Any way that you can save money during these tough times is a great thing. There are many things that you can do around your house that may save you a great deal of money in the long run. Projects can be hard work and time consuming, but if you don’t have the money to spend it is good to know that you can always fix up your house or accomplish other projects by yourself (without spending any, or as much, money).

Cooking and Cleaning – Once again, eating out costs a lot of money. Buying tacos somewhere like Qdoba can cost around $10 for a whole meal and you can cook these very quickly by yourself (even if you aren’t a great cook) and you get more than 3 tacos for your dinner. Especially if you have a family, buying a cookbook that lays out the steps and has simple instructions for everyday meals will benefit you in the long run. Cleaning your house and keeping on top of everyday maintenance is also important. If you let things go for too long, such as a crack in the wall, it may add up to a much more costly and time consuming project later on.

Change Your Oil – This is so easy to do (and if you don’t know how to do it then someone can teach you very quickly). This doesn’t mean that you should never get your oil looked at or changed when you get a tune up, but you can save a great deal of money by changing your own oil and keep up on things in your car such as your windshield washer fluid and coolant. These important things will keep your car running longer and out of the repair shop which always costs you money!

Do Your Own Landscaping – It definitely isn’t easy (and some people don’t have a green thumb) but if you do, planting your own plants and weeding your garden can save you a great deal of money that you would have spent landscaping. The same is true when it comes to mowing your lawn or raking your leaves. These tasks don’t require a green thumb, but they can be extremely time consuming depending on how big your yard is. When times are tough consider cutting back on paying the landscapers to do your work. Manual labor costs a lot of money and you will see the extra money in your bank account each month add up.

Put Together Your Own Furniture – Ikea has some really great furniture for cheap! The one drawback is that you have to put it together yourself. Once again, this can be time consuming but you get great furniture for an even better deal, you just have to find the time to put it all together. Another benefit is that you can save on the shipping and handling because the furniture (usually, depending on what you buy) comes in boxes that will fit right into your car.

Although these ideas may be common sense for many, there are still people that spend a lot of money on having other people complete these tasks for them. Yes, people struggle with finding the time in their days/weeks to do the things that they want to do, but if you are in a bind financially, these simple things can save you a ton each month and possibly even help you put some money towards your savings.

Be sure to check out 10 Do-It-Yourself Skills That Can Save a Bundle and Cut Back Without Crimping Your Lifestyle from our partners at MainStreet.com for more ideas that can save you money!

Photo: Adam Singer

On this day of  thanks it’s fitting to discuss investments that are not solely focused on the bottom line.  From cleaning the air, to animal rights, to recycling, here are four investments to be thankful for:

Green Century Funds sponsor two socially responsible mutual funds.  They are environmentally responsible, founded by nonprofit advocacy organizations, and committed to shareholder activism as a critical component of responsible investing.

As their mission states, “With Green Century’s mutual funds, you can use your investment dollars to help the environment. We seek competitive returns while we put your money to work for cleaner air, cleaner water and a healthier planet. We believe that, in the long run, companies that now seek to protect the environment may be more profitable than companies that pollute. And that means a better future for everyone.”

The Green Century Balanced Fund (GCBLX) invests in stocks and bonds of companies with clean environmental records.  The Green Century Equity Fund (GCEQX) invests in stocks of the Domini 400 Social Index.

The Integrity Growth & Income Fund (IGIAX) is a broadly ethical stock mutual fund concerned with animal rights, governance, environmental sustainability, employee and social issues.  The investment philosophy is to look proactively for companies that are contributing in a positive way to a better world and a cleaner environment.  However, companies must first pass financial screens.  Underlying investments are chosen based on strict corporate governance standards and avoid alcohol, tobacco, pornography, and gambling.

Integrity is one of the few funds that consider animal rights as an important issue.  As such, they work closely with PETA for advice on issues and current holdings.

Clean Harbors, Inc. (CLHB) is committed to conserving natural resources and protecting the environment by providing viable alternatives to disposal.  Recycling Services offer a variety of recycling, reuse and reclamation options for hazardous and non-hazardous materials including solvents, chemicals and oil, light bulbs, transformers and other electrical equipment.

Their recycling and reuse programs find beneficial uses for manufacturing by-products.  Clean Harbor recycles oil, antifreeze and other automotive products.

Evergreen Solar, Inc. (ESLR) develops, manufactures, and markets solar power products.  With their proprietary “String Ribbon” technology, solar panels are smaller, easier to assemble and more efficient that other solar panels.

Solar power is expected to be on the forefront of the future electricity supply of the United States.  Solar-power use is expected to grow 40% a year through 2011, according to an RBC Capital Markets report. It projected 2007 profits for the industry of $7.7 billion, rising to $11.5 billion by 2011.

