The SpendLessTV.com Money-Saving Blog

We’ve gathered up some of the best tips for business owners and entrepreneurs, of all varieties.  Just starting out? Looking to increase your product reach or your circulation? Looking for marketing pointers? Could you use a little practical inspiration?  We’ve got the inside info. in these audios, videos and articles from the experts!

An Interview with Stacey Ross - Stacy is an entrepreneur and founder of SanDiegoBargainMama.com. In this is MP3 downloadable she is interviewed by Debra Simpson of North San Diego Business at Large. Stacey shares the evolution of San Diego Bargain Mama and it’s offline social network, sdIRL (San Diego In Real Life Connections).Debra has a background in multimedia and Web publishing and digital media development and she is an entrepreneur who developes and implements internet marketing strategies for the small business community.

Money Map for Entrepreneurial Success - Alexis Neely, author, entrepreneur, founder of the New Law Business Model.

6 Counterintuitive Business Tips - Garrett B. Gunderson, personal finance advisor, founder of FreedomFast Track wealth building program, and author of Killing Sacred Cows.

Entrepreneur Tips - Jen Groover, entrepreneur, inventor, media lifestyle contributor and author.

60 Seconds to Business Success in Economic Slowdown - Dr. Patrick Dixon, author of, Futurewise.

Build Your Business, Brand & Passion – Gary Vaynerchuk (contains strong language), entrepreneur, founder of WineLibraryTV.com, co-founder VaynerMedia, speaker, author of Crush it! and The Thank You Economy.

How to Stand Out From The Crowd - Marie Forleo, multi-passionate entrepreneur, business and marketing advisor, founder of Rich, Happy & Hot B-school giving tips to grow your online business.

Increasing Your Income 1,000% – Brian Tracy legendary leader and advisor in personal development, sales, business, time management and leadership.

The Small Business Bible - Steven Strauss, author of  The Small Business Bible, and senior USA Today Small Business Columnist.

Turn Your Ideas Into Income - Ramit Sethi, co-founder of PBwiki, author of the best-seller, I Will Teach You to Be Rich, creator of the blog of the same name, and personal finance and marketing advisor.

Running Your Business on a Shoestring - article with practical pointers from our affiliate partner, CareOne Debt Relief.

Related posts:

• 8 Tremendous Tips for Small Business

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Whether you’re a seasoned business owner, entrepreneur,  just beginning, or considering starting your own business, the tips in these videos from business and marketing experts on starting, financing, managing, and marketing a small business will take you even further.

4 Online Marketing Mistakes Local Businesses Make - Business coach Marie Forleo gives 4 of the biggest mistakes local businesses make in online marketing. Four simple solutions that will bring in results!

Start Your Own Business Questions Answered - Susan Solovic, Small Business Contributor and CEO of SBTV.com, appears on ABC’s Good Money and answers questions about beginning your own small business start-up.

Using Credit Cards for Business - Know the ins and outs of using business credit cards before you decide to get one for your business. Here are pointers from Sandra Block, personal finance reporter for USA Today .

Should Family & Friends Fund Your  Business Startup? - ABC News Money Matters -Funding the start of your own business can be a challenge. If you’re considering borrowing from family or friends, you can minimize potential problems if you plan properly. Here are tips from Susan Solovic, ABC News small business contributor.

How to Approach New Business & Financing - How to finance a new business venture and keep a positive creative approach are always challenging questions for entrepreneurs.  Here are pointers on avoiding costly mistakes from Andre Taylor, small business expert and author of You Can Still Win!

Keep Your Customers! - Entrepreneur and business and marketing expert Ryan Lee reveals one of the biggest mistakes business owners make, and gives valuable pointers on how to keep your biggest asset – your customers – coming back for more. These pointers are great for any business!

Cost Effective Marketing for Small Business - The President of Piranha Marketing, Joe Polish, reveals three invaluable top techniques to market your business more effectively and efficiently.

Entertaining clients on a budget –  One of the most common questions that businesses today are facing – how to approach entertaining clients while needing to stick to a budget.  This article from our affiliate partner, CareOne Debt Relief, gives some simple and sensible answers to this timely problem.

