Queercents

Category: Hints

  • In Need of Tissues

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    As my second set of friends embark on a pregnancy by a sperm donor, I read an ad in the paper offering $100 for the blood plasma of allergy sufferers. It’s not so much about the money for me, as is the idea that my donation could help medical science help people like me. (I…

    Written by

    Moorea

  • Creative Online Family (or Personal) Budgeting Tool

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    One of the biggest challenges to designing a well-balanced and flexible budget are daily expenses. They cannot easily be pre-determine, meaning it is hard to plan for them, and even harder to limit. One method to control daily expenses is to allocate a certain amount of spending cash each month. But, who wants to carry…

    Written by

    Adam

  • Bank of America Offers Free Museum Admissions

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    As summertime approaches, we will be inundated with free activities in which to participate. From parades and neighborhood picnics to outdoor summer concerts and local theater, you’ll start to hear about events in your community. With a little attention and planning you can have an awesome summer of fun on a low budget. To kick…

    Written by

    Allison

  • How Many Hours of Net Pay Are Going Towards This Stuff?

    Money, Matter and More Musings came up with a great idea to curb spending: think about the number of hours you will need to work for stuff. For instance, ask yourself, “How many hours of work will it take to pay for dinner out tonight at that place that usually costs $40?” You’ll probably reconsider…

    Written by

    John

  • Reduce Junk Mail: Five Money Saving Tips

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    “I am the Lorax, I speak for the trees.” — Dr. Seuss The Lorax tells the story about the plight of the environment and how we need to shift our emphasis away from consumption to a sustainable quality of life. Dr. Seuss encourages 4-year-olds to save trees. As a 40-year-old, I’m trying to save the…

    Written by

    Nina

  • Change Saving Experiment

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    One of my guilty pleasures is a subscription to Better Homes & Gardens magazine. I get hours of pleasure for less than one dollar a month ($22 for a 2 year subscription). When my magazine arrives I don’t even open it until I’m taking time to peruse it cover to cover. Once I’ve read it…

    Written by

    Allison

  • The Art of the Upsell

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    “The hardest thing is to take less when you can get more.” — Kin Hubbard Part of the human condition is to take more than we need just because it’s offered. During college, I worked at the Casual Corner one Christmas and this is where I learned the art of the upsell. We were trained…

    Written by

    Nina

  • Car Sharing: Four Digit Savings (or More) for Infrequent Drivers

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    To the right is my dream car. Dark, sleek, severe, sexy and utilitarian. Yes, I’m gay and I want a Subaru Outback. In my defense, I was a young child when I said to my father who knows cars, “Dad, what’s that beautiful car?” He said, “That’s a Subaru GL. No one really makes a…

    Written by

    John

  • Financial Impact of First Apartment

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    “The greatest gifts you can give your children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.” — Denis Waitley Anybody remember their first apartment? I can still see the look on my father’s face as he drove the U-Haul up to the building. It was located on Des Plaines Avenue in Forest Park:…

    Written by

    Nina

  • Avocados and Other Frugal Produce Tips

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    “By sowing frugality we reap liberty, a golden harvest.” — Agesilaus I love avocados, but avocados are expensive. Typically, they cost $.99 a piece at my neighborhood produce market. They are over a dollar at my grocery store. I never buy them there unless on sale. Because I enjoy them I can justify the expense,…

    Written by

    Nina