Four Areas of Life to Downsize and Realize Money Savings

Cards with low interest rates

Look for lower interest rates from credit card providers. Before making your selection, compare introductory APRs, introductory periods, regular APRs, annual fees (if any), if balance transfers are available, and the credit rating levels required (usually Good or Excellent).

Frequent flyer cards

Compare travel services offered by frequent flyer cards with regards to blackout dates or other restrictions, as well as points that may be redeemable for dining, entertainment, hotel, rental car, cruises, air travel, retail shopping and cash.

Gas rewards cards

Save at the pump with gas rewards. Look for discounts or cash back on gas and vehicle maintenance, drugstore and grocery shopping, dining, and cable services.

Cards for bad credit

Look for card providers that offer online support services, such as email and text reminders of upcoming payments due.

Prepaid cards

People who have bad credit or want to put a tight rein on their spending may consider the prepaid card. This card is similar to the debit card because you use actual available monies deposited in your account; but unlike credit or debit cards, the prepaid card has no overdraft protection. On the upside, prepaid cards usually have no fees—no late fees, no over-limit fees, no transaction fees, no NSF fees (for insufficient funds) because you can only be approved for available funds. A prepaid card can be safer than cash, but make sure that the card is protected by fraud liability insurance. Also, see if it includes rewards programs, email and text alerts, bill pay and other online services. Usually no credit check or employment verification is required.

Applying for senior banking programs

Ask your banking representative about bank accounts and online services designed especially for people over 50 years of age. Also, ask about savings accounts with no or low minimum balance or monthly maintenance fees. In some cases, if you maintain accounts for both checking and savings, you might earn a higher interest rate on your balances as well.

Applying for online services

Once you set up your online account, you’ll enjoy the benefit of seeing your online bank statement at any time of day or night. Online services may include transferring balances from one account to the other, paying bills, financial “tools” and information resources. Depending on the institution, you may need to make a phone call and complete an application form to initiate your online services.

Getting online assistance

Have a question about your account? Check to see if your financial institution offers a 24/7, around-the-clock “live chat” on its website where you can hold an online discussion, in real time, with a service representative, or an internal email system where you can send a comment or inquiry with a response within 24 hours. In addition, your bank’s website probably offers downloadable application forms and other documents.

Accessing “financial tools”

Some offer special services like “online financial calculators” that you can use to analyze your personal finances to calculate savings goals for your retirement, determine auto loan payments, analyze investment returns, calculate credit card payoffs, assess debt consolidation, analyze mortgage payoff, determine your tax bill, and compare options for leasing vs. buying, etc.

Browsing for other financial resources

Some sites offer a whole “library” of resources, including links to other sites. Look for information to help your grandchildren with saving, budgeting, earning, borrowing and using checks. Look for information on home buying, selling, renting and improving your house. You might also find tips on identity theft, smart shopping, and government resources. This will help you reach the goals that you set for yourself as you try to enhance your financial life.

Penny-Pinching Tips for the Fresh Faced College Grad

Obtaining your college degree is one of the most important milestones of your life. However, so is managing your money, even if you have landed that dream job. If you have just graduated college, the following tips will be very helpful to you:

Set yourself limits on what you can spend money on. It may be tempting to spend your hard-earned money on every gadget, toy, and trip you want to go on. However, you also need to consider your future-and your future credit report. Therefore, setting monthly limits on entertainment expenses is recommended.

In order to keep your credit clean you need to be careful to live within your means. You may be able to obtain credit easily as a recent college graduate. That does not mean you should respond to every credit card offer you respond to. Think about how much you can realistically pay back in a month's time before you consider tacking on yet another monthly credit payment.

Save money. When you are young, especially if you are still single, this is the best time to save money. If you already have a decent steady job you can put away money in case of a financial hardship and it will help you to get through it easier. Furthermore, if you ever want to get married or have a family you will have funds for all expenses related to those activities.

Humble yourself a little: Thrift stores and discount stores have great merchandise too! There is no need to spend more than you need to on certain durable and semi-durable items. In fact, used items and discount items are available for nearly every purchase you plan to make.

Find an economical cell phone deal. There are actually plans out there that cost only about $50.00 or less. In fact, there is no shame in prepaid phones either, and the rates on those are actually becoming more and more reasonable. Make an overall budget and stick to it. Generally speaking, the amount of money you spend on housing should be about a third of your income. The amount recommended you save monthly is about 10% of your income, and you should try to keep your transportation expenses at about 15% for clothing, entertainment, and other miscellaneous expenses you would set aside between five to ten percent of your total monthly earnings. Remember also that you are only young once. When you are young it may be hard to think in the future. However, if you take the advice provided in this article to heart you will be less likely to say to yourself 10 to 20 years from now "I wish I would have saved more money" or "I wish I would have invested my money instead of squandering it" or similar statement.

On the flip side, there is no need for you to be so rigid with your money that you can never have any fun. Furthermore, once in awhile it would do you good to help others, as long as you know you can help yourself first. Aside from that, just continue to make choices over the years that you know you will reap rewards from and refrain from choices that have bad consequences.

Invest a portion of your money. Over and above your savings, it is advisable that you invest a minimum of two to five percent of your monthly earnings while you can at this time. If you procrastinate, you may not be able to in the future. So do it now while you can. If you have questions on what types of investments would be best contact a professional or conduct your own research online.

Going Green and Still Living within your Means

Going green may be good for the health of the planet, but it is often very unhealthy for the health of your savings. However, going green does not only mean shopping at chic eco-friendly boutiques or buying expensive organic produce. Here are some tips for going green and still living within your means.

Go green in your garden

One of the easiest ways to go green is in your garden. If you are an avid gardener or you’re just getting started in this rewarding practice, you’ll find that it’s one of the best ways to go green without spending a lot of money. Why pay a lot of money for fresh organic produce when you can grow it yourself? There are many pros to starting your own organic garden. First, you choose what you want to grow and eat. You control exactly what goes into growing your fruits and vegetables. Finally, you save a lot of money by growing your own fresh produce. You don’t need a farm to grow your own vegetables. Even if you live in a cramped apartment, chances are you can still grow some staple produce items. For instance, tomatoes grow just about everywhere. With a little care and patience, you will experience the unique pleasure of growing your own dinner, and saving a lot of money in the process. If you have a small space or corner in your yard, make your own fertilizer by composting your fruit and vegetable scr aps. Banana peels, melon rinds, apple cores and used tea bags can all become valuable fuel for a great compost pile.

Shop at your local farmer’s market

Chances are you won’t be able to grow all of your own fruits and vegetables. When you need to stock up on your favorite produce, head to your local farmers market. Buying locally is a great way to shop green since it uses less fuel for your produce to get to the market. It can also be easier to find deals on local produce, especially if you live in an area where certain fruits or vegetables grow in abundance.

