago, this is where I stand:
1. Increase Savings: I've only had one paycheck so far, which a portion did go into savings. On the right track.
2. Roll-over: Have not even looked into this. Stalled!
3. Eliminate PLUS loan: Made a payment using available cash from first paycheck. On the right track.
4. Track Monthly Spending: As noted above, On the right track.
In my other category... well, as you can see, the time spent working on the blog is a thumbs down. Also, with wedding planning, havent even put the key in the ignition yet... Le sigh.
Well, as this is just the beginning, there is alot of room for improvement. (Which should mean I have alot to write about :-) ) We'll see better progress as time goes on!
BeyondYourHorizon
Saturday, November 1, 2008
October Spending
As part of improving our finances, it is important to understand where our money is being spent. Below is all of our expenses for the month of October. Seeing these numbers in black and white was really shocking, and really points out the need to change our behaviors.
Monthly Expenses:
Auto: $169.96
Restaurant: $199.21
Bills: $236.15
Entertainment: $219.50
Grocery: $304.24
Clothing: $13.08
Household Supplies: $63.08
Postal: $34.22
Gifts: $99.68
Total: $1339.12
Wow. Even though this is for two people, it is obvious which categories we can cut back in!
1. Our restaurant, grocery and household expenses totals to $565.53. I know that we can do better in this category. I would like to get this combination down to $350 or less. Since I start working on Monday, I hope to see this total decrease since I will have less time to go to the grocery store. I currently go every few days and do small shopping trips, which will probably change to once a week soon. Currently, we tend to eat out once a week. I don't see a change in that pattern right now. And until recently, I have not encorporated coupons into my shopping. I hope for a big change in this number next month!
2. This months auto included a new battery for my car. As long as there are no unexpected car expenses, this category should see a decrease in November.
3. Entertainment: As addressed in my last post, this was the cost of traveling for vacation. I have a planned expense for November, but this category should also see a decrease.
3. With the holidays coming, I expect the gifts category to be a little higher. We haven't yet set a budget, so will have to work on that before purchasing gifts.
Totaling up our spending was really an eye opener. After seeing this, I am sure that there is room for improvement. I look forward to minding our expenses throughout November and posting our progress.
BeyondYourHorizon
Monthly Expenses:
Auto: $169.96
Restaurant: $199.21
Bills: $236.15
Entertainment: $219.50
Grocery: $304.24
Clothing: $13.08
Household Supplies: $63.08
Postal: $34.22
Gifts: $99.68
Total: $1339.12
Wow. Even though this is for two people, it is obvious which categories we can cut back in!
1. Our restaurant, grocery and household expenses totals to $565.53. I know that we can do better in this category. I would like to get this combination down to $350 or less. Since I start working on Monday, I hope to see this total decrease since I will have less time to go to the grocery store. I currently go every few days and do small shopping trips, which will probably change to once a week soon. Currently, we tend to eat out once a week. I don't see a change in that pattern right now. And until recently, I have not encorporated coupons into my shopping. I hope for a big change in this number next month!
2. This months auto included a new battery for my car. As long as there are no unexpected car expenses, this category should see a decrease in November.
3. Entertainment: As addressed in my last post, this was the cost of traveling for vacation. I have a planned expense for November, but this category should also see a decrease.
3. With the holidays coming, I expect the gifts category to be a little higher. We haven't yet set a budget, so will have to work on that before purchasing gifts.
Totaling up our spending was really an eye opener. After seeing this, I am sure that there is room for improvement. I look forward to minding our expenses throughout November and posting our progress.
BeyondYourHorizon
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