Live Q&As

I think renting a bag only make sense for a special evening event where you need something specific to go with a dress.  Otherwise, rather then getting caught up in labels and spending money on renting, I'd prefer to purchase a some thing classic and simple that doesn't cost a fortune and that will look good with many outfits.  I've seen great leather totes at Joe Fresh for $30 and less that would work just fine during the day.  If you go for less expensive, keep it simple with less embelishments and it will look more expensive. Hope this helps.

I agree with Andrea. She gave a great tip.

As for renting bags, etc. I don't generally like thet concept of renting stuff -- leasing a car, renting furniture, computers, etc.

I go to a lot of events and have a simple bag I picked up somewhere. Yes, others have great bags that get lots of compliments but frankly I don't really care.

I agree with everything you say here.  It does make a difference. I remember when first dating my husband and he told me he hated makeup.  But  I was always noticing that the times he complimented me that I looked great, I was always wearing makeup.     I was speaking to a high-powered business woman this morning who said for her, it was all about how makeup made her feel, that the confidence it gave her internally helped her feel more confident in business. 

You are in a great position it seems. You can buy with cash new or slightly used. So look around for both. My husband and I decided to buy new cars for just the reason you mentioned wanting one. You wanted what you wanted and you had the cash for it. On the other hand, we also have decided in the past we didn't really care if the car wasn't exactly the color we wanted or had all the accessories we wanted. Each time this issue comes up (which isnt' often since we keep our cars until for ever) we examine our finances, how much we want to spend given other obligations and either buy used or new.

The great thing is you have a choice.

I think you can find great alternatives to expensive products at the drugstore and Target, I suggest many great options in my book. You can even find great, effective skincare at the drugstore at affordable prices.  I think you can stay true to your natural look without spending a fortune and look more polished.  It doens't have to cost a lot.  

I would definitely take a break from savings to attack that credit card debt if you feel fairly secure in your job.

And you didn't ask but I'll throw this in too. After you attack the credit card debt, go after the student loans and car loan aggressively. I'm saying stay in the pay off the debt mode before going back to building up your savings. You have a great cushion so attack those monkeys on your back.

The book shows you how to be your own pro and get professional results at home, but it also shows you how to get a good deal at a salon and where to save and where to splurge.  I think haircolor remains a worth-it splurge but there are ways to work your hair so you don't have to go as often so it will cost less.  As for cut, if you are trying to save, get a more minimalistic cut.  The book has 5 $500 celebrity haircuts you can take to an inexpensive salon.  Also, professional hair tools can be worth the investment--if you want pro results at home you need pro tools.  But I find that Remmington makes amazing inexpensive heat appliances that work as well as some of the more costly ones.  Otherwise, I do believe in splurging on your must-have product, the skincare product or makeup item that makes you feel like a million bucks each time you use it.  

I love a bronzy smoky eye for a natural, casual look. Pair it with rosy blush and a nude lipstick that lifts you and doesn't make you look dead (many nudes do!) and mascara, and that's all you need.   Wear makeup that matches the colors found in your skin and the flecks of your irises for a more natural, casual look.   Some of my favorite inexpensive places to shop for makeup are Target (The Sonia Kashuk line, she's an amazing makeup artist and her product are very universal and work for many skintones), and sephora's private label sephora collection. Really affordable great products.  I also like Nyx cosmetics, Milani, L'oreal and NYC Color.  All offer professional quality products at drugstore prices. 

Really good question. Depending on your career and how well paid you are and your monthly household expenses, I wouldn't see your year's worth of living expenses as investing money. That's your emergency fund and life happens fun. Don't touch that money especially if it would be hard to replace your current salary or get a job soon should you lose your job.

And don't worry about that money not earning much. It's not suppose to be there for growth but for protection.

Instead, now that you have a great cushhion start saving and investing beyond that pot.  I think it would be worth it for you to hire a fee-only financial planner to help you create an investing plan. That person could look at all your holdings, your insurance needs, your future plans and risk tolerance and help you decide how to invest with as little worry as possible.

You can start your search for a planner at www.napfa.org

The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors

Here is the link.  

I feel your pain and stress. There's a link attached to your question and my answer with my column from yesterday about caregiving. I'm helping my husband take care of his  elderly father in our home. In the article I list some links that can help you. One is for a section on AARP's site with resources. I've found it's very important to build up a network of professionals and friends to help. Get family involved as much as you can or that they are willing to do.

And you are right. This issue of caregiving and the burden it's having on the caregivers is going to get worse if more resources and training isn't devoted to helping us take care of the people we love when they can't.

I think you can opt out if you want but the truth is beauty does matter and it's a tool you can have in your arsenal to give you confidence while you go out and accomplish the important things in life.  In my book, I encourage women to be themselves. The makeup chapter is called 'You Only Better Makeup'.  It's not about conforming to a certain look but looking and feeling your best.

