1. Graphic prints: This summer, we’re seeing wild designs on everything from pants to flats to long, flowing dresses. And while some of these items can be a bit too loud for work, a printed blouse or tailored skirt will bring your office attire to another level. Still too loud for you? Try pairing a printed scarf with a black or gray pantsuit for a pop of color. Or go for a bold print under your favorite tailored blazer to make any business outfit look instantly trendier while still appearing professional.

2. Stripes: When it comes to this season’s stripes, the bolder, the better. And they’re not just for the beach or boat anymore. When dressing for work, wear an elegant blouse in a neutral color with a pair of striped pants; or, if you’re feeling a little more daring, try a striped dress with a great pair of pumps (heels of 3″ or less is a good rule of thumb for most workplaces). Stripes are a fun and easy way to incorporate that classic summer style into the corporate world.

3. Neon: A touch of neon can make even the simplest outfit seem a little brighter. While you definitely don’t want to go overboard and end up looking like a road sign, little touches of neon coral or green in a belt, shoe, or bracelet are sure to stand out against a simple business outfit. Even men are catching on to the neon trend—check out Cole Haan’s neon-soled driving moccasin or boat shoe for your beau.

4. Leather: Leather can be a bit too edgy for most offices, but it has taken on a much more feminine and understated tone this summer. We’re seeing leather accents on everything from blazers to blouses, making these items trendy but still work-appropriate. Pair a tailored leather top with a dressy jacket and you’ll looked polished and stylin’.

5. Maxi: Maxi dresses and skirts are not only comfortable, but they are also incredibly chic. You can dress up a casual cotton maxi dress with a scarf, bold belt, or tailored blazer. If your workplace is a bit more formal, opt for a silk maxi skirt with a structured top and pair of wedges. You can find these skirts and dresses just about anywhere: Target has some fabulous options for Recessionistas to stay on trend and on budget.

6. 60′s glam: This summer, the sixties are making a comeback in the form of shift dresses, bright patterns, and mod accessories. This trend lends itself to chic, fitted silhouettes, making it perfectly work-appropriate. Try to incorporate a fun printed shift or a bold sixties-inspired pattern into your work wardrobe this summer; it’s a look that’s timeless, elegant, and FUN.

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1. Play by the rules: Are you an athlete, or were you a jock in a previous life? Make some extra cash and get a workout by offering yourself up as a referee at your local recreational center. You may need to take a quick class or orientation first, but once you prove your sports knowledge they’ll get you out on the field making around $15/hour for reffing little kids and up to $100 for reffing high schoolers. Check in with your local recreational center to sign up, and get your stripes on!

2. Eliminate the duplicates: If you have a roommate, chances are that you ended up with two of a lot of things when you moved in. Go through your things together and see where there are redundancies, and then hit up your local Craigslist listings. For a speedy sale, time your post with big moving dates, like September or May when students move in and out of their dorms, or the 1st or 15th of every month when most leases end. This means that you’ll be reaching potential buyers right as they move into a new place and are looking for furnishings. Be sure to post plenty of photos of the item for sale; after all, people want to know what they’re paying for! And, if possible, ask your buyer to pay in cash. The last thing you want to do is to deal with a bounced check when that extra toaster is already out the door.

3. Write it out: If you have a passion for writing and editing, try your hand at the freelance work on Odesk.com. The site allows users to post projects they need completed (including writing blog posts, editing documents, even reading and summarizing articles) and then you offer your skills—and name your price. If you get the “bid,” you’re paid hourly until the work is finished. Get into a good groove, because the more projects you complete, the higher your ranking is, and the more dough you can make per hour!

The post 3 More Ways to Make Random Cash appeared first on Recessionista.

1. What factors should you consider before buying a home together before marriage?

While you’re building a home together, you’re not technically bound together legally until you’re married. Protect yourself against any losses or discomfort in the future by making sure that both of your names are on the housing deed. In the event that the unthinkable happens (i.e., you breakup) you will both have an equal stake in the sale of the house and its contents.

It’s best to choose a home with a mortgage that is payable on one income. Don’t splurge for the big fancy one that requires both of you to be working; should something unexpected come up, like an injury, sickness, or having a baby, you want to make sure you can keep making those monthly payments comfortably.