Going green in your work life

Chances are that you can save a lot of money by going green in your everyday work life. For example, if you commute to work each day, you are probably spending a hefty price just on gas and car maintenance. Save money and help the environment by carpooling, taking the train or bus into work or by walking or biking. There are now many helpful services online that help match commuters. There may be someone in your neighborhood with a similar commuter route that you can carpool with. If possible, you should also look into teleconferencing and telecommuting if your job permits. Air travel has never been costlier or more hectic. Avoid the stress of traveling by car and air by teleconferencing instead.

Going green around the house

Your house is a place of comfort and rest. But it is also probably a place that costs a lot to maintain. Cut down on home maintenance costs by going green whenever possible. Make sure you have adequate insulation to keep your house cool in summer and warmer in winter. Change the filters on your air conditioning unit regularly to keep it working long and more efficiently. If possible, upgrade to Energy Star appliances to save money on refrigeration and washing and dryer units. If you haven’t already, upgrade to eco-friendly fluorescent bulbs. They may cost a bit more, but you will save money on your utility bill in the long run, and save yourself the trouble of changing your bulbs often.

Ways to Find Money for those "Extras" without Dipping into your Savings

Every once in a while, no matter how hard we struggle to save money and resist the temptation of buying everything in sight, we have to come up with extra money for an important (or sometimes not so important) purchase. How can you find money for those “extras” without succumbing to the temptation of dipping into your savings? There are many small tips and tricks that can help you find money for those extras without having to dip into your savings. Here are some of those tips and hints.

Trick yourself into saving money

In today’s material-driven economy and society, it can be nearly impossible to go very long without having to dip into your savings. Even if you are a disciplined spender who is capable of resisting the call of the shopping mall, chances are that you too have emergency extras. Your car breaks down. Your child needs braces. You find yourself having to take an emergency trip out of town. Whatever the case may be, there may be instances in which even the disciplined spender has to scrounge up some extra money. The secret is to do so without having to go heavily into debt or dip into your savings. Here is a trick that can help you be prepared for life’s little extras. Before you find yourself in need of making those extra purchases, prepare yourself by having a semi-secret cache of savings. The trick is to save money and then try to forget about the money you have in savings. If your savings cache is constantly on your mental radar screen, chances are you will be tempted to dip into it.

Keep a stray change jar on hand

One of the easiest ways of keeping a semi-secret cache of savings is by keeping a change jar on hand. Most people do not realize how much change they carry with them or neglect. Try this: designate a large jar (try a tall pickle jar) as your savings. Keep it somewhere safe, but where you will be reminded to empty your pockets after a day out. Your bedside is a good place, or wherever you clean your wallet or pockets. Contribute to the change jar every single time that you have change in your pocket. This can be a few stray dollar bills, some quarters and change, or whatever it may be. Chances are that your stray change jar will quickly begin to fill up. Help yourself to the jar when it is halfway filled. This can be a great place to raid if you need a few extra bucks for those small extras such as going to the movies, paying for a pizza or if you want to give the car a wash. Remember that the concept of the stray change jar is that you are constantly adding to it so that your funds for these extra purchases d o not dry up.

Make it difficult to access your savings account

If you have a healthy savings account but you are afraid that you will be tempted to raid it for non-emergency purchases, try to make it as difficult as possible to access your savings account. In today’s busy world, it can be very easy to ignore accounts and even lose track of exactly how much you have in your accounts. Use this confusion to your advantage. Set up your savings account so that part of your paycheck is automatically deducted and funneled into your savings account. Next, make it difficult to access your savings. This could mean that you open a savings account with a bank that you don’t frequent very often. Keep your savings account information filed away with other important documents that you are not likely to need frequent access to (birth certificates, health records, etc.). Store these important documents in a safety box in a place (a closet, a file drawer) where you are not likely to see the files often.

The Wants vs. Needs Battle and How It Affects your Budget

Every person who enjoys a good afternoon of shopping knows well the tension that exists between the things we want versus the things we need. In our materialistic society, it can be very difficult to reconcile this tension. Often we convince ourselves that the things we want are the things we need. Most of us (especially those of us deep in debt) are very good at rationalizing our purchases. Here are some tips to help you overcome the urge to buy the things we want, rather than those we need.

What the wants vs. needs battle does to your budget

Buying what we want (or convincing ourselves that what we want is the same as what we need) can be dangerous to our budgets. If you find yourself in debt, there is a very good chance that you have been in a losing battle against your better judgment. But it is never too late to turn the battle around. When it comes to overspending, most of the time it has to do with overindulging. Before you can turn this battle around, you have to convince yourself of one basic truth: all you need is a roof over your head, clothes on your back and food on your plate. You don’t need a particularly fancy roof, expensive clothes or gourmet food. You just need to sustain yourself, and sustaining yourself means treating your hard-earned finances with respect.

Make a shopping list and stick to it

Here is one of the easiest and time-tested ways to buy what you need, and not what you want: make a shopping list every time you go out. Not just when you go grocery shopping, but every time you leave the door and head towards the store. Eliminate the concept of “browsing.” Browsing can easily lead to overspending. Every time you head to the store, make a specific shopping goal. For example, if you’re going back to school shopping tell yourself: “I need to buy a new notebook, pens, a new sweater and two new pairs of pants.” Be very specific and carry a list. Having your needs right there in front of you, in black and white, can be a powerful reminder of why you are at the store.

Ask yourself: Can it wait?

Buying only what you need all the time can be difficult and demoralizing. While you are at your favorite store and shopping for the essentials, you are bound to come across something beautiful that you love and want but probably don’t need, at least not right away. Instead of bemoaning your budget, ask yourself a simple question: can it wait? In most cases, it probably can, and you can even come back for the special purchase when your finances are (more) in order.

Watch who you run with

This can be difficult realization to make, but it is essential if you find yourself overspending. Do you have friends or family members who overindulge or overspend? Maybe they can afford such spending behavior (or maybe they can’t), but if you know you can’t, it’s time to take a break from these acquaintances. Constantly eating out, vacationing or going shopping with these friends is bound to do a number on your financial ledger. If you love your friends, but not their financial behavior, resolve to join in low-cost activities. Invite your friends over for a home-cooked dinner, picnic or to the art museum during free admission day. Be honest with your friends if they question your behavior. True friendship can overcome these spending differences.

Create your own mad money jar

Of course, always scrimping and saving is no fun. Do yourself a favor and create your own private money stash. Sock away stray dollar bills into a mad money jar and forget about it. Six months from the date of starting your jar, use the money for special purchase—something you want but don’t particularly need.

