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Why We Are So Bad at Buying Happiness

Why We Are So Bad at Buying Happiness

"Those who say that money can't buy happiness aren't doing it right."  Have you heard that joke before?  Well, it turns out that there is more than a kernel of truth in there. People are generally bad at buying happiness because: 1. We buy to keep up with the Joneses / ...

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Hair, Hair, Everywhere – the Recession Edition

I wrote a hair post in both 2007 and 2008, so I suppose it's only appropriate to continue the tradition in 2009! This post is dedicated to recession's impact on hair budgets. The recession is a major reason why I've been neglecting my hair a bit during these past several months: ...

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Experience, Not Stuff

Experience, Not Stuff

Experience, not stuff: I've decided to make this my mantra to live by. It'll be hard, because I like nice things (ex: shoes), but guess which of the following I remember the most? (a) A $100 leather jacket purchased in Buenos Aires, that I've worn ONCE in 3 years. (b) A $45 hour-long horse ride on ...

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What Sex And The City Taught Me About Love, Life, and Money

What Sex And The City Taught Me About Love, Life, and Money

Sex And The City: The Movie is coming out in May! I am so, so excited, and I'm betting that many Sex And The City feel the same way. Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda - you ladies have been missed! (By the way, I love the photo below - head-to-toe ...

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5 Year Travel Plan: Making Your Travel Dreams a Reality

5 Year Travel Plan: Making Your Travel Dreams a Reality

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Should Parents Pay For College Education

Should Parents Pay For College Education

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Free GMAT Study Resources

Free GMAT Study Resources

Taking and prepping for standardized tests isn't cheap, fortunately, there are many free study resources available online. I've taken advantage of most of these resources when I was preparing for my test last year. Hopefully you will find them helpful as well. Free Online Study Materials The GMAT Uncovered by ManhattanGMAT: A ...

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7 Steps In Overcoming Rejections In Job Search

7 Steps In Overcoming Rejections In Job Search

Rejections during job search are disappointing, to be sure. Nobody likes to be told that they were qualified candidates, but the management has decided to go in another direction. In this environment, however, rejections are common-place through out the job search and interview process. After the initial disappointment wears off ...

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How to Host a Dinner Party On a Budget

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Pure Altruism - Does it Exist?

Pure Altruism - Does it Exist?

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The Price of Addiction To Argentine Tango

The Price of Addiction To Argentine Tango

It's happened. I fell for the sultry dance, hard. (I even made its own category!) I leave class with a big smile on my face. I read Argentine tango forums and blogs. I fall asleep thinking of boleos and molinetes. I'm not sure how my wallet feels about the possible financial ...

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Old Cars: Unsung Heroes of Personal Finance

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Disney World Recap

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Job Fairs: How to Prepare So You Stand Out

Job Fairs: How to Prepare So You Stand Out

Job fairs can be a great opportunity for applicants to interact with many different companies. But if you don't prepare adequately, job fairs can be a disaster. Last week, I attended a job fair - prior to the event I debated whether I should go. I had heard the horror ...

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How To Practice Safe and Responsible Credit Card Use

How To Practice Safe and Responsible Credit Card Use

Wait, you mean you never had a credit card education class in school? Okay, me neither. The quality of education these days! But there's no reason that high schools or colleges shouldn't offer a class like this. After all, credit card education isn't an awkward topic like the other type of ...

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Apartment Hunting? 5 Things to Bring

by WellHeeled on June 27, 2010

apartment ads 300x225 Apartment Hunting? 5 Things to BringThis weekend was dedicated to apartment hunting for our place together. CB and I spent an entire afternoon visiting 6 apartments and walking around the surrounding areas.  We found one place that we both loved and is in our budget.  I am crossing my fingers because we were the first and (as of the time I spoke with the manager) the only applicants for the place.

Based on my experience apartment hunting, here are five items to make the whole process just a little bit easier (note: I have no idea if this advice applies to renting in New York City, which is a whole another beast altogether. I have nothing but respect for the fortitude of NYC apartment-hunters.):

1. A map of your apartments. I created a map in Google My Maps, and had the location and address of each apartments I wanted to check out.  I made different color-codes for apartments with appointments and apartments that I’d like to see if we had time.  A map is also a useful tool to gauge how much time you need to give yourself when going from one viewing appointment to another.

2. Printed copies of apartment rental ads. I printed out a copy of our apartments so that I had their address, pictures, and contact numbers.  I also took notes on those papers.

3. Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and water. There’s a lot of legwork to do in apartment-hunting – literally! There’s no better way to see a neighborhood than walking, so be prepared to walk, see apartment, and then walk some more.

4. Checkbook. When you see an apartment that you’re sure you want to apply for, it’s a good idea to submit the application on the spot and pay the credit check fee. I forgot my checkbook today, but luckily we scraped together all the cash we had on hand, filled out the applications and submitted the credit check fees right then and there.

5. Camera. After seeing so many apartments, I couldn’t remember in detail what each one looks like. It would have been helpful if we bought a camera and snapped pictures as we went along.

What else would you bring?

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onegirl June 28, 2010 at 11:44 am

I would also take a list of questions for the landlord. Apartment hunting is very similar to job interviews. Ask the landlord things that may not be written in the ad, or ask about things you see that might be broken, need painting etc..Always ask if there's any way to get a reduction in rent too. For example, if you cut the grass, can you get $10 off per month (or whatever).

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Emma June 28, 2010 at 4:10 pm

Not really an item to "bring" per se, but I do like to ensure I am well dressed and look presentable to potential landlords – it's just like a job interview, and you want to present yourself in the best way possible.

One thing I like to ask is regarding smoking habits of the previous tenants (if it's a house, if anyone in the house, not just the previous tenant is permitted to smoke indoors), and if the venting is shared throughout the building, if there are any units that are smoke-free.

I also like to bring a critical eye, and look at the problems, not just the things I like. Having information about the neighbourhood (including nearest grocery store!) is also helpful.

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Lindsay July 21, 2010 at 10:40 pm

"I have nothing but respect for the fortitude of NYC apartment-hunters." Ha! I didn't find it soo bad – I guess you have to go into it with an open mind. I was about to create my own google maps just like until I came across this neat little tool: mapthatpad.com

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New York apartments September 1, 2010 at 6:27 am

Maybe a bar of chocolate or something, just in case you are dying of hunger :D :D:D

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