Cheap Ways To ...

Here is some sound practical advice from the Detroit Free Press, which is reporting on the February issue of Consumer Reports and the March issue of Real Simple:

Auto-debit your monthly bills. You'll save $70 a year in postage and never worry about late fees when you forget a payment.

Bundle services. You can save $10 or $20 a month by combining your cable, telephone and Internet services through one provider.

Free shipping. Buying online is fast and convenient but costly when shipping charges pile up. Find retailers that offer free shipping—if you don’t have enough merchandise to qualify, pool your shopping list with a friend’s or relative’s.

Don’t take out supplemental life insurance through your work. Go through a broker instead. Also, once a year go through your homeowner’s and automobile policies to make sure you’re not paying for more coverage than you need.

Get smart about home improvement. Expensive home makeovers may not help the sale value of your home. An average kitchen renovation costs $43,860 but returns only $39,920, or 91%. New roofs return 85% and new windows 90%. Real Simple editors advise hiring an interior decorator to stage your home, or dress it up with new furniture and accents to make it more attractive to buyers.

Posted by Cara Davis at 10:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

There's was a great article linked here in the Orlando Sentinel yesterday (original to The Dallas Morning News) called "Tying the Financial Knot," about couples merging their finances after marriage. The article suggests talking thoroughly about your finances before you take the plunge and to start planning right away.

Here are several strategies the article proposes:

• Exchange full and complete financial information (include all you own and all your debt)

• Create a budget.

• Create a spending plan. (a list of short-term and long-term goals of items you want to purchase in the future)

• Start saving for retirement immediately

• Maintain some financial autonomy.

• Establish an emergency fund.

Posted by Cara Davis at 04:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Cheapwaysto.com gets a shout out in the Rochester Democrat and
Chronicle. It says:

Cara Davis, author of Cheap Ways to Tie the Knot, writes a blog on saving
money. She also works with Relevant Media Group in Florida, which publishes
Christian magazines and books targeted to twentysomethings. Go to
www.cheapwaysto.com.

The full article is here: Faithful learn to tend, spend money with care Interest grows in combining beliefs, finances

Posted by Cara Davis at 04:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Jeff and I had a wonderful time in Israel. We learned and experienced so much and we're still processing it all (and recovering from jet lag). Here are a handful of photos from the trip ...

Jeff posing at the site of Peter's home

The Dead Sea

The Sea of Galilee

The Jordan River

A newly excavated street from the Herodian era (the time of Jesus) of the second temple.

A view of the old city of Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives

The ancient city of David on Mount Zion at the edge of the old city of Jerusalem

Jeff and I at the steps leading up to the traditional place of the Last Supper

Posted by Cara Davis at 09:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (7)

Jeff and I are off to Israel today for a 10-day trip with my grandfather and a tour group. Please keep us in your prayers.

Let me know if you see Cheap Ways To ... out in stores, as it releases today!

Posted by Cara Davis at 10:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Click here for more pictures of the Relevant party taken by friend and co-worker, Kate Goodell. Thanks, Kate!

Posted by Cara Davis at 09:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Thursday, Feb. 9 we had a second book signing and release party. This one took place at the Honey Baked Ham Café and Store in Sanford. The store is owned by church friends Jimmy and Anne Salerno who graciously hosted the party and catered some delicious food.

Here are some photos from that event where other church friends and family attended.

Dad and Mom drove down yesterday just for this event! Thanks y’all! So proud to have you here.

Jimmy worked hard to have a great party. We owe you!

Mom and Dad meet Baby Drew, my new nephew, for the first time.

My mother-in-law Ginger gets her copy signed.

Our grandmother Millie O’Hara keeps an eye on baby Drew.

Candice (my sis-in-law’s sister) and Gordy (my brother-in-law)

My sweet niece Jaycie …

More Jaycie …

And more Jaycie … this time with the birthday boy, my husband, Jeff

The Hawthorne family always makes a grand entrance. Anna Hawthorne (who I’m hugging) gets a shout-out in the Acknowledgments of my book for helping bring my dream wedding to life.

Donny holds baby Drew (who is more popular than a chocolate fountain at parties).

Evyn gets up close and personal with the carrot cake.

