Earn 1000 Marriott Points with One Tweet

This weekend, I went to Chicago and attended Frequent Traveler University, a symposium of experts in the miles and points game. Workshops on everything from redemption programs to manufactured spending gave attendees tips and tricks to make everyday spending work for their practical and aspirational travel goals. 

One thing I didn't know was just how easy it is to accumulate points, both airline and hotel points when you're part of a loyalty program. For example, Marriott is running a promotion right now with the NFL called Extra Points Sunday. 

All you have to do is connect your Marriott account to your Twitter account before you play and reply to a question that's posted each week. 

Tweet your response with the hashtag #RewardsPoints and you will earn 1,000 points each week of the promotion. Questions are posted on Sundays and you have until 8:00 p.m. Eastern to answer. 

With points averaging about $.09/point, you're not going earn a free night, but every point counts. Earning $9 for a few minutes work is not bad at all. 

Happy tweeting!

I'm new to the miles and points game...any tips or tricks that worked for you? Please share in the comments. 

Valentine's Day on a Budget

This morning, my sweet husband asked me about our plans for Valentine's Day, or more specifically, whether we had any, and if we did not, what was it that I wanted to do. 

I probably gave him the answer that many men want, but one that they may or may not suggest themselves.

"Let's stay in," I said. 

The eyebrow went up and he was quiet for a moment, only to be reassured when he heard my reasoning. 

For starters, he has been teaching a class on Saturdays for the last six weeks, so we have been playing catch up on weekends. Also, we're going away with friends next weekend, so a romantic night in sounds great. 

Valentine's Day may be a Hallmark holiday, but nevertheless, it is the perfect day to show a little love. 

Luckily, love doesn't have to break the bank. 

Also, in keeping it low key, you focus on the one you love, without having to buy into the commercial nonsense that dilutes the magic of the night. 

And when it comes down to it, isn't it better canoodling with your plus one at home, rather than waiting for a rushed, overpriced, pre-fixe, and perhaps, mediocre meal at an overcrowded bar or restaurant?

Here are some ways to celebrate the love of Valentine's Day and keep to your spending goals at the same time.

1. Set the tone. Put a note in his lunch...romantic or naughty and inviting. Give him a clue as to what's to come. 

2. Flirt throughout the day. Send a text, loving or suggestive. Build the excitement and carry it throughout the day.

3. Stay in. We make homemade pizza and open a bottle of wine. He makes the pizza and opens the wine and I, well, I sip the wine, dig out the supplies and occasionally flick a little flour around to start a little trouble. 

Markup on drinks average 300-400%. Why not stay in with a bottle of your own wine, some food to get you through the night, and a little Diana Krall or Chris Botti on Pandora? You set the stage. You control the ingredients.  You make the magic.

And, if you're not lucky enough to have a working fireplace in your home, you can always channel your own via Neflix...seriously. 

The cozy view courtesy of Netflix

4. Celebrate with friends. Couples' night or Girls' Night In...have people over and celebrate with tapas and sangria, or whatever flavor palate suits your fancy. 

5. Borrow from his closet. I don't know if it's in their DNA, but guys... or at least my guy... loves the idea of me donning one of his shirts. Who needs expensive lingerie? Try the work shirt. Or a tie and heels...you're good to go. A win-win.

Can you go out and break the bank with reservations at a fancy restaurant, drinks at a trendy bar, flowers to decorate your home or office, and gifts to mark the day? Absolutely. 

But, if you're on a plan to eliminate debt or grow your savings, or if you simply prefer to have your beloved to yourself, and not share among the throngs of others celebrating among you, then a romantic night in may be just the thing.

It's good for the wallet, it's good for the heart, and if you play your cards right, it's good for the body. 

Cheers!

What are some of your romantic, low-budget date night ideas?

Saving money to travel

Saving isn't easy. 

Emergencies happen. Date nights happen. Cute shoes happen.

And they should....well, not emergencies...

Despite the occasional need for spending, there are ways to save for big ticket items and experiences without compromising the things you love. 

But you have to change things up a bit. 

Define what it is that you want. It's easy to say that you want more money. Why are you saving? How much do you need? 

For example, are you saving to travel? How long will you be on the road? What is your cost per day? 

On the other hand, if you want an income property that costs $150,000, you probably will need $30K for a down payment. How will you save that? 

Are you saving for an emergency fund? Figure out your three-six month expenses and start saving. 

