Financial Fashionista

The Return of the Financial Fashionista

2011-03-07T18:04:00.000-08:00

Life happened and I was gone for awhile. As John Lennon once said, life happens when you're busy making other plans. I've been writing at a few places, which I'll share in the future.

Health and financial issues were pressing. They still are but I realize so are my projects, as my tween-age son just reminded me.

I still hunt for bargains and search for the best ways to balance finances and fun. My journey has been rocky, so get ready to join me as we figure it all out together!

Target $3 Appliances

2009-11-13T10:41:00.000-08:00

Target $3 appliances sound like an online myth but apparently it's not. Do Target $3 appliances really exist? We discovered the Target Black Friday Ad - It's Here! An array of items will be deeply discounted for Black Friday, including Target $3 appliances. So what are these Target $3 appliances anyway?

The rumored Target $3 appliances are from Chefmate and include a toaster, a 12-cup coffee maker, a slow cooker and a sandwich maker. This drastic cut in culinary costs makes us wonder how profitable Target $3 appliances will be for the company.

It also brings to mind the days when moms used to beg their husbands to get ANYTHING but kitchen appliances as holiday gifts. This year it seems everyone will want to take advantage of Target $3 appliances as gifts and for their own personal use.

Frankly, I'm breaking all past rules and telling my husband to check out the Target $3 appliances, especially that slow cooker I've wanted for awhile...

If you still can't get enough of Target, here is a commercial with every color you can dream...

Target Black Friday Ad 2009 - It's Here!

2009-11-12T09:43:00.000-08:00

The Target Black Friday ad 2009 leaked and we have it! Everyone awaits the day after Thanksgiving with baited breath to get the best deals. Having the Target Black Friday ad 2009 gives you more time to plan for your holiday purchases.

Target opens at 5 am on Black Friday. Some of the deals you'll find include $3 appliances, $5 fleece bottoms for men and women and $5 for the popular board game Candyland. You also receive a $10 gift card with a $100 in-store purchase. There's even a 32-inch LCD HDTV for $246!

The Target Black Friday ad 2009 is so hot CNN is talking about it. Sarah Boehle, Target spokeswoman, stated the company is "unable to confirm the accuracy of any two-day ads or pricing information that is posted online. Each year we chronicle lots of excitement about our ads when we hear that they were prematurely leaked. We really appreciate all the interest. We encourage consumers to look for our official ad."

The official Target Black Friday ad 2009 will be revealed on November 22. Meanwhile, get a sneak peek of the onlinen Target Black Friday ad deals here.

Get One Hour Free From Virgin Mobile

2009-10-14T19:14:00.000-07:00

Are you tired of a stack of bills to pay? A fashionista simply must keep in touch with her peeps but why does it have to cost so much? I don't want another bill and like to control how much I spend on the cell phone. After all, I already have a landline and Internet connection. My cell phone is just for quick conversation on the run so I use a prepaid plan from Virgin Mobile.

For just 10 bucks every 45 days, I have ongoing cell phone service with more reliability than any other mobile provider I ever had. I spent years being tied down to a contract now I enjoy the carefree affordability of Virgin Mobile. With rates as low at 10 cents per minute (or less), I can talk whenever I want without worrying about major bills or heaven forbid - finding a phone booth!

Get one hour of bonus time when you sign up with Virgin Mobile now and use this referral code: d6uIQVdQ

Are You Facing Foreclosure?

2009-10-11T13:07:00.000-07:00

If you're behind on mortgage payments, you're not alone. Millions of homeowners are falling behind on their mortgage payments and facing foreclosure. Is there a way to get out from under a past due mortgage?

Several options exist. A homeowner can consider a loan modification, repayment plan, foreclosure, short sale or bankruptcy. Each one has its own unique ramifications and benefits.

Your first step is to attempt to communicate with your mortgage lender. Silence only leads to deeper problems. Maintaining honest communication is essential, especially if you want to negotiate the terms along the way.