Six Savvy Car Shopping Moves to Keep You From Breaking the Bank

Unfortunately, in recent years transportation has once again become an issue for not only those with a tight budget, but for everyone. It literally is madness the way gas prices have continued to soar. It does not seem like that long ago when prices were sub eighty-cents per gallon. Now it feels like that would only happen in those pictures that occur between midnight and six AM.

There is an assumption that with the age tag of forty there is some stability in the workplace and at home. If that is the case there are some simple ways to save money on transportation costs, while also offering different experiences and health friendly alternatives.

For basic transportation issues, one of the best solutions is as simple as a carpool. If the drive is thirty minutes to work and there are two others who can alternate drive then the saved money from gas can reach three figures each month easily.

If the city is where one lives, perhaps a nice bike or a walk can really save a big load of money, while also keeping the circulatory system strong.

Travel is exciting for many people in the United States and beyond. Perhaps there are friends in New York, or a cool spot in Chicago, flying between home and multiple places can place a major strain on a wallet. Of course there are discounted flights that are popping up all over the place, but for many the cost of flying deters many from taking as many vacations as are desired. Shockingly many of these travelers have never considered a nice train ride to their destination. Now a train ride solves the problem of hassle, which accompanies a long car ride, and it saves a plethora of money that can be wasted on a flight. Modern trains are extremely comfortable, and who would not rather spend money on a Broadway show rather than a mode of transportation that will put everyone in the same destination.

It is a little shocking that the price of gas has become a major expenditure issue in the past few years, but it has been showing no signs of slowing down. Really the best choice is to cut back on gas expenditure in any way possible, be it with some carpooling, walking, or avoiding the jets. Simple steps can be made all over to save some transportation money and help out the environment. This is one tip you can use when trying to accomplish your goals.

Credit card debt is also considerably higher than 30-somethings. According to MSN Money one in 10 people in their 40s have more than $10,000 in credit card debt, compared with one in 12 people in their 30s.

More income and more experience money managing explain why fewer 40-somethings are getting behind in bills. At the same time people in their 40s are getting much more serious about retirement than the younger aged. Once again MSN Money states, “The percentage of people who have workplace retirement plans or IRAs rises to 59% for those in their 40s, compared with 53% of 30-somethings.” This statement should mean a lot to those in their 40s.

You can find several transportation resources for seniors in your telephone directory or on the Internet. Check with your municipal and county departments for available services. In some cases, you may have to complete an application form. Some may require the signature of your doctor or medical professional. If you live or plan to live in a senior facility, private shuttle services to shopping malls and group social activities might also be available as a standard part of the residential package.

Ten Ways to Simplify your Life and Lower Debt

You should shop for quality insurance. Ask your friends for their recommendations. Do they like their insurance representative? Does the insurance agent seem to be responsive to their needs? Is the agent easy to contact? How long have they had this agent handling their insurance?

Determine your real needs. What types of insurance will you need in retirement? Consider medical, dental, free or low cost coverage. Look at your medical bills and see the types of services you were charged for? Do you anticipate needing surgery or more heath care?

Get several quotes. Even if a company is recommended by a friend or relative, you might want to get at least three quotes so you can make a comparison of the services and fees. Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website for any complaint. Also check the rating of the insurance company. Among the commonly-known rating financial agencies are Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s.

Be prepared to answer a long series of questions as they relate to your health.

Ask about annuities, Medicare, Medicaid, Medigap, prescription drug payment assistance, long-term care insurance, travel insurance, etc.

How stable is your current income flow? Do you currently own financial products? Are you wondering whether you should cash out any of your financial products? Ask your rep if you should refinance your home or not.

There are many reasons to save money. One main reason is retirement. Today you cannot live off of social security alone. Another reason to save is because there are situations ahead. Even if your children are still in high school, college is not far away, and neither are cars and graduation parties. Another good reason to save is because you know you’ll want bigger, better things soon. You know soon you’ll want that bigger house, or that better car, or that boat you’ve been dreaming of. Save now so all of those are an option. Another reason to save is because of the unexpected things in life coming toward you. For example there’s job less, illness, or home repairs. These are all things you’ll need saved money for. According to bankrate.com, “Americans today spend more than they earn. Savings are less than zero. But you can break out of that mold all on your own and reap the benefits of feeling free and independent.”

Here are some real ways to save, and save aggressively. First of all, pay off all of your credit cards. That credit being open is an amazing opportunity, character uplift, and safety net. Debt is suffocating. Next, make sure you budget your income so your cost of living is as low as possible in contrast to your income. That is, if you calculate your bills, your gas, food, and extra spending, it is much less than what you’re bringing in. With that extra money, you save. Put it in a savings account and act like it does not exist. Another great way to aggressively save is to have a roommate. If you are single, this is a great way to literally split your bills in half. Carpooling is also a great way to save money and split a bill in half.

Lastly, when it comes to saving it is very important to remember you’re spending and what is necessary and just a want. For example, calculate how much money you are spending on going out to eat and how much that would equate to for groceries. You’d be surprised. Remember how much you’re buying that you don’t need, that you won’t even use that often. Is it worth it right now? Saving and not spending when it comes to wants is exactly what makes it aggressive saving.

Living the Budget Balancing Act and Coming Out Ahead

These days, most of us are doing a funny dance. It’s called the budget balancing act and it can make many of us feel crazy at times. However, keeping a budget and balancing it with the rest of our lives is a responsible and worthwhile enterprise. Budget balancing means taking responsibility for your finances, living within (or better yet, below) your means and coming out of it with our sanity intact. Here are some tips for living the budget balancing act and coming out ahead.

Make your budget real by putting it into real numbers

Many people make the mistake of thinking of their budget in abstract terms. “I’m on a budget,” you might tell a friend who asks you to accompany her on vacation, or to an expensive dinner. Most of us are on such a “budget.” But what does it really mean? Take your budget out of abstract terms and make it real. Sit down and do the math, as hard as it can be. Many of us avoid taking a good long look at our finances because it can be too hard, especially if we suspect we are deep in the red. It’s time to take control, and taking control means having the courage to sit down and take a good look at your finances. Take out your bills. Are you in debt, and if so, how much? Be honest and don’t overlook any accounts. Lying to yourself about debt is not helpful or necessary. If you are not in debt, but perilously close, figure out why. Most numbers don’t lie. Are you spending too much on housing? Is that extra car payment eating away at your budget? Are your child care costs soaring? Know your budget ins ide out—what you can and can’t afford, how you pay for things, your debt and credit score, and savings.

Keep a log book

If a log book sounds too technical for you, just think of it as a notebook where you keep your records. Make a note of your earnings, saving, debt and purchases. Think of your log book as a place where you can do your math. Your log book should be private and a place where you feel free to jot down notes, calculate interest rates and keep financial notes to yourself.