Finally, make sure you are both comfortable with your mortgage. Notice we use the word “comfortable,” not “getting by.” It’s important that the person you’re splitting a mortgage payment with isn’t just scraping by, but in a good position to make their monthly payments. This means their housing costs should be no more than 25% of their monthly income (and the same goes for you!). If they’re budgeting so closely that, should something come up, they’ll be unable to pay their way, you should try for a less expensive place, period. Because guess what: if your significant other is unable to pay their portion, it’s you that will pay in the form of late fees or even eviction.

2. Should you and your sig-o combine finances, or keep them separate until marriage?

This is a totally personal choice, but we recommend keeping one spending line and one savings line for just you. Again, you’re in love and we hope you stay that way, but in lieu of a formal divorce should you breakup you want to have assets in your name, at your disposal. And you don’t want your credit score—aka your financial report card—tied to someone else’s finances, just in case. Tackle housing costs, groceries, auto maintenance, etc. together, but your personal savings as well as the “fun stuff”—clothes, salon visits, travel—is on you.

3. What should you know (financially) about each other, and how do you start that conversation?

When to bring it up: Early on! Better to get any uncomfortable or even embarrassing news out on the table before things get serious enough for it to become a dealbreaker. This is where you could make known any unusual health conditions, family irregularities, or even past relationships that may come up in the future. And, of course, any pesky credit card debt, student loans, or financial goals that are important to you.

How to bring it up: This is a delicate topic for men and women. So set yourselves up in a mutually comfortable, non-chaotic and un-rushed environment. The important thing to convey and establish here is sincerity. Men: give your girlfriend a realistic idea of your financial status so that it is never assumed you are in a position which you are not. You don’t want to start the relationship by setting unreal expectations from her — and hey, if she doesn’t love you for you no matter how heavy your wallet is, it may not work out anyway. Women: It is more appropriate for you to reveal your financial status by showing him than telling him. This way, you can make your situation obvious without bruising his ego or threatening any dynamic perceptions he might have.

4. How might the decision to buy a house change our relationship, and how can we work through it?

It sounds cliché, but communication is key, especially when it comes to money. Don’t ever assume that your significant other understands your financial picture and mores simply by osmosis. Set goals—together. Discuss what your goals and purposes are for the relationship. Whether it’s just for fun or for life, being on the same page with your goals and purposes aligned is key to the success and longevity of the relationship. Does he want to travel for a while? Do you want to start a family? Set these big milestones together and adjust them as your commitment and work/life situations change. It will give you something to work toward, together, and ensure that you don’t run into nasty arguments simply because “I didn’t know that’s what you wanted.”

The post Should You Buy a House Before You’re Married? appeared first on Recessionista.

1. How to spend. It gets expensive funding a company entirely on your own. Lucky for you, there’s lots of support out there and rewards programs to help you stretch your dollar farther. Sign up for a Chase Ink Plus credit card and get 50,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards when you spend $5,000 in the first three months. It’s worth 25% more when you redeem for travel, which makes the Plus an even better travel card than most airline credit cards. This is especially a good choice if you’re just starting out; you’re likely going to be spending more heavily in the beginning as you set up a home office, extra phone line, and promotional materials—plus travel to enlist more clients! Bonus: if and when you expand your company, you get free employee cards.

2. Where to spend. As a small business owner, you get to choose where you spend your hard-earned cash, so get picky about who gives you the best deal. We love Apple’s Business Experts, who are on-call 24-7 for your business’s tech needs no matter how big or small you are. Sign up for their small business program and get discounts on the stuff you need, from iPhones to iPads to computers. They’ll even help you make a purchasing plan so that your equipment keeps pace with business growth. Trying out some new software or formatting a new device? Make a one-on-one appointment with the Genius Bar or try one of their free group workshops to get the most out of your devices.

3. How to save. No 401(k)? No problem! There are lots of other ways you can save money for down the road. The first type of retirement account worth considering is an Individual Retirement Account, or IRA. An IRA is particularly effective for putting aside less than $5,000, and you can set it up right at your local bank. If you plan to set aside more than $5,000, consider a Simplified Employee Pension Individual Retirement Arrangement, or SEP IRA. Yes, it’s a mouthful, but totally worth it because like an IRA your contributions are tax-deductible. You can open one at any major brokerage, like Fidelity or TD Ameritrade.  