A resource to check out for more free information is Making Home Affordable or call 1-888-995-HOPE for more information. Knowledge is power when it comes to saving your home and your credit score.

Modest Needs: Underemployed/Unemployed Part 2

2009-02-10T20:07:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we discussed ways to get past the hurdle of unemployment and getting your hours cutback. But what if you start falling short when it comes to covering your basic needs? It's bad enough when you can't get a mani/pedi but what about when you can't pay your car insurance?

If you are unemployed and meet their financial criteria, you may be eligible to apply for an unemployment bridge grant. Unlike a loan, a bridge grant is money given to you that you do not have to pay back. The money is granted through Modest Needs and must be used to cover certain designated expenses. The grant recipient must be unemployed through no fault of their own. They also must not have found a job yet or be receiving unemployment benefits at the time.

The grant is directly remitted to the creditor to pay for emergency expenses such as health insurance, auto repairs, housing payments and child care. The maximum amount of a Modest Needs grant is $1,000, hence the name Modest Needs.

Other grants offered by Modest Needs include independent living grants, back-to-work grants and self-sufficiency grants. To apply, you must have ongoing access to a computer so you can keep track of your grant apps. You might also need to use a scanner to send certain portions of the grant application.

While Modest Needs won't pay for those hot new jeans and shoes, it will help you keep your shirt on your back until you find another fabulous job.

Unemployed? Underemployed? How To Get By - Part 1

2009-02-09T09:00:00.000-08:00

When a fashionista finds herself unemployed or underemployed, it becomes a major crisis. Of course the first things to go are a manicure, pedicure and designer clothing. As the situation worsens, you may find yourself falling short when it comes to utility bills and groceries. How can a girl get by during tough times? My latest series will give you a wealth of resources to keep your head above water until better days are back.

Let's start with the stuff you need to cut out once you find out your job has gone down the toilet:

1. Handle your own beauty treatments. Invest in salon products and do-it-yourself. Even if you have savings, you will no longer be able to enjoy the pampered lifestyle to which you have become accustomed. OPI nailpolish, Nailtiques and grooming accessories will help you maintain stellar nails and toes. CHI hair products and grooming tools will keep your hair looking its best when there are several weeks between salon appointments. Loreal Colour Experte is the best way to keep your hair looking lovely and multi-dimensional when you can't drop a hundred or two for foil treatments.

2. Work with what you've got. This is not the time to add to your wardrobe. Work with what you have. Buy a couple of accessories to revamp your look in seasonal colors. Remember, your classic clothes are always in style so wear them so you don't look dated.

3. Check out thrift stores. With retro looks gaining increased popularity during these tough economic times, thrift stores are making a major comeback. Get your shop on without guilt at a thrift store. You may be amazed at what you find!

Our next entry will discuss ways to deal with food during tough times. Hang in there fashionistas, help is on the way!

The Shopping Has Only Just Begun...Victoria's Secret and Bath and Body Works

2009-01-06T10:11:00.000-08:00

Alright, fashionistas, why do they do it to us? The two biggest semi-annual sales of the year happen right after the holidays when shopping enthusiasts such as ourselves have the least cash on hand. Grab what you can and head to the stores or websites to get your share of the goodies for 70 percent off and even more!

Bath and Body Works and Victoria's Secret have slashed prices, making it the perfect time to stock up on all your sensual delights. From discounted body lotions to keep your skin fragrantly smooth to soft, plush robes to wear after a soothing bath, get your goodies now. I only shop during the semi-annual sales and get sweaters from Vicky for as little at 10 bucks and fragrances from Bath & Body for only 3 bucks. With under 50 dollars, you can do some serious shopping and get great stuff.

If you have a few bucks left, check out Talbots big sale. You can score work and play outfits for up to 90 percent off. I love their classic clothes and only shop when there are deep discounts. At the Talbots, you can literally save hundreds of dollars by shopping during clearances.

Now go make the most of what you've got!

Will 2009 Mean Change For You?

