Budgeting seems a little like dieting to me. I can give it 100% in the beginning but quickly fail at sticking to my original plan. Small changes seems to be the only way for me to make an impact on any plan, whether it be watching my weight or my wallet.
Living in Central New York can be financially taxing for many reasons that are beyond our control, especially when the weather changes so quickly. I saw a post on facebook yesterday that read: "Only in Central New York can you go from air conditioning to heat in the same week."
Here are 10 easy money saving tips that you can do THIS WEEK:
1. You and a friend make a list of needed household items and then head over to BJ's or Sam's, with your coupons, and buy the items in bulk, then split them. Buying in bulk can save you a ton and splitting the cost with a friend can save even more!
2. Organize a clothing swap! Gather your gently used clothes and shoes and then invite some friends to bring over some of theirs. My mom and friend Debbie just did a swap yesterday. I know I have 3 bags full of clothes to drop off at the thrift store - it would be great if I got clothes back in exchange!
3. Put draft catchers under all your doors.
4. Run your dishwasher after midnight. Or at least avoid running it after dinner when everyone else is - and the rates are higher.
5. Switch to flannel sheets for the winter and keep the heat turned down lower while you are sleeping.
6. Do not go out to eat this week. Do not even stop at Dunkin and get that pumpkin spiced latte.
7. Unplug small appliances when not in use. Even if they are 'off', many still draw power if plugged in.
8. Make a list for the grocery store and STICK TO IT! This is one of my biggest down falls. Buying anything on impulse can be costly, even if you think you need it. Obviously if you forgot to put butter on your list and when you see it in the store, it reminds you that you are out, pick it up. But when you are standing in the checkout line, keep your head down, don't look around at all the impulse items they want you to buy - don't even touch them!
9. Save every receipt for every purchase for one week. At the end of the week, take a close look at where you spent your money and see where you can trim. There's no doubt you will find at least one unnecessary item.
10. Take $20 cash right now and put it inside the picture hanging in your living room. It's my best way to save money because I forget where I've hidden the cash! Damn chemo brain! I usually have a nice fund saved up by Christmas time.
Living in Central New York can be financially taxing for many reasons that are beyond our control, especially when the weather changes so quickly. I saw a post on facebook yesterday that read: "Only in Central New York can you go from air conditioning to heat in the same week."
Here are 10 easy money saving tips that you can do THIS WEEK:
1. You and a friend make a list of needed household items and then head over to BJ's or Sam's, with your coupons, and buy the items in bulk, then split them. Buying in bulk can save you a ton and splitting the cost with a friend can save even more!
2. Organize a clothing swap! Gather your gently used clothes and shoes and then invite some friends to bring over some of theirs. My mom and friend Debbie just did a swap yesterday. I know I have 3 bags full of clothes to drop off at the thrift store - it would be great if I got clothes back in exchange!
3. Put draft catchers under all your doors.
4. Run your dishwasher after midnight. Or at least avoid running it after dinner when everyone else is - and the rates are higher.
5. Switch to flannel sheets for the winter and keep the heat turned down lower while you are sleeping.
6. Do not go out to eat this week. Do not even stop at Dunkin and get that pumpkin spiced latte.
7. Unplug small appliances when not in use. Even if they are 'off', many still draw power if plugged in.
8. Make a list for the grocery store and STICK TO IT! This is one of my biggest down falls. Buying anything on impulse can be costly, even if you think you need it. Obviously if you forgot to put butter on your list and when you see it in the store, it reminds you that you are out, pick it up. But when you are standing in the checkout line, keep your head down, don't look around at all the impulse items they want you to buy - don't even touch them!
9. Save every receipt for every purchase for one week. At the end of the week, take a close look at where you spent your money and see where you can trim. There's no doubt you will find at least one unnecessary item.
10. Take $20 cash right now and put it inside the picture hanging in your living room. It's my best way to save money because I forget where I've hidden the cash! Damn chemo brain! I usually have a nice fund saved up by Christmas time.
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