Tuesday, June 26, 2012

After Facebook's First Quarterly Earnings, Focus Shifts to Lockup Expiration

Facebook reported its first quarter as a public company on July 26.

It is not just Facebook which saw high volume trading after posting its first earnings results. All IPOs can see the stock swing by a large percentage on certain key dates. Post IPO, here are some key dates investors should mark on their calendars.

While the secondary stock market is largely a free market where demand and supply for stock create a market price, initial public offerings (IPO) are different. After the initial price and size of the offering are set by the underwriting syndicate managing the IPO, there are several legitimate methods that brokerage firms underwriting the IPO use to restrict additional supply of shares, which would be a drag on the stock price. Oftentimes, after these restrictions are lifted, the stock price takes a step down. As a result, IPO investors should mark these key post IPO dates on their calendars, when an IPO stock's price could face downward pressure.

Quiet Period (Securities Analysts)

"Quiet period" refers to the 40 days after the IPO during which an underwriting firm participating in an offering cannot publish or distribute research reports about the issuer. These rules are set by Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, or FINRA, and the SEC, although the FINRA has been proposing a shorter time frame.

In plain words, after the IPO, securities analysts belonging to the underwriting syndicate (top firms that brought the IPO to market), are forbidden from writing about the company. Other analysts, typically smaller firms who did not get a piece of the underwriting action, can publish research. However, since only the underwriting analysts (who came across the "Chinese Wall") were part of the roadshow process, they have significantly more detailed insight into the IPO company. After the quiet period, these analysts can in effect "speak their minds," as they are no longer part of the sales syndicate, and their independence is restored. A research initiation with a "sell" rating from an underwriter's analyst could mean bad news from the stock's perspective.

The exception to this 40 day quiet period rule is the Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act that requires FINRA and the SEC to eliminate these restrictions with respect to smaller Emerging Growth Companies (EGC).

First Quarterly Earnings Announcement and 10-Q Filing (Issuer)
During the IPO roadshow process, major institutional investors are shown hundreds of slideshow presentations, some of which contain forward looking statements like 3 or 5 year growth projections. However, by law, issuers and underwriters cannot hand out any of this information in writing. Such projections are also missing from pre-IPO registration statements ("red herrings"). As a result, for most investors, the first public discussion for the IPO issuer is the earnings release. According to SEC rules, each company must file their quarterly earnings release and 10-Q report of unaudited company filings within 40 days of the company's fiscal quarter end. The company's first earnings release and earnings conference call are extremely important to establish expectations of the company's future growth. If the stock is expensive, or the outlook disappoints, research analysts can cut their ratings and investors may bail on the stock, causing the price to decrease.

Flipping Rule (Institutional Investors) According to FINRA, "flipping" is the practice of selling new issues into the secondary market at a profit within 30 days following the offering date. Because these sales create downward pressure on the secondary market trading price, underwriters and IPO selling group members typically discourage such sales. Under most syndicate selling agreements, a managing underwriter is permitted to impose a "penalty bid" on syndicate members to reclaim the selling concession for allocations that were flipped. After 30 days, investors who were allocated shares during the IPO are free to sell if they choose, without impacting their participation in future IPOs. This also creates a downward pressure on the stock.

Lockup expiration for insider sales
Most IPOs features a lock up provision which prevents insiders, including employees or venture capitalists who held pre-IPO shares, from selling them soon after the IPO. In most cases, it lasts 180 days. Some states even require lockup agreements under their "blue-sky" laws. Although the term is not mandated by the SEC, securities laws require a company using a lockup to disclose the terms in its registration documents, including its prospectus.

The final prospectus, as well as proxy documents, list the number of restricted shares held by the company's insiders. These shares essentially create an overhang, because they mean additional supply of shares, which typically causes the stock price to go down, especially if the valuation is premium. As a result, IPO shares often see a dip if there is a flurry of insider selling after the lockup expiration.

Disclaimer: The above is for information only and does not constitute legal or investment advice. Author is a former stock research associate who has participated in the IPO process on behalf of her former employer.

Monday, June 25, 2012

Financial Planning in Your Twenties

So you just graduated from college and got a job. Now what?
The twenties are a perfect age to start planning a solid financial future.
How completing education, building a good credit history, buying a home and saving for retirement can help you set off on the right track for building long-term wealth.
 