I think I just answered this in a previous question.  At the places I suggested you can find makeup under $10 for most products.  I also think you can edit down what you need to the things you actually use.  Less is more on your face and in your makeup bag and leaves more in your wallet!  You can look great in five minute with a quick sweep of a shadow stick, liner, mascara, bb cream, tinted blush and lip balm or lip stick or crayon.  If you use cream products and sticks, you don't even need to invest in brushes because your fingers are your tools.

What I suggest is just getting the brow wax less often.  You can probably maintain the line yourself at home and get away with at least every other month if not more.  As for the great haircut, it's hard to let go of a stylist you love.  Ask him to adjust your cut a bit so it will last longer--he may be able to give you a just as good cut that will last an extra month.   BTW, if you go t the Un-i-k salons and have to go back before three weeks, they give you a touch-up for less money than the cost of the full servie.  Ask your salon if they can do something like that for you. 

I'm not sure what I said made you think you should risk your emergency money, life happens fund, car savings etc. I hope I didn't suggest you should invest that money. You shouldn't. That's money you might need in five years or left so it's okay to leave it in a savings account.

What I hope I said and was clear that if you have met your goal for those pots (3 to 12 months in emergency funds, $1,000 to perhaps $3,000 in Life Happens Fund (for car repairs, etc.), whatever you think you want to spend for car when that's needed)  then you can take any extra money and begin investing those funds.

As for how to invest I can't say what's best for all. But I like mutual funds. And I like dollar cost averaging meaning every month I put money in various mutual funds for college savings for my kids, my retirement, etc.

I'm not sure you need to skip the blow-out.  Two ideas for you:  Switch to a junior stylist at your same salon.  Tell your stylist you are having trouble with the cost and who can he recommend (and oversee during the cut!).  Or start asking around for a less expensive salon.  I think you can find great talent anywhere if you look and do your research.  Walk into a less costly salon and if you like the hair on one of the employees, ask who did it.   Don't be afraid to try to find something more affordable, even if you are attached to your stylist and there's no wiggle room in his price or an assistant he recommends.  

Awesome to hear! Can I ask what box you used?  

I'm not sure I am following your flow but I think you are saying what I say. Save because you have to and if you don't if an emergency comes up you will have to resort to debt. But if you've saved just enough, stop and attack the debt. Or save a little and attack the debt big time.

So yes, walk and chew gum at the same time.

First, its great that you have a chance to get rid of the debt.As I've said build up a little savings. Stop and go after the debt aggrresively. If you have some savings don't worry about building it up more while you still have the other debt that needs to be gotten off your back.

Ttake the money you were paying on the debt you are going to wipe out and put in toward the debt that's  left.

One thing I can suggest is skipping foundation and just using concealer as needed with a little cream blush and eyemakeup/lip colors in soft natural shades. If you choose shades with a little shimmer, they will look more glowy and natural.  You want your makeup to look like it comes from within your skin not like it's sitting on top and the trick to getting that look is to use cream products and blend very well.  Play up your eyes with bronzy neutrals.  I love the Sonia Kashuk plummy bronze pencil because it gives definition without looking harsh and makeup-y.  I love Nars' Velvet Lip Gloss crayons, Hopi is a favorite shade I'm wearing today that looks totally natural but gives your lips a bit of life. I also love New Lover.  Nars Orgasm multiple stick is my go-to for a pretty glow to liven up bland-looking skin.  

First, thanks for the lovely words. I very much appreciate your faithfulness.

And congrats on the job!

Now, with this great opportunity I would keep living as if I made the old salary. In others words live way below your new means.

Take every single penny of the increase in pay -- minus the taxes of course -- and apply it to your debt. You might get rid of the debt in less than the two years.

Think about it. You are living okay on the old salary so keep living that way. When you finish the debt keep living below your means and build up a great savings. What I'm saying is always live below your means and you will in the future have the means -- cash -- to pay for the things you need and want.

A bb cream is a beauty balm or blemish balm.  It's a new category of product that combines skincare ingredients with tinted coverage so that in one product with one step you get multiple benefits.  Unlike a tinted moisturizer which has only 5% pigment, a BB cream might have 20 to 30%, so the coverage is better but not heavy.  There are bb creams at all price levels.  On the high-end I like Dior BB cream and on the low end Maybelline makes a great one with SPF.  I have a round-up of the bb creams on my blog at www.howtolookexpensive.com/blog

I think the answer isn't the same for everyone. It depends on what you can afford.  I believe you an always find a less expensive way to look great if your budget is tight.  You can probably spend less than $100 a year on makeup if you buy the right products at the drugstore of some of the other places I mentioned. You can get your haircut twice a year if you choose the right cut and save that way.  Hair color at a salon can be very costly, but if you stick closer to your own color and use a quality kit, you can do it for less than $100 a year.  Each of us has to prioritize what is most important to our own look  and then figure out how to get the look you want without breaking the bank.  

Amen!

I don't spend much in the way of hair and beauty products and I do lots of TV. But I also don't have a problem with people spending more if they can afford it.

Just be financially reasonable.

