by Jackie Beck

One of the arguments for hiring help around the house (usually house cleaners and folks to mow the lawn) is that your time is worth more than what it would cost to hire help. Read the rest of this entry »

by Jackie Beck

We’ve all used social proof (in one form or another) to help us make a decision, especially in situations where we’re feeling unsure. That “proof” could take many forms, such as:

• Glancing around to see which restaurant seems to be most popular
• Noticing how many subscribers a blog has
• Seeing a celebrity endorsement
• McDonalds with its “billions and billions served” signs
• Tweet counters & Facebook thumbs-up counters
• Testimonials
• Online reviews and star ratings
• Etc.

As Yaro Starak says, “Social Proof exists because we group together in a society. All other people around you and what choices they make, are pushing or pulling you to do or not do certain things. This is an incredibly strong force when it comes to influencing our behaviors.”
Read the rest of this entry »

by Jackie Beck

I’ve heard people proudly announce that something was a great deal because their payment “only went up $45 a month!” (for who knows how long.)

I have to say, that’s probably not my idea of a great deal.

I’ve also heard people say that they got a great deal because an item was 50% off. That actually could be a good deal — given the right set of circumstances — but my first instinct is to wonder “off what?”. After all, if it was 50% off the store’s regular price of $100, but you can buy it on Amazon for $30 including shipping, it wasn’t a deal. Read the rest of this entry »

by Jackie Beck

How’s your spending lately? Are you on track with your expenses and savings?

If you don’t know the answer to that last question (or if the answer is “no”), it’s time to take a closer look at what you’re spending your money on to see if any of your categories are out of whack. Read the rest of this entry »

by Jackie Beck

I’ve driven the same car for the past 21 years: a 1990 Miata that I bought in 1991. It’s been a great car, and it’s so much fun to drive. 

But, did you know that trees are bad for Miatas? Read the rest of this entry »

by Jackie Beck

Despite being a non-coffee drinker (I know; the horror!) I loved Aloysa’s “Live a Little: Have a Latte” post. In it, she points out that some of the things we buy “make us feel guilty because we think we make frivolous and unjustified spending choices”. Read the rest of this entry »