How do you know which products are worth buying? Do you ever rely on product reviews for your guidance? With all the blogs and websites offering reviews and opinions on which are the best, how can you know who to trust?

We want your feedback on blogs and bias. Do you think that there is a way to tell if a review is honest? If not, is this something you'd like to see in the future? What would it look like? As part of an upcoming SXSW session on FTC compliance and blogs, Wise Bread will be addressing these issues in an effort to get a better idea of what the online community really wants. We'll be discussing ways to ensure accountability and transparency.

Share your thoughts, either below in the comments or on Twitter, and you could be entered to win one of two Amazon gift cards! And remember, if you're going to be at SXSW, it's not too late to RSVP to our session at: http://www.wisebread.com/trustblog#rsvp. You can meet Wise Bread writers Adam Baker, Thursday Bram, Linsey Knerl, and the Wise Bread founding team!

Don't forget -- you can also win during our specially-scheduled Twitter event.  More details can be found on our Twitter promotion page.

Win a $20 Amazon Gift Certificate

We're doing two giveaways — one for random comments, and another one for a random tweets.

How to Enter:

1. Post your answer in the comments below, or
2. Tweet your answer. Include both "@wisebread" and "#WBAsk" in your tweet so we'll see it and count it.

If you're inspired to write a whole blog post, please link to it in the comments or tweet it.

At ...

Thanks to your support, Wise Bread has been selected to host a SXSW session on Blogger Credibility. 

We would love to see you at our session!

You'll meet plenty of bloggers you know (Adam Baker, Thursday Bram, GeekMommy, Glen Stansberry, Wise Bread founders, etc), and have the opportunity to meet folks from Blogher, Lifetime TV Moms, WOMMA, Liferemix Network, Walmart Elevenmoms, and more.

If you can't make it to Austin, you can join us for a special live Tweetchat discussion (with a $20 GC prize).

Session Details

• Title: Measuring Blogger Credibility: FTC Regulation vs. Crowdsourced Solutions
• Time: Saturday, March 13 at 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
• Format: Core Conversations
• Location:  SXSW Austin Convention Center Room 19B (map)
• Topic:  The FTC wants to regulate blogs because many are posting reviews without disclosing conflicts of interest. Is government intervention the answer? This session discusses new ways to measure blogger credibility using crowdsourced, self-policing systems. It'll examine specific metrics, review the new tools available, and propose new industry standards.

RSVP Today

You can RSVP via Facebook (if you don't have Facebook, use this special Wise Bread page.)  Reservation is not mandatory, but we would love to know who is coming!

Join Our Tweetchat Session

We'll be livetweeting the session and you're welcome to join the discussion!

• How to Join:  Use #blogtrust
• Time: Saturday, March 13 at 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm (Central Time)
• Prize:  We're giving away one $20 Amazon gift certificate to one lucky participant.

Special Guests include

• Debbie Wogan, Senior VP of Sales for Blogher.
• Stacey Ferguson, FTC Division of Advertising Practices (attending via Twitter).
• Glen Stansberry, Founder of Liferemix blog network.
• Katja Presnal, Home Channel Editor at Lifetime TV website for Moms.
• Adam Baker, Man v. Debt and contributor to Wise Bread and Get ...
  ]]> http://www.walkwithmoney.com/please-join-wise-bread-at-sxsw-2010/feed/ 1 http://www.walkwithmoney.com/ask-the-readers-what-will-you-buy-with-your-tax-refund-win-turbo-tax-prizes/ http://www.walkwithmoney.com/ask-the-readers-what-will-you-buy-with-your-tax-refund-win-turbo-tax-prizes/#comments Tue, 23 Feb 2010 19:20:37 +0000 Robert Wilkinson http://www.walkwithmoney.com/ask-the-readers-what-will-you-buy-with-your-tax-refund-win-turbo-tax-prizes/ Read the whole article...]]> By Linsey Knerl

  

  We've already asked whether you look forward to tax time, and people are just now starting to see their refunds (or bills) filtering through their home offices. We want to know what you plan on doing with that refund -- if you get one. OR what you believe people should be doing with their refunds. (Now's your time to preach!)

  • Do you use it for something special, like a big screen TV or computer?
  • Do you save it for a long-term investment?
  • Are you likely to use every penny for bills (like that enormous heating charge you received last month?)
  • Do you work really hard to make sure you don't even get a refund back -- you use it throughout the year for groceries and gas?

  Give us your tax purchasing tips, behaviors, or observations. We want to know what you'll be doing once that refund check hits your mailbox (or checking account). In return for sharing your heart on the matter, you'll be entered to win one of two gifts from Turbo Tax -- good for Tax preparation and filing.

  See more about Turbo Tax and their tips for getting the most on your return at their blog!

  Win a Tax Filing prize from Turbo Tax!

  We're doing two giveaways — one for random comments, and another one for a random tweets.