Before investing in any SRI be sure to do your research.  Scott Rothbort wrote an excellent article called “Understanding Socially Responsible Investing.”  Once you have all the facts, these types of investments may warm your conscience and fatten your wallet.

Today we have a guest post by Richard Epley from over at Bluejeans Millionaire.

If ever there were a year when you needed to get maximum value from minimal gift spending…this is it.

In that spirit, here are ten valuable tips on coping with the holiday overload.

And a bonus tip on dealing with conflicting family obligations.

1.   Take the initiative in contacting family members and let them know there will be a truce this year in the spending wars.  The best possible gift is time spent with your loved ones.  The trinkets and baubles are of secondary importance.  You might even suggest a dollar limit on gifts to remove the burdens of guilt and obligation.

2. If air travel costs threaten to break your budget, take advantage of last minute price reductions.   The airlines will do whatever they have to do, in order to avoid the most perishable of commodities….an empty seat on a scheduled flight.   You can also gift your banked airline miles to those who cannot afford the high cost of air travel.

3.  Don’t buy holiday gift cards from retailers.  I know the rationale.  It shows that you actually entered a store and made a purchase, which is supposed to signify something….that you physically went shopping,  more or less.

This year there are dozens of retailers who will not survive into the new year, and many such cards will expire worthless.  Don’t believe me?  Check out the market for Sharper Image gift cards from last year.

Even in years when the retailer survived, many cards did not, as they were lost or expired unused, or had credit balances never cashed in.  What a waste of time and money.

4.  Instead of store bought gifts, why not convert some of your digital family photos into print form and create an album as a gift.   Every time a hard disc crashes, your digital photo library is at peril.  And everyone loves family photos.

5.  To stretch your gifting budget, put cold, hard cash in the fireplace stocking.  It never expires, and is accepted universally.  And it will go much further when prices are slashed the last week of the year and into the new year.   This is the time honored technique to get more bang from the buck.

Not to mention that everyone gets what they want.  There is nothing to exchange.

6.  For next year, consider the concept of the family contingency gift bank.  My wife and I both come from large extended families, and we never know for sure how many will show up for the holidays.  So we acquire gift items at clearance prices throughout the year, as bargains present themselves,  and store them for future gifting.

7.  The best gift selection for the very youngest family members is an equity investment in their future.  It might be a Coverdell IRA for their secondary education expenses, or a $50 per month automatic deposit into one of the funds, like T.Rowe Price, that allow for such a low threshold of funding.

You know how this works long term.  From humble acorns, great oaks can grow.  And we may go another generation before we see stocks priced as low as they now are.

8.  Don’t forget charitable gifting.  You may have your own favorite charity, but please also consider the Smile Train.  They perform cleft palate surgery on needy children worldwide, and they keep overhead at a bare bones minimum.  You can elect to have a monthly donation charged to your credit card.

9.  If you cannot afford a cash contribution to charity, you can always arrange to donate your own time and effort.  At the every least, when you clean out your pantry, be sure to donate unneeded non-perishable food to your local food bank.  Due to the recession, their shelves are bare and they would greatly benefit from your generosity.

10.  Many grocery stores have holiday promotions where they almost give Turkeys away when your total food bill reaches a required threshold.   There is no limit on how many Turkeys you may acquire this way, and then you have the option of gifting them to those who help make your life a little easier each year.

Bonus suggestion:  Everyone who has a significant other faces this dilemma every holiday.  Whose family do we visit this time?    Here’s how we handled it this year.  Our older adultlet was invited to spend Thanksgiving with her boyfriend’s family.

So we simply postponed our family Thanksgiving dinner one day to the following Friday.

Both families get to host the kids…and the kids get to celebrate twice.

Everyone wins. Nobody feels left out.

Hey, it’s a four day weekend…and this is a free country….so why not plan your gatherings for the day most convenient for everyone?

Best holiday wishes to everyone from our team at bluejeansmillionaire.com.

Thanks for sharing RIchard.  Do you have any special plans for the holiday?  Let us know!

By Jeffrey Cretan | MainStreet.com

Keeping your car alive during a cold snap involves more than just crossing your fingers as the thermostat plunges into the low teens. Careful concern for your car before you hit the road can save you permanent damage and high repair costs. So take these steps to ensure you have a ride home even when the snow is three feet high.

Coolant Isn’t Just For Cooling

While the coolant sounds like something useful to keep your engine from over-heating, it also acts as anti-freeze that, if used properly, won’t freeze until you hit -34 degrees. Have your mechanic check the coolant or buy a tester ($4.99 at Kragen Auto Parts) to make sure that your anti-freeze mixture is one part coolant (anti-freeze) and one part water.

