Tinker Buck the Norm : Financial Empowerment

I went on vacation and all I got was my house broken into and my stuff stolen!

Posted on February 23, 2010 | 0 Comments

I love you Facebook/Twitter/Google Buzz, I really do. You give me a reason to be important…well to the 10 people that added me or follow me. You’re fun to post pictures and make believe that I can one day become a real farmer if I can just get enough virtual seeds but lately you have not been that awesome. Read more »

Save Money with Your Honey

Posted on February 8, 2010 | 0 Comments

Just when you thought the gift-giving season was over, it’s already February and Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. According to MSN Money Americans are expected to spend $14.7 billion on V-Day festivities! Read more »

New Year, New Savings

Posted on December 28, 2009 | 0 Comments

So the New Year is upon us once again. Time to forget the old and say hello to the new, time to revaluate one’s own path and make the necessary changes needed. You always hear people making resolutions to quit smoking, lose weight, get organized and enjoy life more. While those are great goals, one in particular should be on top of that list…let’s all say it together GET OUT OF DEBT!!!! Read more »

“Did, umm... did Caesar live here?”

Posted on December 21, 2009 | 0 Comments

In celebration of The Hangover being released on DVD last week I’ll be posting the final installment of my series on buying your first house. I’m going to cover the home inspection, homeowners insurance and the closing. Don’t worry. I’ll be quick. Read more »

A Few of My Favorite Things

Posted on December 14, 2009 | 0 Comments

Date? Check. Venue? Check. Dress? Check. Everything else? Piece of (wedding) cake. 1. Stationery: This includes invitations, RSVP cards, escort cards, programs, place cards, menu, etc. Have a printer at home? Read more »

Cute, Red and Fully Loaded

Posted on December 9, 2009 | 0 Comments

I drove my small SUV for three and half years and the car had been in my family for four. I was racking up miles, I needed new tires and well, I was ready for my first big purchase: a shiny, new car. Read more »

It’s the Most Spendiest Time of the Year

Posted on November 30, 2009 | 0 Comments

Ah yes, as most of you read this you’ll probably be spending a ton of money on holiday shopping and you don’t even get to spend it on yourself! Okay some of you will probably buy yourself something too. I mean why not? You are still giving, right? But how can one avoid not going into total debt, yet still be in that holiday spirit of giving? Read more »

“Would you please put some pants on? I feel weird having to ask you twice.”

Posted on November 25, 2009 | 0 Comments

Another subtle but great line in The Hangover from Phil to Alan as Alan wanders through the suite in his underpants. That’s a pretty reasonable request to ask of your boy. How good are you at dealing with people and negotiations? Read more »

Say Yes to the Dress!

Posted on November 19, 2009 | 0 Comments

The all-important dress. Some brides go just a little bit crazy when it comes to wedding dresses. And if you’ve ever watched “Say Yes to the Dress,” the average budget for the wedding gown is $5,000 – $7,000. That alone was enough to make me want to elope to Vegas and get it over with. Read more »

Keep Your Eyes Open to Find Good Deals

Posted on November 12, 2009 | 0 Comments

I’m into designer jeans. Maybe the word "into" is an understatement. If it was up to me, my whole closet would be full of them! However, I frequently run into one tiny problem: collecting designer jeans on a college student’s budget becomes a little tricky. Just the idea of buying them makes me excited and a little anxious all at the same time! Read more »

“Two beds is enough, we can share for a night. I'll bunk with Phil. That cool with you?”

Posted on November 5, 2009 | 0 Comments

A great exchange between Alan and Phil in The Hangover where we get the first indication that Alan really looks up to Phil. Of course Phil says no. Hilarious. Whatever your sleeping arrangements are you have to be comfortable. That’s especially important when it comes to figuring out what type of house you want. Read more »

The Credit Card Empire Strikes Back!

Posted on November 2, 2009 | 0 Comments

Many of you may have heard about all the wonderful changes in credit card policies that were signed into law earlier this year. The first part of the law, which took effect in August, requires banks to give customers more notice ahead of major changes to their accounts, like rate hikes. Read more »

“You guys might not know this, but I consider myself a bit of a loner. I tend to think of myself as a one-man wolf pack.”

Posted on October 26, 2009 | 0 Comments

This scene is one of my favorite parts of the movie. The guys are on the roof of Caesar’s Palace, ready to hit the town, and Alan has a speech prepared. Perfect. I quickly learned there are two different schools of thought when it comes to real estate agents. The first is: hire one immediately, it will be the best thing you ever do! The second is: don’t trust ‘em, don’t need ‘em. Read more »

Savin’ for a Weddin’

Posted on October 19, 2009 | 1 Comment

Ah, weddings. When I was younger, I dreamed of frothy lace, cathedral trains, and flowers imported from some exotic island. I imagined floating down the aisle in a Vera Wang princess ball gown and glimpsing my husband-to-be through my silk veil. Read more »

“This isn’t the real Caesar’s Palace is it?”

Posted on October 15, 2009 | 0 Comments

Sorry for taking so long with the next part of the series. I've been busy getting ready for the Ghouls Gone Wild Parade on October 24. Buck The Norm will be defending our title of Beast In Show and I plan on going back-to-back. You should try and make it out. Always a good time. Anyway, on to the fifth installment of my guide for first-time home buyers with a little of The Hangover mixed in for good measure. Read more »