1. Consolidate. Consolidate. Consolidate. Ask Yochanon Gordon at Southland Wireless (818-986-1370) for help combining your cell phone plans. Also, some insurance companies offer discounts for married couple.
2. Pay Off Credit Card Debt. Call the 1-800 number on your credit cards and ask if they can lower your annual APR (interest rate). Transferring balances from a high interest credit card to a low interest credit card can help also, but beware that doing this too often could effect your credit score.
3. You'd Better Shop Around. You or your (future) spouse might be paying too much for internet, insurance, phone, or many other services. Shop around.
4. Avoid Surprise Bills. Ask your (future) husband and look over past statements to see what gets automatically billed to his credit card annually that can be eliminated. That long-forgotten about subscription to Classmates.com, Yahoo super-mail, or other services can turn up as a surprise bill on your credit card statement.
6. Have a Savings Strategy. Look for high interest CDs or savings accounts to sock away money. If you want quick access to the funds, a liquid CD might do the trick. Talk to your bank to find the best option for you.
7. Introducing Mister and Misses. Make sure to add your name to his accounts and vice versa. This includes bank accounts as well as retirement savings accounts. Contact disability and life insurance providers and make sure you are listed as your spouse's beneficiary.
8. Know Who Pays the Bills. Avoid late fees by having a clear understanding of who opens the mail and who pays the bills. Have an organized system of making sure bills are paid on time.
9. Don't Spend More than You Can Afford.
10. Make Shabbos Special. The rest of the week, live simply and save your money.
11. Give Tzedakah. As stated in Malachi (3:10): “Bring all the tithes into the treasury so that there may be nourishment in My House. Test Me, if you will, with this, says the L-rd of Hosts, [see] if I will not open for you the windows of the heavens and pour down for you blessing until there be no room to suffice for it.”
Sunday, January 3, 2010
5 You Should Know BEFORE You Get Pregnant
1. Find an OB/GYN You Trust. Go for regular OB/GYN exams. The tests and advice you can get from your doctor is invaluable.
2. Take Your Vitamins BEFORE You Get Married. Talk to your OB/GYN, but most women should be consuming folic acid and iron before pregnancy.
3. Avoid Certain Foods If You Might Be Pregnant. There are foods to avoid in pregnancy, including early pregancy. This list includes deli meats, lox (sorry bagel fans), and alcohol. Check out the list and reasons at americanpregnancy.org
4. Beware of Spousal Abuse. Instead of disappearing when the baby comes, spousal abuse often translates into child abuse. Any signs of abusiveness in your (future) husband should be taken very seriously and discussed with a Rabbi who takes you seriously and has experience dealing with these issues. An excellent resource for marital problems is The Ness Center.
5. Ashkenazim and Sephardim Should Both Get Tested for Genetic Diseases. Discuss this with your Rabbi, Doctor, and fiancee. Ashkenazic diseases also appear in Sephardim. They are only called "Ashkenazic Diseases" because that was the population it was first studied in. (If you are not yet engaged, you can call Dor Yesharim at 718-384-6060).
2. Take Your Vitamins BEFORE You Get Married. Talk to your OB/GYN, but most women should be consuming folic acid and iron before pregnancy.
3. Avoid Certain Foods If You Might Be Pregnant. There are foods to avoid in pregnancy, including early pregancy. This list includes deli meats, lox (sorry bagel fans), and alcohol. Check out the list and reasons at americanpregnancy.org
4. Beware of Spousal Abuse. Instead of disappearing when the baby comes, spousal abuse often translates into child abuse. Any signs of abusiveness in your (future) husband should be taken very seriously and discussed with a Rabbi who takes you seriously and has experience dealing with these issues. An excellent resource for marital problems is The Ness Center.
5. Ashkenazim and Sephardim Should Both Get Tested for Genetic Diseases. Discuss this with your Rabbi, Doctor, and fiancee. Ashkenazic diseases also appear in Sephardim. They are only called "Ashkenazic Diseases" because that was the population it was first studied in. (If you are not yet engaged, you can call Dor Yesharim at 718-384-6060).
