The Return of the Financial Fashionista

Life happened and I was gone for awhile.  As John Lennon once said, life happens when you're busy making other plans.  I've been writing at a few places, which I'll share in the future. 

Health and financial issues were pressing.  They still are but I realize so are my projects, as my tween-age son just reminded me. 

I still hunt for bargains and search for the best ways to balance finances and fun.  My journey has been rocky, so get ready to join me as we figure it all out together!

Target $3 Appliances

Target $3 appliances sound like an online myth but apparently it's not. Do Target $3 appliances really exist? We discovered the Target Black Friday Ad - It's Here! An array of items will be deeply discounted for Black Friday, including Target $3 appliances. So what are these Target $3 appliances anyway?

The rumored Target $3 appliances are from Chefmate and include a toaster, a 12-cup coffee maker, a slow cooker and a sandwich maker. This drastic cut in culinary costs makes us wonder how profitable Target $3 appliances will be for the company.

It also brings to mind the days when moms used to beg their husbands to get ANYTHING but kitchen appliances as holiday gifts. This year it seems everyone will want to take advantage of Target $3 appliances as gifts and for their own personal use.

Frankly, I'm breaking all past rules and telling my husband to check out the Target $3 appliances, especially that slow cooker I've wanted for awhile...

If you still can't get enough of Target, here is a commercial with every color you can dream...

Target Black Friday Ad 2009 - It's Here!

The Target Black Friday ad 2009 leaked and we have it!  Everyone awaits the day after Thanksgiving with baited breath to get the best deals.  Having the Target Black Friday ad 2009 gives you more time to plan for your holiday purchases.

Target opens at 5 am on Black Friday.  Some of the deals you'll find include $3 appliances, $5 fleece bottoms for men and women and $5 for the popular board game Candyland.  You also receive a $10 gift card with a $100 in-store purchase.  There's even a 32-inch LCD HDTV for $246!

The Target Black Friday ad 2009 is so hot CNN is talking about it.  Sarah Boehle, Target spokeswoman, stated the company is "unable to confirm the accuracy of any two-day ads or pricing information that is posted online. Each year we chronicle lots of excitement about our ads when we hear that they were prematurely leaked.  We really appreciate all the interest. We encourage consumers to look for our official  ad."

The official Target Black Friday ad 2009 will be revealed on November 22.  Meanwhile, get a sneak peek of the onlinen Target Black Friday ad deals here.

Get One Hour Free From Virgin Mobile

Are you tired of a stack of bills to pay? A fashionista simply must keep in touch with her peeps but why does it have to cost so much?  I don't want another bill and like to control how much I spend on the cell phone.  After all, I already have a landline and Internet connection.  My cell phone is just for quick conversation on the run so I use a prepaid plan from Virgin Mobile.

For just 10 bucks every 45 days, I have ongoing cell phone service with more reliability than any other mobile provider I ever had.  I spent years being tied down to a contract now I enjoy the carefree affordability of Virgin Mobile.  With rates as low at 10 cents per minute (or less), I can talk whenever I want without worrying about major bills or heaven forbid - finding a phone booth!

Get one hour of bonus time when you sign up with Virgin Mobile now and use this referral code:  d6uIQVdQ

Are You Facing Foreclosure?

If you're behind on mortgage payments, you're not alone.  Millions of homeowners are falling behind on their mortgage payments and facing foreclosure.  Is there a way to get out from under a past due mortgage?

Several options exist.  A homeowner can consider a loan modification, repayment plan, foreclosure, short sale or bankruptcy.  Each one has its own unique ramifications and benefits. 

Your first step is to attempt to communicate with your mortgage lender.  Silence only leads to deeper problems.  Maintaining honest communication is essential, especially if you want to negotiate the terms along the way.

A resource to check out for more free information is Making Home Affordable or call 1-888-995-HOPE for more information.  Knowledge is power when it comes to saving your home and your credit score.

Modest Needs: Underemployed/Unemployed Part 2

Yesterday we discussed ways to get past the hurdle of unemployment and getting your hours cutback. But what if you start falling short when it comes to covering your basic needs? It's bad enough when you can't get a mani/pedi but what about when you can't pay your car insurance?

If you are unemployed and meet their financial criteria, you may be eligible to apply for an unemployment bridge grant. Unlike a loan, a bridge grant is money given to you that you do not have to pay back. The money is granted through Modest Needs and must be used to cover certain designated expenses. The grant recipient must be unemployed through no fault of their own. They also must not have found a job yet or be receiving unemployment benefits at the time.

The grant is directly remitted to the creditor to pay for emergency expenses such as health insurance, auto repairs, housing payments and child care. The maximum amount of a Modest Needs grant is $1,000, hence the name Modest Needs.

Other grants offered by Modest Needs include independent living grants, back-to-work grants and self-sufficiency grants. To apply, you must have ongoing access to a computer so you can keep track of your grant apps. You might also need to use a scanner to send certain portions of the grant application.

While Modest Needs won't pay for those hot new jeans and shoes, it will help you keep your shirt on your back until you find another fabulous job.

Unemployed? Underemployed? How To Get By - Part 1

When a fashionista finds herself unemployed or underemployed, it becomes a major crisis. Of course the first things to go are a manicure, pedicure and designer clothing. As the situation worsens, you may find yourself falling short when it comes to utility bills and groceries. How can a girl get by during tough times? My latest series will give you a wealth of resources to keep your head above water until better days are back.

Let's start with the stuff you need to cut out once you find out your job has gone down the toilet:

1. Handle your own beauty treatments. Invest in salon products and do-it-yourself. Even if you have savings, you will no longer be able to enjoy the pampered lifestyle to which you have become accustomed. OPI nailpolish, Nailtiques and grooming accessories will help you maintain stellar nails and toes. CHI hair products and grooming tools will keep your hair looking its best when there are several weeks between salon appointments. Loreal Colour Experte is the best way to keep your hair looking lovely and multi-dimensional when you can't drop a hundred or two for foil treatments.

2. Work with what you've got. This is not the time to add to your wardrobe. Work with what you have. Buy a couple of accessories to revamp your look in seasonal colors. Remember, your classic clothes are always in style so wear them so you don't look dated.

3. Check out thrift stores. With retro looks gaining increased popularity during these tough economic times, thrift stores are making a major comeback. Get your shop on without guilt at a thrift store. You may be amazed at what you find!

Our next entry will discuss ways to deal with food during tough times. Hang in there fashionistas, help is on the way!