http://sharmanlawson.savingadvice.com Debt. Money. Personal Finance. Help! info@savingadvice.com Sharman Lawson en-us http://sharmanlawson.savingadvice.com/2009/11/12/found-any-bargains-lately_55051/ The economy sucks, no doubt. But there are certainly many positives and blessings amongst all the misery. If you are still gainfully employed or not, there are tons of bargains and specials everywhere. Now is the time to get your finances in order, but also to take advantage of all... Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:28:53 PST sharman_lawson@bellsouth.net (Sharman Lawson) http://sharmanlawson.savingadvice.com/2009/08/16/this-weekend-was-garage-sale-heaven_52960/ I love going to garage sales. I've learned that buying other's "junk" is my treasure.<br /> <br /> This weekend my daughter and I went garage sale hopping. My husband packed us a cooler with water and snacks we went on our journey. Our sole purpose was to look for a few items for her room since... Sun, 16 Aug 2009 17:29:31 PST sharman_lawson@bellsouth.net (Sharman Lawson) http://sharmanlawson.savingadvice.com/2009/08/10/the-sales-tax-free-weekend-is-a-rip-off_52831/ There is a lot of hype about the before school sales tax-free weekend for school supplies and clothes. I for one do not get hyped up or excited when everyone else does. We actually went school shopping over a month ago. We went to an outlet mall an hour from our home with 140 name... Mon, 10 Aug 2009 04:07:47 PST sharman_lawson@bellsouth.net (Sharman Lawson) http://sharmanlawson.savingadvice.com/2009/07/16/mtv-is-looking-for-newlyweds-for-a-show_52383/ I just got off the phone with MTV. They're doing a documentary on newlyweds that are having financial problems, and are looking for couples that are interested.<br /> <br /> Requirements:<br /> <br /> * Young couple having money problems<br /> * Married - less than one year <br /> * Age - 18-27 years old<br /> <br /> If... Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:49:34 PST sharman_lawson@bellsouth.net (Sharman Lawson) http://sharmanlawson.savingadvice.com/2009/06/08/our-house-didnt-sell_51547/ I've been away for a really long time. I wanted to give you an update since my last blog. Well, on April 1st we put our rental property on the market to sale. I've sold three of our homes before, but this is a different economy and market. After two months showing the house three times,... Mon, 08 Jun 2009 05:00:14 PST sharman_lawson@bellsouth.net (Sharman Lawson) http://sharmanlawson.savingadvice.com/2009/03/08/ughhe-wants-3800-to-paint-7-rooms_49185/ We're selling our rental property. Yesterday I met with contractors to get estimates on multiple projects in order to put the house on the market. I received three quotes to paint our 1900 sq. ft. rental property. One was $1,900, $3,000, and $3,800. The house is in pretty good condition... Sun, 08 Mar 2009 15:17:38 PST sharman_lawson@bellsouth.net (Sharman Lawson) http://sharmanlawson.savingadvice.com/2009/02/28/10k-to-sell-my-homethanks-but-no-thanks_48862/ We are selling our rental property. Yeah, yeah, yeah the economy, housing, lending and everything sucks, but I don't care. My trust is in God. Okay, so I've sold all four of our homes by myself in the past and never had a problem.<br /> <br /> This time, I was thinking of using a realtor because... Sat, 28 Feb 2009 07:30:03 PST sharman_lawson@bellsouth.net (Sharman Lawson) http://sharmanlawson.savingadvice.com/2009/01/31/get-taxes-done-for-free_47985/ Yes - for free. Is your adjusted gross income (AGI) less than $56,000? If so, you can prepare your taxes for free. Go to www.irs.gov.com to prepare your federal taxes for free. <br /> <br /> To get your state taxes prepared for free go to your state income tax website. There you should be... Sat, 31 Jan 2009 10:01:27 PST sharman_lawson@bellsouth.net (Sharman Lawson) http://sharmanlawson.savingadvice.com/2009/01/03/thanks-for-no-customer-service-_46860/ I went to the Dollar Store yesterday, and was shocked to hear the cashier, while ringing people up, screaming for the manager -- loud. The manager came, and the cashier told him a worker was driving up in the parking lot, and she was 20 minutes late. Then loudly she continued to complain... Sat, 03 Jan 2009 12:57:52 PST sharman_lawson@bellsouth.net (Sharman Lawson) http://sharmanlawson.savingadvice.com/2008/12/28/im-excited-about-2009_46605/ I know it may sound crazy, but I really am excited about 2009. I'm healthy, will be starting a new job, I'm still coaching clients, and I feel like I have a balanced life.