 

Sunday, June 24, 2012

10 Ways to Save Up To 50% on Restaurants

Admit it. You like eating out. You hate cooking. You also hate paying that large check that comes with eating out. You want to save while eating out.
Here are 10 ways you can save while eating out at restaurants.

Read more here


Photo courtesy: freedigitalphotos.net

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Lessons From a First-Time Home Seller

As a first-time home seller, I learned that if the price is right and the home has good selling features, it will sell. Although there is some benefit to marketing and scheduling showings by real estate agents, hiring a professional on a percentage-based commission to sell a home may not be cost effective. For me, it was also not anxiety free and I ended up having to do just as much legwork.



Photo: freedigitalphotos.net

Thursday, June 21, 2012

What Does My Homeowners Insurance Cover?

Did you know flood and earthquakes are never covered by standard homeowner's policies?

Whether many other perils are covered, and how much insurance coverage you actually have, depends on the specific terms of the policy.
Read more here....

Image: freedigitalphotos.net

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

How to Pick the Right Preschool for Your Child

When my first born was about to turn three, I realized he needed more social interaction and explored sending him to preschool. I wanted to choose the best preschool, nursery or daycare--whether it was public or private, Montessori, Progressive or church-affiliated. I also wondered if I should home school until kindergarten. I asked some of my friends and neighbors, and I received overwhelmingly positive feedback on their children's preschool or daycare. This led me to believe that choosing the right daycare, preschool or kindergarten is a very personal decision, and everyone's opinion varies. I needed to identify our priorities, so I focused on what I really wanted in my child's first school and what would be a deal-breaker.


I read a very informative booklet published by the U.S. Department of Education that had a series of questions to ask ourselves and the elementary school. Some of the questions applied to nursery schools, preschools, daycares, and Montessories. This booklet reiterated that in reality, there was no "best school" only one that was the best fit for each child and his or her family.
Since I was open to the idea of relocating, my choices were varied and included 1) local public preschools, 2) public preschools in some other districts we were open to relocating, 3) private preschools, 4) daycares that followed a preschool-like curriculum, and 5) home schooling. I ruled out exclusive home schooling since we wanted social interaction for our child. Amongst the private schools, there were several affiliated with religious faiths, and others than were co-operative or Montessori.

Can we afford private preschool tuition? Annual tuition for private preschools in our area ran up to $19,000 for full day programs. While this was definitely cheaper than several Manhattan schools that charged $30,000-40,000, obviously my husband and I needed to prioritize our own retirement, our children's college education , etc. above private preschool and elementary school. Since school taxes were approximately half of our property taxes, sending a child to private preschool also meant not reaping the benefits of paying those property taxes.

We were not ready to make our decision based on finances alone. Some other questions I considered were:

* What is the demographic mix and will our child fit in?
* How long is the school day?
* Is after school care available?
* Does the preschool run through higher grades?
* What is the meals policy?
* How close is the school to our home?
* Do we have a preference for Montessori, Progressive Education or another special curriculum or philosophy?
* How involved do we have to be in school activities on a daily basis?
* Is there a preferential sibling admissions or tuition discounts?
* Will our child make the school age cut-off?
* What role should religion play?
* Do classrooms have computers?
* What is the discipline philosophy?
* What is the teacher to student ratio?
* Does the school offer special education, enrichment or advanced classes for children?
* Does the school have an honors or gifted and talented program for higher classes? * What does the school do to help develop character and citizenship?
* Where do graduates pursue their higher studies?

I narrowed the choices based on the answers to these questions. I attended Open Houses and toured a few preschools and met with both teachers and administrative staff. There are several public preschools in our city, and assignment was random (and varied from year to year). One of our key concerns was I could not meet the teacher of the class, and my child may have new classmates year to year.

In the end, I chose a private Montessori preschool that ran through kindergarten. What attracted us most to the preschool was that the curriculum was flexible to a certain extent, with the pace driven by the child's unique strengths and challenges. I also loved the mixed age (3-5 years) setting, which allowed my child to mentor younger children and learn from older ones. Although the Montessori method is not for all families, it was the right fit for ours.

Photo courtesy: freedigitalphotos.net

Monday, June 18, 2012

Should You Buy a House With Cash?

