Stroudsburg considers outside bus driver company

The current union contract with about 360 transportation employees expires in June 2017.

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Agencies partner for improved Thanksgiving travel

With increased traffic expected for the upcoming Thanksgiving travel period, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and state police have outlined measures they will take and tools available to drivers to make holiday travel as safe and smooth as possible.Thanksgiving travelers are encouraged to visit the “Historic Holiday Traffic” page at www.511PA.com, which allows users to see how traffic speeds on the Wednesday before and Sunday after [...]

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My Dual Obsession: Corvettes and The BuyPower Card from Capital One

When I was growing up, I was like any other little boy.

I loved superheroes, getting dirty, and fast cars that could dash around a racetrack at lightning fast speeds.

I loved race cars so much, in fact, that I would fantasize about becoming a professional driver when I grew up.

I imagined myself donning protective gear, driving 200+ miles per hour, and dodging other cars and obstacles left and right.

I never thought any of that would happen, but it was still fun to dream. And really, dreaming was about all I could do when I was a kid. You see, my dad drove a 1980 Chevy Nova when I was in grade school. In case you’re not familiar with the Chevy Nova look, it was a small, boxy car with a super slow engine. Basically, it was the exact opposite of the fast cars I obsessed over.

But as I got older, something happened. My mom started dating a new guy who owned a real-life racecar that blew my mind. I wasn’t sure what I thought about my mom’s new date, but I sure loved his 1967 Red Corvette Convertible.

As a nine-year-old, it was easily the coolest car I had ever seen! While I couldn’t drive it, I loved sitting in the driver’s seat and imagining what life would be like behind the wheel. I was just a kid, after all, and this is the type of stuff kid’s dreams are made of!

My Childhood Dreams Come True

Fast forward more than 25 years and I’m forced to drive a car big enough to haul around a family of six. Still, I was so excited when General Motors and the BuyPower Card from Capital One team reached out to me about driving a new Corvette in an enclosed racetrack. Obviously, there was no way I could pass this up!

There are two reasons I thought this was a good opportunity. First, I love Corvettes and couldn’t wait to drive one. Second, I know a lot of people could stand to learn more about the BuyPower Card from Capital One and how it could help them save up to buy their dream car.

In case you’re not aware of the BuyPower card and how it works, this card puts a unique spin on rewards. Basically, you use the card for regular purchases, earn points for each dollar you spend, then use your points to save money on a new Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, or Cadillac Vehicle.

But unlike other rewards cards, the perks this card offers are substantial. With the BuyPower Card from Capital One, you get 5 percent back on your first $5,000 spent each year then 2 percent back in perpetuity. There is no cap on the rewards you can earn and your points will never expire. Plus, the BuyPower card doesn’t charge an annual fee.

As I hurried around the racetrack in this amazing Corvette, I couldn’t help but think how beneficial it would be to have an easy way to save up a larger down payment for a similar car. Obviously, a new Corvette is nice….but it’s even better if you get an awesome deal.

At a BuyPower VIP event I was invited to, I learned more about the type of people who take advantage of this rewards credit card and all it offers. One VIP I met with, Bill from Indiana, said he has carried the the BuyPower Credit Card from Capital One for more than thirty years. During that time, he redeemed rewards to purchase 11 vehicles for himself and his immediate family members.

Another small business owner I spoke to used his points to purchase new trucks for business use. With 5 percent back on your first $5,000 spent and 2 percent back thereafter, he couldn’t beat the rewards with any other card, he said.

A MasterCard spokesperson I met felt she knew exactly why this card was so popular. It was the simplicity of the card and how easily members could rack up points, she said.

Obviously, earning 5 percent back is a huge benefit, but getting an unlimited 2 percent back on all purchases helps people rack up points much faster. The fact that you can use these points directly at GM, Cadillac, Buick, and Chevy dealers is also a huge perk among loyal buyers who love their favorite car brand.

Should You Get the BuyPower Card from Capital One?

Driving a Corvette was a fun experience, and it’s one I won’t forget for a long time. In a lot of ways, it brought me back to the days when I was just nine-years-old. Except this time, I didn’t have to sit behind the wheel and pretend. My stick shift skills were a little rusty and I stalled the Corvette a few times, but I had fun nonetheless.

Best of all, this trip reinforced the idea that there are so many ways to save up for a newer car if buying one is a priority. With the BuyPower Card from Capital One, you can earn a ton of points for each dollar you spend and use them to save money on your new car purchase.

Even better, you can “stack” your rewards with other discounts for an even better deal. If you’re in the market for a new car and want to stick to a reliable GM, Chevrolet, Cadillac, or Buick model, the BuyPower Card from Capital One is a smart option to consider.

With plenty of amazing vehicles to choose from, this rewards card is definitely on my radar, too. But with four kids, my dream Corvette will have to wait.

Did you fantasize about growing up to become a race car driver? Spill the details below.

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Tell Black Friday to Take a Hike With Free Entry into These State Parks

Once all the turkey leftovers are wrapped and stored in the fridge, how about a bit of fresh air?

Instead of spending money on Black Friday, many states want you to go to outside. And to make it easier, they’re making admission absolutely free.

Some states offer free state park admission every day: If you live in Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania or Tennessee, you enjoy free basic admission all the time!

But the following states are offering a special deal on Black Friday as part of REI’s #OptOutside campaign.

The outdoor retailer is closing all its locations on Black Friday, encouraging people to get active instead of going shopping. REI pays its employees for this day off, and even closes online order fulfillment centers in celebration.

The following states will offer free admission on Friday, Nov. 25:

1. Arizona

Arizona is offering free state park passes at the state’s four REI locations. Since REI is closed on Thanksgiving and Black Friday, you’ll need to visit between Nov. 19 and 23 to pick up your pass.

If you decide at the last minute not to use your pass on Black Friday, check out the expiration date — it’s good through Dec. 31!

2. California

Act fast to get a free pass to one of California’s 116 state parks on Friday, Nov. 25. Visit the #GreenFriday website and choose which park you’d like to visit. If passes are still available for that location, you’ll be able to print one to display when you enter the park by car.

The Los Angeles Times says you can save $12 in parking fees at several parks — but only if you have the pass!

3. Colorado

Celebrate #FreshAirFriday with free admission to Colorado’s 42 state parks. Use the park finder to plan your day out!

4. Delaware

State park offices will be closed on Black Friday, but park gates will open at 8 a.m. for free entry.

5. Indiana

Enjoy free admission at Indiana state parks on Friday, Nov. 25. Post a park selfie on the Indiana State Parks’ Facebook page with the hashtags #OptOutside and #OptOusideIN and you could win a $50 camping gift card or an annual pass to Indiana parks.

6. Kansas

The state’s 26 parks won’t require daily vehicle permits on Nov. 25.  Enter to win a free cabin stay by posting a picture from one of the parks to Instagram or Twitter with the hashtags #myksstatepark and #optoutside.

7. Michigan

Michigan has 103 state parks and 138 state forest campgrounds! Campsites are included in the state’s free park event.

8. Minnesota

Minnesota celebrates Free Park Friday at its 75 state parks for the second year.

9. Nevada

Grab a free entrance pass from Nevada REI locations to use at the state’s 16 parks on Nov. 25.

10. New Mexico

New Mexico’s 40 state parks usually charge a $5 daily fee, but it’s waived for all on Nov. 25. The state suggests a “Stuffing strut” hike, which sounds like a great idea.

11. Oregon

All 26 Oregon state parks will offer free parking and admission on Black Friday, but a few have special events for you to enjoy. Visit Stub Stewart, Tryon Creek, Champoeg and Silver Falls state parks from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. to enjoy hot drinks, snacks and drawings for outdoor prizes.

12. Vermont

“Our parks have many great places to walk, bike, hike, run, or just sit and digest the 3 pieces of pie you just ate,” Vermont State Parks’ blog post assures visitors. The state will offer free admission on Black Friday and through the rest of the “off-season” through April 1.

Tag #OptOutside and @VTStateParks in a photo on Facebook or Twitter to be entered to win a 2017 Vermont State Parks pass.

Your Turn: Will you visit one of your state’s parks on Black Friday?

Lisa Rowan is a writer and producer at The Penny Hoarder.

The post Tell Black Friday to Take a Hike With Free Entry into These State Parks appeared first on The Penny Hoarder.

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Nearly a Quarter of Americans Earn Money This Way. Here’s How You Can Too

I think we can all appreciate a good gig — flexible work schedules, some side income, noncommittal terms…

And the gig economy is booming, thanks to what Pew Research Center is calling the “digital platform economy.”

