Friday, September 5, 2014
Monday, September 1, 2008
Money Saving Tip$ 4 U - Simply Ways to Save $ Each & Every Day!
Money is one of the greatest tools in life. It can buy convenience, freedom, fun experiences, memorable events, and all sorts of things that make life more comfortable. But money can also be frittered away, scattered on a pile of small things that have little impact on your life or spent on big-ticket items that have small-ticket results. The way you use your money in your life is up to you.
Conscious Spending is being aware of how you spend your money and how well that spending aligns with your personal values. Conscious Spending works by minimizing the money you spend on the things you enjoy less, in order to free up money for the things you enjoy more. That’s all conscious spending is: moving money from unfun things that drain your resources, and putting it in a pleasure zone. Why spend so much of your life working if you don’t use your earnings in a way that makes you most happy? Take the payment for your work and put it to your own best use. This concept is not selfish and does not mean that you are only spending money on frivolous things. The essence of Conscious Spending is ensuring that your money is spent in a way that supports you.
Simply Ways to Save Money Each & Every Day!
Spending less doesn't have to make you feel poor. Try these belt-tightening tips for everything from food shopping to home decorating and live richly on any budget.
Learn to Budget Easily. Here are tips that even the worst budgeters can use --
Use cash instead of credit. Don't carry your credit cards with you -- it will make you think before you make a purchase with cash only.
Have meatless days. We go meatless a couple of times a week. We started doing it during lean times, and even now that they aren't anymore, we still do it! Have spaghetti without meat, stir-fried veggies with cornbread or baked potatoes topped with broccoli and melted cheese.
Go glamorous for less. Ask your salon or local college if it has a training night. Hairdressers-in-training often cut your hair just as well as your regular hairdresser would (they're supervised by senior staff), but for a fraction of the usual cost.
Take brownbag lunches. When I go grocery shopping, I buy food that I can keep at work -- soups, frozen meals, snacks, juices, etc. I find that I can save $40 to $60 a week.
Rummage for bargains. Check out local garage sales on Craigslist.org. or use the Internet to check different newspapers for sales in a larger area than right where I live. We have saved thousands of dollars over the years by doing this. It's also great fun! You might even find some great items to re-sell on Ebay to make you some extra cash!
Get something back from your credit cards. Finding a credit card that offers some type of reward (cash back, phone discounts, etc.) and always haggle for a low APR if you plan on carrying a balance. Credit card companies are so competitive -- if you call your credit card company and tell them you've found a lower APR on another card, they'll most likely match it.
Keep a jar for change. When I use cash, I always break bills to get the change Once a week or so, I empty out my change purse and throw all the quarters and dimes into my jar. Over time it really adds up, and it's money you don't really miss.
Create savings goals. Quicken program has a feature called "savings goals," which is wonderful. Just create a "goal" and then create an automatic transfer from every paycheck in the amount that you want. The feature separates savings into different goals without actually moving the money into a different account. Goals can include gifts, vacations, repairs, taxes, insurance, dues, emergencies, etc. For large-budget items like biannual insurance or yearly taxes, this is a great way to save. It also helps to save for Christmas and vacations so you don't have to use your credit card.
Sign on for coupons and freebies. I have learned that if you really like a product you can call and ask to be put on their free sample lists and ask for coupons.
Visit consignment shops or your local thrift store. Consignment shops may even provide discount cards if you are a regular. In the summer, head for the yard sales. You will be amazed at the designer clothes you can find out there for a couple of bucks.
Being frugal does not mean being cheap! It means being economical and avoiding waste." Catherine Pulsifer
Conscious Spending is being aware of how you spend your money and how well that spending aligns with your personal values. Conscious Spending works by minimizing the money you spend on the things you enjoy less, in order to free up money for the things you enjoy more. That’s all conscious spending is: moving money from unfun things that drain your resources, and putting it in a pleasure zone. Why spend so much of your life working if you don’t use your earnings in a way that makes you most happy? Take the payment for your work and put it to your own best use. This concept is not selfish and does not mean that you are only spending money on frivolous things. The essence of Conscious Spending is ensuring that your money is spent in a way that supports you.
Simply Ways to Save Money Each & Every Day!
Spending less doesn't have to make you feel poor. Try these belt-tightening tips for everything from food shopping to home decorating and live richly on any budget.
Learn to Budget Easily. Here are tips that even the worst budgeters can use --
Use cash instead of credit. Don't carry your credit cards with you -- it will make you think before you make a purchase with cash only.
Have meatless days. We go meatless a couple of times a week. We started doing it during lean times, and even now that they aren't anymore, we still do it! Have spaghetti without meat, stir-fried veggies with cornbread or baked potatoes topped with broccoli and melted cheese.
Go glamorous for less. Ask your salon or local college if it has a training night. Hairdressers-in-training often cut your hair just as well as your regular hairdresser would (they're supervised by senior staff), but for a fraction of the usual cost.
Take brownbag lunches. When I go grocery shopping, I buy food that I can keep at work -- soups, frozen meals, snacks, juices, etc. I find that I can save $40 to $60 a week.
Rummage for bargains. Check out local garage sales on Craigslist.org. or use the Internet to check different newspapers for sales in a larger area than right where I live. We have saved thousands of dollars over the years by doing this. It's also great fun! You might even find some great items to re-sell on Ebay to make you some extra cash!
Get something back from your credit cards. Finding a credit card that offers some type of reward (cash back, phone discounts, etc.) and always haggle for a low APR if you plan on carrying a balance. Credit card companies are so competitive -- if you call your credit card company and tell them you've found a lower APR on another card, they'll most likely match it.
Keep a jar for change. When I use cash, I always break bills to get the change Once a week or so, I empty out my change purse and throw all the quarters and dimes into my jar. Over time it really adds up, and it's money you don't really miss.