2009-01-03T10:01:00.000-08:00

Barack Obama promises much-needed change for 2009 (by the way, Michelle is both intelligent and fashionable - what a great example). Will you be making changes this year? Here are a few suggestions from the Financial Fashionista:

Finances:

1. Tally up your outstanding bills. If you don't know the bottom line, you'll never find a way to get rid of them.

2. Review your assets. Be aware of what you own, what needs maintenance, where you can earn more money and what tasks are a waste of time.

3. Get ready to file your taxes. Think January rather than April so you can use your tax refund to go on summer vacation.

Fashion:

1. Review your closet. If you haven't worn it in over a year, it doesn't fit or you just don't like it, donate it to charity so you can focus on what works. Remember, one woman's trash is another woman's treasure.

2. Hit after holiday sales. Practically speaking, winter clothes cost the most - especially sweaters and boots. After the holidays you can score these items for up to 90 percent off and store them for next year. For the kids, buy one size larger.

3. Update your look. Do you have the same style for the past decade? Dare to be different! Take small steps. Add a bold color or new style to your wardrobe and you'll see how easy it is to get updated.

Family and Friends:

1. Leave negativity behind. If you force yourself to deal with negative friends or relatives, don't. Stop fighting and get on with life. If they want to join you, they'll hop aboard your anti-negativity train. If not, you've lost nothing but stresss.

2. Embrace the people around you. Sometimes our "loved ones" aren't who we expect them to be. It doesn't matter. Embrace the people who are there for you and put them first.

3. Be open to new experiences. If you don't have "room" for new friends, you're shutting out the possibility of growth and love. Take time to get to know people - it only takes a few minutes and the rewards are great.

Happy 2009 - here's to a prosperous, fashionable and positive year!

Happy New Year Fashionistas!

2008-12-31T11:00:00.000-08:00

Save money, be safe and stay home tonight fashionistas. After all, who wants to party with the amateurs and pay top price to do it?

Take a few minutes to seriously consider your New Year's resolutions and when I recoup, I'll post some ideas.

Happy New Year 2009, fashionistas! Let's make it healthy, joyful and financially prosperous!

Merry Christmas - Don't Panic Now!

2008-12-18T16:30:00.000-08:00

Most of the money spent on the holidays is done just a few days before. As people get their bonuses and final paychecks for the year, they rush to the stores to spend them. But is this a wise idea?

Probably not. Although many people wait for their bonuses because they don't have any other cash for the holidays, it causes impulse spending. Even if you have to wait for that final paycheck to go holiday shopping, keep these tips in mind to save along the way so you have money left for the New Year:

- Review local ads before you go shopping to find the best deals and don't get sidetracked;
- Create a budget and stick to it;
- Don't be lured by impulse purchases on end caps and by cash registers - the stores count on getting your cash in these places;
- Don't buy something "just to have a gift" - buy thoughtfully and frugally; and
- Keep the amount you want to spend in a separate account so when you run out of budgeting cash, the shopping ends.

Even if you have to shop last minute, a few minutes of planning can save you serious cash. Happy Holidays All!

How To Get Fired At Your Holiday Party For A Better New Year (a/k/a You Can Take This Job and Shove It)

2008-12-06T11:27:00.001-08:00

I'm shaking it up here at the Financial Fashionista with a bit of humor - after all, why should I only get funny with friends? Recently a few friends were talking about their upcoming holiday parties. I chuckled because now my holiday party is just my husband and I. Every year, we celebrate at a fancy restaurant while the kids are at church group.

Before I went freelance, I ran a law office in the municipal sector for years. It was definitely an interesting job and holiday parties were occasions to remember. When you coordinate these events with attorneys, mayors, chiefs of police, superintendents of schools and other government officials - believe me, things get wild!

With memories of past holiday parties in mind, I decided to compile a brief list of "How To Get Fired At Your Holiday Party For A Better New Year" (many might be based on actual events):

1. Make photocopies of your ass and distribute them throughout the building. This is even more effective if you use two or more asses. We know how porn makes you popular. Think Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian.