Define you goal. From there, you can figure out your saving plan and your monthly or weekly steps to achieving that goal. 

Here are some ideas. 

• Track your spending for a week or a month and then analyze it with a critical eye. Look at it as it were a work project. Where can you save? Where is there evidence of wasteful or unnecessary spending? Are you paying interest on your credit card?

• If you haven't already, set up an automatic savings plan with your bank. You can have a set amount withdrawn every week or every month or twice a month...whatever works for you. Saving $25 a week will give you $1300 in a year. It's a start. 

• Speaking of banks, Bank of America offers a "Keep the Change" option for debit card users. They will round up your purchase and put the difference into your savings. Everything counts. 

• If you pay off your credit card every month, consider a card that gives you points or cash back. This is only worth it for people who carry a zero balance.

• Do you need cable? For about $100 a year, the benefits of Netflix streaming is better than the fees charged by cable and satellite providers. We have a Roku device, and with Netflix and the content provided through my Amazon Prime membership, we're all set. Our tv gets local channels without cable. It depends on your needs. How much are you spending now? 

• Bag your lunch. Better for your body and better for your wallet. You could save $2500 a year. 

• Avoid the 300% markup on booze and entertain at home. 

• Clean out your closet and sell your stuff on Instagram. Take clear, unfiltered photos, use concise hashtags to market your things, and link to a PayPal account for easy transactions.

And then...

• I love Starbucks as much as anyone. But I refuse to pay $4 or more for a latte. Consider drip coffee and add your own milk. Or make it a once a month treat if it's worth the nearly $50 cost. Everyone has their non-negotiables..define yours.

• Cook at home. And cook with what's fresh, in season, and on sale.

• Pay your debts. Pay off the smallest one first and then continue to "pay," applying that payment and another to the next smallest debt. Work your way up. 

• Paying a mortgage? Doubling up on a payment, even once a year, may save you in interest over time. Use a windfall, like a tax refund, to make it happen.

• Pay off your car early, if you can. Keep it in good condition and hang on to it. When it needs repairs, consider the local voc-tech school. You will pay for parts only (not labor) and you will help out the kids being hired in the local garages when they graduate. Most voc-tech schools are ASE-certified. This is a win-win. Take the money you saved and add it to your savings. 

• When you want to go out, look at what free events your city is offering. Many libraries offer free museum passes and Bank of America card holders can get into many museums for free on the first weekend of ever month. Take the money you would have spent and add it to your savings. 

• Go back to your tracking...transfer money saved to your savings.

The law of checks and balances dictate that what we spend is always in exchange for something else. 

Nomadic Matt claims that you can travel the world for $50 a day. Is that dinner out worth a day on the road? 

Sometimes yes. But if your goal is bigger than that dinner out, it might be worth a dinner in. 

What was the most valuable tip you read here? How do you save for big ticket items or experiences? 

Snow Day Shopping Haul

I am not a shopper. When I go to the mall with friends, I follow them around, but I never buy anything. Often when I go by myself, I walk around with stuff, only to put it back because I don't really need it. 

Today was different. 

Actually, it started yesterday. 

So much for a January, post-holiday spending freeze. 

On my way home last night, I decided that I needed more Quest bars. I have been eating Quest bars since they were only available online from Quest years ago. They're the only bars I eat. 

So, I stopped at GNC for a case of my favorite Raspberry White Chocolate flavor and a case of the Cravings Peanut Butter Cups. But then, I decided to try the Quest protein chips as well. 

Not bad, but a little impulsive. 

Since the wind chill was projected to be -25 to -30F below zero, area schools decided to delay classes or cancel altogether. Mine cancelled. It was a bright sunny day, so I decided to layer up, venture out, and go get the probiotics I was planning to start up again. 

I started at Target...mostly because they have a Starbucks. Although I thought about the Flat White, I opted for the skinny mocha. 

Fabulous!

Then, I decided to see what I could find on clearance....success...a long sleeved tee, compression shorts for the gym, a sports bra and a picture frame.

Then, I went to the Vitamin Shoppe in the same plaza. Kudos to the man working there today, because I asked, what seemed like, a million questions. 

I got my probiotics. 

Then, I thought I would explore Kohl's for work pants, since I had gift card. Apparently, Valentine's Day is in the air. 

And flip flops.

In January in New England...that's optimism.