Related post:

• 11 Tips for Entrepreneurs & Independent Businesses

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We were inspired by a recent post we came across by Gayle Lynn Falkenthal on SanDiegoBargainMama.com - and it’s got us thinking Spring Shopping!  No matter what the season, shopping previously-owned is a sure way to find quality items, do the environment a favor, and also save some money – an all around win, win, win.

The article in SanDiegoBargainMama.com’s post is all about the return of  San Diego’s biggest garage sale, the annual Thursday Club Rummage Sale, March 10 and 11. Now in its 85th year! You know if this has been going on for 85 consecutive years, they must be on to something big!  In fact, it’s so big, that the folks at SanDigeoBargainmama have provided a cool post giving insider pointers to save you time and receive the best deals. These tips are great for shopping any tag sale anywhere, anytime.

And while we’re thinking of tag sales, let’s add a fourth “win” to the list: We’re also thinking Spring Cleaning!  Really, is there ever a wrong time to clean up, clear out, and cash in?

There’s money in your closets, drawers, garage, attic, and storage units! Take what you aren’t using and recycle it; have a yard or tag sale, list it on freecycle.org, sell it on line, or donate it — all easy ways to turn something you’re not using into something wonderful for someone else, and your wallet… definitely a win!

More money-saving and money-making ideas in our posts:

• Make Money With a Yard, Garage or Tag Sale
• Clear Out and Cash In on Old Electronic Devices
• How to Profit from Reselling Books

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My first experience with a medical billing error was quite frightening. My son had some health issues which were not too serious, but required him to remain in the hospital for about a week after his birth. Treating his condition meant the possibility of his needing a blood transfusion. As it turned out, he did not require a transfusion, but the bill I received from the hospital about a month after he came home showed a transfusion, which we were being charged for. This, of course, was quite distressing to see, and my general concern was additionally intensified by the fact that this was in the early 1980′s, and  it had just been revealed that blood transfusions could be a source of HIV AIDS  transmittal, so for these critical reasons it was absolutely essential that I find out if the bill was indeed correct or not. After some pressing and investigating, it was eventually confirmed that he had not received a transfusion and that this had not simply been an error in billing, but I had been sent a completely wrong bill – someone else’s bill. I wonder whose bill the other party received?

As you will see in the stories below, these types of medical billing errors are not an uncommon occurrence.  If time permits, gathering as much information as possible on the costs before treatment or procedures is always preferred, and often it is possible to pre-negotiate for fixed costs, but perhaps even more critically important is double-checking your bills afterwards, not only for your budget, but for the proper understanding of your health status.

We may not be able to scrutinize for every bandage or cotton ball we are billed for, but not noticing sizeable mistakes can add up to a heavy tab. Here are some tips with experts giving important information and suggestions to help guide you in navigating, managing, questioning, and hopefully reducing your medical bills.

Negotiating Medical Bills and Billing Errors:

• Negotiating Medical Bills – You’re not alone if you find medical and hospital bills a confusing mess. CBS reporter Wyatt Andrews reports on how it’s an absolute must for everyone to do a little investigating and how it may also save you some money.
• Reduce Your Medical Costs - Derek Fitteron, CEO of Medical Cost Advocates, discusses the high cost of medical bills and what you need to to know to manage your insurance prices, medical service costs, the importance of reviewing your bill and how to negotiate your medical bills
• How to Spot Medical Billing Errors - Jody Rohlena, Senior Editor for ShopSmart Magazine, shares how to spot errors on your medical bills.They are more frequent than you might imagine. It’s well worth double checking and could save you a lot of money.

Ask and Shop Around.  There’s a reason that “Ask”  is our all-time top money-saving tip, and that is because it works. As every one of the above videos mention, asking is not only necessary to be certain you have been charged accurately, but it is an invaluable tool for potentially reducing the initial cost of services too. Ask your doctors, pharmacies, hospitals, and any and all service providers if they can beat prices, match prices, or if there is any way they could help you save or receive a discount. They may have free samples to provide, they may have suggestions on creative billing, timing, or they may be able to offer a discount if you pre-pay in cash..there are many more possibilities, but they will not offer this upfront, you must ask.