2. Make sure to bring half the buffet home in the oversize tote bag you brought along. Leaving a trail of crumbs behind is a telltale sign of your success. Maybe you can hit the bathroom for a couple of rolls of toilet tissue. If the supply cabinet is open, you hit the jackpot. Take everything you can - it's Christmas, isn't it, the time for giving and receiving?

3. Drink, drink and drink some more. After all, if it's free it's for me, right? Get completely shit-faced so all your words are slurred. When people get closer to try to understand you, shower them with saliva while you shout in their ear.

4. Use drinking as an excuse to tell stuff you shouldn't. Tell the competition all the company's proprietary secrets so the company realizes your actual worth. Let your boss know the guy in the next cubicle steals office supplies. Spread the news and share the joy for the holidays.

5. Flirt outrageously. Sit on your boss' lap. Proposition the CEO. Best of all, hit on the boss' wife. She will appreciate the attention and he gets tired of her nagging anyway. Dance with her and whisper sweet nothings in her ear so everyone sees your skill with the ladies.

6. Dance on tables. Sing loudly off-key. Make sure everyone knows who you are. After all, you do want recognition in the office, don't you? How can you get ahead if nobody knows who you are?

7. Circulate a petition about the company. Demand higher wages and more generous bonuses. Tell your boss the holiday party is a freakin' write off for the company and you'd rather see the money in your pocket. Let the boss know you can't be duped just because it's the holiday season! You know an Ebenezar Scrooge when you see one.

8. Wrap an empty box for the company grab bag. Chuckle when the menacing mail room guy gets it. Take an extra gift when it's your turn and refuse to put it back. Get everything you can and give nothing because the company owes it to you.

9. Bring a date who isn't afraid to speak up about corporate injustice and the tyranny of traditional employment. Make sure your date has plenty to drink. Whisper suggestions in your date's ear to encourage additional commentary. When your boss and co-workers get offended, make the excuse you didn't know your date had such a problem holding their liqour.

10. Don't attend the holiday party at all. Talk trash about your boss and the office everywhere you can. Create a blog dedicated to the latest "news" about your company. Prove your independence and ability to think on your own.

11. Attend the party with a hidden digital camera. Take pictures of your boss necking with the receptionist in the coat room. Distribute said photos all over every social and business network on the Internet. After all, didn't Britney Spears prove bad publicity is better than no publicity at all?

BONUS TIP: Bring your own copy of "You Can Take This Job and Shove It". Rather than coordinating Christmas carols (how boring and predictable is that?), get everyone to sing about shoving their jobs in unison. There's nothing like unity during the holiday season.

If you get fired, remember the company just can't handle someone like you with knowledge, communication skills and independent thinking.

Check Out Cyber Monday

2008-12-01T07:43:00.000-08:00

After all the terrible occurrences on Black Friday, I'm ready to sit in front of my computer and catch all the Cyber Monday deals. Are you going to save gas, time and money by shopping at home? Can't beat the all free shipping offers - you don't have to go anywhere and everything arrives at your door to be wrapped for the holidays!

Talbots is offering free shipping and 30 percent, which is impressive because they rarely have coupons. I'm also heading over to Mrs. Meyers for some awesome, great-smelling natural aromatherapy house cleaners. My favorite is the lavender and there's free shipping today only.

Happy, safe shopping and saving everyone!

Black Friday Becomes Deadly At Toys R Us

2008-11-28T18:42:00.000-08:00

Alright, I was ready to go shopping online with a glass of wine until I got some more news from a friend. Seems there was a deadly shootout at Toys R Us in Southern California - check it out:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jMJP9ep_VABDoexPPDXfIDbnJL6gD94O8DFG0

Honestly folks, it's really time to get a grip. When the guy who opens the door at Walmart gets trampled to death (today's earlier blog),it's time to check yourself. Then two guys wind up shooting guns in a place designated for children. Let's face it, this is not the spirit of Christmas. It's time to put the Christ back in Christmas and get rid of all the media-driven commercialism. By the way, it also puts a major dent in your wallet so why get caught up in this insanity?