With interest rates near zero, and some cash accumulated in the bank, I have been wondering if I should be paying down a part of my mortgage. This would allow me to save on mortgage interest, when my money is earning next to nothing in the bank. With a zero mortgage, I would be owning my house outright instead of the bank, as if I paid for it with cash. Does it make sense to buy a house with cash? Or is having a mortgage more beneficial from a strategic standpoint? Read more here... 


Photo courtesy: freedigitalphotos.net

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Budgeting Tips for Tough Economic Times

Recession or no recession, we are living in tough times. Gas prices may be easing, but are we out of the woods on the job front? Who knows? Here is how I am keeping a tight control over my expenses, but also keeping my outlook positive and doing my bit for the economy. Read more here...

Saving Without Sacrificing Brand Loyalty

As a value shopper, my demand for brand-specific products is elastic. I easily switch brands (or to private label) in search of the best price. However, for certain items like infant formula, diapers, cosmetics, razors, and condiments, I am brand loyal. Even though my demand for these is somewhat price inelastic, I do find ways of saving on these items and finding the cheapest price through coupons, samples, and discount retailers. How? Read more here!

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

What I Would Do If I Lost My Wallet

Losing a wallet is a traumatic experience, with possible long-term negative effects on your financial health. In the best case, you lose the cash you were carrying, in the worst case, you could lose your identity. Click here to read my lost wallet checklist.

Monday, June 11, 2012

Best Hotels for Watching Macys New York City 4th of July Fireworks

In 2012, NYC Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks in New York, the largest fireworks display in the USA, will be held on the Hudson River between Manhattan and Hoboken and Weehawken, New Jersey. If you are looking for information on the best spots to view the NYC Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks in New York, you can click here for a local expert's guide.

For a list and description of the best hotels for watching New York City Fourth of July fireworks, read on.

According to the official Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks website, the best views from New York City are on the West Side Highway (12 th Avenue) below 59 th Street, which can be entered through access points listed on the website. The actual barges from where the Macy's fireworks go off are located between 18 th Street and 43 rd Street on the Hudson River. The Macy's NYC fireworks are not visible from the East River, Long Island City or other points in Queens, Battery Park, or the Hudson River walkway north of 59 th Street. However, crossing the Hudson River and coming to New Jersey will help you not only get front row seats to the fireworks show along the miles of public waterfront walkways on the NJ Gold Coast, but also the stunning backdrop of the Manhattan skyline behind it. Here are the top picks on where to stay overnight to view the NYC Macys Fourth of July Fireworks from the comfort of your own room.

W Hoboken
225 River Street, Hoboken, NJ

The W Hoboken should provide fantastic views of the Macy's Fourth of July fireworks as it is a waterfront property and the highest building in Hoboken with unobstructed views stretching from George Washington Bridge to Statue of Liberty. The W Hoboken is within walking distance of the PATH and downtown Hoboken ferry. It houses the highly rated Zylo Steakhouse, and is in close proximity to several top restaurants and bakeries in Hoboken, including Carlo's City Hall Bakery (of Cake Boss fame). Rates start at about $400 for NYC facing rooms and suites.

Sheraton Lincoln Harbor Hotel
500 Harbor Boulevard, Weehawken, NJ
Situated almost directly across from one of the fireworks barges, the Sheraton Lincoln Harbor Hotel, which would provide a more close up view of the Macy's 4th of July fireworks. The Lincoln Harbor ferry (from 38th Street Pier in Manhattan) gets you to the doorstep of the Sheraton Lincoln Harbor Hotel. There is a Ruth Chris' Steak House and Chart House restaurant across from the hotel. Rates start from about $229 for non city view rooms to $429.

Short Term Furnished Housing at Shipyard and 333 River
Applied Development Company, which owns several premium high rise waterfront buildings in Hoboken, including Sovereign, Independence, Vanguard, Constitution Court (collectively called Shipyard) and 333 River, has a handful of fully furnished short term luxury rental apartments. Several of these will provide access to viewing the Macys Fireworks either from inside the apartment, or from common areas, like the community pool. For more information, please visit the Applied Development Co website.