The post 3 Secrets of the Self-Employed appeared first on Recessionista.

You have our permission: give yourself a monthly gift! That’s right, when used properly gift cards can be a great way to stick to your budget, and have a little fun along the way…

1. Set parameters. When you buy yourself a gift card, you’re setting specific parameters for your shopping. So, you have a gift card for $100 at Lululemon? Guess what: you get $100 and that’s it. Be sure to leave a little extra on the card to cover sales tax, and don’t make the common mistake of spending more than it’s worth. (If you use the $100 gift card toward a $140 purchase, that is not a “deal”—you just spent $40 that you hadn’t intended on spending!)

4. Take stock. At the end of each month, take stock of your budget to see where you’re at with expenses. (Our Easy Peasy Expense Tracker is a great way to get organized!) If you’re on track with both your spending and savings plans, reload your cards in order of priority as outlined above. Need new work flats? DSW goes first. Remember: gift cards are supposed to be a way to help you budget your spending, not a monthly shopping spree!

The post Give Yourself Gift Cards—and Save! appeared first on Recessionista.

Just as wedding decor and design has evolved in the last few years, hair has followed suit. We’re seeing a lot less “stiff-not-gonna-move-all-night” styles nowadays. Brides are opting for more natural and relaxed styles that more closely resemble their everyday look and natural beauty. I have always said how important I think it is to be able to look back at your wedding photos and not see a version of yourself that you hardly recognize! That being said, you certainly want to go the extra mile on the big day, and be the absolute best and shiniest version of yourself.

Before Drybar, weekly blowouts were cost prohibitive to many, but now we see so many clients once a week (or more!) for their blowouts. As a bride planning her big day, we know how very, very important your hair is. If you have an upcoming wedding, start experimenting right away! My first tip is to try different blowouts and looks until you get that perfect style that you just can’t stop thinking about. You may not get it right the first time (in fact, you probably won’t) but don’t stress: it’s totally normal, and trust me, you’ll get there!

We see tons of Brides on their big day who come if for that perfect blowout. And at $35 ($40 on the easy coast) you can afford to splurge on a fancy hair accessory. Our friends at Ban.do make the most beautiful pieces for brides. A little sparkle in your hair can go a long way.

As much as I love a Mai Tai (those messy beachy waves) or other soft waves for your stroll down the aisle, there is certainly something to be said for chic updo’s, or “Uptini” in Drybar lingo. Drybar offers 30% off the normal price ($75 west coast, $80 east coast) for your trial run. So spend some time on Pinterest and search for a loose, sexy and classic Uptini that will make you feel gorgeous, then bring those pictures in with you so we can get it just right!

At the end of the day, you don’t have to spend a lot on your wedding hair: you just have to know what you want and where to get it.

Alli Webb is the founder and hair mastermind behind Drybar, the exclusive, all-style, no-attitude, high-design shop for blow-dries only. Drybar features fifteen locations in Southern California, Arizona, Texas, Georgia and NYC, with more on the way! Before moving into professional hairstyling and mommy-dom, Alli attended the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale and began her career in fashion working for designer Nicole Miller in New York City.

The post Low-Cost Do’s For Saying “I Do” appeared first on Recessionista.

1. Tech Headset: Native Union Retro Pop Phone, $19.99

Oh, mom…you and your cute smartphone! How many times have we all heard, “Can I call you from a land line?” Or, “My face is smooshing the buttons!” Well, here you go, mom, no “smooshing” and here’s your land line. The pop phone let’s you keep your smart phone on while still feeling nostalgic. Available on www.nativeunion.com, Walmart or Amazon.com in a variety of fun colors.

2. Slipper Genies, $9.99

So, mom wants things clean around the house, but doesn’t have a housekeeper…and you can’t afford to get her one. So at least we can have a little fun with it with these cleaning slippers. Keep the house tidy just by walking through it. Get them for the entire family and have everyone chip in on some fun cleaning time. Available at Bed Bath and Beyond, WalMart and Amazon.com.

