These times are difficult for most everyone. There is no simple answer to the economy, it is actually far from simple. All we can do is save, but that is a difficult transition for most. Here are some tips to help you look for the best deals while shopping

1. Don't be seduced by stores.
Retailers operate through advertising and marketing to lure the weak into their shop. Once you are in, your eyes light up like a kid in a candy store. Retail stores these days have been creating an atmosphere to keep you in longer with music and lounge seating areas. This is where we need to stay strong and check into reality.

2. Buy online.
If you know exactly what you want, size, color, etc. Try looking for it online. You might get a cheaper price. Just watch out for frauds.

3. Choose a wise shopping partner.
Here is where the hubby can probably help. Most men will get you out of the store ASAP so he can get back home to watch Sports Center. He will get you in and out so you won't be side tracked by "deals."

Photo provided by a Dynamite Weddings reader

So you get off of work late, sit through traffic, and have to use the restroom but don't want to make a stop. You finally get to the door and obviously in these situations you are not going to find the right key first that unlocks your front door. Here is your solution: custom keys. These new keys come in different shapes and sizes to help you identify which key to use for that necessary situation, whether it is escaping ninjas in time or running to the bathroom. Problem Solved!

Try Site Key Company for these unique custom keys.

Photo courtesy of Site Key Company

The maximum number of tasks that should be on a daily to-do list is seven. Seven is a great number that won't overwhelm you, but also gets things done in a timely order. Sometimes when we are overwhelmed with too many tasks, we tend to get too stressed and focus on quantity over quality. Seven is a significant number in happiness, love and success. This number may help you to create a relaxed, yet driven atmosphere around you and help you balance the ying with the yang.

Photo courtesy of Creative Thinking

Now that you have precious metals to protect, be careful when wearing them in the sun, sand and surf. Chlorine, heat, salt and sand are not your new jewels BFF. Try to keep your favorite jewels at home when spending too much time playing at the beach. If it's unavoidable, rinse them with warm water when you're done and give them a quick rub with a soft toothbrush dipped in some warm water and dish soap when you get home.

For more information on jewelry and it's proper care, visit the Jewelry Information Center.

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

After last week's post Be Prepared we received an email from LegalZoom revisiting the Top Articles of 2008. One of the articles was 10 Things You Must Keep in a Fireproof Safe. This seemed like a great follow up to last week's reminder.

"The threat of fire isn't unique to California. In fact, the US Fire Administration estimates that fires nationwide caused more than $11 billion in property damage in 2007. Although 91% of Americans agree it's important to prepare for a disaster, only slightly more than half have taken steps to do so.

One great way to make sure you're prepared is to get a fireproof safe. What should you store it in? Here's a list of the top 10 suggested items to keep in your fireproof safe:

1. Current insurance policies and agent contact information. You'll need this information right away if your house suffers damage in a fire.

2. Your family's passports and original birth certificates. These can be a hassle to replace and will come in handy to establish your identity for other purposes.

3. A list of your family's doctors, prescription medications, and contact information for all pharmacies you use. You may need these to get new supplies of medications you use on a regular basis.

4. CDs or an external hard drive containing digital copies of all family photos. It's a good idea to scan all older family photos and keep a digital copy of them as well. Your family memories as preserved in photos are irreplaceable.

5. Safety deposit box keys. If you store valuables at the bank, you'll want to make sure you can access them in the event of an emergency.

6. Important papers related to investments, retirement plans, bank accounts, and associated contact information. You may need ready access to funds.

7. Information on your outstanding debts, due dates, and contact information. It's important to keep tabs on your finances and protect your credit, even if you're displaced by a fire.

8. Original Social Security cards. These can be difficult to replace and may be needed to establish eligibility for aid.

9. Copies of your important legal documents, including powers of attorney, living wills, health care proxiesâ??both for yourself and for anyone else for whom you are designated attorney-in-fact or health care surrogate. Having access to these can help ensure the protection they were created to provide.

10. Copy of family wills and all wills in which you are designated the executor. It's important to safeguard wills so that loved ones are taken care of."

Thanks to LegalZoom and the article's author Sherry Ciurczak.
Photo courtesy of idsafety.org

Now that you've changed your name, flaunt your new status. Order personalized stationary with your monogram or new name and get excited about sending out your first correspondence as Mrs. Wells.

Photo provided by American Stationary

What are your plans for all the money you were gifted at your wedding? Now that you're married be sure to discuss your savings goals with a banking professional. Ask what your short term and long term savings options are and which accounts could earn you the biggest return.

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Be sure to discuss your personal goals with your soon-to-be to make sure that the two of you are on the same page to avoid communication blocks later in your relationship. Things to discuss: kids, financial debt, savings goals, retirement saving, religious beliefs, personal ethics, final resting. There's nothing that says that you have to agree on everything, but it's nice to know where your partner stands.

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

If Guys Only Knewâ?¦.It takes women longer than two minutes to get over an argument. And while you might have said sorry, it still takes the female brain time to process and accept your apology. Give her time.
Women need to be appreciated for all the things they do. Not that men donâ??t want to feel appreciated, but women tend to the house and kids more often than most men, and it often goes unnoticed â?? which translates to unappreciated. Show your wife how much you appreciate her by doing the dishes and taking the kids to soccer practice without being asked, maybe after drawing her a nice bath with some candles and a glass of wine.

Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

Cloud Nine is directed at the reality of being married now, how things change and the responsibilities that go along with your nuptials.

Something that many of us don't think about as a single person running around town is life insurance, a will or an advanced healthcare directive. While our site is geared towards the fun of planning, getting, and being married, we need to remind you of the not so "fun" stuff that needs to be addressed now that you have someone else sharing your life. Life insurance and a will are designed to help safeguard your partner and outline specific requests should something happen to you. An advanced healthcare directive clearly outlines your wishes, should you be unable to cognitively voice your healthcare decisions. Once you have children this may move to the forefront of your mind a little more...but start thinking about it.

Check out LegalZoom.com for forms and directions to make these tasks easier.

Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

2010:

Jan 79

Feb 74

Mar 73

Apr 63

May 64

Jun 64

Jul 32

Aug 34

Sep 30

Oct 2

Nov

Dec

2009:

Jan 82

Feb 72

Mar 83

Apr 65

May 67

Jun 67

Jul 69

Aug 71

Sep 67

Oct 77

Nov 67

Dec 67

2008:

Jan 2

Feb 132

Mar 102

Apr 96

May 94

Jun 93

Jul 93

Aug 104

Sep 80

Oct 78

Nov 87

Dec 83