DearSugar -- Just ask.

I'm Asking: Is It Now More Unacceptable to Be Flashy?

SavvySugar — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 11:30:10 -0800

Over brunch with a girlfriend this weekend, she commented that now it's not cool to be flashy about money, like throwing down $1,000 at a club for a table with bottle service or spending $500 on a sweater when someone makes a $50,000 salary.

The economy is causing people to act differently with their money and towards other people's money — it's not to say that there's no place for splurging in a rocky economy, but do you think that it's now more unacceptable to be flashy even if you have the money to spend?

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The Presidential Inauguration Is Brought to You by . . .

LibertySugar — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 09:30:21 -0800

In 2005, President Bush used $42.8 million from corporate sponsors to fund his inauguration. With only $9.74 million of public money at his disposal, and rules against using money left over from the general election for transition, President-elect Obama must renew fundraising efforts for his January 20th move-in date.

Obama is having a tough time avoiding corporate money, according to CNN. Since many of Obama's everyday American supporters struggle to get by, it's hard to ask them to donate to the transition cause now that their candidate already won. In contrast, wealthy corporations looking to get in good with the new President eagerly offer contributions. Ultimately, Obama may accept corporate cash, but with new and tighter restrictions.

Would you give to the Obama inauguration effort if you knew it would diminish corporate influence, or should the new President stay within the relatively meager public budget (if that's even possible)?

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Do You Have a Clear Picture of Your Parents' Finances?

SavvySugar — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 07:15:52 -0800

Many of our parents are nearing retirement age, and it's likely their retirement portfolios took a hit with the market. Almost half of you said your parents have a good idea about your financial state, but does the transparency go both ways? Ron Lieber of The New York Times suggests it's important to open an inter-generational dialogue about the family's finances: He says parents should be honest if their retirement savings have been devastated and their kids should admit their monthly debt payments.Do you have a clear picture of your parents' finances? Source

Do You Have a Clear Picture of Your Parents' Finances?

Yes, I have a clear picture of my parents' finances.

I can sort of guess, but am not confident that it's accurate.

No, I don't know much about my parents' money.

Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below.

Do You Fear Money Will Prevent You From Having Kids?

SavvySugar — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 10:30:51 -0800

The economy has forced us to focus more on the present and less on the future; we're more worried about holding on to our jobs than plotting our next promotion. One of the biggest (and most expensive) topics under the future umbrella is starting a family — are you concerned that financial issues will hold you back from having kids?

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In-the-Black Tip: Spend Smarter

SavvySugar — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 11:00:45 -0700

We're celebrating Halloween with In-the-Black Week, but this tip is something to also keep in mind when you are preparing to shop for the upcoming holidays.

In-the-Black tip: Shop with a purpose. Make a list of the things you're hoping to find, whether it's a new holiday party dress for you or gifts for the people you love. Next to each item or person's name, write how much you can afford to spend. You may be able to spend $200 on yourself normally, but when you have a long list of gifts to buy, you might have to spend less. Use a spreadsheet to track the purchases as you go including what you paid for each item, so you can clearly see how well you are sticking to your overall spending plan.

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Celebrate Halloween With Savvy's In-the-Black Week!

SavvySugar — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 08:00:41 -0700

Halloween is one day that's about playing tricks and getting treats in the black of night, but when it comes to money, being in-the-black is always in mode. A few simple tricks, and you'll be on your way to treating yourself to a more stable financial life. Check back all week for ways to get more out of your money.

In-the-black tip: Are you getting the most from your money? Search around for the most competitive online savings account rates. Consider transferring your savings to an account that comes with a higher rate, but make sure you are comfortable with the bank that would be holding your account and confirm that it has FDIC insurance.

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Do You Have a Love or Hate Relationship With Money?

SavvySugar — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 06:30:55 -0700

People often tell me they have a love / hate relationship with money. If you had to choose one or the other, would you say that you love or hate money? Source

Do You Have a Love or Hate Relationship With Money?

Love it!

Hate it!

Neither

I'm Asking: Have You Ever Felt the Need to Keep Up With the Joneses?

SavvySugar — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 11:00:55 -0700

Everyone knows the phrase 'keeping up with the Joneses,' and this type of competition often causes people to live beyond their means. It's not always apparent that this mentality is the cause for wanting certain things, but retrospect can show that you may not have done or purchased something so elaborate if it weren't for the people around you. Have you ever felt the need to keep up?

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Have You Turned Down Social Invitations Because of Money?

SavvySugar — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 06:30:47 -0700

A busy social calendar is hardly a bad thing, but it can mean an expensive month ahead. Socializing doesn't always involve spending money but often it does. Have you ever said no to an invitation because you either didn't want to spend the money or didn't have it to spend?
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Have You Turned Down Social Invitations Because of Money?

Yes, money often keeps me from accepting social invitations.

At times money has prevented me from accepting invitations.

No, money hasn't held me back from social events.

Something else. See my comments below.

Handle This: Your Date Can't Afford to Take You Out

DearSugar — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 17:00:00 -0700

Recently you were asked out on a date by a guy who works in your building. For your first date, he takes you on a fun factory tour of a local brewery, and you guys grab slices of pizza afterward. On the next date he takes you to his favorite burrito place and then an art gallery. Most recently you guys hit up a dive bar. You love that he’s zany, and you really connect with him in a way you haven't with a guy in a long time.

But when you ask if he'll come with you to a friend's birthday party at a sit-down restaurant, he says yes but only if you pay, since he’s broke. You don't mind paying, but since you know he has a job, you can't help but wonder if he's really broke or just cheap. How would you handle this?

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