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
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