"Sure you can stay here! I mean you're already here...with your bag packed, so...sure..."

Hey Sal,

Around the holidays I have a lot of friends that come back “home” to the burbs, but end up spending much of their time going out in the city, bar hopping, seeing old friends/etc. The problem is, they use my place to crash. Leaving a mess in their wake, they eat what little food I have, and all around put a cramp in my style since I end up feeling as if I have to entertain them. What can I do to remedy this?
- Lauren, Gold Coast

Lauren,

‘I have a second bedroom because I love to have overnights guests.’ If you ever said that, chances are you’ve long since stopped. The trail of late-night Cheeto crumbs, mascara stains on your hand towels, and new ‘plus one’ status are enough to make you want to push your holiday guests into Michigan Avenue traffic. Since when did your home become ground zero for your old friends’ holiday party circuit?

When they got to your place it looked like this.

Let’s stop and think about what is really irritating you. The first thing is that these guests are uninvited and unexpected. So, invite them and expect them. Try planning a ‘night in the city’ and get yourself - and your apartment - ready to entertain. Invite your friends down for dinner and bar hopping, have provisions out for them (towels, food, bedding, etc.) and have a plan for the next day. Make it something you want to do so you don’t feel so out of control. And then, send them on their way. Not only have you done your due diligence as a hostess, but you were ready for it and removed stress from the situation.

Next thing - split the work load. If you have your friends over and take them out during the day, ensure that you pass them off to another friend for the evening. There is no reason you should be the lone holiday work horse in the not-so-OK Corall. Good lines to make this happen are, “I already have plans that night but would love to meet you for brunch the next day,” or “If you’re up for an early night we could grab dinner and then you’re welcome to stay the night.” Take just a piece of their time downtown.

When they left it looked like this.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to flat out say no. If someone wants to crash last minute - unless it’s an emergency (i.e. I came down to stay with a friend and we got in a huge fight and now I’ve missed the last train back to the burbs and am stranded [sob, sob, sob]) - say no. You’ve got a lot going on and you wish you could, but you’re ‘having your boyfriend over for a speeeeecial evening.’ Not comfortable saying something that might stretch the truth - then lay out the options. Yes they’re welcome to stay, but you’re going to bed early and have plans all the next day. The majority of people will pick up on you’re GO SOMEWHERE ELSE vibe.

Happy Holiday Hosting!

(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”)

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)

I am fascinated by the way men and women relate, and if that doesn’t make me an expert, it may make me a kind of student teacher. Hopefully this column will help share a little of what I’ve learned, and maybe shed some light on the way men think, from one man’s perspective.

My BF always gets on my case about purchases I make with my own money. For example, he asks why I waste so much money on getting my nails done and last week went through a shopping bag of mine, only to find out the shoes I bought cost over $100. He flipped a lid and told me that was so extravagant and he can’t believe I could be so impractical. We do live together, so we split the bills and rent, but since I bought this with my own money, I’m not sure why he cares so much. I make a very good living (actually more than him) so I think if I want to buy something it’s my business. Am I wrong? Why does this upset him so much?
- Rich & Pretty, 29

Sounds like your boyfriend is a nice combination of controlling and insecure. Next time he flips a lid, call him out on it. Do you bother him about what he chooses to do with his money? What would he rather you do with yours? Focus on why he feels he has the right to interrogate and snoop, and how it makes you feel. Maybe he has a valid concern, or maybe he’s just an asshole. Based on what he says, you’ll know what to do.

I love my boyfriend and I think he always looks great, but every year around football season, he starts to gain a little weight- like 10-15 lbs. It’s not the weight that really bothers me, it’s the fact that everything he and his buddies eat and drink is totally unhealthy (cheez whiz nachos, full calorie beer, tons of red meat). The stuff is not only making him squishy, but also killing his heart slowly but surely. Is there anyway I can bring this up to him without coming off as mean?
- Cushion for the Pushin’, 28

I’m not sure there’s a great way to bring up your boyfriend’s “squishiness” without sounding bossy or like a nag. Things I’m sure most girls would like to avoid. Rather than worry about what he eats while watching football, why not focus on what he eats and does the rest of the week? If you concentrate on eating healthy and staying active as a couple all week, you probably won’t mind giving him a pass on game day.