You’ve heard of this. Think: Uber, Etsy, Airbnb, DogVacay… anything that contracts folks via the digital realm to work flexible gigs.

“24% of Americans report earning money from the digital ‘platform economy’ in the past year,” reports a recent Pew study.

So What’s The “Gig” Deal About The Gig Economy?

Digital earning platforms offer so much room for activities.

Seriously, there are tons of ways to make money. Some of the most popular sectors include online tasks (surveys, data entry, transcribing, etc.), ride hailing, shopping/delivery and cleaning/laundry, according to Pew’s study.

And people are drawn to these because you can take on jobs in your own time — in addition to that 9-to-5 career or alongside another gig. Heck, if you want to skip “work” for a month or two, you can do that, too.

Many Americans (54% of those surveyed) consider gigs good for older people who might not work full time. On the other hand, 37% think these platforms offer good entry-level jobs to those entering the workforce.

Want to Find a Gig? We Have a Few Ideas About Where To Start

Certainly you can get handy work or become a freelance writer, but that’s not really what Pew’s talking about here. It’s talking about technology, of course, and finding gigs via the digital platform economy.

So go ahead and fire up your computer and turn off your iPhone “Do Not Disturb” setting (because I know you always accidentally keep that on for way too long). Consider these apps and services as you join the other 24% of Americans.

1. Airbnb

List your space on Airbnb to make some serious bucks.

Marian Schembari of San Francisco made more than $2,000 in a year doing this during weekends she was off camping with her husband.

She even used an Airbnb rental as her wedding venue. Be sure to check out her tips on Airbnb hosting.

2. DogVacay

Petsitting just got a heck of a lot easier. No more door-to-door marketing.

Now you can download apps such as DogVacay, Rover or Wag! and play with other people’s pups — even kitties.

And it’s not just for dog-lovers. You can like cats, too.

3. Etsy

If you’re crafty, you can join the hoards of people setting up storefronts with Etsy.

From knitted scarves and scrapbooks to engraved jewelry, you can find it all for sale on Etsy. What could you sell?

One mom opened Three Bird Nest and makes up to $70,000 a month selling headbands, jewelry, scarves, hats, gloves, sweaters and even home décor. The crafty platform is a great jumping off point for starting a side gig — or business for that matter.

4. Mechanical Turk

It sounds so foreign, but it’s so easy. Basically, Amazon’s Mechanical Turk pays you to do easy-to-accomplish tasks. All you need is a computer.

Our CEO, Kyle Taylor, tried out the service and made an extra $50/week. Not bad!

5. Poshmark

According to that Pew study, 14% of Americans earned money online last year by selling used or secondhand goods.

You can start by clearing out your closet and selling your items on Poshmark, a digital platform for women. Have too many books? Find out what those are worth on Bookscouter. Decluttr will take your old CDs, DVDs and electronics and you can sell pretty much anything else on letgo.

If you want to take selling online to a different level, stop by garage sales and thrift stores to find items to resell.

6. Shipt

People hate grocery shopping, but you could make money as a Shipt shopper.

Customers use an app to request groceries. You can pick and choose when you want to pick them up for someone grocery and make $15-$22 an hour, according to Shipt — and Destiny Frith, who we spoke to about working with them.

7. SwagBucks

This is one of our readers’ favorite survey tools. Yup, surveys count as one of these digital gigs.

With Swagbucks, you simply sign up and explore all the ways you can make money — one of the most lucrative ways is taking surveys. Some pay up to 300 SBs each (those Swagbucks), which are translated to money.

Our CEO also does this and pockets an extra $10-$100/month. *Survey* all the details with our ultimate Swagbucks guide.

8. Uber

You can’t forget about the company that seemed to started this whole movement: Uber.

The Pew study reported 2% of U.S. adults earned money from a ride hailing platform last year — including this comedian.

Signing up is easy, and we’ve already rounded up some hacks for you.

So what do you think? Will you give the gig economy a try?

You can check out more gigs on our Facebook jobs page.

Your Turn: Maybe you’ve already given the gig economy a try. Tell us about your experience.

Disclosure: Here’s a toast to the affiliate links in this post. May we all be just a little richer today.

Carson Kohler (@CarsonKohler) is a junior writer at The Penny Hoarder. After recently completing graduate school, she focuses on saving money — and surviving the move back in with her parents.

The post Nearly a Quarter of Americans Earn Money This Way. Here’s How You Can Too appeared first on The Penny Hoarder.

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GFC 074: 4 Factors to Consider When Planning for Long-Term Care

Imagine you’ve done everything right to prepare for retirement. You’ve maxed out your 401(k) and Roth IRA for years, slowly paid off your primary residence, and reduced your living expenses. You’ve bought plenty of life insurance and secured health insurance that will last until you reach Medicare. Not only that, but you’ve avoided many of the common trappings of future retirees – things like getting into debt to pay for your kid’s college or running into big medical bills.

You might think your retirement will be smooth sailing, but there’s still one major factor to consider – paying for long-term care. Far too many future retirees glaze over this important component of retirement, mostly because the idea of “long-term care” is depressing – and long-term care insurance is so expensive.

Unfortunately, failing to plan for long-term care can be a costly mistake. According to recent statistics from U.S. government, the average cost for a semi-private room in a nursing home is around $6,235 per month. An assisted living facility, on the other hand, costs an average of $3,293 per month. Heck, even having a home health aide visit your home costs $21 an hour, on average.

If you don’t plan for these huge costs, it’s pretty safe to say you’ll be in for a rude awakening if the worst happens and you or your spouse actually need long-term care. What then?

Will You Need Long-Term Care Insurance?

Unfortunately, this is one issue that hardly anyone talks about. Then again, far too many of us think we’re invincible. We like to think we’ll live full and exciting lives until our 90’s, then die in our sleep. Nobody wants to picture themselves lying in a nursing home having their diaper changed every few hours, or getting so sick we need professional help to remain at home.

Unfortunately, the latter scenario is not only possible, but likely. As the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services notes, someone turning 65 today has an almost 70 percent chance of needing long-term care during their lifetime. Further, the average long-term care stay for men sits at 2.2 years, while women need an average of 3.7 years of long-term care.

Still, many people don’t bother buying long-term care insurance, mostly due to the expense. According to the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance (AALTCI), the average long-term care insurance premiums for a 55-year-old are around $2,007 per year. For a couple the same age, the average premiums are around $2,466 per year combined. For the average 60-year-old couple, the average long-term care insurance premium runs around $3,381, but can be as high as $5,637.

4 Factors to Consider Regarding Long-Term Care

As you navigate the world of long-term care insurance, it’s important to know the various option you have. Here are a few important factors to consider:

Medicare is your first line of defense.

One of the biggest misconceptions people have about long-term care is that the “state” is going to take care of it. While there’s some truth to this idea, it’s not as easy as it seems.

If you’re old enough to qualify for Medicare, you can think of Medicare as your first line of defense when it comes to long-term care. Generally speaking, Medicare will cover the first 100 days of long-term care in certain situations. Here’s what Medicare.gov has to say about long-term care:

“Long-term care is a range of services and support for your personal care needs. Most long-term care isn’t medical care, but rather help with basic personal tasks of everyday life, sometimes called activities of daily living. Medicare doesn’t cover long-term care (also called custodial care), if that’s the only care you need. Most nursing home care is custodial care.”

According to Medicare.gov, Medicare does cover:

• Care in a long-term care hospital
• Skilled nursing care in a skilled nursing facility
• Eligible home health services
• Hospice & respite care

The Department of Veterans Affairs might help.

If you’re a veteran, you may qualify for assistance with long-term care depending on your situation. According to VA.gov, home and community-based services are part of the VA Medical Benefits package. To qualify, you must have a clinical need and the services must be available in your geographic area. These services can include:

• Geriatric Evaluation to assess your care needs and to create a care plan
• Adult Day Health Care
• Respite Care
• Skilled Home Health Care

Nursing home care has different eligibility requirements, but it’s clear that the VA does not pay for room and board in residential settings such as assisted living or adult family homes.

“However, you may receive some Home and Community Based Services while you are living in a residential setting,” writes VA.gov on their website. “The VA will provide Community Living Center (VA Nursing Home) or community nursing home care IF you meet certain eligibility criteria involving your service connected status, level of disability, and income.”

