Best Recession Bargains

Consumer Reports Money Adviser provides the best recession bargains in its June, 2009, issue.

For big ticket items, you can compare prices and in some cases, get alerts when prices have dropped. Try BizRate, PriceGrabber, Shopping.com, Yahoo Shopping and Nextag.

Pass on extended warranties if your research shows low repair rates.

Get as many of these as you can when you purchase a car: low interest rates, cash back, and special lease deals. (Sue's suggestion: Consider insurance costs in your decision--different models might have different rates).

Select cruises that don't involve expensive airline tickets to get to the port. And Early Saver programs can cut the cost as much as 30%.

Look for hotel bargains in cities that formerly served as convention sites.

Don't buy more than you need. For instance, a 6-megapixel camera is great for most photos. You don't need to spend more on more pixels.

Maintain a stellar credit score if you plan to purchase real estate (and take advantage of house bargains galore).

When purchasing washers, dryers, ovens and ranges, and refrigerators, consider only energy-efficient ones to save on your utility bills.

Secondhand stores are my personal favorites for clothes.

Finally, for greater discounts at many stores, ask the salesperson if he/she can "work" with you. Negotiate also on shipping, delivery and installation. Paying in cash can save the merchant for a credit-card transaction--so see if the store will pass along the savings to you.

Find more about discount shopping at 50somethinginfo.com.

Bargain Dining, An AARP Benefit

Thanks to Mr. GoTo I don't have to research the inexpensive restaurants that give extra discounts to AARP members.  Granted, I knew about the IHOP senior special because Car-Man and I couldn't wait to pass our 55 year mark just to qualify.  

I am tempted now to head for Mrs. Fields for a cookie and save my few cents to apply towards at TCBY yogurt.  

And once I have my fill of dessert, I think I might have to stop by a Chili's to see if I can get a 10% discount on a burger.  

Gift Cards: Buying, Selling and Trading

The good news is:  Those gift cards gathering dust on your counter or in your drawers can be sold or traded for ones that better suit you and your lifestyle. Gift card buying, selling (get cash from an auction) or swapping can work out grandly for both parties interested in everything from home improvement to food and entertainment to books to pet supplies to sporting goods to electronics to travel and more.  

The bad news is:  Thieves have figured out a way to whisk them away from and sell stolen cards to the unwary.  

Don't get stuck with a pinched card.  Work only with reputable companies. 

With 5 hours left, I may come close to purchasing a $103.90 Lowe's gift card for $85.25.   Or I might be able to save $12. on a Marshall's card or $20. on a Sears card.  

"Buy Now" can also be an option.  I could pay $400. now for a Talbot's card valued at $627.10 or $71.85 for a J. Crew card valued at $84.53. 

Check out safe exchange sites like Card Avenue and Plastic Jungle.  The small fee involved is well worth your peace of mind.    

Shop and Save: Coupon Codes Save You More

Do you ever wonder where to find those discount codes that save you extra dollars when you're purchasing an item?

Thanks to my dear (and observant) friend, Lynne, the mystery is solved.

CurrentCodes has a full-time staff which only searches for new coupons and discount codes to further reduce the cost of your product.  

Don't go to Barnes & Noble, Staples, Overstock.com or a couple thousand other merchants without checking CurrentCodes first.  

Browse by store or category and save, save, save.  

For other consumer saving tips, check out my website.  If you're a discount junkie like I am, you'll rapidly fill your money jar with all your savings.  

Top 10 Websites for 2009, Part 2

This is a continuation of the top 10 websites I think you will find most helpful for 2009!

4. Nolo

Another great site for age-related legal advice is Nolo.  Accalimed as the "best legal self-help site on the web" (Yahoo!), Nolo defines legal terms in simple common language, not legal gobbledygook.  This is where I take advantage of handy checklists and related articles in all aspects of law--and it's free!

5. CNN's Money

CNN's Money has long been one of my web darlings.  Money 101 explains money in a way that even a 10 year old could understand and the spacing makes the text extremely readable.  For more difficult concepts, refer to the videos.

I head straight for the "Ultimate Guide to Retirement" for practical advice relating to investing, IRAs, work, health care, pensions, insurance, estate planning and Social Security.  Find out where and from whom you can get help.  Education yourself, make plans and put your worries aside.

