Panera Bread Foundation recently launched a new community cafe in Clayton, Missouri. There are no cash registers or prices. There are only donation bins. The idea is that anyone can come in for some food and they only pay what they’re able to. Everyone who needs a meal gets it whether they have the money for it or not.

This non-profit cafe is called St. Louis Bread Company Cares. Previously it was operated as a typical Panera or St. Louis Bread Company location. But now it’s all about helping others. They offer a volunteer option where people can donate an hour of their time in exchange for a meal. They’ve partnered with a nonprofit in the area to train individuals in need. So far the company says the program is working. Some people come in a leave nothing. Others leave a few dollars and some customers leave well beyond the suggested donation.

The company plans to open similar nonprofit community cafes in the future. Their hope is to open two more by the end of 2010. What do you think of this idea? Do you think it would work in your community? Or do you think too many people would take advantage of it?

I was listening to Dave Ramsey the other day and he posed an interesting question– what are you willing to give up in order to achieve your goals? We often think and talk about what we’re willing to do in order to make our goals reality, but we rarely think about the cost that comes with making them happen. So first I started to think about our goal of running a marathon. (I was running at the time so that was at the front of my mind.) I came up with a list of some things I’m willing to give up in order to make that goal happen:

1. I’m willing to give up sleeping in on Saturdays and some week days for early morning runs.
2. I’m willing to give up some time.
3. I’m willing to sacrifice other workouts that I enjoy so I can focus on running.
4. I’m willing to not spend as much time out on Friday evenings since I have to get up early the next morning.

Then I started to think about our goal of having no mortgage. Certainly we are willing to pay our mortgage on time and pay extra when we can, but then I started think about what we would really be able to give up in order to live debt free. Here’s what I came up with:

1. I’m willing to sacrifice space and live in a smaller home so I can have no mortgage.
2. I’m willing to give up eating at fancy restaurants outside of special occasions.
3. I’m willing to forgo unnecessary shopping trips.
4. I’m willing to give up a room in our home so we can take in a roommate.
5. I’m willing to sacrifice having lots of land if that allows us to achieve our goal more quickly.

As soon as I had a clear idea of what I was willing to give up in order to achieve my goal, it helped me to realize what steps need to be taken and gave me a better vision for the future. So what are you willing to give up for your goals?

How can you help your kids become more fiscally responsible?  Sit down with your children on Sept. 16 for National Money Talk Night. This website can help provide you with resources and instructions asking you to pledge to talk about money with your children.

Check out these statistics:

Only four out of 10 kids have a budget to work with and only seven out of 10 18 to 22-year-olds say their parents have discussed financial responsibility with them. Thirty-seven percent of parents with kids not yet in college say say their kids will pay for their own education. However, 53 percent of kids that are already in college say they are paying for their own schooling.

A survey was done of 800 parents and teens by Echo Research for American Express and Jean Chatzky, an author and motivational speaker.

Chatzky has put together some free tool kits for parents to use when having these discussions on Sept. 16. One for middle schoolers, high schoolers and college kids and they have videos along with them. For middle schoolers, it discusses setting financial goals, family bills and allowances. The high school kit has information on paying for college, getting a job and how to pay for things. The college student guide discusses sticking to a budget, avoiding identity theft and information on credit scores. The tool kits are endorsed by the Council on Economic Education.

Here are some items you might be spending too much money on and some alternatives to consider when shopping for school items this fall, according to a writer with Wallet Pop.

Backpacks

Instead of spending more than 30 bucks on an L.L. Bean book bag, consider  Camo and Pink Camo Backpacks for $13.50 to $14.99. Backpacks get stepped on, ripped and thrown around every day, so why not opt for a cheaper one.

Sneakers

How about heading to Walmart and buying their Faded Glory shoes for $4 instead of spending more than $25 on Converse?  Converse may be popular, but offer minimal support and padding.

Netbook Computers

Spend about $250 and you can get a pretty good little computer from Asus Eee. The Apple iPad is more than $800! The Asus fits into a backpack, has a real keyboard and has a fold-up screen.

Jeans

Most of us are always on the hunt for a great pair of jeans. For the kids, you can buy a pair of jeans at Old Navy for as little as $10 instead of spending $36 on a pair of Levis. Old Navy jeans are stylish, comfortable and cheap. If you really want Levis, wait until they go on sale.

Rain Gear

Lands’ End has a great quality rain jacket, but if you’re looking to save some money try the Totes Children’s Rain Ponchos. They’ll only cost you about 6 bucks instead of $30. You can stuff the poncho in a backpack.

We’ve heard of bartering but most people seem to feel uncomfortable trying it. I know it can be intimidating, but there’s a new book “The Art of Barter: How to Trade for Almost Anything” that gives you some tips.

Listen: Keep listening to what others need or want, say the authors Karen S. Hoffman and Shera D. Dalin. Take a chance and ask them if they might consider bartering.

Be Creative: Consider bartering tutoring, housecleaning, hair cutting and other skills. Don’t limit it to just objects.

Make a List: Write down potential barters and then you’ll be ready.

Be Proactive: See if you can create a babysitting co-op. Or you can organize a neighborhood barter party to help you and others save some money.

Persevere: Don’t give up if someone turns you down. Wait and try again, suggests the book.

Think Big: One couple discussed in the book bartered for their first home and offered to make the needed repairs in exchange for living in it rent-free. After six months, they saved enough money for a down payment!

If you have a child headed to college this year, bills could add up to as much as $55,000 per year. According to Parade magazine, parents should try to save one-third of the total and hopefully scholarships and grants can help with the rest. It’s never too late to start saving for your child’s education. Here are four plans to help.

1. The 529 Plan: The key with these is to keep your assets well-balanced, says the magazine. Switch from stocks to bonds as your child gets older. Each state offers a version of the 529. Check out SavingforCollege to compare options. You can get tax breaks in most states for 529s. There is no annual contribution limit and accounts can hold up to $380,000. Keep in mind that by the time your kid is a freshman in high school, less than 70 percent of your savings should be in stocks, says the article.

2. Coverdell ESAs:  An ESA is an Education Savings Account and parents can invest up to $2,000. The money remains tax-free until you withdraw it. They have lower fees than 529s and they can also be used to pay for expenses in K-12 grades. However, it has limited eligibility. Couples must earn less than $220,000.

3. Roth IRAs: You can use these funds without a penalty before age 59 1/2 to pay for your child’s education. You can invest up to $5,000 per year and your savings grow tax-free. Make sure, however, that you aren’t tapping into your only retirement money. Use the Roth IRA for your kid if you have other retirement money stashed away. For 2010, you must earn less than $120,000 to qualify and married couples must earn less than $177,000.

4. Savings Accounts, Money Markets, CDs and Bonds:  These are simple things to get started, says the article.  You have lots of flexibility with these and there are no restrictions. But the interest you earn isn’t much.

There are still five months left of 2010, and there is still time to save up for the holidays. Here are 10 simple tips from MoneyTalksNews.

1. Lower your cell phone bill. It’s really not that difficult. Pay attention to how many minutes you are using. If you aren’t using them all, just switch to a cheaper plan. That could be a savings of 100 bucks by Christmas.

2. Get rid of your land line. If you do this, you can save up to $140. Want to keep it? Then go with a package with your Internet provider. It’s cheaper than the phone company. Also, take a look at Magic Jack. You can get unlimited calling for $2 per month, says MoneyTalksNews.