• You Can Lower Your Medical Bills - Yes, you can negotiate medical fees.  It never hurts to ask says Angie Hicks, founder of angieslist.com in this interview by Dr. Manny Alvarez on Fox.

Shop Ahead. If you have the time, shopping ahead on prices for medical procedures can be a huge money-saver. There may be a wide variation in the cost of medical procedures from provider to provider, even if their practices are in the same building.  The Healthcare Blue Book is a free consumer guide to help you determine fair prices in your area for healthcare services like surgery, hospital stays, doctor visits, medical tests and much more.

Use a Flexible Spending Account.  If you know in advance approximately how much you typically spend during the year on everyday healthcare needs, this may save you some money. This is an account set up by your employer where you designate how much money from your salary you want to automatically be deposited into this account. The money is placed pre-tax into the account, and is only to be used as reimbursement to yourself for health-related expenses you have incurred. You must submit requests for reimbursement. Ask your employer for a list of which items qualify for reimbursement and which do not. Some items which are covered typically are prescriptions, some drugstore items, eye care such as exams, glasses or contact lenses, dental expenses, nursing care, day care, and some co-pays and deductibles. You MUST use up ALL of the money by the end of the year — any money that is left in the account at the end of the year is forfeited.

• Spend Your Flexible Spending Account - Dr. Holly Phillips gives ways to spend your FSA dollars before the year ends & any remaining balance is lost. 

Claiming medical deductions on your tax return for yourself and any of your dependents. You may be able to deduct standard medical deductions such as hospital expenses, doctor visits, and health insurance premiums that are not paid pre-tax, but there are many other not so common deductions such as: artificial limbs or teeth, chiropractor fees, hearing aids, Alcoholics Anonymous club meetings, the purchase and care of a guide dog, transportation services to appointments, home modifications for medical reason, sterilization, television or phone equipment for hearing impaired, laboratory fees, and eyeglasses. Because there are very specific guidelines as to exactly which expenses qualify and how much expense you need to incur before you are able to deduct them, we suggest checking with a professional tax preparer to see if you qualify.

• How to cut $1,500 on Health Expenses - Reduce the cost of your annual health-related expenses by more than $1,500. Where to shop and what to ask tips from personal finance reporter Farnoosh Torabi.
• Healthcare Costs Too High? - Pointers to avoid being taken by unnecessary hospital and healthcare costs from the author of “Fight For Your Money”, David Bach.

Don’t miss these related posts:

• Ways to Cut Everyday Health Care Costs
• Ways to Save Money on  Insurance

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Urrg! The rising cost of health care and health insurance is distressing and aggravating, to put it mildly. In November, I received notice that my health insurance premiums are going up. As of January 1  they are increasing a whopping 24% – that’s an increase of $198.44 per month!!  Yes, per month, bringing my yearly premium total to $12,279.72. I guess this was an early “Happy New Year” greeting.

I am not currently employed, do not seem to qualify to join a “group” for group rates, and I do not yet qualify for Medicare (and I’m not sure if I actually will qualify for it when I do reach the qualifying age), which means I either go without insurance, or I carry private independent insurance. So once again, I need to do some thorough investigating to compare the dozens of policies and options.

I know there are thousands of others out there facing similar situations. Here are some options that might be helpful when looking for resources to save on, or secure, general medical health insurance:

Resources for finding “Group” Medical Insurance coverage:

If you are not employed by an organization or business that provides “group” insurance, you still may be able to become a member of a group, organization or union and receive insurance coverage at better rates than if you are being covered as an individual, with the added potential benefit of more leniency on issues like pre-existing conditions. Consider anything and everything, from organizations like AARP to whatever your hobby might be, as potential to finding a “group” to join. Do online searches to see if any may be offering health insurance. Try using search terms like:

• “Boat Owners of America” medical insurance group benefits (insert your own term, hobby, fraternity, profession, etc.. between the “….”).
• Group medical insurance coverage
• Where to find group health insurance coverage “insert your state”

Here are just a few groups we found who do offer health insurance coverage to anyone who qualifies for membership in their group:

• National Association for the Self-Employed
• AARP – American Association of Retired Persons
• ASCAP – The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers
• FreeLancers Union
• Musician Health Insurance
• Alliance for Affordable Services

Additional ideas for example:

• Alumni Associations
• Local Chambers of Commerce
• The Elks Club
• A sport enthusiasts club or league
• Previous military service
• Trade association
• Craft guild
• Religious organizations
• Educational organizations
• Ethnic organizations

• The Foundation for Health Coverage Education – A non-profit educational resource that provides information to help the uninsured learn about and seek health coverage, as well as providing a list of links to state and local resources and other programs to assist the uninsured.
• Health Insurance – Smart Money interview with Miller Advisors financial planner, Kathleen Miller.
• Lower Your Health Insurance Costs - Where you can look to lower your health, medical and insurance costs. Pointers from the HealthMarkets Family of Insurance Companies.
• Affordable Medical Insurance – PBS Nightly Business Report – PBS profiles those with pre-existing medical conditions who find health insurance to be too expensive or impossible to receive, even after Health Care Reform Act and gives info. to learn more about future help.
• How to Shop for Health Insurance – BankRate.com - Before buying health insurance, understand the costs, the network and the deductible.
• FREE Rx Discount Card from Your County – A FREE prescription Rx discount card from your county may be available to you – see if your county is participating and if you qualify.

More health savings ideas:

• Ways to Cut Everyday Health Care Costs -  An SLTV blog post giving ways to reduce your everyday health care costs, without compromising quality on everything from dental floss to prescription eye care.

I know I am not alone in feeling a little panic when facing the skyrocketing costs of health care in the U.S. on everything from an aspirin to surgery to insurance premiums. It seems everyone is looking for ways to combat the rising cost of medical care.

Here are a few pointers and resources with tips that may help reduce your everyday health care costs, without compromising quality:

Always ask. Ask your doctor, hospital, lab, pharmacy, etc. if there is anything they might suggest that would lower the cost of treatment. You’d be surprised at what they might be able to do for you.

• Ask if discounts are offered to members of groups like AAA, AARP, veterans, government employees, professional or trade unions, or any any other organization or profession you can think of which may qualify you for an affiliated discount, don’t be afraid to ask!
  • Prescription Drug Discount with AAA - This short video explains the AAA prescription drug discount program. But additionally, AAA members also may receive 15 % discount on nutritional products at GNC stores, reduced membership fees at Gold’s Gym and 30% off on regularly priced items at Reebok Outlet Stores.
• Ask your physician if generic medicines would work for you.
• Many pharmacies have a list of flat rate $4 or $5 generic prescription medicines available. Ask at the pharmacy for a list of those medications and bring that list to your doctors. Ask your doctors if they might be able to prescribe medications for you from those on the list.
• Ask your pharmacist if there might be other prescription options that would cost less, and if so, they can call your doctors for approval.
  • How to Save Money on Prescription Drugs – Tips from Janet Bodnar, Deputy Editor, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine in this clip.

Your county may be providing free prescription Rx discounts cards.

• See if your county participates with the National Association of Counties (NACo) program.

Shop around. Pharmacies vary on the prices they charge for prescription medications just as they do for everything else on their shelves, so shop around to find the lowest prices. Don’t overlook ”big box” stores and membership discount stores like Costco and Sam’s Club for rock-bottom prices, on prescriptions and eye care. The price of membership may end up being worth the savings offered.

Keep a look out for free samples and ASK for free samples, from your physician and pharmacy, not only for prescriptions but on a variety of drug store items, too. In addition to asking, there are many websites like our partner,  ShopAtHome.com, that offer special promotions, discounts, giveaways, free shipping, and free samples – for in-store and online shopping.

Use coupons and loyalty programs, and combine the discounts you receive from those with store promotions or sales whenever possible.