To summarize, long-term care benefits from the VA depend on your health, your level of need, and availability in your area. Make sure to check with your local VA for more information before you count on help with long-term care from the Office of Veterans Affairs.

Medicaid is your last option, but only when your assets have been depleted.

If you’re not a veteran or need more long-term care than Medicare will cover, you might assume that “the state” will step in to pay. This is another big misconception that is partly true: Yes, Medicaid will chip in to pay for long-term care, but only after you jump through a bunch of hoops and spend down all your assets.

While the rules are somewhat jumbled, you really need to have less than $2,000 in liquid assets to have any hope of Medicaid covering your long-term care expenses. Yes, you read that right – $2,000 in cash and investments that are liquid. This includes your checking and savings account, CDs at the bank, IRAs, and even cash value life insurance policies.

In other words, you basically need to go broke before you can expect help from Medicaid. There are a few exceptions, of course. For example, Medicaid offers exemptions for your primary residence (with limits defined by your state). You can have equity in your home, and still qualify for help from Medicaid.

In addition to that, you’re allowed to have a car worth its market value. You can also have a prepaid funeral without having to worry about Medicaid going after it.

Long-term care insurance is a smart option, but it helps to buy when you’re young.

The obvious way to prepare for the inevitability of needing long-term care is buying long-term care insurance. But, at what cost? And, when do you buy it? Here’s where things get tricky.

First off, nobody wants to think of long-term care insurance. People are much more comfortable with the idea of death versus slowly decaying in a nursing home over several years. Because of this, many people never look into long-term care insurance until they get sick and actually need it. And by then, it’s far too late.

The key to buying long-term care insurance is the same as life insurance – buying early. As with any type of insurance, you have to buy it before you need it. Since long-term care insurance is expensive, this is a tough pill for many people to swallow. Worse, the way long-term care insurance isn’t all that appealing to consumers, either.

First, long-term care insurance is mostly a “use it or lose it” game. You can pay into a policy for decades or more, but the policy dies and you get zero if you pass away without using it. Another undesirable aspect of long-term care insurance is that your premiums aren’t usually fixed. Where you may pay the same life insurance premiums for thirty years, your long-term care insurance premiums will likely grow as you age.

Regardless, long-term care insurance can easily become a bargain if you need it – and especially over the long-term. Imagine your spouse needs to live in a nursing home for five years to the tune of $6,235 per month. Over 60 months, you would pay $374,100!

This is why you should look into long-term care insurance if you can afford it. Without a policy, you could easily spend your entire life savings paying for nursing home care.

The Bottom Line

Getting old is inevitable, but none of us know what our final years will look like. Some of us will live in our own homes with full health until the very end, while others will need long-term care for years.

Just like anything else in life, long-term care is less stressful when you start looking ahead early. With some planning, you can shelter your nest egg from the increasing costs of long-term care, pass on your wealth to your children, and avoid the stress that comes with dealing with this issue in old age.

If you’re curious how to start planning or want to know how to protect your assets, your financial advisor is a good place to start. Most importantly, you need to start asking questions and looking ahead to the future before it’s too late.

Related: Long-Term Care Alternatives You May Not Know

Do you have long-term care insurance? Why or why not? How do you plan to pay for long-term care?

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Beer Lovers, Raise a Glass This Holiday to Cool Freebies from Sierra Nevada

Expecting company this holiday season? You have enough glassware to serve festive beverages to them, right? (No one likes drinking from that faded plastic cup you got from a street festival 10 years ago.)

Sierra Nevada wants to send you two free pint glasses, just to help celebrate the season.

Send the brewery a photo of your “favorite holiday cheers” and it’ll send you two limited-edition Sierra Nevada glasses. No purchase required!

How to Get Your Free Pint Glasses

You can choose one of two submission methods: upload your photo online or share it via social media by using hashtag #CelebrationIPA. If you’re sharing on Facebook, be sure to post your photo to Sierra Nevada’s wall.

Sierra Nevada shares submissions on its website, and many photos show Sierra Nevada Celebration Fresh Hop IPA being enjoyed in interesting locations. But others just show friends toasting one another, and many photos feature dogs in the general vicinity of beer, which I approve of.

You must be 21 to receive this giveaway, and you must have a valid address — no PO boxes permitted. And remember to keep your submission legal.

The “Reasons Why Your Entry Might Be Axed” section of the rules specifies that entries featuring minors or anyone under legal drinking age aren’t eligible. “C’mon guys, we all know you think your niece holding a beer bottle is cute, but we also know combining underage folks and beer is just a bad idea.”

The offer is good while supplies last, and you can expect your package from Sierra Nevada within 60 days of submitting your photo.

Your Turn: Will you submit a photo to receive free pint glasses from Sierra Nevada?

Lisa Rowan is a writer and producer at The Penny Hoarder.

The post Beer Lovers, Raise a Glass This Holiday to Cool Freebies from Sierra Nevada appeared first on The Penny Hoarder.

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Questions About Weekend Lunches, Bed Linens, Shaving, Virtual Account Numbers, and More!

What’s inside? Here are the questions answered in today’s reader mailbag, boiled down to summaries of five or fewer words. Click on the number to jump straight down to the question.
1. Virtual account numbers
2. Student loan forgiveness
3. Retirement contributions as state employee
4. Quarter-life crisis
5. Best bargain on bed linens
6. Noisy neighborhood while telecommuting
7. Best streaming music bargain
8. Black Friday and big purchases
9. Gifts for distant people
10. Inexpensive daily shaving routine
11. Resume value from fast food?
12. Simple cheap healthy lunches

This past weekend, my wife and her sister spent a large portion of Saturday at an event together, meaning that I had most of a Saturday to spend with my children.

When my wife returned home, she found a giant art installation going on in the living room as designed by a nine year old girl and executed by that same girl, her two brothers, and her father. When she went into the dining room, she found that the entire table was covered with some kind of crazy miniatures-based tabletop game that everyone was crowded around, staring at beautiful little miniatures arranged on a giant grid, pushing them around and shouting about the onslaught of hordes of little minions.

Somewhere in all of that, books had been read, breakfast and lunch had been eaten, and the family dog had been played with so much that he was in an exhausted heap on the floor.

In short, it was one of the best Saturdays in a long time. A family day where everyone is involved in just taking off the reins of the ordinary routines and doing some purely fun stuff around the house can be incredibly enjoyable.

Q1: Virtual account numbers

What is your take on virtual account numbers? I just found out about them a few weeks ago and the concept appeals to me especially for setting up recurring payments on my bills.
– Bill

I think virtual account numbers are a very good idea. I think for highly trusted retailers, they might be a bit of overkill, but if you’re considering using your credit card at an online retailer where you’re not as familiar with their practices, using a virtual account number can be a really smart move.

For those unaware, a virtual account number is a tool offered by some credit cards and debit cards in which they give you a secondary card number (or account number) that you can use for a specific purpose. That account number only works for the purpose that you specify, so if it’s used for any other purpose, it’s declined.

As I said, I think this is a great idea for minimizing identity theft. It’s a bit of a hassle to get each code, so I wouldn’t use it for retailers that you use all the time, but for one-off purchases, particularly when you’re less sure about the retailer, it’s a great tool.

Q2: Student loan forgiveness

I have $36k in student loan debt and am on an income-based repayment plan. I am an adjunct instructor, so my income is always in flux. Some years my payment is quite a bit, and some years my payment is zero. I keep reading that student loan debt is forgiven after 20 years of paying as agreed. Does ‘paying as agreed’ mean those years with $0 payments count? Am I better off trying to pay something even when my payment is formally $0 per month?
– Sandra

Student loan forgiveness depends entirely on the agreement between you and your lender(s). Some states will step in and help you finish out a loan if you meet certain requirements, but you have to find specific programs to do so. It’s absolutely not true that all outstanding loans are forgiven twenty years after you graduate.

What you’re reading about might be the specific PAYE program run by the Department of Education. To find out if you qualify for this program, you need to use this calculator provided by the Department of Education. You may also want to look at the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

Options for student loan forgiveness have increased drastically in the last several years, but most of them apply primarily to newer loans. They also usually require that you be enrolled in a specific income-based loan repayment plan. Unfortunately, it’s fairly likely that you’re not qualified for these things, but it doesn’t hurt to look.

Q3: Retirement contributions as state employee

I am writing on behalf on my brother, because I manage his finances for him. He’s 30 years old, and recently hired as a state employee. Because of this, he will receive state retirement (we live in Massachusetts) which will deduct 9% automatically from his check, and provide him with about $933/month assuming he stays there for 10 years (and more if he stays longer – which is the plan).