3. Staycation instead of a vacation. Explore your local area and save lots of money. You can still take a break from work and turn off the cell phone and computer. You can save $1,000 if you stay local.

4. Raise your insurance deductibles. Decide what you can afford to pay out of pocket and see what you can save. It could be as much as $250.

5. Get rid of the gym membership. Buy some cheap weights and work out at home. Or you can go for a jog or do some workout videos. You might save $150!

6. Drop cable or at least the premium channels.  My husband and I decided not to get cable this time around and we’re saving big. You can save $60 to $600.

7. Sell some stuff. Go through your closets and get rid of clothes, CDs, books and even furniture. There are consignment shops, eBay, Craigs List or have a yard sale.

8. Save on food. Do some research, clip coupons and you can save hundreds on food.

9. Haggle.  Don’t be afraid to negotiate. Ask for a better interest rate on your credit card, see if you can lower your cable bill or next time you stay in a hotel negotiate with them too.

10.  Just carry cash with you. If you don’t carry credit cards, you’ll be surprised how much you can save in your pocket by Christmas. This will help you avoid impulse buys.

There are always certain times of the year when it’s best to shop for big-ticket items, such as cars, appliances, computers and furniture. If you are in need of one of these items, mark it on your calendar and get ready to find the best deals.

Cars: Head to the dealership in August and September. I was surprised by this. I thought the end of the year would be the best time as they get rid of their old models. But turns out they clear inventory to make room for new models in August and September.

Gas Grills: September through December is the best time for this purchase as summer comes to an end.

Lawn Mowers: Make this purchase in October. Also, buy your winter coats this month to save money.

Camcorders: November is best for this item, along with GPS units and bicycles.

Appliances: Treat yourself at Christmas or New Year’s for appliances. Prices after the holidays are best for refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers and smaller items such as blenders and toasters.

Exercise equipment: The first month of the year is best just in time for that New Year’s resolution.

Indoor Furniture: Shop for this in February.

TVs: Not only is March the best month for TVs but also DVD players, Blu-ray players, MP3 players and digital cameras.

Computers: The end of each financial quarter is key for buying this electronic device. That means… April, June, October and January.

Athletic shoes and apparel: The beginning of summer, May, is when you can find the best deals.

Tools: Find great deals in June for tools.

Outdoor Furniture: Mid-summer, July, starts the end-of-season sales.

For this week’s Twitter Tuesday Profile we’re heading to Honolulu, Hawaii to talk to a server and bartender. Recent college grad Ryan Schmitz decided to step off the career track for a while and focus on his passion of diving and travel. While his blog, PlantingDollars.com, and his Twitter account, @PlantingDollars, may be focused on being responsible with money, he’s definitely living an adventurous life. Ryan bought a one way ticket to Hawaii and just showed up. But his goal is to show how you can be financially responsible and enjoy life to the fullest at the same time.

OODC: How did you get started blogging and tweeting?
@PlantingDollars: I have always been interested in personal finance and discussing how money affects people’s lives. Therefore I discovered personal finance blogging a few years ago when surfing the web. Being that I’m in my early 20’s there aren’t a lot of like minded people my age. My friends don’t discuss IRA’s, financial freedom, and investments so I found that blogging is an outlet to discuss these topics with like minded people while creating a personal brand, it’s been a fun ride so far.

OODC: It seems like failure is an important part of the road to success for you. Why do you feel that way?
@PlantingDollars:We all learn from mistakes and experiences, there’s no way of getting around that. I’ve learned that experiences are my best teacher and experiencing failure is something you don’t forget because there are often lessons taught along the way. I like to see how successful people in history achieved their success and there’s an obvious common pattern of guys, and gals, who simply didn’t take no for an answer, failed a ton, but persisted until they finally reached their goal. The common denominator for all these people was a healthy dose of failure along the way, but in success stories you often don’t hear about the previous failures. Overcoming the fear of failure is a bit like releasing the shackles in your life because you’re willing to try anything in order to reach your dreams. I think this is a really important concept to understand when working towards your goals. Failure should be something you look forward to because it means you’re at least putting yourself out there and trying.

OODC: What do you hope people gain from reading your blog?
@PlantingDollars:I hope people find that anyone can achieve financial freedom and learn from my journey. Ideally I’d like to see people stop doing things they don’t enjoy, stop buying so much crap they don’t need (for many reasons, but especially because of the environmental impact), and simply start doing things that they enjoy more than keeping up with the Joneses. I think if we all learned to follow our passions and manage our money correctly the world would be a much better place.

OODC: Who are some of your favorite money tweeters?
@PlantingDollars:Thus far these are some of my favorite money tweeters…@DeliverAwayDebt, @FinancialSamura, and @LeanLifeCoach.

Thanks again to @PlantingDollars for being part of this week’s Twitter Tuesday Profile. Want to be considered for an upcoming profile? Just tweet me!

My husband and I have the best neighbors one could ask for. We cook with each other, take care of each other’s homes when we’re out of town and even help with money. Yahoo Shine recently put together an article that discusses several things that can help you save money if you become friends with your neighbors.

1. Internet Service: Why not share Internet service? My neighbor has used our wireless Internet when his went down and vice versa. All you need is a wireless router and your bill can go from $60 per month to $30.

2. Lawn Equipment: There have been several times that my husband has borrowed some kind of tool from the guy next door. It saves us from having to buy it, especially if it’s only a one-time-need. He has also borrowed items from us.

3. Food: A little tight on your budget this week? Partner up with your neighbor and cook some dinner together. We do this all the time and it allows us to split the cost of meat and sides.

4. Contracting Services: If you are in need of a contractor to do some work, don’t be afraid to ask for a two-fer deal, says the article. My neighbor and I were talking about trimming our trees and just bringing out one guy to do both homes.

5. Babysitter: Head out on a double date and let the babysitter take care of your kids and theirs. One babysitter for multiple kids is usually cheaper than two sitters.

It may sound too good to be true, but there are some jobs out there that can bring in significant salaries without a college degree. However, these careers do require specialized training. Payscale recently put together a list of jobs that don’t require a degree.

1. Freelance Photographer: Median Salary $47,800 Along with strong photography skills and special equipment, you’ll also need to be business savvy to get your business off the ground.

2. Private Detective: Median Salary $50,600 This one may sound exciting and glamorous but it will require a lot of work. You need to have knowledge of the law, psychology and critical thinking skills.

3. Elevator Mechanic: Median Salary $61,500 You may be required to work odd hours for this job and you must be knowledgeable of complex mechanical systems.

4. Nuclear Power Reactor Operator: Median Salary $79,100 This one is definitely a well-paying job, but you need to make sure you have an understanding of physics and engineering.

5. Personal Trainer: Median Salary $37,500 A lot of trainers have college degrees, but you can get a certification instead. Make sure you have skills in nutrition, anatomy, first aid and customer service, says the article.

6. Director of Security: Median Salary $62,400 This job really requires a lot of on-the-job training. You may start as an assistant and work your way up to director.

7. Air Traffic Controller:  Median Salary $60,200 This is a competitive field and requires special testing from the FAA. It can also be a stressful one.

There’s a new website called Soap.com that allows you to purchase 25,000 drugstore items at discount prices – up to 25 percent off. You can also get free 2-day shipping if you spend more than $50. Wallet Pop recently decided to compare prices and the convenience of shopping online instead of at the drugstore. It found Soap.com to be a reasonable alternative.