• Coupon Stacking Explained - How coupon stacking works, how easy it is, and a simple tip that adds up to big savings at the cash register from Julia Scott, CEO, BargainBabe.com

Amazon has a “subscribe and save” service that can help cut the cost of anything you buy on a regular interval and offers free shipping with sign up, which can often bring down the cost of regularly used items, like razor blades, toothpaste and tooth brushes, and shampoo at prices well below many big-box discount stores.

Opt for longer lasting items. When you shop for sundries, opt for the items that will last longer, like toothpaste from a tube instead of a pump, or bar soap instead of liquid.

Use less and use it all up. You may be using far more than you need to. Advertisements show us toothbrushes loaded with toothpaste, and luscious streaming waterfalls of shampoo, conditioners, and lotions, but in reality, most often all that is required is a tiny dab. Cut open the tubes when you think they are empty, you’ll be surprised at how much is actually left.

• Get Every Last Drop and Save Big Money - see just how much one little tube really has left when you think it’s empty.

Consider a little do-it-yourself. Several renowned beauty experts have all relied on natural items that you probably already have on hand in your kitchen to achieve the same, if not better, beautiful results as expensive cosmetic treatments, lotions, scrubs, moisturizers, hair conditioners, teeth brighteners, and bath spas. And there are several at-home products that may be effective in treating minor itches and sunburns, too.

• Check out these two SpendLessTV.com blog posts with ideas you can do using items you probably already have:
• 10 Luscious DIY At-Home Spa Ideas for Almost Free
• Itch-Stopping, Eco-Friendly, Money-Saving, DIY natural Insect Repellents & Soothing Remedies

Eyeglasses: Register for email notifications from websites like Coastal.com, to receive notice of their deeply discounted sale promotions, as well as their free eyeglass events. An example of a recent sale: 11 eyeglass styles for $11 each. You can even “try on” eyeglass frames online!  I have personally ordered contact lenses from them and was very pleased with their service.

AAA members may receive 30% discounts on eyeglasses, and 10% discounts on contact lenses at Lenscrafters, Pearle Vision, Sears Optical and Target Optical.

• More tips in this video from AOL contributor Aurora Nessly: Where To Get Discounted Eye Exams and Eyeglasses

Consider Bartering –  Bartering is once again emerging as a popular viable option for receiving goods and services, and many medical practices are participating. There are several online bartering sites where you “bank” your skill and/or time for points, and then “swap” your points for medical services.

• Time Swap – The New Barter – Consumer advocate Stacy Johnson from MoneyTalksNews.com explains one online bartering site in this video.
• Bartering for Health Care – The story of one medical center in Maine that is participating in a barter bank to help make health care more accessible.

Here, from one of our favorite resources, Bottom Line Personal newsletter, from their interview with Clark Howard, host of The Clark Howard Show on CNN’s HLN network.(Volume 32, Number 21, November, 1, 2011), are tips for those not covered by health insurance to receive lower prices on services, prescription medications and eyeglasses:

• Get health-care providers and pharmacies to bid for your business online. If you requrie a medical, dental or vision procedure that is not covered by your insurance, enter it into the free website PriceDoc.com (registration required). Health-care professionals offer lower-than-normal prices through this site to bring in new clients.  This site tends to be most useful for finding low prices for dental and cosmetic procedures. It’s sometimes possible to obtain discounts of 25% to 30% or more.
• For prescription medications, check out the free website BidRx.com (registration required). Enter your prescription medications into their site, and pharmacies will offer your their lowest prices. Only reputable U.S. pharmacies are allowed to participate.  If you cannot wait for a medication to arrive by mail, the site can restrict the search to local pharmacies.  Savings of as much as 50% are possible.
• An online site for eyeglasses at very low prices is Zenni Optical. They offer prescription eyeglasses online for less than $20 — lenses, frames and shipping included. Eyeglasses with special features such as lenses can cost $50 or more. The lenses are ground in China and theframes are not brand names, but the product is good quality. You can upload a picture of yourself to the site and “try on” frames. One downside is there is no post-purchase care or adjustments. You’ll have to bring them to a local optician to adjust fitting issues.  To help ensure a proper fit, make sure your eye doctor checks and records on your prescription your pupillary distance (PD) — the distance between the centers of your pupils.