Previously, he was contributing 20% of his salary to a 401k. I would like for him to contribute more than just the 9% toward his retirement. As far as I know, his employer does not offer any other retirement fund options.

What are his options? Should I have him contribute to an IRA?
– Lenora

If he has been contributing 20% of his salary to his 401(k) for the past several years, he should already have a healthy nest egg in there. Assuming that it grows at a healthy clip and assuming that your brother contributes to this program, he’ll be fine for retirement.

The advantage of any additional contribution to a Roth IRA is that it would open him up to the possibility of retiring at age 50. The Massachusetts plan allows people to retire at any age once they have 20 years of service. If he’s been contributing to a Roth all the way along, he might be able to retire in his fifties and live off of his Massachusetts retirement money and Roth money until he reaches the age where Social Security kicks in.

If that’s not in line with your brother’s life goals, then forgoing the Roth probably means he’d retire around age 60 to 65.

Q4: Quarter-life crisis

I just turned 28. I have been in the work force this way or another for ten years now, starting with a lot of admin work right after highschool and currently working as a junior analyst. My BA is not in a quantitative field, but I’ve completed some online courses. I’m currently 100% healthy, pretty frugal, not married and no children, don’t have a car, a mortgage, or any debt to that matter. have about $25k in savings and I’m saving about 50 percent of my income each month.

I now work a pretty regular 9-6, but have a monstrous boss. i haven’t yet had a job where i wasn’t sick of it after 6 months (though i usually stay an average of 2 years). I am dying to just quit and start figuring out who I am outside the job scene. I’m pretty introverted so I want to travel, get more comfortable with the outdoors and get better at human connection. I could live off my savings for about 2 years (I live in Israel. Even more somewhere cheaper), and I can stretch them even longer if i found a low-key part time position. Though I realize I’d have to go back to administrative jobs, and it will be a huge step back professionally and financially.

I read a lot of personal finance blogs but have a special deep appreciation for your grounded voice and practical advice. your wonderful writing has been a part of my life for many years, so I would love to hear your take on my situation. is this break something that I owe to myself, while I’m young? or a glorified fantasy that will slowly waste my savings?
– Nicole

Honestly, it sounds to me like you’re having a “quarter life crisis,” which is a point that many people reach in their late twenties when they’re really starting to grasp what they want out of life and realizing it’s not in alignment with some of the choices they’ve made.

It happened to me and it ended up taking the form of switching to working on The Simple Dollar full time at age 29 so that I could have the professional flexibility to be a strongly involved father. It happened to my best friend, who basically cashed in his life savings to buy some land in the country that now serves as his personal “retreat.” Another close friend, in her very early thirties, decided that she didn’t want to live in Chicago any more and moved to extreme rural Iowa.

I think that if you’re truly committed to using this time to really figuring out what you want out of life, meaning it’s not just two years of web surfing and partying, this is probably a good move for you. You’re financially stable with a lot of savings right now and you seem to be dissatisfied with the direction of your life. Take the time, but consciously use it to figure out what’s next for you. Try a lot of things. I’d suggest volunteering at a lot of places to see what really clicks for you.

Many financial writers encourage people to stay on the financial straight and narrow, but for me, the purpose of financial success is to open up your horizons and change what’s reasonably possible in your life. This is probably the best chance you’ll have to do so. Just make sure that every single day, when you wake up, you’re genuinely committed to figuring out what you want out of life. A day where you just sit around web surfing and partying is fine on occasion, but if it’s any sort of routine, you’re wasting this wonderful opportunity.

Good luck!

Q5: Best bargain on bed linens

I have another question if you don’t mind. What is your take on the best-value bed linen? I buy mine from Aldi or Target, and it needs replacement every 2-3 years. On the other hand, I read that linen is the best, well, bed linen option, because once you pay that hefty pricetag, it lasts forever. Shall I approach bed linen the same way as camping gear and invest once in quality linen to use forever and enjoy a low cost per sleep?
– Marcy

In general, good linens are worth the investment because they last for one or two decades rather than one or two years. You don’t have to worry about replacing them for a very long time. Sarah and I have been married for more than a decade and we still use linens we received as wedding gifts, for example.

The thing you really need to look for in lasting linens is to make sure that they’re made out of a natural fiber like cotton or bamboo and that they’re woven, not knitted. Woven sheets will last a lot longer because of how the threads are intermingled. A lot of people tout thread count, but in general, if you’re above 200 on your thread count, you’re fine. I honestly can’t tell the difference by touch and we have two sets with vastly different thread counts that have lasted a decade.

Many people tout Egyptian cotton or Pima cotton sheets, which are both very long cotton fibers, so they make for good long-lasting sheets, but they’re not a make-or-break requirement. They’ll probably just add a few more years to a long lifespan that you’ll get from other cotton or bamboo woven sheets.

Shop around with this in mind and you’ll find something long lasting for a good price.

Q6: Noisy neighborhood while telecommuting

Right now I live in a neighborhood with a ton of construction going on so all day long I hear jackhammers and beeps and the usual noise of home and road construction. I telecommute 4 out of 5 days so I hear this all day at home and it is really distracting. Do you have any suggestions on how to handle this? I know you have telecommuted for years so you may have smart strategies! I hope!
– Vincent

When there’s construction in my area – and there sometimes is construction nearby because houses are being built to the east of my home – and I can’t focus, I pack up a backpack and head to the library. I’ll usually go there, reserve a room, and work on my laptop. The quiet rooms at my library are very quiet – so quiet that I’ll often play ambient noise so that it’s not creepy.

If that’s a non-starter for time management reasons, I’ll stay at home and do tasks that don’t require intense focus, like going through emails or other such things. So, if the construction starts up at two in the afternoon, I don’t run to the library.

The thing to remember is that the construction won’t last forever. They’ll build the house or fix the road and then they’ll disappear and you’ll be back to the normal ambient noise of your neighborhood.

Q7: Best streaming music bargain

What do you think is the best bargain for streaming music? Pandora or Spotify? Something else that’s not on my radar? I like to listen to music throughout the day but don’t own or want to buy that many albums or songs and I hate nonstop radio commercials. Willing to pay $10 a month for the best service.
– Patrick

Having tried most of the big ones (including my favorite, Rdio, which is now out of business), I think there are four choices worth considering and they appeal to different people.

First, you have Pandora. I would choose Pandora if you’re more interested in a “radio station” vibe where they’ll play a mix of songs you’re familiar with and ones that might help you discover new artists that you like. While you can control the type of music that it plays, you can’t burrow down to make it play specific songs very well – it’s more like creating a radio station with songs similar to, say, Pearl Jam, and you’ll hear a lot of 90s alternative and groups with a similar sound from different eras.

Spotify is probably the best if you have diverse music tastes and want to be able to make playlists of specific songs that you choose. They have the largest overall library.

Tidal is probably the best choice if you’re a fan of R&B and rap or are a serious audiophile. They have the most exclusive music of these services, but once you’re outside the R&B/rap genres, their selection is fairly spotty. They have the highest quality streaming audio, meaning if you have nice speakers you may be able to notice it, but Tidal is also the most expensive option.

Finally, you have Amazon Prime Music. It’s free with an annual Amazon Prime subscription (which gives you free two day shipping on most things sold on Amazon). It’s similar to Spotify – you can define your own playlists, etc. – but the library isn’t as large.

I personally prefer Pandora, as I like the $5 a month with no ads price point (or free with ads) and I like the variety and discovery of it. I’ve found many artists that I quite like thanks to Pandora. However, if you already have Amazon Prime, Prime Music is free, so it’s hard to argue with that.

Q8: Black Friday and big purchases

Liked your post last week about Black Friday. What are your thoughts on Black Friday as a whole? Do you think it’s a good time to buy preplanned big purchases like a new TV? If you’re saving up to replace an aging TV is Black Friday the time to do it?
– Donald

That’s one of the few things that Black Friday is good for, in my opinion. If you’re planning on making a big purchase, Black Friday is a great day to bargain hunt for that specific purchase.

The danger of Black Friday is that you’ll enter into a bit of a “shopping frenzy” and buy lots of things impulsively that you don’t need. It’s great for specific preplanned purchases. Things go off the rails when you start buying things that aren’t carefully planned.

It sounds like this television purchase is at least somewhat planned, so, by all means, shop around for a TV on Black Friday. Just don’t buy other stuff as well unless you were planning on it before looking at the flyers.

