You’ve probably seen them – television commercials, ranging from five minutes or longer, promoting everything from cosmetics and exercise equipment to cooking utensils and household gadgets. These infomercials usually feature a persuasive salesperson, hired specifically to get you to spend money. The Better Business Bureau reminds consumers that, if an advertised item is something they really need, they may want to listen carefully to the wording and terminology in advertisements and infomercials before deciding to make a purchase.
 
When you hear the word ‘free’… In some cases, infomercials insinuate consumers will be getting something ‘free’ or ‘extra’ if they call in to order an item within a certain period of time.
 
In many cases, these promotions can entice shoppers to spend over their budget. If you are interested in obtaining a free gift, the Better Business Bureau suggests calculating the cost of the products as a whole to see if the ‘free’ item is really free and worth what you will spend.
 
Also, if you are ordering an item that needs shipped, you may want to take these fees into consideration as well.
 
Sometimes, companies offer free shipping on catalogue or website purchases. You should also think carefully when considering these promotions.
 
As in the ‘free gift’ offer, some free shipping offers require consumers to spend a specific amount of money which may cause you to go over budget and purchase items you do not need.
 
In order for a consumer to receive a free gift, the Better Business Bureau says that advertisers must be clear in disclosing the conditions of the ‘free’ gift. In addition, advertisers may not increase the price of an advertised item or decrease the quantity or quality of the item in conjunction with the free offer. Consider reading the fine print at the bottom of television ads. If you cannot read the print, most television promotions can be ordered online where terms and conditions of your purchase may be more accessible for you to read.
 
Claims like ‘best,’ ‘most’ and ‘top’ are usually objective. Different consumers have different experiences with products depending on their needs. In many cases, these claims are used by advertisers to persuade consumers into buying their product. If you are considering an item in which an advertiser uses these claims, it may be a good idea to ask friends, family or someone you know if they have used the product and what they think of it. Also, many Internet retail sites allow customers the opportunity to write reviews about products. You may want to read the product reviews before you make a decision to spend money.
 
The Better Business Bureau reminds consumers that ‘factory direct’claims should not be used unless the advertising company manufactures the mentioned item and owns the factory where the advertised products are made. Items cannot be claimed as wholesale unless they are being sold to the consumer at the same price as the retailer would purchase them for resale.
 
Hearing phrases such as ‘Our prices can’t be beat.’ Keep in mind prices for products and services fluctuate regularly. Advertisers may use this phrase as a way to get you into the store quickly, taking advantage of the fact that many shoppers do not have time to do price comparisons.
 
When you are considereing making a purchase take a moment and ask yourself if you relly need the item in question or would you be better served putting that money toward your debt settlement savings account.

Bargaining and negotiating for goods and services isn’t a new idea, but it has been gaining popularity among many creative consumers who are thinking outside the box to get a good deal. After all every little bit helps when saving for a debt settlement negotation.
 
How do you bargain for deals? Say, for example, you are a public relations expert. You may be able to offer your services to a local community retailer in exchange for a discount.
 
A recent article by Reader’s Digest revealed that requests for bartered goods and services on craigslist.com, a popular classified-advertising website, increased 125 percent in the past year. The article reported that offers ranged from “litigation services for a reliable van” to simple trades such as “my BlackBerry for your digital camera.”
 
If you feel you have a marketable skill that others could benefit from, MSNBC.com suggests that you could begin by bartering with local people. This may give you the opportunity to trade face-to-face in a public place such as a restaurant or coffee shop. Consider bringing a friend along with you for safety reasons and also as a witness to the transaction. If you are bartering, dealing locally may spare you the risk of shipping your item.
 
The Freecycle Network (freecycle.com) an online swap spot, may be able to direct you to local bartering organizations. In addition, barter exchanges might be found through your local chamber of commerce or through the International Reciprocal Trade Association at Irta.com. The Internet offers a variety of bartering websites to consider including U-Exchange.com, Meetup.com or craigslist.com which has a specific bartering section. You may also have some luck scoring a good deal if you prefer plain old negotiation.
 
Today’s economy dictates a buyer’s market according to the Associated Press, which adds that although it may be difficult to negotiate better prices on clothing or accessories, it might be possible with appliances and electronics.