Create savings goals. Quicken program has a feature called "savings goals," which is wonderful. Just create a "goal" and then create an automatic transfer from every paycheck in the amount that you want. The feature separates savings into different goals without actually moving the money into a different account. Goals can include gifts, vacations, repairs, taxes, insurance, dues, emergencies, etc. For large-budget items like biannual insurance or yearly taxes, this is a great way to save. It also helps to save for Christmas and vacations so you don't have to use your credit card.
Sign on for coupons and freebies. I have learned that if you really like a product you can call and ask to be put on their free sample lists and ask for coupons.
Visit consignment shops or your local thrift store. Consignment shops may even provide discount cards if you are a regular. In the summer, head for the yard sales. You will be amazed at the designer clothes you can find out there for a couple of bucks.
Being frugal does not mean being cheap! It means being economical and avoiding waste." Catherine Pulsifer
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Money Saving Tip$ 4 U - Beat the Recession
Things You Can Do Now to Beat the Recession
First and foremost - do not panic! Recessions come and go and economic recovery is going to happen. You will and can survive this period of economic decline. Following these money saving tips and you just might thrive.
Develop your greatest asset - Your attitude! It’s the way you respond to life and all of its circumstances. It is more important than how much money you have or how much you owe. Stay positive and things will get better!
In these challenging times, your attitude will either be your greatest asset or worst liability. If you are fearful, negative or just plain depressed you will guarantee your own misery and financial doom. The key to changing your attitude is to reprogram your mind. It`s a matter of focus because whatever you choose to focus on is what you will move toward. Energy flows where attention goes! Focus on positive and it will happen!
Assess your resources. Figure out exactly what you earn, what you own and what you owe. What potential benefits, such as insurance, do you have? How long would it take your unemployment benefits to kick in and to get that first check in the event you are laid off? Do you have enough cash to bridge the gap? Of all the things you own, what could be liquidated and how long would it take to accomplish that?
Live below your means. It`s a simple strategy: Spend less than you earn. Stop living paycheck to paycheck. Start swimming against the tide of the consumer credit culture that says you can have it all and then makes it possible for you to consistently spend more than you earn.
A good rule of thumb: Adjust your lifestyle so that it fits within 80 percent of your income. That ensures you will never be broke, no matter what happens. Reducing expenses is a noble endeavor, but you can`t expect to go from spending 125 percent of your income to 80 percent overnight. But if you start NOW and take it a step at a time, you will be amazed how quickly your financial picture will change for the better.
Accept that lifestyle changes are necessary, rather than trying to find ways to keep living the way you have been. You`ll have to buck a system that insists you deserve everything now and you can pay for it later. But that`s good. The consumer credit system is self-serving. It sees you as nothing more than a profit center.
Look at every place you spend money. What can you do to spend less? What expenditures can you eliminate altogether and where can you cut back, even if it`s only a little? The pay off for living below your means is that in time you will have money for what`s important to you and the freedom to do the things you want to do.
Live below your means. You`ll sleep better at night and be happier by day. Track your spending using an excel program such as this one.
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/templates/TC010233421033.aspx
Get out of unsecured debt. The minimum payment on credit card debt is calculated as a percentage of your current balance. The minimum payment drops as your balance is paid, but thanks to the magic of compounding you`ll end up paying for a long, long time if you allow the credit card company to determine the way you pay off the balance. If you have a $1,000 balance at 18 percent with minimum payments of 2.5 percent of the outstanding balance -- and you pay just the minimum required each month -- it will take you 153 months (almost 13 years!) to be rid of that single debt. And you will have shelled out another $1,115 interest to that creditor for the privilege.
First you must determine to add no more purchases to your existing credit card balances. Next you must "fix" your payments -- whatever your minimum payments are this month, decide you will pay that same amount every month even if your creditors will take less. It is very important that you "fix" your payments. When you finish paying the first debt, rejoice and then take that payment and add it to the payment of the next debt in line. When it is paid, take both payments from the two now-paid debts and increase the payment on the third debt in line by that total amount. And on and on.
If you diligently follow this plan you will be out of debt in a matter of years (like two or three) not decades.
Build a nest egg. Start right now to accumulate cash. Don`t stop until you have nested away an amount equal to pay your bills for a full three months (six is better). Then leave it alone. Don`t borrow from it or play around with it in any way. This is a sacred sum because it could mean the difference between survival or disaster in lean times. A good target: $10,000. Sure, that`s a lot of money. So start with $1, then make it $2. Before you know it you will have $50 and enough to put into a safe place where it can begin to earn interest and you can continue to "feed" your fund.
When deciding where to park your “nest egg“, think safety first. If you can earn interest all the better, but do not put this money at risk.
Refinance your mortgage. Mortgage rates are lower than they`ve been in 30 years, and lenders are hungry. That presents an amazing window of opportunity to reduce your interest rate and convert variable-rate mortgages to fixed-interest rate mortgages. Many mortgage lenders are offering no points, no cost, no fee programs. If you have a good track record and clean credit report, you are in a beautiful position to drastically reduce the cost of your mortgage. If you have an equity or second mortgage, you may be able to roll it into a low-rate first mortgage. The most logical place to start: Your current mortgage holder. Call and ask what program they have for you. Staying with your lender may save you the cost of an appraisal and other fees.
Unless you plan to move in the next year or so, go for a 30- or 15- year fixed rate. If you are willing to "buy down" the rate, you might get an interest rate in the low-six- or high-five percent range. You`ll have to pay "points" (a point is equal to one percent of the loan amount) for each 1/8 to 1/4 percent interest rate reduction below the going fixed-rate no-fee deal. You`ll have to run the numbers, but this could be an excellent way to go if you can recoup the points in lower payments within say two years. Strategy: Refinance to a lower interest rate but then continue making the payments you are used to. You will pay off your mortgage much sooner and avoid paying a ton of interest.
Put the lid on stress. Stress is not only hazardous to your health, it can make otherwise tolerable events of life unbearable. Stress skews your judgment, makes you more prone to make hasty, stupid financial decisions. Releasing the stress in your life will help to clear your mind so you can manage your finances calmly and intelligently.
