It sounds so simple AND it really is, but you'll notice where all your nickels and dimes go. And, those are what you need to watch for! You remember the purchases that you spend over $20 or $50 or $100 and probably think twice before whipping out the plastic, but if you're like me, you can rationalize out the Whataburger combo meal at $7 and some change. But, that $7 adds up (in more places than just my wallet)!
Just put together a simple spreadsheet and list your 'fixed' costs like mortgage, electricity, water...and then have a column for all the variable expenses. It might be an eye opener and show you where you can shave off $20 here or there. Remember, the $20 by itself isn't a lot, but six months of $20s...well you get the picture.
I encourage all of you (all 3 of my followers) regardless of your income, to track for a month. An added benefit is that if you're doing this during the month, listing the expenses daily or weekly, you'll know when you're out of money and can scrimp for the last part of the month.
This is especially helpful for those of you that use your credit cards (AND payoff the balance each month) to get points or rewards. Sometimes it's a little more difficult to watch your cash flow when you're not using your cash!
Let me know how your tracking goes! I'm already angry at some of my purchases this month and am tightening the belt for the last half.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Go to the Dentist!
I know, I know...how does this relate to saving money??
You have to think long term although there are short term benefits as well. There have been many studies that link healthy teeth and gums to healthy bodies. Going twice a year to the dentist could help improve your overall health and lead to reduced doctor co-pays and prescription costs.
Being a regular at the dentist can also help reduce cavities and gingivitis which reduce your out of pocket expenses on other procedures like filling cavities.
Also, with healthy dental care, you might be able to avoid future expenses such as dentures.
And, this is not a scientific fact, but just my own opinion...people with healthy teeth seem to smile more and smiling more seems to improve your mood. If you're happy, then you're spending less money. You're not out looking for things to make you feel better.
Schedule those appointments - twice a year my friends! Also, schedule both appointments at the same time and then put them in your planner. It's easier to go if the time is already on the calendar and you can schedule your other events around those appointments.
This applies for the kiddos too!
You have to think long term although there are short term benefits as well. There have been many studies that link healthy teeth and gums to healthy bodies. Going twice a year to the dentist could help improve your overall health and lead to reduced doctor co-pays and prescription costs.
Being a regular at the dentist can also help reduce cavities and gingivitis which reduce your out of pocket expenses on other procedures like filling cavities.
Also, with healthy dental care, you might be able to avoid future expenses such as dentures.
And, this is not a scientific fact, but just my own opinion...people with healthy teeth seem to smile more and smiling more seems to improve your mood. If you're happy, then you're spending less money. You're not out looking for things to make you feel better.
Schedule those appointments - twice a year my friends! Also, schedule both appointments at the same time and then put them in your planner. It's easier to go if the time is already on the calendar and you can schedule your other events around those appointments.
This applies for the kiddos too!
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