3. XL Wine Glasses, 2 for $28

Mama needs a big glass—a very big glass! After all, she works hard and she deserves it. Well, these XL wine glasses can fit the whole bottle! Available at Bed, Bath and Beyond, Macy’s or Amazon.com.

4. Love, Mom: Helpful Yet Hilarious Emails, Chats and Text Messages from Moms Everywhere, $13

Written by the creators of the fun website, PostcardsFromYoMomma.com, this book tells us that there is a universal “mommyness” to emails. If your mom recently discovered email, they likely have the same email style: long story forwards, e-cards, funny pictures, inappropriate health concerns, and long updates with a whole lot of information crammed into a little passive aggressive package. This is a hilarious book for anyone, but shows moms that they’re in the same boat, even when dealing with the same things from their adult children. Available at bookstores or Amazon.com.

5. Table Place Setting Cheat-Sheet, $28

Okay, so who really knows where the little fork goes? We sure don’t. Give mom a relaxing Mother’s Day meal with a cheat-sheet for everyone else. This table setting diagram let’s you create the perfect place setting. Do it for mom, and then throw away the mess when you’re done—they’re paper! Available at West Elm stores or online here.

6. Custom Pop Art, $19.99

You’ve seen fun pop art of the “Keep Calm and Carry On” variety, and now you can make your own “Keep Calm and Mommy On” art with a cool custom creation on Etsy’s Printsinspired store. Available at Etsy.com.

For more, check out our Recessionista-in-Chief sharing the goods on Good Morning America Live! 

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1. Energy efficient lightbulbs. Fluorescent lights might remind you of the doctor’s office, but if you buy the right wattage they can actually throw some nice light and save you money. While traditional light bulbs waste nearly 98% of their energy usage as heat, energy efficient light bulbs are designed to do the opposite; they use a higher portion of their energy to make light. Do the math: more light – less energy = huge savings on your energy bill. In fact, according to MSN, the average household spends around $264 per year on electricity for lighting, and you can save around $200 annually just by switching over to energy-efficient lightbulbs. Many home insurance companies offer deductions for energy efficient light bulb use, and you can even deduct up to $500 toward making the move to energy efficient light bulbs from your tax return.

2. Energy Star savings. That “Energy Star” label on your new fridge isn’t just saving you money; on average it will use less than half the energy of a model that’s 12 years or older. Not only will you save even more energy on that energy bill, but you’re also saving water—and the environment—at the same time. Make sure that you get the right size for your needs so that you’re not wasting energy and water (for example, a family-sized dishwasher probably isn’t necessary for your studio apartment), and remember that natural gas is almost always cheaper and cleaner than electric. You’re going to pay a bit more up front for energy efficient appliances, but you’ll be saving major dough in the long run!

3. Programmable thermostat. Got a screwdriver and 5-10 minutes of free time? Upgrade your regular thermostat to a programmable one and save on heating and cooling throughout the year. According to Consumer Reports, programmable thermostats can trim about $180 a year from your energy bill by automatically reducing your heating or cooling when you need it least. After all, why pay for something when you’re not using it? Most models let you program different settings for each day, so depending on when you are going to be in the house, when the kids are home, when you’re going on vacation, etc. you can control the temp to be comfy (and cost efficient) for every occasion.

The post 3 Sneaky Ways to Save Around the House appeared first on Recessionista.

1. Tweet your way to the bank. Yes you can actually make money for tweeting. Without going overboard, you can advertise for companies like Netflix or Amazon. If your blog or company promotes certain products, contact the company and see about getting an endorsement for tweeting a review. Or, check out the site TwitPub to get paid for tweeting headlines, tips, horoscopes, and stocks. There are countless ways you can monetize your Twitter account—but make sure you’re not bombarding your followers with product promotions or advertisements or they might tune you out.

2. Be trendy. Whether you’re looking for more blog traffic or to expand your business, Twitter is a great place to start. Using the website Twitter Feed, you can link your blog or YouTube channel to your Twitter account. With over 550 million users, you are sure to find more blog readers or potential clients for your business. Be sure to use popular hashtags and tweet to trending topics so that others can easily find your account.