1. Don`t rely on your memory. Write down everything -- appointments, when library books are due, etc.
2. Get up 15 minutes earlier so you don`t start the day already behind.
3. Embrace integrity. Do nothing that leads you to tell a lie.
4. Keep a duplicate car key in your wallet.
5. Don`t procrastinate. Hard work is simply the accumulation of easy things you didn`t do when you should have.
6. Organize your home and work space so that everything has its place. It is stressful and time consuming to lose things.
7. Plan ahead. Don`t let your gas tank go below a quarter tank. Buy stamps when you still have some. You get the idea.
8. Simplify, simplify, simplify.
9. Get enough sleep. Some of us need an alarm clock to remind us to go to bed.
10. Breathe deeply. Stress promotes shallow, short breaths. Check your breathing throughout the day and take several slow, deep breaths. Altogether now ... in through the nose, out through the mouth s-l-o-w-l-y.
11. Resolve to be tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant with the weak and erring -- for sometime in your life you will have been all of these.
12. For every one thing that goes wrong, there are 50 or 100 blessings. Count them. If your employer downsizes some will lose their jobs. And many will not. Make sure you`re one of them. Keep your expense account significantly below your authorized amount. Don`t complain but instead develop authentic gratitude for your job. Don`t whine, demand or play workplace politics. Keep a low profile. Do more than is required without demanding recognition.
Stay in the market. If you are in the stock market, don`t sell. Stick it out. Remember, until you actually sell you haven`t lost anything, even if on paper it appears that you have. History has shown stocks to be a great long-term investment. Don`t fret, don`t stew, don`t hover. Just get on with your life and devote your energy and attention to the other nine items in this list.
Avoid scams. They are the natural outgrowth of a stunted economy so brace yourself for the onslaught. You`ll be able to paper a small room in your home with all of the pre-approved offers for credit cards, loans and "opportunities" to get rich quick. (Actually that papering thing is not a bad idea if you`re looking for a cheeky decorating idea.) Run from anything that promises instant wealth with little work.
Shun new credit because it will lead to new debt.
Money is magnetic energy. You are a magnet attracting to you all things, via the signal you are emitting through your thoughts and feelings. - The Secret Book
First and foremost - do not panic! Recessions come and go and economic recovery is going to happen. You will and can survive this period of economic decline. Following these money saving tips and you just might thrive.
Develop your greatest asset - Your attitude! It’s the way you respond to life and all of its circumstances. It is more important than how much money you have or how much you owe. Stay positive and things will get better!
In these challenging times, your attitude will either be your greatest asset or worst liability. If you are fearful, negative or just plain depressed you will guarantee your own misery and financial doom. The key to changing your attitude is to reprogram your mind. It`s a matter of focus because whatever you choose to focus on is what you will move toward. Energy flows where attention goes! Focus on positive and it will happen!
Assess your resources. Figure out exactly what you earn, what you own and what you owe. What potential benefits, such as insurance, do you have? How long would it take your unemployment benefits to kick in and to get that first check in the event you are laid off? Do you have enough cash to bridge the gap? Of all the things you own, what could be liquidated and how long would it take to accomplish that?
Live below your means. It`s a simple strategy: Spend less than you earn. Stop living paycheck to paycheck. Start swimming against the tide of the consumer credit culture that says you can have it all and then makes it possible for you to consistently spend more than you earn.
A good rule of thumb: Adjust your lifestyle so that it fits within 80 percent of your income. That ensures you will never be broke, no matter what happens. Reducing expenses is a noble endeavor, but you can`t expect to go from spending 125 percent of your income to 80 percent overnight. But if you start NOW and take it a step at a time, you will be amazed how quickly your financial picture will change for the better.
Accept that lifestyle changes are necessary, rather than trying to find ways to keep living the way you have been. You`ll have to buck a system that insists you deserve everything now and you can pay for it later. But that`s good. The consumer credit system is self-serving. It sees you as nothing more than a profit center.
Look at every place you spend money. What can you do to spend less? What expenditures can you eliminate altogether and where can you cut back, even if it`s only a little? The pay off for living below your means is that in time you will have money for what`s important to you and the freedom to do the things you want to do.
Live below your means. You`ll sleep better at night and be happier by day. Track your spending using an excel program such as this one.
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/templates/TC010233421033.aspx
Get out of unsecured debt. The minimum payment on credit card debt is calculated as a percentage of your current balance. The minimum payment drops as your balance is paid, but thanks to the magic of compounding you`ll end up paying for a long, long time if you allow the credit card company to determine the way you pay off the balance. If you have a $1,000 balance at 18 percent with minimum payments of 2.5 percent of the outstanding balance -- and you pay just the minimum required each month -- it will take you 153 months (almost 13 years!) to be rid of that single debt. And you will have shelled out another $1,115 interest to that creditor for the privilege.
First you must determine to add no more purchases to your existing credit card balances. Next you must "fix" your payments -- whatever your minimum payments are this month, decide you will pay that same amount every month even if your creditors will take less. It is very important that you "fix" your payments. When you finish paying the first debt, rejoice and then take that payment and add it to the payment of the next debt in line. When it is paid, take both payments from the two now-paid debts and increase the payment on the third debt in line by that total amount. And on and on.
If you diligently follow this plan you will be out of debt in a matter of years (like two or three) not decades.
Build a nest egg. Start right now to accumulate cash. Don`t stop until you have nested away an amount equal to pay your bills for a full three months (six is better). Then leave it alone. Don`t borrow from it or play around with it in any way. This is a sacred sum because it could mean the difference between survival or disaster in lean times. A good target: $10,000. Sure, that`s a lot of money. So start with $1, then make it $2. Before you know it you will have $50 and enough to put into a safe place where it can begin to earn interest and you can continue to "feed" your fund.
