Pennysaverblog – Page 224 – Smart Finance and Money Saving Tips

Business

How Much Do Negative Online Reviews Cost Your Business?

Business has changed considerably over the past several years, and this has been largely because of growing technology. Lightning fast communications and far-reaching networks have helped companies everywhere advance and streamline their services, but technology has also had important implications for the customer. Customers everywhere have a voice that they’ve never had before, and that voice is growing louder every day. Online reviews are the modern customer’s way to express their opinions, good or bad, about every business they patronize. What you may not know is that those reviews can cost your business quite a bit.

Many business owners are quick to dismiss a negative review on a website like Yelp. They understand that you can’t please all the people all the time, and some customers may not be satisfied with even the highest quality service. If this sounds like your attitude regarding online reviews, you’re underestimating the power of this platform. Review networks are not just places for disgruntled customers to air their frustrations and play the role of critic. In fact, those reviews are a significant factor in determining whether or not a new customer will ever try your business. Studies indicate that as much as 83% of customers are influenced by online reviews.

February 6, 2013

Gifts

5 Inexpensive And Unique Valentines Day Gifts For Women

Valentine’s Day is a special holiday for couples everywhere, a time when you go the extra mile to show your significant other what she means to you. Of course, you should be showing your love every day of the year, whether you do this naturally or with the help of things like male or female pheromones for when you feel like you want to reinforce your love to your partner’s subconscious, but it never hurts to give a little more on this special occasion. Unfortunately, many Valentine’s Day gifts are not only expensive–they’re boring. Try springing some of these inexpensive and unique romantic gifts for the special woman in your life.

Homemade Chocolates
Chocolates are the gold standard of Valentine’s Day gifts, surely in some part due to their natural aphrodisiac qualities. However, they seem to get more expensive every year and they rarely change. Put a unique twist on this classic gift by donning your apron and making your own chocolates in the kitchen. Your sweetheart is sure to swoon over a unique assortment of handcrafted chocolate truffles, rochers, and other delicious treats. Women love a man who knows his way around the kitchen, and this is a great way to show off your chops.

Spa Treatments
Every one loves to be pampered, but honestly your hands might be a bit too clumsy to do the work of an authentic spa treatment. Let her choose her own luxury by getting your significant other spa coupons to redeem at any time. Spas everywhere offer a range of treatments, from soothing massages to revitalizing facials. Give her the gift of luxury without spending a fortune by opting for spa coupons and gift certificates. Browse daily deal services like Groupon and Living Social to find the best deals on spa treatments in your area.

February 5, 2013

Shopping

Tips For Avoiding A Lemon When Shopping For A Used Car

If you’re someone who is serious about being financially responsible and you listen to the advice of finance experts like Dave Ramsey, then you are probably someone who is a bigger fan of used cars than new ones. After all, a new car can depreciate as much as 20 percent within your first year of owning it. Plus, paying a monthly note while still being responsible for the car’s upkeep can be a bit taxing on your budget.

Still, it doesn’t make sense to spend a few thousand dollars on a used car if you’re only going to have to pour a few thousand dollars more into it due to the fact that you purchased a lemon. That’s what we’re here to help you to avoid. Below, we have three tips that are sure to keep you from getting a used car that will put a sour expression on your face.

“Website Shop” Around

When you’re online shopping, especially when you’re shopping for a used vehicle, you don’t want to do it impulsively. From Cars.com to Craigslist.org (and oh so many websites in between), there are a wealth of used automobiles at your disposal. As you’re perusing, just make sure you have a good idea of the make and model that you’d like along with the amount of money that you have to work with. For instance, say that you want a 2001 Honda Accord. If you’re patient, there’s a pretty good chance that you’ll find several within a fairly wide price range.

February 5, 2013

Investing

Do You Need A Financial Advisor?

Money is so simple conceptually, but so complicated in reality. Everyone understands exactly how it works. You perform a service or sell some sort of product and you are compensated with money you can then turn around and use to purchase the services or products you require. It’s black and white, right? While the concept is plain enough for anyone to grasp, the market economy is by no means as easy. How to navigate the world of credit, how to organize your finances, how to grow your savings and how to make your money work for you are all strategies people grapple with during the course of their lives, sometimes successfully, but often with disappointing results. That’s why financial advisors exist. Their job is to look at your goals and help you realize them. But how do you know if you need a financial advisor?

The first thing you must look at is if you can afford one. Financial advisors earn that title by graduating with an advanced degree and logging many years on the job. But their job isn’t done after they hang that diploma on the wall. Financial advisors must stay current on changes in the market, what strategies are proving successful, and which investment tools are no longer attractive. It’s a constant juggling act of research and client hours. With this sort of work load you can expect a quality financial advisor to demand a significant salary. You will be just one of his many clients, and pay an hourly fee for his time. So if you don’t have a significant portfolio and money to spare each month you can’t go down this road.

February 4, 2013

Shopping

5 Things You Should Always Negotiate

People today don’t seem to have the haggling skills of past generations. More and more consumers are content to pay sticker price or MSRP on everything they buy. Perhaps it’s lazy shopping, or maybe shyness is plaguing our society. Whatever the case may be, it’s time you started learning to negotiate for your purchases again. There are 5 things in particular that you should always negotiate.

The Price of a Car

More negotiations happen at car dealerships every day than at any other kind of business. Cars are very expensive, and a purchase like this is an investment of thousands of dollars and years of monthly payments. Salespeople at the car dealership will typically offer flexibility in payment plans, but don’t forget to negotiate the total price of the car. Your salesperson would rather trim the price of a car on the lot than risk missing out on a sale.

Mortgage Rates

If you ever find yourself on the real estate market, looking for a new home, be sure to take some extra time to find the best rates on a mortgage. If you have a good credit rating, you should be able to haggle for a lower APR. You may also be able to negotiate the elimination of processing charges and closing fees. These may not seem significant compared to the price of a house, but there is a potential for several thousand dollars in savings if you negotiate with mortgage lenders.

February 4, 2013

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