If you haven’t already, set up your bank account online

Almost every bank in the world now allows its customers to keep an online account. If you haven’t already, set up your account. This is an easy way to manage your accounts, check balances and make payments. Set up an automatic bill payment. This is an easy way to make sure that your payments are always made on time. Many credit card companies and banks will even send you email reminders and payment confirmations if you so choose.

Avoid debit cards if you’re on a strict budget

Debit cards are a convenient and safe way to pay for everyday purchases. They can also be very dangerous if you are on a strict budget and you are trying to save. If you are serious about saving money, forgo your debit card for a while. Once you have constructed a good solid budget, on pay day, head to your local bank or ATM machine. Withdraw enough cash to make necessary purchases and then tuck your debit card away somewhere safe. This is a surefire way to stick to your budget.

Check your interest rates

If you have credit card debt, do you know how much you are paying in interest? Especially if you are juggling several accounts, it can be easy to forget or overlook interest rates. How much exactly are you paying on purchases and balances? Check with your credit card for this information. If you have long-standing accounts in good standing, try to lower your interest rate.

Three Banking Tips to Keep Money … In the Bank!

A credit card annual fee is an expense that you must pay per year in order to keep your credit card. The good news is that these fees are generally very low. Most annual credit card fees vary from $10 to $75 a year. Rewards cards fees are usually higher than this, and annual fees are normally used in the form of points and percentages. For example, 10 points is the equivalent of 10% of your credit line. When paying an annual fee for a credit card, this usually brings down your interest rate. Some credit cards have no annual fee, but their interest rate will be higher than those of a credit card with an annual fee. So you’ve got to ask yourself, depending on how long the card is in your possession and how much money your card is worth, which option will be better in the long run. Should you pay an annual fee every year for a lower interest rate, or should you purchase a credit card with no annual fee, but a higher interest rate?

Some credit card companies will sometimes offer to waive your annual fee if you spend enough money each year using your credit card. While this seems like a good idea and it’s easy to make big purchases with one swipe of your credit card, you must consider that you are probably going to end up paying more in the long run. Would you rather pay $10 per year, or have to spend 5 years paying off the $5,000 extra dollars you spent trying to avoid that annual fee? Credit card companies want your money, and some things, such as a waiver for annual fees, can often be tricky to see around.

Credit card companies will try to trick you into buying their card by flattering you with certain deals on annual fees. One example mentioned above is the waiving of the annual fee, but other card companies are even more inconspicuous. Some say they’ll give you no annual fees for the first year, but their interest rates will be higher. Some offer a low fee for the first year, but this will also make a higher interest rate. Credit card companies that offer a low annual fee for the first year normally have higher annual fees than usual, and you’ll usually end up paying the difference between your ‘low annual fee’ and the company’s normal annual fee somewhere within your interest rate. Sometimes, when your annual fee is waived for the first year and the interest rate is high, the interest rate will not decrease when you begin to pay your annual fee.

Annual fees can be good and bad—you just have to be careful and consider each aspect from different angles before making your decision.

Credit cards can be useful, but there are many fees that come along with them, and some of the fees are hidden. Not only must you pay back what you spent, but there are many other things to pay off as well. Some of these fees include interest rates, annual fees, late payment fees, set-up fees, credit limit increase fees, cash advance fees, and others. These fees will be elaborated on below.

Interest rates are additional fees you pay while paying back what you spent on the card. These rates change depending on other factors about your credit card. For example, the amount of money you’re paying back can increase or decrease interest rates, and whether or not there is an annual fee on your credit card can change your interest rate as well.

Five Money Ways to Simply your Life and Breathe a Bit Easier

Are you stressed out over your finances? Do your finances remind you of a weedy jungle, full of chaos and danger? If this description strikes a chord, it’s time to get control over your financial life. One of the biggest benefits, and curiously under-touted aspects of simplifying your life, is that it can help you save money. Simplifying your life can not only help you save lots of money, it can also help you breathe easier. And who doesn’t want to breathe easier? These things—money, stress and organization—are intricately connected to one another. When we get one into control, the others will follow. Here are some tips for getting control of your finances, save money and lower your overall stress levels.

Spend 15 minutes every day cleaning up your finances

Many of us who find ourselves trapped in a chaotic financial life probably overlook the regular financial housekeeping that can keep the chaos at bay. It can be easy to forget, avoid or simply overlook several small tasks. These things eventually gather dust, take up space and pile up to the point that they become overwhelming, scary and bad for our finances. Here is a simple habit to fall into that can help protect you from the horrible sight of stacks of unpaid bills and stray papers overflowing on your kitchen table or desk. Spend fifteen minutes each day cleaning your desk, kitchen table, or wherever it is that you keep your important financial papers. Go over bills, throw out old mail, sharpen your pencils, and put things in order. If you are not the kind to keep extensive tabs on your papers, make it easy for yourself. Dedicate one desk drawer to your bills and other financial papers. Go through your drawer each day and make sure that there is nothing in there that will surprise or scare you one day. Si mply dedicating fifteen minutes each day is an easy way to simplify your life, stay organized and save money on unpaid bills, fines or other surprise costs.

Make your own easy household products

Here is an easy way to save money and keep things simple. Why spend five bucks on a bottle of multipurpose cleaner when you can spend pennies on your own homemade household product. Replace your expensive Windex cleaner with your own concoction of ammonia, vinegar, water and rubbing alcohol. If you want it to look blue, add a few drops of blue food dye. You can make a full bottle for about 35 cents. This is an easy way to make an effective, safe and very inexpensive household cleaner.

Keep household essentials in stock and save money by buying in bulk

Ever reached for tissue and find that you are out? Or what about needing a napkin and finding none in stock? Not having household essentials on hand can be stressful and frustrating. Many times when we are hurried and harried and shopping for a household essential, we tend to overpay. After all, who has time for comparison shopping when you are in the midst of a throbbing headache? Save yourself the stress by shopping in bulk for household essentials. You should only buy in bulk when you know you’re getting a good deal. If tissues are on sale, grab a few boxes. There are many non-perishable household essentials that are easy to buy in bulk, including toilet paper, toothpaste, tissues, napkins, canned food and others.

Get a bill calendar

With many of us juggling numerous bills, it can be easy to drop the ball every once in a while. Keep things simple and your bills paid by keeping a handy bill calendar. Buy an oversized calendar and put it somewhere easily visible. Make a note of when you have to make payments. Even simpler, automate your payments online if possible.

Sign up for email updates

If you can’t automate your payments but you check your e-mail often, signing up for email updates is an easy way to keep track of your accounts. Most credit card companies offer many easy tools for keeping a close eye on your accounts.

Realize a Bigger Paycheck by Plugging these Money Draining Holes

Everyone has them-those incidences, circumstances, or habits that drain them of their finances. They also have the people in their life who just take and take but do not give.