A Dying Battery is a Nearly Dead Battery

Finding someone to help you jump your car in a snow washed parking lot isn’t easy, so be sure your battery is still carrying a hearty charge. Getting a battery load-tested will tell you how much charging ability it has left and if it needs to be serviced. If it’s more than four and a half years old, replace the battery altogether (batteries last five years.)

Don’t Burnout Your Rubber

Your tires can be trouble in the snow and cold in a few ways. First off, cold air contracts which can cause tire pressure to drop, so be sure to check your tire pressure with a gauge and to keep them inflated. While you’re checking tire pressures, pop the trunk and measure the spare in the trunk so that it’s ready in case of emergency.

Also, make sure the treads on your tires are in good condition to handle that slick ice. If you don’t know what good conditioned tires look like, consult a mechanic. Snow tires are another option and while they’re not cheap ($568 for a set of 4 at Tirerack.com) they will save your regular tires from the wear and tear of a torrid winter.

Check That (Fill in the Blank)

Routine checks can save you from extraordinary disasters. A few things to have a mechanic look at briefly to make sure everything is up to snuff:
- Brakes (if you haven’t had a brake check in six months)
- Four Wheel Drive
- Engine belts and hoses (which can deteriorate quickly in cold weather)
- Heater, defrosters

Oil: Thin is In

The cold weather causes oil to thicken so when you start your car in the morning the oil won’t circulate as well through the engine. The owner’s manual should recommend what oil viscosity grade to switch to in a colder climate. If changing your oil is something you can’t handle, you can get a change at a mechanic or lube service shop for $30-$40.

Wipe Away Disaster

Even if your car has started and is running fine, disaster can still strike if you can’t see through the windshield. Replace your windshield wiper blades with snow blades ($8-20 for a set at Kragen) to keep the ice out of your eyes. Also, be sure to keep washer fluid in the cleaning reservoir (not water) because water will freeze.

Always Be Prepared

Even the most diligent planner and winterizer can get derailed by a patch of black ice on a dark road. To save this situation from being a total disaster, pack an emergency roadside kit in your trunk. Be sure to include (among other things) tire chains, blankets, boots, gloves, ice scraper, small snow shovel, flashlight, extra food and water and an abrasive substance like kitty litter or salt to sprinkle on the ice if your tires get stuck. For those who want a comprehensive kit without having to think too hard, the American Automobile Association (AAA) sells a 63 piece roadside kit for $44.95.

Julia Bunin speaks with none other than Richard Simmons.

Yes, the holidays are about thinking of others instead of yourself. Still, there are two big questions a lot of people are asking that concerns their money. Here they are.

1) With all the gyrations in the market, should I get out of stocks entirely until this blows over? Should I at least seriously reallocate my portfolio?

You should stay in the market if you don’t need your money for at least seven years. If you need your money sooner, now is the time that your investments need more attention than ever.

One thing you shouldn’t do is to stop investing for your future. If you do, you run the risk of not saving enough so that your portfolio keeps up with inflation.

If you are investing for the long term (at least 7 years), you should make sure you are diversified in large cap, small cap, international and bond mutual funds. A good way to start researching brokerage firms is by browsing the Geezeo community’s rankings in Geezeo Brokerage.

2) Are my liquid accounts safe? With big banks in jeopardy I may need my rainy day fund sooner than I thought!

You have a right to feel worried. It is hard to keep track of all the bank mergers in the last few weeks. You should start by checking if your bank account is FDIC insured. A great new site to do this is http://www.myfdicinsurance.gov/. Your bank is probably is insured up to $250,000 per depositor. This means that your liquid account is safe.

For many, Black Friday is just as exciting as Thanksgiving itself. People wake up at 3am just to be at the stores (sometimes in huge lines) by 4am. It is definitely consumerism at its best and Black Friday has become associated with Thanksgiving. You can no longer just think of Thanksgiving for what it is, but now Black Friday and the store sales come along with it as well. However, before you get caught up in all the excitement, take a step back and make sure you are really considering Black Friday for what it is.

Yes, there are some amazing sales on this day. Wal-Mart drops their prices considerably on things like TVs, laptops, etc. along with many other stores. But as early morning comes and goes, those items disappear quickly, however there are still just as many people in the stores later in the afternoon.

Here are some things you should definitely consider this Black Friday while shopping:

Are You Shopping More than the Sales? – If your motive for going out on Black Friday with all the crowds is to find some really great deals and get things on sale then that’s great! However, many people fall into the trap of also purchasing items that aren’t actually on sale at all. People buy things to get “free” gifts and other items that may come with their purchases. Just be sure you are actually going to use this “free” gift, because if not you have just spent money that could have been put towards something that you actually want or need.

