Thursday, August 31, 2006

Shredder for your cell phone?

I have attempted to clear off as much personal information from my cell phone as I can before donating it to a women's shelter, but I probably left something on it that could be retrieved, although nothing as juicy as credit card numbers, banking passwords, business secrets or an affair.

Phones Spill Secrets of Previous Users and so is it worth a couple hundred dollars to sell your cell phone on eBay in exchange for potentially exposing yourself?

Many of the phones were owned personally by the sellers but crammed with sensitive corporate information, underscoring the blurring of work and home. "They don't come with a warning label that says, 'Be careful.' The data on these phones is very important," Magliato said.

"People are just not aware how much they're exposing themselves," Schmidt said. "This is more than something you pick up and talk on. This is your identity. There are people really looking to exploit this."



Question of the Day Marathon: Day 23 - LAST DAY!

Today is the last day of All Financial Matters' Question of the Day and it is hosted by Get Rich Slowly:
What does money mean to you?

This is the probably the only marathon I will participate (as in you won't see me running 26.2 miles) and it has been fun!



Question of the Day Marathon: Day 22

I am a little late, but I have not missed linking to any of the Question of the Day hosts and I'll be darned if I am going to let it happen on the second to last day!

Day 22 is hosted by City Girl's Financial Blog:
In the past 24 hours, what have you done in relation to money?



Tuesday, August 29, 2006

Tip: Develop An Elevator Speech

The other week, shamedsteven of Finding Freedom explained an elevator ride with the CEO of his company in which he was so CEO-struck, he did not say anything. He asked what others would have done in his shoes. In this case, a personal introduction would have been great!

At the beginning of my college career, my dad tipped me off to usefulness of elevator speeches. It allowed me to gain confidence in my ability to approach others and strike up a conversation, rather than hanging back and expecting someone to talk to me first (#25)! Through the years, I have crafted several elevator speeches for various situations that quickly communicate my name, job title (or major when I was in college) and mission of my organization or project.

If you are still not sure you can swing the elevator speech, maybe take a cue from Scott Ginsberg of Hello, My Name is Scott, who wears a nametage 24-7 and even has it tattooed on his chest [source: Raising Five]. Check out his section of articles, he provides a nice outline of how to develop a personal introduction.



Question of the Day Marathon: Day 21

Visit Pragmatic Finance to answer his question of the day:

What factors affected the career you chose? Was it purely about the pay or were there other aspects that influenced the decision?

Only two more days of the marathon, but you can visit All Financial Matters' Question of the Day Marathon schedule to go jump off and answer any of the questions!



Monday, August 28, 2006

Question of the Day Marathon: Day 20

Penny Nickle of Money and Values asks today's question:
Do you involve your values in your money decisions? If so, what are some examples? If not, why not?
We are in the home-stretch of the Question of the Day marathon!



Friday, August 25, 2006

Question of the Day Marathon: Day 19

Welcome to the 19th day of JLP's Question of the Day Marathon!

Knitting, fly fishing, fronting a garage band, Irish Dancing, reading gossip mags, body building, wine tasting, attending sporting events or buying imported CDs...please tell me you have a hobby other than blogging from work! ;)
What is your hobby and how much money do you spend on it? Please indicate if that is a monthly or yearly figure.

Monday morning, I will do a random drawing of all commenters to send out a little package of marble magnets, hand stamped cards and a CD booklet. It isn't a book and it isn't a bill, it is udandi fun mail!

I look forward to your replies!



Make It: Pop Art Shoes

Check out these Andy Warhol-inspired canvas shoes posted by x_tanni at craftster! Visit the link to see the Roy Lichtenstein pair, too. This girl has a steady hand!

If you do not want to scroll through 11 pages of posts, here is a summary of what she did:
I spent about 3 hours on the second pair (AW) and I spent about 1 hour on the first ones (RL). I painted all of them using acrylic paint and I used toothpicks for the lettering. I first outlined the cans on the shoes to set a base and did it all from there. I got the shoes from Target for super cheap since they were on sale and I sealed them with Scotchgard.
Related Post:
Make It: Painted Dr. Scholls Sandals



Thursday, August 24, 2006

Question of the Day Marathon: Day 18

Chipping Away finally posted the question of the day!
If tomorrow you were to suddenly find yourself unemployed, what would your action plan be and how much trouble do you feel you’d be in?
Oh I've already been there...



Make It: Rockin' Sock Monkeys

Back in July I posted about the Mr. T sock monkey and then I noticed it won the latest Craftster contest: Rockin' Sock Monkeys. Check out the other winners, a zombie, a geisha and Princess Leia!