3. Timing is everything. We’ve all followed that person who floods our Twitter feed with hundreds of tweets per day, sometimes so often that we are forced to hit the “unfollow” button. While you definitely don’t want to be that person, it’s important to tweet frequently and consistently in order to capture the attention of your followers. How can you get the most out of your tweet? Sites like Simply Measured will calculate your Twitter stats and tell you the time zones of your followers; this way, you can determine the best time of day to tweet to reach the maximum number of followers. According to the blog Tweet Smarter, Twitter traffic is highest on Wednesdays at 3:00 PM. When sending out an important tweet, it is best to do so between 1:00-3:00 PM on weekdays.

4. Plan ahead. What if you’re heading somewhere with no cell service (gasp!)? Or taking a gadget-free vacation (gasp again!)? Or maybe you’re just swamped at work and don’t have time for tweeting. Luckily, online tools like Twuffer or Future Tweets can actually help you plan tweets ahead of time so that your account is never inactive. You can plan your week’s tweets out all at once so that they won’t plague you during vacation or a busy workweek; this way, you can keep your followers happy and maintain your sanity.

5. Connections are key. Social media is all about connecting to those around you, so take the time to determine your target audience. Reach out to followers in your area. By using the website, Wefollow, you can connect with other Twitter users based on their interests and find people who may be interested in your business or blog. Along those same lines, it is important to interact with your followers; ask questions or conduct short surveys to create a dialogue with other users. You can also connect by retweeting or “favoriting” your followers’ tweets—hey, they might even do the same for you!

The post 5 Ways to Make $$ (and Connections!) on Twitter appeared first on Recessionista.

1. Ditch the broker. Shop around for no-fee buildings to avoid paying a broker fee, which can be up to 20% of the year’s rent. You can even locate all of the area’s no-fee buildings on sites like NY Curbed, Urban Edge, or Zillow. Brokers are usually looking to find you an apartment and sign a lease as quickly as possible; but if you’re apartment-hunting solo, you can take your time and shop around for the best value. Plus, by removing the middleman, you can expedite your moving process and avoid hidden fees and charges.

2. Pack yourself, move yourself. Send out an email to a few friends and bribe them with pizza to help you move. A large pizza from Domino’s is only $8, while a team of professional movers can cost $500 or more. You can kill two birds with one stone: get your new pad unpacked and have an impromptu housewarming party! Also, by packing everything yourself, it will be easier to unpack, because you already know the contents of each box.

3. Save some green by going green. Not only are cardboard boxes bad for the environment, but they are also pretty costly. Not to mention you have to break them down and shuttle them to the dumpster when you’re done. For the price of 25 cardboard boxes, you can get twice the number of reusable containers. Go to your local Bed Bath & Beyond or Container Store and stock up on clear plastic bins to pack in; it will be easier to direct your friends to the appropriate room if you can easily see inside the boxes. And when you’re finished moving? Use those bins to store off-season clothes, winter coats, or spare towels. It’s easy storage plus you’ll have them on hand for the next move!

4. Store your s*%#: If you’ve moved into a city, you’ll quickly realize that storage space is in short supply, which is why storage units can cost nearly as much as an apartment. But who wants to pay for a second home that you can’t even live in? Finding storage space in the surrounding suburbs can save you tons of money each year; the farther from the city, the more money you will save. If you have access to a car, you can easily get to and from your stuff. If not, U-Haul trucks are pretty affordable, but you may need some truck-driving practice first. Keeping your extra stuff far away may seem unsettling or inconvenient, but if you’re putting it in storage, chances are you don’t need to have it readily accessible anyway.

5. Sell the extras.  Wanna offset some of those moving costs? Sell the extra stuff you don’t need! Especially if you’re moving in with a roommate, chances are you have more stuff than you really need (after all, what are you going to do with two microwaves??). Your local Craigslist listings are a great place to start. For a speedy sale, time your post with big moving dates. Most leases end on the 1st or 15th of every month, which means that you’ll be reaching potential buyers right as they move into a new place and are looking for furnishings. Be sure to post plenty of photos of the item for sale; after all, people want to know what they’re paying for! And, if possible, ask your buyer to pay in cash. The last thing you want to do is to deal with a bounced check when that couch is already out the door.

The post How To: Make Moving Suck Less (And Cost Less, Too!) appeared first on Recessionista.