App Pick of the Week! Living Social (mobile) by Johanna Kyger* (Guest contributor)

Want to save money, but still do the things you love? Wish you knew about all the great deals going on in your community?  Well now you can!  With the Living Social app, there are tons of great things that you can do for cheap.

REASON

Living on a budget is really important no matter how old you are.  It is important to know how to spend your money wisely. The Living Social app can help you to find cheap deals all around your city.  They update coupons and savings for restaurants, stores, movie theaters, and other fun things every single day! This app not only allows you to find great deals in your current city, but it will also give you discounts for cities around you.  This is a really helpful app if you are traveling and want to find a cheap event or deals on dining. 

Going out on Friday nights with all your friends no longer needs to break the bank! Another perk of this app is that you do not have to pay to have it on your phone, so once again you are saving money.  It is important for everyone to realize that saving money doesn't have to be hard or cause anxiety.  There are plenty of resources, like this one, that are quick, easy, and free!

TRY ME!

http://www.livingsocial.com/mobile

*Johanna Kyger is an undergraduate student with UK Department of Family Sciences

References

Living Social. (2012, September 19). Living social. Retrieved from http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/livingsocial/id340295413?mt=8

Video Post: Deep Car Discounts this Fall by Hannah H. Yazell* (Guest Contributor)

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Would you like to buy a new car, but not pay the new car price?  If so, now may be the best time to buy.  Every year, car dealerships begin discounting current year’s models beginning in September in expectation of next year’s models going on the market.

          

The 2012 car models will begin being discounted this fall as the 2013 models role onto the car lots.  Many 2013 models have gone through design changes, and their 2012 counterpart will see even bigger discounts than usual (since they will clearly look like an older model). Buying a 2012 right now is a smart choice as well because you will be getting a brand new car with zero miles and a full dealership warranty.  It is also better to go online to find these deals, research your trade-in’s value, and arrange your own financing before going to the dealership.

             

While many of you may be getting help from your parents to buy your first car, you still want to make sure you are getting the best deal.  Most of the time buying new is not an option for young drivers who are buying their first car because the price of the car is too excessive for their budget.  However, if you buy a new car between now and the end of the year you will be getting a great price that would be comparable to a used car, but the new car will have more perks.  Some perks are reduced maintenance, full warranty, peace of mind, legal standing if something is wrong with the vehicle, and roadside assistance.

          

Ultimately, car buying is a major financial obligation, so all aspects need to be examined before you “sign on the dotted line,” such as the interest rate of a loan, warranty, and insurance payment. If this isn’t the year for you to make a major purchase, you should keep in mind that fall (beginning in September) is the prime time to begin looking for when you need to buy a car.

READERS, what do you think?

Are you more likely to buy a new or used car?

Does it matter to you if your car looks older than your friends' cars?

*Hannah H. Yazell in an undergraduate student with UK Department of Family Sciences

           

References

Clackum, Chris (Aired on September 17, 2012).  Deep Discounts Expected on 2012 Cars.  NBC News.  http://video.msnbc.msn.com/nbc-news/49063196#49063196.

Krebs, Michelle (June 1, 2012).  Advantages of New and Used Cars.  Cars.com.

http://www.cars.com/go/advice/Story.jsp?section=buy&story=nuIntro&subject=new_used

 

Video Post: "Saving Carla"

Watch Saving Carla on PBS. See more from Need To Know.

Corresponding post:

The High Cost of Rising Obesity

This video is from a segment of PBS's Need To Know. The story follows a 10-year-old girl's struggle with obesity and the related health problem of diabetes.

Quick thought:

As this video reports, health choices during childhood and teen years can deeply impact you health care costs in later life. Obese teens usually grow into obese adults. Dr. Shapiro remarks that a third of all children are at risk of  developing diabetes. Diabetes contributes to numerous other ailments, such as blindness. The total cost to treat these conditions is predicted to be huge because of the growing number of anticipated suffers.

New York City, where Carla lives, has made numerous recent changes to inform young people about obesity, and reduce their future health risks. Most restaurants are required to list the calorie count of food, and sugar-filled beverages have been taken out of schools. These changes cost a great deal of money, but they may be a necessary investment in the youths' future. 

READERS, what do you think?

Do you think spending money on staying healthy now ( by using a gym membership, dietitian, etc.) will help you save money in the future?

Would seeing the calories posted at restaurants change the way you spent money on food?

References

PBS.(2012, August 17). Saving Carla. [Video file]. Need To Know.  Retrieved from http://video.pbs.org/video/2269467814/