More from experts on health care savings:

• How to cut $1,500 on Health Expenses – Reduce the cost of your annual health-related expenses by more than $1,500. Where to shop and what to ask tips from personal finance reporter Farnoosh Torabi.
• You Can Lower Your Medical Bills - Yes, you can negotiate medical fees.  It never hurts to ask says Angie Hicks, founder of angieslist.com in this interview by Dr. Manny Alvarez on Fox.
• Ways to Save Money on Health Insurance - SLTV blog post with helpful resources giving ways to save on, or secure, general medical health insurance.

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Yes, you can enjoy entertaining with Hollywood and Broadway style, right in your own home.  Here are 5 videos from entertaining and trend-spotting experts giving ideas on food, fashion and decorating so you can host a fabulous party that won’t leave you empty handed.

Party Great on a Budget - Make your special event the best! You can host a great party, and on a budget, too! The Party Goddess, Marley Majcher, shows how easy it can be.

Red Carpet Look-A-Likes, Golden Globes ’10 - You can look like a Hollywood star and do it on a budget. Nextpert.com’s fashion trend expert, Katlean de Monchy, shows two celebrity dresses, a casual outfit, shoes and even sunglasses… and how you can have the glam looks for.

Red Carpet Look-A-Likes, Golden Globes ’07 - With smart shopping and these fashion-find tips, you get the dresses and outfits to look like a Hollywood star on an extra’s budget when Nextpert.com’s Katlean De Monchy shows how to get Golden Globe runway fashion trends for less.

Golden Globe Menu Ideas - Hollyscoop.com’s Diana Madison shows ideas to recreate a Golden Globes viewing party in your own home: food, champagne, flowers from Beverly Hilton Executive Chef Suki Sugiura, Executive Pastry Chef Thomas Henzi, Moet & Chandon’s Julia Fitzroy & Mark’s Garden Florist Mark Held.

Golden Globe 5-Star Snacks - Jill Sharpe from TheLakeKitchen.com, shows budget-friendly make-ahead “golden” recipes perfect for your Golden Globe party, so you can enjoy visiting with guests and watching the award show without being chained to the kitchen.

More Fabulous Party Hosting ideas in this post:

• Roll Out the Red Carpet, Not Your Wallet, Oscar Party

Want to enjoy the Golden Globe Awards Show but you don’t have a TV or cable? Not a problem, catch our post:

• Watch Free – LIVE – TV on Your Computer, Mobile Device, and Television Set!

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This is just a very small sampling of the deals, coupons, and cash back offers in effect right now, from our affiliate partner, ShopAtHome. 

If you haven’t joined ShopAtHome yet, you’re missing out on what thousands of thrilled money-saving ShopAtHome members know:  ShopAtHome is the easiest way to receive exclusive deals, cash back offers up to 25%, and save money, both in-store and online, for just about everything and anything.

Don’t wait! Start enjoying instant savings with ShopAtHome now! It’s quick, safe and free to join.

ShopAtHome

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More than ever, people are feeling money-crunched. The holiday season brings additional challenges and stress, and the new year traditionally is a time to re-examine one’s financial situation and debts. Many people are, for the first time, facing difficulties in critical areas such as managing loan payments and dealing with home foreclosures and bankruptcy. A growing number of people are seeking professional help in navigating the management of their credit and debt. The decision to enter into a debt relief program can be a stressful one in itself. How do you decide if a debt relief program is the right solution for you? How do you decide where to go?

If you have been gathering advice and sifting through personal finance educational material, you know there are more points of view and theories on growing your savings, money-saving and managing credit and debt than one can count. You hear everything from… the ultra-frugal approach to take care of the pennies and the dollars will follow, cut back on everything, bypass that morning cup of coffee purchase, sweat over every penny at every turn, be vigilant with clipping coupons and bargain hunting, and whenever possible do-it-yourself…. to…  those who say forget the pennies; save on the big-ticket items like interest rates and insurance premiums… to.. focus on growing your income… to… recognize your motivations and plan your budget to include goal-related items that you consider to be fulfilling and enjoyable and saving will be practically effortless. How do you know which approach is right?