Wedding Registry Checklist
Here are some suggestions for your wedding registry:
Meat/Fleishig
__ Casual Dinnerware
__ Casual Soup/Cereal Bowls
__ Drinking Glasses
__ Mugs
__ Flatware Set
__ Cutting Board
__ Knife Block Set
__ 8 or 10 piece Cookware (Pots and Pans) Set
__ Wok or Stir-Fry Pan
Dairy/Milchig
__ Casual Dinnerware
__ Casual Soup/Cereal Bowls
__ Drinking Glasses
__ Mugs
__ Flatware Set
__ Cutting Board
__ Knife Block Set
__ 8 piece Cookware (Pots and Pans) Set
Bakeware
__ Measuring Spoons
__ Measuring Cups
__ Cookie Sheets
__ Cake Pans
__ Pie Pan
__ Toaster/Convection Oven (especially helpful if your oven is meat and you'd like to be able to bake
dairy or pareve goodies)
Shabbos/Yom Tov
__ Dinnerware Place Settings
__ Soup Bowls
__ Dessert Set (if not included in Place Setting)
__ Salt Shaker
__ Serving Platters - Small
__ Serving Platters - Large
__ Salad Bowl
__ Serving Bowls
__ Cake Plate
__ Ice Bucket
__ Ice Tongs
__ Sugar and Creamer Set
__ Corningware Set
__ Red Wine Glasses
__ White Wine Glasses - Optional
__ Shot Glasses
__ Drinking Glasses
__ Formal Flatware Set
__ Serving Flatware/Hostess Set (at least 2 sets)
__ Flatware Chest
__ Tablecloths
__ Napkins
__ Napkin Rings
Passover/Pesach
__ Dinnerware
__ Soup Bowls
__ Salt Shaker
__ Serving Platters - Small
__ Serving Platters - Large
__ Serving Bowls
__ Corningware
__ Red Wine Glasses
__ Beverage Glasses
__ Formal Flatware Set
__ Serving Flatware/Hostess Set (at least 2 sets)
__ Flatware Chest
__ China Protectors
__ Tablecloths
__ Napkins
__ Napkin Rings
__ Food Processor (especially recommended if you don't eat gebrochs)
__ Crockpot (manual temperature control/NOT automatic - great for soups and goulash)
Kitchen Electronics
__ Hot Water Urn (for Shabbos/Yom Tov)
__ Crockpot (manual temperature control/NOT automatic for Shabbos/Yom Tov)
__ Hot Plate (for Shabbos/Yom Tov)
__ Food Processor (especially useful for making Kugels and chopping vegetables for salads)
__ Blender (good for making homemade smoothies, hummus, and salad dressings)
__ Stand Mixer (good for mixing large quantities of batter and dough)
Bedding
__ White Sheet Sets (for observing Taharas Mishpacha)
__ Colored Sheet Sets (for observing Taharas Mishpacha)
__ Comforters and Duvet Covers (machine washable unless you don't mind a large drycleaning bill)
Judaica
__ Baruch HaBayis
__ Judaica Artwork
__ Seforim (Books)
__ Pushke/Tzedakah Box
__ Mezuzahs
__ Shabbos Candlesticks and/or Candleabra
__ Kiddush Cups
__ Challah Board and Knife
__ Challah Cover
__ Havdallah set (Spice box, candle holder, cup, plate)
__ Seder Plate
__ Matzah Plate
__ Matzah Cover
__ Haggaddahs
__ Menorah
__ Apple and Honey Tray
Meat/Fleishig
__ Casual Dinnerware
__ Casual Soup/Cereal Bowls
__ Drinking Glasses
__ Mugs
__ Flatware Set
__ Cutting Board
__ Knife Block Set
__ 8 or 10 piece Cookware (Pots and Pans) Set
__ Wok or Stir-Fry Pan
Dairy/Milchig
__ Casual Dinnerware
__ Casual Soup/Cereal Bowls
__ Drinking Glasses
__ Mugs
__ Flatware Set
__ Cutting Board
__ Knife Block Set
__ 8 piece Cookware (Pots and Pans) Set
Bakeware
__ Measuring Spoons
__ Measuring Cups
__ Cookie Sheets
__ Cake Pans
__ Pie Pan
__ Toaster/Convection Oven (especially helpful if your oven is meat and you'd like to be able to bake
dairy or pareve goodies)
Shabbos/Yom Tov
