Turn old electronics into cash

Posted by Ted McEnroe July 31, 2008 at 6:03 pm

NECN’s Peter Howe found a great site for people (like yours truly) who have old electronics gathering dust around the house. Can’t throw them out, plus if they still work, it seems like a waste. The company is Second Rotation out of Waltham, Mass., and at their website, gazelle.com, you can actually see what your old phone, laptop or whatever is worth.

A nice escape, without the travel

Posted by Ted McEnroe July 29, 2008 at 3:32 pm

NECN has signed on a new partner for our ‘Cut Your Costs’ campaign, and they’re offering a nice getaway that provides an escape and a bonding experience — without a lot of travel.

The Clarion Nantasket Beach Resort Hotel & Spa in Hull, Massachusettls is offering a “Ladies Quick Escape Spa Getaway” designed to give moms, daughters, friends and sisters a little chance to reconnect and relax.

The package for two people includes a one-night stay in a deluxe room, two Swedish Massages or Citrus Body Scrubs, Two Spa Manicures and Two Pedicures, as well a meal credit in Raffael’s oceanfront restaurant and lounge - for $499.99. The resort says the spa services alone would run to nearly $400.

The Clarion’s rooms feature jet tubs, fireplaces, private balconies overlooking the Atlantic, and free internet. The resort also features an indoor/outdoor pool, Raffael’s Restaurant, The Sand Dollar Spa and Ocean Fitness Health Club, and Natural Surroundings Gift Shop.

For information contact: 781 925-4500 and ask about the Ladies’ Quick Escape Spa Get-a-Way package deal. It’s a chance to feel the sand between your perfectly-pedicured toes, without the travel headaches.

High gas prices have commuters taking the T

Posted by asonfist July 28, 2008 at 4:53 pm

This one is sort of a no-brainer. If you don’t like paying high gas prices, plus parking and other charges, try the subway! Rising gas prices sent commuters flocking to the MBTA in record numbers over the last 12 months. The MBTA said the largest increases came in ridership on buses and light rail, such as the Green Line.

College saving? As simple as 5-2-9!

Posted by Ted McEnroe July 25, 2008 at 11:40 am

NECN personal finance guru Jennifer Lane answered viewer emails on ‘Good Morning Live’ Friday. Among the tips, finding a better way to save for college than a simple savings account. Jennifer recommends that parents start 529 plans for their kids. For more information, she mentions savingforcollege.com.

And Jennifer says it’s not just paying off your credit cards that helps your credit rating. Learn more in her segment.

Food bank gets into ‘Cut Your Costs’

Posted by Ted McEnroe July 25, 2008 at 11:24 am

The concept of cost-cutting isn’t just a home finance necessity - for organizations like food banks that need to operate on tight budgets, the same rules apply.

A Vermont food bank has decided one way to save on food and strengthen donations is to take the supply chain into its own hands, by buying a farm. NECN’s Anya Huneke has more on the concept.

What can you take away from this? Buying your own farm may not be a reasonable solution, but growing your own fruits and vegetables can be a moneysaver - with a little work replacing that trip down the produce aisle.

A great deal for a New England fall classic!

Posted by Ted McEnroe July 17, 2008 at 10:05 am

The 190th Topsfield Fair opens on October 3. It’s always a great time, and the Cut Your Costs team loves nothing more than the sights and sounds of the midway, the annual chance to try out the fried dough and cotton candy, and the cool New England agricultural exhibitions that each fair season brings with it.

But this year in Topsfield, there’s a special deal you won’t want the family to pass up. You can get tickets to see Jeff Corwin’s “Tales from the Field”, live on October 11 at the Topsfield Fair arena at 11 a.m., for a special price of $15 each, or get a discounted “Family Four Pack for $48. It’s a chance for you and the family to get an up close visit with one of the world’s most popular conservationists at a price that won’t break your bank.

And if you’re not careful, you *and* your kids might learn something, too.

Call 888-781-3247 to order tickets.

Vermont to go sales tax-free this weekend

Posted by asonfist July 11, 2008 at 4:35 pm

Shopping in Vermont this weekend will be a lot cheaper than it usually is. Retailers will be taking a temporary break from the sales tax.

Great deals at Jimbo’s Steak and Fin

Posted by Ted McEnroe July 11, 2008 at 1:23 pm

Thanks to Jimbo’s Steak and Fin for becoming an NECN “Cut Your Costs” partner.

Visit Jimbo’s at Braintree Five Corners to take advantage of their discount menus. Bar menu appetizers start at $1.95 each! Or get a bucket of wings and beers for $12!

There’s also a daily dinner and lunch special for under $10!

Come down to Jimbo’s today and enjoy great quality, fresh steak and seafood at an unbeatable value!

They’re located at 405 Franklin St., in Braintree, MA. Call 781-848-0300 for more information!

Cut Your Costs: One Tank Trips

Posted by Ted McEnroe July 10, 2008 at 3:27 pm

The high cost of gas doesn’t have to mean you need to cancel your vacation plans.

Tom Brosnahan of newenglandtravelplanner.com joined the ‘Good Morning Live’ crew with a bunch of trips you can take on just one tank of gas.

Quick idea: Should you lock in your oil price now?

Posted by Ted McEnroe July 9, 2008 at 2:29 pm

With oil prices already high and the threat they could rise even higher looming, is now the time to lock in a rate? Here are a few things you should keep in mind in that decision.

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