Baby Bargains for the Budget Conscious

Having a child is a wonderful experience; however people often become pinched for cash when spending money on different baby products. Baby products can be expensive and ad up over time, but luckily, there are ways to cut corners and save money on different items that you have to by for your child. Follow the steps below and begin saving money on your baby products.

Nurse your child. If you are physically capable of nursing your baby, you should do this instead of buying formula. Purchasing formula for your child adds up over time so eliminating this product will save you money.

Find a WIC program. There are several Women Infant and Children programs throughout the country which work to help women who are living on low incomes. Find one of these programs in your area to see how they can help you save money with different products.

Use cloth diapers. Although many people don’t seem to like this idea, it is really an easy way to save money on baby products. Instead of spending money on diapers, you can save money by washing cloth diapers and reusing them.

Use coupons. Check the Sunday paper, the packaging of products or call the manufacturers directly for coupons. The money you save on individual items adds up over time.

Use store brand products. Instead of buying expensive brand name products, use the generic store brands as a substitute. These products are usually always the same quality, but for half the price.

Additionally, besides following the above mentioned ideas, remember that if you have to buy formula for your baby, choose the powder formula instead of the pre-made formula. It is the same quality and cheaper in price.

Remember that if you are trying to cut costs on medication by using a cheaper substitute, you should contact your physician to make sure that the medication you want to switch to is a healthy and effective substitute for your baby.

Right about now is the correct time to plan for retirement. Assuming there is a steady career in place, and possibly a home with a family, the target age for most individuals is around fifty-five. Yet in today’s society the average age of retirement continues to be pushed back, currently the average age stands at sixty-one and a half years of age. Now that may not seem like much, but considering the average life expectancy is about eighty-three years, losing six and a half years is approximately one third of the remaining years.

Now there are many reasons for this push back in retirement. Among them are more money towards a college fund, a weakening economy, and general fears of living out the final years in poverty.

Of the aforementioned, the only one that can be deemed reasonable is the weakening economy. When looking at a bank account in middle age, there really is no reason to worry too much about other people. The children will eventually be earning their own money, and hey if there is a need for some side cash in retirement would it not be better to retire seven years earlier and work part time for a few years? These questions should be looked at on a per case basis, but really it is not the time to put away the dreams that have been made for the sake of others, or the sake of fear.

Now is the time to make a plan for the future. There is no excuse for being taken off guard by the issues involved in retirement, really with a proper plan the retirement can be met earlier than the average, and while losing six years may not sound like much now, when there is only eighteen left to live, it will.

Manage your Money with These Simple Solutions

You keep saying to yourself that you want to save, but are sick and tired of living the way you are---broke. In order to stop living from paycheck to paycheck one of the following simple solutions to your money management problems may help you:

Make a list of all your monthly expenses, and know exactly how much money you need. If you do not have money for your rent, food, clothing, and other basic necessities then the first step is to find more gainful employment. Then the next step is to allocate money for all of the priority expenses first and also save yourself a reasonable amount of "fun" money.

Never go grocery shopping hungry. Generally you will spend about 10 to 20% less at grocery stores if you are not famished and craving every exotic food in site. You will also purchase healthier food which lasts longer if you shop on a full stomach. Along with that, it is smart to bring a list because you will then save on transportation expenses by not having to go back to the store.

Try not to use credit cards. If you can get away with it, shop with debit cards instead of credit cards. That way you know exactly how much you have spent and you will not spend any more than that. If you are contemplating purchasing an item on credit make sure you are able to make at least a minimum payment every single month.

Set aside an emergency fund. That way you won't panic when your car breaks down, you lose your cell phone, or your kid is rushed to the hospital. This may be easier said than done, but when done it can save you a heap of trouble. All it would take perhaps to create an emergency fund is a few less bottles of soda, packs of gum, or children's toys (yes, your kids have enough in most cases.)

Keep track of spending. Make sure you check your bank account before you pull out more money to go shopping. It will save you in the long run, especially from bank overdraft fees. That extra money you save keeping track of your money can be put to much greater use, such as being put away for emergencies or invested for a profit.

Plant your money in an investment account. Above and beyond the amount that you save per month it is recommended that you plan for your future by investing in some way. It could be starting a business so you can have a more enriching career, placing your money in an IRA, or trying your luck in stock market trading.

Analyze any risk before you take it. This point usually pertains to investment. It could also apply to major purchases that you make as well, such as when you plan to buy a house, car, or other long-lasting item. Remember that you will need to be at least somewhat confident given your current financial status that you can continue to make payments.

