Tag Archives: frugal

Thanks to AAA Travel, We Are Heading to Jamaica!

I am a pretty frugal guy so when it comes to travel, I like to shop for it myself. However, over the past few months, I just couldn’t focus on planning for our honeymoon (which is in July). We knew for sure that we wanted to go someplace tropical and that was about it. When looking for places to go, I always had questions running through my mind like these:

  • Is the local neighborhood safe?
  • Is it all inclusive or do we have to pay for food?
  • If we have to pay for food, how expensive is it?
  • Where do we need to fly out of and do we have long layovers?
  • Do they allow kids at the resort?
  • Etc., Etc., Etc

See how that can make someone like myself go INSANE! To help thwart off the straitjacket, we decided to go to a travel agent and couldn’t be happier.

Our Decision to Use AAA

As soon as I received my drivers license at 16, I joined AAA. It was a pretty easy decision for me as my grandparents were members for over 50 years (they now receive a free membership because of that) and my mother has been with them for quite a few years as well. However, when I moved to Texas for graduate school, I let my membership expire and I have not renewed.

When we were looking for a travel agent, I really could not find anything in the area that looked reputable. All of the local companies websites looked like they used a computer running Windows MS DOS to set it up. They also probably worked out their home which I wasn’t completely comfortable with. I then thought about my AAA days and remembered that they offer travel services so we decided to give them a try. The greatest part about them was that you do not have to be a member to use their services!

Our Travel Agent

When we got to AAA, we were immediately greeted by the receptionist. She told us that it would be about a 15 minute wait (there were only two agents) and we said that we didn’t mind. When the agent, let’s call her Pam, became available, she was was very professional and asked us the typical questions. What was nice about using Pam’s services was that she had been to most of the places we were looking at! She told us the places to avoid (ironically the ones we were looking at) and where the best deals were at. Of course, the best deals right now are in Mexico. We kindly said no thanks to that! Oink, Oink!

Overall, the experience was great and we are glad that we went. We ended up going with an all-inclusive resort in Jamaica that also has a “clothing optional” beach. Don’t worry, you won’t catch me there! 😉 She also helped us with the flight and got us a non-stop out of Baltimore. I would have never been able to do all of this on my own (without spending HOURS). The resort allows us to drink, eat, etc. as much as our hearts desire. The All-inclusive part just relieves the stress of having to watch every penny you spend on those things.

We didn’t make a decision while there (she didn’t pressure us at all) so we could go home and check stuff out on the web. I ended up searching for a lower price for the resort and could not find one. That was the deciding factor right there and I called back and booked. We even got a free one year membership to AAA out of it!

Have any of you had a similar experience with a travel agent? You like booking travel yourself? Tell us your story!

Carnival of Twenty Something Finances – DC Edition

Welcome to this weeks edition of the Carnival of Twenty Something Finances! Last weekend, the future Mrs and I headed down to Washington, DC to check out the famous cherry blossoms. Although it was VERY crowded, I must admit that it was an amazing time to see them. DC is a great place to see on the cheap. Most museums in the city are free and they have a great transit system. Personally, we parked outside of the city at one of the free metro stations and rode the train all day. It cost us about $5 per person and we did not have to deal with the horrendous traffic and confusing streets.

Sprinkled throughout the carnival this week are some common places to see while visiting DC. Like I mentioned before, most of these sites are free to the public. You can get away with spending very, very little compared to other cities. I advise packing a lunch for you and your family as food can be rather pricey if you purchase it from vendors. Anyway, off to the carnival!

This is a picture that we took in the midst of the trees. The cherry blossoms were at their peak this year from around March 28th through April 12th.

Editor Picks

Debt Kid shows you that getting a mortgage after foreclosure is not so simple.

Debt Ninja at Punch Debt in the Face wants to know what’s your favorite dumb but fun expense? I would have to say that mine was my iPhone. I love it with a passion but I really do not need all of the features and the added expense.

Jerry at Deal Supermarket talks about getting unplugged with frugality. This was a very creative post!

DR at The Dough Roller gives you 10 tips to declutter your finances.