6. Caring Connections

When I was assembling my Boomer Search Engine, I repeatedly came across Caring Connections.  I found that the National Hospice and Palliative Care Ogranization (NHPCO) created its dynamic website to expeditiously drive caregivers and patients to the information they want so that they can make the best decisions given their circumstances.

The information is comprehensive and straightforward.  Find glossaries, checklists and organization tools.  Take advantage of downloadable brochures and fill out your free state's advance directive without delay.  

Purchasing the Right Car

I leave all things car to Car-Man because he's an absolute car-nut. After several jobs and careers, he's now selling cars, the foreign expensive ones he's favored for quite some time.

Besides make, model and price, color seems to be a major issue for most people, he confides, followed by such things (in no particular order) as visibility, maintenance, MPH, safety rating, interior space, comfort, and even how effortlessly Rufus can enter or exit.

Aging compounds the accessibility factor. Getting in and out of the car can be monumental. Finding an accessible place for a wheelchair or walker can pose its own problem (the wider the car, the better). And comfortable seats (with lumbar support?) tend to be a priority. Reaching for seatbelts makes it difficult to follow the law. And just try to turn the ignition key or gas cap if you suffer from arthritis.

People tend to think that they'll get Kelley Blue Book price for their trade-in. Remember, Car-man warns, that Kelley Blue Book does not buy or sell cars; therefore, their estimation of what your used car is worth may be grossly inflated. Keep in mind also that many cars are worth more as scrap than as a refurbished vehicle.

Must-Have or Not in This Lifetime: More on Gifts

I am in the airport awaiting a flight to visit "Almost-Marrieds." Next to me I notice an abandoned copy of the Sky Mall catalog.

Flipping through the pages, I begin to silently categorize the items into "must-have," "it would be nice," "it would be nice but I could do without," and "you've got to be kidding."

Take the X-Glider foot-sized in-line skateboards. Just looking at them puts me into traction. Are you kidding? Not this lifetime, I decide.

The animated emotive robotic companion at a whopping $299.95 is definitely over-the-top. He expresses laughter, distress, or surprise. I imagined his surprise when I'd ask him to cook dinner, my distress when he cooks something ethnically unrecognizable or inedible, and his laughter at my despair. "It's nice but not a must-have" (unless he can be programmed to take Italian cooking lessons, that is).

Then there's the marshmallow shooter. Now that's practical. I could see myself perched on a log in front of a blazing campfire shooting marshmallows into the flames. With amazing agility (reminiscent of Wonder Woman), I'd skewer each charred mallow (the best way to cook them) and plop it between chocolate-covered twin graham crackers.

The massage table looks heavenly. But for $300-400 it had better come with the masseuse. Without the masseuse, it would become a very expensive clothes rack in my house.

The hot dog cooker brings memories of my dad who sent us a "hot-dogger filled with cheese" one holiday. Unlike the poor wieners that got electrocuted for dinner, the Sky Mall version roasts the franks and buns in a toaster-like contraption. Much more humane. A must-have.

Holiday Gifts for Grandpa--So He Doesn't Feel Left Out

"It's not fair", I hear in the background.  "Grandpas are people too!  We like presents just as much as Grandmas do."

Okay, Grandpas of the world.  Here go my suggestions for your kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids so turn off the computers like good boys and go back to whatever you were doing.

For the rest of you:

Not being male I don't actually know what the other gender likes but I'll give it a try:

1. Software for the computer.  How about his creating the family tree or trying his hand at Poker or Bridge (so he can play with Grandma)?

2. Lessons.  I bought my daughter-in-law a private tutorial in golf.  She gets a pro instructor and all these cameras focusing on her swing.  She would learn alot (if only she could find the gift certificate!).

3. I love museum stores.  What could be better than something from the Smithsonian?

I really like the autographed baseball tie and the book about the Best of the National Air and Space Museum.

4. When Car-man and I were in Alabama, we ventured cross the border into Tennessee (no, we didn't need our passports) only to discover Jack Daniels Distillery.  The place where the winner of multiple awards is distilled can't sell the product (it's a dry county) but you can still buy it.

5.  Two tickets to a ball game, Concours d'Elegance, or a film festival.  

6. A trip back to Normandy (to remember D-Day) or to the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C.   

7. Line his office or den (or garage) with historical photos.  Better yet, get some old photos of the town he grew up in and frame them.  Maybe the local public library could help you out.  

