Work + Money
- By Stephanie Emma Pfeffer
Photos by: Getty Images, iStock and Thinkstock
Here's some good news: The country's economy is projected to improve (slowly, but surely) in the year ahead. Even though economic upswings tend to drive up prices, deals will be available in 2013-if you know where to look, says Greg McBride, senior financial analyst at Bankrate.com. Here, a few categories where your dollars will go farthest. Photos by Getty Images, iStock and Thinkstock.
1. Laptops, Flat-screen TVs and Digital CamerasThe cost of commoditized technology (products made with basic, widespread knowledge of hardware components) will keep going down, says Brad Wilson, founder of the savings website BradsDeals and author of Do More, Spend Less: The New Secrets of Living the Good Life for Less. Because of technological improvements, electronics parts are becoming cheaper and easier to manufacture, tempting more companies to get in on the action. As suppliers compete for market share, prices for consumers fall-except on those be
...Read More » - Thu, Oct 25, 2012 3:44 PM EDT | CommentsBy Rebecca Taras, Photographed by Anjali Pinto, Refinery29
We'll admit it, we're modelizers. Whether we're looking at Kate hitting the London streets or Carolyn being poreless in a glossy, we've been taping our favorite supers to our walls since junior high. Closer to home, our local pin-up girls have us crushing hard. Oh, the beautiful life. Seriously, though, we can't help but wonder what it would be like to walk a day in a model's stilettos. Well, ponder no more, friends.
We tapped Ford model Noelle Lynch to bring us in tow during the hours leading up to a high-energy runway show in Millennium Park (the official kickoff to Fashion Focus Chicago) and go way behind the scenes. From walk-throughs down the catwalk to a three-hour hair-and-makeup session, we stuck by this doe-eyed knockout's side to learn all the tricks of the trade. Don't worry: In the midst of the backstage chaos, we managed to get Lynch to dish on how she stays in such great shape, the business side of the industry, and most importantly, her post-show plans. Put your curiosity to rest and follow our day-in-the-life of this beauty. Warning: It's not as easy as it looks.
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- Did you get everything you wanted for the holidays, and then some? Well, it's that some that sometimes you just don't know what to do with, which is why we polled readers in a recent issue to find out if they felt guilty returning gifts. And it was a close call for the results! 51% of you said that you felt guilty when you returned gifts, while 49% said that you were guilt-free. Now that you've received your presents this season, are you planning on to return or exchange your goods? Tell us in the comments below!
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Plus, if you're exchanging, check out some of our favorite items to snap up in our gift guide!
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- SELF magazine
It's SO easy to splurge--think about all the gorgeous handbags or exotic vacations you could buy--if you had unlimited funds, that is. But most of us don't. (Right?) So we talked to Christine Parker, a certified financial planner in La Plata, Maryland, who told us to ask ourselves these three questions before making any purchase.
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1. WHAT'S MY GOAL? Know exactly what you're saving for--leaving your job, say, or buying a car. Write it on a piece of paper, keep it in your wallet and pull it out when you falter.
See more: The Flat-Abs-Fast Secret
2. IS THIS IN MY BUDGET? Use an app like iSpending Deluxe ($3; itunes.com) to do a cash flow reality check before you try on and fall in love with those sweet suede booties.
3. HOW DO I FEEL? If you answer "grumpy" or "frustrated," back away from that cash register. We make smarter, more consistent choices when we're in a clear state ...Read More »
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- John Januzzi, Lucky magazine
Courtesy of NorthPark Center
Over the holiday break, I spent some time in my hometown. Of course, we did the usual family dinners, catch-ups with friends and all kinds of wassailing. As anybody from a suburb will tell you, activities can become boring very quickly and you're left with the inevitable choice of going to the movies or going to the mall. Over the holidays, you're more than likely to do both, as I did. While walking through the mall I realized something-something that may have eluded my New York City snob heart: The mall is the greatest place on earth. Why? I'll tell you.
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Bathrooms: There are bathrooms all over the place. Bathrooms in the stores, bathrooms in the hall, bathrooms in the restaurant.