When it comes to products, a typical drugstore will have about 10,000 items, says Wallet Pop. Soap.com hopes to have 40,000 products by the end of this year. You can pick up anything from beauty items, household cleaners, vitamins and others. When prices were compared, they were about the same as a local grocery store but lower than stopping in at the local drugstore. Wallet Pop gives an example. A Bounty paper towel two-pack was $3.99 on Soap.com and the grocery store, but with a coupon it could be purchased on Soap.com for $3.74.

With the use of coupons, you can save even more money using Soap.com. You can use e-coupons or clip your own and mail them to Soap.com. Wallet Pop found that Soap.com’s customer service did a good job.

Along with the Best Places to Live, CNNMoney also released the Top-Earning Towns across the United States.

The highest is Bethesda, MD where residents make more than $170,000 each year! Here are the other top cities:

2. Greenwich, CT: Median Family Income is $164,000

3. Palo Alto, CA: Median Family Income is $153,000

4. Newport Beach, CA: Median Family Income is $145,000

5. Lower Merion, PA: Median Family Income is $144,000

6. Newton, MA: Median Family Income is $138,000

7. Fairfield, CT: Median Family Income is $128,000

8. Greenburgh, NY: Median Family Income is $127,000

9. Burke, VA: Median Family Income is $127,000

10. Naperville, IL: Median Family Income is $125,000

After 25 years in the Information Technologies field, Kim Staudenraus felt like something was missing. She wanted to be doing more to help others. In 2006 Kim decided it was time to begin to change her career path. She had a passion to help others live a better life, a life without the stress of debt. She attended training with Dave Ramsey and the Lampo Group and became a Certified Money Management Coach. She started Tranquility Financial Visioning, LLC, began coaching and mentoring others on how to live a life free of debt, improve their income as well as family situation. You can follow her tweets @LifeandFinances and her blog at TranquilityFinancial.com. And today you can learn a little bit more about her in our Twitter Tuesday Profile.

OODC: How did you get started blogging and tweeting?
@LifeandFinances: When I began my money management coaching business I realized I was limited to helping only those who engaged in my services. I started my blog to touch as many other people as possible who were seeking money management help. I first started blogging under my personal blog, KimStaudenraus.com and soon realized that I needed a blog that was focused more on finances, that is when I expanded TranquilityFinancial.com to include a blog.

As far as Tweeting, I am fairly new to that, and again, use it as another great avenue to spread the word of debt free living.

OODC: You work as a financial coach. Do you think everyone who has financial problems could use a financial coach?
@LifeandFinances:This is a great question. Quick answer is yes, if someone has a problem they most likely need some coaching or mentoring from an experienced non-biased third party to help them get a different perspective, provide some recommendations and encouragement to help them out of their problem.

OODC:Do I think everyone with financial problems needs to “pay” for a coach?
@LifeandFinances:No. At least not at first. So many times people in financial distress are very quick to throw money at their problem because they are desperate for help. Some think that help from a coach might be a “quick fix” to their problem.

I encourage those with financial problems to first seek out free help by reading financial blogs as well as through a forum or email discussion with a reputable money coach who has the goal of mentoring and teaching people the basics of money management, dealing with creditors and related financial situations. This way they are able to get to know the coach a bit as well as get an idea of the type of changes they may need to make to their lifestyle before investing with a coach.

Similar to any type of problem, before coaching will be successful one has to admit they have a financial problem and be willing and ready to make changes to solve that problem. If after understanding the type of changes they may need make and willingness to make those changes, that is when I would encourage a fee based coaching or mentoring option. It is very difficult to get out of debt without some third party support and encouragement.

OODC:I’m sure you’ve helped a lot of people gain financial freedom. Can you share one of your biggest success stories with us?
@LifeandFinances:I would love to. I had a couple in their late 50’s. They were $35k in credit card debt. They had more than just financial trouble they were in a marital crisis due to their finances. The husband was a very proud man, and in no way wanted to be a part of the coaching process but he loved his wife dearly and that is why he was there. His wife was the one who knew they were not only headed toward a financial disaster but divorce as well.

Both were so unhappy with the situation they had stopped communicating, they basically had giving up on each other and were drowning their sorrow by buying “stuff” they could not afford just to get a brief shot of “happiness” at least until the next credit card bill came.

Not only did I work out a budget for them, as well as recommend some things to sell, I also encourage them to begin reading and going through the workbook “Love & Respect” by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs. I did this to help open up their lines of communication again. When it comes to a couple and money, it is imperative that both spouses are on the same page and communicating openly about money in order for financial freedom to be achieved in a marriage.

This couple had to learn all over again how spend properly and manage money, but they also had to relearn how to be a couple, to work together. Well, to make a long story short, they are now debt free except for their home, their plan is to have that paid off in 4 years and retired totally debt free.

Yes, their financial success was great, but what really made this a success story for me is that they are a communicating happy couple again.

OODC:What do you hope people gain from reading your blog?
@LifeandFinances:First and foremost “hope” regardless of the situation you are in, there is always hope, especially through the help of Jesus Christ. Secondly, you are not alone. Many people think “we are the only one in this situation”. My goal through blogging is to show that you are not alone and that success is possible for everyone regardless of how much debt there is or how dire the situation appears.

OODC:Who are some of your favorite money tweeters?
@LifeandFinances:@christianpf, @MH4Christians, @moolanomy, @paidtwice, @FrugalHacks, @providentplan, @DebtProofLiving.

Thanks again to @LifeandFinances for being part of this week’s Twitter Tuesday Profile. Want to be considered for an upcoming profile? Just tweet me!

I’m training for my third marathon. It’s coming up in October so I’ve started spending a lot more time in my running shoes. I don’t really consider myself a runner even though I’ve completed two full marathons and one half marathon. That’s why it always surprises me when people tell me they could never run a marathon because they aren’t “a runner.” I’m not extremely athletic. I’ve never been able to do a pull-up. And except for that one year in eighth grade when I did more sit ups in a minute (86) than anyone else I’ve never won an award for my physical accomplishments. Just like getting out of debt, running a marathon is way more about mental focus than physical ability. Here are some reasons why getting out of debt is like training for a marathon.

It Takes a Plan

I have an 18 week training program that I’ve used for all of my marathon training. It includes three short runs and one long run a week. Each week the mileage slowly builds so that eventually I’m running 16, 18, and even 20 miles at a time. This plan is just like having a budget. By sticking to my running schedule I’ll eventually get to my goal, but without that plan I would have a tough time being successful. Without a budget and a financial plan, getting out of debt is nearly impossible.

People Will Try to Talk You Out of It

Lazy people don’t like to be reminded that they’re lazy. So when you happen to tell certain people you are training for a marathon they’ll try to make you feel like you’re crazy for wanting to accomplish such a goal. Broke people are the same way. They don’t like to be reminded that they are broke so when they hear that you are trying to get out of debt they’ll attempt to throw you off course.

Having a Support Team Helps

I trained for my first marathon by myself. I completed it in about five and a half hours. My second marathon I had a running partner and I improved my time by 30 minutes. Having a support team helps when it comes to training for a marathon and when it comes to getting out of debt. They’ll hold you accountable and make sure you’re doing what needs to be done to reach your goal.