Buying Something You Don’t Need/Won’t Use – This is a common thing that occurs during Black Friday. People get so caught up in the sales that they convince themselves that they will use or wear something because it is such a great deal. However, more often than not this is not the case. Yes, people get some great Christmas shopping done, but just be sure the person will enjoy the gift that you are purchasing for them.

Don’t Overspend on Your Credit Card - This is the easiest trap to fall into. When you see something you love but don’t think you have the cash for it right now, you can easily swipe your card and forgot you even spent the money. Don’t get carried away and charge everything to your card because you will be very unhappy when the bill arrives.

Items that May be Cheaper Later with a Regular Coupon – There are definitely good deals during Black Friday. You can get certain items for cheap that typically never go on sale (but usually a long line comes with the purchase of these select items). Make sure that what you are getting is actually a deal and saving you money in the long run. If you purchase something today, then get a coupon in the mail next week for 30% off, you might get a better bargain. I know that you can never be certain that a coupon will come along and if you see something Black Friday that someone will love (or you will love) for a great deal then I would say you should definitely purchase it when you see it.

Make sure you go out on Black Friday with an open mind and you are certain that the things you purchase will be worthwhile to you. Consider your options and be sure that you aren’t throwing your money away just for the fun of the “holiday” (as it certainly has become one).

Check out this MainStreet.com article for great deals on some retailers near you! You may luck out and find something for really cheap that you have always had your eye on. Also, be sure to look on the internet on Black Friday as retailers have started offering deals there as well.

Good luck and happy shopping!

Photo: Monika Ujma

In no particular order, here are some of the posts that we thought we’d share with you from earlier today.

Northern Cheapskate helps us get ready for Black Friday. One of her suggestions is the make a list.  Don’t rely on your memory.  With all of that craziness, you are bound to forget something.  What are you plans for black Friday anyways?  Queercents wants to know!

In order to do even better, you may want to read over these 6 tips for smarter holiday shopping.

Ok, so that’s enough of the holiday shopping posts.  What about those of you who are just trying to get a handle on your money period?  Well, it may help to first sit down and talk with your significant other about money.  Here are 8 tips from Consumerism Commentary.

Gather Little By Little wants you to accomplish your dreams when it comes to your finances.  Note that we are reminded that it’s gonna happen one step at a time.

And finally, maybe you are wanting to know why you should keep more than the bare minimum in your emergency fund.  Well, here’s what Blunt Money has to say about that.

By Peter McDougall | MainStreet.com

In today’s lean times, some companies are trimming expenses by halting the employer match on their employees’ 401(k) contributions. In a recent survey by benefits consultant Watson Wyatt, 2% of 248 U.S. companies have already cut back on matching contributions and another 4% plan on doing so. If you start looking to trim your own expenses when money gets tight, don’t take the same approach.

Long considered “free money” by many financial advisers, employer matches are a great motivator to get people to save for retirement. But the bulk of retirement savings still come from employee contributions. While dropping the match can help a company’s bottom line, stopping your own contributions will hurt yours. Here’s why: Missing out on even a couple of years of contributions now can leave you paying the price in retirement.

To see just how much a hiatus from retirement contributions will cost you in retirement dollars, check out the online Delayed Savings calculator from BankingMyWay.com. To use the calculator, enter your current 401(k) balance, the number of years before you retire and your annual contribution amount. (You can also enter monthly or quarterly contribution amounts.) Next, enter the number of years you plan on suspending contributions and an estimate for a rate of return on your account.

Say you’re 40 years old and you’re able to contribute $8,000 a year to a 401(k) account that holds $100,000. Your company announces it is halting its matching contributions, but has plans to restore the benefit in a couple of years once the economy turns around. While that’s bad news for your retirement savings, it’s worse news if you do the same. In fact, a two-year hiatus from your retirement contributions could cost your account $105,517 by the time you retire at age 65, assuming an average 8% annual rate of return.

If you take a break from your contributions, your 401(k) account at retirement would have $1,316,483. You stand to miss out on more than 8% of your total retirement dollars by skipping just the next two years of contributions.

And the younger you are, the more critical it is to keep saving. Reason: The more time money has to grow, the greater the impact on your retirement dollars, thanks to the tax-deferred growth in 401(k) plans. This is why financial advisers say the easiest way to save for retirement is to start early.

The importance of these early years means you may even want to increase your contributions in the absence of your company’s matching contribution. Many employers limit their matching funds to just a small percentage of an employee’s salary. The average employer matches 50% of contributions up to 6% of an employee’s contributed salary, according to the Profit Sharing/401k Council of America. So finding a little extra in your budget to put toward retirement can make a big difference down the road.

Charles Williamson, president of AIG’s Private Client Group, says the troubled insurer’s core businesses remain in good shape even as the company restructures itself. He also says that policyholders remain well protected.