Is Black Friday Worth Lives? Folks At Walmart Must Think So...

2008-11-28T10:46:00.001-08:00

I was alarmed to discover someone died in the Black Friday rush. In Valley Stream, NY, a 34 year old Walmart employee had a heart attack and died after the crowd ran him over at 5AM this morning. A pregnant woman was also caught in the mob activity. Folks, I've already encouraged you to do your shopping online or before Black Friday. Let's consider the detriments of Black Friday:

- you could get killed in the hustle and bustle at the stores;

- if you make it through the stores, you could get in a car accident;

- more sales will come as the stores realize the economy sucks and nobody can afford to buy anyway;

- often Black Friday sales make you spend more rather than less as you get caught up in all the hype; and

- frankly, I'm a professional shopper and won't waste time with hostile amateurs with no manner who are literally willing to kill for a cheap piece of crap so they can save 50 cents.

Why not bask in the afterglow of eating too much on Thanksgiving and shop online? My last entry gives you all the coupons and links you need to save money. Anyway, I've done my part to protect your person and wallet from Black Friday - now it's up to you!

Black Friday Sales and Specials

2008-11-26T08:36:00.000-08:00

Are you a Black Friday shopper? Frankly, I prefer to avoid the crowds and hate dealing with the amateur shoppers who come out on Black Friday. To veteran shoppers such as myself, these grabby beginners are just too irritating!

If you have the stamina to face off the crowds to do some holiday shopping, here is the ultimate zone for finding ALL the Black Friday sales and coupons - it's a one stop shop!

http://www.blackfriday.fm/

Happy shopping - and Happy Thanksgiving!

Do You Have A Taste For Life?

2008-11-25T07:23:00.000-08:00

I just discovered this website called A Taste for Life. You can sign up to be a free panel member and receive samples of health products such as vitamins. I just registered so I'll let you know when I get my first freebie in the mail. I ordered natural deodorant and Omega 3 capsules. Check it out:

http://www.tasteforlife.com/registration/NewUser_Tester.asp

Are Phony Debt Collectors On Your Phone?

2008-11-24T13:47:00.000-08:00

Are you dealing with phony debt collectors? It's bad enough when a girl's over the limit on her credit cards thanks to that fabulous Coach bag she simply had to have or those priceless (or rather overpriced) leather boots. How do you know if you're talking to a real debt collection when you unsuspectingly pick up the telephone during dinner?

Recently ABC news discussed fake debt collectors and how you need to protect yourself. Here are a few tips to make sure you're safe:

- If you took out a payday loan in the past, you're more likely to face phony debt collectors. They already know you needed money and may have sold your information to other agencies. The result is fake debt collectors ringing your phone to steal your identity or get you to admit to someone else's debts.

- This takes us to a second good point. Never, ever admit to a debt unless you're sure it belongs to you. Request verification of the debt in writing. According to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you have the right to request proof of money you owe. Don't pay it or admit it's your debt unless you verify the facts.

- Request a copy of your credit report from the three major credit reporting agencies, Experian, Equifax and Transunion. Know what you owe so you can spot a phony debt collector right away.

When you get a handle on your finances, phony debt collectors don't stand a chance! After all, I'm not about to start paying off someone else's Coach bag...

A GPS In Your Underwear?

2008-11-05T08:59:00.000-08:00

Since this blog is a fusion of fashion and finance, I had to tell you about the latest high-tech underwear for women. Brazilian Lucia Lorio introduced GPS underwear for the "modern, techno-savvy woman". While I like to think of myself as a Victoria's Secret computer geek, I'm not sure if I'm quite ready for a tracking device in my unmentionables.

Would that give my husband a way to track me down, sort of like a chastity belt with a homing device? Lorio says the GPS uses a secret password and you don't have to share it with anyone. You can also turn it off (if you are turning on with someone you don't want anyone to know about).

I still have questions. What if you laugh really hard? Will a few drops ruin your GPS? What if a clumsy guy messes up your GPS while he tries to unhook your bra? The possibilities are endless, but I had to share this one...