  How to Enter:

  1. Post your answer in the comments below, or
  2. Tweet your answer. Include both "@wisebread" and "#WBAsk" in your tweet so we'll see it and count it.

  If you're inspired to write a whole blog post, please link to it in the comments or tweet it.

  At the end of the drawing, we'll update this post to include (and link to) ...

  ]]> http://www.walkwithmoney.com/ask-the-readers-what-will-you-buy-with-your-tax-refund-win-turbo-tax-prizes/feed/ 1 http://www.walkwithmoney.com/best-of-personal-finance-roundup-how-to-turn-cheap-choice-steak-into-gucci-prime-steak/ http://www.walkwithmoney.com/best-of-personal-finance-roundup-how-to-turn-cheap-choice-steak-into-gucci-prime-steak/#comments Sat, 20 Feb 2010 13:20:27 +0000 Robert Wilkinson http://www.walkwithmoney.com/best-of-personal-finance-roundup-how-to-turn-cheap-choice-steak-into-gucci-prime-steak/ Read the whole article...]]> By Linsey Knerl

  

  Welcome to Wise Bread's Best of Personal Finance roundup. Today, we give you the skills to turn cheap steak into a dreamy dinner, 10 tips for making a family room top-notch, and what to do if you owe more taxes than you expected.

  Top 5 Articles

  How to Turn Cheap “Choice” Steak into Gucci “Prime” Steak — This technique is awesome, and likely to save some big dollars down the road! See how it’s done, and fear cheap cuts no more! Steamy Kitchen

  The Room that Craigslist and Yard Sales Built — Before you write off Craigslist as a haven for junk and unworthy cast-offs, get a load of this room upgrade. Lazy Man and Money

  10 Minutes to a Room You’ll Love: Family Room — Gorgeous. That’s how I describe the way our room would look if I were to follow these quick and affordable tips! Nesting Place

  How I Made My Peace with Hiring a Housekeeper — You don’t have to tell me why hiring a housekeeper may be a good investment at your house. You had me at “hello.” Get Rich Slowly

  I Owe More Taxes than Expected. Should I Hire an Accountant? — Unless you’re looking to go into the way-back machine and do something unethical, this may not help you in the long run. Get Tax Cat’s official stance in this article. Consumerist

  Other Essential Reading

  The Tax Filing Deadline is April 15th, but When Should You Mail Your Return or Have it Postmarked? Tricky question, indeed. Get the details you need to keep you out of trouble with the IRS. Gen X Finance

  9 Tips to Stretch the Life ...

  ]]> http://www.walkwithmoney.com/best-of-personal-finance-roundup-how-to-turn-cheap-choice-steak-into-gucci-prime-steak/feed/ 1 http://www.walkwithmoney.com/how-to-find-really-free-freebies/ http://www.walkwithmoney.com/how-to-find-really-free-freebies/#comments Fri, 22 Jan 2010 07:20:25 +0000 Robert Wilkinson http://www.walkwithmoney.com/how-to-find-really-free-freebies/ Read the whole article...]]> By Linsey Knerl

  

  This article shares tips from the newest episode of Dealista, our new podcast that'll help you get more for less. Click play to listen, or subscribe via iTunes to take the episode with you!

  Everybody loves free stuff, provided it’s actually at no cost to you. Finding it can be a challenge, however. We hook you up with a few great resources and some trustworthy tips for getting even more of the freebies you love!

  What’s a Freebie?

  In a nutshell, it’s something you get for nothing — with the exception of your time or energy. Some folks don’t want to take even a minute to try to get something free (their time is just too valuable). For the majority of us, however, as long as the value of the free item is well above what we would get paid to work for our time invested — it’s a great deal!

  Freebies can be anything from a small, trial-sized product (like shampoo or medicine) to a full-sized item that you’d buy from a store (software or clothing, for instance). Most often provided as a way to promote a business offering, they can sometimes be adorned with the logos of companies. A true freebie, however, will cost you no money out of pocket and won’t ask for your personal financial information.

  Where Can You Find Freebies?

  Since I spend hours every week looking for freebies, I’ve come to learn that many websites feature the same offers. They share and they swipe, but a handful of sites is all you really need to find the bulk majority of the good ones. Here are the ones that I use daily for my own personal freebie needs.

  Wise Bread’s Daily Deals — Hey! Of course, I love this one. With 3-4 good freebies listed each Monday-Friday, it’s a great stop to make every morning to keep your mailbox flowing with the good stuff. (You can even get a little shopping done, if you’re so inclined.)

  Common Sense with Money — Not only is Mercedes (the blogger of the site) a great freebie-finder, but she does an excellent job of providing information that will help you determine if a freebie is right for you. Her daily finds include free stuff after purchase and a good variety of samples that can be gotten just by filling out forms. I check this site every morning.