Understanding the psychology of buying helps us to understand why we make certain selections when purchasing. What is the difference between needing something and wanting something? Our needs are quite limited; however, the list of things we want could be quite unlimited. While saving for a debt settlement one should prioritize what they want and need to help save funds to rid themselves of the burdon of debt.
 
What is the difference between a need and a want purchase?
 
Needs or physical requirements are items that you need to sustain life.

Wants or desires are items that you would like to have, but may not be necessary.
 

Here are three things to consider before buying something that you had not planned on buying.
 
Can you purchase something similar to what you want for less money?
For example, could a sedan meet your needs rather than a more costly SUV? Also, instead of purchasing the car that is loaded with features, you could go with a more basic package.
 
Take a time out.
Separate yourself from the emotion of the buying situation. Walk away from the lights, colors, and displays in the store.
 
Take 24 hours to think about purchasing the item.
Go home and think about the item. Determine whether the item is a need or a want. After this waiting period, you may realize that you no longer want or need the item that badly.
 
These are skills you can develop over time. If you use at least one of these concepts, you will more likely be able to make smarter buying decisions.

It is never too late to prepare yourself in the event of job loss. Unemployment insurance (UI) could serve as your ‘emergency fund’ until you are hired again. Here are a few tips on what you might expect from UI if you are eligible.
 
Take Action Immediately
 
Staff at your local unemployment office should be able to direct you to where you can file a claim. If you do not know where your local office is located, go to the United States Department of Labor website at dol.gov (866-4-USA-DOL) where you could find a variety of links to unemployment resources in each state. Another source to try is servicelocator.org . Before filing, it is wise to have personal information handy such as your Social Security number, proof of U.S. citizenship if applicable, mailing address, phone number and names, addresses and dates of employment of all past employers for the last two years.
 
How do you qualify for benefits?
 
There are a variety of criteria which dictates whether you are eligible to receive unemployment. For example, you may not qualify for unemployment if you were fired for misconduct, quit without good cause or if you are self-employed. Discuss your situation with local unemployment office staff. They may guide you in the right direction.
 
How much money do you receive?
 
According to a recent report about UI in Redbook, you may be able to collect from $240 per week up to $405 per week depending on what state you are filing in. Weekly payment amounts are determined by various criteria. Your claim representative will probably inform you about payment amount details when you file your claim. Prior to calling for UI, you may want to keep in mind that benefits are subject to Federal income tax.
 
How long can you get UI?
 
You could receive up to 26 weeks of UI. Depending on your state and the current recession, the federal government considers Emergency Unemployment Compensation for additional weeks. Check with your State Employment Office for information on what benefits you may be entitled to.

Parenting, although difficult and full of challenges, can be one of the most rewarding and exciting journeys in life. The United States Census Bureau claims that there are about 13 million households in America where this journey is being experienced by a single parent. It is possible to create a budget and, if you involve your children, they may even learn good spending habits in the process! Using a debt settlement savings account can be a good way for single parents to educate their children early and establish good spending habits and the process of saving money.
 
Take some time to focus on yourself.
 
If possible, discuss issues with family members and trusted friends. Remember, taking time for yourself doesn’t necessarily mean you are being selfish. Also, think about finding an inexpensive hobby that could help you relieve stress. Try to find something that you enjoy that inspires you. If you feel centered, you may make better financial decisions regarding you and your children.
 
Control Spending and have fun.
 
Consider creating a spending plan. If you aren’t sure how to start, enlist the help of someone who can offer you responsible advice about budgeting and finance. You may also want to talk to your children about the importance of a good budget. Go shopping at sales and clip coupons together. You could plan a ‘cheap date’ outing during which time all of you can take advantage of special events such as ‘Kids Eat Free’ meals or Family Days/Nights at local facilities. Your public library could offer access to free resources.
 
Do your children have health insurance?
 
If your income is limited, you may qualify for Medicaid. If you do not currently receive child support, Medicaid may also be able to refer you to your local office of Child Support Enforcement. The State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) may also be an option. Eligibility criteria vary by state. To explore SCHIP go to insurekidsnow.gov.
 
Be aware of tax breaks available to you.
 
You may be eligible for some tax breaks from the Internal Revenue Service depending on gross income, age of children and other factors. Go to irs.gov or call 800-829-1040. You may also be eligible for child tax credits, working tax credits or child care allowances that can be taken from pre-tax dollars.

