With frugality in fashion, bus companies are doing all they can to convert plane and train travelers to bus riders. As reported on MarketWatch, Greyhound’s Neon bus service now has more than 100 “motorcoaches” operating on the east coast with leather seats, more legroom, Internet access, and power outlets in every row. BoltBus, another east […]
Author Archive | Randal Birkey
Online Tool Reviews
The Internet is making personal money management easier. I recently wrote a guest post for U.S. News & World Report, looking at the pros and cons of various online budget tools. I’m using Mint.com and enjoying it for the most part, but I plan to switch to Yodlee next year because it offers a few […]
A Hand Up
In the midst of all the bad economic news there are some positive stories. Like the story of Hal Colston’s Good News Garage in Burlington, Vermont, which repairs donated cars and then makes them available to people in need for as little as a few hundred dollars. Quoted on Oprah.com, Colston said, “In so many […]
Extra Credit for Homebuyers
One element of the Obama administration’s economic stimulus package is a tax credit for first-time homebuyers of up to $8,000. As described in an LA Times article, the credit recently got even more valuable when it was made available to help cover closing costs or for use as part of the down payment. For those […]
Amish Money Management
There was an interesting post on the Houston Chronicle’s web site about the money management habits of the Amish. According to the story, Amish children all learn a trade such as farming, welding, or woodworking. Money earned through apprenticeships goes to their parents, who give the child 10 percent for spending and put the rest […]
A Shopping Alternative
Retail sales have taken a hit because of the recession. But shoppers haven’t disappeared altogether; some have turned into swappers. As reported on Mainstreet.com, clothing swap groups have become popular on Meetup.com, a site that helps users organize or find meetings based on common interests. Everyone who brings something to the swap event may take […]
Big Screen, Little Dough
Looking for some inexpensive entertainmment for the kids this summer? Five Cent Nickel put together a helpful list of movie theatre chains that are offering free or inexpensive kid-friendly movies. Libraries often have special summer programs for kids as well. The great library in our little town is offering extra story times, craft-making sessions, and […]
Moving Forward by Backing Up
How’s this for a subtle reminder of the importance of backing up the data on our computers? “You have a 100% chance of the data on your hard drive becoming corrupting, degrading, or disappearing.” That wake up call comes courtesy of the Suburban Dollar blog. I bought an external hard drive a couple of years […]
Packin’ on the Pounds with Plastic
Credit cards used to be for big-ticket items. Today they can be used at some parking meters, on buses, and at more and more fast food restaurants. While purchasing a burger and fries with a credit card may make the fast food experience even faster, an article on _Bankrate.com_ said it could also make us […]
Travel Search Engines on Steroids
Are you still using travel sites like , or to look for travel deals? According to an article in _Money_ magazine, it’s time you stepped up to , , or . These sites search a wider array of travel sites, giving you access to more deals with fewer clicks. You won’t be able to purchase […]