Take Action-Get Your Life Back!

If you are having issues with money it is time for you to stop blaming your outside circumstances. It is time to set boundaries between you and your money and those items which drain your pockets dry. Characteristics of Money-Draining Holes

A money-draining hole is usually recognized by its menace-ness. For instance, it could be a lemon vehicle that you have had to fix every day for the last month. It could also be carelessness with glass dishes, or it could be letting too many people borrow your DVDs.

It could also be an item that you cannot seem to do without, such as cigarettes, coffee, or alcohol (the definition "cannot do without" being it is your first priority over food or other necessities). Whatever the case may be, you need to take action.

How to Change your Habits

The over-used saying "Old habits die hard" is so true. It is not easy to say no to people and harmful substances. Moreover, it often can slip your money to turn your automobile lights off or to check your oil,However, taking proper care of your items and being careful who you lend them do is one step to take. The other is to seek help and accountability from those who have conquered bad habits. By the way, if you are one who needs to kick a habit such as smoking in order to save money you may be overwhelmed at the cost of therapy. However, in the long run you probably will save money. Besides, there are discounts for those who have a limited income. You also can find free help from peers in certain situations.

Moreover, saying no to people takes practice. If this is your biggest obstacle to financial freedom then you may need some assertiveness training. Read all the books, watch all the video, and listen to all the audio you can to help you learn what saying "no" sounds like.

Then, join a group of supportive people also learning how to say now. After you have taken assertiveness training then you will be better-equipped at handling guilt trips from a mom, dad, sister, brother, husband, wife, friend, or children, or other loved one.

Take One Day at a Time

Of course, do not be too hard on yourself if you cannot change your entire lifestyle within a few months. The time-tested saying "one day at a time" really does help people to concentrate on making decisions for that day that are healthy.

Do not worry about whether you will be able to do the same tomorrow-just for today concentrate on making the right decisions. Then, when you get up tomorrow concentrate on that day. This doesn't mean you shouldn't make some plans though.

Anticipate all Possibilities

You need a balance between taking one day at a time and being prepared for all possibilities. If you begin to change your habits and begin to be able to set financial boundaries you will have more money set aside for all expenses, plus any emergency that hopefully will not arise.

Purchasing house, car, and health insurance is also a very important aspect of being prepared. If you change your habit you will be surprised how much you would have available for these precautionary expenses. Roadside assistance coverage such as AAA also comes in handy "Just in case.”

Six No-Nonsense Ways for Living Below your Means

You may be a person or family who knows you need to get a handle on your finances. However, it is hard for you to get ahead. It seems no matter how hard you try you wind up in the same trap.

Perhaps it is time to go back to when you first started working on living within your means. The following are helpful tips for living below your means:

Shop for Bargains. There is no shame in paying less for quality items, especially if it will reduce your financial burden and stress. For instance, you can find like new clothing-even brand names-at thrift stores, factory outlets, and discount stores. You can also find just about any household item you need at online auctions.

Purchase off-brand food items. Some food items are not the same as the generic version (bologna for example). However, for most items, such as milk, eggs, margarine, bread, cereal (certain ones) and more the generic brand is less costly but tastes the same. You usually can find the same both dollar stores and regular stores sell off-brand items, and you can even find them at factory outlets or close-out stores.

Do not invest more than you can afford to lose. A general rule of thumb is to have a backup fund equal to the amount of money that you plan to invest in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or forex. If you are planning to start a business it is wise if you have some capital in case of malfunctions and emergencies.

ALWAYS keep tracking of spending! This is one of the practices in which countless individuals and couples fail to follow through, and it costs them big at times. Overdraft fees can add up, and you could end up paying hundreds of dollars a month if you do not figure out your account balance each time you plan to shop.

The Old-Fashioned Rule: Delay Gratification: This concept -second to "obedience"-is probably one of the least favorite of all human kind. However it also is one of the most necessary in order to reap long-term rewards in life. It is time to break the cycle of spending money you do not have and instead saving for what you want.

Learn to say no: When your children ask for toys at the checkout counter tell them no. Do not give in to any crying tantrums either, or you will reward irresponsible money management behavior in them. Also, say no to friends who seem to drain your pockets every time you are around.

Additional Money-Saving Ideas:

If you have a problem with spending, you might want to consider getting rid of your credit cards as well. If you need to purchase items online you can do so with a debit card. Besides, debit cards only hold as much money as you put on them.

Conserving and reusing is also another option that you would want to consider to help you stay on track financially. Shopping bags, food containers and other items are some of the most commonly-reused items. Furthermore, using biodegradable paper plates once in awhile can reduce your water bill.

Now that you have read this article, a new fire has hopefully sparked within you. Perhaps you have even thought of your own ideas for saving money every month. There is no wrong way to figure out how to live within your means. You also can find additional money-saving tips by searching consumer websites and reading budgeting magazines, and other publications. Professionals are also trained to help people in need of help with money management.

Cutting Expense Corners during Baby's First Year

It is often said that the first year for new parents is the hardest. With new baby comes immeasurable joy but also incredibly strained finances. It is estimated that the average family will spend between $9,000 and $11,000 during baby’s first year alone. Take heart, new parents. There are plenty of ways that you can cut many of your costs simply by being careful with your money and not indulging in every whim.

Make a deal with yourself to save money

If you are an expecting parent and you are concerned about the high costs of baby’s first year, make a deal with yourself to save money. One of the hardest things to do as an expectant parent is to resist buying everything in sight. Every parent wants the best for their child, but keep in mind that many of the things you buy during baby’s first year will be only used once. Buying name-brand diapers and an overpriced bassinet that you can’t really afford is not going to do your baby any favors. Make a deal with yourself to save where you can, to keep from overspending on items that may be beautiful but not particularly necessary in the long run, and to be smart about your baby’s purchases. Here are some ways to save money without compromising your sanity or your baby’s health and happiness.

Breastfeed whenever possible

Breastfeeding has been proven as the healthiest option for feeding your baby during the first years. Not only is it healthier for your baby than bottle feeding, it is also more economical. Most doctors agree that breastfeeding exclusively during your baby’s first half year of life will help give his immune system a boost. Not only will your baby benefit from increased health, your wallet will benefit from increased savings. Some mother’s are not able to breastfeed their children. If this is the case, you can save money by avoiding the brand name formula and buying the store brand or generic formula instead. Generic formula costs on average 30% less than name brand formula and, by law, must meet the same FDA standards as the brand name formulas. You can also save on formula by signing up for coupons from manufacturer’s mailing lists. Your pediatrician can also provide you with free samples. Always look past the attractive name brand packaging, because in most cases that is what you will be paying for.