Nevertheless, pants, I found...and a foot roller that will hopefully alleviate recurring plantar fasciitis.

Thinking I would grab lunch at Panera Bread, I stopped by the mall; however, the 60% off clearance sign at Old Navy was too much to resist. 

Long sleeved tees, a henley shirt, draw-string lounge pants, a button down shirt, a cami, a cowl neck pullover, pajama bottoms, and a package of Pop Rocks...because apparently, I am 5.

Next door to Old Navy is a Panera Bread, but there is also a brand new Burlington Coat Factory. Panera would have to wait. 

Here, I found I could not bear to leave without gym socks, a new gym bag, a cooling towel, a weighted jump rope, a workout tank, a workout long sleeved tee, a draping cardigan, a sports bra, cute underwear and a work blouse. 

I never made it to Panera Bread. I gulped down a Quest bar I had in my purse and decided to go home before I bought more stuff. 

But, I did end up replacing old, ratty staples that I held on to far too long. 

All in all, my snow-day turned shopping day turned out quite nice. 

If this is all I buy for clothes in the next six or more months, it's not bad. Most of what I bought was on clearance and replacing worn out items. 

Still, it gets my minimalist tendencies in a tizzy.

Are you a shopper? Do you have any non-shoppers in your life? 

Getting the Most from Your CSA or Farmers' Market

I don't know about you, but here in the northeast, we waited a long time for spring to arrive. And after the final frost comes the promise of a long, productive growing season and a bountiful harvest. 

As more people become educated about the journey of their food from seed to plate, many people are opting to stay local. Some plant home gardens. Others choose community supported agriculture, or CSA, available at local farms. Some support farmers' markets. And some do some combination of the three.

According to Local Harvest, (www.localharvest.org/csa) a CSA is a seasonal subscription program in which community members make financial (and at times, labor) investments in a local farm's growing season in exchange for a share of the harvest. 

These shares are divided among the shareholders and most often include whatever produce is harvested that week, but may include other items, such as eggs, milk, cheese, bread, honey, flowers, meat, or whatever else the farm may offer.

This program can be a win-win because the farmers have the initial investment for any costs associated with the growing season, and the community benefits from the local, consciously grown, and at times, organic produce.

For some folks, the farmers' market is a better option due to scheduling or the upfront and, perhaps risky, fairly substantial monetary investment associated a CSA. Also, the farmers' market is a great way to supplement a CSA box, in case of a meager season, or to supplement a family that eats more produce than what the farm share may provide. 

If you chose a CSA for your family's produce needs, here are a few things you can do to maximize the return on your investment. 

1. Prep and Store
Wash and store your harvest as soon as you return home. Wash and dry your greens. Separate what needs to be refrigerated, and prep anything that needs to be trimmed or cleaned to be ready to eat. Educate yourself about the best way to store tender produce. If you planning to can or freeze anything, prep for what you need. Seal in flavor at its peak ripeness.

2. Get creative. 
Often, the first harvest of a spring CSA box or farmers' market relies heavy on greens. Get creative. You can add greens to salads or soups. Toss with pasta, some white beans, garlic and olive oil. Try roasting them or adding them to a smoothie with some fruit. Can you use some of the bigger leaves for Asian-style wraps? Try making a pesto...add some garlic, Parmesan cheese, olive oil and pine nuts or walnuts. And when in doubt, ask. 


3. Build around it. 
In many European cities, people go to the market in search of what is fresh, and then, they build their meal. Start with your CSA box or what's fresh at the market and go from there. Search your favorite recipe websites for ways to prepare produce with which you may not be familiar. Increase your side dish or Meatless Monday repertoire. Talk to the farmer, and ask questions. 

Maybe there is newsletter that offers recipes or cooking tips. Start with what is fresh and go from there. 

Whether you have a CSA share or you venture out to your local farmers' market, you have the benefit of eating the best of what the local land has to offer. And if you have your own garden, you have the added benefit of taking your food from seed to plate. 

And, if you're on a road trip and want to support a local farm or farmers' market, this app by Foodlander (iOS and Android) allows you to search for farms by location, including their hours, their website and their offerings. You can also check the Local Harvest website to find one near you. 

Eating local simply makes good sense. 

It's seasonal. 

It's full of flavor. 

It is more environmentally sound because  it has a smaller carbon footprint: it's natural, unprocessed, and close by. 

You can meet people involved in growing your food and ask questions. 

