What to do this weekend

Posted by Courtney October 30, 2008 at 11:10 am

Haunted Happenings
Put on your witch’s hat, grab your broomstick and head to Salem, MA, better known this time of year as the Halloween capital of the world. Check out the fabulous costumes, have dinner with the dead, and listen to chilling tales. All weekend. Most events are free.

Pumpkin Ale Festival
Sample some of the best beer the fall has to offer at Cambridge Brewing Company’s annual festival. Friday, beginning at 5 p.m.

Veggie Delight
Load up on free (and yummy!) food at the annual Boston Vegeterian Food Festival. Saturday from 10 a.m. — 6 p.m. at the Reggie Lewis Athletic Center. Free admission & samples.

JetBlue soaring

Posted by Courtney October 22, 2008 at 11:42 am

It’ll soon be easier to get cheap tickets out of Boston’s Logan Airport. JetBlue is expanding…and adding hundreds of jobs while it’s at it. NECN’s Scot Yount reports.

Home heating aid

Posted by Courtney October 22, 2008 at 11:32 am

More Mainers will be able to get help paying their heating bills this winter. The state is loosening the eligibility requirements to apply for federal low-income heating assistance. Now anyone who makes less than $20,800 a year can apply. However, the number of applicants is expected to rise, which will lower the average benefit. Click here for more info.

Goodwill Hunting

Posted by Courtney October 21, 2008 at 12:07 pm

Don’t have a lot of cash, but need a Halloween costume or a winter coat? Head to your local Goodwill store. Turns out, it’s one company that’s thriving, despite the tough economy. NECN’s Amy Sinclair has more.

What to do this weekend

Posted by Courtney October 17, 2008 at 12:08 pm

1. Pack a picnic and head to the banks of the Charles River in Cambridge, MA, to cheer on your college crew team in that other fall classic — the 44th annual Head of the Charles. More than 8,000 rowers from 19 countries will compete. Saturday & Sunday.

2. If you’re looking for the latest indie gem — make your way to downtown Portsmouth for the New Hampshire Film Festival. Showing 60 films, ranging from documentaries to shorts. Through Sunday.

3. Get in the Halloween spirit at the annual pumpkin carving festival in Manchester, VT. Help set a new world record by carving more than 216 pumpkins in the same day at the same time. Saturday.

Social Security increase

Posted by Courtney October 16, 2008 at 11:07 am

You can expect a fatter Social Security check next year. The cost of living increase will be 5.8% — or $63 on average. That’s the biggest jump in more than 25 years. But with high gas and food prices, don’t expect it to go too far.

Looking to save on bills? Share a home.

Posted by Allison Sonfist October 15, 2008 at 5:16 pm

Finding affordable housing is no easy feat these days, as the cost of living goes up and the economy slows down. One program in Vermont offers a mutually-beneficial living arrangement.

Tips & tricks to save on airfare

Posted by Courtney October 15, 2008 at 11:40 am

It’s almost that time of year again — going to grandma’s house for the holidays. And if you’re planning on flying somewhere — expect to spend more. A lot more. Fares for Thanksgiving and Christmas are about 30 percent higher than a year ago. But there are some ways to save. And it’s possible that with gas prices falling, we could soon see cheaper ticket prices.  But in the meantime, here’s what the folks at travelocity recommend if you’re looking to save:

1. Let the deals come to you. Use a free automated service that tracks fares and alerts you when the prices drop.
2. Be flexible on dates. When you fly is one of the most important money-saving factors. Start your search by figuring out the smartest days to travel.
3. Consider surrounding airports. In major metropolitan areas there are often several airports, and prices can vary dramatically at each.
4. Bundle everything together and save a bundle.
5. Being spontaneous pays. Traveling at the last minute limits your choices, but it could help you save up to 70%.
6. Pack lighter and smarter. Many major airlines now charge from $15 each way to check a bag (and from $25 each way for a second bag). Plus, bring your own food and you could save $10 round-trip.

Designing a ghoulishly frugal Halloween

Posted by Ted McEnroe October 13, 2008 at 3:07 pm

Frightened of the costs of Halloween? The price of costumes have you spooked? Louise Sacco, one of our friends at the Frugal Yankee, says there’s no need to fear – money-saving Halloween ideas abound!

For more cost-cutting ideas, give Louise and the gang a visit at frugalyankee.com!

Bulls & Bears

Posted by Courtney October 13, 2008 at 11:01 am

Tired of being on a stock market roller coaster? Let it work to your advantage. The newly renovated Colonnade Hotel in Boston’s Back Bay is offering a discount on weeknight stays based on how the Dow finishes that day. Market’s down? You save 20%. Things looking up? You get 10% off. Now through March 31st. Prices start at $260 a night. Subject to taxes and availability.

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