Avoid taking out payday loans or obtaining other easy credit. Although these have helped some people in a jam it can lead to an addiction. Soon you could be committing your whole paycheck to money you have not even seen yet if you get into this habit that is very hard to break. Not to mention, interest on these types of loans is usually 20% or more.

An additional tip is to remember that just because you are offered credit does not mean you should take it. Work to break the cycle of debt and not fall deeper into the hole. If you need further assistance with money management it is recommended that you contact a budget counselor. The Internet is also packed full of money-saving tips for individuals and families.

Live within your Means and Still Get Good Furniture

You probably hear it all the time. People spend thousands of dollars on a living room, dining room, bedroom, or kitchen set. When you hear how much people pay for their furniture, and still think they are getting a good deal you feel overwhelmed.

If this sounds like you, no need to worry. In fact, the reason you are reading this article is probably because deep down inside you know there is a better way to find quality furniture for less expensive prices.You can indeed live within your means and still get good furniture. The list below will explain how:

Shop at secondhand stores and discount stores. You would be surprised what you find. In fact, some items that are used are often in better condition than new items because the standards for making items used to be so that they would last. Therefore you may be better off with a couch or a table that is ten years or even thirty years old. Check out online auction sales.

Bid on online auction items. Sites like eBay run specials all the time for used and new furniture. The reason that some of the best furniture is sold for so cheap is often eBay sellers find huge lots of closeout items to sell. This leads to the next way to find cheap furniture.

Shop at factory outlets and close-out stores. Numerous models of high-quality couches, chairs, dining room sets, and so on are sold for cheap in these stores for one main reason-to get rid of them. Note though that getting rid of these pieces of furniture-or even whole sets-does not mean that they are low-quality. It usually means that it is one of many pieces of surplus left over from earlier models no longer sold.

Get creative. For instance, perhaps you do not have money to update your furniture but you just cannot stand the look of that 1970s upholstery that stands out like a sore thumb in your living room. You can learn how to restore it with a more update version of upholstery covering. Likewise, you can perhaps learn how to sand, stain, and varnish old wood furniture instead of buying a new piece or set. It would be almost like you had bought new furniture.

Take advantages of one-in-a-lifetime opportunities. It is often easy to find furniture discarded by people who are moving. They often will even give furniture away just because they do not want to bother with the expense of hauling it. Either that or they may sell it for cheap because they do not need it in the new place they plan to move.

Visit garage sales, moving sales, and estate sales. This is another place to capitalize on great furniture buys. You almost always can find something of value at these types of sales for at half or less of the original cost.

Ask around. Perhaps some of your good-hearted friends or family members know of someone who has inexpensive furniture to sell or give away. Word travels fast when they know someone is in need. Sooner or later you are bound to hear from someone willing to give you a deal (best deal is free) on furniture.

Other than that, all you need perhaps is a little patience and persistence. Your quest for the right-looking inexpensive or free furniture is likely to pay off faster than you might think. Not only that, but your friends and family are bound to be impressed. Now, whether you decide to tell them where you really got your furniture is to your discretion. Just remember though, there is no shame in discount shopping if it means you will live within your means.

No-Nonsense Tips for Living Within or Below your Means

All of us, especially in these times, could probably stand to save some money and lower our spending. But if you are heavily in debt or a chronic over spender, what can you do in order to live within, or better yet, below your means? Here are some no-nonsense tips for living within or below your means.

Use up all of your change

There is a good chance that you ignore your spare change. Those few stray dollars floating around in your jeans pocket or stuffed into your wallet does not command much of your attention, nor does that spare change jingling in your pocket. Well, it’s time to start paying attention to those stray dollars. Set up a stray change jar on your kitchen counter, bedside table or wherever you are likely to see it. Every day when you come home from work, school or wherever you spend your days, add a little something to the jar. Do this for a week and it will become habit. Do this for six months and you will find yourself with a cache of extra spending money. Make a deal with yourself to add to the jar for three months before you start taking from the jar. Or draw a line midway around the jar and don’t take from it unless the change and money reaches the line. Or if you are really disciplined, tape a sticker to the jar with a date six months from the date you started the jar and don’t take from it until that date. The trick is to trick yourself into saving money, and becoming more conscious of how you treat your money.