Q9: Gifts for distant people

This is the first Christmas that my oldest child has truly lived outside the home completely. When he was in college, he was home often enough that I felt really in touch with his interests so I could give him thoughtful gifts for Christmas and the year after college he lived at home with us while looking for a job. In February he moved to Boston and though we text a lot and talk on the phone I have only seen him a few times this year. He is coming back for a week for Christmas and I want to make it special.

The problem is that I don’t have any idea what to get him. I feel a bit less in touch with his life in terms of what he does each day and what he has.

My parents passed away before I was old enough to really leave the nest fully and so I don’t have them to rely on for advice. I have read your site for almost a decade and this is the first time I have asked for advice. It’s not really “money advice” but it’s something that feels like you can help.
– Tina

My recommendation here is communication. Try to have a few extra conversations in the next few weeks with your son. It sounds like he may not be coming back for Thanksgiving, so give him a call or two during this week and just talk to him about his life. Ask what he’s into these days and ask about his day.

The key is to listen. Stop thinking about what you’re going to say next in the conversation and just focus on listening. He’ll probably tell you things that he wants, at least on some level. Maybe he’ll talk about things in Boston that he loves, so you could get him a museum pass or some Red Sox tickets or something like that. Maybe he’ll complain about cutting himself while shaving, so a really nice electric razor would be a thoughtful gift.

Just listen. When you really listen, people often tell you what they want. It’s just hard to actually shut ourselves down and just listen. Try it. It might be easier than you think.

Q10: Inexpensive daily shaving routine

How do you minimize the cost of a daily shaving routine? I have had a beard for many years which I have kept trimmed with a beard trimmer and occasional edging about once a week. I am going clean shaven for my new job and do not have a shaving routine established yet. I know electronic razors are really expensive and cartridge razors aren’t bad up front but have an expensive upkeep. What’s the best “bang for the buck” for shaving?
– Clancy

The most cost effective daily shaving routine is to use an old-fashioned safety razor and individual replacement blades. A good safety razor costs $20 to $30 up front (or less if you find one at a secondhand store), and replacement blades, when bought in bulk, cost a few pennies each at most.

The catch? Shaving with an old-fashioned safety razor is a little different than a cartridge razor. You have to be very gentle and let the razor do the work, and if you’re learning how to do it, you probably will cut yourself a few times until you master the technique. You may also find it “rough” on the skin at first.

Stick with it. It’s worth it. Just take it slow at first and make sure to let the razor do all the work. Don’t push it into your skin, but let it glide as gently as possible.

Q11: Resume value from fast food?

I have been working at the same Taco Bell for three years while in school. I am making enough to help with housing costs and meals and so on so my loans are lower. I am graduating in December and am wondering how to get the most “resume value” from this job in 2017.
– Neal

Honestly, your best approach is to probably sit down with your supervisor and talk to him or her about it. The ideal position for you would be a one year stint as a shift manager or assistant manager of some kind, because that would indicate a mix of hard work and responsibility and leadership on your resume.

The availability of positions like that depends a lot on the current state of your restaurant’s employees. There may be many such slots available or they may be all filled up.

I would suggest to you that you just talk to your manager about this, particularly if you have a good employment history there. Explain what’s going on in your life and that you’re looking to improve your resume after graduation and ideally get some real-world leadership experience. While it may not mean a bump in pay, it will definitely look better on a resume.

Q12: Simple cheap healthy lunches

What do you prepare for weekend lunches for your kids that are healthy and cheap and they won’t complain about it? The only thing my 6 and 4 year old ever want is mac and cheese which isn’t too expensive but is about as unhealthy as you can get.
– Sandy

Honestly, what I do is prepare extra servings of the meals that I know my children like during the week.

If we’re having a dinner during the week that I know my kids love, like spaghetti, I’ll plan on having it later in the week and make more than we’ll eat at the dinner table. I’ll save the leftovers and do something with it on Saturday for lunch, like make a spaghetti bake (put all leftover spaghetti into a casserole dish, top with cheese, bake for 25 minutes at 350F). If it’s something that’s more experimental, I usually make enough for just our family dinner and leftovers for Sarah and myself the next day; I save the “extra leftover” meals for things that I know the kids will like.

That way, we’re not stuck having mac and cheese for lunch on Saturday – instead, they’re having a leftover-based meal of something that I know is reasonably healthy and that they like. It’s cheap, it’s easy, it’s reasonably healthy – perfect for weekend lunches with the kids.

Got any questions? The best way to ask is to follow me on Facebook and ask questions directly there. I’ll attempt to answer them in a future mailbag (which, by way of full disclosure, may also get re-posted on other websites that pick up my blog). However, I do receive many, many questions per week, so I may not necessarily be able to answer yours.

The post Questions About Weekend Lunches, Bed Linens, Shaving, Virtual Account Numbers, and More! appeared first on The Simple Dollar.

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Student project implemented in local business

The object of the plan was simple, but daunting — change the perception of car salesmen in the eyes of millennials.A group of business students from Northampton Community College’s Monroe Campus Business took on the challenge, and as a result, changed the way Ray Price’s car dealerships recruit its staff.Five students from the club worked under the supervision of Associate Professor of Business Karen Britt.“The used car sales person [...]

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9 Ways to Generate Sales from Your Last Blog Post (Without Being Salesy)

These days, “sales” is perceived as a negative four-letter word.

Sales has gotten a bad rep. When you hear the word “sales,” you probably think of pushy salespeople or telemarketing calls.

The stigma of sales affects bloggers too. Lots of bloggers are afraid to sell to their readers. They don’t want to lose the audience they worked so hard to build.

Well, I’m here to tell you that you can successfully use your blog posts to sell without being salesy.

And no, I’m not going to recommend ads. (Surprise!)

You might be wondering how blog posts can increase your revenue.

The answer is simple: reciprocity.

Most of you have probably heard about reciprocity from Dr. Robert Cialdini’s renowned book Influence. It talks about psychological triggers that make people respond in certain ways.

Reciprocity happens when you give immense value to your audience. In return, they feel compelled to help you out. In our case, that happens when they buy from you.

It’s a simple formula. If your blog posts are top-notch, your readers will be open to buying from you. But they’re not just “buying.” They’re supporting a resource they love.

And when you pair reciprocity with blogging, the results are powerful. You’ll sell, but your readers will never think you’re selling to them. It’s a friendly offer.

I know, it sounds too good to be true. Let me prove it to you with these 9 ways of using your latest blog post to generate sales.

1. Provide a ton of value

Value should be your number one priority as a blogger. I’ll even go a step further and say that it’s impossible to run a truly great blog without providing a crap ton of real value.

But can you sell based on value alone?

It’s a good question. So let’s look at what happens when you take price out of the equation.

Tom Morkes had a blog that people really liked, but he realized it wasn’t profitable. So he wrote an e-book and released it to a whopping 166 subscribers. Don’t laugh yet—the results will astound you.

Tom chose a pay-what-you-want method so his readers would have a choice. And lots of his readers chose a price of $0.

But Tom’s readers contributed an average of $15 per e-book. And he made an impressive $493.50 in the first month by offering something free.

See the numbers for yourself:

This is a fantastic case study to show just how well value can sell. If you have immensely valuable content, you can sell like crazy even if you offer it free.

2. Link to a relevant product

Linking to one of your products is a simple but effective strategy for getting eyeballs to your storefront.

But here’s the catch: you have to share a relevant product.

If your blog post is about making the best pumpkin pie and you include a link to your guide to wine tasting, the conversion rate won’t be very high. That’s because your readers are there for the pumpkin pie.

But if you share a link to your guide to pumpkin-pie-making with those same readers, you’ll see much better results.

Here’s Carol Tice from Make A Living Writing using this strategy:

To give you some context, Carol’s post is about a freelancing scam. By sharing this product at the end of the blog post, she’s letting readers in on a surefire method of revenue.

Solve your readers’ problems by sharing relevant products with them, and you’ll make their day.

3. Describe an insanely valuable use of your product

It makes sense why no one would want to buy your product unless they saw its benefits.

So don’t beat around the bush—show off your products’ benefits.

But it’s important that you’re not just praising your product as the best thing since sliced bread. You have to give readers specific, detailed reasons why your product is great.

MailChimp does this excellently. Their post “Why Clients Render Email Differently” mentions their Inbox Preview feature, but it doesn’t read like an advertisement for that feature.

Instead, it talks about the similarities and differences in email clients that readers should be aware of.

