Discover the best (and least awkward) ways to ask for loanersBy Marisa Cohen
You hate to ask...but you also hate to spend money on things you'll only use once-like that wedding-bell-shaped pan to bake a cake for your sister's shower. It's a big pain in the wallet to pay for certain items, especially if your neighbor already has the pan sitting in her basement. Still, no one wants to look cheap or put a friend in an awkward position if she has to say no.Photo by David Bowman; Hair and makeup by Rene Rattler for Moore Creative Talent
But neighborly swaps are a great way to save money and create less waste, says Alex Michael, who blogs with his wife about saving money at TheThriftyCouple.com. "If you do it the right way, borrowing also creates an opportunity to become even closer with your community," he says. To figure out the most graceful ways to ask for a loaner, we sent Molly Leifeld out in the field for a week. Here's what she learned-and how much she saved.
The tester's take: "I feel most comfortable borrowing from someone who will ask to
A history teacher of mine once explained that we like to think of history in Oz terms: easy, clear, and logical. In fact, history is more often the Kansas version of events: complicated, muddled, and based on emotion. Like in The Wizard of Oz, the land over the rainbow looks pretty and appeals to us more; there are good guys and bad guys and rousing moments of sentiment and song. But we live in Kansas, the real world, and life here is messy. I taught history to middle schoolers in East Harlem for three years, and I tried my best to present them with the Kansas view of history. This often meant going above and beyond the textbook, which told Oz-like stories, myths which many of my students had learned as pure fact. And there are plenty that you think are true too!! Click through for 7 American history myths and misconceptions - debunked! -By Brian Gresco
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Read More »from Red, White, and Bull: 7 Things You Think You Know About American History - Debunked!There's nothing like listening to the National Anthem to get your patriotism flowing for the upcoming Memorial Day holiday. If you're like me, you'd probably much rather hear it sung than sing it yourself. (Have you ever tried singing our nation's tune? Those high notes can be hard to hit!) Whether for the Super Bowl or the president's inauguration, and live or lip-synced, the Star-Spangled Banner is always an epic song to be heard - especially when they roll out that giant flag and strike up the band. Often, goose bumps are unavoidable! Click through for 10 of the best National Anthem performances - ever. Click through for the 7 best Star Spangled Banner performances ever! -By Kacy Faulconer
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Read More »from Star Spangled Singers: The 7 Best National Anthem Performances Ever
Aries (March 21 - April 19)
The more things go wrong, the more chance you have of them going right. Just when everything seems to be heading in the wrong direction, things begin to turn around. Today's the day, Aries -- you can feel it.
Today's Aries Reading: Free Sample Career Strengths Reading
Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
You're feeling jealous today, of someone more attractive than you, more popular than you, or richer than you. Such is life, Taurus. There's nothing wrong with admitting your baser emotions, especially if you can use them to better your situation. Your ambition is sparked.
Today's Taurus Reading: Free Sample Personal Astrology Profile
Read More »from Astrology.Com Daily FinanceScopes --Friday May 24, 2013
Gemini (May 21 - June 21)
You're not feeling particularly insightful or intuitive today, but that just means you'll have to rely more heavily than usual on things like calculators andAstrology.Com Daily FinanceScopes --Thursday May 23, 2013
By Astrology.com FinanceScopes | Work + Money – Wed, May 22, 2013 11:29 AM EDT
Aries (March 21 - April 19)
You're upset for no apparent reason. It feels to you as if everything is going wrong -- so why is everyone else so upbeat? The numbers speak for themselves, Aries. Focus on them and you'll feel just fine.
Today's Aries Reading: Free Sample Destiny Reading
Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
You're feeling like a moody malcontent today. The best medicine -- assuming you want to be cured -- is to share some of what you have with someone in need. There are plenty of people out there to choose from, Taurus.
