The Pitch Category
The Pitch – Are you pulling from your retirement fund?
Jennifer McClelland | RSS | Fri, Nov 20 2009 | 0 Comments
Are you pulling from your retirement fund early?
Question
Are you pulling money out of your retirement fund, have you considered it and what advice do you have for someone facing this situation?
Answer:
I actually don’t have a retirement fund in a traditional sense. My husband and I have a nest egg that we put money into. However, if I am understanding the ways 401(k)’s work, then it isn’t a great idea for people to pull money out of it early unless they absolutely have to. The fees for drawing from a retirement plan early can be quite high, however the fees vary depending on your fund.
If I were faced with a situation where I either had to pull from my retirement fund or my family would go without food, then I would likely pull from the fund…it just all depends on your individual circumstances and how you feel about it.
Have an idea or want us to use your pitch in the next issue? Then, make a submission on The Pitch Page. Related posts:
People who make less are less likely to save for retirement
The Pitch – What are your opinions about health reform?
How college can negatively impact your retirement
Tags: 401 k, circumstances, traditional sense
The Pitch – Are you curbing spending this holiday season?
Jennifer McClelland | RSS | Tue, Nov 17 2009 | 0 Comments
Are you going to slow down on spending this year?
Question:
Christmas and the rest of the holiday season is just around the corner. Do you plan on spending less this year than last year?
Answer:
I am likely not going to be buying as much this year as last year. I was considering giving family members cookie tins rather than gifts they may or may not like. I also find that homemade cookies are a bit more thoughtful than a cheap gift set of bath fizzies from Target or Wal-Mart could be. I am investing my time into the cookies rather than mindlessly shopping for a “coverall” gift.
Have an idea or want us to use your pitch in the next issue? Then, make a submission on The Pitch Page. Related posts:
Wal-Mart is trying to get all the business this holiday season
The Pitch – Would you be willing to shop for your prescriptions online?
Tags: target, christmas, holiday season
The Pitch – Have you “cheaped out” during the recession
Jennifer McClelland | RSS | Fri, Nov 13 2009 | 0 Comments
Have you “cheaped out” during the recession?
Question:
Since the recession has started (or rather, since you have felt it in your own wallet) have you been purchasing items that are cheaper than what you normally purchase that may have the same use?
Answer:
In a short answer, yes. I have been buying makeup that isn’t as “name brand” as usual. While my friend has a collection of MAC that is growing, I am using NYX and other drugstore makeup brands. I am also extending the savings onto grocery products. I have been trying more and more “Great Value” products from Wal-Mart. They really aren’t that bad. Of course, I have said over and over that my favorite generic is the Kroger brands. The Kroger Spaghetti sauce is my favorite…it’s better than any of the national brands in my opinion and 50 cents cheaper on average.
Have an idea or want us to use your pitch in the next issue? Then, make a submission on The Pitch Page. Related posts:
The Pitch – Do you think the recession is coming to a close?
The Pitch – Where are you finding work in the recession?
Tags: kroger, national brands, grocery products
The Pitch – Do you think the economic rally has stalled?
Jennifer McClelland | RSS | Tue, Nov 10 2009 | 1 Comment
Do you think the rally has stalled?
Question:
The stock market really hasn’t moved too much one way or another for a few weeks. Do you think that the economic rally has stalled?
Answer:
I think that it has stalled for now, but that could be due to the poor reports coming out about unemployment. If you look at other factors such as retail sales (which were up for the past month) then the economy is doing a bit better in the way of consumer spending.
I think over the next few months, the rally will continue but it will be more gradual.
Have an idea or want us to use your pitch in the next issue? Then, make a submission on The Pitch Page. Related posts:
The Pitch – How often should minimum wage increase?
Tags: the pitch, next issue, stock market
The Pitch – Would you pay your early termination fee in order to get a great phone/plan on another network?
Jennifer McClelland | RSS | Fri, Nov 06 2009 | 0 Comments
Would you pay the ETF to get a new phone?
Question:
A cellular carrier’s early termination fee is typically around $200; Verizon just upped how much it charges for an ETF if the user has a smart phone. Would you be willing to pay the ETF to get a new cell phone?
Answer:
It really depends no how much I want the phone and how much I would be able to sell my current phone for. I would also have to be getting a good deal on whatever plan I was moving to because right now my Sprint plan is only $59.99 per month for unlimited data, unlimited texts, unlimited mobile to mobile calling (on any network), and 500 anytime minutes per month with free nights and weekends that start at 7 pm.
There is a way, however, to purchase a phone from someone else, like on eBay, and sell my own. For example (and this only works when you want a phone with your current carrier), I have a Palm Pre and want a HTC Hero; I could sell my Pre on eBay and buy a Hero also. The difference is about $100, which is cheaper than an ETF and I don’t have to extend my contract.
As enticing as the Motorola Droid looks, I don’t think I’ll be switching carriers for it.
Have an idea or want us to use your pitch in the next issue? Then, make a submission on The Pitch Page. Related posts:
Is T-Mobile Planning “Project Dark”?
The Battle of the Prepaid cellular prices continues
Tags: termination fee, free nights and weekends, droid
