Time is Money at Disney World

Time is Money at Disney World

Planning Ahead

Let’s start out by seeing if we can all agree on the following:

1)      Tickets to Disney World are not exactly cheap.

2)      The more days that you add to your ticket, the more you’ll pay (total cost, that is)

3)      There are only so many park hours to see what your family wants to see (per day).

4)      The more time that you spend waiting in line for each attraction the fewer attractions that you will be able to visit each day.

Assuming that we can all agree on the four points (above), let’s take a look at some ways get more for each dollar that you spend for Disney World tickets.

1)      Check out the park hours:  http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/calendars

2)      Contact Disney to find out what (if any) attractions are closed:  http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/contact/

3)      Write down the attractions (visit  http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/) that you want to visit before your vacation starts

4)      Prioritize each identified attraction into 3 categories

a.       Must visit

b.      Like to visit

c.       It might be fun to visit

5)      Take a look at this handy web site:  http://m.disneyworld.go.com/

a.       Select your Theme Park

b. Select Attractions

c.       Select Browse by Wait Times

d.      Select High Demand

e.       Write High Demand” next to each attraction that you identified (above).  These are the attractions that are most likely to have long lines.

6)      Ok, now that reality is starting to set in, now is a good time to map out attractions that are close to each other.  Take a look at the Disney World maps page http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/maps/

7)       Now figure out where and when you are going to eat at the park.  Of course fast food options will not only save you money, but they will save you precious time as well.

While on vacation

1)      Plan to try to arrive at the park gate at least 20 minutes before they open.

2)      If you have an internet capable mobile phone, check the wait time for each attraction using this web site http://m.disneyworld.go.com/ to get an idea of which of the attractions within each park are “High Demand”, “Moderate” and high demand.

3)      Be flexible and ready to reprioritize which attractions to visit.

4)      Make use of Disney FASTPASS which allows guests to make ‘reservations’ for a popular ride to avoid
waiting in long lines.

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March could be the best time to purchase these select products.

Every month brings new opportunities for saving money.  In March these are the items that you want to look for to be priced to sell.  Patience and timing are two powerful tools for ensuring that you get the best deal on your purchases.

• Winter coats & sporting goods (gear)
• Luggage
• Frozen food: (during National Frozen Food Month)
• Boats
• Humidifiers
• Mattresses
• Easter Crafts
• Cold Weather Accessories (mittens, scarves, gloves, hats)
• Wedding gifts
• Spring clothing
• Washers and Dryers
• Garden supplies
• Air Conditioners
• China

Let us keep you posted with our latest secrets to finding free stuff  by becoming a
leaptocheap facebook fan Or if you prefer to you can follow us on Twitter.

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Is your daily cup of coffee costing you $1500?

Your daily trip to the coffee shop could be costing you around $4 per day.  Over 12 months, this could easily add up to $1500 out of your pocket.   Compare that to the cost of brewing your Java at home which amounts to only a few cents per day and decide for yourself.

Here are a few simple steps that you can take to duplicate the quality that you’ve been pay big bucks for.

1. Get a screw on water filter from target or walmart and only use filtered water when making your coffee.
2. Pick up quality coffee from Target, Walmart or even Costco.  Freshly grinding your coffee beans at home will somewhat improve the flavor of the coffee.  So, consider this step if you have the time and patience.
3. Pour the coffee into a well insulated stainless steel (inside and out) commuter mug to keep it warm and your ready to hit the road with one less stop to make on the way to work.

To take advantage of more of our secret money saving tips, be sure to explore the categories listed on the right hand side of the page or use our friendly search box located in the upper right hand side of this screen.

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Rent your college textbooks and save big!

College students now have a new option to help them escape the high cost of buying textbooks.   Students can now rent their textbooks for the semester or quarter that they need them for and pay a fraction of the price of buying them.  Remember to include shipping when comparing one book store to another.

