Master your money. Get organized. Take back your time.
Who wouldn’t love to boost her savings? And right now too?
Saving a bundle of money doesn’t need to require a huge sacrifice in your lifestyle. Or a major time investment to find extra pennies here and there.
Here are three super easy ways you can rapidly increase your savings. [Read more…]
Ahh, the laundry. That never-ending chore that no one loves to do. It feels as though you need to do it . . . all . . . the . . . time.
And that can add up to a lot of money.
You don’t always see the cost of doing laundry, since it’s hidden in your budget:
If you’re looking for an easy way to save every single week, take a look at your laundry habits. Let’s see how we can spend less money getting your clothes clean and smelling great! [Read more…]
Are you suffering under the weight of your cell phone bill?
According to data collected by the Pew Research Center, 95% of U.S. adults own a cell phone. At the same time, Aaron Smith, Associate Director of Research at Pew, has some sobering news. Smith reports that “nearly half (48%) of smartphone-dependent Americans have had to cancel or shut off their cell phone service for a period of time, because the cost of maintaining that service was a financial hardship.”
However, if you think there’s nothing you can do about that painfully large chunk of change each month, think again. [Read more…]
It’s been a few weeks since Christmas has passed.
One by one, your neighbors have taken down their lights and chucked their trees to their curb. Inside your home, the shiny glow of the holiday season has worn off, and you’re looking at your pile of presents with sober eyes.
You’ve tried on new clothes, flipped through new books, tinkered with new gadgets, and played with new toys. And — in the midst of enjoying your Christmas haul — you’ve found a few duds. Gifts that just aren’t you or don’t fit in with your life.
It’s not that you don’t love the people who gave you those gifts or the thought they’ve put into them. Maybe your friends missed the mark with your tastes, or the gifts would have been perfect for you at a different time in your life.
It’s hard to think about getting rid of any gift. Besides, isn’t that horribly rude?
No.
You’re not throwing the gift back at the giftee or telling her that it’s not what you want. You’ve offered that person a heartfelt “Thank you!” for generously giving you something that she thought you’d love. Now that gift is 100% yours, and you’ve got the freedom to manage your worldly goods how you see fit.
Need more convincing? [Read more…]
How often does this happen to you? You cash your paycheck only to have it disappear. After paying your landlord, insurance guy, utility company, and everyone else, you’re left with next to nothing.
But what if you could hold on to more of your heard-earned money? Pocket some extra in case of emergency? Save hundreds or even thousands a year with these easy-to-implement tips. [Read more…]
If you missed last week’s post on Part 1 in this series, click here to check it out!
Picking up an inexpensive bicycle helmet at a yard sale may seem like a great deal at first, but the potential pitfalls negate the financial savings.
First, there’s the issue of sanitation. A helmet – typically stored in a garage, in a basement, or even outdoors – may be rife with mold, bacteria, or insect eggs. Plus, the previous owner likely left behind some combination of dead skin cells, hair product residue, dried sweat, skin infection, and head lice.
Second and more important, there’s the question of safety. Older helmets may not meet current safety standards for protecting your head and neck. Even more troubling, a helmet, which is designed to protect the wearer from a single accident only, may have been damaged beyond the point of proper functioning. Plus, according to an article in the Health section of The New York Times, the plastic of every helmet deteriorates due to frequent exposure to sunlight and ozone.
With new, clean, undamaged helmets available online and in many stores for less than $20, there’s no reason to risk your life and health for a few dollars’ savings. [Read more…]
If you’re the type of person who always buys directly from a store, you’re missing out. At the same time, shopping the neighborhood yard sales can lead to trouble. When you make a purchase, you want quality at a terrific price. When should you buy new . . . and when is there a savvier way to go? [Read more…]
Cash is king . . . or is it? If you grew up hearing your parents extol the virtues of “cash on the barrel,” it’s time to reconsider. Here are some reasons why it pays to love your credit cards and go with plastic. [Read more…]
There’s just so much stuff you HAVE to do in life. You have to go to work. You have to make dinner and clean yours house. You absolutely have to do your taxes each year.
But do you really?
Are you a victim of a massive list of must-do items . . . or are you unconsciously choosing to do those things? Your to-do list may actually be a reflection of your priorities and goals. If you look at each item on your list as something moving you one step closer to your goals — financial health, family relationships, a welcoming home, pursuit of your career dreams — you’re no longer a slave to your list.
You’re the master.
But what if your must-do list is out-of-whack with your goals? Then it’s time to consider some alternatives! Realign your life with your priorities. What’s right for someone else may be totally wrong for you. Reserve judgment, and ask yourself whether these common have-to tasks are activities you want to do or activities you’re prepared to change. [Read more…]
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If you’re like most new parents, your first two emotions after a positive pregnancy test are excitement and paralyzing fear. You’re having a baby . . . but you have no idea what you’re doing! You’ve got just nine months to figure out not only how to keep your kid alive but also what gear you need to make that happen.
Before you find yourself in a frenzy buying everything at Babies“R”Us, check out these 7 tips for saving big bucks on your baby. [Read more…]