Things Will Try to Throw You Off Course

A month before race day of my last marathon I got shin splints. It’s excruciatingly painful and feels like your bone is splitting apart. I made adjustments and switched my training to a low impact elliptical machine. This allowed me to continue getting cardio while helping my shins to heal. On race day I was fine. Similarly, when you’re trying to get out of debt, things will come along that will try to throw you off course: a broken water heater, old tires on your car, a relative’s wedding in another state. Just find ways to work around it and solve the problem so that you can still achieve your goal.

It Requires Commitment

If running a marathon were easy everyone would do it. Getting out of debt is the same. It requires commitment. You’ll have to make sacrifices to achieve your goal and it will take plenty of endurance. But the experience of crossing the finish line makes it all worth it.

Are you a goal setter? Without goals our work, passion and energy can be more like a lightning strike– only making a short, fleeting impact. But with goal setting we can become more like the sun– steady, bright and strong. Goal setting can help us reduce the amount of time and energy we squander. Having goals helps us to focus our talents and truly make a difference, fulfilling the purpose that God has established for our lives. Here are some important steps in goal setting as suggested by The Carolina Leadership Group.

• Develop a mission statement for your life. This is one line that clearly states your focus.
• Write a specific goal(s) that supports your mission. This will help you understand the purpose of your mission.
• List the benefits of achieving the goal. In times when you get discouraged this will help you reaffirm your mission.
• Anticipate possible obstacles and solutions. Anything worth having takes work. By understanding what challenges you may encounter you’ll be more prepared for them.
• Write detailed action steps and deadlines to achieve the goal. This will help any goal seems more manageable.
• Integrate the action steps into your planning system. Action steps give you a clear path towards your goal.
• Determine a method of tracking your progress. If you’re not able to see that you’re making headway you may get discouraged.
• Write affirmations to support your belief in your ability to accomplish the goal. These will be important during times of struggle.
• Develop a visual representation that effectively reminds you of your goal. Keep this handy and look at it daily to keep your eye on the prize.

Through the years thousands of people have come to the aid of others in need. After 9/11 people traveled to New York and when Katrina hit they helped out in New Orleans. Now, there may be an even bigger incentive to give back while on a trip – you can get a tax write-off, reports Wallet Pop.

What is deductible? Your out-of-pocket expenses related to volunteering are. To qualify they must be not otherwise reimbursed expenses, directly related to the services you are helping with and not personal or family expenses.

A definite expense that is deductible is transportation. That includes gas and car maintenance, airlines, train, bus and parking fees and tolls, says the article. The cost of lodging and meals an also be included. Just be careful if you also add in some personal fun time. You can’t deduct those.

Since you are doing this to help others, make sure you don’t go overboard and stay at the most expensive hotel or eat at only five-star restaurants. Just consider how others would view your expenses, suggests Wallet Pop.

Consider even just volunteering locally if you can’t hop on a plane and travel somewhere else. You can still take a deduction for out-of-pocket expenses. And don’t forget you can still make a monetary donation to an organization and that’s also tax deductible.

Real Simple magazine took the time to share with their readers several ways to spend smarter, including shopping, eating and entertainment.

Find Savings at the Flea Market

Real Simple says don’t waste your time searching through endless bins of stuff. Flea market vendors usually display stuff worth buying in plain sight. First, you can get on the good side of the vendor. Go to the same booths over and over. Get to know the seller. You might be able to score some better deals.

Don’t point out a problem with the merchandise and hope to get a discount. The vendor might get offended. And learn how to negotiate.  Try saying “This is what I can pay. Can you sell it for that amount?” But make sure it’s not too low. Be genuinely  interested in the product. Want help finding a flea market near you? Check out Flea Markets.

Save Some Bucks When Eating Out

Here are three ideas from Real Simple to follow when dining at restaurants. First, understand menu tricks. If the restaurant doesn’t print dollar signs with the prices, you’ll probably spend  about 8 percent more per person, says the magazine. A lot of places have their most expensive dishes on the top right corner of the menu so avoid those when you can.

Check out Restaurant.com. You can purchase a gift certificate for 10 bucks but is redeemable for $25. Also, make a reservation at Open Table. You can earn points toward gift certificates that you can redeem at thousands of restaurants.

Do You Bundle or Pay Separately?

Bundle your cable, internet and phone and you can save hundreds per year, says the National Consumers League. However, you really need to be using them regularly. You might not really save on a bundle if you mostly use a cell phone, watch basic cable and don’t get online often. Bundles cost an average of about $100 per month. Be careful. If you try to get out of a contract, you could get stuck with a hefty fee.  Also, when your initial contract expires, you might end up paying more. Take a look at MyRatePlan or PhoneTVInternet.

Tired of having to pay for your bags when traveling by air? I’ve heard of people who ship their items ahead of time to avoid baggage fees. UPS has come up with a solution – Luggage Boxes.

They look like cardboard suitcases and have a handle. A small box is $12.95 and a large is $17.95 and doesn’t include shipping. But is this really going to save you some money? Wallet Pop isn’t so sure.

Most airlines charge about $25 to check your bag. With a small luggage box, which can hold up to 55 pounds, it would cost you $66 and take five business days to ship from San Francisco to Atlanta. That seems like more of a hassle to me.

According to Wallet Pop, UPS says it does save the consumer money when looked at comparable luggage… heavy or oddly sized bags. The large luggage box can hold up to 95 pounds but will cost you quite a bit and ship for about $92.

Shipping can be difficult and you’ll have to do it twice to take your stuff back home, explains the website. UPS also says they shouldn’t be used internationally. Seems to me that paying that extra $25 really isn’t that bad after all.

If you have a backyard barbeque planned for the holiday weekend, here are some tips to help you save some cash when planning for the big day. All You magazine has put together some ideas.

1. Create a bandana table runner: Throw down a checkered table cloth and you can use hem tape or sew bandanas onto the table cloth. Iron over them to help them stay in place.

2. Use a mason jar as a candle holder: You can decorate these with a bandana or just leave alone with a single candle in the middle. It also doubles as a nice party favor.

3. Use mason jars as drinking glasses: These make for great glasses for lemonade and iced tea and think about making drink tags so everyone can find their glass. Grab some rubber bands and write the guest’s name on it. Then they can wrap it around their jar.

4. An easy centerpiece: Grab some fruit and flowers and you’ve got easy and cheap centerpieces. Get an empty vase, place in lemon slices and a whole lemon for the first layer. The second layer is also lemon slices and another whole one. Keep filling it to the top and then add water. Then all you have to do is add some flowers from the garden.

5. Dress comfy since you’ll be outdoors: Walmart has some great red, white and blue clothes for great prices right now. You can also grab flip flops and sunglasses in patriotic colors. You can even create a party favor bag with some of these items for your guests.

My husband and I leave for a 4th of July vacation to Florida this week and there are still great deals to be had if you want to travel for the holiday. Major travel websites conducted surveys of available properties for the upcoming holiday. Here is a list of top 10 4th of July destinations from Hotwire.

1. Dallas/Fort Worth

2. Las Vegas

3. Atlanta

4. St. Louis

5. Los Angeles

6. Toronto

7. London

8. Vancouver

9. Chicago

10. San Diego

In Vegas you can get rooms for 100 bucks in a 5-star hotel, grab a room for $90 in LA and stay in Orlando for $60 per night. According to Travelocity, there are also last-minute deals in Washington, D.C., Boston, San Antonio, Minneapolis and Reno. Orlando deals actually ranked first on Travelocity’s list.