Wednesday, August 23, 2006

Question of the Day Marathon: Day 17

Today Mapgirl's Fiscal Challenge asks:
How much of a balance do you leave in your checking account?
I'm curious what the brc in her URL stands for, but I have yet to ask...



Tuesday, August 22, 2006

Make It: Food Magnets

More magnets?! During one trip through a cake decorating shop, instead of getting these plastic decorations for a cake I put magnets on the back. I put a tie tack on one of the beer mugs and when I wear it to Oktoberfest it never fails to be a fun conversation starter!

When my niece was not busy organizing my marble magnets and by that I mean taking them all off the memo boards and dumping them in the bucket, she liked to put the Pepsi cups on her fingers and dance around. Whatever keeps her happy!



Question of the Day Marathon: Day 16

No Credit Needed is hosting today's two-part question:
What was the very first thing you purchased using credit (debt)?
What was the very last thing your purchased using credit (debt)?
Like Flexo, NCN is offering a contest. Once he gets 100 ideas in his Very, Very Best Money Saving Idea contest (to date there are 31) he will put all the contributors' names in a hat for a drawing of your favorite finance book. Read the linked post for all the contest details.

If you are not into contests and want more of a sure-thing, you can get a $25 bonus when you open an ING Direct account. Details posted here.



Monday, August 21, 2006

Make It: CD covers from lunchbags

~Dawn at Frugal for Life posted about DMC's DIY paper lunchbag CD covers, which I had in my to-be-blogged file because someone I know sent that to me saying I would appreciate it and he is right!

I'm adding this to my collection of ways to make art for mixed CDs:
CD case
CD covers from cereal boxes
CD pop-up case

[photo credit: DMC]



Question of the Day Marathon: Day 15

Flexo at Consumerism Commentary is hosting today's question along with an offer of a free book to one lucky person, if he gets 50 unique individuals to comment, so dash over and leave your reply to this:
While growing up, what were you taught about personal money management by your immediate family and surroundings (directly or by example, positive or negative), and how do these ideas factor into your life now?



Sunday, August 20, 2006

August 20 Target ad


I've got my eye on the ladies' Schwinn Jaguar Cruiser Bike. Check out those easy-reach handlebars, I could be cruising down the bike trail if I had this bike!

The $79.99 price includes professional assembly.



Saturday, August 19, 2006

Thank You Being Crafty!

Valerie at Being Crafty was cleaning up her supplies and offered stickers and rub-ons to anyone interested. I shared my stashed with my visiting niece who really likes stickers, as in sticking 50 on one page and saying it is beautiful!



Question of the Day Marathon: Day 14

Due to an all-day pool outing I am late to the party, but PennyFoolish
What are your vices?



Thursday, August 17, 2006

Question of the Day Marathon: Day 13

Journey to Financial Freedom's question:

Do you have any side income other than your paychecks? If no, how are you going to generate it in future? If yes, how do you generate it?



Free Stuff: Aunti Anne's Pretzels - 8/19

Auntie Anne's is giving away free Original and Cinnamon pretzels on Saturday, August 19 from 10am to 4pm. Visit the web site to find a location near you.

Thanks to reader, Karen, for the tip!



Wednesday, August 16, 2006

Question of the Day Marathon: Day 12

Mighty Bargain Hunter
What’s the best deal that you’ve ever gotten in a store?
I have already posted about my $34 boombox, which was one of my better deals. I am days behind in answering the questions, up to my eyeballs in staining woodwork and hoping to catch some playtime with my niece!



Tuesday, August 15, 2006

Question of the Day Marathon: Day 11

Today's question is brought to us by Steve Braun:
What percentage of financial success comes from "financial skills" and what percentage comes from "character?" Share some examples to support your theory.


And congrats to all the PF Bloggers mentioned in Businessweek's article Best Blogs for the Young and Broke!



Monday, August 14, 2006

My Coke Rewards

Only 18,400 more points and that replica Coca-Cola vending machine is mine!

Just kidding! I am hoping to collect enough points to send to my mom a subscription to a decorating magazine since she would never spend money herself on something so disposable, but does enjoying viewing.

If you are not redeeming the 15-digit alpha-numeric code at the My Coke Rewards web site and would like to donate them to me, I will gladly accept them!

I do not have much to offer in exchange, you can rummage for a freebie, grab a make it idea or hopefully catch that good feeling of being a share-bear :)

If you want to share, please send them to udandiATgmail.com

Thank you!



Question of the Day Marathon: Day 10

Visit Money Dummy to answer Day 10's question:
What’s the most unusual, quirky, or bizarre thing involving money that’s happened to you personally?