Here are some of the better known textbook rental outfits:

• http://www.chegg.com/
• http://www.bookrenter.com/
• http://www.collegebookrenter.com
• http://www.campusbookrentals.com/
• www.bookswim.com/

Local textbook rental option

• Textbook rental options may (or will) be available at your local college bookstore.  While some book stores have been renting textbooks for awhile now, the options are getting better with the entry of Barnes and Noble.  Click here to read more

http://www.bncollege.com/

e-Book textbook option

• http://www.coursesmart.com/iphone – over 8500 electronic textbooks you can purchase for use on your iPhone and/or your PC (course smart states “Buy and access your eTextbook instantly. Save up to 50 %.”)

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Afraid to Negotiate? Check out our step-by-step guide.

Most of us have been raised to look at what’s being offered and then either take it or leave it. Well, that is easiest route for sure.   But let’s say that you feel that you’re being treated unfairly by your insurance company or by someone that you’ve contracted services with.  Perhaps simple acceptance of the situation may not be the best way to go.

Step I.   Realize that the best resolutions are the ones where both parties win.  So,  whenever possible make this the focus of your negotiations.

Step II.  Do your homework ahead of time.   Research the organization that you are researching.  Understand their lingo and what your rights are.  If  you are planning to sign or have signed a contact, make sure to read over it at least three times carefully.

Step III. Be aware that most front line staff are NOT empowered to negotiate with you and if they are their decision making power will probably be really limited.

Step IV. Be prepared to receive at least one or more NO answers before you will reach that win-win sweet spot.  Don’t assume that they will give you the keys to the castle without some back and forth negotiation.  Structures  are put in place to make you work for better deal than their typical customers receive.

Step V. Remember, it all about the dollars when it comes to negotiating with for-profit businesses.  So, try to put yourself in their shoes and think about at what point holding out on the customer will cost more than just giving the customer a break.  Remember, an organization’s reputation is highly valued because of  it’s ability to attract future customers and income.

Step VI. Be polite, but persistent.   The calmer you are as you escalate your negotiations up the line, the more seriously you will be taken.  Remember, think about what the view looks like on the other side of the desk and figure a way to a win-win solution.

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Taxing your brain may be worth it this year (your 2009 tax return)

Most people equate doing their annual income taxes to enduring a root canal.   We can’t say that we really blame them.  Even with some pretty cool tax preparation software out there, you still have to wrangle and organize all of those paper documents before you even get started.

OK, here are just some of the goodies that Uncle Sam setup for you for the 2009 tax year.

• First-Time Homebuyer Credit Expands. Homebuyers who purchased in 2009 can get a credit of up to $8,000 with no payback requirement. New legislation extends and expands this credit to homes purchased by April 30, 2010.

• Money Back for New Vehicle Purchases. Taxpayers who buy certain new vehicles in 2009 can deduct the state and local sales taxes they paid or other taxes and fees they paid in states with no sales tax.

• Education benefits. The new American opportunity credit and enhanced benefits for 529 college savings plans help families and students find ways to pay higher education expenses.

American Opportunity Credit

Audio file for podcast: Education Tax Breaks

Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), more parents and students will qualify over the next two years for a tax credit, the American Opportunity Credit, to pay for college expenses.

The new credit modifies the existing Hope Credit for tax years 2009 and 2010, making the Hope Credit available to a broader range of taxpayers, including many with higher incomes and those who owe no tax. It also adds required course materials to the list of qualifying expenses and allows the credit to be claimed for four post-secondary education years instead of two. Many of those eligible will qualify for the maximum annual credit of $2,500 per student.

The full credit is available to individuals whose modified adjusted gross income is $80,000 or less, or $160,000 or less for married couples filing a joint return. The credit is phased out for taxpayers with incomes above these levels. These income limits are higher than under the existing Hope and Lifetime Learning Credits.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) also added computer technology to the list of college expenses (tuition, books, etc.) that can be paid for by a 529 plan. For 2009 and 2010, the law expands the definition of qualified higher education expenses to include expenses for computer technology and equipment or Internet access and related services to be used by the designated beneficiary of the 529 plan while enrolled at an eligible educational institution. Software designed for sports, games or hobbies does not qualify, unless it is predominantly educational in nature.

What “computer technology or equipment” refers to. This means any computer and related peripheral equipment. Related peripheral equipment is defined as any auxiliary machine (whether on-line or off-line) which is designed to be placed under the control of the central processing unit of a computer, such as a printer. This does not include equipment of a kind used primarily for amusement or entertainment. “Computer technology” also includes computer software used for educational purposes.