Today's Taurus Reading: Free Sample Past Life Reading
Read More »from Astrology.Com Daily FinanceScopes --Thursday May 23, 2013
Gemini (May 21 - June 21)
You dig into deep pockets when you want to help, but your efforts can be scattered. Instead of having your contributions spread all over the board, why not focus on one or two causes at a time? The satisfaction of seeing results isMemorial Day Sales: 7 Things that Are Cheaper to Buy This Weekend
By Babble.com | Work + Money – Wed, May 22, 2013 11:27 AM EDTMemorial Day is part of a long-weekend holiday created to celebrate the men and women who died serving in the United States military. Somehow, it has morphed into an unofficial celebration of summer - complete with cookouts, pool openings, and amazing sales to help us start our summer off under budget. This is a great weekend for bargain hunters no matter what you're shopping for. You'll find plenty of yard sales, blowouts, knock-down discounts, and Memorial Day sales to satisfy the deal chaser in you. Click through for 7 snag-worthy items to help you save big! -By Heather Sokol
Read More »from Memorial Day Sales: 7 Things that Are Cheaper to Buy This Weekend
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7 ways to avoid becoming a victim of online shopping fraudNo More Mortgage! 5 Ways to Own Your Home Faster
By Babble.com | Work + Money – Wed, May 22, 2013 11:26 AM EDT
moneyOwning a home has long been part of the American Dream. For many, that dream means sacrificing for up to 30 years to ensure the mortgage payment is made on time each and every month. Many financial experts highly recommend paying off a mortgage loan before planning to retire to keep monthly living costs as low as possible.
Here are 5 tips for alleviating mortgage debts earlier:
1. Set Up Automatic Payments
If your lender allows it, you can set up your mortgage payments to coincide with your payroll dates. Many lenders will let you pay weekly or bi-weekly based on when you get your check. The good part of this method is there are some weeks where you are paid three times in a month which would mean extra payments are going towards your loan.
Related: 10 "money-saving" tips that actually leave you broke2. Send a Little Extra
When you make your monthly loan payment, write the check out for more than what is required. For example, if your loan note is $735
Read More »from No More Mortgage! 5 Ways to Own Your Home Faster‘Where My Dogs At?’ App is like Yelp for Dogs (and Their People)
By Babble.com | Work + Money – Wed, May 22, 2013 10:06 AM EDT
dogsIf you're looking for the best pet-friendly restaurants, vets, and apartments, the new app "Where My Dogs At" is here for you. It's kind of a Yelp for dogs, and their people. The app also helps people find a myriad of other dog-related services: dog walkers, groomers, dog parks, pet supply stores, you name it.
The app has many of the features of other social networking tools, although instead of checking in, you "mark your territory." Businesses and locations are rated on a scale of zero to five paws.
Like Facebook, Where My Dogs At can also be used to share photos and meet other dog-minded people.
The app is free and available in both iPhone and droid formats. Co-founder Jonathan Kolker told the LA Times that he plans to monetize the app by offering geo-targeted ads, and offering an upgraded version people would pay for.
Kolker said he already plans to update the current app with sections for pet-friendly hotels and pet-related events.
Read More »from ‘Where My Dogs At?’ App is like Yelp for Dogs (and Their People)
Related: 12 reasons why dogs are5-Star Playtime! the Top 7 Hotel Kids’ Clubs in the World
By Babble.com | Work + Money – Tue, May 21, 2013 11:55 AM EDTBefore you book your summer vacation, check out what these hotels with the best kids' clubs have to offer. While you are relaxing on the beach, the kids can take surf or snorkeling lessons in the water. These top-rated kids' clubs are filled with fun and educational activities for children of all ages. All are safe and guaranteed to show you kids an amazingly fun time, whether in the sun, indoors, or whatever venue you choose. You are both sure to have a vacation to remember. Click through for 7 of the best hotel kids' clubs in the world! -By Jamie Morrison Curtis
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Read More »from 5-Star Playtime! the Top 7 Hotel Kids’ Clubs in the WorldAstrology.Com Daily FinanceScopes -- Wednesday May 22, 2013
By Astrology.com FinanceScopes | Work + Money – Tue, May 21, 2013 11:53 AM EDT
Aries (March 21 - April 19)
Don't charm your way into whatever it is you want today. Curb your own self-interest for a change and think of the other person. You need to do more with your money and abilities than simply indulge yourself.
Today's Aries Reading: Free Sample Romantic Compatibility Reading for two
Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
You are going to SCREAM if you have to face your regular routine for even one more day! Or are you? You come up with an interesting new twist on something very, very old today and it makes all the difference in the world. If you could bottle it, you'd be rich.
Today's Taurus Reading: Free Sample Karmic Love Reading
Read More »from Astrology.Com Daily FinanceScopes -- Wednesday May 22, 2013
Gemini (May 21 - June 21)
Take what you want, but eat what you take. If that wasn't your parents' dinnertime mantra growing up, then you need to adopt it now. Finish what you start, Gemini,
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