In addition to the multiple personal finance approaches, there is an onslaught of questions to navigate through, like… which credit cards should I pay off first? Should I act on a zero-interest credit card offer? Should I consolidate my debt? Close credit accounts? Re-finance my loan? How do I effectively negotiate with my debtors and get my credit rating back in good standing? What are the differences between the various debt relief options? What are the right answers?

The truth is, what will work for you is relative to your particular situation and your abilities at any given time. So, how do you know which answer is best for you, now?

The internet, television, radio, magazines and newspapers are full of resources that provide answers; advice is everywhere – including here. SpendLessTV.com has an inventory full of helpful videos with pointers from experts that address dozens of personal finance and budgeting questions. You may be able to tackle debt management and negotiation yourself. Many people have been able to achieve this. But, perhaps you have been utilizing the many available resources in an effort to self-manage your debt, and still you feel unsettled. How do you decide if the time is right to enroll in a debt relief program?

If you answer “yes” to the following questions, a debt relief program may be for you:

• Is all the information you’ve gathered starting to seem contradictory?
• Do you feel the need for more clarity and direction?
• Even after trying, are you still living paycheck to paycheck?
• Have your savings dwindled?
• Are you feeling overwhelmed?
• Do you feel an urgent need for immediate assistance?

Should you determine that the time is right to consider a program, how do you choose where to go and who to listen to?

Here is important information from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission that you can use to help you evaluate and choose a debt relief counseling service:

• Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if the organization you are considering is positively rated or if there is a history of complaint against it.
• Are they willing to provide informative insights and educational material up front, at no charge?
• Are they willing to answer questions and discuss your personal situation with you, disclose what they might or might not be able to do for you, before you enroll?
• Are they available in person or by phone, as well as online?
• What services do they offer? Do they offer ongoing support?
• What are the qualifications of their counselors? Are they accredited or certified? By whom? If not, how were they trained?
• What are their fees?
• How are their employees compensated? Are they paid more if you sign up? If so, consider this a red flag and look elsewhere.
• How can you be assured your private information will be kept confidential and secure?
• Read everything, and ask questions before signing anything or enrolling… even online.
• More tips on selecting a credit or debt relief service at Federal Trade Commission.

There are many qualified and reputable debt relief agencies out there. While we cannot provide input on every one, we would like to draw your attention to one group we feel clearly meets this FTC criteria and more, CareOne Debt Relief. CareOne Debt Relief Services have helped over 5 million people, providing resources to help customers be financially fit. SpendLessTV.com often makes use of the CareOne Debt Relief’s easily accessible and valuable educational online resources.  Their budging tools, articles, forums and blog posts are free to everyone and require no sign-up to access. We’ve gained a lot of knowledge from reading their blog posts (which we share here from time to time), and we are impressed that their founder, Bernie Dancel, their own counselors, and many of their clients readily share their own personal stories of both the challenges and successes they’ve experienced in managing debt. Here are a few blog posts offered by CareOne Debt Relief which you may find helpful:

• Free Money Management Tools: Debt Payment Pro, The Learning Center, Calculators and Budget Planner
• Money and Life Changing Events
• How to Manage Your Debt

With any financial resource you work with, monitoring your account, staying up-to-date on the progress, and making sure any of your concerns are addressed as quickly as possible remains your responsibility. It’s important to stay in touch and stay connected with whatever resource you choose.

As with any challenge, the key is to take the first step. And in the case of searching for a debt relief program, that first step is just a simple online inquiry or phone call. If you are considering a professional debt counseling service, shop around and ask questions to find a program that you feel comfortable with, and step-by-step, you will succeed.

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We only recommend brands we respect, and we are proud to be a compensated affiliate of the CareOne brand of debt relief services.