• Up to $2,400 in Unemployment Benefits Tax Free in 2009. Individuals should check their tax withholding.

Tax Exemption for Unemployment Benefits in 2009

Audio file for podcast: ARRA Tax Credits

Video: Unemployment Compensation

Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), the first $2,400 of unemployment benefits an individual receives in 2009 are tax free. This provision applies only to benefits received in 2009: Normally, unemployment benefits are taxable.

Individuals who receive unemployment benefits this year should check their withholding to ensure they are not having unnecessary tax withheld. IRS News Release 2009-29 has more detail on this provision.

For the full scoop from the IRS, visit this web site http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=204335,00.html?portlet=6

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College Textbooks – One of the most inflated costs out there.

Similar to the shocking cost of  your popcorn at your local movie theater,  the price tags on college text books also come as an unwelcome added expense to college students (and their parents).

OK, it may be more convenient to snag your text books from the on the college book store, but like the popcorn, you’ll end up paying dearly for it.  Instead check out these simple alternative options.

1. Cross the street – Closely located off-campus book stores stay in business by beating the prices being charged on campus.
2. Plan ahead and surf the savings – Try to obtain your upcoming course requirements and surf the web to find lower prices.  Check out Bestbookbuys.com .  It’s a great eMarketPlace site that allows people to do one stop shopping through tons of different stores. .  Note:  It is always easier if you have the ISBN number handy for searching. Make sure to pay attention to the price as well as the additional shipping charges and shop total price, not just list price.
3. Go digital and save – Look around for cheaper digital versions of text books (e.g.  ebooks, PDF’s, kindle books from amazon.com, etc)
4. Free is a good price – Check with the college and/or public libraries to see if you can check out the books you’ll need.
5. Previously owned – Check out the prices of used or earlier editions of the textbook.

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Quick Tip: Which charities deliver the most to the needy?

On this site we spend a lot of time showing people how to save money.   Now we are turning our attention to good stewardship of your money.  Hey, if you’re thoughtful enough to donate your hard earned money to the needy, you should expect that most of it goes to the target of the charity.

A quick way to sort through which charities meet your giving criteria, take a look at Forbe’s report on the 200 largest charities by clicking here.  http://www.forbes.com/lists/2008/14/charities08_The-200-Largest-U.S.-Charities_CharComm.html

Remember, that you can click on the column header links to sort by what is important to you.

FREE Giving?

Yep, you can donate to your charities just by using goodsearch.com .  You just specify your charity, use their search engine (just as you would Google) and your charity receives money from goodsearch.com.

Another option accomplish a similar result to feed the hungry  is the  thehungersite.com .  When you click on sponsor links food is donated to the hungry.

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Today’s Fly and Dive Economy. Where will the next random walk take us?

Today’s Fly and Dive Economy.  Where will the next random walk take us?

Let us first take a moment to reflect on the recent  journey that our stock market has taken (over the last 5 years).

Click HERE to view a chart of the S & P 500 for the last 5 years.

The phrase that keeps rattling around in my brain is a phrase that a Finance Professor once shared with the class.
“The market shall take a random walk”.  I try to keep that in the back of my mind whenever I make financial
decisions.

As a typical middle class family, we probably have some of the concerns that your family does.  So,  here is the short list of what we’ve been pondering lately.

