Saving money can be a real challenge. You know you should, but some months it feels like you’re barely making ends meet. And no matter how much you actually make, it never feels like enough. Fortunately, there are some painless steps you can take to get your savings back on track. Below are a few of my favorite tips for ways you can save more money: … [Read more...] about 10 Tips for Saving More Money
budget
Year-End Financial Checklist
The end is near! The end of the year that is … And with that, December is a good time to get you finances in order and get ready to settle with the tax man. Here are some tips to get yourself ready for another year: Set Your Budget for Next Year: Remember, a budget is simple: • Money In – Money Out > 0 = Success. The best way to do this is to create a table with 12 columns; one for each month. Start by listing your income towards the top. Then list all your bills and expenses. This strategy is usually a little more effective than just doing one generic monthly budget because it captures expenses that don’t occur every month or are seasonal (like Christmas expenses). This also lets you see how you’re doing throughout the entire year … [Read more...] about Year-End Financial Checklist
Download My Free Christmas Present Planner!
I’d like to be the first one to give you a gift this Christmas season: My free, downloadable Christmas Present Planner. If you really want to save money this season, the first thing you need to do is get organized so you don’t over-spend. This handy Microsoft Excel file will allow you to keep track of both your initial budget and the amount you actually spent on each individual. Overall, it will help you keep your spending on track and make sure that everyone on your list is well taken care of. … [Read more...] about Download My Free Christmas Present Planner!
Buying Christmas Presents For Free Using My Rewards Programs
When I was younger, my bank had this thing called a “Christmas Club” program. The way it worked was I’d sign up for a set amount of money I wanted to save for Christmas ($100 - yeah, I know big spender - I was about 10 years old) and then I’d receive a small book with 50 payment slips ($2 each). Each week throughout the year, I’d pay off each of those slips. As part of the program, the bank would pay the last one. Although this wasn't a groundbreaking investment (about a 2% return), it did teach me a little something about saving and preparing for Christmas: • Christmas is a lot easier when you save little by little throughout the year • Getting free money for the act of saving isn’t bad either Now that I’m all grown up, I have a little … [Read more...] about Buying Christmas Presents For Free Using My Rewards Programs
Your Bills Are Negotiable
One of the many things my job has taught me is that the price of everything is negotiable. It’s basic supply and demand. If you don’t give someone the price they want, they’ll go find it somewhere else. The bottom line is whether or not they want to make a sale and keep you as a customer. That’s the little story I tell myself about every six months. What happens every six months? My TV service goes from the promotional price back to the normal price. And when it does, without hesitation, I call the cable company and politely ask “Is there anything you can do for me?” I don’t yell. I don’t stomp my feet. I simply ask the question fully understanding that the worst thing they could tell me is “no”. But they usually don’t … because the … [Read more...] about Your Bills Are Negotiable