What is the point of having cheerleaders at professional football games? At home, you see them for 10 seconds before they go to commercial and I imagine if you are actually at the stadium you probably see even less of them. So, I thought maybe a guy could explain this for me.
- Fed Up Fem, 25

Because without them grown men in tight outfits wrestling over a ball would be a little too gay.

This is the first official installment of Jerrod Melman’s column, “Advice from a Jerrk.” If you have relationship or guy-related questions for Jerrod, just send an email to AskJerrod@PoorlittleRichGirls.com. When he’s not working on his advice column, Jerrod is a managing partner of Hub 51, River North’s hottest dining, nightlife and social establishment created by him and his brother, R.J.

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”)

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”

Dear Katie,

I’m looking for some help with an outside space….my balcony.

I have a glass top table with a wrought iron base and chairs with a little ivy design. A table for four on a balcony you say? It’s from the 60s and people were smaller then so the table for four will work on the balcony space just fine. To keep it simple, I’m painting it black (already looks so much better).

Do you have any fun thoughts for seat fabrics? Are you seeing any cool trends for this type of space? I’ve thought about the classic wide black and white stripes (very cabana-esque) but thinking it could be too conservative so maybe a solid vibrant color or another pattern.

My windows are floor to ceiling so the space will be visible from the inside so I am definitely taking that into consideration.

Just curious what you’re seeing in this space, if anything :) Thanks!

- Heather, Lincoln Park

Dear Heather,

How very PLRG of you to take an old table and breathe new life into it with paint! Black was a great choice. The table looks more modern and sophisticated.

Outdoor pillows will brighten the look of your balcony and will visually increase your homes livable space. Not to mention, seat cushions will allow you to sit in comfort while you enjoy an after work cocktail……or the view.

The good news is that our less than perfect weather and the economy have contributed to some fabulous sales on outdoor accessories. The bad news is cute outdoor fabrics really lag behind interior fabrics. I visited several Chicago boutiques and was totally disappointed with the lack of outdoor pillows available, and those I did find were uninspiring. I was forced to venture online.

Target has a surprisingly large stock of outdoor seating accessories. I was drawn to a combination of the white Oasi set of 4 seat pads with alternating stripped and blue medallion pillows as decorative chair backs. The fusion of the black wrought iron and white seat cushion takes into account your original idea of a black and white motif and the accent pillows add comfort and visual excitement.

The accent pillows make the space and at $24.99 for a pair are a great deal. Buy a pair of each pattern and alternate them on the chairs. The four white seat cushions are priced at $119 for a pair of four, and Target is offering 15% off orders over $125 and free shipping, so the total look is approximately $150.

Place this great candle lantern from CB2 onto your table for $39.95 (on sale, original price $59.95) to finish the look.(I know you didn’t ask about a lantern, but it just works!)

For under $200 you will have a sophisticated and polished outdoor area to enjoy for the remainder of the summer. Keep the questions coming!

Katie Rogulski is our go-to gal for all things design, from choosing a paint color to installing a light fixture. Send her all of your design questions and comments and she’ll will do her best to help you design a fabulous pad without breaking the bank! Katie@PoorLittleRichGirls.com

Dear Katie,

I have an oddly shaped, small bedroom with really high ceilings. Any suggestions on how I can better utilize my space?

- Noelle, Bucktown

Dear Noelle,

Upon seeing the pictures you provided (see before photo below) I knew there was no way I could let a fellow PoorLittleRichGirl live in such clutter and mayhem! But, just writing an article was not enough. I had to personally intervene and stop the insanity. So, I paid a house call…

When I asked why you had placed your bed where it was you told me, “Because that’s the way the person before me had it.” Great logic! If we all lived by that philosophy wall-to-wall green shag carpet would be everywhere.

Listen to me all you PLRGs! Never be afraid to try something new when it comes to design. Even if you mess up you can always fix it. Later this summer I will share how I thought it was an AMAZING idea to repaint my condo and did a real number on the trim, even though I was using my beloved blue tape. But, guess what? It will get fixed and I get to write a comical and self-deprecating article about my attempt which will hopefully teach you all not to make the same mistakes. It ends up being a win-win situation!

Back to Noelle’s problem- Noelle and I decided the best plan of action was to get together and rearrange her bedroom to better utilize her space.

Some notes when trying to rearrange furniture:

Before you haphazardly rearrange your room, it is a good idea to first measure your furniture, walls and potential walkways. Graph paper is extremely helpful in creating a preliminary layout.

