How quickly we forget! We claim that this holiday season won't be as costly as the last, but how can we be sure? If last year's holidays are a blur of parties, cookies, and mistletoe, dig up your credit card or bank statements from the end of last year to get an idea of how much you spent last year on new party clothes, gifts, and the cost of hosting gatherings.
on Yahoo! |
If money were no object, we'd surely buy our loved ones the best of the best and whatever filled their hearts' desires. Alas, most of us can't afford to shower those we love with priciest presents and our thoughtful gifts are more than enough to bring joy to the holiday season. Sometimes, though, we find ourselves splurging on our family, friends, or significant others, and end up spending more than we intended.
on Yahoo! |
If you're someone who prefers to have something to show for your hard work, buying cigarettes isn't exactly the best way to showcase your well-deserved paycheck. Smoking is expensive, taking a toll on your health and wallet, and Forbes researched just how much money residents across the US pour into their nicotine habit each year. Take the quiz to see how much you know about the cost of smoking.
on Yahoo! |
I was one of thousands who went to see Quantum of Solace on Friday night and sat in a packed theater with everyone else who had paid $10.75 to get their 007 fix. Yes, seeing Daniel Craig on the big screen was worth every penny, but I couldn't help but think back to a time when movie tickets weren't so expensive. How much do tickets cost for movies in your city?
on Yahoo! |
Spending more wisely is the mantra of the moment, and while most everyone is doing it there are differences in the extent that men and women have been making cutbacks. Consumer Reports conducted a poll and published the results in its December issue, showing that over the last year women have been modifying their habits more drastically than men. A larger percentage of women took steps to be more economical than men in every category.
on Yahoo! |
Halloween doesn't have to be expensive, but as we get older it's harder to come up with a fabulous costume that doesn't involve spending money. There's always the option of recycling last year's attire to save, though dressing up isn't as fun when your outfit is expected. And, no, this Starbucks "looking for work" costume is not what I'm wearing.
on Yahoo! |
We're celebrating Halloween with In-the-Black Week, but this tip is something to also keep in mind when you are preparing to shop for the upcoming holidays.
In-the-Black tip: Shop with a purpose. Make a list of the things you're hoping to find, whether it's a new holiday party dress for you or gifts for the people you love.
on Yahoo! |
"Happy Birthday, You Bastard." That's the subtle title of a Slate article about the options one has when attending someone's birthday dinner celebration. It begins as humorous commentary on the way the 20-something birthday dinner at restaurants evolved because there's no room in tiny apartments to celebrate as a group, and ends with the author declaring that he no longer attends these kinds of gatherings.
on Yahoo! |
Earlier this week the San Francisco Chronicle published an interesting article about food spending. In the story, author Rob Baedeker unscientifically asks grocery store goers if they know how much they spend on food each month. The majority have no food budget and have never totaled their grocery and eating out receipts.
on Yahoo! |
More often than not, eating out is more expensive than eating at home, but weekends make me weak for meals out. Including Friday night, how many times did you enjoy food that didn't come from your kitchen this weekend?
on Yahoo! |
