Saving Money | List Producer

“Netflix for Books” Can Save You Money!

January 9, 2014/0 Comments/in Apps, Books, Saving Money, Technology/by Paula Rizzo

It’s been so cold here in New York and I’m looking forward this weekend when I can stay inside and cozy up with a good book to relax! I really love biographies, historical fiction, and any book that’s about to be made into a movie. As a kid – I loved going to the library and would often pick the same books over and over (usually Curious George or Paul’s Christmas Birthday.) But with libraries becoming virtually a thing of the past, reading can actually be a pretty costly hobby (not to mention costly for the environment if you’re still buying hard copies.) And think about all the clutter those beloved books create.

Recently, I discovered Oyster – it’s the app CNN calls “Netflix for Books” because, for a monthly subscription, you can read an unlimited number of titles available in their library. I was completely into the app until I realized that their library had a lot of interesting titles, but very few that were already on my reading list.

But fear not — Oyster isn’t the only app that lets you subscribe and read all you want – BookSwim and BookLending.com offer similar services, but they each have their own pros and cons.

Throw Away Your New Year’s Resolution

December 29, 2013/2 Comments/in Benefits of List Making, Decision Making, Health, Holidays, Increase Productivity, Learning With a List, List Making, Reduce Stress, Saving Money, Saving Time, Tool for Success/by Paula Rizzo

Resolutions 2012 (Photo credit: simplyla)

Happy New Year to all of you. I hope 2014 brings you everything you desire! But if you have a New Year’s Resolution — I urge you to throw it away. Yep — that’s right. I think there is a much better way to get organized, be healthier, become more productive etc. etc.

Get Rid of that Resolution

It Really Works

This tactic really works. And the reason I know is because I used it last year. I’ve been into yoga here and there but really wanted to incorporate it into my life. So instead of resolving to “do yoga” — I made a goal for myself to “practice yoga for 10 minutes a day.”

This very specific goal turned out to be the best approach for me. It’s not overwhelming — I’m not intimidated by 10 minutes a day like I might be to commit to an hour long class a few times a week.

So since last year — every day (ok, most days…but I don’t beat myself up if I don’t do it) I do yoga for 10 minutes in the morning.

What’s your goal for this year?

5 Ways to Remember Anything

December 26, 2013/14 Comments/in Benefits of List Making, Boost Memory, Decision Making, Health, Home, Increase Productivity, Learning With a List, Reduce Stress, Saving Money, Saving Time, Tool for Success/by Paula Rizzo

Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I write down everything: To dos, books I want to read, groceries I need to get, websites I want to visit, gifts I want to buy, goals I’m trying to reach…I mean everything! Part of me does that so I can make the task or action a real concrete thing. Once I write something down it becomes attainable – it’s the first step of a plan to accomplish it. But the other part of me does it because I don’t want to forget it.

I rely on written list, emailed lists and lists in apps all day long to remember things. But what about when you are in a situation when you can’t write something down? You’re at the gym for instance and you have a great thought or remember something you need to do later… but there’s no pen and paper around. Or you’re taking a break from technology and don’t have your smart phone with you while you’re on vacation and inspiration hits you.
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Fab Find: Get Paid to Shop

December 19, 2013/0 Comments/in Apps, Fab Find, Saving Money, Shopping, Tool for Success/by Paula Rizzo

I try to be the first one to introduce my friends and coworkers to new ways to save time and money, so when a friend of mine told me about Ebates she was completely shocked that I had never heard of it before! Ebates, “where it pays to shop online,” is an online hub of over 1,600 different stores – all of whom earn you cash back when you order from them! You can now also do an ebates referral to help you out a bit. Being able to earn cash back, how great is that?

Ebates is great because it gives you actual cash back for your purchases – there’s nothing to redeem and there are no fees or forms involved! Just by ordering things I already needed from Sephora, Shari’s Berries, and Soap.com I’ve already earned over $20 back! Sometimes, saving a little extra is the best gift you can give yourself, and that’s why Ebates is this week’s Fab Find For Good!

A few things to remember when you sign up: Read more

5 Productivity Tips For Black Friday Shopping

November 26, 2013/0 Comments/in Apps, Benefits of List Making, Holidays, Increase Productivity, List Making, Saving Money, Saving Time, Shopping, Tool for Success/by Paula Rizzo

Even with some stores opening as early as 6 pm on Thanksgiving night, time is of the essence when it comes to Black Friday shopping if you want to score the best deals before time or inventory run out. I’ve personally given up Black Friday shopping all together in exchange for shopping early and scoring deals while still in my slippers on Cyber Monday. However you do your holiday shopping – it’s important to remember a few rules to shop smart:

1. One stop shopping. Stores like Amazon.com, Overstock.com, Target, and Walmart all carry a range of products from home goods to clothing to electronics. When you pick one store and do the bulk of your shopping there you’ll save time waiting in lines, money on multiple shipping costs, and the headache of tracking your “Black Friday Budget.” Read more