The Savvy Life

A big part of Living the Savvy Life involves timing purchases.  You can regularly save 20% or more just by knowing when to shop and planning accordingly. 

Find out the best things to buy in November, plus Black Friday tips by visiting http://on-msn.com/tnrrbc

By Melissa Tosetti

Redwood City Patch

I am now writing a column for the Local Voices section of the Redwood City Patch.  In my first entry I introduce the residents of Redwood City to The Spend Less Than You Make Game.

Read the article at http://bit.ly/vF6yKW

By Lynn Truong

Wisebread

This is a great piece about how money really can buy happiness.  I would add one thing to the list - security.  Money well earned, saved and spent creates financial security which in turn, buys happiness.

The other night I caught the last few minutes of an interview with director James Cameron.  He was talking about how everyone should pursue their passion and that it shouldn't be about the money.

I absolutely agree with him.  Everyone should pursue their passion.  However, I absolute disagree with his statement about money. If you pursue your passion with no thought to bringing in an income (whether that income is the result of your passion or a day job), the creditors banging on your door will be a real buzz kill.

So go after your passion, but do it responsibly.

Read the original article about the 6 Ways Money Can Buy Happiness at http://bit.ly/u3m6Jh.

By Cameron Huddleston

Kiplinger

I walked into Home Depot over the weekend and curbed my instinct to start screaming, "I HAVEN'T EVEN HAD A CHANCE TO BUY MY PUMPKIN YET!  PUT THE @#$% CHRISTMAS TREES BACK UNTIL NOVEMBER 25TH!"

The retail industry's habit of promoting the holidays too far in advance drives me crazy!  For example: 

• It is cruel to children for stores to start promoting Back to School items before the 4th of July.
• Walking into Costco to purchase items for my Labor Day party and having to wade through the Halloween Costumes on display is just confusing.
• If I go to the store on December 26th, it is to take advantage of after holiday sales - not to puchase Valentine's Day cards! 

That being said, we have all been bit by waiting too long to start thinking about the holidays and all of the expenses that occur.  Even if you prefer a simple holiday, having money set aside in advance makes for a much more enjoyable celebration.

For ideas on how to beef up your holiday savings account before you start to deck the halls, read Save -- or Earn -- $1,000 by the Holidays.