<br /> <br /> I am refusing to participate in the gloom and doom the media loves to program into us. I see many possibilities... Sun, 28 Dec 2008 14:55:11 PST sharman_lawson@bellsouth.net (Sharman Lawson) http://sharmanlawson.savingadvice.com/2008/12/06/thank-god-for-honest-people_45839/ We have electrical car problems. The inside light stopped working about 3-weeks ago, and this morning we found out the tail lights weren't working. We were so scared the cost would be a thousand or so. I mean come on it's electical work, right? <br /> <br /> Well my husband took the car in this... Sat, 06 Dec 2008 11:53:05 PST sharman_lawson@bellsouth.net (Sharman Lawson) http://sharmanlawson.savingadvice.com/2008/11/29/im-so-thankful-that-im-thankful_45579/ Thanksgiving was wonderful as usual. We went to Augusta, GA to spend time with my 4 brothers and sisters, and eight nieces and nephews that live in Georgia. The rest of my brothers and sisters (3) and parents live in Oregon/Washington area. Anyway, our tradition each year in Georgia... Sat, 29 Nov 2008 07:21:52 PST sharman_lawson@bellsouth.net (Sharman Lawson) http://sharmanlawson.savingadvice.com/2008/11/16/preparing-for-christmas-with-no-debt_45153/ I don't know how much you spend for Christmas, but more then anything I hope you don't get into debt. A time that should bring happiness and cheer, can be diminished because of debt.<br /> <br /> For that reason, the best way to not get in debt during the holidays is to prepare at the beginning... Sun, 16 Nov 2008 05:59:51 PST sharman_lawson@bellsouth.net (Sharman Lawson) http://sharmanlawson.savingadvice.com/2008/11/09/the-gift-of-time-is-free_44920/ Today is my 16th year anniversary and my daughter's 11th birthday. We actually celebrated my daughter's birthday yesterday and had a great time. We took her to see High School Musical 3, had lunch at the Cheesecake Factory, took her shopping for clothes, and brought her two finches... Sun, 09 Nov 2008 14:29:14 PST sharman_lawson@bellsouth.net (Sharman Lawson) http://sharmanlawson.savingadvice.com/2008/11/03/lower-gas-prices-umelection-trick_44720/ Yesterday after having a fun day out and about, we stopped to get gas. Surprisingly enough, the prices were quite low compared to just 3-weeks ago. Yes, $2.34 a gallon mid-range.<br /> <br /> I told my husband 6-months ago that just before Election Day the prices would start dropping. And, yes... Mon, 03 Nov 2008 03:51:29 PST sharman_lawson@bellsouth.net (Sharman Lawson) http://sharmanlawson.savingadvice.com/2008/10/27/im-saving-on-makeup-and-skincare-product_44540/ I've worn Mary Kay products since I was 17 years old. I've loved their makeup, skincare, and even perfumes for years. However, while evaluating my financial priorities and needs and wants, I'm staying focused on what is real important.<br /> <br /> Yes, I need makeup, pretty skin, and to smell... Mon, 27 Oct 2008 09:41:19 PST sharman_lawson@bellsouth.net (Sharman Lawson) http://sharmanlawson.savingadvice.com/2008/10/23/are-your-kids-frugal-too_44396/ My daughter loves American Girl (AG) products. She is 10 years old. If you aren't familiar with AG, their stuff is good quality but very expensive. My daughter gets paid $10 from our neighbor to vacuum her home most weeks. She saves her money and when she gets $30-40, what does she... Thu, 23 Oct 2008 09:28:36 PST sharman_lawson@bellsouth.net (Sharman Lawson) http://sharmanlawson.savingadvice.com/2008/10/20/are-you-worrying-or-made-the-choice-to-b_44290/ Do you live your life saying, "I'll be happy when?" One thing I know for sure, happiness is a choice and so is worrying.<br /> <br /> Regardless of our current economic crisis, I have made the decision to be happy and continue to enjoy life. Yes, we have lost plenty of money, too. However,... Mon, 20 Oct 2008 08:23:20 PST sharman_lawson@bellsouth.net (Sharman Lawson) http://sharmanlawson.savingadvice.com/2008/10/17/im-watching-the-budget-but-cuban-food-is_44218/ With the economy as it is, we are watching every penny. We're very frugal, but sometimes I just want what I want when I want it. You know what I mean?<br /> <br /> Okay, so we just discovered this wonderful cuban restaurant five-minutes away. Hadn't tried cuban food before that, but basically... Fri, 17 Oct 2008 11:26:28 PST sharman_lawson@bellsouth.net (Sharman Lawson) http://sharmanlawson.savingadvice.com/2008/10/13/help-someone-and-get-a-tax-deduction_44070/ The end of the year is almost here. All through the year my family collect things that are still in good condition, but we have outgrown, do not need or want. We give our items to the Goodwill.<br /> The great part, we are helping someone in need and we also get a tax deduction.<br /> <br /> What... Mon, 13 Oct 2008 13:18:43 PST sharman_lawson@bellsouth.net (Sharman Lawson)