If you are a budget-conscious online shopper, you’ve probably seen them before – websites offering free samples of brand name products, printable grocery coupons, discounts and deals on a variety of items. Every penny counts while saving toward your debt settlement, so finding deals online is a good practice. Online freebie hunting can be fun, but there are a few things that you might want to keep in mind.
 
Some sites may offer truly free items with no shipping charges, membership fees and no commitments to buy anything. However, other sites may say something is ‘free’, only for shipping charges to apply. Consider researching a site thoroughly before you provide payment information. It is up to you whether these ‘free’ items are worth the shipping charge.
 
Thinking carefully about offers could also help you identify and possibly disregard sites that require a membership fee for access to free items and offers. Try to keep in mind that there are many freebie sites at your fingertips that don’t require a membership fee. As usual, when shopping or applying for anything online, you may want to avoid giving personal information such as social security number or credit card number.

Some freebie sites feature discussion forums which may offer you the opportunity to communicate with others regarding freebie sites to try and ones to steer clear of. According to forum feedback, popular sites for you to consider include:
 

According to a recent survey by the American Pet Products Association (APPA), Americans spent more than $43.2 billion on their pets in 2008. That estimate is expected to increase in 2009 despite the economic recession. When it comes to pet care, keep in mind that an ounce of prevention may be equal to a pound of cure. Here are a few suggestions.
 
Communicate With Your Vet
 
Take your pet to its annual checkup if at all possible. Inform your vet of your financial situation. Yearly vet exams can recognize small problems that can lead to expensive health issues for you and your pet down the road if not detected.
 
Before your appointment, you might want to list questions and concerns you have regarding your pet’s care. Being prepared beforehand could eliminate the need for extra visits, saving you money for debt settlement.
 
Pet Health Insurance
 
This area may be overlooked since many pet owners assume that insurance is too costly. When considering pet insurance, consumers might want to research carriers and policies. Many carriers will reimburse policyholders for routine exams. Go to petinsurance.com (Veterinary Pet Insurance-VPI) on the Web or call 888-899-4VPI to see if pet health insurance is an option for you.
 
Feeding Your Furry Friend
 
The Dollar Stretcher.com suggests talking to your vet about complete and balanced foods that fit within your budget. Also, ask your vet about proper feeding amounts. According to a National Pet Obesity Awareness Study, approximately 44 percent of dogs and 57 percent of cats in the United States are overweight. An obese pet is more likely to suffer from diabetes, disease and joint pain, leading to expensive vet visits throughout its life. You could purchase food and/or litter in bulk. This may appear to cost more at first but considering the unit cost could save you money in the long run. Think about making some of your pet’s food at home. Discuss recipe choices with your vet.

Stores that sell everything for a dollar or close to it have been part of the shopping landscape for quite a while. But do these stores really offer money-saving solutions for frugal shoppers saving for debt settlement? Depending on what you need, you may discover dollar stores really could save you money.
 
Cleaners
 
According to MSN Money, many shoppers head to dollar stores specifically for some kind of household cleaner.
 
You may want to consider your favorite brand-name product and compare its ingredients with your choice from the dollar store. Do you find many differences? A cleaner with a well-known label doesn’t necessarily do a better job than one without a brand name.
 
Food And Grocery Items
 
Some products in this category can turn out to be good buys, but use caution. MSN Money suggests thinking along the lines of purchasing items such as spices which can sometimes be overpriced in supermarkets.
 
Cereals, crackers and soda may also be good choices as long as boxes are sealed completely. Also, remember to check the expiration labels. Good Housekeeping recommends passing on the item if no expiration date is listed or if the item is close to expiring.
 
Also, use caution when considering the purchase of canned vegetable or fruit, trash bags, food-storage bags, foam and plastic cups and bottled water which may be more expensive on a per-unit basis at dollar stores than at some supermarkets and retail competitors.
 
Kitchen Utensils
 
Dollar stores could be a good shopping destination if you need to stock your kitchen with inexpensive utensils, according to MSN Money.
 
Items like kitchen knives, dishes, spoons, forks, latex kitchen gloves, graters, funnels, whisks, peelers and spatulas are likely to work just as well as similar cooking tools offered at larger discount stores.