Weird stores: Malls are full of the weirdest shops ever. There used to be one I loved called Natural Wonders. It had slinkees, statues of gargoyles and Pure Moods CDs.
Food courts: Oh, is this heaven? Nah, it's a food court. You want some...Read More »
While traveling through cities in the United States, wouldn't it be great if you could pinpoint where the worst traffic was? There is nothing I loathe more than driving in city traffic. Maybe it's the country girl in me or perhaps I'm just not used to the congestion, but busy highways and traffic filled streets get me nervous and stressed. INRIX, the leading international provider of traffic information and driver services released their Traffic Scorecard Annual Report which reveals the cities with the most traffic congestion in 2012. For the last couple of years they noticed declines in congestion but for 2012 traffic was up 4%. Although this is certainly bad news for drivers there is a positive side to it as well. A rise in traffic means a turn in the economy which is certainly what we are all hoping for. Click through for 7 of the worst traffic spots in the USA! -By Nadia Carriere
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Aries (March 21 - April 19)
You're destined to cross the finish line, but you may get there in fits and starts. If you take advantage of every opportunity that's presented today, you'll find yourself making huge strides toward your financial goal. Keep your eyes open and stay ready to pounce.
Today's Aries Reading: Free Sample Intimacy Secrets Reading
Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
You know what your goals are and keeping your mind on them helps you stay motivated and focused. You're lucky to have such a strong sense of purpose; don't waste time today with those who are any less driven to succeed.
Today's Taurus Reading: Free Sample Life Path Reading
...Read More »
Gemini (May 21 - June 21)
No one can hold you back today! You are a powerhouse, and when others try to tackle you, you shake them of
Bill splitting apps
When you're out with your friends, splitting the check can get complicated. Do you divide the cost evenly or itemize everyone's drinks and entrées? How much should each person chip in for the tip? And splitting larger bills-like rent, utilities, and keeping your apartment stocked with toilet paper-can add even more complexity.
Well, I've got some good news: There are a bunch of great apps that do the calculating-and in some cases even the communicating-for you. Take your pick and download them for less than $1 each (a small price to pay for not having to ask your roommate for her share of the electric every month).
1. Splitwise: For Easy Transfers
This free app, available for iPhone and Android, is ideal if you're frequently sharing expenses with someone, like a roommate. Splitwise keeps a running total of who owes who what-from the last three grocery runs you made to the Friday happy hour that your roommate sprung for. When you're ready to pay up, a simple Pay
...Read More »Saying good-bye to your friends is always hard, but saying good-bye to your television friends is even harder. Don't you just hate it when the best scripted television shows have to bow out after several seasons on air, leaving you with the empty feeling that you have nothing to watch (or do) during the Thursday evening 9:00 p.m. timeslot? Well that's exactly how I'm going to feel when "The Office" airs its final season premiere next month and to be quite honest with you, I'm not ready to change the channel just yet. I don't know about you, but that one is going to be a real tearjerker for me! Check out some of the most memorable series finales on television ever below and tell us, did you cry as much as I did when Rachel and Ross finally kissed in his apartment after he tried to stop her from going to Paris? Or when Mr. Big chased after Carrie in the City of Love too (it's always Paris, isn't it?). - By Joanna Mazewski
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Aries (March 21 - April 19)
You need to shake off the old ways of thinking that are holding you back. Once you realize you can do things in an entirely new way, you can re-write the rulebook. Find ways you are stuck in mental ruts and give them the boot.
Today's Aries Reading: Free Sample Karmic Love Reading
Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
You're reaching for something simple, but you will transcend your easy goals and make it way further down the field than you had dared to hope. Have faith in yourself, Taurus, and learn to think big. It's the only way to win big!
Today's Taurus Reading: Free Sample Maya-Aztec Reading
...Read More »Gemini (May 21 - June 21)
Unfortunately preaching about what you know if not as effective as watching silently while someone learns the hard way today. The only rede
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January is an excellent month to take advantage of sales on Christmas decor, electronics, furniture and more.
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