Save money by switching to generic diapers

If you want to save money on disposable diapers, always opt for the generic brand. Many larger chain stores carry their own store brand of disposable diapers which are usually just as good as the brand name diapers. You can expect to save about 30% on disposable diapers simply by buying the generic store brand.

Shop at garage sales and second hand stores for used baby clothes

Most babies will quickly outgrow their expensive little outfits. You can often find nearly new or gently used baby clothes at garage sales and at used baby clothes. While it may be tempting to shop at chain baby emporiums, you will quickly save on baby essentials if you get into the habit of frequenting gently used baby stores.

Shop consignment stores for great deals on baby furniture

One of the biggest expenses you will have as a new parent is furnishing the baby nursery. You can save a lot by shopping for gently used baby furniture, including high chairs, bouncers and cribs. Shop consignment stores and gently used baby stores for great deals on used baby furniture. You can also find great baby gear such as bathtubs, strollers and monitors.

Eight Ways to Save on your Drug Prescriptions

Taking medication for different aliments is essential to the treatment of any problems you may be having. However, prescription drugs are expensive and having to purchase many medications can be draining on your wallet over time. Luckily, there are some solutions and ways for you to save money of your prescription medication. Follow the steps below to learn how to save money on prescription drugs.

Buy generic. Almost every medication on the market has a generic equivalent. These generic medications are just as effective and much more cost effective. When you doctor prescribes a medication to you, ask if generic is an option.

Become a smart shopper. Instead of getting your prescriptions from the pharmacy that is most convenient, study the prices of various pharmacies to see which place will save you money on your medication.

Have an open relationship with your doctor. Before buying expensive prescription drugs, speak with your doctor about your medical problems. You may find out about another, cheaper medication, or that you don’t need medication at all.

Get insurance. There are several different insurance companies that are willing to cover your medication expensive to some extent. Find the insurance companies for which you are eligible and see how much money you can save on prescription drugs.

Get a discount card. Most pharmacies have different cards that can be used in the stores that give discounts on prescription drugs, offer coupons or help you to earn points that can go towards future prescription drug prices.

Additionally, besides following the above mentioned steps, remember to make sure hat you need the medication before you begin taking it. If there is a chance that you don’t need the medicine, or can reduce the amount of medication you take, you can save money over time.

Remember that if you are trying to cut costs on medication by ordering medication from different countries, you may not be choosing the safest option. These medications are not always approved or checked by the government and can be dangerous to your health.

Today, it’s common for the average person to owe $10,000 or more in credit card debt. Even if you owe as little as $100 on a credit card, you should always pay more than the required minimum payment. Try to double your payments wherever possible or pay at least 25 percent more than required. For example, if your required minimum is $20, try to send $40 or no less than $25.

Monitor your interest rate. If you have a high rate, ask your credit card company for a lower one. If your credit card company declines your request for a lower rate, consider transferring the balance to another credit card company. Also, consider consolidating your debt to a single card. Credit card companies may “forgive” and remove one late payment within a 6- or 12-month span. However, this is not an automatic service. You must call the credit card company to ask that the late fee be eliminated.

Avoid late fees. Mail your payment no less than five business days before it’s due. In fact, in some cases try to send your payment no less than six or seven days prior to when it’s due because some payments are considered late if received after a certain time of day (e.g., 1:00 p.m.) on the day it’s due. Avoid cash advances on your bank credit card. The interest rate may not make it a feasible choice. Considering the poor economic trends, you may want to apply for credit card insurance to cover periods when you are unemployed. If unable to make your payment, contact your credit card company to suspend your payments voluntarily for three months.

Cheapie Ways to Stretch your Dollar in the Bathroom

Decorating or re-decorating your bathroom does not have to cost you your entire savings, or your whole paycheck. You can find creative ways to renovate one of your home's most-used rooms for a fraction of what you may think it would cost.

Useful Bathroom Re-Decoration Tips

You can find plenty of timeless decorative items at thrift stores, rummage sales, and online stores. Items people have found to accent their bathroom include one or more of the following: brass toilet paper holders, tissue holders, hanging shelves, towel racks, and shower curtains.Â

If you do not like the color of your bathroom tile you can find paint that is especially made for porcelain materials at your local hardware store. You might even be able to find out if you can repaint your toilet as well which would save you even more money.

Beware that you will need to sand it before you attempt to paint any porcelain fixture. You will also want to take precaution by testing the paint in an inconspicuous area of the fixture you want to change the color of. is advisable to test the paint in an inconspicuous area of the time you want to change.

If you want to somehow update your outdated bathroom color scheme you can do so without ripping the entire bathroom apart. For instance, sometimes if you add the smallest change, such as wallpaper border that blends with the two or more colors of your bathroom.

You can also accent the outdated color scheme by purchasing inexpensive modern bathroom decor. For instance, you can buy a toothbrush cover, soap dish, tissue holder, or framed picture to hang in this beloved room of your home.Â

Perhaps if you want a change paint the walls of your bathroom to compliment your cabinets, sink, or bathtub if they are a different color. Similarly, you can use colored rugs that coordinate or contrast with the rest of the colors of your fixtures.

One recommendation for painting in your bathroom that would not take much work or money would be the "in" color Terra Cotta. It is one that is more popular now. You could possibly use various texturing techniques to combine a new color over the top of the old color if your walls are still in prime condition.

If you have a very, very, old and ugly shade of green, yellow, gold, orange, or similar color you could try for a certain theme. For instance, you might want to try a tropical theme, and perhaps you can find a palm tree border.

You can take care of rust problems on fixtures such as towel bars with a special cleaner. Before you know it they will be like new again. Rust-o-leum paint is one of the most current recommendations, and they are coming out with brand new colors now.Â

Another easy way to add some life to your stale bathroom is to purchase stencils and special craft paints. In fact, one experience indicates certain craft paints are removable from tile just by applying a razor blade (something to try at your own risk, especially if you rent).

The use of Deco-Stix or cling plastic accents is also used to decorate tiles. These are also very easily removable if you want to change the theme for various holidays, seasons, or special occasions.

The easiest way to recover a mix-up bathroom that includes all kinds of mismatched colors is to add a multi-colored rug that includes all the same colors. It will cleverly look like your bathroom is supposed to be crazy like it is.

The above-mentioned ideas should get you started. If you are still cannot decide on what inexpensive measures you can take to re-decorate your bathroom take some time to view samples of bathroom themes.Home improvement websites and do-it-yourself magazines often feature various rooms of the home you are interested in changing. You can even find instructions on how to carry out the change you would like to implement in your bathroom interior theme.

Seven Simple Ways to Save Money Today

Are you feeling the pinch in your pocket? If you are, you are certainly not alone. Millions of people are feeling the effects of an economic downturn, environmental uncertainty and a slow job market. Saving money has never been so important in some households than right now. With this need to save money so urgent, here are seven simple ways that you can help you start saving money today.

