App Pick of the Week: "Easy Envelope Budget Aid" by Christina Barks* (Guest Contributor)

APP: Easy Envelope Budget Aid

REASON:

The "envelope budget" is a popular means to control your spending habits. You put your entertainment budget, food budget, etc. into separate envelopes, so you do not overspend and dip into another part of your budget.  But who uses mailing envelopes anymore?

This app takes the amount that you get paid monthly and helps you to divide it out into virtual envelopes. When you spend money from a specific area you can put in the amount that you spent and it will automatically take it out of the envelope for you. This will allow you to keep up with your budget on the go and see how much you have let in your envelopes to spend. Once you put in the amount that you spent the app will tell you if you are ahead or behind on that specific envelope. If you are behind and have spent too much money then the app will let you know how long you should stop your spending in that category.

The Easy Envelope Budget Aid app is a good idea for anyone that has a problem with over spending on shopping or fast food.

TRY ME

 Download the FREE app on your Android phone.

READERS…

Have you heard about the envelope budget before reading this?

*Christina Barks is an undergraduate student with UK Department of Family Sciences

Reference

Easy envelope budget aid: Sync. (2012, August 12). Retrieved from https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dayspringtech.envelopes&feature=search_result

Video Post: Businesses are Hiring Seasonal Employees

Quick thought:

This video comes from a Louisville, KY news station. The reporter discusses how seasonal positions are open just in time for the start of the holidays. Jobs are not limited to clothing and toy stores. Delivery companies are anticipating a large increase in their workforce to accommodate people shipping gifts all over the country. Shops that sell local goods, such as sports fan stores and specialty boutiques, will also need more help servicing the holiday consumers. The reporter is careful to mention that many different types of people rely on seasonal employment, including those who have been unemployed for a very long time. In this example for Louisville, KY, the recommended deadline for job applications is Dec. 1.

For those of you looking for a seasonal job, try to apply as soon as possible. Also, be sure not to be too limited with your job hunt. Your hometown may have more opportunities than you think. Ask around!

READERS, what do you think?

Is seasonal hiring important to the people living in your town? Why or why not?

References

WHAS 11. (2012, October 3). Businesses look to hire seasonal workers for upcoming holidays. [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/businesses-look-to-hire-seasonal-workers-for-the-upcoming-holidays/1v783eb26

Make the Most of Your Budget through Couponing! by Amy Figgs* (Guest author)

Will clipping coupons alone save you money?  It will for some things, but the real savings is combining coupons with sales or items already marked down, a store loyalty card, and sticking to your shopping list.  If shampoo is $5 and you have a coupon for $1 off, then you just saved yourself a dollar.  If the $5 shampoo is on sale for $2 and you use your coupon, then you just saved yourself $4!  If you are not loyal to certain brands, you can really get great savings by mainly shopping for what is on sale.  Sometimes products can even be free.  Be aware that some people will buy items they do not need just because they are cheap.  Do not clip coupons for items you do not use.  Creating a list and sticking to it is the best way to avoid overbuying.

With the costs of just about everything going up, it is important to find savings when you can.  Maximizing your expenditures budget with coupons is a great way to start good spending habits for life.  Keep an eye on the sales, stick to your list, and tracking your spending.

So go get that Sunday  Paper and start clipping!

READERS, what do you think?

Do you think you would be embarrassed to use coupons in the grocery store?

Do you think it is worth the time to gather coupons?

 *Amy Figgs is an undergraduate student with UK Department of Family Sciences

 

References

Walukonis, Angela, (2011, August 26) Extreme couponing the college way. Retrieved  from             http://www.fsutorch.com/2011/08/26/opinions/extreme-couponing-the-college-way/

Seasonal Hiring: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

It is that time of the year again. Department stores are stripping down their Halloween decorations and are making room for the inflatable reindeer. Black Friday deals are already being promoted, and people are ready to start buying everything on their families' wish lists. The holiday hustle and bustle does not just mean crowded parking lots and airports. It also means jobs!

During the winter, many high schools and colleges will be on break. Students like you can use the free time to earn some money for your college savings or gifts for your family. And you do not have to work in a toy store, if that does not work for you. Many different industries need more help to keep up with the busy holiday pace: Hotels, restaurants, delivery companies, call centers, department stores, and discount stores

Be sure to apply as soon as possible! Seasonal openings fill up fast. If you wait too long, you may get stuck with a less desirable job or with no job at all. To save yourself some time, you can start your job hunt by calling the employers and asking 1) if they have open positions, and 2) what is the minimum age to apply. Some companies require workers to be 18 or over.

To improve your chances of being hired, go to the employer in-person and dress professionally. Just ask for the hiring manager, and fill out an application right then and there. Let the hiring manager know how much you want the job, and that you want to learn new skills. This will make you stand out as someone who was thoughtful  about finding a job. If you would like to keep working after the holidays are over, say so. They may decide to keep you if things work out.

You should know that most seasonal jobs are a lot of work. You may have to rush around all day, and you will likely have to work the morning after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and New Year's Eve. So, be ready.

Most importantly, if you get a seasonal job, take it seriously! Even if it is temporary, you should be respectful and positive. You never know when you will need a recommendation from your holiday job.

Good luck, job hunters!

READERS, what do you think?

Would you be willing to work during your vacation? 

What do you look for in a first job? 

References

Coffey, L. (2012, November 2). 10 tips to find seasonal work this year. NBC News. Retrieved from http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/33995314/ns/today-money/t/tips-find-seasonal-work-year/#.UJcse4Yq624.