Top 10 Money Wasters!

So, I was listening to my radio while getting ready the other morning and they actually had some pretty interesting stuff on there so I thought I'd share. I'm not sure where they got their information but there are plenty of sites that back up their claims.

So, if you are in a money crunch right now or just need a budget re-vamp, here are some things to take a magnifying glass to!

1. Coffee-I have fallen victim to this countless times!! I've found a way around this. I actually don't drink coffee, I drink Chai Latte's which are just as expensive. I buy my mix at home and it's the same stuff most of the shoppes use and I can buy 1 box of the stuff for the same price as a cup at the Shoppe! Also, did you know that some discount retailers sell gift cards for less than face value? I meet all of my clients at Caribou, because I have bought a $50 gift card for $40!! Work smarter, not harder!! :)
2. Cigarettes. Smoking is a habit, a learned behavior. Go to One Hour Stop Smoking and learn about this great technique to quit. I quite 7/11/07 and haven't looked back ever since, not even a twinge.
3. Alcohol. I am a major splurger on this. I don't think ahead, I don't watch the sales, I am totally an impulse buyer when it comes to alcohol. Besides, if we are tightening our budget, do we really need it? I think not, if we do, than we may have a bigger problem on our hands than just spending!
4. Bottled Water. This is the thing that I just don't understand. I get that drinking fountains are infested with germs and all that but really, do you really need to buy gallons upon gallons of the stuff? Why not recycle a bit and use a re-usable bottle with filtered water from home? Much, much cheaper in the long run and much better for the environment.
5. Manicures. I would have to say I changed this habit about 2 years ago. I figured that I was spending about $30-40 dollars every 2 weeks on this! I'm not saying that my nails look as beautiful as they used to but I tell you what, I'm able to do a heck of a lot more financially with that all most $100 more a month!
6. Car washes. I'm not sure that I really agree with this one. I'm kind of a car snob and I really like my car to look good. I'll pay more for a touchless car wash than one that's going to rub someone else's dirt all over my car and scratch it up! Also, living in MN, to properly take care of your car, you need to wash off the salt every once in a while or it will eat your car up!!
7. Weekday lunches out. Whew, I would not even want to count up all of the money I've spent on lunches out over the last 15 years. I'm sure of one thing though, if I had packed it at least 4 days out of 5, I'd have been to Hawaii twice on the savings!! YIKES!!
8. Vending machine snacks. I've never been a real big fan of sweets. I've always been a little cheap when it comes to the vending machine. It always chaps me when they charge you a dollar sometimes more for a 12oz can of pop when if you buy it at the store (even if it's not on sale) it would cost you around $.25!!!
9. Interest charges on credit cards. I think another thing that can go into this category is late fees as well. I have done a lot of work in finance over the last 15 years and when I ask people the reason for the late payments on their credit cards are, do you know what 90% of them answered? I forgot! STUPID!! Not only did you get hit with more interest but another $25-35 in late fees!! That could be date night for me and my hubby!! :)
10. Unused memberships. I have so many friends and clients who have various memberships to things that they never use it's crazy! They say, "Well, I'm on a 12 month contract." I think for most of them, it would be less expensive to pay the early termination fee than it would be to continue to pay the membership fee! I think another thing in this category should be cell phone plans. People should review their cell phone plans every 6-12 months and make sure they are getting the best plan with their current carrier or see if breaking your contract and going with another would be a better idea! I did this and saved all most $75 a month!! I broke even by paying the early termination fee after 1 month. Also, did you know you can sell your old phone? I have a friend who will do all of the work for you!! CRAZY!! Click here to see his site.

I hope you have found this information useful!! Let me know your thoughts and if you have fallen into any of these pitfalls!!

Also, if you'd like to create all the referrals you could ever want and more, click here!

Sincerely,

Beth Riegger

MySimpleCards

Explore MN!

I recently signed up for the Explore MN e-newsletter and I'm so happy I did!! Here are some of the things that are happening in our area this weekend:

TWIN CITIES GREATER METROPOLITAN VICINITY

The Minneapolis Institute of Arts will be the site of the 24TH ANNUAL ART IN BLOOM from Thursday, April 26 through Sunday, April 29. This spring celebration features more than 100 floral artists, whose designs will be on display next to the works of art that inspired them. In addition, enjoy lectures, demonstrations, free guided tours, Italian treats, the Garden & Gift Shop, Garden Guru Booth, and a complimentary Flowers After Hours Party with a scavenger hunt and art-trivia contest. Admission to the museum to view the floral arrangements is free. To learn more, dial 612/870-3131, or visit www.artsmia.org/art-in-bloom-2007

VALBORGSMÄSSOAFTON will be offered at the Gammelgården Museum in Scandia on Saturday, April 28, with a bonfire, singing and roasting hot dogs to welcome spring! In addition, there will be free tours, the opening of the Scandia Butik, and a performance by the Swedish Male Chorus. To find out more, dial 651/433-3430, or check out www.scandiamn.com/gammelgarden

The Science Museum of Minnesota in St. Paul will present EL DIA DE LOS NINOS on Saturday, April 28. This Latino celebration honors and celebrates the hopes and dreams of the children in every community. Come meet science and education professionals from the Twin Cities' Latino communities, participate in make-and-take activities, and enjoy entertainment with a Latino flair. For further information, dial 651/221-9444, or visit www.smm.org

URBAN EXPEDITION: MOROCCO! will be offered on Sunday, April 29, at the Landmark Center in St. Paul. Visitors will explore Morocco's rich cultural heritage, and learn how it has been influenced by being a North African nation and situated near the Middle East. For more information, dial 651/292-3225, or check out www.landmarkcenter.org