__ Dinnerware Place Settings
__ Soup Bowls
__ Dessert Set (if not included in Place Setting)
__ Salt Shaker
__ Serving Platters - Small
__ Serving Platters - Large
__ Salad Bowl
__ Serving Bowls
__ Cake Plate
__ Ice Bucket
__ Ice Tongs
__ Sugar and Creamer Set
__ Corningware Set
__ Red Wine Glasses
__ White Wine Glasses - Optional
__ Shot Glasses
__ Drinking Glasses
__ Formal Flatware Set
__ Serving Flatware/Hostess Set (at least 2 sets)
__ Flatware Chest
__ Tablecloths
__ Napkins
__ Napkin Rings
Passover/Pesach
__ Dinnerware
__ Soup Bowls
__ Salt Shaker
__ Serving Platters - Small
__ Serving Platters - Large
__ Serving Bowls
__ Corningware
__ Red Wine Glasses
__ Beverage Glasses
__ Formal Flatware Set
__ Serving Flatware/Hostess Set (at least 2 sets)
__ Flatware Chest
__ China Protectors
__ Tablecloths
__ Napkins
__ Napkin Rings
__ Food Processor (especially recommended if you don't eat gebrochs)
__ Crockpot (manual temperature control/NOT automatic - great for soups and goulash)
Kitchen Electronics
__ Hot Water Urn (for Shabbos/Yom Tov)
__ Crockpot (manual temperature control/NOT automatic for Shabbos/Yom Tov)
__ Hot Plate (for Shabbos/Yom Tov)
__ Food Processor (especially useful for making Kugels and chopping vegetables for salads)
__ Blender (good for making homemade smoothies, hummus, and salad dressings)
__ Stand Mixer (good for mixing large quantities of batter and dough)
Bedding
__ White Sheet Sets (for observing Taharas Mishpacha)
__ Colored Sheet Sets (for observing Taharas Mishpacha)
__ Comforters and Duvet Covers (machine washable unless you don't mind a large drycleaning bill)
Judaica
__ Baruch HaBayis
__ Judaica Artwork
__ Seforim (Books)
__ Pushke/Tzedakah Box
__ Mezuzahs
__ Shabbos Candlesticks and/or Candleabra
__ Kiddush Cups
__ Challah Board and Knife
__ Challah Cover
__ Havdallah set (Spice box, candle holder, cup, plate)
__ Seder Plate
__ Matzah Plate
__ Matzah Cover
__ Haggaddahs
__ Menorah
__ Apple and Honey Tray
10 Ways to Save Money On Your Wedding
1. Dry-Cleaning Your Wedding Dress. Dry cleaning a wedding dress can easily cost as much as $1000.
The last time we checked, Snow White Cleaners (17701 Ventura Blvd. Encino,CA 91316 - 818-705-8841) only charged about $40, and they did a really nice job! Our only complaint was that the dress did take a couple weeks to come back, so if you absolutely need express service, you might want to try somewhere else.
2. Hair and Cosmetic Services. Newberry School of Beauty in Northridge offers waxing, cosmetology, hair, and massage services for VERY CHEAP (Here's their price list)! The only drawback is that you get a student doing the
work, so I wouldn't recommend having your hair dyed or your facial hair waxed there....but you can get an excellent manicure and pedicure (after the Mikvah, of course!) and a full leg waxing for a fraction of what it will cost you elsewhere.
3. Hiring Student Photographers or Cosmetologists. Sometimes you can find a talented student cosmetologist or photographer who is still putting together their portfolio. Since they need the experience as much as you need a cosmetologist or photographer, they will often work at more affordable rates. Check listings at http://losangeles.craigslist.org/ats/ and e-mail an ad if the person running it looks promising or contact your local college or trade school.
4. Saving on Centerpieces. If you are having separate seating, you might save money by having floral centerpieces on the women's side and creating simple or decorative basket centerpieces to hold benchers and/or yalmulkes on the men's side. (You can recycle the baskets with Shaloch Manos at Purim). If you are getting married at night, you can go light on the flowers, and use tea lights in your arrangements.