Check out Site59, a last minute specialty discounter, and get some special deals for airfare and hotel. Head to the Big Apple July 3-6 for $273 from Boston, $329 from Indianapolis and $557 from LA. Want to spend the 4th on the beach? Travel to San Diego for $547 from Chicago and $595 from Philly. All of these prices include taxes, airfare and hotel.

There are also some great airfare deals to different locations. Fly American Airlines on the 4th and head back on the 7th or 8th for $99 from Cleveland to St. Louis or Dallas to San Francisco for $189. I found some great deals with Allegiant Airlines as well. We found tickets down to Florida for $10!

Here are some other websites to find last-minute travel deals: Expedia, Priceline and Kayak.

Our latest Twitter Tuesday Profile introduces you to Jackie Beck, also known as @MoneyCrush. She manages websites and does technical writing in Arizona where she lives with her husband and son. Her free time is spent hanging out with family, traveling, painting and, of course, writing about money at MoneyCrush.com.

OODC: How did you get started blogging and tweeting?
@MoneyCrush: I started blogging in the summer of 2006, a few months after reading Your Money or Your Life while on vacation. That book inspired me to really make a plan for my money. I’d also been wanting to make it a practice to write daily, so a personal finance blog seemed like the perfect way to blend things.

I finally decided to give Twitter a try in earnest after having heard about it for what seemed like ages. (Of course, ages in internet time isn’t very long.)

OODC: You’re open about the fact that you’re not a financial pro. So where do you come up with so much information to share?
@MoneyCrush: I am a voracious reader, so I’ve read a large number of books related to personal finance and personal development. I do additional research on specific topics as well. Plus there’s life experience — I have plenty of “don’ts” to write about along with some things that have worked for me..

OODC: You seem to focus quite a bit on the psychology of money and creating smart habits. What are some of the most difficult habits you’ve had to break in order to meet your financial goals?
@MoneyCrush: For me it’s been more about really making financial goals a regular focus. Previously, I had financial goals, but I wasn’t really actively working toward them on a daily basis like I do now. The act of writing about money-related topics has helped immensely with that, as has interacting with so many people with similar views.

OODC: How has eliminating debt impacted your life?
@MoneyCrush: Getting almost completely out of debt (we’re still working on the house) has made a huge difference in our lives, so I created a debt snowball app for the iPhone and Android called Pay Off Debt to help others stay motivated to do the same.

OODC: What do you hope people gain from reading your blog?
@MoneyCrush: I hope people come away feeling empowered and inspired.

OODC: Who are some of your favorite money tweeters?
@MoneyCrush: Some of my favorites are @Bucksome, @Elle_CM, @eventualmillion, and @enemyofdebt.

Thanks again to @MoneyCrush for being part of this week’s Twitter Tuesday Profile. Want to be considered for an upcoming post? Just tweet me!

I know we are all trying to save some money, especially those with young children. With a baby on the way, I am definitely ready to start taking note of places where you don’t have to pay for your child to eat. Here are some places that allow kids to eat for free, so go on and head out to a restaurant and spoil yourself.

Applebee’s: Get a free kid’s meal on Mondays with the purchase of an adult entree.

Captain D’s: You have to dine in, but on Thursdays you can take advantage of a great deal. Get two free kid’s meals with the purchase of an adult meal.

Chevys: Tuesdays is the day for this deal. Buy an adult entree and get the kid’s meal for free.

Denny’s: Up to two kids 10 and under can get free meals with each adult purchase of $2.50 or more. It’s from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on certain nights.

Dickey’s BBQ Pit: Head to Dickey’s after church and your child can eat for free when you purchase a meal.

Lone Star Steak House: Head here on Tuesdays and up to two kids can eat free with an adult entree purchase.

Luby’s: On weekday evenings, kids can eat for free with the purchase of an adult meal. Check their website to see when they offer it.

Marie Callender’s: Kids eat free on two days a week at this restaurant. Head in on Tuesdays and Saturdays and get a free kid’s meal with an adult entree purchase.

Perkins: On Tuesdays and Thursdays after 4 p.m. kids can eat for free if you buy an adult entree.

Steak ‘n Shake: On the weekend, get some burgers and shakes. Spend $9 or more and get a free kid’s meal. This is only for dine-in.

Check out MyKidsEatFree for more details on restaurants in your area. Also, take a look at their sister site MyKidsGoFree for deals on traveling with children.

More than 100,000 Christians belong to the Biblically-based medical bill-sharing group called Medi-Share, according to Wallet Pop. It’s one of the largest Christian programs in the country. How does it work? Members agree to help pay each other’s medical bills but also live a Christian life. And the use of these type of programs has increased 150 percent, says Medi-Share.

Why are they on the rise? Well, the premiums are quite a bit cheaper than traditional health insurance. Family rates start at $109 per month. Members can go onto the website and see who they are helping and are encouraged to pray for them. Members get notices each month showing the amount of their “share.” Each household starts a bank account with a Christian Care Ministry Specified bank.

However, there are some drawbacks you should be aware of. The program, which has been around since the early 1990s, requires that you choose a healthy lifestyle. That means no drugs, alcohol or smoking. Also, things such as birth control, abortions or medical issues that come from not living a Christian lifestyle. You also must attend church regularly and have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior. The members make the rules on what to cover. So do some research and make a decision yourself to see if it might be right for you.

As we all continue to follow this tragic story of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, as Christians we can pray but  there are also many ways we can give back financially to help the wildlife and the surrounding communities affected by the oil spill. Many of us may not be able to physically travel to the area and help clean up, but donating some money to these organizations can be very helpful.

Organizations Helping Wildlife:

National Wildlife Federation Gulf Oil Spill Restoration Fund

Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research

Audubon Nature Institute

Environmental Defense Fund

Friends of the Earth

EarthShare

Organizations Helping Surrounding Communities and People Affected by the Oil Spill:

Greater New Orleans Foundation

Oxfam America

Catholic Charities

Seedco Financial

If you’d like to keep track of how the clean-up efforts are going, you can check out the Gulf Coast Oil Spill Volunteers Facebook page. The Better Business Bureau suggests you do some homework before donating lots of money to an organization. Be careful of those that are inexperienced and brand new and know exactly where your money is going.

According to All You magazine, there are tons of household items, from ketchup to coffee, that will clean just as well as the name brand items. Take a look at this list from the magazine and start saving while cleaning.

Use coffee grounds in your refrigerator and get rid of nasty odors. This can take the place of baking soda and if you already drink coffee it can be so much easier by using new or used grounds. Place them in a bowl so they are exposed. Try to do it once a  month or every two months. Check out Mrs. Clean USA for more tips.

Shine your copper or brass with ketchup or Worcestershire sauce, says the magazine. Thanks to the acid and vinegar it works! Squeeze it onto a cloth, rub it on the item and then rinse with warm water.

There are several alternatives for that expensive dishwasher detergent. Use a half cup of white vinegar, try a couple of tablespoons of white laundry bleach, Tang or Lemon Kool-Aid. If you use vinegar, it cleans up the gunk that you may not be able to see. It also removes grease and other stains. Using bleach can cleanse and purify your dishwasher. Tang will break down mineral deposits and the Lemon Kool-Aid works because of the citric acid.

Wipe off scuff marks with a tennis ball on vinyl, wood and even walls, says the article. Make sure it’s a new tennis ball and it will lift off the dirt!