Fireworks CruisesIn the event these hotels are sold out, fireworks cruises offer an opportunity to view the Macys 4th of July Fireworks up close, yet from a safe distance. For more information, please visit July Fourth Cruises.
Need more local information? Please read: Guide to Viewing 2012 New York City 4th of July Fireworks

Useful Links:
Macy's Fireworks Home Page

Sunday, June 10, 2012

9 Ways to Save Over 50% on College Textbooks

 photo: sxc.hu
The average cost of books and supplies at a four-year public university in 2010 was $1,137, according to the College Board . However, I rarely spent more than $500 a year college textbooks. How did I manage to get college books so cheap? I did bought new textbooks as the last option, and opted for used books, sharing, and borrowing from the library. I also sold my old books for top dollar.
Read the article here.

Friday, June 8, 2012

Dish Network Chief Talks About Auto Hop

courtesy: freedigitalphotos.net
In a rare interview with the Wall Street Journal, DISH Chairman Charlie Ergen talked about his daughter's braces, poker and why he wants Dish's Hopper DVR to Auto Hop all network TV ads for recorded primetime shows.

As a viewer, I totally agree! Why make viewers sit through 18 minutes of ads per hour? You know they will walk away and tune out anyway. I often resort to muting the commercials because they are so annoying.

My take on Auto Hop and why network ads execs should think of creative solutions rather than start an ugly fight.

TV Networks Want to Pause Dish Network’s 'Auto Hop' Ad-Skipping DVR

Fake Debt Collectors Scam Americans by Collecting Phantom Debt

Courtesy: freedigitalphotos.net
Yahoo's main page today features an article and video by ABC News, titled "Phantom Debt Collectors From India Harass Americans, Demand Money." The issue was reported in February 2012 by the Wall Street Journal, in an article titled "India’s Fake Debt Collectors Said to Target U.S. Citizens."

While not a victim of this particular scam, I once stood up to a debt collection agency to fight back a debt that should not have been mine. Understanding the process and making the deadlines was the key to my success.

For more info on fake collection calls, please visit FTC's site.

Thursday, June 7, 2012

4 Key Post IPO Dates Investors Should Take Note Of

While the secondary stock market is largely a free market where demand and supply for stock create a market price, initial public offerings (IPO) are different. After the initial price and size of the offering are set by the underwriting syndicate managing the IPO, there are several legitimate methods that brokerage firms underwriting the IPO use to restrict additional supply of shares, which would be a drag on the stock price. Oftentimes, after these restrictions are lifted, the stock price takes a step down. As a result, IPO investors should mark these key post IPO dates on their calendars, when an IPO stock's price could face downward pressure. Read more here...

Starbucks Yet to Stop Using Cochineal Coloring Made from Beetles

As of June 7, Starbucks is still a few weeks away from transitioning away from the cochineal or beetle based red dye used in Strawberries & Crème Frappuccino blended beverage and Strawberry Banana Smoothie. Cochineal extract, also known as carmine is also used in food offerings such as Raspberry Swirl Cake, Birthday Cake Pop, Mini Donut with pink icing, and Red Velvet Whoopie Pie.

In April bowing to pressure, Starbucks had announced it would use tomato based lycopene to color its foods and beverages red or pink. Yet, before it made the switch, the company ran a promotion last month when all its Frappuccino drinks, including the beetle dye strawberry one, was on sale at half price in the afternoon.

A local Starbucks barista confirmed today that they have not seen the new formulation.

Read more about cochineal beetles and Starbucks' initiative here.

Is President Obama Paying Your Utility or Electric Bills?

Courtesy: FreeDigitalPhotos.net
A new scam by identity thieves is targeting utility customers nationwide. It involves a rumor that President Obama is paying American consumers' electricity or utility bills.

Recently, a rather disturbing email popped up in my inbox. On June 6, my utility company alerted me to a nationwide payment scam where scammers, posing as utility billing personnel were calling to tell customers of a one time payment by President Barack Obama towards utility bills. All the customer had to do was provide a social security number and verify some personal information and their electric bill would be paid, just one time, by President Obama. The funds would be wired by a Federal Reserve Bank, whose (incorrect) routing number was then provided by the scammers.

On June 27, Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) sent out a warning letter to its customers.

According to the utility companies, the scammers also used text messages, email, even social media to lure customers into believe that a single bill would be paid with a federal credit or payment.

