Blog Posts by SavvySugar

Source: 9 Eco-Unfriendly Moves That Are Costing You

We usually tell you what you should do to save the earth, but sometimes it's easier to listen to advice on what you shouldn't do. Not being environmentally friendly adds a huge cost to your wallet and your environment.

Here are a couple of eco-unfriendly moves you should avoid doing:

• Not using public transportation: Even if you do have a car, try to switch off with public transportation intermittently. The less cars out there, the less pollution and greenhouse gas emissions are generated. You'll be saving the environment and money on gas as well. Further, taking public transportation is even known to help you lose weight as well.
• Not unplugging your electronics: Leaving your electronics plugged in when you're not using them means that the gadgets will keep sucking up the energy when not in use. The average household actually loses about $200 a year from vampire energy usage, so make sure you're unplugging your

Source: 6 Good Spending Habits to Start For Lent

This time of year might be known for giving up bad habits thanks to Lent, but we're advocating for picking up good habits instead. When it comes to spending, we could all use some tips to better our practices. Here are some that we hope will last well beyond 40 days.

• Buy for quality, not cost: If you're someone who frequently shops lesser-quality items because of the cheaper price tag, then consider how much you're actually saving in the long run. An expensive pair of boots might last you a lifetime, whereas you might have to keep replacing the more affordable pair that is poorly made.
• Keep detailed track of your expenses: For some people, checking bank statements from time to time is how they track finances. But keeping tabs on where money goes - how much do you really spend on eating out per week? - is key to understanding the bigger picture of how to save up. Download apps like Ace Budget 2 ($1) to help with the budgeting

Source: 5 Surprising Networking Locales

Whether you believe in fate or not, sometimes saying a few words to the stranger beside you can put you in touch with just the right people you need to boost your career. The next time you find yourself in one of these five locations, work up the courage to spark a conversation with the person beside you.

• Public transportation can be grimy and crowded, but perhaps the unsavory conditions will instigate a conversation with the person next to you.
• Weddings bring people and extended family together. Your sister's, brother-in-law's, cousin's, or wife's cousin (from the other side of the family) might be the ideal "seventh" degree of separation that you needed to make friends with.
• Restaurant bars are quieter, intimate, and certainly more civil than a Friday night out on the town. While you are waiting for a table, casually converse with the person beside you.
• Long lines at lunch bring the downtown businessmen and women together.

Source: Best Credit Cards For Grocery Shopping

If groceries are a common expense for you, why not take advantage of it by choosing the credit card that will give you optimal rewards for supermarket spending. After all, if travel is not your thing, it wouldn't make any sense for you to sign up for a credit card that's best for flights and hotels. Here are the cards that'll get you the best rewards if grocery shopping is one of your biggest expenditures:


Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

• Rewards: Get six percent cash back when spending in US stand-alone supermarkets. The first $6,000 spent in supermarkets will qualify for the six percent cash back. After that, you will receive one percent cash back. Get three percent cash back on gas at at stand-alone gas stations and select department stores. Get one percent cash back on all other purchases.
• Sign-up bonus: Earn $150 reward dollars for spending $1,000 within three months.
• Annual fee: $75.

POPSUGAR Smart LivingSource: 10 Tips For Balancing Love and Money

It's a sad but common tune: debt threatens to divide or break up an otherwise strong couple that hadn't set up any financial ground rules. Love and money don't always go hand in hand, which means it's crucial to consider the long term repercussions of sharing your life and bank account with another person. There's no magical credit card or anti-debt potion, but here are some tips for keeping the communication lines open, piggy bank full, and both of you crazy in love.

• Discuss and Share Your Financial Goals : Before you get married or move in together you should tackle the tough questions so both of you know what to expect and aren't shocked years down the road. If things are really serious make sure to discuss your savings tactics and goals, debt, plans for providing for children and retirement plans. If you're not picking out dresses yet, discuss monthly and yearly expenses like housing, bills and lifestyle and entertainment

SavvySugarSource: 9 Tips to Save a Bundle on Flowers

Now that Valentine's Day is drawing closer, it's got everyone thinking about flowers. Getting flowers for your loved one is a hallmark of this holiday of love, but it can be quite costly. Whether you're buying them for yourself or someone you care about, here are some tips to save on flowers:

• Make your own: You can always go the DIY route and make your flowers out of creative everyday items like tape and old book pages for an eco- and budget-conscious move. These handmade flowers will not only save your wallet, but they are also a unique and creative touch.
• Time it: Having the flowers delivered the day before and not on Valentine's Day can be a lot cheaper, so check to see if there is a difference in cost. Buying flowers the day after can be a lot more affordable as well, so you might want to wait a little.
• Artificial flowers: If you're not the DIY sort, then you can always purchase artificial flowers, whether made of

SavvySugarSource: 6 Ways to Find Out What Your Peers Are Making

More and more companies are revealing how much each employee is getting paid, according to the Wall Street Journal. Advocates say this helps employees "better understand their individual contribution to the whole group." This wage transparency is most often practiced by start-ups, but if you're keen to know how much your peers are making even though your company doesn't reveal the numbers, here are a couple of alternatives:

• Glassdoor: If your company is big enough, you may be able to find out the pay of employees through anonymous salary quotes at Glassdoor.com. What's great about this tool is it gives you specific information on what someone in your position is doing at your company, so the numbers aren't too generalized.
• College career center: Even if many years have passed since your graduation, you can approach your college career center and ask the counselors if they have any statistics of what your fellow

Source: Make Your Own: Amazingly Easy Homemade Fabric Softener

Made from all-natural ingredients, this eco-friendly fabric softener helps fluff and freshen your clothes without artificial fragrances or ingredients. Vinegar is a natural softening agent, making it the perfect base for this homemade DIY. The addition of an essential oil, such as lavender, orange, lemon, or mint, which are antibacterial, keeps your clothes wonderfully clean and smelling fantastic. And, what's even better, this laundry booster only costs a few dollars to make.

What You'll Need:

• Large jar or container with lid
• 16 ounces distilled white vinegar
• Essential oil
• Fresh herbs

• Simply measure and add four cups of vinegar to a jar and 10 to 12 drops of your favorite essential oil. Simply shake and add 1/4 cup to your washing machine's fabric softener dispenser per load of laundry. For an extra boost of scent, add a sprig of fresh rosemary, lavender, or mint.
• To make in bulk,