Cook your own dinner

Even if you don’t know how to cook or think you may not like it, eating out is by far one of the most costly pleasures that many of us indulge in. Eating out may not seem like a big part of your spending budget, especially if you are careful about where you eat and head for the happy hour specials. But eating out is often one of those seemingly invisible drains on our savings. Unlike a major purchase or a vacation, it can be hard to keep track of how many times we eat out every week or how much we spend on that smoothie, latte or brunch. One of the simplest ways to begin to save money is to get into the habit of cooking often at home.

Brown bag it to work

Speaking of eating out, work lunches are another of those invisible drains on our wallet. Eating out for lunch often does not feel like eating out because it is usually not a pleasure outing. You are simply filling up before heading back to work. But if you are like most people, it can be very easy to eat out several times a week without even realizing how much money you are spending on lunch. If you’re serious about saving your hard-earned cash, make it a priority to brown bag your lunch at least three times a week. If you still need incentive, sit down and do the math. Once you have seen exactly how much you’re spending just by going to work, you might feel differently about brown bagging it.

Make a shopping list (and stick to it)

One of the biggest mistakes that most of us make before going shopping is that we arrive at the store unprepared. It can be very hard to resist temptation if you arrive at the grocery store without a plan of attack. Without a list, there is a very high chance that you will buy items that are not urgent or even necessary. You may even leave the store without buying one or more of the items you came to buy! Before heading to the grocery store, make a real effort to sit down and make a complete list of everything you really need. Don’t rely on your excellent memory and cross off each item as you move along the aisles.

Stock up on perishable items when they’re on sale

Be savvy when you go shopping. You will always need certain items: toothpaste, toilet paper, shampoo, cereals and other common household goods are good things to stock up on when they happen to be on sale.

Use your local library

Maybe you haven’t stepped inside a library since . . . ever. If you are not familiar with the modern library, you will probably be surprised about what you’ll find inside. Free internet use, new release movies, bestsellers, free movie nights—many local libraries offer numerous opportunities for free entertainment. Remember that your taxes pay for the library, so go ahead and use it.

Make comparison shopping a habit

No matter what kind of purchase you’re making, large or small, the smart consumer always does a complete price check. Whether you’re planning on buying a new book or a new car, simply checking online and making a few calls can save you a lot of money.

Get organized

One of the easiest ways you can save money year-round is by becoming more organized. Organize your monthly bills, credit card accounts, shopping lists, clip coupons and organize all of these in one easily accessible folder. Save money on unnecessary late fees and don’t overpay simply by organizing your financial papers and accounts.

Top Ways to Increase your Net Worth

Talk with your plan administrator

Contact your employer’s benefit representative to learn the details of your plan. In summary, you must first reach the statutory limit of $15,500 in 2008, or other required limit before you are eligible to make catch-up contributions. Furthermore, employers are not required to match catch-up contributions.

Pay Yourself First

The catch-up contribution is a great opportunity to invest more dollars into your retirement account. However, some 50-year old individuals are embarking on life-changing financial events in their personal lives or careers, where they are in the midst of starting a new marriage or second family, going through financial upheaval from a marital divorce, finishing a first or second college degree, trying to pay down credit card debt, making mortgage payments on a new home or second mortgage, providing for adult children who remain or return home, or suffering the loss of a spouse. Even in light of these pressing circumstances, try to turn your attention on your future retirement needs. It’s easy to be distracted by these tough and emotional matters, but you need to consider your own financial future as well.

Talk with your personal financial advisor

If you are faced with any of these financial challenges and feel that you just cannot make additional contributions, talk with your employer’s benefit representative or your personal financial consultant for advice on how to take advantage of this provision. Now is the time—it’s not too late.

Assets

An investment is an asset (money or something of value) set aside for future sale or use. Examples: savings accounts, property, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, individual retirement accounts (IRA), pension funds, emergency funds, rare coins, precious metals, and gems.

Balance

While it is very common for most people to have credit card debt and owe bills, it is important to pay down your debt. As you reduce your debt, the value of your investments will increase—much like tipping a weighing scale

Career

Your ability to earn money from gainful employment or entrepreneurship is one of your greatest assets. While you may have graduated from college many years ago, it’s important to protect your investment in your career by taking continuous training or retraining to remain competitive in the job market.

Diversify

According to the old adage, “you should never put all your eggs in the same basket.” Avoid investing all your funds in the same type of investment or the same type of industry.

Expenses

Expenses are payments and charges—for tangible and intangible items—necessary and unnecessary—that cause money to come out of your wallet, bank account or other reserve. It’s important to evaluate your spending to determine where you can eliminate unnecessary

Growth

When making an investment, it is important to realize whether it will grow at a steady and continuous pace (e.g., interest rates on bank accounts) or will the investment be affected by market trends (e.g., real estate and stocks).

According to Marotta Asset Management, everyone should compute their net worth once a year. They also state that, “By age forty-five you should be worth at least five and a half times your annual spending. Between 40 and 60 you should increase your net worth by half your annual take home pay every year.” What does this exactly mean for the net worth of an average 40-something?

Your income is expanding in your 40s, as well as your debt. This is at least typical in America today. There is also less time to recover from financial mistakes. The median income for 40-something households, nearly $58,000, is about 20% higher than for 30-something households, according to the Federal Reserve’s latest Survey of Consumer Finances.

Smart Ways to Cut Costs and Realize Savings Each Month

Whether you are single or married with children you are likely in need of additional money-saving tips. The most obvious is to have a disciplined mindset.

More specifically you will want to apply one or more of these principles:

Make your own gourmet meals instead of going out. This is perfect for a couple who wants to indulge in a romantic evening but does not make enough money to invest in a night out on a town. Your favorite food, a reasonably-priced bottle of wine, and an old music collection to play in the background may be ideal.

Repair or alter damaged/outdated clothing. If you or someone near you is handy with needle and thread you can very quickly make easy repairs. Furthermore, if you know anything at all about sewing you can alter outdated items to keep up with today's fashion.

Find less-expensive ways to entertain your family. It can be hard to always invest in fun for your whole family if you have one. Days at the local beach, trail walking, or window shopping are often fun activities. If you go to fairs you may want to pack a picnic lunch if permissible. It will save you from spending all your hard-earned cash on over-priced fairground food.

Make wise purchases on video games, audio devices, and appliances. For instance, you will want to purchase items that can be repair or replaced for cheap rates. Do not waste your money investing in items you know will be outdated. For instance, many places are now selling video cams for cheap because the new HD will be coming out the following year.

Order water instead of soda with your meal. This can save you $7.00 a week if you eat out at least once a day. This is often the case with persons employed in business-related and financial-related fields. Ironically enough, even people knowledgeable about wise investment need this advice too.