When deciding where to park your “nest egg“, think safety first. If you can earn interest all the better, but do not put this money at risk.
Refinance your mortgage. Mortgage rates are lower than they`ve been in 30 years, and lenders are hungry. That presents an amazing window of opportunity to reduce your interest rate and convert variable-rate mortgages to fixed-interest rate mortgages. Many mortgage lenders are offering no points, no cost, no fee programs. If you have a good track record and clean credit report, you are in a beautiful position to drastically reduce the cost of your mortgage. If you have an equity or second mortgage, you may be able to roll it into a low-rate first mortgage. The most logical place to start: Your current mortgage holder. Call and ask what program they have for you. Staying with your lender may save you the cost of an appraisal and other fees.
Unless you plan to move in the next year or so, go for a 30- or 15- year fixed rate. If you are willing to "buy down" the rate, you might get an interest rate in the low-six- or high-five percent range. You`ll have to pay "points" (a point is equal to one percent of the loan amount) for each 1/8 to 1/4 percent interest rate reduction below the going fixed-rate no-fee deal. You`ll have to run the numbers, but this could be an excellent way to go if you can recoup the points in lower payments within say two years. Strategy: Refinance to a lower interest rate but then continue making the payments you are used to. You will pay off your mortgage much sooner and avoid paying a ton of interest.
Put the lid on stress. Stress is not only hazardous to your health, it can make otherwise tolerable events of life unbearable. Stress skews your judgment, makes you more prone to make hasty, stupid financial decisions. Releasing the stress in your life will help to clear your mind so you can manage your finances calmly and intelligently.
1. Don`t rely on your memory. Write down everything -- appointments, when library books are due, etc.
2. Get up 15 minutes earlier so you don`t start the day already behind.
3. Embrace integrity. Do nothing that leads you to tell a lie.
4. Keep a duplicate car key in your wallet.
5. Don`t procrastinate. Hard work is simply the accumulation of easy things you didn`t do when you should have.
6. Organize your home and work space so that everything has its place. It is stressful and time consuming to lose things.
7. Plan ahead. Don`t let your gas tank go below a quarter tank. Buy stamps when you still have some. You get the idea.
8. Simplify, simplify, simplify.
9. Get enough sleep. Some of us need an alarm clock to remind us to go to bed.
10. Breathe deeply. Stress promotes shallow, short breaths. Check your breathing throughout the day and take several slow, deep breaths. Altogether now ... in through the nose, out through the mouth s-l-o-w-l-y.
11. Resolve to be tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant with the weak and erring -- for sometime in your life you will have been all of these.
12. For every one thing that goes wrong, there are 50 or 100 blessings. Count them. If your employer downsizes some will lose their jobs. And many will not. Make sure you`re one of them. Keep your expense account significantly below your authorized amount. Don`t complain but instead develop authentic gratitude for your job. Don`t whine, demand or play workplace politics. Keep a low profile. Do more than is required without demanding recognition.
Stay in the market. If you are in the stock market, don`t sell. Stick it out. Remember, until you actually sell you haven`t lost anything, even if on paper it appears that you have. History has shown stocks to be a great long-term investment. Don`t fret, don`t stew, don`t hover. Just get on with your life and devote your energy and attention to the other nine items in this list.
Avoid scams. They are the natural outgrowth of a stunted economy so brace yourself for the onslaught. You`ll be able to paper a small room in your home with all of the pre-approved offers for credit cards, loans and "opportunities" to get rich quick. (Actually that papering thing is not a bad idea if you`re looking for a cheeky decorating idea.) Run from anything that promises instant wealth with little work.
Shun new credit because it will lead to new debt.
Money is magnetic energy. You are a magnet attracting to you all things, via the signal you are emitting through your thoughts and feelings. - The Secret Book
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Money Saving Tip$ 4 U - Back to School
It's That Time of Year Again - - BACK TO SCHOOL
It hard to believe that the summer is close to ending, but back to school certainly is on the minds of parents and kids. Here are some tips to make the most of your school supply money.
Do they really need something new or do they just want something new. One of the biggest contributors to back to school expenses is the need of kids to have new stuff. While some new items are unavoidable, not every item needs to be brand new. Getting over this mentality is more difficult than putting it into practice. After a week, none of the other kids will be able to tell that your student's glue bottle was not full on the first day of school. Recycle your kids' school supplies.
Look through last year's school suplies. You may find many things that can start out the new year. Scissors and other school "hardware", like protractors, rulers and supply boxes, may have some wear, but will work for another year. Glue bottles that are at least half full can enjoy renewed life Even crayons can be fixed up like new. Recycle other kids' school supplies. As kids get older, their supply lists change.
Organizing a neighborhood "used school supply swap". You and your neighbors can benefit from items in usable condition that may not be needed for the next grade. If your third grader has outgrown his scissors, there will be a kindergartner ready to take them over. Items you purchased in bulk, like those big pink erasers, can be used to bargain your way to other supplies that need replaced. Also, some teachers require different brands than other teachers, so you may be able to swap those Crayola colored pencils for the RoseArt markers this year's teacher has requested.
Check out Office Max - There are a lot of penny items for back to school. They have crayons for a penny as well as rulers for a penny. Every week, Office Max puts the power in your penny on different items. So you should check to see when the products you need are part of the promotion.
Check the circulars and you'll also find great deals at other retailers.
If possible void brand names and trendy clothes. You can get so much more for your money, if you go to an off priced, discount type of store. Keep in mind too, that consignment shops and some really nice thrift shops will be a good alternative. You can even combine your neighborhood swap to include clothing and shoes for the younger children.
If your school allows it, pay your tuition with your rewards credit card. You can get reward points or cash back, just by using your card. This only works if you can pay off the balance right away.
Packing your child's lunch will help save money throughout the school year.