This part is crucial: You can get value from this article even if you don’t buy their product.

Your blog post should still be value-packed. You’re simply letting your readers know that your product provides a shortcut to the results they want.

In other words, don’t dangle your product in front of your readers’ faces and say, “You have to buy this to get anything good.” Give them the good stuff in the post itself.

4. Blog about your customers

Sharing your customers’ experiences with your product can work wonders. Your readers get to see how your product is benefiting real people, and they’ll become more interested without feeling pressured.

TOMS does this with its “Locals Who Give Back” blog post series. Each post profiles a TOMS customer who is making a difference in their local community.

Don’t worry—you don’t have to be TOMS to do this effectively.

All you have to do is make heroes out of your customers. Listen to ordinary people’s stories, and broadcast them to your audience. Your readers will instantly connect with these stories, and that means they’ll connect more with your brand.

5. Do affiliate marketing (the right way)

There’s a reason why tried-and-true methods are tried-and-true. Affiliate marketing is no exception.

But you know what I can’t stand? When bloggers try to hide the fact that they’re using affiliate links.

If your readers really love your blog, they’ll be more than happy to help you out by buying something they were already interested in anyway.

Pat Flynn from Smart Passive Income has two great rules for affiliate marketing:

Don’t be an intrusive salesperson who hawks products to their readers. Be your readers’ friend, and recommend products that will improve their lives.

6. Fix a problem

People will always have problems, and they will always want to fix those problems. That’s where you come in.

By fixing your readers’ problems with your blog posts, you’re earning their trust. Eventually, they’ll want to check out what you have to offer.

SumoMe does this by regularly posting monster guides that cover a subject exhaustively. And if you look at their articles (like this guide on content upgrades), you’ll see they go over everything. They leave no stone unturned.

But you don’t have to write thousands of words to fix problems—shorter can work too. No matter the approach you choose, make sure you’re thorough when fixing your readers’ problems. Don’t give them a temporary duct tape fix—give them a long-term remedy.

7. Give away a preview

You know what the trouble with a lot of products is? They’re all talk. Any product can sound great with a well-written description.

But if you know you’ve got something good, give your readers a free preview. Let them in on the action so they can see for themselves just how great your product is.

If you have a subscription service, give your readers a free trial. If you have an e-book, give away the first chapter.

Here’s my challenge to you: Give away more than you think you should.

When Seth Godin released his book Permission Marketing, instead of just giving away one chapter, he offered the first four chapters free. (And the offer still stands!) That free preview didn’t stop the book from creating a legacy with marketers all over the world.

And make sure your free preview is packed with good stuff. Don’t give away a limited free trial or an introduction. Give your readers the good stuff, and when there’s no more free content, they’ll likely pay for more.

8. Hold a contest

No one can resist the offer of something free. You can leverage this by holding a contest on your blog.

You’re probably thinking, “How can I generate sales if I’m giving something free?”

This is how. Contests help you grow your audience and build interest in your brand. After a successful contest, you’ll have a lot more people to share your products with.

To get the best results with your contest, go social. For example, use Rafflecopter to give extra entries to people who perform certain social actions, such as liking and sharing your page:

(Bonus tip: You can also use contests to get tons of user-generated content.)

9. Give your readers an exclusive deal

Every time your readers make the choice to check out your latest post, they’re investing their time in your work. By giving your audience an exclusive deal, you’re thanking them and giving back.

Don’t make the offer public anywhere else. Make it a readers-only deal, and say so. You want your readers to feel special.

Conclusion

Selling doesn’t have to leave you feeling slimy.

When you do it right, selling equals helping your readers. Only promote products you know will improve your readers’ lives.

After you’ve been blogging and interacting with readers for a while, you’ll realize it’s a small community. These people aren’t facts and figures. They’re humans with problems that need to be solved, and you can help.

It’s all about helping. If you’re focused on providing value, the selling part becomes a lot easier.

Your readers want to support you. All you have to do is ask.

How do you use your blog to generate sales?

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Are You Ready for Black Friday? 10 Survival Tips From Expert Shoppers

Black Friday is a shopper’s high holiday. But are you really saving as much as you can on this day of all bargain-hunting days?

We surveyed a number of people, from everyday savvy shoppers to professional shopping gurus, to learn their best Black Friday tips and tricks. Here are 10 tips you can take all the way to the checkout this year.

1. Do Recon Ahead of Time

When it comes to snagging the best Black Friday deals, it’s best to think like a Boy Scout (i.e. be prepared).

This means not just going through circulars the night before, but coming up with a specific game plan and even doing a little advanced research.

“Use leaked circulars to ‘showroom’ products before you buy them,” says Benjamin K. Glaser of DealNews. “Once you know what’s going to be on sale, you can visit stores earlier in October and November to physically see and handle the products, and decide what you want.”

2. Start on Thursday (or Earlier)

As anyone who’s had their Thanksgiving dinner curtailed can tell you, Black “Friday” has crept earlier and earlier into the week each year. Discount devotees recognize this and spring into action before the masses.

“The ‘big-box’ stores will have most of their Black Friday sales online on Thursday,” says Michelle Madhok, shopping expert and founder of SheFinds.com.

“In fact, in years past, we’ve seen some deals sell out before Black Friday. Make sure you’re signed up for your favorite retailer’s email newsletters so you know when the sales start.”

It’s also worth looking outside the holiday season altogether to pinpoint yearly trends.

“I did a couple stories when I was in TV comparing ads from mid-October to Black Friday ads, and the mid-October ones were cheaper every time,” says Christina Nicholson, owner of Media Maven.

3. Use Discount Cards

Store sales are only one part of the equation; if you combine those sales with discounted gift cards, you advance to the next level of savings.

“For example, with Macy’s gift cards up to 12% off, you can buy a $100 gift card for $88, pocketing $12 to use on other Black Friday deals,” says Meghan Fox, marketing manager for gift card exchange site Raise.

“Now imagine using these gift cards with in-store savings and coupons; it’s a win-win!”

4. Take Advantage of Technology

Your smartphone is good for more than just venting about long lines on Facebook. Turn it into a shopping tool to boost your savings even higher.

“Target’s latest app points you to specific aisles where you can find the items on your list, while Coupon Sherpa provides extra savings from hundreds of retailers,” says Andrea Woroch, a consumer savings expert who’s been featured in segments on “Good Morning America,” MSNBC, CNN and Fox News.

“To avoid overpaying, track price drops using TrackIf.com, and then request a price adjustment if you find your purchase was sold for less later in the day,” she advises.

5. Research While You Shop

Do a quick scan of online prices while waiting in those crazy long lines.

Glaser says, “You might find that an online retailer like Amazon has price-matched what you want, so you can just go home!”

6. Work as a Team

If your friends and family are also into Black Friday, consider a divide-and-conquer strategy.

“Coordinate with friends,” suggests Megan Hewitt, parenting blogger and owner of Shrimp and Grits Kids boutique in Charleston, South Carolina.

“If you need to go to Target, offer to pick up products your friends want, in exchange for them picking up products you want at other stores. That way, you can each take advantage of multiple store deals without having to rush from place to place.”

Aimee Brittain of Pretty Frugal Diva recommends an alternate approach: “Go with a team and attack separate sections of the same store. Coordinate the night before and have your crew on speed dial.”

And don’t forget the time it takes to navigate those crowded parking lots.

“Have a designated driver,” suggests Erin Taylor, photographer at Sweet Inspirations Children’s Boutique & Photography. “Someone driving saves time trying to find parking, which can add up quickly! They can have snacks and something to entertain them in the car while they wait so patiently.”

7. Keep Yourself Fueled

Shopping can take a lot out of you physically, and marathon shopping of the Black Friday caliber can easily make you tired and testy, especially if you started in the wee morning hours.

Make sure you don’t overdo it at Thanksgiving the night before, and bring supplies to keep you fueled throughout the day.

“Don’t shop inebriated or on an empty stomach,” advises April Masini of AskApril.com.

“You’ll be focused on your buzz or your cranky hunger — not the great deals in front of you. Bring something to nibble on and go for the cappuccino or the espresso when Black Friday shopping, not the dirty martini!”

8. Make It Fun

Dealing with long lines, harried crowds and stressed-out cashiers can be a nightmare if you don’t go into with the right mindset. So, do what you can to make the day enjoyable.

Shop with a friend you haven’t seen in awhile, and use the long waits as a chance to catch up. Treat yourself to your favorite whipped-cream-topped coffee creation to keep your spirits up.