The Washington Monument is the most prominent structure in DC. It was built in 1884 in honor of George Washington. It’s free to get in but make sure you get their early!

The Rest of the Field

KC Lau shows you 5 ways to take charge of your finances.

Fabulously Broke in the City shows you why a small space does not mean you put your life on hold and whine.

Bank Savings Review let’s you know about four banks that gave their TARP funds bank.

Kathryn at Out of Debt Christian has the top ways to waste money on your home.

Shaun from Learn Financial Planning shows you why being frugal is just the first step.

SVB at The Digerati Life helps you choose the best online stock brokers for cheap stock trades.

Personal Finance Analyst wants to know if saving money damages your quality of life.

Patrick at Cash Money Life tells you when you should tell your boss that you are pregnant.

The Smithsonian Institution has a ton of great free museums to see in DC. You can go to the Air and Space Museum, Museum of Natural History, Freer Gallery of Art, etc.

Mr CC at Ask Mr Credit Card let’s you know how American Express submits your credit information to the credit bureaus.

Matt at Fine-Tuned Finances compares new credit card programs for saving for college.

Ginger at Ginger Won’t Snap has some credit card fraud problems.

Peak Personal Finance has 3 smart personal finance tasks that you are probably putting off.

Diego at Bankling shares with us his top 50 economics blogs.

Big Cajun Man at Canadian Personal Finance Blog has some advice for new grads.

Patrick at Money Saving Deals gives us the lowdown on how to get up to $150 from TradeKing.

RJ at Our Financial Planner shows you the miracle of compound interest.

The Lincoln Memorial is another great (free) site to see in the city.

MoneyNing shares with your his review of Everbank.

Jeff Rose at Good Financial Cents let’s you know what to do if there is a layoff pending.

Destroy Debt shows you how to get the last drop out of many popular products.

Pinyo at Moolanomy shows you how to transfer credit card balances.

Raj at DebtGoal is cutting the bill on digital services.

Wren at True Adventures in Money Hacking shows you how to get a free car. Really!

Dan at Everyday Finance gives you the best CD yields in April.

Jim at Bargaineering shows you how to pick the best credit card.

J Money at Budgets are Sexy gives some advice on Roth IRAs vs 401ks.

Visit Arlington National Cemetery and pay your respects to the thousands of fallen soldiers. You can also view the resting place of JFK and see the Eternal Flame.

Patrick at Military Finance Network shows how the stimulus plan assists military members affrected by the mortgage meltdown.

Credit Card Assist wants to know if you have ever looked at your credit card closely.

Apply 4 Credit wants to know if credit card protection plans are really worth the added cost.

Christian Personal Finance is giving away a free subscription of Kiplinger’s personal finance.

Investing School compares Etrade, TradeKing, and Zecco.

Mike at Money TLD lets you know that some expired foods can still be edible.

Eric at Twenties Money has five pieces of advice for twenty somethings.

BillEater shows you how to avoid debt reduction scams.

Kyle at Suburban Dollar gives you his review of CashCrate.

If You Work In Retirement, Are You Still Considered Retired?

Retirement is something that we all strive to achieve. It symbolizes the end of a long career and is the point where you can relax and reap the rewards of life. However, many individuals these days are not prepared financially for retirement. Either they did not save enough or they had unusual circumstances that required them to retire prematurely. This typically means that they need to become extremely frugal (living solely on Social Security) or continuing to work. I’ve always wondered about the later. If you work in retirement, are you still considered retired?

What is Retirement to You?

What does retirement mean to you? Merriam-Webster defines retirement as:

withdrawal from one’s position or occupation or from active working life

With that definition, you can say that after you stop working your primary occupation, you are officially retired. What happens if you decide to go back to work after a few months of retirement? Does that mean that you are no longer retired?

Taking Any Work Possible In Retirement

I feel that if you go back to work in retirement because you need money, you are no longer retired. The ideal retirement for me does not have me greeting customers coming in the front door of a department store. When I retire I want to do the things that I always wanted to do but did not have the time to do it. I want to travel the world but because of work, I cannot do that right now. However, in retirement, I will have the time and resources to complete this dream.

