BGN Entrepreneur » Money

Say ‘I do’ with More Dash than Cash

Sky — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 13:55:39 +0000

Remember when the biggest wedding worry for the happy couple wa just getting to the church on time? Now it’s how many zeroes the ceremony, reception and honeymoon will add to their spiralling matrimonial bills.
With the cost of the average UK wedding rocketing to GBP20k, which is 5k more than just five years ago, the cost of the nuptials can take the shine off the whole event.
But change is in the air. For years, there was a cookie-cutter approach to weddings, with budgets completely out of control. Now people are keen to put their own stamp on the occasin by doing something themselves, n. Not only does this make the day unique, but it aso save money.
But where can you save without making your do look cheap? Here are a few tips on how to pinch pennies without sacrificing style.
1. Rings
The average amount spent on an engagement ring is a staggering GBP 1200.
The two-months salary rule was made up by a jeweller. Ignore the the rule, and pick one you can afford, and one that fits the bride-to-be’s lifestyle. Not all women want to be weighed down by huge rocks.
Also save money via checking out smaller independent jewellers, who often make and sell rings at much lower prices than high-street retailers. Antique rings can also be a bargain and provide a distinctive look.

2. Venue
Couples spending an average of GBP 2500 on their wedding venus, and up to GBP 5000 if they’re hosting the reception in a marquee.

3. Entertainment
Ah, the typical wedding DJ set. But instead of paying for a mobile disco, may modern couples are opting for a less predictable music repertoire: their own. The couple also asked musician friends to entertain their guests.

4. Food, Drink and the Cake
Once the venue and music are sorted, you have the task of feeding everyone. The amount you need to budget for varies greatly, depending on the number of guests and whether it’s a simple buffet or more formal affair, but the spending is GBP 5500.

5. Wedding Outfits
Some say the wedding dress is the most important part of day. Accordingly, the average bride shell out GBP 1000 on her gown. You could bag a bargain at wedding fairs in spring and autumn, where dresses are often half price.

6. Photography
This is one area that need to be cautious against cutting back on.
Unless you have a friend who is a professional photographer, do not count on them taking decent snapshots. You will still be looking back on them in 20 year’ time, so get a pro to do the job.

7. Flowers and Favours
Expect to spend at least GBP 400 on flowers. Avoid using the ‘W’ word when ordering flowers. Tell florists they’re for a party, or the price could double. Or try to share the cost of the church flowers with the couple who got married the day before you.
Favour often get left behind, so don’t waste money buying them. Instead, fill up old jars with cheap but delicous homemade jam.

8. Honeymoon
At an average of GBP 3000, you’re staring at a financial black hole where your post-wedding holiday is concerned, but you could ask your guests to contribute to your honeymoon instead of buying a gift.

Save Money on Books

Sky — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 21:39:20 +0000

Nowadays, we all say that knowledge is power. I guess it is one of the main reason why books are getting increasingly expensive, sometimes horribly expensive.
For people, especially student with tight budget, who are looking to save some money on books. There are many approaches to take.
First of all, it is highly suggested for one to make good use of the school library, or local library. Text books are especially expensive, compared to most novals in the market place. So, if your professor did give you a long list of recommending reading materials, think about the libraries around you first.
Secondly, buying cheap second-handed books is one of the most popular move. Besides, it is very environmental friendly option. Via buying second-handed books, you also help save the world.
Thirdly, online resources are getting increasingly reliable these days. Via a few clicks in front of the desk back home, you could easily get access to all kinds of information you need. Sometimes, you might need to pay for membership to get access to some soft copies. But usually, it will be much cheaper than the hard copies.
Last but not least, if you really need to buy new books, then check the online discount books stores first. Many leading online book stores are offering millions of books for discount books from every field that one can ever imagine! With outstanding next day delivery service, most online book stores could be as convenient as shopping at local book stores.

Save Money with Various Coupons

Sky — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 10:31:50 +0000

The the use of coupons have been around for decades, the age of technology and the Internet have opened a brand new world of coupon savings. When starting a new business or launching a new products/service in the market, giving away free coupons and promotional codes is one of the most common approach for companies to draw attention from the customers and stand out from the rest of the rival in the field. Due to the economic downturn, people that are tightening their budgets have turned to the Internet to get coupons to save more money. People can easily find a large selection of printable coupons available online, ranging from the local printable grocery coupons, to mail in rebates and printable coupons and vouchers to bring in to their favorite stores. Besides, one can also take advantage of the hundreds of free stuff and freebies offers available on the Internet. No matter what you are looking to buy, there is something right for you to get a bargain deal of the goods or the shipping.
Are you looking to save some money via using different kinds of online coupons or discount vouchers. Browse online to get more free Hot Topic coupons today.

