Search Results for: blog a penny a minute

Last-Minute Fourth of July Travel Bargains

Don’t feel like celebrating America’s birthday in your backyard this year? Changing party venues doesn’t have to cost you a pretty penny if you take advantage of last-minute deals.  By waiting this late in the game to book a hotel stay for the upcoming Fourth of July holiday, you stand to save a bundle. For example, New York City is showing a slew of savings for Independence Day visitors.  According to travel app HotelTonight, which specializes in finding deeply discounted rates for same-day hotel stays, many rooms in the heart of NYC are going for a mere $100.  That’s a … Continue reading →

Fatherhood Blog in Review – July 15

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I’m very excited about putting the ‘male perspective’ out there for our Families members. I hope you have enjoyed reading my blogs this week as much as I have enjoyed writing them. I certainly welcome your comments, feedback, and questions. My favorite blog of the week had to be the one entitled Penny a Minute. In it, I reminisced about a treasured activity that I shared with my father, that I hope my own children will also enjoy with him in years to come. Based on some of the comments that this blog received so far, many readers have had … Continue reading →

A Penny a Minute

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My family had driven out of state to my folks’ place for the 4th of July, and something my father said in his living room took me back to the days of years gone by. . . (Picture a wavy transition to a flashback sequence here). In my parents’ family, (as well as the one that my wife and I made) the father ALWAYS drove the car. In fact, as a four year old, I clearly remember feeling sorry for dad because he had to stay awake by himself on long drives, late into the night, while everyone else in … Continue reading →

Save on Room Service

When was the last time you ordered room service? If you are adhering to a strict travel budget, then splurging on a formal meal to be delivered to and consumed in the privacy of your hotel room may be out of the question. Or is it? Recently, some hotels have been experimenting with a frugal version of room service much to the delight of budget-conscious guests. PUBLIC Chicago, a boutique property in the Windy City, has been garnering headlines for its affordable room service described as “fast food with little human interaction.” The service is called “PUBLIC Express,” though instead … Continue reading →

In Search of Cheap Seats

A few weeks ago, Southwest Airlines added yet another fee to its ever-expanding list of ala carte charges.  Now, you’ll have to fork over $40 at the gate if you want to board the plane with the first group of passengers. The discount carrier doesn’t offer assigned seats like United and American Airlines, but will bump you to the coveted group “A” boarding if you cough up the extra cash.  The offer begins 45 minutes before the flight departs, though is only available if the slots are not filled by elite and business select passengers who pay upfront for the … Continue reading →

Hotels Helping You Stretch Your Dollar

With many hotels pushing back check-in time until 4 p.m. and moving up check-out time to 11 a.m., many travelers wonder if they are really getting their money’s worth. After all, if you are spending $250 per night on a room, you’d like to be able to use it for at least 20 hours. Some hotels are cognizant of this complaint, so while they cut back in one area, they try to compensate in others. Competition to snag travelers is heating up, especially with the busy holiday season approaching. Consequently, select properties around the world are offering free amenities to … Continue reading →

Keurig Coffeemaker

I have a problem, I covet appliances. I don’t actually cook but I do love appliances. The appliance that gets used most in my house is my coffee maker. I’m an all day coffee drinker. Everyone always asks how I sleep but I sleep like a rock, caffeine doesn’t seem to affect me like that. Anyway I was at a friend’s house and she had the coolest coffee maker, a Keurig, one delicious cup at a time, and in only two minutes. I had to have one, because, as I’ve said, I covet appliances. The price of the Keurig was … Continue reading →

Financial One Two Punch

I’m so ready for winter to be over. It seems like this year is determined to financially test me. Over and over again I’ve been reminded how important it is for a single parent to have an emergency fund. When there is an unexpected expense there isn’t another income to help cushion that financial blow and sometimes working more hours or getting a second job is just not realistic. That’s where your emergency fund comes in. I try to put a little money away every payday, even if it’s only ten dollars. It adds up, slowly, but it will add … Continue reading →

Cleaning Money

My dad cleans his money. Seriously. Not all of it, just the coins he finds in puddles and near car tires… and on the floor of the men’s room. He mainly reaches down for heads-up pennies. He thinks they’re good luck. I used to follow his lead until the day I picked up a heads-up penny on the way to my car only to find a parking ticket pasted to the windshield. I haven’t picked up a stray penny from the ground since. Still, my dad is a coin cleaner. I should be so lucky to have spare money around … Continue reading →

Dealing with Summer Allergies

I’ve been waiting all year for the return of beautiful summer weather. While I love the sun and warm temperatures, the pesky summer allergies are something I could definitely live without. If you are like me, then the lush lilacs, bountiful begonias and gorgeous gardenias that scream summer, can lead to pounding headaches, itchy eyes, and violent sneezing. According to my doctor, allergy season is in full swing, and that is making life miserable for me, and the millions of other allergy sufferers, who rely on pills and sprays to make it through the day. Unfortunately, in most cases, oral … Continue reading →