How to Purchase Your Next Pair of Glasses Cheaper

I received my current pair of glasses from www.ZenniOptical.com, which cost less than a $100.00 and the retail was a little over $400.00 several months ago. Yes, it was cheaper than Wal-Mart. Or you can also go to www.eyeglassdirect.com for your next pair of glasses.

The Skinny on Credit Freeze Law

Credit freezes allow you to lock up your records and select a secret code that only you know and can use to temporarily "thaw" your credit. This means that thieves cannot do anything with your information even if they are able to obtain it. (No, need for Lifelock or the other identity theft insurance that dad and I got ripped off on.) Credit freezes have always been available at no cost to victims of ID theft. But recently Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion adopted new rules allowing more non-victims to have access to them. However, if you're a nonvictim, you will most likely pay unless if you're over 65 years of age. Check out the following sites for more information:

TransUnion.com

Experian.com

Equifax.com

Note that I have my credit froze at all three credit bureaus, and I sleep better at night. :)

FREE Directory Assistance for Your Wireless or Home Phone

Calling 411 can be expensive, but oh so convenient. I have three FREE Directory Assistance numbers so that you can save at least $1.25:
1-800-Free411
1-800-GOOG411
1-800-YellowPages

So, What is a DSP?

DSP, or direct stock purchase plan, allow anyone to purchase shares from a participating company directly. After the initial purchase, DSP operates just like any dividend reinvestment plan. However, some companies that do not pay dividends do have DSP's.

So, What is a DRIP?

DRIP, or Dividend Reinvestment Plan, is a program run by a publicly-traded company. Unlike most investment plans, DRIP does not send dividend checks to shareholders enrolled in a company's DRIP. Instead, the company reinvests those dividends by purchasing additional (or fractional) shares in the shareholder's name. You can buy shares of certain companies in the S&P 500 (America's top 500 corporations) with as little as $10.00 and essentially investing on a regular basis will lead to a sizeable portfolio without paying a single commission to a stockbroker by participating in a company's DRIP. You usually need only one share to enroll in a company's DRIP plan, and most of the time the company will reinvest a shareholder's dividends without a fee or commission. Finally, the company purchases the shares and issues statements that detail the shareholder's account.

The Automatic Frugal

In the New York Times' bestseller “The Automatic Millionaire,” David Bach told us about a couple who have unimpressive menial jobs and dress modestly but will enjoy retirements as millionaires. Here's there simple trick: You have your check direct deposit in your checking account, electronically debit from checking to savings 10-20% in your savings or money market savings account (the concept is to pay yourself first), invest another 10-20% in investments or debt reduction, max out your 401(k) and if qualified Roth IRA (there's other IRA accounts but Roth has more tax advantages), live below your means (thus, don't take on debt if you can help it), and pay cash for everything (you can put it on a credit card but you MUST pay the balance off each month). I would also like to add budget and planning for meals and errands. I think that covers the basic.

What is your personal finance and investment strategy or tip?

Saving Every $5.00 Bill Come Your Way

I have read somewhere in the netosphere that a woman would save every $5.00 bill come her way and, in three years time, she accumulated $12,000 in savings!!! Here's the trick she employed: Once you collected 10 $5.00 bills in your wallet, you deposit the $50.00 into your designated savings account. Then, when your account hits $2,000, you purchase a certificate of deposit (CD) to earn higher interest.