Friends Sheena and Brandee stop by for the festivities.

My pastor’s wife, Sis. Debra Williams, came to the party with Pastor Mike Williams and friend, Kevin Elliott.

Kristy and Kyle Chowning (co-worker and friend) came to the party and left with the prize of a free ham!

So many friends and family who came have been so extremely encouraging of me and this book. It’s been wonderful to feel surrounded by that support.

Posted by Cara Davis at 11:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

The chocolate fountain was a hit. Co-workers mingled with local subscribers and others who came out for the Cheap Ways to Tie the Knot book release party and book signing Monday, Feb. 6 at the RELEVANT Media Group offices where I work.

Here are some photos from the event.

The chocolate fountain was a favorite.

Co-workers and friends Maya, Tia and Corene came over last Friday night to create these inexpensive party favors (Hershey’s Kisses in “treat” bags with a card stock Valentine note and a ribbon. The total cost of supplies was just under $30 for 150 treat bags--.20 a bag! Not a bad way to go for a cute party or wedding favor). Thanks to the girls who helped make the favors. We had a good time watching Sweet Home Alabama while making them.

Flynn likes the chocolate fountain.

Corene and her husband pose as a happy couple would on their wedding day. Awww…. So sweet.

The author and the husband.

This is me announcing prize winners of the evening.

These are the gorgeous roses Tina from Designing Weddings gave me for the event!

Me, signing books. A surreal experience!

Friend and editor Tia Stauffer helped me sell the books—she edited the book as well! Great job, Tia!

Posted by Cara Davis at 11:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I recorded an interview this week with the local Orlando Christian station Z88.3 FM Morning Show hosts, Scott and Tyler ... we talked about frugal wedding tips and ways to come up with some fast cash to pay for those little extras. Tyler said she was inspired to have a yard sale for her wedding after reading my book. The interview should air next Tuesday morning—Valentine's Day!

Posted by Cara Davis at 03:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

If your one of those who feel comfortable doing your own taxes, you do complete an E-File for free through the IRS' website. They link to 20 or so tax prep sites that offer free filing software. To be eligible, you must have an adjusted gross income of less than $50,000 a year. Plus, you'll get your refund faster than filing by mail!

Posted by Cara Davis at 09:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (1)

It’s a big week for Cheap Ways to Tie the Knot before the official release date of Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14! I appreciate your prayers and support …

EVENTS & INTERVIEWS NEXT WEEK

• (ORLANDO) Z88.3 Morning Show with Scott and Tyler: Monday I’ll be in the local Z88.3 studios in Altamonte Springs, FL, to record an interview on the Morning Show with Scott and Tyler (who’s getting married in May). They’ll determine then what day and time it will air, so I will keep you posted!
• (ORLANDO) RELEASE PARTY: Monday night, Feb. 6 from 7:30-10 p.m. at the Relevant Media Group offices.
• (ORLANDO) BOOK SIGNING: Thursday, Feb. 9 from 5-8 p.m. at the Honey Baked Ham store in Sanford, FL. (Happy Birthday to my husband Jeff on this day!)
• (RHODE ISLAND) WARV-AM Providence/RI/New Bedford, MA: 15 minute taped interview Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 10 a.m. Eastern for a commercial religious music station broadcasting to the Rhode Island, Massachusetts area on 1590 AM.
• (INTERNET) NINETYANDNINE.COM. I have a Valentine’s Day themed story running on ninetyandnine.com next week (new stories will be up Monday, Feb. 6). I’ll also have an ad for my book running on the site the entire month. Be sure to check it out!
• (INTERNET) COMMERICAL. The amazingly talented Shawn Romano, RELEVANT’s broadcast designer, put together an adorable commercial for the book. You can view it on the video archives page at RELEVANTmagazine.com.

ENDORSEMENTS

Here's a look at some of the endorsements that appear on the back of book:

“Practical, smart and savvy! How I wish I had this book when planning my own wedding!” —Lauren Winner, author, Real Sex and Girl Meets God

“This book is the best friend a bride-to-be can have.” —Lisa Ann Cockrel, associate editor, Today’s Christian Woman

“This girl knows her stuff.” —Mary Hunt, author Debt-Proof Your Marriage, Founder, Debt-Proof Living newsletter (formerly Cheapskate Monthly)

WAYS TO HELP SPREAD THE WORD

EASY WAYS
1. Link to my blog from your blog!
2. Allow me to “guest-post” an entry on your blog.
3. Forward this email to others who might be interested in it or who might know someone who would be interested in it.