ETA: fixed the links!



Sunday's Target Ad - August 13

For high school and college students or actually anyone who uses the public computers at libraries, may I suggest investing in a USB thumbnail drive? Target has three advertised this week ranging from $12.99 for 256mb to $29.99 for 1gig and in a variety of colors.

I cannot count the number of times we have been asked if we have extra disks to give to patrons who were writing their masterpieces, planned to save it by sending to themselves in Gmail, but the Internet went down.

Until the entrepreneur club opens up an office supply shop in the main campus library, be prepared with your ID card (or pay for print card) and an external disk!



Sunday, August 13, 2006

Make It: Meat Cake

When I saw the meat cake (posted by Mom o Matic ) it reminded me of hamburger pie.

Hamburger pie (meatloaf made in a pie pan topped with mashed potatoes and cheese) was a treat to be had only when dad was away because he did not enjoy it, like us kids did! I'm sure he felt loved when upon hearing he was going out of town the first thing we asked was if we were going to have hamburger pie.



Friday, August 11, 2006

Question of the Day Marathon: Day 9

Young Finance Guy serves up today's question:

Everyone considers different things expensive. One person might consider a $300 Coach bag expensive, when another views it as a bargain. My question of the day is, "What do you consider an expensive night out?" This can include dinner and going out for adult beverages. But what amount would you need to spend to think "Why did I do that" in the morning?

Note to my lovely Cincinnati readers, don't read his Wednesday, August 02, 2006 post about leaving his homebase of Indianapolis for an out of town meeting. I believe he and his first commenter are making fun of our fair city. I expect better from a fellow Flyer! ;)



What the Font Friday?!

If you subscribe to the RSS feed and wonder why old posts are being re-posted, I have a little issue with my stylesheet and my post fonts that I am in the process of correcting.



Altered: Band-Aid Tin Pen Holder

Many moons ago, not martha posted a pen holder that I liked because it was held up by magnets! I painted this Band-Aid tin like a watermelon for my mom's fridge.

While you are over at not martha's, hit the home link and check out how she organized her kitchen utensils.



Thursday, August 10, 2006

Need Advice: Savings Bonds for Kids?

Savvy Saver's Question of the Day leads me to ask...

What is the best way for me to give (or set aside) money to my nephew and nieces if I want it:
  • to be used toward their higher education
  • and would prefer to do so without my siblings or their spouses knowing?
That last bit makes me sound like a control freak, but hear me out. I am not saying these parents would raid their children's piggybanks, but I would not be happy if I learned money I gave to the kids was not available come time for college. I am not Aunt Moneybag$ and do not want the parents relying on what I am planning to give the children toward college expenses. And yes, the children will still get something tangible to open for their birthday or holiday. Few things top hearing a child say "A flashlight! I've been wanting one all my life!" while tossing aside the pricey toys and clothes ;)

Do I get them savings bonds until they are 11 (since they take 7 years to mature) or do I set up some sort of fund for them or something else? Your advice is greatly appreciated!



Question of the Day Marathon: Day 8

If you had to pinpoint the one financial decision (good or bad) that put you on the path to where you are now, what would it be? If you could do it over, would you change your decision?
Go to Savvy Saver to leave your answer and read the others.



Wednesday, August 09, 2006

Question of the Day Marathon: Day 7

If you had $10,000, one day, and one store to spend it in, what store would you choose?
Pretend you are on Supermarket Sweep, get your cart (or buggy) and run over to Young & Broke to leave your reply!



WFMW: Magnetic Calculator

First, I am not what you would call gifted in the mental math department. Second, I like magnets. Third, by using E-6000* I put those magnets on just about anything.

Last year about this time of year when Target's Dollar Spot had little calculators, I bought one and stuck a magnet on the back so I would always have a calculator handy by leaving it on my fridge.

By now you know the drill, Rocks in My Dryer hosts Works for Me every Wednesday. Visit the participating blogs or read the guidelines to participate.


*A fond story for the crafter in all of us: the warning on E-6000 says it contains a chemical known to the state of California to cause cancer. In conversation about this warning another crafter said to me, it is a good thing you live in Ohio! oh boy, someone has been sniffing too much glue :)

Related Posts:
Make It: From Capital One Sawg
Make It: Magnetic Memo Board



Bazaar Bizarre: Cleveland, OH

Bazaar Bizarre Cleveland
December 2, 2006
1300 Gallery
Cleveland, Ohio

Details on applications, table prices and more are forthcoming. Bookmark the site or get on the mailing list if you are interested in being a vendor.