Or, if you really want to try something different, consider this outside-the-box suggestion by Masini:

“Make it a date. Shopping is a great way to get to know someone, and you learn a lot about a person’s impulsivity, generosity and thought processes when shopping with them. A lot of these shopping qualities transfer into romantic relationships, so have dinner and a shopping date!”

9. Avoid the Stores and Shop Online

Why wait for Cyber Monday when more and more Black Friday deals are going online?

“Over the last few years,” Glaser says, “we’ve seen an increasing majority of in-store Black Friday deals showing up from the same retailers online as well. Even doorbusters — one of the big incentives to brave the in-store crowds — are now migrating to the web.”

Teri Gault, CEO of TheGroceryGame.com, agrees. “Years ago, I resorted to doing all my Black Friday shopping online,” she says. “The number of offers online has increased every year… As more retailers expand to reach that market, we expect even more online deals for 2015.”

10. Skip It Altogether

J. Money of Budgets Are Sexy has a super simple approach when it comes to Black Friday: “Stay at home and put $200 in your savings account instead.”

While Black Friday is one of the most hyped shopping days of the year, that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to participate to get the biggest bang for your buck. In fact, we found 12 other ways to make good use of your time rather than hitting the stores.

Your Turn: What are your best Black Friday tips? Share them with your fellow shoppers in the comments!

Disclosure: We have a serious Taco Bell addiction around here. The affiliate links in this post help us order off the dollar menu. Thanks for your support!

Kelly Gurnett is a freelance blogger, writer, and editor who runs the blog Cordelia Calls It Quits, where she documents her attempts to rid her life of the things that don’t matter and focus more on the things that do. Follow her on Twitter @CordeliaCallsIt.

The post Are You Ready for Black Friday? 10 Survival Tips From Expert Shoppers appeared first on The Penny Hoarder.

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11 Things to Do on Black Friday When You Hate Black Friday

Black Friday may be among the busiest shopping days of the year, but shopping isn’t the only way to get into the holiday spirit this Thanksgiving weekend.

This pseudo-holiday piggybacks on the time off granted by a real national holiday, after all. The kids are home from school, and your friends and family probably have that extra day off work.

If you want to skip the mall but don’t want to spend the day hiding out at home, we’ve found a few ways you can take advantage of Black Friday without joining the shopping frenzy.

Be Charitable on Black Friday

The holidays tend to bring out our charitable side. If you don’t want to kick off the season with shopping, why not use Black Friday to start giving back instead?

1. Donate Blood

The Red Cross needs your blood, more this time of year than any other. As people get busy with holiday festivities, blood donations tend to decline between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.

To find a local blood drive, visit redcrossblood.org or download the Blood App. Or, if you want to help out but also make some extra money, consider selling your plasma.

2. Be Charitable Without Spending Money

The holidays can hit your wallet hard, and you might not have money to donate to your favorite causes. Instead, offer your support without spending money!

Here are some ways to do it on Black Friday:

Host a bake sale or carwash for charity

Coordinate with local businesses to set up in or outside busy shops and provide a bit of reprieve for Black Friday shoppers. Choose your favorite charity, and make sure everyone knows their money is going to support the cause.

Volunteer at a food bank or soup kitchen

Instead of spending your weekend off shopping, spend it giving back to your community.

Visit a children’s hospital as Santa or Mrs. Claus

Is there a more heartwarming way to kick off your holiday season than spreading joy to children who can’t get out to join the fun this year?

Volunteer at an assisted living facility

You could bring the holiday cheer with craft projects, musical performance or other fun group activities.

Or, you can bring Black Friday to those who can’t get out by organizing a computer lab and assisting with online shopping.

3. Bright Friday

In a blatant contrast to the consumer frenzy of Black Friday, Bright Friday aims to promote “community-wide acts of benevolence, generosity, sharing, giving, mentoring and overall goodness.” Core efforts are based in the Miami, FL, area, but anyone can get involved.

You can participate in Bright Friday with something as simple as a random act of kindness — open a door or help someone carry shopping bags if you go out for Black Friday.

Or skip the shopping altogether, and organize a group to volunteer or host a community event.

Connect with other participants and share your activities with photos and updates on Facebook with the hashtag #brightfriday.

4. Smile Always

When you shop with AmazonSmile, Amazon will donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases to a charity of your choice.

In case you forget to sign in through the portal, the Smile Always Chrome extension automatically redirects any Amazon links through smile.amazon.com. Firefox users, install the Smile Redirect addon.

Opting Out

Want to show off your abstinence from the shopping madness? Here are some ways to opt out of Black Friday that you can brag about to your friends all year.

6. Make Money

Skip spending altogether, and try making money on Black Friday instead of spending. Here are just a few ideas:

• Take stock photos of holiday shopping scenes.

• Work on your passion project or side hustle with your time off from the day job.

• Work on micro-gigs — you can nab the best ones while everyone is taking time off!

7. Buy Nothing Day

If you want to be part of a community, but don’t want to contribute to the madness of Black Friday, look into Buy Nothing Day.

Launched by the anti-commercialism magazine AdBusters in the early 90s, Buy Nothing Day encourages not just abstaining from shopping but doing so publicly.

The movement encourages consumers to “consider what it might mean to celebrate a holiday that isn’t driven by commercial forces.”

If you don’t want to make a display of it, participating in Buy Nothing Day can be as simple as it sounds — just don’t buy anything.

Welmoed Sisson says, “Our family has participated in BND for years, even before we found out it had an official name… Instead, we spend the day sleeping in, reading, enjoying a hobby and raiding the fridge for leftover turkey.”

For his family, Sisson says, “No amount of discount on anything in a store could compensate for losing such a nice day.”

If you do want to make a statement, AdBusters suggests doing a Credit Card Cut Up or Zombie Walk at shopping malls.

Why go to these lengths? To some, Black Friday shopping seems an out-of-control display of consumerism. Buy Nothing Day provides an alternative to shift us away from mindless consumption and towards thoughtful spending.

Marilene Richardson, owner of SongCroft Naturals, explains, “I avoid [Black Friday shopping] so much that I close my own retail business so others will be encouraged to do the same. As a small family business, this does impact our bottom line but our values of family and less consumerism are more important to us.”

8. Get Outside

In a bold move, outdoor retailer REI was closed on Black Friday for the first time in 2015. With its #OptOutside campaign, REI encourages people to spend time outside instead of shopping.

Similar to the objectives of Buy Nothing Day, the co-op business wants to help shoppers opt out of rabid consumerism.

“We define success a little differently [from other retailers],” REI President and CEO Jerry Stritzke told USA Today. “It’s much broader than just money. How effectively do we get people outside?”

You can participate by making plans to go outside and skip Black Friday shopping this year. Then tell the world by joining REI’s campaign and sharing your experience and photos on the Friday after Thanksgiving with the hashtag #OptOutside.

Get Great Deals Without Shopping

Need something to occupy the family? Get everyone out of the house for a few hours without standing in line or worrying about your shopping list.

You’ll find discounts at many businesses you wouldn’t expect, so be sure to ask about deals wherever you go.

9. Visit a Museum

Many museums offer discounted admission prices on Black Friday. You might even be able to nab a membership at a reduced rate — so check with your favorite local museums, and plan ahead!

10. Go to a Movie

Catch a good deal on popular Thanksgiving weekend releases by taking in a Black Friday matinee — you could have your pick of seats while everyone else is shopping!

While you’re out, you could always check a few people off your holiday shopping list. Many theaters offer freebies or bonuses when you buy gift cards. 

11. Go Out to Eat

If your refrigerator isn’t overflowing with Thanksgiving leftovers on Friday — or you just don’t even want to look at your kitchen — you can go out to eat.

Look into your favorite local restaurants to see who’s offering deals for the holiday weekend. If you’re looking for something familiar, chains often offer limited Black Friday deals to draw in Black Friday shoppers.

Your Turn: Do you plan to opt out of shopping on Black Friday? What will you do this weekend instead?

Dana Sitar (@danasitar) is a staff writer at The Penny Hoarder. She’s written for Huffington Post, Entrepreneur, Writer’s Digest and more. She’ll probably spend Black Friday working on an elusive essay and eating ALL the leftover green bean casserole.

The post 11 Things to Do on Black Friday When You Hate Black Friday appeared first on The Penny Hoarder.

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10 Grocery Stores With Benefits So Good You’ll Want to Apply Right Now

This might seem strange, but I love grocery stores.