5. Fill Up On Flowers. Speak to your florist about what flowers will save you money. Also, consider arrangements that are heavy on filler flowers (i.e. Baby's Breath) and/or greenery. Our Types of Flowers section can help you choose flowers, but be sure to consult with your florist directly.
6. Be Savvy. Shop around and bargain with vendors until you find one within your budget. Make sure the vendor meets all your needs and you won't have additional unexpected expenses. GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING!!!
7. Use Gemachs Wisely. Use gemachs wherever it will help save you money, but be sure you have a way to transport the goods you borrow to and from the location in a timely fashion. If you don't have a large enough vehicle for a mechitzah, borrowing from the gemach may cost you more in truck rental fees than finding a
location that supplies a mechitzah. Also, ask your Rabbi about Hachnassat Kallah funds.
8. Talk to Your Rabbi, Florist, Caterer, and Hall. Some Rabbis supply the Ketubah and the break glass. (If you are responsible for getting your own Ketubah, make sure it is an Orthodox-accepted Ketubah. Also, make sure the break glass is stemless -- we have heard of accidents using glasses with stems). Some florists
have chuppahs, some halls have bedekin chairs, and both caterers and halls sometimes have tablecloths and napkins.
9. Ditch the Bridesmaids and Groomsmen. It's not a Jewish tradition anyway. According to Wikipedia, "the Western bridesmaid tradition seems to have originated from later Roman law, which required ten witnesses at a wedding in order to outsmart evil spirits believed to attend marriage ceremonies. The bridesmaids and
ushers dressed in identical clothing to the bride and groom, so that the evil spirits would not know who was getting married."
10. So Much for Having Your Cake. The Wedding Cake is also not a Jewish Tradition. According to Wikipedia, "The origins of the tradition of the wedding cake date back to medieval times, when each guest at a wedding was supposed to bring a small cake, the cakes would be stacked on the table in levels and layers
(If the bride and groom were able to kiss over the top of the stack it was considered good luck)....The tiered design of the wedding cake originates from the tiered spire of a well known medieval church in London, England."
The last time we checked, Snow White Cleaners (17701 Ventura Blvd. Encino,CA 91316 - 818-705-8841) only charged about $40, and they did a really nice job! Our only complaint was that the dress did take a couple weeks to come back, so if you absolutely need express service, you might want to try somewhere else.
2. Hair and Cosmetic Services. Newberry School of Beauty in Northridge offers waxing, cosmetology, hair, and massage services for VERY CHEAP (Here's their price list)! The only drawback is that you get a student doing the
work, so I wouldn't recommend having your hair dyed or your facial hair waxed there....but you can get an excellent manicure and pedicure (after the Mikvah, of course!) and a full leg waxing for a fraction of what it will cost you elsewhere.
3. Hiring Student Photographers or Cosmetologists. Sometimes you can find a talented student cosmetologist or photographer who is still putting together their portfolio. Since they need the experience as much as you need a cosmetologist or photographer, they will often work at more affordable rates. Check listings at http://losangeles.craigslist.org/ats/ and e-mail an ad if the person running it looks promising or contact your local college or trade school.
4. Saving on Centerpieces. If you are having separate seating, you might save money by having floral centerpieces on the women's side and creating simple or decorative basket centerpieces to hold benchers and/or yalmulkes on the men's side. (You can recycle the baskets with Shaloch Manos at Purim). If you are getting married at night, you can go light on the flowers, and use tea lights in your arrangements.
5. Fill Up On Flowers. Speak to your florist about what flowers will save you money. Also, consider arrangements that are heavy on filler flowers (i.e. Baby's Breath) and/or greenery. Our Types of Flowers section can help you choose flowers, but be sure to consult with your florist directly.
6. Be Savvy. Shop around and bargain with vendors until you find one within your budget. Make sure the vendor meets all your needs and you won't have additional unexpected expenses. GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING!!!
7. Use Gemachs Wisely. Use gemachs wherever it will help save you money, but be sure you have a way to transport the goods you borrow to and from the location in a timely fashion. If you don't have a large enough vehicle for a mechitzah, borrowing from the gemach may cost you more in truck rental fees than finding a
location that supplies a mechitzah. Also, ask your Rabbi about Hachnassat Kallah funds.