Prepare "convenience" foods ahead of time. You can prepare and store your own on-the-go foods for lower prices than you would if you buy single-serving foods in the store. This is great advice whether you are single or not.

For singles: Share an apartment. There is no shame if you are a legal adult and making it on your own to want to save money sharing a place with someone. Do not ever let anyone think of you as less of a person if you are paying all your own expenses.

Besides, if you are truly independent living with someone is not going to change that. You are still likely to take care of yourself and be responsible. It would be less lonely for you to live with someone as a single person anyway.

Consider alternative housing situations. You can even find whole communities of people who live on the same plot of land and share resources and expenses. Each situation is set up differently so you will be able to find one that is most suitable for you.

Cut down on unhealthy, costly habits. Just think of all the gadgets, trips, and essentials you could by if you were not spending an average of 40 to 100 dollars per month on alcohol, cigarettes, and other substances. It is even recommended that you cut down on soda, coffee, and other caffeinated beverages.

Purchase in bulk. If you must have a vice or two, such as soda or beer, it is often cheaper to purchase it in bulk. All types of foods can be purchased this way. The cost up front is much more but you will not need to shop for awhile.

Capitalize on unused items. If you own items or find items that are no longer used by you or someone else sell them. Someone out there is bound to buy them even if you think they are absolutely useless.Â

This list of creative money-saving tips should get you started. There are more bits of advice where this came from!

Eight Ways to Save Money on Gas without Going in Debt

Do you find yourself using your credit card just to gas up? Bad idea. With sky-high gas prices, it can be difficult to gas up without going into debt these days. Here are eight ways to save money on gas without going into debt.

Tip # 1: Shop around for your gas

Maybe you are not used to shopping around for your gas. In the good old days of $2.00 gallons, you could afford to stop at the first gas station you came across in order to fill up. Not anymore. Now it is possible to feel the difference simply by filling up at a station offering its gas for a few cents less per gallon than the competition across the street. Make sure to shop around for gas before filling up. In most cities you can find gas stations selling gas for ten to fifteen cents less per gallon than their competitors. Use web sites such as Gas Buddy in order to find the cheapest gas in your area.

Tip # 2: Buy gas from your grocery store

One of the trends we have been seeing in recent years is grocery stores offering discount gas to customers. Many stores are now offering these types of savings discounts. Usually you will need to sign up for a store savings card, and some stores offer deeper discounts after you have spent a certain amount on groceries. Some stores are known for offering deep discounts during special promotional periods, so keep your ears and eyes open.

Tip # 3: Ride your bike for work and simple errands

So you haven’t ridden a bike since you were twelve, you say. It’s time to practice your skills and remember why riding a bike was so much fun in the first place. With more people on bikes than ever before, you will probably not be alone in commuting to work on your bike. Plus, you get the added bonus of getting in shape. Get a good basket put on your bike and use it for small shopping errands around your neighborhood. Even if you only ride your bike a few times a week, the savings on gas will quickly add up.

Tip # 4: Start your own rideshare

Even if you have never commuted before, it’s probably time to start. Commuting is a low-stress and money-saving way to save money on gas. There are many web sites that now help connect people who need to save money on their daily commute. You would be surprised how many people in your neighborhood probably drive to roughly the same area.

Tip # 5: Move closer to work

If you are used to a long commute, it’s probably costing you an arm and a leg just to make it to work. If you rent an apartment or even if you own your own home, it may be the right time to consider making a move. If you love your job and are willing to make the move, this can save you considerably on transportation costs. Sit down and do the math if you are not convinced, and think about how much time and stress you will save by working close to home.

Tip # 6: Invest in a bus pass

Even if you have never ridden the bus before, maybe it’s time to start. Many cities offer discounted bus passes for commuters. You would probably be surprised how easy, efficient and relaxing it can be to sit back and let another person do the driving for you.

Tip # 7: Always fill up with cash

Many gas stations are now offering discounts for cash purchases. Not only is cash a cheaper way to buy gas, it can also help you stay out of debt. The last thing you want is to spend five years paying for a gallon of gas, but that’s what interest rates will do to you.

Tip # 8: Telecommute

If possible, look into the option of telecommuting. Even telecommuting once or twice a week from home can save you a lot of money on gas.

Shiny New is Overrated Buy Used to Save Money

Money saving is never easy. Most American’s simply don’t do it. Yet, saving money is crucial sometimes. It’s a lot better than using credit. How often do you see a commercial that says, “Save up for six months and buy this new couch set!” America wants instant gratification. Unfortunately, that can cause us to get into debt that we can’t climb out of. Instead of debt, try saving. Let’s say your short term goal is to buy a boat-you have a few options. One option is to borrow the money from a lender. Another option is to charge it on a credit card, and the final option is to save for a few months and buy it with your own money. All three ways will give you that boat. Some of those options are not the wisest. If you use a lender and are late with one payment, they can put on a 99% interest. If you use a credit card, you have interest and more debt. If you save, you’re fine. But, how do you save?

Here are some very practical ideas. First of all, don’t go out to eat. If you do, get water and share a dish with someone. If you calculated the amount of money you spend on dining out in one month-you will most likely be surprised. Save that money, your short term goal is worth it. Another way to save is to cut out some extra spending. Instead of going to see a movie, rent one and stay home with some popcorn. Instead of buying an entire CD, buy the track and save that money. Another way to save some money is to buy bulk. This is especially effective for large families.

Sometimes it’s hard to save up by cutting things out of your life. This is understandable, not everyone can afford to go out to eat as much as others. Not everyone can afford nights out at the movies. In this situation, take your checks and put ten percent away in a savings account right away. Do this for as long as you need. Just act like you are literally making ten percent less until you reach your short term goal. These are just a few ways you can save for short term goals. Some will say that if you need extra help financially, there are trained professionals just a call away for advice. Remember that debt is never a wise choice to make if at all possible, because of interest and other things.

When doing your research, consider the following: Look into these programs: door-to-door, fee-per-ride, ride-share, carpools, and private shuttle services. Some services require advanced notice or reservations. Use services that are no or low cost to seniors.

Use pay as you go or monthly coupons. Use public or private transportation (taxi, mini-bus or van, bus, rail).

If you’d like to keep your vehicle, it might be a great idea to fill in the gaps for when ride services are not available. You might find that you can have greater control over the cost of fuel by maintaining your own vehicle and using ride services.

If you decide to keep your vehicle, be sure to look into lower discounted insurance rates for mature individuals. Also, if you find that you are moving slower when walking, ask your medical professional about assisting you with obtaining a handicap sticker, tag or license plate for your vehicle. Here’s a suggestion, even if you decide to get a handicap license plate, also ask for a handicap tag. That way you can display it when traveling in a vehicle driven by someone else. Check with your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) for information specific to your area.