Christmas is right around the corner and if your gift list still needs work, check out the tips from financial expert Vera Gibbons on several ways to get it done and under budget in time for the big day.
1) TIP: BE ARMED WITH A BUDGET:
-14 million americans are paying off last year's holiday bill
- ideally, want to pay it all off by january
- if you absolutely must buy something you can't pay right away,
make sure you can pay it all off by easter
2) TIP: NO MORE IMPULSE BUYS:
-9 out 10 of us are buying things that are not on our lists
-unplanned purchases are costing the average consumer an extra $200 a month
3) TIP: JUST SAY NO:
-Say no to items that seem like good deal but aren't, like Jewelry & watches
-a better time to buy electronics is January
-Get hdtvs deals around Superbowl time
4) TIP: GET CREATIVE:
-Use reward points - they can be used to buy gift cards w/many retailers
-Go in on group gifts
-Go ahead and re-gift it's ok
5) TIP: SHOP SMART:
-Take advantage price adjustments
(The average household loses about $200 a year forgoing price adjustments!
Wednesday, June 19 2013 9:27 AM EDT2013-06-19 13:27:21 GMT
First Lady of New Jersey Mary Pat Christie is leading the charge to raise funds for Superstorm Sandy victims on National Dine Out Day. Proceeds from the event go to the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund.
First Lady of New Jersey Mary Pat Christie is leading the charge to raise funds for Superstorm Sandy victims on National Dine Out Day. Proceeds from the event go to the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 7:51 AM EDT2013-06-19 11:51:52 GMT
You can watch a LIVE taping of the X Factor auditions at Nassau Coliseum on June 19-21. Judges Simon Cowell, Demi Lovato, Kelly Rowland and Paulina Rubio will be on hand. Tickets are free.
You can watch a LIVE taping of the X Factor auditions at Nassau Coliseum on June 19-21. Judges Simon Cowell, Demi Lovato, Kelly Rowland and Paulina Rubio will be on hand. Tickets are free.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:07 AM EDT2013-06-19 10:07:22 GMT
NYC
Nearly 3 million New Yorkers' homes are now in evacuation zones that cover more than a third of the city's population, under new maps released Tuesday.
Nearly 3 million New Yorkers' homes are now in evacuation zones that cover more than a third of the city's population, under new maps released Tuesday.In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, officials said last month, the number of zones would double and encompass about 600,000 more residents.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:36 AM EDT2013-06-19 09:36:23 GMT
An obsession with pop culture turned into a dream job for Ross Matthews, who rose to fame as Ross The Intern on The Tonight Show. Matthews has written a book about his life and is gearing up to launch his own talk show. We'll catch up with the funny man on Wednesday.
An obsession with pop culture turned into a dream job for Ross Matthews, who rose to fame as Ross The Intern on The Tonight Show. Matthews has written a book about his life and is gearing up to launch his own talk show. We'll catch up with the funny man on Wednesday.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:35 AM EDT2013-06-19 09:35:57 GMT
One of her fellow contestants drew a blank when asked a question, but Erin Brady of Connecticut hit it right out of the park at the Miss USA 2013 contest. The newly crowned beauty queen graces the set of GDNY in the morning.
One of her fellow contestants drew a blank when asked a question, but Erin Brady of Connecticut hit it right out of the park at the Miss USA 2013 contest. The newly crowned beauty queen graces the set of GDNY in the morning.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 10:28 AM EDT2013-06-18 14:28:14 GMT
The competitive streak between Rosanna and Greg continues. This time, the Good Day duo faced off in a comedy challenge. The competition was fierce especially with mentors Linda Smith lending Ro a hand, and Colin Quinn helping Greg hone his routine. In the end, it was Rosanna who was the overall favorite.
The competitive streak between Rosanna and Greg continues. This time, the Good Day duo faced off in a comedy challenge. The competition was fierce especially with mentors Linda Smith lending Ro a hand, and Colin Quinn helping Greg hone his routine. In the end, it was Rosanna who was the overall favorite.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 10:07 AM EDT2013-06-18 14:07:14 GMT
Boxing returns to the Barclays Center next weekend when Paulie 'Magic Man' Malignaggi takes on Adrien Broner. The WBA Welterweight champion and Brooklyn native sat down with Rosanna and Greg to talk about the fight.
Boxing returns to the Barclays Center next weekend when Paulie 'Magic Man' Malignaggi takes on Adrien Broner. The WBA Welterweight champion and Brooklyn native sat down with Rosanna and Greg to talk about the fight.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 9:59 AM EDT2013-06-18 13:59:58 GMT
Famed dancer Savion Glover is taking tap dancing to new heights with a show at the Joyce Theater. Glover and members of the ensemble hit the floor with a preview for Good Day NY.
Famed dancer Savion Glover is taking tap dancing to new heights with a show at the Joyce Theater. Glover and members of the ensemble hit the floor with a preview for Good Day NY.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 9:21 AM EDT2013-06-18 13:21:36 GMT
A familiar face at the most important fashion shows in the world is behind a new book all about the little black dress. Andre Leon Talley, Editor In-Chief, Numero Russia, and former creative director of Vogue gave GDNY a closer look at "Little Black Dress."
A familiar face at the most important fashion shows in the world is behind a new book all about the little black dress. Andre Leon Talley, Editor In-Chief, Numero Russia, and former creative director of Vogue gave GDNY a closer look at "Little Black Dress."
Tuesday, June 18 2013 8:43 AM EDT2013-06-18 12:43:13 GMT
Since 2012, NYC high school students have been required to pass all five state administered Regent exams by earning a grade of 65 or higher. The graduation rate this year is down 65.7 percent from 66.1 percent last year.
Since 2012, NYC high school students have been required to pass all five state administered Regent exams by earning a grade of 65 or higher. The graduation rate this year is down 65.7 percent from 66.1 percent last year.