8. An massage easy chair.  Get this for him and you are his hero for life.  

9. Omaha Steaks has a special right now.  At no shipping cost, you can get 8 steaks, 4 stuffed sole, 6 burgers, 4 franks, 6 stuffed potatoes, and 4 caramel apple tartlets.  All for $109.99.  Such a deal!

10. Coupon books (like the ones you used to make in grammar school) are always winners.  Mow the lawn, make a meal, go on a picnic, take to a movie, plus lots of hugs and kisses.  This ranks with the easy chair.

11. Save Grandpa a trip out in the cold when Fido empties his bladder. 

12. Give Grandpa the world--on a write-on map mural, that is.  Fill a wall with all the places he's been or would like to be.  

13. Make getting around as fun as getting that first car.  Don't forget the basket for picking up some chocolates for Grandma. 

14. A bath/shower combo just gets roomier with curved shower rods.  Why couldn't I have thought of that?

And finally, the piece de resistance...

15. Give Grandpa's balding head a new look.

Grandma Gifts for the Holidays

Hey, Mom.  Stop reading now or your presents at the holidays won't be a surprise.  I'm always wondering what to get you and I've wised up and have kept lists (not bad for your slow learning kid).

Here are a few suggestions for those of you out there who are as clueless as I am: 

1. I was on my way with "Car-man" to deliver a new car out of my town.  I listened to a blurb on the radio about identity theft and how people leave important information (credit card numbers, signatures, bank information) in their trash only to be swept up by the unscrupulous.  How about giving mom a paper-shredder.  Okay, so it's not gift-like but you've got to admit it is practical.  An inexpensive one (less than the ones you see here) will do just fine.

2. Software for her computer:  Maybe a great game or two (Bridge, anyone?).  Make sure the program matches her PC or Mac.

3. Play tennis, baseball, golf, bowling and boxing with Nintendo Wii.     Wii Fit adapts the practically ageless fun and entertaining game machine which attaches to your tv to give you lessons on yoga, balance, and strength.  It's even great for when the grandkids and great-grandkids come over.

4. An over-the-bed table on casters.  Mom can comfortably have her morning coffee and newspaper (or crossword puzzle) in bed.

5. A funky new tote.  Use it for shopping, save those plastic bags, and do your part for saving the earth.

6. Donation to a charity in her honor.

7. Lessons on the computer, on the golf course, or in the kitchen.  Find someone who can "talk" in her language.

8. Give her kitchen or bathroom some new class with different hardware for the cabinets.

9. A baker's edge baking pan so all her brownie pieces have crunchy (not burnt or gooey) edges, a really cool gift if you want mom to make YOU brownies!

10. Swivel seats can make getting into and out of cars easier.

11. Towel warmers.  What could be better after a hot shower than a toasty towel awaiting you?

12. Floor standing magnifer lamp.  When vision isn't what it used to be, you can "see" your puzzles, books, and needlework effortlessly.

Happy holidays!

Sue Rambles On About Great Boomer Websites

I admit it.  I'm only human.  But I get a real high when I hear that the sites I've recommended have helped people. 

 

Thus, I plan to continue to inundate you folks with the fruits of my research until you cry, "Uncle."

Here goes:

The U.S. Government supplies more information than you ever want to know.  Find out the top 10 ways to prepare for retirement or factors that may affect retirement benefits (and see the effect of retirement earnings on your Social Security benefits).

If you need help at home and want to know what to buy, check out one of my favorite internet "stores."  This site is not only easy to use,  it is clean and clear and is backed by the Better Business Bureau.  

I'm a fan of the Rodale Prevention Books.  Look no further than The Doctors Book of  Home Remedies and Disease Free at 60 Plus. 

Are you thinking about remodeling.  Don't make a move until you check out AARP home design.  By making your home accessible to people of all ages, you provide comfort for yourself throughout your lifetime and increase the value of your house for subsequent buyers.

Less is More: Reuse What You Already Have

Save Your Trash suggests alternatives to "disposable" items.  For instance, you can reduce waste simply by using a commuter rather rather than the paper thingies they give you at Starbucks.

Utilizing reusable shopping bags is become more popular.  I saw one today that said, "Plastic bags are so last year."

When you want to bring home restaurant leftovers, whip out your own to-go containers.

Finally, reuse your water bottle rather than discarding one of the 2 million water bottles used every five minutes.

It's simple to do your part to make this world a better place.  Why not start now?