  DealNews — Known for bargains on technology and gadgets, DealNews isn’t the first place people think of for freebies. Scroll down the home page a bit towards the middle, however, and you’ll find a nice assortment of free photo print offers, iphone application downloads, and restaurant freebies. Rated for “hotness,” each offer lets you know if the community at large finds it to be valuable, as well. (DealNews is also pretty diligent about taking down offers as they expire or run out of supply.)

  Walmart.com — This mega retailer has more going on than just shopping opportunities. By scanning the left-hand side of the home page, you will see a link to “In Stores Now.” Click it, and it will take you a special promotions page for in-store and free sample offers. The free sample offers require no more than your basic information and are a great way to try new products and stock up your cabinet with goodies. Recent ...

  ]]> http://www.walkwithmoney.com/how-to-find-really-free-freebies/feed/ 1 http://www.walkwithmoney.com/best-of-personal-finance-roundup-20-amazing-fitness-blogs-to-inspire-you/ http://www.walkwithmoney.com/best-of-personal-finance-roundup-20-amazing-fitness-blogs-to-inspire-you/#comments Tue, 19 Jan 2010 01:20:27 +0000 Robert Wilkinson http://www.walkwithmoney.com/best-of-personal-finance-roundup-20-amazing-fitness-blogs-to-inspire-you/ Read the whole article...]]> By Linsey Knerl

  

  Welcome to Wise Bread's Best of Personal Finance roundup. Today, we look at some amazing blogs that can help you get back on the fitness track, the best way to get out of a parking ticket, myths surrounding financial advisors, and how to make your household appliances last longer!

  Top 5 Articles

  20+ Amazing Fitness Blogs to Inspire You — We’re only 18 days into the New Year, and some of us are losing our motivation. Check out this list of blogs guaranteed to pump you up and get you back to work! Zen Habits

  When Pigs Fly: How I Fought My Parking Ticket and Beat City Hall — Usually, when you fight the law — the law wins. See a rare exception, along with steps towards evening the odds. Len Penzo

  MythBusters: Financial Advisors — Many times we take too much solace in having a financial advisor. Know these common myths surrounding the relationship, and find out how you can keep control of your money. Financial Highway

  5 Steps to Get You Hired as an English Teacher Abroad — College students are finding it harder than ever to find a good job after graduation. If you’ve considered teaching English overseas as a means of making it, check out this useful starter guide. Studenomics

  How to Make Your Household Appliances Last Longer — Some of your most expensive household appliances are also, surprisingly, the easiest to maintain. Follow this basic checklist to avoid maintenance and replacement expenses! Canadian Finance Blog

  Other Essential Reading

  How to Cook and Eat an Artichoke — I’ve seen them on sale at my local grocer, but passed them by out of fear. They are artichokes, and if you follow this handy how-to, they can easily add some zest to your next meal. Fear no more. Simply ...

  ]]> http://www.walkwithmoney.com/best-of-personal-finance-roundup-20-amazing-fitness-blogs-to-inspire-you/feed/ 1 http://www.walkwithmoney.com/what-is-your-auto-reply-email-telling-people-about-you/ http://www.walkwithmoney.com/what-is-your-auto-reply-email-telling-people-about-you/#comments Sun, 17 Jan 2010 23:20:23 +0000 Robert Wilkinson http://www.walkwithmoney.com/what-is-your-auto-reply-email-telling-people-about-you/ Read the whole article...]]> By Linsey Knerl

  

  It’s a common practice: You leave the office for any amount of time (a week, an hour, etc.) and you set up a nice little out-of-office email reply so people don’t wonder why you haven’t replied back in a timely fashion. You think you’re being proactive, even professional. But could you be risking your personal information and possibly even your safety?

  How Companies (and others) Get Your Info

  I’ve managed several newsletter subscriptions for companies (including my own) over the years. For the most part, I’ve never required that people give me much of their own information to sign up and receive the emails — an email address and possibly a first name will get the job done. What is surprising (and a bit disturbing), however, is that many people will willingly volunteer very personal tidbits of information to me, a stranger, via their email auto-replies.

  My company’s newsletter goes out…your full name, address, company name, work number, cell phone number, and your schedule for the next week (as well as names of the co-workers who will be handling your job while you’re gone) come back. Scared? You might want to listen up.

  Most companies don’t read the auto-replies that they get from their mailing list subscribers. In fact, many times you can’t automatically reply to mailings from companies because they come from some sort of auto-responder, and you may find that you just get an error message in return.

  However, are you aware of how many mailing lists you may be on? As an avid sweepstaker for over 10 years (and a freebie hunter), I know that I’ve probably been on as many as a thousand lists at any one time. I use my personal email account (one that’s specifically set up for these types of communications) and I NEVER use an auto-reply. Ever.

  What Should You Do?

  What if you have already signed up for newsletters at work and you have to use an auto-reply? There are two things you can do:

  1. The next time you get any email to your work email that is part of a mailing list, have the email address changed to a personal email. Your work usually has a policy on using work email for personal use, anyway, ...

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