Dec

21

Five Really Great, Last Minute, Low Cost Gifts that Make A Difference!

Filed Under Dining Out, Health and Well-Being, Saving Money, Shopping | Comments Off

great, cheap, last minute giftsAs a professional money-saver, I am of course interested in the ways that people are cutting back this year.  Many who I ask have to think, as if it’s not uppermost in their minds, about what they have given up to save.  When pressed, though, the answers are quite varied, from eating out to smoking!  So the thing is, if you can find out what your friends are putting off,  you’ve can identify the perfect gift.

So Gifting this year is different than before.  It’s the year that gifts are not being as frivolous as before.  This is the year where gifts are most valuable when they make a difference, hopefully to you, and the recipient, and beyond.

That said, here are our ideas for the five of the top gifts that make a difference:

1) Make a donation.  Almost every legitimate charity has a  program where they will notify a recipient that donation has been made in their name.  Some also have gifts and trinkets to sell that accomplish the same thing.  This one is easy — go online or on the phone to make a donation without leaving the sofa.  Some of our personal favorites are the Sabrina Cohen Foundation for Stem Cell Research, The Jessica June Children’s Cancer Foundation, and any organization that brings the Arts to children.

2) Shop at charity sites.  Bidding For Good collects high-end gifts that have been donated to a variety of charities across the country, and offers them for auction to their huge database.  Great place to shop for the person who has everything and wants more, and STILL make a difference.

3) Do you have a friend or family member who has skimped on their healthcare to save money?  This is a serious thing and if it’s affecting someone you know, a picture frame is just not going to do it.  Blue Cross/Blue Shield actually offers a gift card used for premiums.  But if anyone you care about has less than fabulous insurance, you can buy them a check-up, a mammogram or pap smear. There’s just no way to put a value on peace of mind.

4) Take someone shopping.  New clothes and decor are frequently passed over when money is tight, and a day of shopping and friendly advice is worth far more than the cash you spend on a gift card.  And you can be sure your giftee gets something they really want.  Save money on greeting cards by sending an online greeting with your gift message.  Start your free trial at  American Greetings and Blue Mountain to send eCards for every occasion.

5) How about a meal out?  Many of my friends are doing it less, so it could be a gift right on target.  You can buy a gift card with rebate at many restaurants, but even better, Click here for Restaurant.com, buy their $100 gift certificate for $12 (watch for the frequent 80% off promotions; try using shopping code SANTA) and take your friend to lunch or dinner.  If you’re feeling flush and generous, you can also give them a $25 certificate (for another $3) for them to use later on.

Wow, five done and we’ve just begun.  Tune in tomorrow for five more!

Meanwhile, check here for a few more ideas for gifts that give back — to you!

Nov

23

Healthcare, Money, and Working the System

Filed Under Health and Well-Being, Saving Money | Comments Off

healthy food?So the debates go on, and I wait for my health insurance ship to come in, steered I think by Cesar the insurance broker.  Who didn’t follow up with me as promised.  Interestingly enough, the followup of most of the agents, even those to whom I was encouraging, was nil.  Maybe they know they’re not solving their customers’ problems very well these days, and so they don’t even try.  I think I need a new career.  Lots of these guys make good money, and they don’t even follow the basics of good salesmanship.

Okay, I’m off the soap box.  Today I go back to the re-employment office, where they have an area set up for information on social services available to those in need.  I have avoided asking for additional funds beyond my unemployment checks, but it has been pointed out to me that there may be more available that can help support me as I start and build my business.  Food Stamps?  Me?  Hey, why not?  It would make a difference, especially right now, so I’ll see if I am actually eligible.  And see what else I can apply for.  Will report back as soon as I have some good info.

Last week’s double fisted slam at women’s health may leave a lot of insured women in a lurch about mammograms and other preventative screenings, especially those in the 40-50 year age range.  So suddenly, last week’s suggestion of going to the local Health Department or Planned Parenthood is not as farfetched as I had originally thought.

Of course, affordable health insurance and affordable health care are top topics on many minds right now, both individuals and businesses.  Business Week’s cover story today (11/23/09), for instance, is “Why Wait for Health Reform — 10 Ways to Cut Costs Right Now”.  (Hmm, sounds like a story from I Love a Good Bargain . com!)  Let’s see what they have to say.

1. CRACK DOWN ON FRAUD AND ABUSE

2. DEVELOP A HEALTHY WORKFORCE

3. COORDINATE CARE THROUGH FAMILY DOCTORS

4. MAKE HEALTH A COMMUNITY EFFORT

5. STOP INFECTIONS IN HOSPITALS

6. GET PATIENTS TO TAKE THEIR MEDICINE

7. DISCUSS OPTIONS NEAR THE END OF LIFE

8. USE INSURANCE TO MANAGE CHRONIC DISEASE

9. LET WELL-INFORMED PATIENTS DECIDE

10. APOLOGIZE TO THE PATIENT

You can read the whole story here.  Or read more about how it affects YOU here.

More to come.  Happy Monday!