A Simple Way to Make This World a Better Place

I was reading Shannon's blog, Ilivewithit.  On September 18, 2008,  she discussed the life cycle of paper.  Prior to the industrial revolution, this wood pulp-based product was naturally biodegradable. Now, unfortunately, in order to keep up its appearance and usability in successive products, it has become contaminated with toxins (yes, folks, these can hurt us). 

Shannon revealed that there is "paper" out there made of completely synthetic materials that can not only be recycled successfully (no loss of trees) but also it doesn't emit any harmful substances. 

The moral of the story: We needn't look far to find products which do what we want them to do but don't harm us or the environment! 

Best Websites of 2008 Continued Again

Think Colourlovers, The Nest, and Apartmenttherapy if you want to redecorate your digs.  

If you're into healthy, find out how other people are rating foods and save big bucks at the supermarket.

Extra cash on hand (Yeah, right," some of you are saying) and you want to help someone out? Make a loan to an entrepreneur in a developing country for as little as $25.

Are you one of those people who doesn't share recipes?  Then Open Source Food isn't for you--except that you can peek at someone else's private stash.

Dumbfound your guests with photos, documents, and film clips taken straight from the National Archives. 

 

Are Mars and Venus that different?  AskMen.com, a free men's online magazine, not only gives advice on dating and the secrets of love, it also delves into health, mental fitness,  loss,  and gadgetry, among others. 

A Favorite Boomer Fashion Site

Just when I thought boomer fashion was in the dumps, I got a comment on my blog from Sherrie, Mathieson, style consultant for all ages.  

I studied both her site and her blog and ladies, get your _____ over there right now.  Listen to the podcast on timeless fashion for tough times and aim for simple, well-made classics.  Can you tell I am very excited about this site????  

In her new book (which I'm going to buy today!), Forever Cool; How to Achieve Ageless, Youthful and Modern Personal Style, she rehabilitates the fashion-challenged (like me) with:

What will always last?  What will always be cool?  What is never cool?

Here are a few of her suggestions:

1. Besides the crisp white shirt, the little black dress, leopard prints, black tights, and a pencil black shirt, look for bootcut pants (tapers into the knee and flares out) joining classic styles.

2. Don't go for the extreme in shoes either.  The moderate budget is wise to stick with black and brown.

3. Furs are always in vogue.   Go for fake furs that really look real.

4. Men's pin-stripe suits for women (remember Annie Hall?) are always in but watch for a fitted cut.  

5. Shawls make wise investments; they never go out of style, they give you a chance to be inventive, and they take your simple black dress to alot of occasions.  

6. Learn to accessorize well.

I emailed Sherrie for names of fashion designers and fashion departments who target boomers and seniors.  Here's her invaluable list (however, you'll find gobs more on her blog):

1. Ralph Lauren and JCrew are excellent for larger sizes.

2. Michael Kors!

3. If your body shape is round, go to Eileen Fisher and please, stay away from constructed tailoring.

3. Saks and Bloomingdale's have good large size departments.

Learn to "see" fashion, Ms. Mathieson further asserts.  And keep the phone number of your trusty tailor close at hand.  He/she can work miracles.

Best Websites of 2008

You might not agree with her but you HAVE TO PAY ATTENTION to Time's Anita Hamilton and her 10 Essential websites.

The most popular multi-lingual online encyclopedia is drawing more credibility by the minute.

Yahoo! Finance is great for investors but I'd combine it with MSN's Money101 for novices.

If you're looking for used furniture, a date, or anything else, go first to Craigslist.

Sports' junkies, head for ESPN.

Find out what other people are saying about a restaurant, shop, or business.  Then hear how the proprietors respond.

I joined Facebook recently hoping to reconnect with old buddies.  You can too.

If you have something to say about news stories, here's your soap box.  Tell us what you think!

Google as only a search engine?  Not any more.  Boy, I wish I had purchased some of their stock when I had the opportunity.

If you find yourself picking up People or Us at the news stands, check out the most popular gossip site for celebrity tidbits, photos, and videos.

Picknik is free and it is an easy tool to manage your ever-expanding photo collection.

Ms. Hamilton doesn't stop at 10.  We are now privy to her opinion as to the 50 best websites for 2008.  

Vote for your favorite.

Coupons to Save Us Money

Keeping your money is a challenge these days.  So spending wisely what you have is becoming more and more a skill that I personally would like to hone. 

