Saving money on a regular basis is a necessity for most of America, unless of course you are a millionaire or you own Quizno's or Wal-Mart, etc. The reason why our country is in such bad shape is mainly because of greed, but secondly, because we as Americans are living beyond our means – way beyond. To think that someone could buy a house with no money down, and having no line of credit history is ridiculous, not to mention, irresponsible. The same concept must have been going through the bank lenders' minds with the credit cards. With all the Visas and Mastercards that were issued in the past 2 years, they must've said amongst themselves, “Let's give credit cards to everyone so no one feels left out; after all fair is fair.They'll pay it.
Well all is not fair when it comes to bank accounts. You can only take out what you put in. And since all of us value differently and work or don't work, we are responsible for our own “lot” in life and the government should only be there to back the taxpayer up. There has to be a standard of morals and ethics that go into keeping our economy running on track. Remember when your mom taught you that You don't get something for nothing? Or how about the old adage, “There's no such thing as a free lunch??” These are familiar because there is truth in them. Since we grew up hearing these values, what was going through our heads when the Federal Financial institutions offered HOUSES for nothing? We assumed the government knew the answer, when in reality they were just operating out of greed. Simaliarly are those who had the 'great idea' of giving credit cards (where you purchase and purchase until a limit is reached) to ANYONE who applied. Those with no jobs or visible means of repayment are not a good risk! Duh! That's not so smart, and now the country is paying for it. And so are the people who got these.
Whether you fall into the category of loosing your house to foreclosure, with or without a house or job left, or if you are one of the luckier ones who still have a house, a car and a job, in which case you are paying the bailouts back through your taxes. Wherever you find yourself in this financial mess, here are some tips on managing money that will help us all get back to being responsible for ourselves and our planet as well.
1. Look to Thrift stores or consignment shops to find clothes. Some will let you exchange your old clothes for some new which helps greatly. Kid's clothes are great to buy 'recycled' because they outgrow them so fast anyway.
2. When you see something of interest in the Thrift store, but it looks outdated. Imagine simply changing the buttons, shortening the skirt, or adding a belt or sash. Simple adjustments like these are inexpensive, but really perk up the outfit.
3. When you go food shopping – make a list. You are less likely to get those impulse items that cost more and aren't good for you any way.
4. Buy in bulk whenever possible. A single unit is priced higher.
5. Try using coupons. Everybody says “I can't use coupons” when in reality they haven't given them a fair chance. One day a week your city newspaper will give you the sales for each store so you can plan where to go. Spending 20 minutes looking for local coupons with the paper could save you many $$ in the long run. Also Google – Coupons.
6. Have your electric bill on even billing, which means that they charge you the same every month, and even out those highs and lows. This way it is easier to budget.
7. Take all the 'extras' off of your land phone and cable until your budget gets stable again. You can always have them put back on,but you may find you like it simpler and cheaper.
8. When you go to sleep at night, turn off everything except the refrigerator and your heater/air conditioner; and keep the heater at 68* and at 78* for air conditioner. This saves electricity, which is good for the environment and also your wallet!
9. Get back to recycling again. In the 80's it was really popular; get back into it now. The whole mindset of recycling causes us to conserve in all areas of your life.
10. It has been proven that if you keep your gas tank full, it uses less gas. Fill up when the gas level gets to ½ tank.
11. Take your lunch to work instead of ordering from a restaurant. This will save you at least $20 a week and more if you tipped! Prepare lunch the night before to save time.
12. Conserve, conserve, conserve. Who said you have to take the family to the movies every weekend? That's $50 right there. For a while, have a movie weekend once a month, and go to Blockbuster the other 3. Same for eating out at restaurants, etc.
13. Pay at least $1.00 more than your minimum on your credit cards. This will show as paying OVER the limit and your credit score will not dip.
14. Use a debit card to make most purchases, and keep very little 'paper money' available. This will keep you from buying little stuff. That adds up over the month without your even realizing you've spent $1 here, $5 there.
15. It would really be great to put all credit cards away and just pay on them until you are back to the place where you can pay them off completely each month.
16.
If your house or car is getting ready to be repossessed, try to refinance at a lower payment, longer time. Chances are the company would rather have money coming in, instead of closing at a loss.
If you can't find at least 3 ways to save money – you're just not trying!