Make your own coffee

If you are like a lot of working Americans, you probably begin your day with a hot cup of joe. And you probably let someone else make the coffee for you. Whether it is Starbucks or a less expensive brand, you are probably spending a good chunk of change just by having others serve you coffee. Remember: coffee is no longer ten cents a cup like it was in the good old days. You are talking about at least three to five bucks a pop for a name brand latte or cup of coffee. Save yourself some hard-earned cash and invest in a good coffee maker (you probably already have one) and a good, sturdy and attractive portable coffee cup or canteen. Experiment with different coffee brands until you find one that you enjoy even more than that expensive café coffee. Simply getting into the habit of making your own coffee two or three times a week will save you hundreds of dollars over a year of coffee drinking.

How much are you spending on rent?

Are you overpaying on rent? Many people are. Are you paying extra for a pool you never swim in, a fitness center that you never use, or a private clubhouse that you never frequent? If your monthly rent is padded with amenities that you never take advantage of, take a serious look at your living situation and calculate how much you would save if you moved to a house, condo community or apartment complex that better suits your lifestyle. Other things to consider: paying for extra space that you don’t really need or use, or consider taking in a roommate if you don’t want to move but would like to save money on rent.

Take public transportation to work or school

How much are you spending on a weekly basis on just getting to work or school? In these days of record-high gas prices, chances are you’re spending too much on your commute. Just taking the bus or carpooling a few times a week can help you live within your more means more comfortably.

Conserve Energy and Reduce your Bill with this Great Advice

There has been no other time in history when so many people have been so dedicated to conserving energy and reducing their utility bills. With rising energy costs and global warming, conserving energy has never been so important in most of our lives. If you are dedicated to cultivating a greener lifestyle and lowering your utility bills in the process, here are some helpful tips and bits of advice that can help you cut down on your energy use.

Dial down your thermostat in winter

What does it mean to dial down your thermostat? Dialing down your thermostat in winter refers to the act of reducing the temperature in your home in order to conserve heating fuel. This concept is simple enough: the best way to conserve energy is simply by not using so much of it. You would probably be surprised how much you can save simply by dialing your thermostat two or three degrees from your normal temperature. Simply dialing down your thermostat one degree makes a difference. If you dial down one degree in winter, this will generally result in about one to three percent less fuel use, which corresponds to about one to three percent less fuel use which is reflected on your utility bill. In order to stay comfortably cool in the winter, slip on a sweater. At night, cover up with more blankets. This form of personal insulation is a great and efficient way to retain your personal body heat.

Come Summer, Dial Up

Just as you might dial down during the winter, the concept of dialing down can be simply reversed for the summer months. Dialing up is a great way to help conserve energy and reduce the cost of cooling your home during the hot summer months. As with the cold winter months, you want to dial up a few degrees and adjust your clothing for the warmer weather. Make sure to dial up your thermostat for when you plan to be away from the house.

For larger homes, make sure to close empty rooms

If you occupy a larger home or there are many rooms in your house that aren’t currently being used, make sure to shut the doors to rooms. This can help reduce the demand on your heating and cooling system and help keep the rest of the house at a moderate and comfortable temperature. Remember that the less space that needs to be supplied with cool or warm air, the less you will need to spend on energy costs.

Check that your home is well-insulated

You would be surprised what lurks in your home. If your home is not well-insulated, you may easily be losing hundreds of dollars or more each year on keeping your home warm or cool. Check for cracks in the foundation, thin walls or other features that may be keeping your home from staying cool or warm. You can have an expert perform an energy audit on your apartment or home and give you tips on how your specific living area can be better insulated for retaining a comfortable temperature.

Switch to energy efficient lighting fixtures

Most of us already know about the benefits of switching to fluorescent bulbs. These bulbs are long-lasting and can save you hundreds of dollars on your electricity bill over a year. Another great option that you can take advantage of is solar lighting. If you like to keep your house or yard lit throughout the night, consider switching to solar lighting. These lights use the sun’s warmth and energy to stay lit for several hours and can help save you money on your energy bill.

Learning to Live within your Means without Debt

With more people in debt than ever before, living within your means is a concept well worth exploring. First, what does it mean to “live with your means without debt”? Living within your means signifies being on top of your finances. It means knowing at the drop of a hat exactly how much you can afford. It means a low-stress financial outlook and lifestyle where you don’t stay up late into the night trying to figure out how to pay for that new jacket, car, vacation or whatever your weakness may be. Here are some tips for adopting the philosophy of living within your means and learning the joy of living without debt.

