Marshall Loeb from CBS Moneywatch has published an article explaining how to properly “grease,” that is, tip in advance to ensure special service.
His “tips” for discreet tipping:
* Talk to the person in power.
* Speak privately instead of in front of other customers.
* Fold the bill with the denomination clearly visible by the tipee.
* Sincerely thank the person in advance.
Elsewhere in CBS Marketwatch, Jon Friedman complains about blogs. Not necessarily personal finance blogs, but those whose writers tend to think they’re part of a new media revolution.
A few weeks ago, I took the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT). My “career” hasn’t had much direction lately, so I’m considering changing course. Since I probably won’t have a decent enough test score to get into the top schools, I figure it’s best to save money and go for one less expensive and in-state, such as Rutgers School of Law. Alternatively, I may decide to move out to California or some other place not New Jersey, whether I choose to go to law school or not.
This is just an idea I’ve been kicking around lately and I’ll have to completely commit myself to the education if I choose to follow through. I’ve always had so many varied interests, it’s been hard for me to settle on one and turn it into a “career.” I suppose having many interests and talents, while a great quality I’m happy to have, makes it difficult to focus and thus hard to get ahead on any one path.
For example, last year I stopped working in the corporate world to teach in a high school, only to come back to the same corporation when the program was cut back in the fall.
My dissatisfaction with my current job keeps growing and I have a hard time dealing with the fact that the work that I do makes very little use of the things at which I excel. And I’m certainly not getting ahead financially. Maybe law school is the answer. I could take a law degree and have many options for an interesting career.
Perhaps has been feeling the heat from competitors. Today the online bank raised the interest rate offered on its savings account from 2.35% to 2.6%. The rate is still below Emigrant Direct, but I’ll still stick with ING for now.
ING also offers referral bonuses; if I refer you through email to open an account with them, you’ll receive a bonus $25 and I’ll receive $10.
The new nickels will be put into circulation on February 28. They feature a close-up of Thomas Jefferson and I can’t say that I’m a fan of the new design. The reverse contains a new engraving of a bison.
On March 3, the U.S. Mint will begin offering their standard 2005 proof coin set, a few days ahead of schedule. The sets make nice gifts for people who enjoy coins.
Luke Landes founded Consumerism Commentary in 2003 and has been building online communities since 1990. Luke, also known as Flexo, has contributed to PC World Magazine, US News, Forbes, and other publications. 