You can support the local economy and support the idea that we care about what we eat and how it is grown.

It's a win-win.


Do you belong to a CSA or frequent farmers' markets? What are your tips for making the most of your share or navigating the market?

Save Money Now: 25 Ideas for Saving

I breathed a gigantic sigh of relief when I made my final student loan payment. I worked hard to pay off my credit card debt and worked doubly hard to pay off my car two years early. This was my last debt. What a great feeling to be debt free. 

But that's just me. We still have mortgage debt. And my husband has some credit card debt. 

We're working on it.

We're not alone.

According to Federal Reserve statistics, the average United States household owes $15K in credit card debt, $154K in mortgage debt and $34K in student loan debt.

Overwhelming.

Our long term goal is long term travel. We hope to buy income property here in the States and live comfortably on our retirement once we are in Spain full time. It's a lofty goal.

So how can we make this happen? How can you make your saving goals happen? 

Here are some ideas.

• Pay down the debt. Pay off debt with the highest interest rate first. Then apply that payment to what is being paid on the next highest and so on. Keep working up until all debt is paid. Or start with the smallest debt and work your way up. And no new credit cards. Pick one (or two) and stick with it. 
• Create a budget and stick to it.
• Make sure your tires are properly inflated and save in gas mileage.
• Try a savings plan like the 52 week savings plan.

• Brown bag your lunch and save up to $2500 a year.
• Consign clothes you no longer wear and items you no longer use.
• Install energy saving devices in your home.

• Turn down the heat/ac. Consider an automatic thermostat to regulate your temperatures.

• Quit cable and use Hulu or Netflix. Try a Roku and stream on your television.
• Find a meet-up group centered around fitness and put your gym membership on hold. Get outside.

• Cook at home and take the money you would have spent and add it to your savings.
• Make your own coffee. 
• Set up automatic savings from your paycheck to a savings account. It all adds up.

• Have friends over for a get together instead of going out. There is more than a 300% markup on alcohol in bars and restaurants. The savings on drinks alone makes it worth it to have your wine, beer and drinks at home.
• Use generic items. You may have some non-negotiables, but most items are just as good as the brand names.
• Consider a dollar store...you may be surprised by what you can find these days.
• Use only your bank's ATM and avoid costly fees. Get free checking with no fees.

• Shop at a consignment store. Or, if you go retail, only shop on sale. Take the money the receipt says you saved and add it to your savings.
• Use your library instead of buying books. Many libraries have e-books that can be sent directly to your e-reader.

• Know your prices and only buy things on sale. Save where you can.
• Walk, bike ride, use public transportation, or carpool whenever possible. It saves energy and money.
• Have a movie night at home, or if you want to see a first run movie, go to the last matinee of the day. Also, around here, Tuesday is "Cheap Movie Night" where the theater charges matinee prices for prime time showings. Check out your local theater...maybe you can find a deal.
• Use savings sites like Groupon or Goldstar.com to find deals on entertainment.
• If you're not using it, shut it off.
• Give up a vice. It may save you hundreds per year.

Saving today is not easy. But if you save where you can and put that money into  a savings plan, you may be surprised at how quickly it accumulates. 

How do you save? Any great tips? 

Life hack that can save you hundreds in car repair

I can vouch for this as I have done it multiple times. 

And over time, I have saved thousands.

It's worth checking out.

I bring my car to a local vocational/technical high school. 

Here, students learn trades, and often work in co-op their senior year. In my case, the school is ASE certified and these students are more than likely to be working on my car the following year, anyway, in local garages.

I have had brakes done, tie rods replaced, sway bar repaired (or replaced ...whatever it is they do), as well as oil changes and new-to-me car inspections. Schools charge for parts; not labor. 

For example, replacing my brakes cost me about $100. 

In my case, customers call the school and are transferred to the auto shop. There, they make the appointment. 

This works best if you don't need your car that day, but perhaps you can wait for it.  Everyplace is different. 

I drop mine off in the morning and pick it up after school. Only once did they need it overnight. But the savings made it worth the wait. 

Call your local vocational school and ask if they accept jobs from the general public. Students need opportunities to work on their craft It's the seniors who are doing the job and they are working under certified mechanic instructors. 

It's a win-win. 

Grounded? Coping strategies for the non-traveling traveler

When you travel by choice, being grounded, due to time or final constraints, can be difficult, and at times, torturous. What makes it worse is a seemingly, never-ending winter that keeps you longing for far-away locales that soothe your winter weariness with sun, warmth, and the time to appreciate it. 