• I have a 401K or a 403B retirement account at work, but what if I know little or nothing about the stock market. Whom shall I trust?
  • Our opinion is that nobody is going to watch our money like we will.  So we started spending time studying what we could on our own.  We found tons of free tools on the internet to help us figure out what to do. One of the web sites that started with was finance.yahoo.com.  As we began to educate ourselves, we tried to stick to web sites that weren’t trying to sell us financial products or services.
  • We also took time to seek out a flat fee certified financial planner.  We typically visit a planner once a year to review our investments and only pay him or her a flat per visit fee.  Fair warning, it’s not going to
    easy to find a good financial planner that is will to go this route.  In our experience most of financial planners we spoke with preferred to be paid a commission on the funds they recommend or be paid a percentage of the value of  the portfolio.  After quite a bit of searching, we financially located the
    planner that we had been looking for.
• What’s going to happen next in the stock market and what can I do to protect myself and my family?
  • We try to stay away from any financial expert that claims to know what’s going to happen in the next few months (or years).  It’s that random walk thing that will never be out guessed.  So, we try to plan as if we don’t know either.
  • We figure that it all comes down to a few basic considerations:
    • How much risk are we really willing to take?
    • How many years do we have until retirement (assuming that anyone will be able to afford retirement)?
    • Do we have our money spread around in enough different types of solid investments to protect us from an all or nothing financial scenario?
    • How often should we monitor the performance of our investments?
    • Should we set an exit strategy (how much of a market drop in a specified period of time are we willing to stomach before we liquidate our investment)?
    • If we liquidate, how much of an opportunity loss are we willing to endure because we’re unable to figure out when the right time to get back in is?
    • If we liquidate, are we willing to pay capital gains on our taxable accounts?
• Can we count on the federal government to get us out of this mess?
  • We figure that the best the government can do is to delay what is going to happen.
  • We believe that fundamental life principals never change. Here are a few that we could identify:
    • Greed and a myopic view of money will always end badly (for people, the market, countries and the world).
    • If we (people, companies, governments, etc) keep spending more money than we have or can afford, this too will lead us into a crushing realization of what’s really important in life.
    • If we care more about money than we do about others, we’ve already failed.
    • The problem with buying more stuff than we need is that non of that stuff ends up give us the long lasting happiness that most people are looking for.

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Cheap and smart ways to eat out for less…

These days if you work at it you can actually eat for substantially less that you thought.  We have identified several ideas to help you get started.

Coupons can be a great way to save on food at restaurants.  However, it is important that know which ones are really a good deal.  Here are some tips.

• Do the math first – Calculate your saving ahead of time.  For example, if the coupon is a buy one sandwich get one free deal when you purchase one fountain drink, make sure to check the price of the required fountain drink.  Add the regular price of the sandwich and the fountain drink price.  Next, subtract the price of the regular price of two sandwiches and there is your saving.  Some establishments have been cleverly raising prices and marketing coupons.
• The fine print – Make sure to check the expiration date and other requirements to redeem the coupon.
• Saving $ off of what? – Some establishments will jack up their prices and then offer awesome discounts off inflated prices.

Money saving strategies for dinning out for less

• Fast Food
  • Stick to the real deal -Lately they have been offering great deals (e.g. value meals).  Remember, that the restaurants are probably barely breaking even on their cheap deals.  So, they hope to make money on the higher priced extras like fries, soda and deserts. Lately McDonalds figured out that they can make a decent profit by selling fancy coffees similar to what the expensive coffee chains offer, but for less.
  • Home base for saving – Save big by skipping the fries and snagging the soda at home.
  • Double up on that 99 cent burger, sandwich, baked potatoe (wendy), salad, etc and make a meal out that.  Skip the fries and soda and your eating cheap.

• Sit down restaurants
  • Predictable prices – Stick with restaurants that have standard pricing any time of the day (as opposed to place that jack up their prices for dinner).  One example is Chili’s bar and grill.
  • Two meals for the price of one - Many restaurant serve larger portions that people could (or should) eat in one sitting.  Instead, eat half and take the doggie bag home or to work and enjoy another meal.
  • Adults eating childish - Some people suggest that you order off the lower priced kids menu to save money.  I might try that on a to go order, but I don’t think I would have the guts to order that kind of meal when dinning in the restaurant.
  • Being fair -  If you choose to eat inside a sit down restaurant, don’t skip the tip.  Waiters work hard and they should be treated fairly.  If you’re not into tipping, order take out instead.

• Take out at the buffet
  • Several restaurants will allow you to do take out from the buffet.
  • Typically, the rule is that you can take out what you can fit in their take out container (typically a decent size).
  • The price for this may not seem cheap, but don’t be surprised if you get at least two meals out that take out container if you packed it up to capacity
  • This allows you save on those expensive beverages by getting them at home or out the reasonably priced vending machine at the office.
  • Also, since a waiter is not involved, there is no need to tip.

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