OK...the creative juices just aren't there today. I've been staring at the computer for 2 hours and it's just not happening for me! Therefore, I'm going to steal and article from Dave Ramsey. Dave is my financial hero...here's a little wisdom:
Who doesn’t love to spend less and save more? Keeping cash in your wallet is something everyone loves to experience, and thinking of ways to be a smart shopper can result in plenty of saved money. But you don’t have to make drastic changes in your daily life. Here are seven things that many smart shoppers do that literally pay off.
1.Save up for quality
From sofas to shoes, it pays to purchase quality products. When you buy cheap stuff, you end up replacing it more often, thus spending more money. Saving up for something nicer and a little pricier actually helps you save money over the long term.
2. Clip coupons
You don’t have to be that batty lady who goes crazy when the Sunday paper isn’t delivered, but taking time to clip coupons—and combining them with store specials—is a smart way to save money. You can also sign up for online coupon websites that deliver coupons straight to your email. All you have to do is hit the print key!
3.Balance your checking account
If you write a check or use your debit card, note it in your checkbook register immediately. Keeping a close eye on the cash in your account means you’re less likely to spend frivolously.
4.Stick to the budget
Make a budget every month and stick to it. Fill your envelopes with a set amount of cash, and when the cash is gone, stop spending. When you’re tempted to take a few bucks out of another envelope, don’t give in!
5.Just say no!
Learning to say no is hard, but once you know how to do it, you’ll be in control of your money. If you don’t need it, don’t buy it. Tell your kids no when they ask for a fast food dinner that’s not in the budget. It’s hard to do, but it’s worth it in the end.
6. Maintain what you have
Keep your items longer by taking care of them. This seems like an obvious one, but how many people do you know with a car that looks like a garbage pit or a home that looks like a tornado went through it? You spend hard-earned money on your stuff, so take care of it!
7. Travel wisely
Be a smart traveler by taking advantage of your drive time. Instead of zooming around town twice in one day, plan your schedule so that you run two errands in one outing. Do your grocery shopping on the way home from work or after your child’s basketball game. This will save you money and time!
Simple steps like these can end up saving you a lot of money in the long run. It may not seem like much when you’re saving $10 here and $20 there, but it really does add up when you see it reflected in your budget!
No comments:
Post a Comment