Listerine will not only keep your mouth clean but also your floors. That’s right. Mix a cap full of Listerene with a gallon of water and clean up your vinyl or tile floors. Use the original Listerine because it’s stronger.

Get out a can of cola or antacid tablets for your toilets. Drop two tablets in the bowl to help keep it tidy and let it soak for 20 minutes. Then brush and flush. You can also dump in a can of cola for an hour or so and it does the trick.

We recently shared quick dollar store gifts for mom and now there are even some great gift ideas for dad’s day. Kids don’t always have much money to go and buy a gift for their father, so taking them to the dollar store can really help them out. Check out these ideas from Wallet Pop.

For the Car Lover: Grab a bucket or caddy and stock it with dollar items such as car soap, leather and vinyl cleaner, wipes and an air freshener and he’s ready to drive off in style. You can also add in some sponges and towels.

For the Candy Lover: You can always find great deals on candy at a dollar store. Buy a gift bag and stuff it with all sorts of candies. You can also add in some salty stuff like potato chips or peanuts.

For Mr. Fix It: Find some tools for 99 cents each, such as screwdrivers and hammers and then put them in a tool box or pouch.

For the Wine Lover: Dollar stores sell cool wine bags. Just grab one of those and fill it with a corkscrew, bottle stopper, a wine glass and some chocolate and he’ll love it.

For the Golfer: You can buy dad some name brand golf balls and golf tees at the dollar store. Put the items in a cool mug or beer glass and you’ve got yourself a great gift.

For the Dad Who Wants to Look and Smell Good: You can usually find undershirts, socks, ties, cologne and other men’s products at a dollar store. Put them in a nice gift bag and he’s on his way to looking fabulous.

There’s no doubt that Derek Sisterhen knows what he’s talking about when it comes to money. He’s the Lead Financial Coach at Lukas Coaching, the host of the Past Due Radio show, a blogger at PastDueRadio.com and an avid tweeter by the name @DJSisterhen. This financial pro lives in Raleigh, North Carolina with his wife Elisa.

OODC: How did you get started blogging and tweeting?
@DJSisterhen: I started blogging regularly about two years ago when I became the Lead Financial Coach at Lukas Coaching. I took my articles for our weekly newsletters and started posting them as blogs. It wasn’t long before the articles, and the Past Due Radio podcasts, started to garner a following.

I was a bit hesitant about Twitter at first. I thought everyone was tweeting about tying their shoes, or buttering toast. I started tweeting about six months ago and have since developed some very meaningful relationships with folks I otherwise would’ve never met. Nowadays, I let everyone know when a new show is ready, new blog is available, and when I’m buttering my toast!

OODC: You write about the hedonic treadmill, how our expenses will rise to meet our income creating the feeling that we never earn enough money. How can people avoid that?
@DJSisterhen:You know, as Americans we are a severe disadvantage when it comes to avoiding the hedonic treadmill. The problem is that we live in such a consumer-driven culture that we’ve come to believe more stuff means more satisfaction. Those stuck on the hedonic treadmill have a very difficult time experiencing contentment within their means.

To avoid the trap, we simply have to live below our means. Easier said than done, I know, but we must recommit ourselves to a lifestyle built on relationships, not on material things. There are only three uses of money: you give it, save it, and spend it. Those on the hedonic treadmill value what their money will buy for themselves now more than how they can give or save it, establishing peace at home. As a result, they spend everything they earn and wind up running in place.

OODC: You host a weekly radio show about money. Who’s been your favorite guest?
@DJSisterhen:Easy: My wife, Elisa. I’ve been fortunate to have some great folks on my show, but by far the best was when my wife Elisa joined me for the “So, I Married a Financial Coach” episode. We told our story – of how we used to only talk about money with our hands around each other’s throats – and how we’ve worked hard to get out of the rut that claims so many marriages. She offered a new perspective on me during that show (probably the accurate perspective!) that my listeners hadn’t gotten before.

OODC: Why do you think so many people have a tough time managing their money?
@DJSisterhen:The funny thing about personal finance is that it’s actually personal. Those who try to re-run the numbers or crank out a new spreadsheet are fooling themselves. It isn’t until we get real with the person in the mirror that we can understand whether our behaviors are driving us toward or away from what’s right for ourselves and our money.

OODC: What do you hope people gain from reading your blog?
@DJSisterhen:My “blog” is a bit unique because it combines a traditional blog with podcasts. We’re enamored with using finances as a scorecard or measuring stick of success in this country. My hope is to challenge others to think less about everyone else’s money, and more about how they can live significant lives. It might mean paying off debt to be able to give more freely, or to get on the same page financially so that a couple’s kids learn how to manage money in a loving, productive household, or to get a handle on finances to make a career transition possible. Whatever it is, minimizing the burden of finances so others can live lives of significance is what this is all about, so I hope that’s what visitors are gaining.

OODC: Who are some of your favorite money tweeters?
@DJSisterhen:@jayperoni, @Elle_CM, @moneyfunk, @EngagedMarriage, FinanciallyPoor, @BudgetsAreSexy

Thanks again to @DJSisterhen for being a part of this week’s Twitter Tuesday Profile. Want to be considered for an upcoming profile? Just tweet me!

There are many things to watch out for when purchasing a used car, according to CBS’s Early Show Car Coach Lauren Fix.  She says there are many different ways to go about buying a used vehicle such as CraigsList, Ebay, classified ads, car dealers or private citizens.

Watch out when shopping online, she says. Good thing is there are plenty of choices, but on the other hand scams are all around. Be especially careful when buying out-of-state. Make sure you see it first and inspect it.

What does “certified” mean? That’s a buzz word that many people may not be familiar with, says Fix. That word means the car is covered under a warranty beyond the car’s initial coverage.  The dealer uses a checklist to see if it’s worth certifying.  Make sure you review the different manufacture certification programs.

Factory-certified verses dealer-certified is something to pay attention to. Dealer certified means the dealer checks the automobile, fixes problems and provides a limited warranty, says Fix. Factory-certified means those things are handled by the manufacturer.

Another tip is to get an independent inspection report. Get the car’s VIN number and an inspection report to make sure it hasn’t been in a wreck or flood. Also examine the car for any damage inside and out. Look at the tires too.  Are they a well-known brand? If the wear and tear is strange it could mean other problems.

What about flood-damaged vehicles? Fix says even if they say the car wasn’t in a flood area it could still have flood damage from a previous owner or other circumstance. My first car had a musty odor and may have been in a flood, so be aware of that and look for rust or mud stains.

And finally…. don’t be afraid to say no and just walk away. Keep looking. There are many cars out there!

As I enter my final trimester of my pregnancy I realized that I have been receiving so many coupons and special offers that I wanted to share it with our readers. From clubs that you can join to websites there is a variety of ways to get great deals on baby stuff. Here are some of the ways I’ve started saving money.

1. Join the Publix Supermarkets Baby Club. The first thing I received from this group was a huge book about how to raise your baby on up to a five year old. It’s a great resource. They also send coupons regularly for diapers, formula and other essentials. Many of them are buy one, get one frees and others are free stuff you can pick up when you are shopping.

2. When you register for all of the things you will need for your baby, make sure you pay attention to the emails and mailings you’ll receive from the store. I’ve gotten some great coupons for 20 percent off items at Babies R Us. Also, I received a catalog from Target with an offer of a $20 gift card if you open a registry. I already started one after I received the catalog, but they still gave me one.