If there were no schools to take the children away from home part of the time, the insane asylums would be filled with mothers. ~Edgar W. Howe
It hard to believe that the summer is close to ending, but back to school certainly is on the minds of parents and kids. Here are some tips to make the most of your school supply money.
Do they really need something new or do they just want something new. One of the biggest contributors to back to school expenses is the need of kids to have new stuff. While some new items are unavoidable, not every item needs to be brand new. Getting over this mentality is more difficult than putting it into practice. After a week, none of the other kids will be able to tell that your student's glue bottle was not full on the first day of school. Recycle your kids' school supplies.
Look through last year's school suplies. You may find many things that can start out the new year. Scissors and other school "hardware", like protractors, rulers and supply boxes, may have some wear, but will work for another year. Glue bottles that are at least half full can enjoy renewed life Even crayons can be fixed up like new. Recycle other kids' school supplies. As kids get older, their supply lists change.
Organizing a neighborhood "used school supply swap". You and your neighbors can benefit from items in usable condition that may not be needed for the next grade. If your third grader has outgrown his scissors, there will be a kindergartner ready to take them over. Items you purchased in bulk, like those big pink erasers, can be used to bargain your way to other supplies that need replaced. Also, some teachers require different brands than other teachers, so you may be able to swap those Crayola colored pencils for the RoseArt markers this year's teacher has requested.
Check out Office Max - There are a lot of penny items for back to school. They have crayons for a penny as well as rulers for a penny. Every week, Office Max puts the power in your penny on different items. So you should check to see when the products you need are part of the promotion.
Check the circulars and you'll also find great deals at other retailers.
If possible void brand names and trendy clothes. You can get so much more for your money, if you go to an off priced, discount type of store. Keep in mind too, that consignment shops and some really nice thrift shops will be a good alternative. You can even combine your neighborhood swap to include clothing and shoes for the younger children.
If your school allows it, pay your tuition with your rewards credit card. You can get reward points or cash back, just by using your card. This only works if you can pay off the balance right away.
Packing your child's lunch will help save money throughout the school year.
If there were no schools to take the children away from home part of the time, the insane asylums would be filled with mothers. ~Edgar W. Howe
Friday, August 22, 2008
Sue's Money Saving Tip$ 4 U - 4 the Kids
Make a big deal out of your child's big day without spending a dime. Here are a few free birthday clubs to sign your child up for:
Toys "R" Us
Toys "R" Us really knows how to celebrate birthdays. Sign your child up for Geoffrey's Birthday Club and he'll receive a birthday card and surprise gift each year. Plus, he'll also receive an invitation to come into the store for a special birthday experience.
Baskin-Robbins
Sign-your child up for the Baskin-Robbins Birthday Club, and he'll receive a coupon for a free 2.5 oz. scoop of ice cream on his birthday. Then, sign yourself up too – there's no age limit on this offer!
Boston Market
Treat your kiddo to a special meal out without having to pay the tab. When you sign up for Boston Market's Birthday Club, you'll receive a coupon for a free kids' meal, drink and dessert by mail.
Denny's
Have room for even more free food? Mail or fax the Denny's Kids' Birthday Club application, and your child will receive a birthday card that's redeemable for a free kid's entrée and sundae.
Red Robin
Join the Red Robin eClub and receive a gift just for signing up, a free burger on your child's birthday and the latest news! Just log onto their website for details.
Looking for ways to entertain your kids on the cheap? Consider one or more of these store-sponsored events:
Michael's Kids' Club
Every Saturday from 10am-noon, Michael's offers a kids' club for children 5-12. The cost is $2, and includes supplies. For even more fun, also be on the lookout for free Make-It-Take-It events that the whole family can participate in.
The Home Depot Kids Workshops
Bring out the do-it-yourselfer in your child by taking part in the free Kids Workshops at Home Depot. Workshops take place the first Saturday of each month from 9am-noon at all store locations, and even include a free orange apron for your child. Adult participation is required.
Lowe's How-To Clinics for Kids
Lowe's is another good source for free D-I-Y kids' projects. Clinics are offered on a bi-weekly basis from 10am-11am, and all building materials and tools are provided. Spend an hour with your child, and come away with a cool project that you built together.
Toys "R" Us In-Store Events
Crafts and games are just some of the things that you'll find at one of Toys "R" Us' free in-store events. Check you local store location or the website for a calendar of upcoming events in your area. Then, enjoy a trip to the toy store that doesn't have to cost you money.
Barnes & Noble Storytimes
Foster a love of books in your child by participating in one of Barnes & Noble’s free storytimes, which include a story and a creative activity to go along with it. Themes and times vary from location to location, so check with your nearest store for specifics.
Bank of America - Museums on Us
Check out Bank of America's new promotion. Get free admission the first weekend of each month to over 70 museums with your Bank of America card. Check out their website at:http://promotions.bankofamerica.com/museums/
If you want something expensive, you should ask your grandparents. - Matthew, age 12
Toys "R" Us
Toys "R" Us really knows how to celebrate birthdays. Sign your child up for Geoffrey's Birthday Club and he'll receive a birthday card and surprise gift each year. Plus, he'll also receive an invitation to come into the store for a special birthday experience.
Baskin-Robbins
Sign-your child up for the Baskin-Robbins Birthday Club, and he'll receive a coupon for a free 2.5 oz. scoop of ice cream on his birthday. Then, sign yourself up too – there's no age limit on this offer!
Boston Market
Treat your kiddo to a special meal out without having to pay the tab. When you sign up for Boston Market's Birthday Club, you'll receive a coupon for a free kids' meal, drink and dessert by mail.
Denny's
Have room for even more free food? Mail or fax the Denny's Kids' Birthday Club application, and your child will receive a birthday card that's redeemable for a free kid's entrée and sundae.
Red Robin
Join the Red Robin eClub and receive a gift just for signing up, a free burger on your child's birthday and the latest news! Just log onto their website for details.
