Here's a preview of what your 2010 sticker looks like.

It’s June 1, ladies, and you know what that means…time to renew your City Parking Sticker. Oh, not the exciting news you were hoping for post-memorial day? Well, tough luck! These suckers are NOT CHEAP- $75.00 for a brand new one to be exact. So, listen up if you don’t want to get strapped with a full price sticker and late fees.

Here’s What You Need To Know:

• If your car lives in the city 30 or more days a year then you are required to have a city sticker, just in case you were trying to get out of it. The stickers expire June 30 of each year.
• If you already have a sticker, the city should have sent you a postcard with a renewal number on it and all you have to do is go online and renew. You could also mail it in or do it in person, but trust us; online is the most painless option. Lucky for you a transfer sticker is just $20 and a replacement sticker is $30.
• If you are new to the city or have recently bought a car, then you will have to pay a higher price for your sticker, but as long as you purchase your sticker within the renewal period (June 1-July 15) you will still save yourself from paying hefty late fees ($40+). If you aren’t a procrastinator, you can do this online as well, but it can take up to 14 days to process, so if you’re out of time…
• You can renew/purchase your sticker in person and have your new sticker in hand that same day. If you are renewing you must remember to surrender your old sticker (in whatever shape it’s in after you scrape it off your windshield).
• For more detailed info on purchasing or renewing you city sticker, visit the City of Chicago Office of the City Clerk website.

Happy parking!

(Lacey Brenly)

Ok, so maybe you signed up for one too many credit cards....

New credit card rules took effect this February. They offer some relief from rising credit-card fees and tight payment deadlines-but on the flip side, credit card companies are already cooking up new ways to squeeze more money out of you. The May 2010 issue of ShopSmart magazine put together a list of the ways the new rules can help, hurt, and how you can avoid being hit by fine-print fees.

You no longer have to put up with . . .

• Jacked-up interest rates on an existing balance: Credit-card issuers can raise your rates on new balances only if you have a variable-rate card, your promotional rate has expired, or you are more than 60 days late making your minimum payment. They also can’t raise rates during the first year of an account.
• Penalty rates that never go away: If your rate goes up because you were more than 60 days late on a bill, your card company is required to restore your old rate if you make on-time payments for the first six months after the rate increase.
• Moving due dates that trick you into paying late: Your payment will now be due on the same day each month. As long as your payment is received by 5 p.m. at the bank’s location on that day, it can’t be considered late.
• Fees on transactions that exceed your credit limit: Unless you ask your card company to allow those transactions-not a good idea.

But you’ll still have to face these gotchas . . .

• Skyrocketing interest payments: Credit-card issuers can charge whatever rates they want. And they can raise them at any time for any reason on future purchases after the account’s first year. They’ll have to give 45 days’ notice before charging a new rate, but it will apply to all the stuff you buy starting 14 days after the notice is sent out.
• A bump up in your minimum payment: Credit-card issuers can now raise your minimum payment to the level required to pay off your balance in five years. But they can raise it to any level if they do so without raising your interest rate.
• Account closures: They can cancel your card without notice at any time.
• Tricky zero-interest-rate promotions: Unless you play by the rules perfectly, that zero interest rate can end up costing you big time in penalties.
• Surprise fees: Banks have been coming up with lots of new charges, including fees to receive paper statements and souped-up charges on foreign transactions, balance transfers, and cash advances.

What can you do?

TIP: If your rates or fees go up or your borrowing limit goes down, call the card company to see if you can get a reprieve. If you have a good track record and a decent credit score, you might be successful.

TIP: Don’t immediately cancel cards or sign up for new ones to boost your credit limit-those actions can ding your credit score.

TIP: In the event you do need a new card and want to make sure you’re getting a fair deal, research cards online at BillShrink or Bankrate.com. And be sure to check out credit unions and small banks, which might have better deals than major issuers offer.

