Saving Money – Even on a Tight Budget
With the average American save more than $ 400 a year, it seems quite clear that we have a problem with money. Add to that the statistic that the average American household debt is transferred to the $ 100,000 (which includes secured and unsecured debt, including home mortgages), it seems quite clear that we are also tight budgets. So how do you save money and create wealth when you’re barely making ends meet and trying to dig their way out of debt on a tight budget? Here are five tips to help you get started.
1.Track all your expenses for at least a month and see where your money goes. When I say I did it all. If you buy a pack of chewing gum to replace your console, write it down. I found the best way to keep track of my expenses is to ask every time of receipt, if I pay the debit, check or cash. You do not have receipts for ever, but this is the best way to determine where your money is going and whether there are any places where you can save money.Usually people are not as overextended as they think they are. We say we live paycheck to paycheck but in reality we are a “treat yourself” on a fairly regular, which grows to a large sum of money over time.
2.Make your own automatic savings plan. If your company offers direct deposit, which is paid each paycheck into a savings account. If your company does not offer direct deposit, check with your bank or credit union will automatically transfer money from your checking account to your savings account a month – or even better – every time you pay for.
3.Put your loose change in savings. Instead of throwing your change your hairdresser or your console, and then raiding now and then for the purchases of the money down to your bank and deposit it into your savings account. It adds up faster than you think. Even a small jar can hold a large sum of money to change!
4.Take advantage of free money. If your company proposes to bring the pension funds, make sure you contribute at least match the amount of your pension fund – otherwise, you’re throwing away free money every stage!
5.Look for deals. Not everything you buy must be brand new. In fact, you will save thousands of dollars when buying a new used items. Some people do not like the idea of wearing clothes to wear. I actually found a brand new, tags-still-on deals that cost the original buyer to hundreds of department stores, for whatever reason, the clothes have never been worn and turned over to the consignment shop for the lowest price.
Cars are another thing, you do not need to buy a new one. This brand new luxury car loses thousands of dollars as soon as you drive a lot. In fact, it will lose 15-20% of its value during the year. So why in the world would I want to spend $ 25,000 on a brand new car, so I can buy for $ 16,000 after two years? Why not let someone else take that hit? I’d rather buy a new leather air freshener and save $ 9000 instead.
This is only a tip of the iceberg. ” I guarantee you that if I went through my bills and receipts for the month I was able to find ways that can save you money. My best advice is to start saving today – even if you start small. You’ll quickly develop the habit of saving money and be able to increase its savings rate so you can stop being broke and start building wealth.
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January 10th, 2012
How to Save as a Frugal Shopper
A frugal shopper has skills and ways of looking at things that help him or her take advantage of the money-saving opportunities in life. There are eleven of these techniques below. You can learn them in a matter of a day or two, practice them for a few weeks, and then save money for the rest of your life.
1. A frugal shopper studies other people. Do you know someone who always gets the best deal on cars, boats, or whatever? Ask him how he does it! Some people will tell you that the cheapest coffee in town is $3 per cup, while others will say 50 cents. There are probably people near you living a good life on half of what you make. Learn how others do things, so you’ll know your options.
2. Frugality requires knowledge of values. It’s tough to get a great deal on a car if you don’t know what a great deal is. Start educating yourself on prices, especially before you’re ready to buy anything that costs a lot.
3. Frugal shoppers pay cash. Things are cheaper when paid for in cash instead of credit. Want that new patio set? The price divided by the number of weeks you can wait to get it equals how much you need to set aside each week. You’ll not only save on interest when you pay cash, but you’ll often get a better price.
4. A good shopper looks for alternatives. Maybe you’d have just as much fun taking that discounted trip to the Bahamas as you would going to Jamaica. If you happen to enjoy pizza just as much – or more, skip the expensive restaurant and call Dominoes.
5. Frugal shoppers tell people what they need. Just mention it in conversation. Do you know how many people get free or cheap things, just because they talk? My neighbor wanted to upgrade her living room debt, and was thrilled that I would take her 3-month-old couch off her hands for $30. Glad I mentioned I was looking for one.
6. Do the math. You didn’t really save $400 on that car if it costs you $500 more in gas each year. Also, be aware that some stores are cashing in on shopper’s assumptions that larger is cheaper. Yes, the gallon of pickles might actually cost more than four quart jars. Be ready to do the math if you want to be a frugal shopper.
May You All Have a Happy and Frugal New Year
Frug 
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January 2nd, 2012
Is There Really a Freebie Santa Claus
If you are a cynic when it comes to offers of free stuff, you are not alone. Everyone has had notions like “there is no such thing as a free lunch” and “if it sounds too good to be true then it probably is” drilled into their heads, and for good reason – these things often hold water. On the flip side, there ARE actually lots of places you can score some decent free stuff, if you know where to look and are willing to devote some time to hunting them down. The key to getting the best free stuff with the least amount of hassle is to stick with that healthy cynicism but to also dipping your toe in the freebie pool little by little. Read the rest of this entry »
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December 24th, 2011
The Secret to Savings : Start with a Single Step
The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” It’s as true with saving money as with anything else.
These days, we’ve been frightened into thinking we must save thousands of dollars immediately. Most of us simply cannot do this, and the media does us no favors when it makes the situation sound so hopeless that we might as well give up.
Financial planning should be focusing on real people, people who have trouble saving, people who really need the help that instead seems geared towards the wealthy. Read the rest of this entry »
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December 18th, 2011
Frugality! A Word or a Way of Life.
The word “frugality” has left a more negative connotation for most people than simply being a saver, a cheapskate or tightwad. There is a thin line difference to saving and too much frugality to the point of being awkward and ridiculous. This is where the negative connotation comes from.
But if you are guided with the right principles and reasons in deciding to live a frugal life, you would never go wrong.
If you have decided to live frugally, no need to be worried of insults. Keep your head up high. And keep your focus through these tips. Read the rest of this entry »
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December 7th, 2011
How To Get Rich Today!
Want to know how to get rich today? You could try the lottery, or try your luck at the roulette wheel. Of course, you know the odds are against you, right?
Want a better way?
Start thinking about what it means to BE rich. Consider that you are sitting there with a fantastic machine in front of you – the computer. It can entertain you, educate you, employ you and more. Think back two hundred years ago, when the richest people in the world didn’t have access to a computer, or a television, or a car, or a refrigerator, flush toilets or modern medicines. Read the rest of this entry »