President Barack Obama providing credits or applying payments to utility bills sound too good to be true? It is. Giving your social security number away is an invitation for identity theft.

While the reach of the scam is still increasing, electric and natural gas utilties in CO, FL, IA, GA, KS, MI, MS, NC, NJ, NY, TN, TX, UT, VA etc have already sent out warning emails to their clients. The scam has also been reported on Snopes and various local media, such as a CBS affiliate in Dallas.
While the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services does offer a Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), no universal credit is being made available by President Obama to pay utility bills for all Americans.

My utility has advised customers who believe are victims of the ulitity bill payment scam to notify the proper authorities, such as local police and report the incident to the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs (DCA) at (800) 242-5846 or (973) 504-6200. LIPA did not provide a contact number in their letter. Residents in other states should contact their own consumer affairs divisions.

No matter what the temptation, I will never provide my social security or other sensitive information over the phone. Here are some of my other safety tips.


Protecting Against Identity Fraud and Preserving My Security on Facebook
What I Would Do If I Lost My Wallet
Credit Card Lessons that I Have Learned

10 Reasons Why You Should Start Investing Early in a 401(k) Plan

Courtesy: freedigitalphotos.net
Less than 50% of the people in their 20s invest in a 401(k) plan at their workplace. But the power of compounding works in favor of the early saver. A person contributing only $5,000 each year (less than $500 per month) starting at age 25 will have a bigger nest egg than a person contributing $10,000 each year, starting at age 35 (assuming 8% rate of return). Here are some other reasons why I started saving for my retirement in my early 20s.

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

How to Save Up to 40% on Major Appliance Purchases

Buying a major appliance such as a refrigerator, washing machine, dishwasher or cooking range can cause a big dent to the wallet. Here are some ways I save off the list price. These have helped me save 30-40% for planned purchases (when I was flexible with choosing a brand, a model or a color) and 10-20% when a purchase was unplanned and I had only a day or two to shop. Read more here...

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Best Places to Watch New York City Macys Fourth of July Fireworks


Looking for information on the best spots to view the NYC Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks in New York? Here is a local expert's guide.

When: July 4th at approximately 9:20 pm and lasting 25 minutes (rain date July 5th). For best seats, plan to arrive before 7 pm.

How to get there: Due to various street closures and parking restrictions, viewers are strongly urged to take mass transit. For information on watching NYC Macy's Fireworks from Manhattan, please visit the official Macy's 4th of July Fireworks website. If you are watching from New Jersey, your public commute options include PATH, NY Waterway Ferry, NJ Transit, and Hudson Bergen Light Rail.

Where: The NYC Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks show will be set off from six barges positioned on the Hudson River, stretching from 18th to 43rd Streets in Manhattan. This corresponds to the city of Weehawken, which is directly across from the barges, and north Hoboken.

Where to stay overnight: If you are planning to stay at a hotel, the W Hoboken should provide fantastic views of the Macy's Fourth of July fireworks as it is a waterfront property and the highest building in Hoboken with unobstructed views stretching from George Washington Bridge to Statue of Liberty. It is within walking distance of the PATH and downtown Hoboken ferry. The other option the Sheraton Lincoln Harbor Hotel, which would provide a more close up view of the Macy's 4th of July fireworks. The Lincoln Harbor ferry (from 38th Street Pier in Manhattan) gets you to the doorstep of the Sheraton Lincoln Harbor Hotel.

Manhattan

Every year, tens of thousands of tourists come to New York City to witness the largest fireworks display in the USA--The Macy's 4th of July Fireworks. According to the official Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks website, the best views from New York City are on the West Side Highway (12th Avenue) below 59th Street, which can be entered through access points listed on the website. The actual barges from where the Macy's fireworks go off are located between 18th Street and 43rd Street on the Hudson River. The Macy's NYC fireworks are not visible from the East River, Long Island City or other points in Queens, Battery Park, or the Hudson River walkway north of 59th Street.

However, crossing the Hudson River and coming to New Jersey will help you not only get front row seats to the fireworks show along the miles of public waterfront walkways on the NJ Gold Coast, but also the stunning backdrop of the Manhattan skyline behind it.


