Do you eat breakfast?

I normally don't...well, I guess I get my soy chai latte . But on the weekends, I love to eat breakfast...or should I say I love eating out for breakfast!

So last Sunday, I packed my family in the car. All of us were excited to have French toast, crab hollandaise , savory crepes, and Mickey Mouse-shaped pancakes at our favorite breakfast destination. When we arrived, however, we were devastated to see a "Thank you for your business" sign posted at the entrance. Our beloved Crepevine had closed down! We took our grumbling tummies back home and complained while we ate cold cereal and milk.

Unfortunately, I'm noticing a lot more businesses closing around town...not just restaurants but furniture stores, specialty boutiques, pet shops, tea bars, etc. I guess it's a sign of the times. It makes me think about what I should be doing to prepare myself for a financial "rainy day." Of course the obvious (but not so fun) thing to do is to cut back on expenses.

Comfort food  is my vice...but I guess I could make breakfast instead of going out. Maybe I could have that $3 latte a couple of times a week instead of everyday. And do I really need that glass of wine with dinner? Wait, let's not get carried away!

In these economic times, it doesn't hurt to be a little more disciplined. I mentioned in an earlier post that I was thinking of going back to Australia to visit. Well, that's an expense I've decided to do at a better time...maybe when the exchange rate for the dollar is more favorable.

How has the current economy affected your lifestyle?

Posted by Dinna at 10:00 AM |  Contact Dinna |  Permalink  |  Comments (0)
Found in Budgeting, Exchange rates, Financial education, Food, Money management, Travel, Wells Fargo Bank

I was talking with a co-worker the other day who was telling me all about his vacation plans this year...how he had planned everything at the end of 2007 and had made all of his flight and hotel arrangements already.

It got me thinking: What do I want to do this year? And is there any place I could visit this spring?

Then it hit me: "Yes, there is!" As I was driving in to work, a commercial came on the radio. The voice had that familiar, friendly accent and hyped up places like Bondi Beach  and the Sydney Opera House . "Now is the perfect time to visit Australia!" the voice said, encouraging me to get info about Qantas flights .

I visited Australia  while in grad school. I really had no money, but a friend of mine worked for an airline and got me a "buddy pass" that allowed me to fly for a steal. Once there, I was also able to stay with my friend's relatives. Unfortunately, because we were flying standby, our trip was short, and I've always vowed to return.

Nowadays, I use frequent flyer miles  to go on vacation. But nothing is ever "free," and I still have to consider the cost of airport taxes & fees, hotel, meals, ground transportation, sightseeing, and of course, local shopping!

So, even though I really want to go, I have to ask myself: Can I afford to go? I could charge everything — I usually use my credit card anyway when I travel because it's safer than cash, adds additional insurance, the exchange rate is usually better, and I get rewards points for every purchase. But can I (or would I) pay it all back when I return?

What would you do? What are some of your vacation planning considerations?

Posted by Dinna at 10:00 AM |  Contact Dinna |  Permalink  |  Comments (0)
Found in Budgeting, Credit cards, Debt, Exchange rates, Looking back, Paying, Vacation, Wells Fargo Bank

In my last post, I addressed some of the different money options available for international travelers. And whether you're "on holiday" or studying abroad, a little common sense goes a long way to keep your money safe when you're in a foreign country. Below are some suggestions that might help.

Before you depart, make a list of your credit and debt card account numbers, the numbers of your traveler's checks, and the international phone numbers for reporting lost or stolen cards and checks. Keep the list with you, and give copies to a traveling companion and to someone at home to call in case of trouble.

Sometimes peace of mind is more valuable than any Let's Go®  or Lonely Planet™  travel guide. Keep copies of your key documents—including your passport and plane tickets—separately. Photocopies might not always be accepted, but they can speed up the process of getting replacements and/or be better than nothing. I stashed copies in the bottom inside pocket of my luggage (fortunately, I never had to use them).

Most travel experts recommend that you carry only the funds you'll need for each day's outing. But when I backpacked around Europe, I was staying mostly in hostels , and safes weren't always available. So I actually kept all of my money, cards and documents on my person at all times in an under-my-clothes, around-my-waist money belt . It started off as ivory but was a sickly khaki color by the time I got home. Kind of gross, but safe!

Other tips to consider:

• Divide your money and traveler's checks with a traveling companion, if possible. That way, if yours are lost or stolen, your companion has access to cash.
  
  
• For credit and debit cards, keep them in a safe place where they won't bend, scratch or become demagnetized. Minimize the risk of theft or loss by taking only the cards you need.
  
  
• When using ATMs, use the same caution you would when you're at home: Don't flash your cash after leaving the machine, and use ATMs in safe locations.

All this talk about money and travel has reminded me that sadly, I've let my passport expire. While I work on a renewal , tell us about your international money adventures here.

Posted by Staci at 11:28 AM |  Contact Staci |  Permalink  |  Comments (0)
Found in Budgeting, Checking, Credit cards, Currency, Debit cards, Exchange rates, Financial education, Housing, Money management, Paying, Preparing, Student loans, Travel, Traveler's checks, Vacation, Wells Fargo Bank

A few weeks back, Kathy wrote a great post about alternatives to taking a European vacation. Well, if in these last few weeks of summer you're taking an actual European vacation—or perhaps preparing for a semester abroad—one thing you'll need to think about before handing over your passport at customs is money.

I was born in Germany (my dad was in the Army), made a trip to the United Kingdom in college, and spent two months backpacking around Europe after my first job. So other than my time as an infant, I've had some experience spending money overseas. Here are a few tips that might help.

Buy some foreign currency before you leave so you don't have to pay high fees and lousy exchange rates  at an airport currency window. Most banks can sell foreign currency with a few days' notice. Ask for some in small denominations—when you arrive at your destination desperate for a snack and a taxi, you'll be glad you did!

In addition to foreign currency, consider taking traveler's checks . You can buy them either in the currency of your destination or in U.S. dollars. If you need to cash U.S. dollar traveler's checks abroad, you are more likely to receive the best exchange rate at a bank. Fees usually apply per check cashed, so it may be in your interest to cash the higher denominations.

Use your credit card or debit card for the most favorable exchange rate. Just be sure to notify your bank of your travel plans before you leave—otherwise, your accounts could be frozen as a precaution against fraud (certainly not what you want when you've been standing in line for an hour to buy tickets at the Louvre ). And if you plan to use an ATM, remember that cash at foreign ATMs is dispensed in the local currency and debited from your account in U.S. dollars.

Basically, it all comes down to diversifying your travel money portfolio. A combination of foreign currency, traveler's checks, and plastic will give you the most flexibility. In my next post, I'll focus on how to keep your money safe when you're abroad.

P.S.: Want to know how much the U.S. dollar is worth in other countries? Check out our handy currency calculator.

Posted by Staci at 09:53 AM |  Contact Staci |  Permalink  |  Comments (9)
Found in Banking, Budgeting, Credit cards, Currency, Debit cards, Exchange rates, Financial education, Paying, Preparing, Student loans, Travel, Traveler's checks, Vacation, Wells Fargo Bank