3. Check out Eversave. I just received an email about this website, so I haven’t used it yet. But it looks like you can get free samples and coupons for moms and babies from health and beauty to groceries and household items. All you have to do is enter your email address and start saving.

4. Head to garage sales and thrift stores for clothing. Our neighborhood has a community-wide yard sale twice a year. I hit the jackpot and found name-brand clothing for  50 cents up to $5. That’s a great deal! You can also find toys and other items. Just make sure you wash and clean them up before using them.

5. Consider signing up for parenting magazines. These will often have great tips on how to save money on baby items and sometimes includes coupons. You can often sign up for a free trial.

6. Check out the website Diapers. This site not only includes savings for diapers but also other baby items such as toys, books, skin care and formula. You can shop by certain brands or different items and find coupons. You can even start up a baby registry with the site. And if you purchase $75 or more of products you get a free one-year subscription to Parenting Early Years magazine.

Money is important, but it is the root of all evils according to the Bible, says blogger Judith Aparri with Everyday Christian. However, we need it to support our families and pay for food, shelter, clothing and other necessities. Being wealthy isn’t a sin, adds Aparri. But it matters how we look at it and treat it. Many people get caught up in wealth and want more and more stuff.

The Bible says “Where thy treasure is, there will thy heart be also.” Matthew 6:21. Our pastor preaches on this topic a lot. Loving money in a negative way can lead to many other problems. “God tells us to use money to gain friends and be worth the trust so we will deserve to have heavenly possessions,” says Aparri.

Luke 16:9-12 says, “I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings… If you are not trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?  And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own?”

God also wants us to save our money and plan for the future. “On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come.” 1 Cor. 16:2. The scriptures tell us that God wants us to work hard, plan and budget so we will not be poor, says Aparri. The Bible also calls us to give back to the Lord. If we don’t realize that all we have is His, than we are being selfish with our money.

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission received more than 15,000 complaints last year regarding travel, vacations and timeshares. There are many things you need to look out for when booking your summer vacations, says Wallet Pop. Watch out for anything that says it’s free or packages that trick you on what is really being offered.

Here are some things to watch out for:

Online Rentals: Be wary of those that the rate just seems way too good to be true, says the article.  Make sure the house is really available and get contact information before booking. You can check the address too through a Google search.

Timeshares: I get nervous about these. You really have to be careful because there are a lot of catches out there. Some are legit but just be careful.

Airfare and Hotel Packages: I have recently seen several ads for a free plane ticket if you book a hotel for a few days down in Florida.  Look at deals for flights on several websites and hotel deals. Check out Kayak for discounts and airlines.

The article states that it is usually best to pay for a vacation with a credit card as protection. The charge can always be disputed through the Fair Credit Billing Act. Also, don’t give out your credit card number over the phone unless you are familiar with the company. Really think through it before booking. Getting all of the details of the trip in writing is also a good idea. Whenever you’re dealing with a company like a travel service check up on them through the Better Business Bureau.

We’re all looking for great deals, but there are some things we need to watch out for, according to CBS Money Watch. There is always some fine print that we need to be aware of or things to watch out for. Here is a list that Money Watch put together of eight phony bargains and better alternatives.

1. Unlimited Long Distance: We’ve all been hearing the term “bundle” from the different companies. However if you don’t make a lot of long distance calling, you may be wasting your money. CBS says a bundle plan often costs about 20 bucks more than a local plan, so just evaluate your long distance and see if it’s really worth it. As an alternative, buy long-distance service from a reseller like Pioneer Telephone or maybe sign up for a voice over Internet protocol from a carrier such as Vonage.

2. Frequent Flyer Rewards Cards: Many of these benefits have been shrinking. More miles are needed, there are less flight schedules and there might be booking fees. You might also have to pay annual fees that might not make it worth it. A better deal is to get some cash-reward cards instead, suggests CBS. Blue Cash from American Express offers up to 5 percent cash back on purchases.

3. Checking Accounts That Pay Interest: With this deal, you may only get 0.13 percent interest, but it requires high minimums. So forget about interest from checking accounts and look for a no-fee checking account. You can also shop around for banks and credit unions with good deals.

4. Overdraft Protection: This can be just a way for banks to earn some extra cash. Now the government has passed rules that will require banks to get your approval before making you take overdraft protection. An alternative is setting up a savings account that’s linked to your checking. Funds can be transferred if you have an overdraft.

5. Extended Warranty Protection: Experts say DO NOT buy these for appliances and electronics and products don’t usually break within that time frame. You can actually check with your credit card and they may extend the warranty for a year.

6. Going-Out-Of-Business Sales: You may not really be getting a great deal like you expected, says CBS. You might even be better off buying from another business that is trying to compete with them. Check out Price Grabber, Price Spider or Shopping and do some comparison shopping.

7. Paying for a Credit Report: FreeCreditReport.com really isn’t what it says. Order a report and you get a 7-day free trial membership, but if you don’t cancel they bill you per month. Take a look at Annual Credit Report instead. It’s truly free. You can also go to Credit Karma.

8. Fraud Alerts: CBS says do not pay for identity-theft-protection services. You can do it yourself and it’s free. Just review your statements regularly and look for unauthorized charges. Only use fraud alerts if your wallet was stolen or something else happened.

School is almost out and some parents may be frantically trying to think of ways to keep the kids entertained through the summer. Even though most kids have tons of books, video games etc. they often complain that they are bored. Here are some ideas on how to keep them busy this summer from Wallet Pop.

Go Hiking or Biking: Check out the site Trail Link. This group is working to change old railroads into bike paths. There are more than 30,000 trails around the country just waiting for you. You can also log on to Nature Find. It’s a free app that provides you with information on family-fun events across the U.S.

Summer Camp: The Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts offer lots of kids camps. You’ll have to fork out some money, but the cost is reasonable. Not all require that the child is a Boy Scout or Girl Scout.

Mowing/Gardening: My husband worked mowing lawns in middle and high school. This kept him busy, taught him responsibility and helped him save up thousands of dollars. He really enjoyed it. For the younger ones, help them start a little garden in the backyard. Teach them how to care for them and it will also save you money at the dinner table.

Lemonade Stand: I think just about every kid has tried one of these during the hot summer days in the neighborhood. It’s tons of fun and they learn something in the process. Log onto Alex’s Lemonade. It’s a non-profit that teaches kids how to set up a stand and Alex works to raise money for fighting childhood cancer. The site sends you a kit to help!

Visit the Library: Our local library has tons of programs for kids throughout the year, such as story time, crafts and other fun stuff. Your child can check out books, movies and games.

Go Fishing: Fishing poles for kids are usually pretty cheap and its fun! A lot of state and county parks help kids learn how to fish for free.

Volunteer in the Community: This site, Ways to Help, lists thousands of opportunities for kids and teens. Talk to your children and see what activities they might be interested in.

As we continue discussing organizing our finances, let’s remember the reason why we are doing it and then start a list of your accounts. Joe Sangl, financial advisor, has shared part three and four of the steps on his website.

Part Three: Information to include on your financial accounts form (a link was provided in the previous post)

Investment Accounts – Include your 401(k), 403(b), 457, TSP, Roth IRA, IRA, stocks, bonds and mutual funds.

Bank Accounts – This means your checking, savings, money market, CDs and any others with a credit union or bank.