Weehawken

My top picks for watching the NYC Macy's 4th of July Fireworks are, not surprisingly, in Weehawken. The best views should come from JFK Boulevard East on top of the cliffs. However, Kennedy Boulevard East is closed for traffic beginning early afternoon, and open to pedestrians from then on. New for 2012 is a waterfront walkway that now connects Lincoln Harbor in Weehawken with North Hoboken. This gets you front row seats right in front of the fireworks barges.

JFK Boulevard East (from Highwood Terrace to about 50th Street)
Waterfront walkways from 19th Street onward
Lincoln Harbor Park (Weehawken residency proof required)

Hoboken

Sinatra Drive from First Street to 15th Street is a waterfront road with public walkways along much of it. New for 2012, this walkway now connects to Weekhawken's Lincoln Harbor. This stretch will be closed to traffic and open to pedestrians for viewing the NYC Macy's 4th of July fireworks. A portion of the street is generally reserved for food vendors, although the famed Washington Street with many restaurants is only three blocks away. As a reminder, north Hoboken, especially around 10th and 15th Street has unobstructed viewing of the fireworks on the Hudson. In 2011, the newly opened Pier C Park, a $25 million park on the Hudson River was closed off for security purposes. Do not plan for it to be open. Some other spots in Hoboken to watch the Macy's Fourth of July fireworks on Hudson River include:

Hudson Tea
Maxwell Place
Pier A Park

Jersey City

Since the cancellation of the fireworks show in Liberty State Park, Jersey City officials have been urging visitors to go to Weehawken or Hoboken instead. However, since many of the fireworks should reach up to 1500 feet in height, you will probably get a decent view of the New York city 4th of July fireworks from Exchange Place, which has a fantastic pier and walkway, and amazing views of downtown Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty.

Restrictions

The cities of Weehawken, Hoboken and Jersey City typically impose a variety of restrictions for the 4th of July fireworks. Street closings, no parking areas and a zero tolerance toward barbecuing, public consumption of alcohol, and in some cases, rooftop viewing, apply. Due to safety issues, several of the best Hudson River waterfront parks in Weehawken and Hoboken that should provide great views to the Macy's fireworks are also expected to be closed. Chief amongst these are: Hamilton Plaza, Weehawken Stadium, and the new Waterfront Park in Weehawken, and the new Pier C Park and Sinatra Park in Hoboken. For a complete list of street closures and restrictions, and hours of service of mass transit, please check the links below.
Happy Fourth of July!

Useful Links:
NY Waterway Ferry
Hudson Bergen Light Rail
Google Maps

Building a Tax-Advantaged College Fund for My Children

Courtesy: sxc.hu
This time each year, invitations for high school graduations begin arriving. Another year approaches towards sending my own kids to college. Like many parents, we are saving for our children's college education. However, there are many options to choose from, including 529 Plans, UTMA/UGMA, Coverdell ESA, Roth IRA and Education Savings Bonds, many of which are tax advantaged. Which ones do I like?

A Yahoo Finance article: First Person: Building a Tax-Advantaged College Fund for My Children

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/first-person-building-tax-advantaged-college-fund-children-183000212.html 

Sunday, June 3, 2012

Graduates: Don't Let Lack of Money Stop You From Going to College

Choosing the right college and successfully graduating through planning, negotiation and hard work (and not student loans) set me off on an exciting career path and paved my road to future success. Don't let lack of money stop you from going to college! Read more here...

Saturday, June 2, 2012

Home Appliance Cleaning and Maintenance Tips That Save Me Money

Simple cleaning tips and maintenance can help extend the useful life of several home appliances like air conditioners, laundry, and kitchen appliances, and help avoid some expensive problems. This helps me set aside more savings for major remodeling and renovation to enhance the value of my home, rather than unexpected and costly repairs. Read more here...

Friday, June 1, 2012

Splitting a Coke is One of the Many Ways of Saving Up to 50% While Dining Out at Restaurants

Courtesy: sxc.hu
Recently, Mayor Bloomberg announced a proposed ban on selling any cup or bottle of sweetened drink larger than 16 fluid ounces in New York City.
I rarely drink Coke or Pepsi, or for that matter any soda. But sharing a beverage has been a bit of a strategy on my restaurant outings, not just to curb costs, but unnecessary calories. Still 16 fl oz should be plenty to share.
Meanwhile, here are my top 10 tips on How I Save Up to 50% While Dining Out at Restaurants