Blog Posts by SavvySugar

Source: Can You Cash in on Facebook's $5 Billion IPO?

Everyone's buzzing about the Facebook IPO, and after hearing about how many billionaires and millionaires the IPO will create, you might think that it's your chance to make money off this cash cow. But first, you need to educate yourself.

What's the deal about IPOs? Facebook used to be a private company, which means its shares were not sold to the public. Once a firm goes public, it's on the stock market and it sells a part of itself to outside investors who can afford it. The term for going public is also known as an IPO or initial public offering.

Why would a company go public? A company that sells shares to outside investors can stand to raise a lot of money. Current estimates of the Facebook IPO are at $5 billion. Companies can do a lot with the capital raised - they can use it to pay down long-term obligations, fund new opportunities, and even acquire competitors. Further, initial private investors who wish to exit can now

Source: The Pros and Cons of Office Romance

Dating a co-worker can be a thrilling and wonderful thing - that is until the relationship falters. Here are seven pros and cons of dating (and breaking up with) a co-worker so you know what to expect before you decide to get involved. Dating a co-worker can be a thrilling and wonderful thing - that is until the relationship falters. Here are seven pros and cons of dating (and breaking up with) a co-worker so you know what to expect before you decide to get involved.

• Pro: Forbidden love can be hot and passionate.
  Con: You might have to keep your relationship a secret from co-workers. If the office does find out, it can quickly turn into a awkward situation, and if you do eventually break up, it can become even more unpleasant and humiliating.
• Pro: You have an insider's understanding of their work ethic and how they communicate with others. You can talk openly and honestly about current projects or co-workers.
  Con: You

Source: How to Avoid Awkwardness When the Bill Arrives

When you're dining out with friends and the check arrives, things can turn uncomfortable quickly. Is the tip included? Should the cost be divided evenly? Some people just ate appetizers, some people just had drinks, and only a handful brought cash - what do you do? Follow these quick tips to keep things pleasant when the bill appears.

• Make a date with the ATM. Unless you regularly keep cash in your wallet, you should always stop at the ATM before meeting up with a group. Some restaurants are picky about charging multiple credit cards, so think ahead and stop by the bank before any group get-togethers. Better yet, buy something to break all those $20 bills.
• Communicate early. As soon as everyone is settled in and preparing to order, initiate a casual conversation about their bill expectations. Find out whether your friends plan to order appetizers, full meals, or just drinks, then talk about tip options and come to a

Source: Office Etiquette: Going Out to Lunch

If you regularly go out to eat during your lunch hour, there are some basic dos and don'ts that you should keep in mind. We've already covered the etiquette basics for bringing your lunch to work, but if you prefer buying your lunch to packing it, stay professional and mind your manners by following these tips.

• Communicate your whereabouts. When you plan to leave the office for lunch, let your co-workers know how long you'll be gone - especially those who report to you. Leave a note on your desk or update your IM status to keep your officemates in the loop.
• Steer clear of cliques. Lunch dates are a great way to build friendly relationships with your co-workers, but don't be exclusive with the invites. Try to include different people - even those in other departments - to avoid playing favorites. Even better? Ask the new girl to join to help her feel welcome.
• Stick to nearby neighborhoods. There's no need to travel

SavvySugarSource: 6 Winter Date Ideas That Won't Break the Bank

Winter weather offers a great opportunity for cozy, creative dates, so we've come up with fun, inexpensive options to keep your social life humming no matter how low the temperature dips. Take a break from the classic dinner-and-a-movie routine with one of these original ideas.

1. Hit the Lanes: Keep things fun and flirty with a trip to the bowling alley. Not the best athlete? Laugh it off when your ball falls into the gutter. Known for scoring strikes? Make a bet: winner picks the next date plan. Play a round or two by yourselves, then invite friends to join you for some extra games.
2. Try a Tasting: Visit a local brewery and enjoy a beer tasting for two. Order a flight of beers and rank your favorites. Make a mental note of which one he likes best and surprise him with a bottle of it the next time you meet up.
3. Connect in the Kitchen: Try taking a cooking class to learn new recipes that you can test together

Source: 7 Tips to Wake Up and Get Out of Bed Fast

You're late to work, again. No matter how much you reason with yourself, your lateness is probably due to the fact that you couldn't get out of bed. It's always unpleasant to drag yourself out of bed, so here are some tips to help you wake up alert and get you out of bed quickly:

• Assess your health. Your drowsiness in the morning might be health-related. Perhaps you need a better diet and exercise plan or maybe you have sleep apnea. If you've been doing everything right, go to a doctor for an expert opinion.
• Coffee on your bedside table. This is for extreme cases, but leaving some coffee or another caffeinated drink like Mountain Dew on your bedside table might be a good way to get yourself out of bed.
• Place your alarm clock strategically. If you place your alarm clock across the room or outside your door, this might force you walk to the clock to shut it off.

Source: How to Rebound From Your Holiday Spending Spree

If the gift-giving season wreaked havoc on your bank account, follow these money-saving tips to recover from holiday debt and regain your financial confidence.

• Tweak your food routine. Make the obvious wallet-friendly changes to your meal habits: pack your lunch, cook dinners at home, and swap your Starbucks sip for the coffeemaker variety. Amp up the savings and avoid wasting money on groceries by writing out a weekly menu each Sunday and shopping only for necessities. If you do eat out, check for coupons beforehand, opt for an appetizer as your main entree, and choose water over pricey beverages.
• Travel smart. Public transportation isn't always the most glamorous option, but it's definitely one of the cheapest. Take advantage of your city's travel alternatives and walk whenever possible. When you have to drive, take the necessary steps to save on gas.

• Become a

Source: What to Do If You Don't Like Your Boss

Working 9 to 5 can feel like a nightmare if you don't like the person you report to, but it's important to navigate the situation carefully - for the sake of both your job and your sanity. Not a fan of your supervisor? Here are five tips to help you manage the circumstances.

• Keep it to yourself. First and foremost, don't gossip. Even if you're confident that a co-worker shares your sentiments, it's best to stay silent on the issue. If you really need to talk about it with someone, chat with a friend, a parent, or another third party who doesn't have a personal stake in your work relationships.
• Learn more about your boss. You don't have to become your boss's best friend, but you can find out more about her professional background or personal interests to discover parts of her character that you respect. Maybe he or she started in the same position as you, maybe your boss has traveled to a city that you love, or maybe he or