MORE INVOLVED WAYS
1. Write an online review. Go to any book website: Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, ChristianBook.com, LifewayStores.com, GospelCom.net, search for my book and post your review on the page my book appears.

2. When you are in a bookstore, Christian or secular, ask the staff if they carry the book. If not ask if they will order it. You don't have to buy it. Just asking about the title will let the store manager know it's a book worth carrying.

3. If you listen to a radio show like Dave Ramsey or Clark Howard, email the feedback link here and here to let them you want to hear about Cheap Ways to Tie the Knot on their shows!

Thanks for the enthusiasm so many of you have shown. It means so much. You guys have been so encouraging to me. I’m continually amazed at what and who God places in my life!

Until next time,
Cara

Posted by Cara Davis at 10:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

ConsumerReports.com posted a new report in January about online shopping sites.

They shopped for 10 brand-name products on the biggest online outlets: Froogle, NexTag.com, PriceGrabber.com, Shopping.com, Shopzilla, Yahoo Shopping and a new site, Become.com.

They analyzed prices, availability, ease of use and disclosure of relationships with advertisers.

What they found was Yahoo Shopping and Froogle had lower prices but got low marks for safeguarding consumer privacy. Shopping.com did a better job at that and came in third for pricing.

Consumer Reports offers these tips for shopping online:

• Shop around. No one site had the lowest prices on each item.

• Check the total price. Don’t forget you’re paying shipping and handling.

• Sort search results by price. Some merchants pay to appear at the top of the search lists, so resort the list by price.

• Check reviews. See what other consumers have to say about the product or brand name you’re considering purchasing.

• Read the fine print. Sometimes the best prices are for reconditioned or refurbished products. Buyer beware!

Posted by Cara Davis at 05:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A couple of friends have shared their “cheap ways to wed” tips with me this week. They’re a good reality check and example for how you can get creative with your budget!

A girlfriend who was married just a few years and works for a destination management company who has connections to vendors in the area ago shares this:

• I did my foliage, flowers, rehearsal dinner and reception cake through work - all at cost.

• My coworkers paid for our honeymoon hotel and sent many treats while there.

• I had my wedding suit made (with materials and labor $100). I made my hat and veil made as well.

• We found our bagpiper at Fiddlers Green [a local Irish restaurant] and paid the high schooler like $50 to play.

• I hired the string quartet directly.

• My friend did my invitations for cheap and I had a "write them out party."

• I made my out of town guests welcome bags myself.

Overall, I think my wedding was like $5,500. I blew all the money on my photos which I
wasn't that thrilled with. That's really my only regret.

A guy friend who was married quite a few years ago shared this:

We were two college kids, flat broke. I had graduated six months before. My wife was a fresh graduate. She had a job, I was working as a janitor.

• Let's see, the suit was ten bucks from the church rummage sale.

• My wife’s father began saving his quarters when she was born. When she said, I'm getting married he gave her twenty rolls of them. (It paid for her wedding gown.)

• The church was free. (I worked there)

• The reception was free. (The ladies quilting club knew my mother so they "catered" the reception. (TONS of homemade cookies and classic wedding punch).

• The head custodian (my boss and one of my ushers) didn't charge us.

• The organist was 50 bucks.

• The photographer was 150 for the most basic package. (Plus my wife's brother was a amateur photographer and his pictures wound up being better than the professionals)

• My mother made all the bouquets.

• My roommates and I were all communication majors so they made a "mix" tape to play at our reception.

• I did pay an additional ten bucks for a tie.

On the flip side, my wife's roommate at the time had been cutting pictures out of bride's magazines since she was 12. She wound up paying thousands and had the most miserable day of her life because nothing went like she wanted it to.

Go figure.

---
Thanks for the tips, guys! Post your wedding tips in the comment section!

