Ten Simple Ways to Get Control of Your Finances
Look for ten little ways to shave spending in your daily habits and it will add up to big savings without feeling the pinch.
1. Take the change out of your pockets or your purse everynight when you get home, and dump it into a jar, box, drawer, something convenient. Then once a month roll up your coins and put them in your bank.
2. If you like to eat out, then cut out one meal a week in a restaurant (this includes takeout) and plan for that dinner when you grocery shop.
3. Replace all the bulbs in your house with the low energy bulbs you can get now, and save big time on your hydro bill. (Of course turning off all the lights you don't need is even better)
4. Drive the speed limit, you will be amazed at how much longer a tank of gas lasts. Don't gun it from the lights, and keep your tires at the proper inflation (should be on the inside of your door). Keep your oil changed, and your car tuned up, these all add up to significant fuel savings.
5. Put your house thermostat on a timer, this works for winter and summer. Keep your house at a lower temperature between midnight and 6am by 2 degrees while you are snuggly under a blanket, and have the heat come back up for when you get up, and the opposite in the summer. Keep your thermostat higher while you are at work, and have it set to adjust the temperature for when you get home if you have air conditioning.
6. Shop in the outter aisles of grocery stores, that is where most of the fresh produce and ingredients are. The closer to the middle you get, and you will find the packaged foods...
Look for simple recipes you can make ahead, because I don't know about you, but most of the so called "convenient packaged dinners" say they serve four, but my kids could eat a package each!. Plan a few meals ahead of time, and you will be ready for a quick stir fry or casserole on those busy nights and you will be able to eat more for your buck.
7. Shop for your clothes a month into the season, and they are already on sale. They start planning their next season one month into the present season. So, if you can hang on until approximately the third week of June for summer clothes, they are all marked down.
8. If you have a yard, then a flower bed and gardens can be expensive to maintain. Purchase your plants about a month into the season and there are sales everywhere. I purchased shrubs and flowers the third week of June, and what was 30 dollars, I got for 4.99!. Also, purchasing plants in the fall season, gets you a head start on spring, but also big savings.
9. Have a garage sale to get some cash for all those unused items building up in your garage, basement, shed. A good rule to go by, is if you have not used it in a year, then sell it. You will be amazed at how good you feel when you purge all that clutter. The second rule, is IT IS NOT ALLOWED BACK IN THE HOUSE. This means for the things that did not sell, load them in your car, and either donate them or take them to the dump or recycling center. Keeping your house free of clutter will keep your stress levels down.
10. If your pay is automatically deposited in the bank, then set up a savings account, and have the bank automatically transfer a small amount each pay. For example 25 dollars a pay, would be 50 dollars a month if you are paid twice a month, and this adds up quickly. If don't get automatically deposited, then set up a savings account anyways, and when you deposit your cheque in the bank, then still have them automatically transfer some money.
If you follow some of the suggestions above, you should be able to live on 25 dollars less of your pay. You will quickly get used to the lesser amount, and adjust to it. The trick here, is to get the bank to do it, or you may find a home for it quickly. We tend to spend what we see in the bank. As you find more great ways to save, have the amount adjusted higher, and before you know it, you will have an emergency account, or whatever it is you are saving for, and it will inspire you to take the time, and look at your finances.
Get into the habit of sitting down with your finances once a month, and you will stay on top of any problems, and you will know where you stand, and that is peace of mind right there. Below is a great book, that I read and re-read all the time. It is simple to follow, and will help you get set up with your finances.