Looking for ways to entertain your kids on the cheap? Consider one or more of these store-sponsored events:
Michael's Kids' Club
Every Saturday from 10am-noon, Michael's offers a kids' club for children 5-12. The cost is $2, and includes supplies. For even more fun, also be on the lookout for free Make-It-Take-It events that the whole family can participate in.
The Home Depot Kids Workshops
Bring out the do-it-yourselfer in your child by taking part in the free Kids Workshops at Home Depot. Workshops take place the first Saturday of each month from 9am-noon at all store locations, and even include a free orange apron for your child. Adult participation is required.
Lowe's How-To Clinics for Kids
Lowe's is another good source for free D-I-Y kids' projects. Clinics are offered on a bi-weekly basis from 10am-11am, and all building materials and tools are provided. Spend an hour with your child, and come away with a cool project that you built together.
Toys "R" Us In-Store Events
Crafts and games are just some of the things that you'll find at one of Toys "R" Us' free in-store events. Check you local store location or the website for a calendar of upcoming events in your area. Then, enjoy a trip to the toy store that doesn't have to cost you money.
Barnes & Noble Storytimes
Foster a love of books in your child by participating in one of Barnes & Noble’s free storytimes, which include a story and a creative activity to go along with it. Themes and times vary from location to location, so check with your nearest store for specifics.
Bank of America - Museums on Us
Check out Bank of America's new promotion. Get free admission the first weekend of each month to over 70 museums with your Bank of America card. Check out their website at:http://promotions.bankofamerica.com/museums/
If you want something expensive, you should ask your grandparents. - Matthew, age 12
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Sue's Money Saving Tip$ 4 U - Beauty
Thanks for all your support so far. This blog has turned out to be a success and I appreciate all your support. If you are receiving this via e-mail, make sure you log directly onto my blog via the e-mail ink at the bottom of the e-mail for more many saving ideas.
Have a Great Money Saving Day!
Money-Saving Beauty Secrets 10 ways to save on beauty products.
From LHJ
Getting gorgeous doesn't mean you have to empty your wallet. Try these low-cash, high-style beauty ideas instead:
1. Scrub up at home. Forego exfoliating treatments at a spa and whip up your own: Mix a handful of coarse sugar crystals with some olive oil, and use to slough off dead skin in the shower.
2. Fake a perfect manicure. Soak nails in lemon juice to nix stains, then use a nail buffer to make tips shiny. No polish required!
3. Maximize your lipstick. Your favorite lipstick can go the distance when you change its finish! Apply lipstick over a thin layer of Vaseline for a glossy look; pat on with a fingertip for a stain; dust with loose powder for a matte look; and mix with a bit of dark shadow for an evening effect.
4. Use hair products wet and dry. Instead of investing in two different styling aids, use one for all of your needs: Apply a hair cream to damp locks to tame frizz, then smooth on a bit when hair is dry to smooth flyaways. Or use gel on wet hair for hold, then add some more to dry hair for shine.
5. Hit the drugstore. Most drugstore cosmetics are related to department store brands: L'Oreal to Lancôme, Jane to Estee Lauder. That means the cheaper versions use the same cutting-edge technologies as their pricier sisters. Best low-cost bets: Mascara and lipstick.
6. Invest in all-over color. For a so-chic, monochromatic look, wear the same shade on cheeks and lips (and eyes, if it's not too rosy). Nars and Stila make top-notch all-over color products that are well worth their price.
7. Try a multipurpose miracle. Vaseline and Smith's Rosebud Salve are wonders: Use them as lip balm or gloss, to make eyebrows glossy, to moisturize cuticles, and to soothe dry skin patches. The bonus: They're super cheap!
8. Go for all-purpose moisture. A giant bottle of Cetaphil lotion -- under $10 at the drugstore -- works on face, body, even the roughest of heels. Plus, it's noncomedogenic, so it won't cause blemishes!
9. Stake out salon training nights. Most top hair salons offer low-cost cuts on training nights, where student stylists work their magic (under the close watch of their more senior colleagues).
10. Don't be fooled by high-price skincare. Dermatologists consistently recommend their old (low-cost) favorites: Neutrogena, Purpose, and Cetaphil cleansers and moisturizers.
Beauty has nothing to do with possession. If possession and beauty must go together, then we are lost souls. A beautiful flower is not to be possessed, it's there to be beheld. … It's there for your pleasure. --Diana Vreeland
Have a Great Money Saving Day!
Money-Saving Beauty Secrets 10 ways to save on beauty products.
From LHJ
Getting gorgeous doesn't mean you have to empty your wallet. Try these low-cash, high-style beauty ideas instead:
1. Scrub up at home. Forego exfoliating treatments at a spa and whip up your own: Mix a handful of coarse sugar crystals with some olive oil, and use to slough off dead skin in the shower.
2. Fake a perfect manicure. Soak nails in lemon juice to nix stains, then use a nail buffer to make tips shiny. No polish required!
3. Maximize your lipstick. Your favorite lipstick can go the distance when you change its finish! Apply lipstick over a thin layer of Vaseline for a glossy look; pat on with a fingertip for a stain; dust with loose powder for a matte look; and mix with a bit of dark shadow for an evening effect.
4. Use hair products wet and dry. Instead of investing in two different styling aids, use one for all of your needs: Apply a hair cream to damp locks to tame frizz, then smooth on a bit when hair is dry to smooth flyaways. Or use gel on wet hair for hold, then add some more to dry hair for shine.
5. Hit the drugstore. Most drugstore cosmetics are related to department store brands: L'Oreal to Lancôme, Jane to Estee Lauder. That means the cheaper versions use the same cutting-edge technologies as their pricier sisters. Best low-cost bets: Mascara and lipstick.
6. Invest in all-over color. For a so-chic, monochromatic look, wear the same shade on cheeks and lips (and eyes, if it's not too rosy). Nars and Stila make top-notch all-over color products that are well worth their price.