Back To The Financial Fashionista!

2008-10-30T08:51:00.000-07:00

I welcome everyone back to the Financial Fashionista. Thankfully I finally got good news about my husband's condition and can return to blogging again!

We will return to mortgages in a couple of weeks. My first entries will include fabulous freebies, coupon codes, how to save money for the holidays and a few practicial finance tips. Then we'll return to the heavy stuff to get prepared for the New Year.

Welcome back everyone - and have a safe, happy Halloween!

Mortgaging Your Dream House - Part 1

2008-09-12T07:03:00.000-07:00

I decided to write a series about mortgaging your dream house after the government took over Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. As the housing bubble bursts and more people face foreclosure, how do you get and keep your dream house?

First of all, a girl has to be in the know. The first step is to get your current credit rating so you can deal with the good, the bad and the ugly. Improve your credit rating (also known as a FICO score) or actively pursue fair, reasonable lenders who work with people with poor or no credit.

Secondly, you have to figure out what you can afford. Certain mortgages allow you to speculate about future income, which we will discuss next week. These can be risky, especially if your future doesn't turn out as prosperous as you hope. It is best to determine how much house you can afford today. Online loan calculators make it easier to determine how much you can afford.

Finally, much like getting the perfect pair of shoes, you have to shop around to find the best interest rates and options for your personal situation.

Next, we'll discuss different types of mortgages and what makes them work - or not. After all, every queen needs her castle!

Back To School Without The Dollar Store

2008-09-04T11:48:00.001-07:00

Welcome back to school! Although the dollar store seems like a simple and tempting solution to your school supply needs, it may not be the most affordable choice. After years of back to school shopping, here are a few of my top suggestions:

- Buy basic items ahead of time. No matter what school supply list your child brings home, certain essentials like erasers, pens and pencils are always needed. When they go on super sale in July and August, buy boxes for as low as 33 cents each in everyday supermarkets and drug stores.

- Shop at office supply stores. I bought folders at Staples for 10 cents each. They are simple, colored pocket folders and the ones most teachers prefer. When you walk down the center aisle at Staples, you can find all the marked down school supplies such as glue, crayons and rulers.

- Read circulars that arrive at your house the week before school starts. Know where the sales are as this information comes in handy. For example, if you buy marble notebooks today at CVS you will pay over $2 each. The same size marble notebooks are available at Rite Aid for 33 cents apiece. Comparison shopping through free newspapers can save you a bundle.

- Buy quality water bottles, lunch boxes and backpacks. Your children will need these items for years. After first grade, avoid the temptation to buy cheap, trendy items. Get a good Jansport backpack - it lasts for years and always looks good. Purchase water bottles rather than buying juice boxes, which can cost plenty over the course of a school year.

With a bit of planning, you can get all those back-to-school supplies for less than you thought.

Earning Passive Income With Your Own Blog

2008-08-25T09:04:00.000-07:00

In our last entry, we discussed the meaning of financial freedom. You don't have to be wealthy to be financially independent. If you live simply, financial freedom is easier to attain.

Passive income is one of the ways to reach the financial freedom you crave. Consider how your full-time job works. You trade hours for dollars. Unless you put in more hours, your paycheck will always be the same regardless of your personal efforts. You may get a raise or bonus in a few months, but that is at your boss' discretion. With today's tough economy, many bosses are not giving raises or bonuses even to their best employees. So where does that leave you for all your hard work? Most likely, a day behind and a dollar short.

Establishing a passive income business means giving up evenings and weekends for awhile. Further, you don't get paid until your enterprise starts picking up. These two factors wind up discouraging many people from taking it to the next step of success. Devoting hours without getting a paycheck gets frustrating. But think about it - that's because everyone has told you to get paid right away for what you do.

Passive income doesn't work that way. It's a building process, like any business. You need to put in a lot of time, effort and a piece of yourself to make it work. The good news is passive income is work you only have to do once - but you keep earning money from it. For example, if you write an ebook you only have to write it once. However, you can sell that ebook for years and continue to make profits even when you're on vacation.