Posted by Cara Davis at 10:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

NPR has a story about a trend where couples are giving philanthropically through a charitable gift registry program, or asking guests to donate to a charity of their choice in lieu of buying gifts. Check it out ...

Posted by Cara Davis at 10:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

For my friends and family who might be interested in the happenings around the release of my first book, Cheap Ways to Tie the Knot ...

For my friends and family who might be interested in the happenings around the release of my first book, Cheap Ways to Tie the Knot, I’m offering this little newsletter.
 
The book releases nationwide on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14. We’re having two book signings and release parties the week before in Orlando—one at my office and one at a friend’s Honey Baked Ham Café store in Sanford. Email me for more information if you live in the area and would like to attend (or if you know of someone who would).
 
Please check out my new website, Cheap Ways To … (http://www.cheapwaysto.com), where I blog about cheap ways to shop, travel, save and spend and post updates about the book. You can post comments on the site, too.
 
UPDATES
• Monday, Jan. 30: My first live radio interview to support Cheap Ways to Tie the Knot happens Mon., Jan 30 at 12:05 Eastern on KBJS Radio, “Take 5! with Eddie Basari.” It's a 100,000 watts, Christian station in the Jacksonville, Tyler, Longview, Texas market and is part of USA Radio Network; Moody Broadcasting Network; Salem Radio Network.
 
• Tuesday, Jan. 31: I'll be on KCMS-FM, Scott & Sam in the Morning, a 54,000 watts, commercial station owned by Crista Ministries, at 12:15 Eastern. It broadcasts to the Seattle area at 105.3 FM.
 
• Monday, Feb. 6: AM 580 WDBO, a talk and news radio station in Orlando has listed by event in their calendar: Cheap Ways to Tie the Knot Book Signing and Release Party.
 
BUY THE BOOK
• A variety of stores including Christian and mainstream chains will carry the book starting Feb. 14
• You can pre-order through Amazon.com (if you do, please go to ninetyandnine.com first and click on their link to amazon, as they get a kick-back for it)
• Pre-order on Relevantstore.com (www.relevantstore.com)
• Directly through me for $10 (that includes shipping to anywhere in the States) through PayPal (using my personal email address).
 
PAYPAL INSTRUCTIONS
 
Go to http://www.paypal.com, logon or create an account. Click on the “send money” tab and fill in the following fields and select continue. Once your transaction is complete, expect the package in 7-10 days (once the book becomes available in early February).
 
Recipient's Email: my personal email address

Amount: $10   
Currency: U.S. Dollars   
Category of Purchase: Goods    
Email Subject: Cheap Ways to Tie the Knot   
Note: Your name and mailing address  

I’m excited about this new season and hope you’ll enjoy hearing about it as I experience it!

Posted by Cara Davis at 07:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

If you’re unable to sell some of your items after a yard sale or before a move (like I’m about to go through) and want to drop them off at Goodwill, follow a few steps to make sure you get credit on your taxes next year.

Write down a specific list of what you’re donating.

Assign a dollar amount to the donation. The market value is what you would get if you sold it at someplace like a consignment shop. To help figure out the worth of an item, use www.goodwillpromo.org or www.salvationarmyusa.org.

Get a receipt when you drop it off. Donation centers should have receipts available. (I normally receive a blank receipt when I drop off. I’m responsible for detailing the list of items donated and assigning their value.) If you are mailing your items to a charity, send a SASE so they can send you a receipt (shipping costs are tax-deductible, too, so hold onto that documentation as well).

Posted by Cara Davis at 09:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

No matter where you vacation, make sure you do your homework. Don’t stay at a hotel you haven’t read reviews for. Websites like www.traveladvisor.com post reviews of hotels and vacations from people around the world. Additionally, when looking at the website for a hotel, make sure it shows pictures of the accommodations and not just the perfectly manicured lawn and pool.

Posted by Cara Davis at 08:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Want to help spread the word about my book?

1. Link to my blog (www.cheapwaysto.com) from your blog!
2. Allow me to “guest-post” an entry on your blog.
3. Forward this website to others who might be interested in it or who might know someone who would be interested in it.

Thanks for your help!

Posted by Cara Davis at 10:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)