Blog Posts by SavvySugar

Source: 7 Secret Tips to Getting Freebies From an Expert

I'm sure all of you agree that there's nothing as gratifying as getting a freebie. It's hard enough to scour the web for coupon codes, which a lot of the times don't work or have expired, so the best thing to do is to call in an expert. Kathy Spencer, author of the How to Shop For Free, spills the dirt on how to get some really awesome freebies. She calls them her "Lucky 7 Tips," because you'll feel lucky after you get such good stuff for free! Be sure to also check out her website at HowtoShopForFree.net.

• Have a free girls' night out. Call up Bath and Body Works and ask to reserve one. They'll close the store down for you and your friends, and give you free foot soaks, mini facials, make up applications, and more.
• Get your make up done for free at Sephora. Sephora offers complimentary 15-minute make up applications during which they teach you how to do it yourself-things like smoky eyes and luscious lips. You'll

Source: Going the Distance: 10 Tips to Getting a Job in Your Dream City

You might dream of packing your bags and running off to make it big in New York City, but the fact of the matter is, it's extremely hard to get a call back from an employer if you don't live the same city. To raise your chances of succeeding, here are some things you should do:

• Move There: The best way to find a job in the city you'd love to work in is to be on the ground, networking, and interviewing in the city itself. That will save you plenty of awkward questions about where you're actually living. However, this option is not ideal for everyone since it's going to be hard to cover the cost of moving and living expenses when you're not making any income. Although this is probably your best bet for getting a job in the city you want, it's also the most costly.
• Find a Company Contact: Since your location is working against you, you need an extra edge to get an "in" at the company. Network through

Source: Savvy Tip: 3 Ways to Tell if Those Rewards Cards Are Worth It

For anyone who's racked up frequent flier miles, points, and other perks from business travel days probably had the same giggle at a scene from Up in the Air where Vera Farmiga and George Clooney pull out all their cards to compare enrollment programs. Not to say my pals and I have never done this ('cause we have), but it reminded me of the uses even recreational travelers receive by joining free offerings. Even though I rarely travel for work nowadays, see the three tips about programs I still use and avoid status for the sake of status when you.

• Save Money: Simply signing up for some programs (especially car rental ones), can earn you automatic savings. Coupon codes and discounts are easy to come by and can make a big difference for even infrequent trips. Add in special "member-only" email discounts and there's quite the deal on your hands!
• Save Time: If you're traveling at a peak period or through

Source: 5 Ways Vodka Can Help You Save Money

Sorry to burst your bubble, but you're not going to save by drinking vodka! However, the liquor actually has a couple of household uses that will come in handy. Not to mention, you won't be splashing unnecessary money on products and you'll be doing the environment some good because it's less toxic. Invest in a bottle of cheap vodka to stretch your dollar in these ways:

• Clean Your Clothes: First, do a spot test on the piece of clothing just to be on the safe side. If the material stays in the same condition, spray vodka on the outfit. It'll keep your clothes fresh in between the laundry loads and kill any lingering odors. The liquor is also a good stain remover, so dab some on stubborn stains before throwing your clothes into the washer.
• Get Rid of Mold: Spray it on the mold in your bathroom, and after letting it soak in for a good while, wipe it clean. The alcohol will kill the mold.
• Prevent Flowers From Wilting:

Source: Vampire Author Charlaine Harris Talks About Her Job

Through the pages of books written by bestselling author Charlaine Harris, readers enter a fantasy world - one filled with sexy vampires, endearing shape-shifters, and incredibly gorgeous fairies. You might be more familiar with the HBO show True Blood, which was inspired by Charlaine's Southern Vampire series. I know that many of you aspire to be writers, so read on to find out what it's like to walk in her shoes!

SavvySugar: What's your typical day like?

Charlaine Harris: I hardly have a daily routine any more because of the increased demands on my time. However, on an ideal day I'm in my office by eight. I write six pages, finishing by early afternoon, and then I deal with other matters until three thirty or four o'clock, when I read for a while before starting supper.

SS: How did it all start?

CH: I was writing my first book while I was taking a writing course at the University of Missouri St. Louis, the

Source: The Thank-You Note After the Interview Actually Matter, Study Says

Even if you think you nailed the interview, you should still send a thank-you note, because according to a CareerBuilder.com study, this small gesture can affect hiring decisions. Poll results found that more than one in five employers say that a candidate has a lower chance of getting the job if they skip out on sending a thank-you note after the interview. Hiring managers feel it signifies that you don't follow through and that you're not taking the job opportunity seriously. Here are more things an employer wants to see:

• Electronic Thank-You: 89 percent say that it's fine to send a thank-you by email, and half actually prefer the note in that form. However, it really depends on your industry as well. For example, those in the IT field prefer a thank-you email, while the financial industry hirers say an email is not their preference, but it's still acceptable.
• Thank More Than One: If you were

Source: 8 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Pre-worn Wedding Dress

Buying a wedding dress that someone has only worn once will help you save plenty of bucks, and although it sounds like a great deal, you need to be aware that there are some risks involved. To reduce the chances of a purchase gone wrong, make sure you ask the seller these questions before whipping out your credit card.

• Dress Care: Ask the seller what her method of cleaning and preservation is. It's better if she took it to a professional cleaner who specializes in wedding dresses to lower the risks of "invisible stains" that may show up when you take the dress to the cleaners. You can also ask whether the wedding was held (outdoors or on a beach) so you'll have a better idea of the condition of the dress was put through. Reader Vanonymous suggested asking if the dress was kept in a smoke-free environment. It might be a good idea to ask if the dress was kept in a house with pets.
• Legitimacy: Make sure you

Source: Savvy Tips For Saving All Week Long

Ask anybody and they'll tell you weekly expenses add up quick. No matter how careful you budget, the tally adds up. You need to eat and have a little fun here and there, after all. Here are a few of my favorite guides to saving during the workweek.

• 10 Time-of-Day Discounts, From A.M. to P.M. - Timing is everything. Money-saving opportunities can be found all day long - if you arrive at the right time.
• How-to: Save by Spending on Select Days - Clearly, some days are better than others. Most of you agree that weekends are the hardest time to keep your wallet in your purse, but there are some simple ways you can bank on time-of-day discounts throughout the week.
• 9 Simple Ways to Save and Shop Smart - The truth is, everyone needs to save money. Even people on the Forbes 400 worry about the economy, possible job loss, and saving up for travel, retirement, and a rainy day. Here are a few simple ways to save day by day.