A popular way to establish a source of passive income is your own blog. It's free to create a blog in Google and you can include your own ads to generate revenue. Without investing anything other than your time, you can wind up with a neat source of additional income. If your blog takes off like some of the pros, you can even quit your day job! That's what passive income is all about.

The Meaning of Wealth

2008-08-17T19:50:00.000-07:00

When we dream of financial freedom, we think of long days without work so we can do whatever we choose. Does this mean you have to be wealthy?

Not necessarily. If you downsize your home, have one car and live simply without credit cards, you can attain financial independence. You aren't tied to anything and your days are your own. As long as you have an ongoing source of income, you're well set.

Passive income is the key to attaining financial freedom on any level. By having money come in from enterprises when you're not working, steady income is achieved. But how do you earn passive income? Where does it come from? More in my next entry about the meaning of true wealth and how to get it...

Basic Back To School Savings Tips

2008-08-13T15:26:00.000-07:00

Is it back to school already? Where did the summer go? It always flies by too quickly with so much you still want to do. The ads everywhere are reminding us to curtail our summer fun a bit to do some back to school shopping.

A few penny-pinching suggestions from the financial fashionista:

-peruse the clearance racks for back to school clothes because your kids will wear them for the first few weeks;

-shop for fall items in about a month when the sales start but before all the sizes you need are sold out;

-buy back to school necessities now when they are at the lowest prices such as pencils, erasers and pens - of course there will always be a teacher who requests a specialty item when the kids go back but basic items are least expensive in August; and

-buy for next summer now by getting swimsuits in the next size at rock bottom prices.

These little tips make back to school more affordable for all of us - now go enjoy the rest of the summer while you still can :)

Cheap Gas and Cheap Tuition for Back to School

2008-08-12T15:22:00.000-07:00

Alright, there are two deals to talk about today from the Financial Fashionista. With back to school right around the corner, savvy students may still be scuffling for all the best tuition payment options. Simple Tuition makes searching simple so check it out
-http://www.bzzagent.com//p/8711256314/mamask

Another little tip figured out by some smart guys who follow statistics - the cheapest day to purchase your gas is Tuesday. That's right, when you want to fill 'er up choose a Tuesday for cheap gas - until the gas companies figure out we all know and switch the low price day again.

Mineral Makeup For Good Looks On A Dime

2008-08-07T10:07:00.000-07:00

Mineral makeup is the latest way to look more beautiful. Natural mineral makeup gives you the appearance of wearing high end cosmetics without the cost. Even better, mineral makeup feels lighter and more refreshing on your skin than heavy makeups that cake and crease. Feel and look smoother and more attractive when you slip into mineral makeup. Just another way to save a few bucks will staying a fabulous fashionista!

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Go Green For More Green

2008-08-06T12:35:00.000-07:00

Going green means more green for your other bills. Green efforts save the environment and money. When you minimize your use of electricity, you are also protecting the environment. There are hundreds of little ways to save money while you show greater consideration to the natural world around you.

One little tip - never use the whole dryer sheet. I know there are environmentally sound ways to make your own dryer sheets but I haven't evolved that much yet. I tear the dryer sheets in half and reuse each half. By doing this, I get four loads of laundry out of one dryer sheet. That equals significant savings to the environment and my budget.

What green measures do you take to save money and the world?

Financial Freedom 101

2008-08-05T06:11:00.000-07:00

What exactly does financial freedom mean to you? Does it mean shopping whenever you want without worrying about money? Does it mean you don't have any outstanding credit card bills? How do you define financial freedom?

Defining financial freedom help you set goals for your future. Basically speaking, when you are financially free you are not tied down to bills and a job. You have enough resources to cover your basic needs without worrying.

Financial freedom is easy to think about but more difficult to attain as the cost of living increases everyday and your paycheck stays the same. How can you reach your goal of financial freedom when you can barely make ends meet? You are not alone. Many people live from paycheck to paycheck, wondering how they will make it happen next week.