Doing a Job That You Always Dreamed of In Retirement

What if you are set financially but choose to work? Many people choose to work in retirement because there has always been something that they longed to do. Have you always wanted to start a charitable foundation or non-profit company? I feel that if you are working in retirement doing something you are passionate about, you are still considered retired. Isn’t that what retirement is supposed to be all about, doing stuff you love?

In conclusion, I think that retirement is what you make of it. However, if you cannot fully retire for financial reasons, I don’t think you are officially retired. However, if you have a job just to stimulate your brain or get to know members of your community, I think that is an ideal retirement because you are doing what you are passionate about or what keeps you ticking. I just do not think you can officially be retired if you dread going to work at the local grocery store at the age of 75 just so you can eat.

What is your definition of retirement? Do you agree with my reasonings or am I way off base?

Weekly Roundup – March 29th

Welcome to this weeks roundup! There were plenty of great articles this week around the PF Blogosphere. Last week I posted infrequently and I apologize for that. I hope to get a full week of articles done today and you can expect to see my Q&A with Deena Katz (the top financial planner) on Wednesday. She has responded to my questions and I am excited for you all to read it. Anyway, enjoy these great reads!

Great Reads

Ben at Trees Full of Money witnessed a credit card fiasco at a Target checkout counter. Needless to say, this article really made me angry for some reason. You can see my response in the comments of his post.

Trent at The Simple Dollar thinks that most time management is rubbish. Head over there to see the ten things that work best for him.

Pinyo at Moolanomy has some extra income ideas for college students and recent graduates. I especially like the one on selling class notes. I wish I would have thought of that when I was in school!

Pete at Bible Money Matters wants to know if you are emotionally invested in your credit card.

Frugal Dad talks about the new Discover card for teens that creates bad habits.

I hope you enjoyed these great posts! I look forward to your comments this week!

Weekly Roundup – March 22nd

It’s been a few weeks since my last roundup. What can I say, I’ve been pretty busy!

Keep an eye out for a new feature this coming week. I will be posting a “Saturday Sneak-Peak” each week where I will be visiting a new/upcoming blog on personal finance. I will give you a brief overview of what I found on the site and you will be introduced to the author with a few answers to my questions. You can then visit the site and make your own conclusion. Be sure to check it out this Saturday! Anyway, off to the roundup!

Last Week’s Great Posts

Trent at The Simple Dollar lets us know the hows and whys of his Prius purchase.

JD at Get Rich Slowly has received some really bad customer service at Smart Money. Does that sound familiar?

David at Pimp Your Finances is paying it forward, every day. Man did he have a day! I love doing great things for people but I’m not that good around drunk people. I give him props!

Frugal Dad shares with us seven ways to fund college without a college savings fund.

Pete at Bible Money Matters lets us know that when renting a car, save money by not paying for the extras.

Michael at Wealth Uncomplicated has a unique way of paying his kid’s allowance. I really like this idea and will definitely keep it in mind.

Free Money Finance fought the law and the law (mostly) won.

Have a great week and enjoy this weeks posts!





Weekly Roundup – February 15th

Well, Valentine’s day has passed. What did you and your significant other do? Did you do something frugal? Did you go all out? Did you spend your stimulus money already? We decided to do the responsible thing and not spend much money on each other. However, tonight we are attending one of the best seafood restaurants in the area. We feel that it is OK to spend some money every once and awhile or else we would just go insane. Anyway, I hope you had a great Valentine’s and please enjoy the holiday on Monday! Unfortunately, I have to work. 🙁

Here are some great reads I found this week. Please be sure to check them out!

David at My Two Dollars shows us Do It Yourself Debt Reduction. Some great tips here if you are thinking you are at your last wit. Before you do anything crazy, check out this post.

NCN at No Credit Needed shows us 10 Places to Look When Scrounging for Change. The story the precedes the tips is the best part of this post. I think it’s great that he ended up doing what he did!

The David at Pimp Your Finances lets you know Why He is Starting a Vacation Fund in the Middle of a Recession. Sometimes the best way to save money is by telling yourself that you are going to do something fun with the money.

Have a great week!