If you are interested in the Boston or LA shows, they will be December 16 and you can visit the Bazaar Bizarre web site for details.

Don't forget there is a book, too!



Tuesday, August 08, 2006

Question of the Day Marathon: Day 6

And on the 6th Day, Single Ma posted the Question of the Day:

In terms of your annual gross salary, what percentage do you save? Are you happy with that amount or do you think you could do better?

Please visit Single Ma's Fabulous Financials to leave your reply.



All Financial Matters' Blog of the Week = udandi!

All Financial Matters has bestowed udandi & the Craft of Money with blog of the week honors!
The reason I’m recommending her blog this week is that I like the fact that Andi is an entrepreneur (read her “About Andi” section to find out more). I love it when someone takes the bull by the horns and does something with their life when faced with difficult circumstances. That right there is reason enough to make her blog the 45th Blog of the Week.
I missed getting my 100 things about me finished in time and having treats ready for new visitors, but I am ready now. Maybe I should have added "day late and a dollar short" to my list...

I really do appreciate the welcome I have received from the personal finance blogosphere, but more than that I have learned so much from all the personal voices that provide interesting content in their blogs. It feeds my quest to learn - thank you!



100 Things about Me

Started by ~Dawn and turned into a meme by JLP, here's my list.

1. My nickname is Andi
2. University of Dayton is my alma mater – go Flyers!
3. UD + Andi = udandi and it is always lowercase
4. It is the name of my online business
5. It makes me immensely happy to be able to create something
6. I was born on December 9
7. I do not like Christmas-themed birthday gifts
8. This year, my gift to myself will be the completion of my MLS!
9. I am very close to my parents
10. I have an older sister
11. and an older brother
12. I am an Aunt
13. I get a kick out of my little buddies calling me “Aunt Annie”
14. I love the movie, Auntie Mame
15. and her line “Life's a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death!”
16. I wore an eye patch in first grade
17. I wore bifocals from 1st to 6th
18. I didn’t like it
19. but all of it corrected my lazy eye
20. My third grade photo bares an eerie resemblance to Velma from Scooby Doo (go ahead, you can laugh!)
21. I rocked a trifecta of nerdliness in 6th grade:
22. glasses
23. braces
24. and a Catholic school uniform
25. not to mention I was shy, quiet child
26. I felt like the black sheep
27. College was the opportunity to finally change that
28. No one who has met me after college believes I was ever shy
29. My sister describes me as reserved, until I warm up to a new person
30. I can drink to that!
31. Make it a Coca-Cola
32. Most of my mornings start with a strawberry smoothie
33. My first residence was in Lexington, OH
34. My last was in Lexington, KY
35. I like when my teeth and smile are complimented
36. it makes me smile more
37. I am not embarrassed to laugh, a lot
38. or loudly
39. I like to make others laugh
40. and when there’s no one to make me laugh, I tell myself a joke
41. Don’t ask for my opinion if you don’t really want it
42. because I shoot straight and call it as I see it!
43. I will tell you if your fly is down or you have lettuce in your teeth
44. I am afraid of losing my memory
45. I keep a journal
46. I like taking photos
47. but do not like being photographed
48. I’m left-handed
49. The ink on my left pinkie gives it away
50. or maybe it’s wearing my watch on my right wrist
51. I do not consider myself athletic
52. but I played youth soccer, basketball and softball
53. and I was a switch-hitter
54. In high school, I lettered in Water Polo, Cross Country and Basketball
55. all because I wanted to be less shy
56. I lift weights and do cardio
57. My iPod Shuffle is the best workout accessory EVER!
58. My second and third toes on both feet are webbed
59. If I could, I would spend ever day of summer swimming
60. I tread water with my hands above my ears so I only use my legs – Look Ma, no hands!
61. I was never a lifeguard
62. I love Target
63. and Qdoba
64. and rummage and garage sales
65. I collect chairs
66. and re-finish furniture
67. I am a goal-oriented saver
68. I look forward to owning a home
69. I celebrate many Cincinnati-area foods
70. I do not like knick-knacks or dust collecting decorations
71. I have allergies
72. I have never broken a bone
73. I have only had stitches once, on my right earlobe
74. I like being social
75. and meeting new people
76. but I enjoy my own company, too
77. and am not afraid to enter a crowded room alone
78. I maintain a circle of friends that includes friends from grade school through college and work
79. I organized my grade school and high school reunions
80. I like listening to music
81. I cannot sing my way out of a paper bag
82. But that doesn’t stop me from doing karaoke!
83. I love when cover bands indulge my request for Down Under (Men at Work) or Don’t Stop Believin’ (Journey)
84. I can tell if musically we are on the same page if you know the answer to “Do you take sugar?”
85. I have never had a cup of coffee
86. I can live without cable TV
87. but if given the chance, A&E and HGTV are my go-to channels
88. Grey’s Anatomy is the only show I sit down to watch
89. I like to work on projects while listening to How I Met Your Mother or The Office
90. Shag is my second favorite movie
91. I love all the dancing!
92. 2005 was the first year I kept my New Year’s resolution
93. It was “More Dancing in 2005” where I danced every day
94. A little jig here, a little salsa there
95. I dance like nobody is watching
96. And march to the beat of my own drum
97. In Cold Blood is my favorite book
98. Reading is not the only reason I want to a librarian
99. I like finding information and learning
100. I just gave an interview where I said I'm not the type to let life run me over