Papa Who warned Cindy Lou not to open a charge just to save 20% on that giant ornament. Now she's riddled with debt!

Doorbuster savings! HUGE in-store sales! Prices of the century! Life-changing discounts that resemble utopia and flatten your abs!

Giddy up.

We’ve just turned the proverbial Christmahanukwanzukah corner on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. And, as PoorLittleRichGirls the world over have been preparing for the busiest shopping season of the year, credit card companies have too. They’re the big city perverts your dad warned you about after helping you move in to your dorm room.

So think twice before you sign up for promotional credit cards at the retail counter. Resist those siren calls of “Would you like to save 20% on your purchase today?” The rates, rewards, your credit score: they’ll likely change for the worse after the holidays.

Here are some tips to help you check yo’self before you wreck yo’self, brought to you by the good people at BillShrink.com:

1. Resist the Temptation of the 0% Interest Rate: Beware of in-store promotional cards that offer an initial store discount. An introductory 0% interest rate can quickly leap to over 20% with just one late payment. Also, when you apply for a new card, an inquiry is made to the credit bureau, which may slightly lower your credit score.

2. Watch Out for Sky-High Interest Rates: Some card rates have gone up more than 20% this year! With additional consumer protection laws going into effect in February 2010 that will impact issuer’s profits, we’re likely to see unstable variable interest rates continue to rise. Make sure you have a careful look at the fine print now to see how high those variables can go.

3. Enjoy Return Policies: Around the holidays, many credit cards offer “return protection” which means your issuer will take back most items that the retailer will no longer accept, up until 90 days of the original purchase. This is great for early shoppers who may want to make returns after a store’s standard 14-30 day return policy expires.

4. Take Advantage of Post-Holiday Price Adjustments: Surprise! Some credit cards actually have price adjustment policies for 60 days, so if your favorite store slashed prices after the holidays, you could be eligible for a refund of the difference in cost.

5. Know how much you are spending on your credit card: You’ll save yourself money and a major headache if you make sure you’ve got enough cash in the bank to cover your credit card spending. Go online to get the latest amount in your checking account, and subtract the amount you spent on your credit cards on those holiday gifts. This will give you a good sense of whether or not you have enough to pay your bill on time.

(Jinna Yun)

While strolling through the aisles of Dominick’s last week I accidentally tapped a pharmacist with my grocery cart- oops! After apologizing profusely he told me all would be forgiven if I came to the pharmacy for a flu shot. Yuck! Not only do I hate shots, but I am also very…well, cheap. Plus, I wasn’t really sure if I was planning to get one this year.

Making an appointment for one of the always-inconvenient flu shot “clinics” at Walgreens or Osco was not really something I was looking forward to. But, at Dominick’s it’s only $28 and you don’t even need to present any insurance info. And no wait or appointment necessary! Not only that, but upon completion of my shot, they gave me a coupon for 10% off my entire grocery order! So, not only did I kill two birds with one stone by getting my groceries and flu shot taken care of under one roof, I also saved big on my bill. This is a PoorLittleRichGirls must!

(Written by, Pam Sherman, founder of Chicago Anytime Assistants, a flexible ‘anytime-you-need-it’ personal assistant service for the busy Chicagoan. She is constantly hunting down deals and sales for her clients and is now sharing them with PoorLittleRichGirls as a contributor.)

Hey Sal,
Normally I’m a very generous tipper (15-20% on everything from meals to spa treatments). But, when I order food to “pick up” am I supposed to tip? I usually don’t (because I pay in cash), but last week I used a credit card to pick up a pizza and there was the tip line on the bottom of the receipt staring me in the face. Do the take-out people expect a tip or not? If so, the same 15-20%? Help!
- Karen (Wrigleyville)

Is this worth a tip? Sal says it depends...