I hate the actual act of grocery shopping. I hate having to find a parking spot, and I hate the fear I might run into a long, lost classmate and be forced to talk.

But I love the store itself.

The cold swoosh of air in my face when I talk through the automatic doors. The smell of bakery items sometimes overtaken by rotisserie chickens. The fresh flowers for sale….

I also love the way (many) grocery stores treat their employees — with awesome benefits and opportunities for growth.

10 Grocery Stores That Have Amazing Employee Perks

We (myself and an intern) combed through a list of 30-plus large grocery store chains, both regional and national, and looked at the benefits they offer their employees.

We boiled down the list to 10 stores that offer some of the best benefits.

1. Aldi

I know we have some huge Aldi fans out there. You can snag awesome deals at this national chain, but you can get even better benefits as an employee.

If you work full time, you’re eligible for:

• “Generous” vacation time and seven paid holidays

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision insurance and prescription coverage

• Short- and long-term disability insurance

• Life, accidental death and dismemberment and dependent life insurance

• 401(k) plan with employer matching contribution

Even if you don’t work full time, you can still get full health benefits if you work at least 25 hours. And even if you only work two hours per week, you can still set up a 401(k).

For more details and to find job openings near you, visit Aldi’s career page.

2. Kroger

I’ve never actually been inside a Kroger. Does that make me a bad human? Probably.

But its career page makes me feel like I’m home, especially with this welcoming remark: “When you’re a Kroger Associate, the company invests in you and you’re a valued member of the team.”

Kroger describes its “Total Rewards” package as highly competitive and notes some of the following benefits:

• Paid vacation

• Medical plans

• Life insurance

• Discounted home and auto insurance

• Adoption benefits

• Retirement options

• Stock options

• Tuition assistance and college scholarships

• Product discounts

• Fitness tracking devices, discounted gym memberships or coaching plans

Plus “special perks that let our associates know they’re valued.” With all of those perks, I’d feel pretty special, too

For more information and to find an opening near you, stop by Kroger’s career page.

3. Meijer

This chain’s 200 stores are located in Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio. It describes itself as a family business, “treating each other with dignity and respect.”

The benefits depend on your position, location and length of employment, but could include:

• Paid time off

• Medical/prescription coverage

• Dental/vision insurance

• Life insurance

• Adoption insurance

• Disability protection and worker’s compensation

• 401(k) plan with company contributions

• Employee discount

Midwestern charm at its finest. To find out more about Meijer and its career opportunities, visit the career page.

4. Publix

As a Floridian, Publix is my jam. And if I’d known about its benefits — even for part-time employees — I would’ve been more likely to grab a gig in high school.

The supermarket offers “core” benefits for all eligible employees. These include (but aren’t limited to):

• Group health plan (with prescription benefits)

• Group dental plan

• Group vision plan

• 401(k) retirement plan with a company match

• Employee stock ownership plan that contributes to Publix stock at no additional cost — plus an opportunity to purchase additional shares of its privately held stock if so desired

• Annual holiday cash bonus

• Quarterly retail bonus for store associates

• Tuition reimbursement

Full-time employees are graced with additional benefits:

• Vacation pay

• Six paid holidays — with a holiday exchange (if you’d prefer to work a specific holiday and take another off)

• Company-paid life insurance

• Long-term disability plan

• Bereavement pay

• Jury duty pay

And these lists aren’t even all-encompassing. For the complete lowdown, visit the Publix career page. Then stop by the bakery for some bread and a free cookie. Seriously… so good.

5. Safeway

Safeway is into the idea of enjoying today and planning for tomorrow; its motto for employees is “For today. For tomorrow”. Because of that mentality, its benefits are pretty comprehensive.

However, the career page does note the benefits I’m about to list are for non-retail store employees (generally). If you work in the store, benefits vary by location.

Here’s a rundown:

• Paid time off for vacation, sick leave and company-recognized holidays

• A choice of medical plans

• Prescription drug coverage

• Vision care

• Dental and orthodontia insurance

• Company-paid basic life insurance

• 401(k) employer match plan

Even if you only work part time, you’re eligible for these benefits. If you’re interested, you’ll need to ask your store about the specifics. In the meantime, stop by Safeway’s career page.

6. Save A Lot

I didn’t realize just how many Save A Lots are out there — more than 1,300 stores in 36 states. Perhaps it’s thriving because it treats its employees so well.

“It’s about family, health and time off to rejuvenate,” Save A Lot’s career page states. “We get it.”

Here are a few ways the franchise gets it:

• Vacations and holidays

• Flexible work schedule

• Medical, dental and life insurance

• Discounts for auto and homeowner’s insurance

• Disability coverage

• Competitive 401(k) and profit-sharing packages with investment options

• Tuition reimbursement

• Continuing education

• Adoption assistance

You can find the complete rundown and any job openings on its career page.

7. Shop Rite

Wakefern Food Corp. owns this chain, and the companies employ more than 50,000 people, according to its website. However, it’s only located in Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.

The benefits package aims to address “the diverse needs of associates and their families.” Some of these benefits include:

• Paid time off and holidays

• Medical insurance

• Dental insurance

• Life insurance

• Vision care

• Competitive 401(k)

• Long-term disability coverage and long-term care insurance

• Auto, home and pet insurance

• Tuition reimbursement

• Discounts on cellular phone service

Find more information and jobs on Wakefern’s career page.

8. Trader Joe’s

This franchise says it treats its employees like “bread and butter,” which sounds pretty darn good to me.

Trader Joe’s understand the importance of promoting its employees’ health and well-being, so it offers a pretty comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Paid time off

• Family and medical leave

• Healthcare (medical, prescription, dental and vision)

• Life insurance

• Short- and long-term disability

• A “generous” retirement plan

• Leadership development courses

• 10% off all TJ products

• Regular product tastings

Product tastings? Yes, please!

For the complete list of TJ’s benefits as well as open jobs, you can visit its career page.

9. Wegman’s

This chain’s been around since 1915 and has grown from a single pushcart to 90 stores — and it’s still growing. It employs more than 45,000 people, and they’re treated well.

Here’s a rundown:

• Premium pay above base rates for those who work Sundays or holidays

• Paid vacation

• Six holidays a year

• An option of two health plans

• Dental coverage

• Assistance programs to help with child care, elder care, legal consultations and financial planning

• Adoption assistance and dependent care savings accounts

• 401(k) plans that match 50% of your contribution on up to 6% of your pay

• Scholarships awarded to more than 1,500 employees each year

• Discounts on cell phone services, computers, movie tickets and amusement parks

• Customized yoga programs

• Weight Watchers at Work meetings

Although you might not have heard of Wegman’s yet, it’s worth keeping an eye on as it expands.

For all the details, visit the careers page.

10. Winn-Dixie

This is a bonus because Southeastern Grocers umbrellas four grocery stores: Bi-Lo, Harvey’s, Fresco y Más and Winn-Dixie.

As an employee under Southeastern Grocers, you’re expected to work as a team to help customers have the best experiences. In return, here are some of the benefits it offers:

• Paid holiday and vacation

• Flexible scheduling

• 401(k) matching

• Tuition reimbursement

• Paid training

• Associate discounts

The careers page also mentions “a competitive benefits package to help achieve their health and wellness goals.” For more information and employment opportunities, check it out (without having to stand in line).

OK, so you’re at the end of the list, but you’re wondering where Whole Foods Market is because you’ve definitely seen it before on one of those “Best 100 Companies to Work For” lists.

You see, I wanted to add it to this list, but a lot of the store’s benefits are contingent upon service hours. So you have to work 800 hours to get low insurance premiums ($0-$20 per paycheck) and 6,000 hours (three years) to get stock options. Other stores made no mention of this.

Also, you have to work more than 20 hours a week to qualify. No, Whole Foods isn’t completely down in the dumps when it comes to employee benefits, but it just couldn’t rival these others. And, for that, I’ll give it a hearty shout out instead.

Your Turn: There are a whole lot of grocery stores in the States, and although we spent hours researching, we knew we’d miss some. So we know you’ll tell us: What are we missing?

Carson Kohler (@CarsonKohler) is a junior writer at The Penny Hoarder. After recently completing graduate school, she focuses on saving money — and surviving the move back in with her parents.

Kaitlyn Perta, The Penny Hoarder’s editorial fellow, sunk hours into researching grocery store benefits. Thanks to her, Carson didn’t completely lose her mind. For that, she gets a cookie (from Publix, of course).

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