If you made it this far because you skimmed this list, visit my about me and this blog posts for a condensed, less interesting bio!



Make It: Cool Cookie Dessert

As promised in my last post, a delicious summer dessert made with store bought cookies.

8x8 square pan
1 package of chocolate chip cookies (might I recommend Target's Market Pantry?!)
12 oz Cool Whip
8 oz of milk
Chocolate syrup
  1. You will line the bottom of your pan with cookies dunked in the milk.
  2. Once you make a complete layer of cookies, spoon on a layer of Cool Whip.
  3. Repeat the cookie layer.
  4. Repeat the Cool Whip layer.
  5. Drizzle chocolate syrup.
  6. Chill to serve.



Sunday's Target Ad - August 6

More back to school goodness and Target brand and Market Pantry items, which works if you are like me and have Store Brand Loyalty.

I will post a quick and easy summer dessert recipe you can make with the delicious Market Pantry chocolate chip cookies!

I made a quick Target run to cash in my rain check on Rubbermaid Roughneck totes. Last time they were on sale, they had the containers but no lids. A Target Team Member told me people forget the lids so then we end up with extra bottoms! She was so friendly with her reply that I did not point out that her statement did not make any sense.

In any case, I spotted the new Target Dollar Spot. I cannot remember the 2/$5 items so clearly they did not make any impression on me. In the $1 items there were some cute kitchen towels, nails, screws or picture hanging kits and magnetic plastic canisters.



Monday, August 07, 2006

Question of the Day Marathon - Day 5

Which is more important to financial success: saving money (spending less than you earn through cost cutting) or making your income as high as possible (earning more money)?

Visit Free Money Finance and drop your answer in the comments!



Friday, August 04, 2006

Paper Shredders!

I bought the cross-cut paper shredder with wastebasket by Windsource Industries (I think, there's no label) from Target for $22 since it said it can shred credit cards.

If you have been following this blog since tax season you may remember I burned up the motor on my previous $10 cross-cut shredder. The nice thing about my new shredder is that it will stop shredding if it gets too hot so hopefully I will not burn this one up!

For the past few weeks, I have been on a mission to shred all the stuff that piled up from the tax season breakdown to customer slips from my business to trying out the credit card shredding ability with those fake cards that come with offers in the mail - excellent! I know I have a habit of keeping too much paperwork "just in case" I need it, but I finally shredded all those patients notes that come with prescriptions that I file away after reading. Yes, I read them, my sister is a pharmacist.

The reason it looks like I have so many sacks is that each time I filled the wastebasket, I would dump it into a new bag. I probably could have gotten more in each bag, but the shreds are so small that it makes a lovely mess on the carpet when I miss the bag!


If you don't have a paper shredder, I highly recommend getting one!



Question of the Day Marathon: Day 4

How many credit cards do you have, and what’s their combined credit limit?
Run over to Experiments in Finance and drop your reply in the comments.



Thursday, August 03, 2006

Question of the Day Marathon: Day 3

Visit The Investimist and leave a comment with your answer to Day 3's question:
What was the last thing that you splurged on that you didn’t really need?



Wednesday, August 02, 2006

Free Stuff: Gold Star 3-way

Even though I'm a strict Skyline Chili fan, I will let you know about Gold Star Chili's Club. Sign up for their e-club and get a free 3-way at participating KY and OH locations.



Question of the Day Marathon: Day 2

The question for Day 2 of the Marathon is posted:
What is the weekly average cost per person for food in your household, including groceries, snacks, and dining out?
Run over to Caustic Musings and give your answer!



WFMW: Paint Edger

This past weekend was my last weekend painting (I think!) and if we had this Shur-Line Paint Edger back when we started, I think we could have knocked out this project a little earlier or at least not had as many mistakes to fix (sometimes I just get crazy rolling up a wall , trying t