Economic Boost
By Daphne | August 28, 2008
…many economists say the boost in consumer spending is a temporary factor attributed to the tax rebate checks, making the jump in the second quarter an anomaly.
“We got a decent boost from the stimulus, which hit the economy at a time when we really needed it,” said Wachovia senior economist Mark Vitner. “It will have less of an impact going forward, though and we may even have a payback in the fourth quarter.”
More money helped boost the economy temporarily. Since the majority of people have received their stimulus checks and have spent them either paying off debt or using them to make necessary purchases, what will happen in the next few months when people do not have that extra “bonus” money to spend?
The lower dollar helped but now that the dollar has strengthened somewhat most people are feeling the crunch. Stores that rely on customers are doing everything except have a circus or carnival for each person who steps inside the doors of the store.
Since some taxpayers received their stimulus checks after the second quarter ended there may be some benefit to the third quarter, especially those who were going to use the money toward back to school clothes and supplies. Regardless of the economists who say we’re in a recession and those tho say we are not, it is more important than ever to spend your money wisely. This does not mean be a cheapskate and not buy anything just be wise with your dollars.
With the same amount of money that needs to be spent on necessities that cost more there is less available for non-essentials which is where many businesses feel the pinch. Aldi’s is booming, Starbuck’s is trying to tread water. Dining out may be a once a month event, while buying pizza is a thought out splurge.
Taking the cheap route may not yield many benefits but it may save you some money. Balance out going the frugal route with a couple of cheap aspects in your finances and you may be able to get ahead.
Topics: August 2008 | No Comments »
Olive Oil
By Daphne | August 27, 2008
Are you looking for another use from a product you may already have at home? Look no further than olive oil.
You may already know about it for cooking but what about other uses? I use some to soften my hands or and have made some lip balm with olive oil as an extra emollient. If you have a cut, rub some on the wound as it is healing to keep it soft and speed healing. Besides these there are many more ways of using of olive oil.
When using olive oil for household purposes you could use the less expensive olive oil, but depending on the amount you use, extra virgin could also be used.
Here are some sites which list dozens of tips for using olive oil for cooking and more.
Curbly
Reader’s Digest
Filippo Berio
Hub Pages
If you want to use olive oil as a moisturizer on your body but would like to have a fragrance - pour some olive oil into a smaller bottle, add some essential or fragrance oil and shake. Let the oils mingle for a day or so and you will definitely be pleased with the result.
Topics: August 2008 | No Comments »
(Near) Future Planning
By Daphne | August 26, 2008
Now is the time to start planning for the (near) future.
If you thought about getting free samples to help fill up someone’s stocking - start sending for those now.
Inexpensive school supplies also make a good addition to a child’s stocking.
Even if you buy a box of crayons on sale now and save them, put those with an inexpensive coloring book or drawing pad and you will have a useful gift. For older children who like to draw, buy colored pencils on sale now and pair them with a sketch pad.
Pens - many people like pens to use at home and they are always getting misplaced, buy a couple of packages now. In a few months when they return to regular price you will be glad that you did.
Stocking up on sale items. If you are a person who likes the thickness of a particular type or brand of storage bag, do not wait until you run out to buy them. When you find that they are a great price at a store don’t buy just one, buy two or three so that when you do need them you
have saved.
Send for samples for yourself. Products that you know you already like will occasionally offer samples to get new people to try their products. These samples come with coupons. Not only will get a little more for yourself but a coupon to use when you need to make a purchase yourself.
Topics: August 2008 | No Comments »