Use friends to help you move the heavy stuff. Mimosas and/or other alcoholic beverages are a good motivator. Try to limit yourself to just a few, so you don’t hurt yourself or others!

When moving dressers, first remove the drawers filled with clothes!

Rearranging your room is a great opportunity to clean under all that furniture that you never move. If you happen to vacuum up a piece of jewelry you can remove the bag to find it. (Noelle learned this from experience-see photo on right)

We had several design obstacles to tackle. A converted loft, Noelle’s room is quite small and oddly shaped. This problem was compounded by her furniture layout, which left little to no standing/changing space and a dizzying zig-zag path from the doorway through the room (you can see how close the dresser is to the bed in the photo below).

Also, while the interior walls were drywall, the exterior walls were brick, with a steel and concrete cut out, which at one time was a doorway. Noelle experienced difficulty hanging anything from the brick and had given up, leaving her largest wall empty except for a small lantern she hung from an ancient nail head.

After some preliminary measurements we agreed to a plan of action. We flipped her bed around to give her more standing/changing room and moved her dresser to the opposite wall to break up the empty, brick wall. Due to her high ceilings, we raised the shelf she already had to just above head height in order to create an easier walkway through the room. Using a concrete screw in the mortar we also hung a second, larger lantern over her bed, complimenting the lantern she already had and increasing the visual interest.

BEFORE	AFTER

(The images above were created by Lacey, our Editor, not graphic deisgner, so they are clearly not to scale. But, we wanted to give you a better visual of the furniture placement.)

Once all the furniture was in place it was time to accessorize. When you have a small space it is really important that you attempt to be organized and have a specific place for everything. If you haven’t used, seen or touched something in over a year it is time to get rid of it. Okay, I’ll allow one or two exceptions, like the romantic letter written by your first love that you read after every breakup to remind yourself you are loveable. Wait…that’s just me? Well, you know what I mean. Don’t be a hoarder!

In the end, Noelle’s room turned out really great (after photo above). In just a day we were able to create a more visually appealing and functional space for free!

Thanks for the question, Noelle, and keep them coming, ladies!

UPDATE: To follow up on my previous article, although many people thought the red light and tip jar was a great idea, Maggie has decided to sandblast her shower window. Sorry boys!

Katie Rogulski is our go-to gal for all things design, from choosing a paint color to installing a light fixture. Send her all of your design questions and comments and she’ll will do her best to help you design a fabulous pad without breaking the bank! Katie@PoorLittleRichGirls.com

Hey Sal,
“I just moved into a place with a larger than average patio/deck. I’d like to have a “patio party” to show off the new place, but I am low on funds and ideas. Where should I start?”
- Leslie, River North

Leslie,

Summer is upon us, and doesn’t it feel good? It’s time to make good use of that patio before, a) it gets too hot and sticky, or worse, b) you blink and summer is gone!

No matter how you slice it, hosting a party is an expense. Cups, ice, glasses, hors d’œuvres (it simply isn’t possible to get away with no food, unless you want people raiding your pantry when they’re a couple of glasses deep), etc. But there are some simple ways to cut back on costs.

Try these top three:

BYOB - This isn’t rude, it’s economical. Ask people to come packing and you’ll save yourself a bundle. Have fun by making a game out of it (asking guests to bring the craziest named bottle of wine they can find, or only bring bottles with certain color labels (tie it into your decorations!!).

Limit Decorations - You look around your place and new patio and you think it looks bare, but picture it with 30 people crammed in. Try to put decorations only where they’ll have the most impact and be appreciated. Suggestions? Front door and tablescape.

Cut the Guest List - Do you really need to invite that one friend of your friend’s because she invited you to her birthday eVite bar party for 200 people? No. Try to surround yourself with only your best friends (better friends will also be more respectful of your space and you’ll have less of a disaster on your hands come morning).

One final thing to consider: co-hosting. Split the cost with a friend and go in on the party together. But be careful, make sure you’ve got a lot of friends in common, or you’ll end up doubling your guest list and saving no money!!

Don’t forget to invite the PLRG girls!

(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”)

“Hey Sal- I’ve finally made the leap from underling to actual team member. The only trouble is, I’m junior by at least 5 years, and in most cases, more like 10-15. I want to have a personality, but don’t want to appear like the kid that nobody takes seriously. Help!”
-Amber, 27

Amber,

You’re not alone. But first, congratulations on bucking the economic trend and not only having your job, but advancing in it - way to go!

