Subscribe to Provocative Wave for Men |
Visit this group |
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
pwfm Men and Money
Save Money at the Supermarket
You know we love to help you save money on this show. So, we have tips to help you save money at the supermarket. We found these on MSN, and they come from Dave Zinczenko and Matt Goulding, authors of the Eat This, Not That! books:
- Use the self-checkout line. According to one study, using the self-checkout line lowers impulse buys by 16 percent among men, and by 32 percent among women. It makes sense: In the self-checkout line, you aren’t tempted by all the candy, soda and snacks displayed in the regular check-out lanes.
- Avoid “quick trips” to the store. A study published by the Marketing Science Institute found that shoppers who made “quick trips” to the store purchased an average of 54 percent more merchandise than they planned. The fix: Never go grocery shopping without a list. Studies show that people who stick to a list spend a lot less.
- Pay attention to the weight of certain items. Let’s say one brand of crackers costs $4, and another brand costs $4.50. Don’t just assume the cheaper box is a better deal. Instead, look at the NET WEIGHT of each product. The more expensive box may contain more actual FOOD. So, ounce for ounce, it’s actually cheaper than the $4 box.
- Splurge on healthy, nutritious, low-calorie foods. Compared to people of average weight, overweight individuals spend almost 30 percent more at the pharmacy each year – and obese people spend about 50 percent more. Overweight and obese people also have a higher risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and cancer – which means they could face some expensive medical bills in the future. What’s the point here? If you have to pay a little more NOW to buy healthy foods, you’ll save money LATER by avoiding some potentially expensive medical bills.
Monday, June 29, 2009
pwfm Stud & Strength
Here it is. If you make lots of small, good decisions every day; a little less fat here, a bit more exercise there - you can change the way you look and feel in no time. Here are some tips from the health experts at Condé Nast publications:
- Do weights and aerobics. Weights increase your body's fat-burning ability, and for every pound of muscle you gain from lifting, your metabolism burns 40 more calories a day.
- Eat peas. They have lots of fiber, iron, vitamin C and folic acid, and can help prevent cancer, heart disease and birth defects. What's more, a cup of peas has almost nine grams of protein, a lot more than most vegetables.
- Wake up early. Morning sunshine increases the amount of cortisol in your body, and that boosts your metabolism and helps you deal with stress. Research shows that sunlight later in the day doesn't have the same effect.
- If you have 12 minutes to spare, take a fast walk instead of a jog. Why? Walking a mile in 12 minutes burns 4% more calories than jogging, because walking fast is harder than jogging slowly.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
pwfm July 2009
Subscribe to Provocative Wave for Men |
Visit this group |
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Provocative Sneak Peak of pwfm PI
Friday, June 26, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
pwfm Men & Cars
11 Expert Tips for Going to the Dealership with Your Partner
Two heads are better than one. When approaching the car buying experience we suggest a few strategies when going to the dealership with your partner. Car buying advocate, Anne Fleming Women-Drivers.com suggests it really works for you to have your partner join you. After all, they can add support – a second opinion, or be the better voice of reason - a reminder that you that you don’t necessarily need the $3,500 upgrade package.1. Research the Cars Know what types of cars you want to buy – make, model, features. Narrow it down to 2 or 3 models with the help of your partner. This will save you time running between dealerships.
2. Research the Dealerships Do business with Gay Friendly and women friendly dealerships. Visit Gaywheels.com and Women-Drivers to read reviews on consumers actual experiences while browsing, buying or servicing a vehicle. Take the Negotiating Test to find out what type of negotiator you are and to receive customized negotiation tips – know your strengths and weaknesses in the dance or negotiating.
3. Take Your Time Be sure you are buying a car that works for you – functionally, technologically, and financially. Do not fall in love with a car that you cannot afford. Remember that you will typically make payments for 3-5 years; be reassured that it is a payment you can manage for that period of time. Be sure to have your partner remind you of what payment you can reasonably afford.
4. Know When To Shop Go to the dealership during the day, in nice weather. Shop towards the end of the year or the end of the month. September and October are when the new years models are unveiled, and dealerships are ready and willing to work out deals. Some dealerships impose quotas on their sales people to hit monthly numbers, so going to the dealerships the last week of the month can make a difference. And, shop towards the end of the day. A long day with no sales may prompt a salesperson to offer you a better deal.
5. Be Clear About Your Expectations Let the dealership know exactly what you are willing to pay and how much time you have to finalize the deal. Even bring in other offers and let them know “the lowest price wins.”Backup what you say with actions. 6. Don't Sign the Contract "Just to Get it Over With." Salespeople are good at wearing buyers down. But if you give in to them, you will lose money. Unsure if you are purchasing the right car, or if the payment is something you can truly afford? Leave the dealership, return home and sleep on it. There is no need to feel guilty about leaving the salesman hanging. It's your hard-earned money- stay empowered.
7. A Good Deal is Whatever YOU say. Going to the car dealership is like going to Target or Tiffany’s. You made a purchase and you got a good deal. Why? Because you said so! Don’t listen to other opinions about your exchange and what you paid for. Do remember, in the dance of negotiating, the other guy needs to make money, too. 8. Take It For More Than One Test Drive Your partner will be able to help notice things in this case that maybe you wouldn’t. He or she can try the passenger seats, see if the door opens wide enough, determine if there is adequate foot or backseat space. If you drive the car during the day, come back and take it for another test drive at night. Make sure that the headlights, interior lights and fog plans work for you. Your road-test minded partner will be able to give you their feedback as well.
9. Get a Vehicle History Report When buying a Certified Pre Owned or Used Car, make sure to receive a vehicle history report from a reputable source. You will need the Vehicle Identification Number. This comprehensive report can uncover any hidden problems that the dealership did not make you aware of. It also includes mileage history, who has owned the car, how many people have owned the car and where it’s been.
10. Don't do business with a salesperson who is pushy, disrespectful or intimidating You do have a choice and you do have the power. If the negotiation process is not working for you – or, if you don’t like the way the salesperson is talking to you, let them know what is not working. Be upfront and ask them to shift their tactics or tone with you. If there is no change in behavior, then, ask the General Sales Manager to assign you a new sales person, or leave the dealership. There is another dealership that is a better fit and will be happy to work with you.
11. Express Yourself. Register for free and write a review about your visit at the dealership on Women-Drivers. Share your experience with others and help them locate Women-Drivers Friendly™ dealers in your city.