7. Try a multipurpose miracle. Vaseline and Smith's Rosebud Salve are wonders: Use them as lip balm or gloss, to make eyebrows glossy, to moisturize cuticles, and to soothe dry skin patches. The bonus: They're super cheap!
8. Go for all-purpose moisture. A giant bottle of Cetaphil lotion -- under $10 at the drugstore -- works on face, body, even the roughest of heels. Plus, it's noncomedogenic, so it won't cause blemishes!
9. Stake out salon training nights. Most top hair salons offer low-cost cuts on training nights, where student stylists work their magic (under the close watch of their more senior colleagues).
10. Don't be fooled by high-price skincare. Dermatologists consistently recommend their old (low-cost) favorites: Neutrogena, Purpose, and Cetaphil cleansers and moisturizers.
Beauty has nothing to do with possession. If possession and beauty must go together, then we are lost souls. A beautiful flower is not to be possessed, it's there to be beheld. … It's there for your pleasure. --Diana Vreeland
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Money Saving Tip$ 4 U - Energy Efficiency At Home
Small Appliances
Cook with small appliances. Cook with your toaster oven, electric skillet and slow cooker for specialized jobs, rather than the range. Small appliances use less energy.
Use the microwave. Microwave ovens shorten cooking times, which saves energy.
Clean or replace air filters. Replace filters on exhaust hoods, humidifiers, vacuums, etc. Clogged filters impair performance and cause the units to run longer.
Run cold water for disposal. Hot water requires energy to warm the water. Cold water saves energy and solidifies grease, moving it more easily through the garbage disposal and pipes.
Refrigerators and Freezers
Purchase an ENERGY STAR model. When buying a new refrigerator or freezer, look for the ENERGY STAR label. ENERGY STAR refrigerators and freezers can save you hundreds of dollars on your electric bill over the life of the appliance. Remember, older refrigerators and freezers use two to three times more electricity than ones that are 10 years old or less. Select the right size. Determine your household’s needs before purchasing a refrigerator or freezer. One that is too large wastes energy. Only use one refrigerator or freezer. You can spend up to $120 in electricity per year using a second refrigerator or freezer. If you want to use a second refrigerator or freezer during holidays or for special occasions, turn it on one to two days before you need it. Don’t set the temperature colder than necessary. Set the refrigerator temperature between 36° F and 42° F. Set the freezer control so the temperature is between -5° F and +6° F. A small thermometer placed in the refrigerator or freezer will help you set it correctly. Clean the unit. Clean dust off the condenser coils, fins, evaporator pan and motor once or twice a year. A clean unit runs more efficiently. Unplug the unit and clean with a vacuum cleaner or long-handled brush. Defrost a manual-defrost unit regularly. Frost makes your unit work harder and wastes energy. Don’t allow more than one-quarter inch of frost to build up. Stay away from direct heat. Place the refrigerator or freezer away from direct sunlight and other heat sources such as ovens or ranges. Heat will cause the unit to use more energy to stay cold. Do not place the unit in unheated space. Don’t place your refrigerator or automatic defrost freezer in a garage, porch or other unheated space. If the temperature drops below 60° F, the unit will be less efficient and cost more money to operate. Or, the compressor may stop running, causing the temperature inside the freezer compartment to rise. Stored food could spoil. Check the seals. Refrigerator and freezer doors should seal tightly. Loose seals cause your unit to work harder and use more energy. If you can move a dollar bill through the closed door, the seal is not tight enough. Get the seals replaced or replace the unit if it is an older model. Dishwashers
Run full loads. Always wait until you have a full load before running your dishwasher. Full loads use the same amount of hot water and energy as smaller loads. You run fewer loads and save energy. Use short cycles. Select the shortest cycle that properly cleans your dishes. Shorter cycles use less hot water and less energy. Skip rinsing the dishes. Rinsing dishes before loading them into the dishwasher wastes energy. If you do rinse, use cold water. Clean the filter. If your dishwasher has a filter screen, clean it regularly. A clean appliance runs more efficiently.
Ranges & Oven
Reduce the heat. Begin cooking on a higher heat setting until liquid begins to boil. Then, lower the temperature and simmer the food until fully cooked. A fast boil doesn’t cook faster than a slow boil, but it does use more energy. Don’t peek in the oven. Resist the urge to open the oven door while baking. Every time you peek, the temperature drops 25° F and requires additional energy to bring the temperature back up. Use retained heat. Turn off cook tops or ovens a few minutes before food has completed cooking. Retained heat finishes the job using less energy. Consider a natural gas range or oven. Natural gas appliances cost less to operate than electric appliances and offer better temperature control. Put a lid on it. Cook food and boil water in a covered container whenever possible. This traps the heat inside and requires less energy. Make sure the oven seals tightly. Make sure the seal on the oven door is tight. Even a small gap allows heat to escape and wastes energy. If you can move a dollar bill through the closed door, the seal is not tight enough and should be replaced. Check the oven temperature. Test the oven temperature to be sure that the setting matches the actual temperature. If the actual temperature is too high, you will use more energy than needed. Also, your food may not turn out how you anticipate.
Washers & Dryers
Adjust the water level. If you have a washer that allows you to control the load’s water level, adjust the level according to laundry load size. You can save energy by using less hot water for small loads. Run full loads. Always run a full load in your washer or dryer. Running a partial load uses the same amount of energy as a full load – but you get less done. Running full loads allows you to run your washer or dryer less often. Wash laundry in warm or cold water. Washing laundry with warm or cold water works your water heater less. Use hot water only when the greatest cleaning is needed. Rinse in cold water. Rinse water temperature has no effect on cleaning. Rinsing with cold water saves money by heating less water. Place the washer close to the water heater. Water loses heat as it flows through pipes. When the washer is located near the water heater, hot water doesn’t have to travel as far to reach the washer, and less heat is lost. Insulating the pipes between the water heater and washer helps retain heat, too. Don’t dry clothes excessively. Drying laundry excessively uses more energy than is needed, and is hard on fabrics. If you purchase a dryer, get one with an electronic sensor that shuts off the dryer when clothes are dry. Clean the lint filter. After each load, clean the filter to keep the dryer running efficiently. Also, periodically check the air vent and hose for clogging. Keeping the air vent and hose free of lint prevents a fire hazard.