If you're between trips, there are things you can do to keep your focus and perhaps, make you even better prepared for your next trip. Here's how.

1. Start planning. 
Create a Pinterest board dedicated to your next destination. Start thinking about your must-see locations and your must-do activities. Get inspired and stay inspired. 

2. Say what?
If you're planning to travel abroad, and if you don't know the language, dabble in a bit of free online language learning. Check out Live Mocha or DuoLingo and teach yourself, at the very least, native pleasantries. 

3. Save where you can. 
Start or add to a savings plan. The more you can save before you go, the less you have to worry about debt while you're traveling. Plus, it's fun to see the savings grow, while you're working toward a specific goal. And, if you have a credit card that awards you travel points, consider making your purchases on that one card and bank your points. You may not end up using it on a round-the-world flight, but you may save money on hotels or car rentals. Save where you can.

4. Get in the zone
Investigate the cuisine of the region you want to explore and get cooking. Is there a Pandora channel that highlights the music of your destination? You may not be there in body, but you can visit in mind. 

5. Chat it up
Find like minded folks who share your passion. There are meet-up groups all over the country that focus on travel, becoming location independent, language learning...really, anything that interests you. If you play underwater hockey and love to make your own sushi, there is a group for you. Finding others who share your passion helps keep that fire burning. 

With any luck, your home stay is only temporary. Maybe you came home to share your experiences, to save up for your next trip or formalize plans for long-term travel. Regardless of why you're here, make the best of it. Someday soon, you'll be digging out your passport, packing your bags and promising to send postcards along the way. 

Travelers, what do you do to keep inspired between trips? How do you keep your eye on the prize?

Valentine's Day on a Budget: Good for the Heart and the Wallet

This morning at breakfast, my sweet husband was asking me about our plans for Valentine's Day, or more specifically, whether we had any, and if we did not, what was it that I wanted to do.

I probably gave him the answer that many men want, but one that they may or may not suggest themselves.

"Let's stay in," I said.

The eyebrow went up and he was quiet for a moment, only to be reassured when he heard my reasoning.

Valentine's Day may be a Hallmark holiday, but regardless of the relationship you're in, it is the perfect day to show a little love.

Luckily, love doesn't have to break the bank.

And, in keeping it low key, you focus on the one you love, without having to buy into the commercial nonsense that dilutes the magic of the night.

And when it comes down to it, isn't it better canoodling with your plus one at home, rather than waiting for an overpriced, pre-fixe , perhaps, mediocre meal at an overcrowded bar or restaurant?

Here are some ways to celebrate the love of Valentine's Day and keep to your spending goals at the same time.

1. Set the tone. Put a note in his lunch...romantic or naughty and inviting. Give him a clue as to what's to come.

 

2. Flirt throughout the day. Send a text, loving or suggestive. Build the excitement and carry it throughout the day.

3. Stay in. We make homemade pizza and wine. He makes the pizza and opens the wine and I...well, I sip the wine, dig out the supplies and occasionally flick a little flour around to start a little trouble.

Markup on drinks average 300-400%. Why not stay in with a bottle of your own wine, some food to get you through the night, and a little Diana Krall or Chris Botti on Pandora? You set the stage. You control the ingredients.  You make the magic.

And, if you're not lucky enough to have a working fireplace in your home, you can always channel your own via Neflix...seriously.

The cozy view courtesy of Netflix

4. Celebrate with friends. Couples' night or Girls' Night In...have people over and celebrate with tapas and sangria, or whatever flavor palate suits your fancy. 

5. Borrow from his closet. I don't know if it's in their DNA, but guys... or at least my guy... loves the idea of me donning one of his shirts. Who needs expensive lingerie? Try the work shirt. Or a tie and heels...you're good to go. A win-win.

Can you go out and break the bank with reservations at a fancy restaurant, drinks at a trendy bar, flowers to decorate your home or office, and gifts to mark the day? Absolutely.

But, if you're on a plan to eliminate debt or grow your savings, or if you simply prefer to have your beloved to yourself, and not share among the throngs of others celebrating among you, then a romantic night in may be just the thing.

It's good for the wallet, it's good for the heart, and if you play your cards right, it's good for the body.

Cheers!

 
What are some of your romantic, low-budget date night ideas?