You’re caught in the classic “small fish, big pond” scenario and you’ve got to see it as a positive. You can learn a lot in your current situation, both in terms of your professional ability - as well as in how you behave and are perceived in your office.

• Step 1, watch and learn. Single out a female superior that you think sets a good example. The way she dresses, her body language during meetings, how she signs her emails, etc. No detail is too minute, and she can act as your professional hitching post. Learn from her example and try to emulate her (don’t get creepy, just see it as learning to blend in with your surroundings).
• Step 2, front stage vs. back stage. Senior management worries that their junior members will not be professional - so beat them to the punch. It’s fine to cut up and be relaxed with your co-workers, but when it’s time to get down to business, flip the gears. Showing your colleagues that you are capable of front stage when need be, will put their fears at bay.
• Step 3, call a spade a spade. You don’t know everything. You said so yourself - you’ve got a decade less experience. When faced with a challenge where you do not have the experience, or do not know the answer, try this approach. “I haven’t worked in this exact situation before, but I have worked in (insert previous experience), which I feel was similar, and I can pull experience from there and make this work.” Basically acknowledge that you’re no expert, but also highlight that you’ve got a skill set that you can apply - in addition to your problem solving skills - to get the job done.

These people hired you/promoted you, and they know you’re not an industry veteran. They will be looking to encourage and guide you to doing a good job - so let them. They will also be looking to you for energy and a fresh eye, so don’t be afraid to speak up. Your youth can act as an amazing asset!

(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”)

Below is the first article from our newest contributor, Kevin Kelly. From time to time, Kevin will be offering ”common-sense”, approachable advice for budgeting and investing.  He knows that the bright, successful women who read PLRG could easily put themselves on the road to financial independence by following some simple, time-tested financial guidelines. Kevin says, “It’s not about living like a miser and shivering in the dark and the cold- it’s about taking control of your finances and getting on top of your game.”

I like Starbucks. Most people do. For many people living and working in cities like Chicago, the daily stop into Starbucks is part of their morning ritual. Granted, your grandparents never paid $4.50 for a cup of coffee, but it’s really just a minor expense, after all.

Or is it? These small, seemingly trivial daily expenses can add up over the course of year and end up putting a major dent in your personal financial situation.

Let’s take a look at the daily coffee stop. Say you spend $4.50 each morning on coffee, when you could make it at home for pennies, or (even better) get it at work for free. $4.50 per day adds up to $22.50 per week. Still, not looking to damaging at this point.

So, you spend $22.50 per week on your morning coffee, 50 weeks out of the year. If you do the math, that adds up to $1125.00 per year. $1125.00 is a decent amount of money. Ask yourself this - if you sat down at the beginning of the year and made an annual budget, would you think of budgeting $1125.00 per year on morning coffee?

Think of what you could do with the $1125.00 instead. You could take a nice vacation for that much. How many pairs of shoes could you buy for $1125.00? You could even fly your grandparents into town to show them what a $4.50 cup of coffee tastes like.

But before you head down to Michigan Avenue with your new windfall, let’s take this a step further. What if, rather than spending that cash on new sunglasses and mango martinis, you were to save and invest the money instead? Granted, socking away $1000 in a tax-deferred investment account might not be as fun as a long weekend in Vegas, but let’s do the math.

Say you brew your coffee at home four days out of the week, saving yourself $18.00 per week (I’ll grant you one day a week of Starbucks as a necessary indulgence). That will save you $900 per year. You take your $900 and put it in an investment account.

Let’s say you start this at age 25 and keep it up until you retire at age 60 (I know, you’re going to start your own boutique ad agency and retire at 35, but humor me). If you made it a regular habit to brew your own coffee in the morning and skipped the Starbucks, and invested the $900 in savings each year into an investment account earning 7% interest, how much money would you end up with at age 60?

The answer- $134,022.12. That’s right, read the number again. $134,022.12. This is the power of compound interest. As you can see, that daily coffee is costing you a whole latte money.

The only thing sadder than that joke is the amount of money you’re missing out on. We’re going to get into making compound interest work for you in upcoming articles, so keep it bookmarked at PoorLittleRichGirls.com.

(Kevin Kelly)