"The average person puts only 25% of his energy and ability into his work. The world takes off its hat to those who put in more than 50% of their capacity, and stands on its head for those few and far between souls who devote 100%." Andrew Carnegie
Cook with small appliances. Cook with your toaster oven, electric skillet and slow cooker for specialized jobs, rather than the range. Small appliances use less energy.
Use the microwave. Microwave ovens shorten cooking times, which saves energy.
Clean or replace air filters. Replace filters on exhaust hoods, humidifiers, vacuums, etc. Clogged filters impair performance and cause the units to run longer.
Run cold water for disposal. Hot water requires energy to warm the water. Cold water saves energy and solidifies grease, moving it more easily through the garbage disposal and pipes.
Refrigerators and Freezers
Purchase an ENERGY STAR model. When buying a new refrigerator or freezer, look for the ENERGY STAR label. ENERGY STAR refrigerators and freezers can save you hundreds of dollars on your electric bill over the life of the appliance. Remember, older refrigerators and freezers use two to three times more electricity than ones that are 10 years old or less. Select the right size. Determine your household’s needs before purchasing a refrigerator or freezer. One that is too large wastes energy. Only use one refrigerator or freezer. You can spend up to $120 in electricity per year using a second refrigerator or freezer. If you want to use a second refrigerator or freezer during holidays or for special occasions, turn it on one to two days before you need it. Don’t set the temperature colder than necessary. Set the refrigerator temperature between 36° F and 42° F. Set the freezer control so the temperature is between -5° F and +6° F. A small thermometer placed in the refrigerator or freezer will help you set it correctly. Clean the unit. Clean dust off the condenser coils, fins, evaporator pan and motor once or twice a year. A clean unit runs more efficiently. Unplug the unit and clean with a vacuum cleaner or long-handled brush. Defrost a manual-defrost unit regularly. Frost makes your unit work harder and wastes energy. Don’t allow more than one-quarter inch of frost to build up. Stay away from direct heat. Place the refrigerator or freezer away from direct sunlight and other heat sources such as ovens or ranges. Heat will cause the unit to use more energy to stay cold. Do not place the unit in unheated space. Don’t place your refrigerator or automatic defrost freezer in a garage, porch or other unheated space. If the temperature drops below 60° F, the unit will be less efficient and cost more money to operate. Or, the compressor may stop running, causing the temperature inside the freezer compartment to rise. Stored food could spoil. Check the seals. Refrigerator and freezer doors should seal tightly. Loose seals cause your unit to work harder and use more energy. If you can move a dollar bill through the closed door, the seal is not tight enough. Get the seals replaced or replace the unit if it is an older model. Dishwashers
Run full loads. Always wait until you have a full load before running your dishwasher. Full loads use the same amount of hot water and energy as smaller loads. You run fewer loads and save energy. Use short cycles. Select the shortest cycle that properly cleans your dishes. Shorter cycles use less hot water and less energy. Skip rinsing the dishes. Rinsing dishes before loading them into the dishwasher wastes energy. If you do rinse, use cold water. Clean the filter. If your dishwasher has a filter screen, clean it regularly. A clean appliance runs more efficiently.
Ranges & Oven
Reduce the heat. Begin cooking on a higher heat setting until liquid begins to boil. Then, lower the temperature and simmer the food until fully cooked. A fast boil doesn’t cook faster than a slow boil, but it does use more energy. Don’t peek in the oven. Resist the urge to open the oven door while baking. Every time you peek, the temperature drops 25° F and requires additional energy to bring the temperature back up. Use retained heat. Turn off cook tops or ovens a few minutes before food has completed cooking. Retained heat finishes the job using less energy. Consider a natural gas range or oven. Natural gas appliances cost less to operate than electric appliances and offer better temperature control. Put a lid on it. Cook food and boil water in a covered container whenever possible. This traps the heat inside and requires less energy. Make sure the oven seals tightly. Make sure the seal on the oven door is tight. Even a small gap allows heat to escape and wastes energy. If you can move a dollar bill through the closed door, the seal is not tight enough and should be replaced. Check the oven temperature. Test the oven temperature to be sure that the setting matches the actual temperature. If the actual temperature is too high, you will use more energy than needed. Also, your food may not turn out how you anticipate.
Washers & Dryers
Adjust the water level. If you have a washer that allows you to control the load’s water level, adjust the level according to laundry load size. You can save energy by using less hot water for small loads. Run full loads. Always run a full load in your washer or dryer. Running a partial load uses the same amount of energy as a full load – but you get less done. Running full loads allows you to run your washer or dryer less often. Wash laundry in warm or cold water. Washing laundry with warm or cold water works your water heater less. Use hot water only when the greatest cleaning is needed. Rinse in cold water. Rinse water temperature has no effect on cleaning. Rinsing with cold water saves money by heating less water. Place the washer close to the water heater. Water loses heat as it flows through pipes. When the washer is located near the water heater, hot water doesn’t have to travel as far to reach the washer, and less heat is lost. Insulating the pipes between the water heater and washer helps retain heat, too. Don’t dry clothes excessively. Drying laundry excessively uses more energy than is needed, and is hard on fabrics. If you purchase a dryer, get one with an electronic sensor that shuts off the dryer when clothes are dry. Clean the lint filter. After each load, clean the filter to keep the dryer running efficiently. Also, periodically check the air vent and hose for clogging. Keeping the air vent and hose free of lint prevents a fire hazard.
"The average person puts only 25% of his energy and ability into his work. The world takes off its hat to those who put in more than 50% of their capacity, and stands on its head for those few and far between souls who devote 100%." Andrew Carnegie
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