Making Money via Babysitting

Sky — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 08:44:10 +0000

Babysitting is a money-making activity that could take you out of your comfortable home. The average fee in the UK for babysitting is about £5 an hour and it is not only fit for teenage girls. It is a bad job when you think that the job usually entails eating crisps, watching TV and using someone else’s central heating.
However, there is according responsibilities, which should not be taken lightly. Just like the fire service, you don’t need to do anything but hang around most of the time. But whenever the fire starts, you have to be prepared to handle the situation. Being a baby sitter, you need to know what to do and act quickly when a baby starts crying. If you don’t like children or responsibility of taking care of children, it is definitely not the job for you. Give babysitting a miss and try beating.
However, if you are good with kids and want to make some extra money during your spare time, you need to think about your own safety at first. Here are a few things to be cautious.
First of all, you should promote yourself and get customers. Buying advertisement on newspaper would be too expensive and putting cards in a local newsagen’s window might get you some odd customers. Printing off a few letters and posting them through letterboxes of those houses ni the local area to people that are known to you or your neighbours.
Secondly, once you get a job as a babysitter, you need to leave details about where you are babysitting and when you will finish.
Thirdly, after you’ve been babysitting for a while, you could ask your customers to spread the word among their friends. Such kind of word of mouth referrals can be more benefitial than you thought, and will bring you higher salary rate and ensure your personal security.

Sav-On Closeouts

Sky — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 21:46:39 +0000

One of the best way to save some money is to buy goods, especially gifts for different occasions and festivals such as Halloween and Christmas, during seasonal clearence. In many big outlets, one can easily find seasonal items from almost all major brands in stock.
Today, people can order a large variety of sales products easily via some discount shopping websites. No matter what kind of products you are searching for, designer shoe or clothes, you can find something right for you online. Check it out online for more information. Learn more about the latest news of wholesales, closeouts, liquidations today.

Save Money When Purchasing Lacoste Touch of Pink

Sky — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 16:03:31 +0000

Shopping with online stores is a good opion when it comes to buying perfumes, as people can buy different perfumes for men or women at discount prices. If you are looking to further save your money on perfumes, you can find some e-vochure and discount codes offered online.
With advanced searching tools, one can easily search for what they want by categories. With only a few clicks, you could easily find a whole range of top brand Perfume, such as Lacoste Touch Of Pink.

Driving Down Costs

Sky — Tue, 04 May 2010 07:04:25 +0000

Investing in electric cars has never been so inviting. With Chancellor Alistair Darling scrapping taxes on electric company cars until 2015, now is the time to consider eco-friendly car options.
There are currently fewer than 50 company-owned electric cars on UK roads, which is a miniscule proportion of the fleet of over 1.1 million. with these tax incentives for businesses, this all could change.
The reduced running costs and low-maintenance design makes electric cars very cost effective. It has been reported that the savings on a £25000 –a-year car with average carbon emissions would be worth £1000 a year to the driver and £640 to the employer.
To date, the G-Wiz is the most popular electric vehicle, but it is soon to face stiff competition from Mini E and new models are being designed by Renault, Toyota and Nissan for launch in 2012.

Cutting on Energy Bills

Sky — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 17:48:18 +0000

Heating is one of the most key consideration for the home owners during the winter. Many households have shifted to a fix-fee contract in order to cut down their expense on energy, more specifically, on heating up their houses and boiling enough water for daily use.
With the summer heat coming soon, it is a good time now for people to start looking for ways to cut down their electric bills.
First of all, for the home owners, one place to start is a home energy audit whihch will list out where money could be saved. People need to figure out where the energy is mostly needed, the lighting, the heating, or something else. Then, they could start figuring out whether there are some more energy-efficient alternatives they could take. If you are not good with numbers and could not handle the job by yourself, many companies out there are waiting to offer you their service.
Secondly, compare energy rates online is usually the step that most people will take. As usually, the consumption of energy is comparably lower during summer, it is usually advised for people to shift back to a pay-as-you-go contract from a level billing contract. It is hard to say what kind of energy contract is the cheapest. Depending on personal needs, the result could be different.
Thirdly, there are many more tips for saving energy, such as wrapping the heating ducts with duct tape, shared online by hundreds of thousand house owners. Some people are even teaching people how to generate electricity by themselves to save money. They could be very helpful and worth of a try.
Are you a homeowner with tight budget? Are you looking for effective ways to save money on home energy ? Learn more online to find the best gas suppliers, duel fuel suppliers, etc. Start cutting your energy bills now.

Saving Money Tips

Sky — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 08:10:06 +0000

Saving money is one of those things that are much easier said than done. Spending less money alone is one challenging task to take when one is setting the goal to save money.
However, in order to save some money for the future, there are much more to do. One need to considerate how much money they want to save, where they will put it, and how they can make sure it stays there. The plan needs to be carefully evaluated to see if the goals and steps are realistic. Then, people need to keep their spending in check, and get the most for their money.
Nowadays, a large number of people are sharing their own money saving tips in personal blogs or online forums. Check it out today for more helpful information on this topic. Start saving now.

Election Threat to Free Financial Advice

Sky — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 15:06:51 +0000

UK’s General Election is threatening to derail plans to provide oversee guidance on money matters available to the public over the Internet, by phone and in person. The programme of Money Guidance would go under the umbrella of Moneymadeclear—educational brand of the FSA.
A Bill is passing through Parliament. It would enable the programme to be funded partly by the FSA, partly by the financial services industry and partly by money released from cash held in forgotten bank accounts.
However, the Bill may never be passed, unless it passes through Parliament before the election, which seems quite unlikely now.