Nicole Paitsel (Associated Press) suggested that every time you plan your trip to the grocery store, you should first check its website for coupons.  You may even be able to load some coupons directly onto your preferred customer card.

Yesterday I got a jump start in learning the value of ecommerce coupons (you know that little "Promotion Code" box you practically never get to fill in to get added discounts?) from Ms. Paitsel.  Don't ever order anything online, she warned,  without first checking the more than 10,000 coupons on Coupon Winner such as "Most Used Coupons," "Expiring Coupons," or "Free Shipping." 

With the holidays creeping up on us (I heard Christmas music at Costco last week!), coupons, thankfully, can make a smaller dent in our pocketbook.  

Finding Your Own Scent

"Carman" and I were watching Law and Order the other night.  Detective Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) was saying that she could define an age group based on the smell of her perfume.

Now take the aroma of a grapefruit.

The Smell and Taste Institute in Chicago  conducted a study to determine what makes women smell younger to men.

A grapefruit fragrance, it was determined, created the illusion of a much younger (about 6 years) woman.  

So, ladies, on your mark.  Get set. Go to your cosmetic store.  Or your supermarket.  Whichever is closer.  

Choosing a perfume to suit you can be as complicated as picking out shoes, hairstyles, or clothes.  What smells good on your friend may not compliment you; that's because our scent is determined not only by the fragrance in the bottle but also by our own bodily chemistry which blends with the bottled scent to become our very own. 

 

Follow these fragrance pointers to achieve the impression you're aiming for:

Be patient to get the full impact of the fragrance.

Change your perfume with the seasons.

Change your perfume depending on where you are.

Shop for perfume when your sense of smell is the greatest--in the afternoon.

Dry skin requires more fragrance than oily skin.

Wait until you're showered and dried before application.

Consider your pulse points for maximum effects.

Don't wear another fragrance on the day you plan to test new ones.

Don't overdo your perfume.

Fragrant spray near pearls or costume jewelry can damage them.

Buyer, Beware

I turned the big 6-0 in May. I received a "Sixty Sucks" sucker, a new pill box, ointment for arth-riddence, oil of old age, jewelry, an amazing album of photos and good wishes from friends and relatives, numerous cards, a barber shop quartet, dinners, lunches, a homemade cake, a store-bought ice cream cake, an exceptional surprise visit (imagine finding your kid and boyfriend at the airport of your destination vacation!), crayoned pictures, a NetFlix subscription, flowers, candy, even gift cards.

Remember Shirley, my cousin? She and her family sent the works--flowers, candy, cards which were lovely and yummy. She was bummed, though, with her experience of buying on the net and wanted you to know about it.

Shirley suggested that I alert you to companies which don't fully advertise exchange rate add-ons which could significantly increase the final cost of your purchase. Make sure, she said, you are aware of the location of the site where you are placing your order.

Shirley has filed a dispute with her credit card company.

Should you find yourself in a similar situation, also check out Better Business Bureau or the Chamber of Commerce, or other helpful consumer sites. In addition, Consumer law experts can protect vulnerable customers.

And if you want to speak to a real person about your complaints, go to Get Human.

Best Websites of 2008

Okay.  You might not agree with her but you HAVE TO PAY ATTENTION to her.  Why?  Because Time's Anita Hamilton presented the 10 websites you can't live without.  You can listen to her fast-talking on the podcast or delve directly into 10 Essential Sites below:  

Take multi-lingual Wikipedia, the most popular online encyclopedia created by a ever-devoted Wiki community.  

Yahoo!Finance helps investors.  But I'd recommend it combined with an MSN Money learning tool. 

Need used furniture, a job, a date, or anything else?  Use the essential Craigslist wherever you are.

Join sports' junkies on ESPN.  

Find out what other people are saying about your favorite restaurant, shop, or business.  Then read how the proprietors are responding.  

I just joined Facebook.  You, too, can find people you haven't seen in years.  

Here's your chance to speak up about a news story with other Diggers.

Boy, I wish I had bought Google stock when I had the chance.  Find out why it's more than just a search site. 

Do you find yourself picking up People or Us at the news stands or in the supermarket.  Go to TMZ, the most popular gossip site and get you fill of celebrity photos, videos, and other stuff.

Want a photo-editor that's great, easy, and free?  Try Picknik.  

Now check out all of Ms. Hamilton's top 50 websites for 2008.  I can already see some of my personal favorites, GasBuddy, Free Rice, and Petfinder.