Yes, electrolysis can be a good investment as can laser hair removal, but only if you have the money to finance it up front. It could involve multiple costly appointments over years.   It doesn't work for everyone either.  Waxing is much less taxing! 

Okay I'm going to be silly. But why we need to wax anything?

It hurts. I do it cuz the makeup people when I do TV says it looks better but I avoid it most of the time.

Is it me?

Mutual funds.

Like mutual funds. The right low-cost diversified mutual funds give you an opportunity to be in the market without as much risk as individual stocks.

It could be a smart investment to get the highlights.  But you don't have to.  I would try to find out a little bit more about the office environment before making the investment--how old are the other employees? Is it a young office culture?  Have you ever tried at home color? A permanent hair color will cover the grey and the John Freida Salon Selects really give multi-dimensional hair color that looks rich to your color hair.  Call the hotline of a few hair color companies and see what they suggest.  You may be able to do it yourself.   

Talk to the mechanic. Having 160,000 on that type of car isn't much and doesn't mean it's at the end of its life.

Besides think about it $3,000 vs. a new or even used car that could cost four or five times that.

And if your lifestyle permits you could get away with being a one car family. I couldn't but many do.

As Dave Ramsey says, leasing is fleecing.

Don't lease. Bad deal in my opinion. When the lease is up you have to jump into a car loan or antoher lease so the payments never stop. But my way you pay cash for a car, save money every month like you have a car payment and when it comes time to get a car you have the cash.

This year I think for work if you have a great pair of nude pumps, you're set.  You can wear them with anything.  Buy nude patent for the most long-lasting wear.  A nude pump will elongate your leg and make you look taller and thinner and looks fresher with a black dress than black pumps, day or night.  I'm currently loving the Vince Camuto line of shoes. They are really good quality , they last, and are not too expensive...but they look really expensive! 

I hear you. And most of the time I have no makeup on. Totally hate heels.

Right now I only have a little lip gloss on and that's usually to keep my lips from getting cracked.

So wear your non-makeup face well.

You know yourself. You man loves you natuaral so all is good.

But I also appreciate people who want to wear makeup. At times I do like how it makes me look and feel.

Just with your own budget it is all about what's good and affordable for you.

Firstly I'd suggest giving your makeup collection a good edit.  You're right--if you don't wear it is a big waste of money and space!  In the future, invest in one or two key pieces each season and tell the beauty associate upfront that that is what you are there for so she doesn't try to sell you everything.  As for trendy items, buy them at the drugstore so you won't feel bad throwing them out after the season or if you get less wear out of them.  If you have high-end items that you are not wearing or only used once, you can donate them.  Also, don't use cosmetic shopping as retail 'therapy'--stay out of the stores when you're in a blue mood.  You can also avoid the store altogether and just rebuy what you know you already love online.  And don't be afraid to ask for samples at the counter--many will put product in a little container for you to take home and really try before you buy (especially if it's high-end skincare!). 

If you use powders and need brushes, the good news is you don't need as many as some makeup artists would have you think.  CVS sells a brand called Essence of Beauty that has a kit of 5 brushes that are great quality for $10.99.  A top celebrity makeup artist turned me on to them.  In my book, you need a foundation brush (I like duo-fiber ones, sonia kashuk at target's is great) or you can buy a foundation with a brush already built in (L'Oreal Visible Lift).  Then for your eyes you need an all purpose shadow brush that can be used on lids and in the crease, a liner brush that's stiff and flat or angled, a blush brush and powder brush. Back to Sonia Kashuk at Target. Her brushes are really inexpensive, gorgeous, amazing, genius. I don't know how she does it.  They also come in great limited edition sets for under $20 usually with a cute bag to travel with that can double as an evening bag. 

My godmother often gets her hair done at beauty schools. Good tip and one often relayed. But still worth repeating.

I can't endorse any one investing company but in general you are right about how to start. Thanks.

Beauty schools can be a great way to get an inexpensive cut and Aveda does a great job with their education and training, so this sounds like a great DC option.  Ask if the student stylist is supervised by an instructor/master stylist and also be sure to ask if you can have a say in your look as sometimes they expect you to be hair models and just go with the flow and let them do whatever it is they want! Scary! 

Thank you for sharing. Good testimony.

I would suggest adding a primer to your makeup before you put it on to help it stay or a powder foundation after your makeup to keep it in place.  If you layer powders over creams, they'll have longer staying power.  You can also brush on one of these powders once you get to work to refresh your makeup if it's faded. 

I prefer what are called tubing mascaras.  L'Oreal Double Extend Beauty Tubes is great at the drugstore and Trish McEvoy is great at the high end.  These do not run at all--they just come off in little pieces when you use wash your face.  I take off my eye makeup btw with a product called eye scrub pads from Novartis at the drugstore.  Babyshampoo on a cotton ball can help take off water proof mascara too.  Rinse afterwards.

I like the idea of professional family photos. So if you have it in your budget I wouldn't stress about spending the money. In fact, you just remined me that I need to get some updated family photos especially with my oldest going off to college next year.

Good tips and advice. Thanks.