Trading dollars for hours is clearly not the solution when it comes to financial freedom. While you can survive on that concept, it is a precarious situation that can be overthrown with one illness or the loss of a job. Tomorrow we will talk about ways to attain financial freedom along with ways to avoid getting in over your head.

Surfing for Coupons

2008-08-04T07:31:00.001-07:00

I am always completely prepared to save money every time I go shopping. How do I make sure I get discounts? It's simple. I do an online search for "[store name] coupons" and "[store name] printable coupons". Whether I shop online or in person, I always have money saving coupons.

However, even a smart shopper can learn from her mistakes. I went to my cousin's bridal shower yesterday (it was an awesome event by the way - I'll discuss some money saving shower ideas in tomorrow's blog) with my mom and daughter. It was the first bridal shower for my 7 year old little girl and she really enjoyed herself at the fancy luncheon. In the spirit of enjoying a girl's day out, we all stopped at Kmart on the way home to do some back to school shopping.

I had no idea we were going to Kmart and don't keep coupons on hand because there is no Kmart in my neighborhood. The woman in front of us on the checkout line had a 20 percent off coupon, which would have really come in handy for our $80 purchase of back to school clothing (an an incredible outfit for me - more on that later). We asked where she got the coupon and she said she was on the mailing list but you could also find them online. What a great way to remind me to keep ALL stores on hand when I'm going out on the town! Next time I visit my mom's, I'll print a Kmart coupon - just in case!

With regard to the outfit I got, you MUST check out Basic Edition new pull on dress pants. They have classic seersucker, herringbone, houndstooth and plaid design. The quality is outstanding and the comfort unbeatable. I prefer dress pants from the Talbots so I was really suprised to find a pair at Kmart that looked so attractive. With their Sunday/Monday sale, I saved 20 percent off the already low price of $9.99. I also found a fabulous Basic Editions top with embroidery and sequins and a matching cap in khaki with gold metallic threads and brass buttons. This classic outfit looks like it cost over $200 but I actually spent less than $20 (including tax). If I only had that coupon, it would have been an even better deal...

Financial Freedom With Coupons

2008-08-01T18:01:00.000-07:00

My husband used to cringe when I brought out my coupons. When we began paying off debts, buying a home and getting better cars, he started to see the value of coupons.

There's nothing embarassing about using coupons. In fact, coupons are just like free money. Simply for using a coupon you spend less on what you want or need. Coupons for grocery items make good common sense. After all, you need to buy juice or bread anyway so you might as well use a coupon.

I use coupons for everything from dining out to groceries to clothing to haircuts. Peruse your local publications, newspapers and magazines for coupons. Visit manufacturers' websites and sign up for their newsletters. Visit your local library to see if they have a coupon exchange. When you see the savings tally up, you'll be proud to whip out your stack of coupons!

Look for Victoria's Secret in Your Inbox!

2008-07-31T08:56:00.000-07:00

Check your inbox ladies because Victoria's Secret is giving there preferred customers a sweet deal. For just four days, Victoria has extended a $20 coupon with no minimum purchase required. A special gift certificate number is assigned to the coupon so it can only be used once.

I already cashed in my coupon for a fabulous boucle sweater and a pair of cotton panties. With shipping and handling, my order came to a whopping $.81. Who get to dress in Victoria's best for less than a buck? I do, that's who, and you should too...finding deals is another way to gain financial freedom. After all, we want the best but we just don't want to pay top dollar for it. What better way than a $20 coupon from Victoria's Secret with no minimum purchase required?

Welcome To The Financial Fashionista

2008-07-30T12:46:00.001-07:00

Are you a fashionista who loves to shop? Do you also crave financial independence and the personal freedom that goes along with it? If you want it all, check out my blog for the latest ways to save money without sacrificing everything you love.

From money making opportunities to common sense advice to freebies, you can find it all right here. Check in with the financial fashionista to find out the best way to find financial freedom today.

Here's to fashionable financial freedom in your future!