The St. Paul RiverCentre will be the site of the 5TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF NATIONS, Thursday through Sunday, May 3-6. Enjoy one of the nation's largest and longest-running multi-ethnic events, and travel the world without a passport. Ninety-seven different ethnic groups will share their foods, crafts and traditions that form the mosaic of our American culture. To find out more, dial 651/647-0191, or visit www.FestivalofNations.com

And just some of the upcoming concerts and performances will include:
BRIGHT EYES at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, April 25
ROD STEWART at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, April 25
INSANE CLOWN POSSE & TWIZTID at The Myth in Maplewood, April 29
CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES at the Plymouth Playhouse in Plymouth, May 2
LOREENA MCKENNITT at the Historic State Theatre, May 3
ELVIS COSTELLO & THE IMPOSTERS at The Myth, May 8
ALL SHOOK UP at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, May 8-13
BILLY JOEL at the Xcel Energy Center, May 9
CHAMPIONS ON ICE at the Target Center in Minneapolis, May 12
A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION with GARRISON KEILLOR at the Historic State Theatre, May 12 & 19
KENNY CHESNEY at the Xcel Energy Center, May 13
THE KILLERS at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium at the St. Paul RiverCentre, May 15
THE HONDA CIVIC TOUR 2007 featuring FALL OUT BOY at the Target Center, May 16
JON STEWART at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, May 18
THE ROWDY FRYNDS TOUR: HANK JR & SKYNYRD at the Target Center, May 19
PAT BENATAR & NEIL GIRALDO at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel in Prior Lake, May 22
COMEDY CRAZE: MARCUS COMBS, BLT, B. COLE and JAZZ at the Historic State Theatre, May 24
For further information on any of these performances or events, please contact Ticketmaster at 651/989-5151

EXPLORE MINNESOTA NOW! For lodging specials and incredible deals currently being offered, check out our website at www.exploreminnesota.com For further travel information, contact one of our travel counselors, Monday through Friday, 8 am-4:30 pm, by dialing 1-888-TOURISM (868-7476). Thank you for Exploring Minnesota!

Please Note: Information provided by event contacts. Dates may change. Please confirm dates prior to travel. Explore Minnesota Tourism grants you permission to distribute this information freely to friends, family and others for personal use. However, any republication of the materials, full or partial, in electronic, print or other format, must prominently include the following statement: "The information in this report is provided courtesy of Explore Minnesota Tourism."

Pretty cool stuff in our own backyard, eh? Speaking of our backyard, how about our friends to the South, check out what they're doing the weekend after next:

Thirteen communities from Red Wing to Winona, Minnesota, and from Alma to Bay City, Wisconsin, will participate in the 100 MILE GARAGE SALE AROUND LAKE PEPIN, Friday, May 4 through Sunday, May 6. Maps of registered sales will be available in some communities. For more information, dial 651/345-0185, or check out http://www.lakecitymn.org/.

Holy buckets!!

Let me know if you end up going to any of these.

As always, your friend,

Beth Riegger.

1st Avenue, I Never Knew!!

Good morning all, I've been searching for some more articles about the area and found this one on 1st Avenue. It's so cool!!

History Of First Avenue And 7th St Entry Minneapolis-Minnesota
By Keith Burke

The year was 1937, General Motors strike spreads to six states, and Social Security paid its first claim. This is also the year Greyhound bus lines opened a new depot in Minneapolis, Minnesota, which would later be known as First Avenue and 7th St entry. I will be giving you a brief history of a famous landmark of the Twin Cities.

The Greyhound bus depot located in downtown Minneapolis had many great amenities for its time. Patrons were able to take showers, they had access to public telephone, and most of all they were treated to a well air-conditioned building. During my travels in the 1980s, I do not remember any Greyhound bus station, being this nice. I recall filthy restrooms, dirty floors and slow ticket agents; maybe that's just me.

In 1968, the Greyhound bus depot was closed, giving birth to a new nightclub known as The Depot, which opened April 3, 1970. The owner was Alan Fingerhut, an heir to the Fingerhut fortune. Over the years the name may have change, but the concept remained the same. And that's live music. During the bell-bottom, polyester suit era of the 1970s, the club went to a disco format and changed its name to Uncle Sam's.

The club fell on hard financial times. In 1979, and also in 2004, causing the club to close for two weeks. In my opinion it was due to new clubs opening up in the downtown warehouse district, and also the surrounding suburbs. Also, it was due to companies such as Clear Channel and Clear Channel entertainment (Live Nation) abilities to book top-notch acts. Despite the setbacks First Avenue and 7th St entry continued to thrive.

Over the years First Avenue has opened its doors to many local and national acts, such as Ike and Tina Turner, Run DMC, Culture Club, Alexander O'Neal, and Joe Cocker who played two sets opening-night back in the day when it was called The Depot.

And how can you mention Minnesota without mentioning its very own Prince, who used the club as a backdrop for his movie, Purple Rain.

In my conclusion, if you are ever in the Minneapolis area, please stop by the club. Just like in the days of old, when it was a bus depot. The doors continue to be open to all types of patrons, from hip-hop to punk rockers.

Keith Burke enjoys writing and seeing the city by riding the Minneapolis Light Rail. If you would like to learn more about Minnesota and what it has to offer visit http://www.lightrailvacations.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keith_Burke
http://EzineArticles.com/?History-Of-First-Avenue-And-7th-St-Entry-Minneapolis-Minnesota&id=417064

I had no idea that 1st Avenue had so much history???? Did you? It's really funny, I was talking with a friend that I met here on myspace and they asked me how many times I'd been to the MOA, I've only been a handful of times!! I can't say that I've ever been to 1st Avenue either but after reading this article, your darn right I'm going to make a point of it!! Have you ever been? What was your experience there?

Thanks and have a great day

Beth