8. Talk to Your Rabbi, Florist, Caterer, and Hall. Some Rabbis supply the Ketubah and the break glass. (If you are responsible for getting your own Ketubah, make sure it is an Orthodox-accepted Ketubah. Also, make sure the break glass is stemless -- we have heard of accidents using glasses with stems). Some florists
have chuppahs, some halls have bedekin chairs, and both caterers and halls sometimes have tablecloths and napkins.
9. Ditch the Bridesmaids and Groomsmen. It's not a Jewish tradition anyway. According to Wikipedia, "the Western bridesmaid tradition seems to have originated from later Roman law, which required ten witnesses at a wedding in order to outsmart evil spirits believed to attend marriage ceremonies. The bridesmaids and
ushers dressed in identical clothing to the bride and groom, so that the evil spirits would not know who was getting married."
10. So Much for Having Your Cake. The Wedding Cake is also not a Jewish Tradition. According to Wikipedia, "The origins of the tradition of the wedding cake date back to medieval times, when each guest at a wedding was supposed to bring a small cake, the cakes would be stacked on the table in levels and layers
(If the bride and groom were able to kiss over the top of the stack it was considered good luck)....The tiered design of the wedding cake originates from the tiered spire of a well known medieval church in London, England."
Chupahs and Ketubahs
Chuppahs
Is your florist or hall supplying your chuppah? If not, here are some beautifully decorated chuppahs:
http://www.mpartworks.com/e-chuppah.htm
http://www.mychuppah.com/products.html&Start=1&Count=5
Ketubahs
Is your Rabbi supplying the
Ketubah? If not, make sure the
Ketubah is Orthodox!!!
http://www.shabsaisart.com/ketubot
http://www.judaism.com/search.asp?sctn=920&aref=frumbride
Is your florist or hall supplying your chuppah? If not, here are some beautifully decorated chuppahs:
http://www.mpartworks.com/e-chuppah.htm
http://www.mychuppah.com/products.html&Start=1&Count=5
Ketubahs
Is your Rabbi supplying the
Ketubah? If not, make sure the
Ketubah is Orthodox!!!
http://www.shabsaisart.com/ketubot
http://www.judaism.com/search.asp?sctn=920&aref=frumbride
Hair Covering Store
If you're looking for hair coverings on-line, take a look at www.coveryourhair.com
Sheva Brochas Schedule
IMPORTANT NOTE: The first set of "Sheva Brochas" of the seven you will B"H
have takes place during the bentching which follows the wedding meal. For
the remaining six, here are sample schedules. Remember, if your wedding
takes place in the daytime, you'll need to arrange for a "Sheva Brochas" that
evening.
Wedding: Monday Evening (bentching after shkia)
Sheva Brocha Meal/Refreshments Name Address Phone Number
Tuesday Night
Wednesday Night
Thursday Night
Friday Night
Saturday Night
Sunday Night
Wedding: Tuesday Evening (bentching after shkia)
Wednesday Night
Thursday Night
Friday Night
Saturday Night
Sunday Night
Monday Night
Wedding: Wednesday Evening (bentching after shkia)
Thursday Night
Friday Night
Saturday Night
Sunday Night
Monday Night
Tuesday Night
Wedding: Thursday Evening (bentching after shkia)
Friday Night
Saturday Night
Sunday Night
Monday Night
Tuesday Night
Wednesday Night
have takes place during the bentching which follows the wedding meal. For
the remaining six, here are sample schedules. Remember, if your wedding
takes place in the daytime, you'll need to arrange for a "Sheva Brochas" that
evening.
Wedding: Monday Evening (bentching after shkia)
Sheva Brocha Meal/Refreshments Name Address Phone Number
Tuesday Night
Wednesday Night
Thursday Night
Friday Night
Saturday Night
Sunday Night
Wedding: Tuesday Evening (bentching after shkia)
Wednesday Night
Thursday Night
Friday Night
Saturday Night
Sunday Night
Monday Night
Wedding: Wednesday Evening (bentching after shkia)
Thursday Night
Friday Night
Saturday Night
Sunday Night
Monday Night
Tuesday Night
Wedding: Thursday Evening (bentching after shkia)
Friday Night
Saturday Night
Sunday Night
Monday Night
Tuesday Night
Wednesday Night
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