The Top Ten Money Saving Videos of 2011 on SpendLessTV.com

Another year has passed, and we’re once again pleased that we were able to bring you helpful content from so many clever and wise money-savers from around the world who are committed to helping others achieve personal financial success, and we appreciate their willingness to share their knowledge and videos.

We also give a very special shout of appreciation to all the contributors in our Originals Channel, who generously gave their skill, time, and their professional wisdom in creating videos exclusively for SpendLessTV.com viewers. It just so happens that, with the exception of only one, the remarkable Steve Martin, the Originals contributors comprise the top ten most viewed videos this year, they are: Daniel Delaney, The Dolans, Marie Forleo, Garrett B. Gunderson, Ryan Lee, Alexis Neely, Joe Polish, Ramit Sethi, Sean Stephenson, and Gary Vaynerchuk.

Here is the SpendLessTV.com List of  The Top Ten Money Saving Videos of 2011:

10. Street Food Smart – Daniel Delaney (an SLTV Original)

Vendor street food: to taste or not to taste? Curbside cuisine expert Daniel Delaney shares his wisdom on how to get the most for your vendor buck.

9. How to Avoid Money Panic - Sean Stephenson & Garrett B. Gunderson (an SLTV Original)

Therapist Sean Stephenson and personal finance advisor Garrett B. Gunderson discuss an approach that helps to reduce feelings of money panic, and increase your ability to actually grow your wealth and savings, and be more productive even during stressful times.

8. Cost Effective Marketing for Small Business – Joe Polish (an SLTV Original)

President of Piranha Marketing, Joe Polish, reveals three invaluable top techniques to market your business more effectively, efficiently, and do it without spending a fortune.

7. Avoid These 8 Retirement Mistakes! – The Dolans, Ken and Daria (an SLTV Original)

Trusted personal finance advisors Ken and Daria Dolan give straight talk – great for all age groups – about saving money, planning for retirement, 401-k’s, and how to avoid costly retirement investment mistakes.

6. Money Myth: Cut Back on Everything! – Ramit Sethi (an SLTV Original)

Part of an SLTV Original series of three money myth-busting tips from personal finance author Ramit Sethi. Ramit chimes in on the idea that to save money, you should just cut back on everything… well maybe not…

5. Money Myth: Spend Less Than You Earn – Ramit Sethi (an SLTV Original)

Another in the SLTV Original series of three money myth-busting tips from author of I Will Teach You To Be Rich, Ramit Sethi. Here Ramit gives his take on the idea that to grow your savings, just spend less than you earn… or…

4. Maintain a Mindset of Abundance – Marie Forleo  (an SLTV Original)

Best-selling author, speaker and one of the most diversely successful entrepreneurs today, Marie Forleo, shares 3 easy things you can do to feel abundant, attract success, avoid money stress and feel great about your potential.

3. Steve Martin, SNL – Don’t Buy Stuff You Can’t Afford – Steve Martin on SNL

A comedy classic: Saturday Night Live features Steve Martin and Amy Poehler, a couple needing personal finance budgeting help, which they find with Chris Parnell’s unique approach to debt and money-management.

2. Money Myth: Willpower – Ramit Sethi (an SLTV Original)

A part of the three-part series on growing your wealth from personal finance author and blogger Ramit Sethi. In this clip, Ramit claims that the idea of personal finance success being about more and more willpower may not necessarily be so.

1. Be a Customer Who Gets What You Want! – Gary Vaynerchuk (an SLTV Original)

Entrepreneur, speaker, author, and co-founder of Vayner Media, Gary Vaynerchuk, discusses the Thank You Economy: how customers have more power than ever and how being an engaged consumer gets you more of what you want from brands: better service, prices and experiences.

You might also like:

• The Top Ten Money Saving Videos of 2010 on SpendLessTV.com
• Money Saving, 5 Top Spend Less TV Tips - A Video with Garrett B. Gunderson interviewing SLTV Co-Founder, Michael Fishman.
• Top Ten Money Saving Tips from Experts – posted on the TopTenTopTen.com website

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