Kansas.com: Consumer

Have faith in system, try not to panic, local experts say

SUZANNE PEREZ TOBIAS — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 06:33 CDT

In 1933, Franklin Roosevelt warned about a "nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror," but pledged that America would endure.

This week, experts are echoing that Depression-era advice --"the only thing we have to fear is fear itself" --urging people to take a deep breath, get the facts and avoid panic.

"Part of the challenge of managing your emotions is responding to facts rather than how you feel," said Wichita psychologist Paul White, whose practice includes coaching for family businesses and business leaders.

"Some of what's happening right now is called social contagion: We get anxious when other people around us are anxious, even when we're not sure why."

Recent carnage on Wall Street has become distress on Main Street, as average investors worry that their financial security -- savings, retirement funds, kids' college money -- may vanish.

Sign up for Bonnie Bing's weekly e-newsletter

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 01:42 CDT

For the past two months, subscribers to "B-bing!" --The Eagle's shopping deals e-newsletter -- have received the scoop on upcoming sales, trend alerts, shopping help and more.

It's all free and geared to help you save time and money.

Sign up now to receive the newsletter, which arrives each Tuesday afternoon in the e-mail inbox of subscribers and includes exclusive coupons and discounts good at local stores, as well as tips and shopping tips on groceries, clothing and more from The Eagle's Bonnie Bing.

Consider two of the tidbits from this week's "B-bing!":

Hot Item: Boots abound

Baby-shower gifts can be bought on budget

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 01:41 CDT

Buying frugal gifts can be a challenge. Here are inexpensive and practical gift ideas mom-to-be will appreciate.

• Dollar stores: Check dollar stores for baby items. A mere $20 can buy quite a bit. They carry plenty of frugal options, such as wipes, bibs, baby washcloths and lotions and baby hangers.

• Think big and small: When shopping, consider buying trial-sized merchandise. Look for lotions, powders, baby oil, etc. Think big, too. Avoid buying newborn sizes. Most people bombard new parents with newborn baby clothing. Buying larger-sized clothing or diapers will be appreciated because babies grow so fast.

• Survival kits: Assemble a baby-care kit. Include snacks, tea, comfy socks, baby Tylenol, rash ointment or a gift card for a local pharmacy.

• Handmade and homemade: If you're crafty, make a baby blanket. You could make coupons for free nights of baby-sitting, housekeeping or cooking. You could make casseroles and pop them into the freezer for the new parents.

Online banking comes to Facebook

PAUL GORES — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 01:41 CDT

Lots of banks and credit unions covet young adults for the potential they offer as long-term customers, but it's hard to reach out to them from the traditional corner branch.

That's why a unit of Fiserv Inc. has come up with a computer application that it says will reach young people where many of them hang out -- on the Internet social networking site Facebook.

Fiserv's MyMoney program, which initially is being sold only to credit unions, lets members of participating institutions view account balances and transaction histories and transfer funds online without leaving their Facebook page.

Eventually the program will be available to banks and is expected to have a wider range of banking functions, such as loan applications.

But one of the biggest benefits is the free advertising to other young adults a credit union gets online through the program. When a Facebook user decides to join MyMoney, Facebook's "news feed" feature announces it to friends of the customers -- and friends of friends. That gives them a chance to join online as well, including a link to help them find a participating credit union in their area.

How to give your bedroom a makeover for $500

AMY SPENCER — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 01:41 CDT

It doesn't take six-figure financing to turn your bedroom into an everyday honeymoon suite. Here are some tricks for decorating your bedroom on a budget.

• Make your own curtains for $100.

For renters who don't own homes, the cost of having custom blinds made is very expensive, says interior designer Vanessa de Vargas, who owns the design store Turquoise in Venice, Calif. Making your own curtains is a good way to hide cheaper blinds and add beauty to your bedroom.

Spend your pennies on a beautiful or quirky pattern you love and do them on your own.

"Just hem the bottom and the top, get a rod and you're done," says de Vargas.

Set the table with frugal fall decor

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 01:38 CDT

Dear Sara: Do you have any suggestions for dining-room table accessories on a shoestring budget? -- Amanda, e-mail

Dear Amanda: I'm fond of simple table accessories. Keep in mind that table decor isn't as limited in height as some believe. As long as your accessories aren't overpowering, you can keep them on the table when dining. Arrange enough spacing between accessories, and don't use anything too chunky and wide.

Linens such as tablecloths, place mats, chair slipcovers, cloth napkins and runners can give the entire room a new look. If you're patient, you can take your time to find accessories that are inexpensive at secondhand stores, flea markets, estate sales or on clearance.

A few decorative ideas:

• Use a shallow container made from resin, glass, ceramic or wood. Add pillar candles in various sizes and colors and polished pebbles/rocks.