Jean Chatzky blog :: The Difference :: Personal finance, debt, and money advice » Smart Shopping

Today’s Money: More last-minute shopping tips

Jean — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:26:43 +0000

Procrastinators, take note: in these last remaining days before Christmas, retailers are putting forth some last minute deals. It’s a great time to buy jewelry and other high-priced items (like cars). For more holiday shopping tips, check out the video clip below.

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Today’s Money: Last minute holiday shopping tips

Jean — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 19:46:32 +0000

A new survey released last week revealed that 10% of Americans haven’t even started their holiday shopping yet, and a majority are not close to being done. As there aren’t many shopping days left, this is the time when panic can start to set in, and bad financial habits can arise. This morning on Today, I provided some tips that will keep you from over-spending as the holidays get closer and closer.

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Today’s Money: Shopping trends in light of the recession

Jean — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:32:05 +0000

It’s been five years since the start of the recession, and over these five years the shopping habits of Americans seem to have changed. According to a new study, 86% of shoppers are more precise in what they buy. Is the same true for you? To see more new trends in shopping — as well as what happens when men take over shopping duties — check out the video clip below.

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Today’s Money: Gift card exchanges

Jean — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 16:49:48 +0000

Have you ever received a gift card to a store that you know you’ll never visit? You’re not alone — billions of dollars of gift cards go unused every year. However, there’s a way to turn these unwanted cards into real spending money. Check out the video clip below to see how you can turn Grandma’s Omaha Steaks card into a much-desired Whole Foods card.

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Today’s Money: Cyber Monday

Jean — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 15:28:48 +0000

If you didn’t want to brave the mall on Black Friday, today is your chance to nab some great deals — and you still don’t have to go to the mall! With Cyber Monday comes offers of free shipping, online “doorbuster” deals, and much more. This morning on Today, I spoke with Natalie about how to maximize your savings today. To see what sites to check out — as well as which unexpected sources are offering deals — check out the video clip below.

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USA Weekend: Save money on (almost) everything

Jean — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 15:20:23 +0000

Do you know how to cut your cell phone bill, or the insider’s trick that can get you up to $1,000 off the price of a car? I spoke to the experts to bring you the best money savings tips — for all aspects of life. To see how to save on pets, the electricity bill and even the latest fashion, check out my latest piece in USA Weekend.

Credit.com: Debt Diet Challenge, Week #8

Jean — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 18:09:36 +0000

With each passing week, my Credit.com Debt Diet participants get savvier and savvier about paying off their debt. This week, one learned the psychological benefits of paying off bills as they come, rather than in one chunk at the end of the month. Another learned to break her goals into smaller steps so it’s easier to see the progress. For more on what they’re learning and how they’re doing, see what the Debt Diet participants are blogging about this week.

Newsweek: How to live like a duchess

Jean — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 14:30:52 +0000

Kate Middleton is living quite the charmed life, full of fairytale weddings, exotic trips and, most importantly, really amazing clothes. And while certain parts of her life are out of reach (ahem, Prince William), there are other aspects that are quite accessible. In my latest Newsweek column, I tell you how you can live like a princess — without spending like one!

Today’s Money: Back to school savings

Jean — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 16:03:35 +0000

According to the National Federation of Retailers, parents will spend up to $600 on school supplies for the 2011-2012 school year. This morning on Today, I talked about how you can cut those costs. To see why you should avoid that Justin Bieber backpack, check out the video clip below.

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AOL: You’ve got… Mind over Money

Jean — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 14:07:58 +0000

Last week I went over to AOL to talk about why it’s always good to take a “purchasing pause” for their “You’ve Got” series. To find out what this means, as well as other ways you can have mind over money, check out the video clip below!