Real Estate – Make sure you list the addresses and the financial status of them.

Will – Bankrate says 58 percent of Americans do not have a will. You need one, says Sangl.

Power of Attorney – Healthcare POA, Limited POA and any other legal assignments.

Insurance Policies – Make sure you include life insurance and insurance on possessions.

Valuables – List jewelry and other valuables and their locations.

Safe Deposit Box – List it if you have one and where it is located.

Part Four: Finding free or cheap resources

You can find a free healthcare power of attorney with AnMed Health Center here. There are many free legal documents like a will and power of attorney. If you have a lot of assets, Sangl suggests meeting with an attorney. Good luck!

There are many reasons why it’s important to get your finances in order, according to Joe Sangl, a financial blogger and author at my church. I know we are all busy, but if we take the time to get organized it can make a world of difference.

Part One: Understand why you are doing it to begin with.

Sangl lists some reasons why you should get organized financially:

Control – It’s hard for the finances to run out of control when you are focusing intently on your financial affairs.

Improved Financial Focus – We tend to improve what we focus our attention on.

We will all die one day – Why not have it all organized for our family?

Part Two: Prepare a list of all your financial accounts.

I am actually not as organized as I would like to be in many areas of my life. But with a little one on the way, I am making sure things are in order around the house and financially. Making a list of all your financial accounts will probably be challenging, says Sangl. Gather your financial statements so you can put together a one or two page document that details your finances. Here is a Free Tool (Financial Accounts Form (MS Word) or Financial Accounts Form (PDF)) to help!

Based on information gathered by Payscale, Money College has put together a list of the highest and lowest-paying college degrees. Here are the Top 10 that can lead to better-paying jobs. Looks like engineering tops the list.

1. Engineering: Aerospace is at the top of the list for engineers, followed by Chemical, Computer and Electrical. The average salary for the first year is $59,000 and the average mid-career salary is about $101,000.

2. Economics: This career also incorporates other topics like social science and history. Economists are also needed to create public policy. Average first-year salary – $50,200, average mid-career salary – $101,000.

3. Physics: With a bachelors in physics, students can go into careers like science teachers, lab technicians, computer programmers and meteorologists. The average starting salary is around $51,000 and the mid-career is $98,800.

4. Computer Science: It seems IT people are always in high demand. Besides IT you can also be a software designer or a freelance computer programmer. Average starting salary is $56,400 and the mid-career is $97,400.

5. Statistics: In this career, you observe patterns in numbers and analyze data and you can do this for a variety of groups. Average salary is $48,600 and mid-career salary can be as high as $94,500.

6. Biochemistry: Try your had at a lab technician, analytical chemist or researcher assistant with this degree. It’s also great for pursuing a medical degree. Average beginning salary is $41,700 and goes up to $94,200.

7. Mathematics: A lot of degrees on this list have math in common. You can go into a wide range of fields with a degree in math, such as banking, insurance and computing services. $47,000 is the average salary starting out and it can go up to $93,600 mid-career.

8. Construction Management: If you are thinking of pursuing this degree, you would be overseeing a construction project from beginning to end. The University of Denver and Southern Polytechnic University are some of the best. Starting salary is about $53,400 and it can go up to $89,600 mid-career.

9. Information Systems: All businesses use information systems to keep track of products and payroll. Average starting salary: $51,400 and average mid-career salary is $87,000.

10. Geology: This is one you may not have thought would be on this list, but it’s a growing field and always needed. Average starting salary: $45,000. Average mid-career salary: $84,200.

My neighborhood has a community-wide yard sale twice a year. All you have to do is sign up with the Homeowner’s Association and you can be one of many who can set up items to sell in their yards and driveways. The community is packed with people from all over town trying to find some great deals. I braved the crowds and went on a hunt for baby items since we are expecting our first child in August. Here are a few tips on how to shop at a yard sale:

1. Do your research early and decide where you want to go. It was easy in my neighborhood because you have all of the sales right there, but look in your local paper for a listing of yard sales for the day.

2. Start early in the day. As the saying goes “The early bird gets the worm” and it’s true with yard sales as well. The quicker you arrive, the better deals you may find.

3. Shop on a Thursday or Friday. Many times these are the best days to avoid crowds.

4. Go through the items quickly and make a list of things you are looking for. Also, if you know it’s a good deal, just go ahead and pay it instead of trying to lower the price.

5. Take cash. I actually raided our money jar and brought quarters and dollar bills with me when I shopped for baby clothes. Nobody seemed to mind that I paid them in change.

6. Check out Yard Sale Search to help you find ones in your area and Garage Sale Guru for some more tips.

7. If you buy an electrical item, find a plug and make sure it works before buying it.

8. If you really like an item, but feel it’s too expensive and the owner won’t negotiate, see if you can give them your name and phone number. Ask them to call you  if they haven’t sold it and want to sell it at a lower price.

9. Bring some bags, boxes, rope, knives and other things that you may need to bring the item home with you.

10. If you bring your children with you, have them pay for some items. The seller may give a discount to children. They can also learn the value of money and have fun!

I never used to shop at dollar stores for much more than maybe some cheap pens or pencils or maybe some wrapping paper, but now you can actually find some decent gift ideas when you shop at one. Do some careful searching and you may just be able to put together a nice, inexpensive gift for mom on Mother’s Day. You’ll get a lot more goodies for your money! You don’t have to fork over tons of money for a dozen roses or jewelry.

A recent article on Wallet Pop had these suggestions for unique Mother’s Day gifts. Put together some gift baskets or gift bags. The Dollar Tree also has these ideas:

Beach Mom: For this basket, just throw in some flip flops, a nice cool drink, sunblock, sunglasses, a beach towel and maybe a book or word puzzles. Consider adding some pretty fabric or tissue paper to the bottom of the basket to make it even prettier.

Crafty Mom: Find some glue, scissors, foam shapes, markers, pipe cleaners, glass beads and any other crafty items you can find. Sometimes you can also snag some scrapbooking items.

Chef Mom: Dollar stores always seem to have lots of kitchen gadgets and goodies. Throw some towels, kitchen utensils, kitchen timer, coupon organizer and maybe some cookie cutters into a basket to help her in the kitchen.

Gardner Mom: Find a big flower pot and add in some gardening gloves, flower seeds and pruners.

Prices are being marked down as much as 40 to 60 percent for tickets to Major League Baseball games throughout the nation. From the Giants and Cardinals to the Braves and Padres, you can score cheap tickets online. And it’s thanks to TravelZoo which is a website devoted to helping you find deals on packages overseas to cheap flights to Las Vegas and other destinations. I booked a trip a few years ago to Paris through TravelZoo. I had to act fast, but for a quick getaway it was perfect.

Now you can enjoy “Hot Baseball Deals” throughout the season through TravelZoo. This week’s picks include:

* Fifty-five percent off Dodgers tickets for select games through June 7.

* Forty percent off field seats to see the Mariners through May 5.

* VIP seats for a Braves game with a $30 food credit May 1 and 2.

* Go see the White Sox in Chicago with game and food tickets through June 24.

* Get up to sixty percent off tickets to catch the Marlins through May 6.

* Forty percent off Astros tickets through May 9.

Make sure you keep checking back with TravelZoo for weekly specials. When you buy tickets it is actually through the teams themselves, so will have to pay some extra fees, but there are still great deals to be had.