Karen,

Shame tipping- you’ve been a victim. It’s everywhere these days, in fact, it’s on a killing spree! Looming at you just above your required signature. Suddenly it’s there at Starbucks, room service (where 18% gratuity is already included)and even pick-up windows. This sort of “if you put a strike through the tip line you’re a bad person” bullying has got to stop. Put your foot, or rather your pen, down!

On issues of gratuity I think it’s best to turn to the benchmark, Emily Post. The woman might have had her heyday in the 20s, but she remains the gold standard for all things etiquette. And what does Ms. Post prescribe for pick-up? No obligation. If so inclined, 0-10% if the person went above normal service.

What this means for you Karen is that no, you are not expected to tip when you order take-out. If someone is especially kind, toss them a dollar. If it’s a regular spot for you and you want to garner some neighborhood rapport, have at it. But do not feel as if you must.

*One exception for me would be if a restaurant is not in the habit of offering take-out and this is a special request (meaning the hostess or bartender has to stop what they’re doing in order to help you). Here I would be sure to leave some dough behind.

Bon appétit!

(This advice column is brought to you by the ever graceful, polished and in-the-know, Sally Jackson. Sally is happy to offer her tips and guidance on everything from relationships to fashion to saving money. If you have a question for Sally, go ahead and send your question to Info@PoorLittleRichGirls.com with subject “Hey Sal”)

If PoorLittleRichGirls.com isn’t the only thing you read, then you may have had the newspaper delivered to your door yesterday morning. Inside you should have found a special edition of the P&G brandSAVER coupon booklet.

The booklet is filled with more than $103 in coupons for your favorite products like Olay, CoverGirl and Crest. But, these aren’t just any coupons. For every coupon redeemed a two-cent donation will be made to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. We think it’s a great way to save money and a great start to Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Many of the brands offering coupons are also introducing limited-edition pink products in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month. Visit MyPinkPlan.com for more information on the brandSAVER booklet, as well as information on breast cancer prevention and awareness.

(Lacey Brenly)

Hey Sal,
All of my friend’s b-days land around the same time of year. That means lots of parties (yay!), but also lots of money spending. One girl is having a nice dinner out, another is arranging a girl’s night at a hotel in the city, and two others are having parties. The only problem is: I’m totally strapped for cash. These are my best friends though, so how do I celebrate, without going overboard? Help!
- Beth, Wicker Park

Beth,

It’s easy to celebrate your friends - without giving your checking account a birthday spanking - but you’ve just got to be smart about it. God knows we’ve all been there (why on earth does everyone insist on making babies around the holidays, resulting in August births/birthdays a plenty?) and when times are tight, you have to get a little creative.

It’s miserable, and may start a rumor that you’re anorexic; but, eat before the dinner and limit the amount of alcohol you have there. It’s easy to let the tab run away from you, so throw a power bar in your purse and get something small. And always, always, always - bring cash so you’re not looped into paying for other people’s extravagance when it comes time to “split” the check. Note: at birthday dinners my friends and I always split the cost of the birthday girl’s meal, so plan for that in your budget.

As for the parties, plan on attending and give gifts that are thoughtful, rather than expensive: Cookies (even slice-and-bakes will do), framed photos of you and said friend (grab a cute frame from T.J. Maxx or Marshalls), or invite them over for dinner later in the month (this is cheaper, and gives you some time before you have to deliver).

One final note, I know you mention these are all your best friends, but what’s the gift exchange policy with each of them? I know I have very close friends who don’t give gifts. They just don’t. If one of your friends isn’t a practicing gift giver, follow their lead. Don’t waste your money, get them a nice card, and call it a day.
There are plenty of ways to make this work while still accomplishing the main objective of making your friends feel special on their big days. You just need to be creative.