Spend less than you earn

This is a simply mantra that you should adopt in your quest to live within your means without debt: spend less than you earn. It really is that simple. Most of us, however, do the exact opposite. Spending less than you earn means you have to sit down and face the cold hard facts of your current financial template. Sit down and do some simple math: how much gross income do you take in a month. Next, subtract how much you need for life essentials. Life essentials include putting a roof over your head, food in your body and clothes on your back. Some financial gurus have come up with specific numbers on how you should ideally be spending your money each month.

How are you spending your money?

Here are the numbers on how the experts say you should be spending your hard-earned money each month. You should be spending 35% of your monthly income on housing and housing related costs. Transportation costs should equal around 15% of your monthly income. Shopping, food and entertainment should come in around 25%. According to financial experts, around 15% of your monthly income should be directed at quashing any lingering debt. Finally, don’t forget to pay yourself. Roughly 10 % of your monthly income should be directed into a savings account.

Study your numbers

Now that you have the numbers, do the math and see how your monthly spending stands up. Are you spending way more than you can probably afford on your monthly rent or mortgage payment? Are you splurging on your entertainment budget or spending half your income on shopping sprees? Are you paying off enough debt each month to really make a dent on those credit cards, or are you merely paying off interest? Are you saving anything for emergencies and the future? These can be hard questions to answer, especially if you have a sinking feeling that the answer is a resounding “no” on all accounts. But this is also a very important step to take if you are serious about living within your means without debt.

Secrets to living within your means without debt

These are not really secrets—most people who are debt-free or serious about becoming debt-free can find these out for themselves. The true secret is to live below your means. That is, spend less than you make. A lot less. How can you do this? Try to attack the problem from the angle that you already know needs attention. For instance, if you are a shopaholic, work on curbing your shopping sprees by making a written list of only the items you need before stepping out the door. Cross off each item as you shop. Also, consolidate all of your shopping needs into one trip, rather than smaller shopping trips spread throughout the week. Always buy the store brand, which is usually just as good as the name brand and a lot cheaper.

Get Back to Work with these Money-Savings Childcare Options

There’s no doubt about it: finding affordable and trustworthy childcare options is one of the biggest challenges facing many working parents today. What can you do in order to reduce your childcare costs? Having a baby can be a huge financial stain on first-time parents, and many don’t realize how many affordable childcare options there are out there. Here are some tips for finding ways to save money with different childcare options. Some of these may seem like common sense, while others may force you and your partner to make some hard decisions.

Financial aid can help you subsidize childcare costs

There’s no getting around the high cost of child care in the United States. In some cases, you may find yourself paying more for child care than your rent or mortgage. There is some help to be found with financial aid. Take advantage of flexible spending accounts offered by your employer, such as the dependent care account. These accounts allow you to save pre-tax dollars specifically for such things as day care and elder care. You can save thousands in taxes each year by taking advantage of these flex spending accounts. If you pay for child care expenses with your after-tax dollars, you can take advantage of the Dependent Care Tax Credit on your income tax return. You can claim from 20% to 35% of up to $3,000 for one child.

Check with you child care center for ways to offset costs

Some child care centers are willing to work with their parents to help offset costs. If you are having trouble keeping up with payments, talk to your child care center before things get worse. Let them know your financial situation and see if there are things you can do in order to offset your child care costs. Volunteering, donating goods or other kinds of contributions are sometimes an acceptable way of offsetting your child care bill. Some child care centers have the resources and information to refer you to government agencies that can also help with grants and financial aid.

Offset costs with family help

Traditionally, extended families have always been around to help offset the cost and responsibility of child care. If you are fortunate enough to have caring and supportive family members, see if they can help you with child care. Many couples or single parents work with their relatives to coordinate a child care schedule that works for both parties. Of course, you should do your best to compensate your relatives for this care.

Do you have a flexible work schedule?

Many parents rearrange their work days in order to take care of their children. With some finagling and juggling, many parents can reduce their day child care costs significantly by flexing their work schedules.

Start a home business or telecommute

With today’s advanced technology, it is easier than ever to work from home. If you or your partner has the option of working from home, take advantage of it. Even if you can only finagle a couple of days of telecommuting a week, this will still give you a great advantage. If there is simply no way that you can bring your work life home, consider starting a sideline business that can help you cope with the high costs of day child care.

Use student child care

If you are located near a college or university, there is a good chance that you can find adequate child care close to home. Many students charge less for their services than a professional day care business. If you are looking for a nanny, consider hiring from an au pair service.