This advice column is brought to you by the ever graceful, polished and in-the-know, Sally Jackson. Sally is happy to offer her tips and guidance on everything from relationships to fashion to saving money. If you have a question for Sally, go ahead and send your question to Info@PoorLittleRichGirls.com with subject “Hey Sal”

For some time, the PLRG team has been toying with the idea of adding a blog to the site. Though some people do like to refer to our site as a “blog” we try very hard to bring you the latest tricks, sales and deals that are relevant to your PoorLittleLife, with just a dash of our everyday lives mixed in and not the other way around. But, we still felt like there was something missing- a personal account of the trials and tribulations that we all face, even in the simplest of situations. Our site was missing a real life story of a PLRG that was relatable and relevant. And then our buddy Jinna Yun came back from Africa.

While we’ve all been catching cabs to hit up the latest party and ordering delivery from Grub Hub, Jinna has been halfway across the world experiencing things most of us can only imagine. But, this super talented television producer has now found herself back in Chicago and without a job. I’ll go ahead and just let her introduce herself:

On paper, I’m not a bad catch. I’ve got my bachelor and masters degrees from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. (Go ‘Cats!) I’ve never been convicted of a felony. And I speak Korean, French, and Swahili. (Ahn young! Bonjour! Jambo!) So when I got a scholarship covering all my expenses to live in Africa for a year, I quit my job at PBS and boarded a plane to Nairobi. “I’ll find another job when I get back. No big deal.”

Well, I was wrong. Really fucking wrong. The financial shitstorm went into Category 5 while I was hammock napping in Zanzibar and hookah smoking in Mombasa. Now I’m back in Chicago and looking for work. With the economy as volatile as MJ’s bloodstream, job hunting is riddled with — to put it euphemistically — “adventures.” And some may say it’s worth blogging about.

We certainly think it is! Since around December 2008 we’ve been getting emails from PLRG’s updating us on just how difficult it has become to find a job in Chicago. We’ve also heard from some of you worrying about how you are going to keep the job you have now.

Well ladies, now you don’t have to go it alone. Follow Jinna on her Adventures in Job Hunting and we promise you’ll at least laugh as much as you cry along the way.

(Lacey Brenly)

What is it with girls and boneless, skinless chicken breasts? That’s all we seem to eat anymore. From grilled chicken salads to sandwiches, we are willing to bet money (of which we have very little) that the average woman eats chicken breast at least five days a week.

So, we were pretty pissed, and totally grossed out, when we heard about the practice of “plumping.” Normally, we’re all for upping the volume when it come to our hair, boobs and bank accounts. But, when it comes to our beloved chicken breasts, not so much.

“Plumping” is the term used for the practice of injecting saltwater, chicken stock, seaweed extract or some combination thereof into chicken to increase its weight and price, meaning that when you buy a package of chicken you can be spending 15% more on SALT WATER. More importantly, a plumped chicken has up to 700% more sodium than a chicken that hasn’t been plumped. The result: hundreds of thousands of consumers are ponying up extra cash (about $1.50 per package of chicken) to unwittingly feed themselves and their friends and families a dangerously unhealthy amount of salt.

Foster Farms has created a website, SayNoToPlumping.com. Of course, their goal is for you to buy Foster Farms brand instead of the other guys, but the website has some really good information to help you avoid purchasing “plumped up” breasts, no matter what brand it is. It’s also worth it to not skip through the video, where “Martha” is struggling with the decision to get plumped. So funny!

(Lacey Brenly)

Ok, so we know that Whole Foods Market probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think about saving money on your grocery bill. But, if you know where to look and how to shop, you can get your goods at Whole Foods (or any store for that matter) and save some serious cash!

This Thursday, July 30 from 5-6pm you can meet with Kent, Whole Foods’ Value Guru and learn the tricks he uses to eat like a king for less. He’ll be sharing all of his secrets for shopping the sales and also giving a tour of the store, showing you where to look for the best deals. This event is FREE, though registration is required, so contact Whole Foods Lincoln Park for more details and to sign up.

Savvy Shopper Hour :: Thursday, July 30, 5-6pm :: Whole Foods Lincoln Park (1550 N. Kingsbury)

(312) 587-0648

(Lacey Brenly)