~FollowYourDollars~ by the Frugal Zealot.

Don't Spend that IRS Refund!!

2008-03-16T13:20:00.000-07:00

Here's a bright idea...

Don't spend your IRS refund check!!

Okay, sure it's hard not to. It's 'found'

money, a gift for working so hard and

you deserve something special. Right?

How many times have you spent that

refund and a few months later can't

even remember what you did with it?

If you didn't already, when you fill out

your return, opt to have a direct deposit.

Once in the bank, transfer it to your

savings account. If you don't have one,

now is the time. Depending on the size

of your refund, you might purchasing a

Certificate of Deposit. Check with your

bank to see the current rate of interest.

For those who can't hand over the entire

refund to the bank, save at least 1/2.

Then have yourself some fun and maybe

next year it might be easier to save it all.

Renting Out Unused Space=$$

2008-03-15T16:11:00.000-07:00

Make Room, Make Money

Letting Unused Space Pay For Itself

Own your own home? Then you have potential income waiting by renting out unused space.

How many of you park your car(s) in the driveway instead of using your garage? Usually most of whatever is being kept in the garage is stuff that could be tossed out or sold. How about a spare bedroom that is serving no other purpose but to store more stuff and an occasional sleepover guest.

If you are going to be keeping stuff in these places anyway, why not make money doing it? Ideally a two car garage is just what someone needs to store their car, small boat, ski mobiles, motorcycles etc. Put some strong, well secured shelving along the walls allowing even more space to rent. Many people are in transit from homes to an apartment with too many items to take and can't decide what to do. In the meantime they need a safe, secure place and your garage might be just the answer.

Others may need space to store boxed collectibles or items that can't be left in the garage. This is where that unused spare room comes in handy.

Place an ad in the local newspaper, or one of those smaller 'ads' newspapers found in convenience stores. Put a flyer on a bulletin board in the supermarket. Word of mouth is sometimes the best source for getting the word out. It's a good idea to state in the ad what you will allow stored. You might prefer vehicles only in the garage. This eliminates unnecessary callers looking to store other items instead.

Getting your garage or unused room ready is the next step. Depending on it's condition determines how much needs to be done. If you have it filled up with the stuff you don't have use for, then either sell it, donate it or toss it.

Try to remove as much furniture as possible from the spare room that you can. Take it to the cellar if you have one or attic. If neither is possible then take as many items to other rooms to provide more space to rent. Utilize the closet as well. Have the room pristine clean, carpet vacuumed and steam cleaned if necessary, walls washed down. Try to imagine if you would want to store you things in there.

1. Get the garage clean. Not just swept clean but spotless. After a through sweeping, hose it down from ceiling to floor. A few coats of white paint, at least one, is a must.

2. If the garage gets wet, even slightly during rain, find the source and get it fixed. Dampness and humidity from moisture will cause mildew and odor that will send potential renters away.

3. Provide adequate lighting, not just the overhead light that is usually nothing more then a naked bulb. Renters will want to be able to see their items without tripping over each other in the process.

4. If your garage door does not have an electric door opener, get one and have it professionally installed. Security is a must.

5. Have large, wooden pallets available for those who want to store boxed items. They should be at least 5" from the garage floor. It is the renters responsibility to have strong boxes, tightly sealed without holes or tears.

What You Need to Do to Protect Yourself:

1. Get at least 3 non-family references from your applicant. Check them out thoroughly and be sure they are local references. Utilize any online or city public records available.

2. Be sure to get a copy of their photo i.d.'s. You especially don't want minors trying to rent space.

3. Trust your instincts. If you feel even a little uncomfortable about a potential renter, find someone else.

4. This is vital. Have the renter supply you with a list of everything they plan to store. If they are storing boxes, have them opened, take a photo of each box before sealing them. Count the number of boxes and include that on the list. If they are storing vehicles or equipment, take several photos of each item so you can prove their condition on the date of storage. Make copies of this list for them and you.

5. For in-house room space rental, never give out a key to your home. If they insist on a key, ask them to rent some place else. Of course they have a right to access their belongings. You will be writing a contract(read below) include in it that the renter must call ahead 24 hours minimum, so you can be at home when they arrive. Privacy should be respected on both sides.

6. As for determining a rental fee. Checkout the current fees charged by the commercial storage rental places in your area. Since most of these are not usually located near a residential area, you provide the plus of location. It's also easier for a renter to just pull into your driveway then have to negotiate a larger area of hundreds of other storage units.

Your price will have to factor in the possible increase in your homeowners insurance as you should advise them you are doing this. If they do increase your rate, them charge your renter accordingly. Be sure to request a month's deposit in advance.

It is your responsibility to provide a safe enviorment for a renter's possessions. They may ask you if you have homeowners insurance and be allowed to see that documentation.

7. Get everything in writing. You can purchase or download from your pc a standard renter's contract. Print out several copies in case you make changes. By now you should have all your do's and don's on a list ready to transfer onto a contract. Be specific. State when the rent is due and how many days grace period allowed before charging late fees. Definitely include under what circumstances the contract would be terminated, such as non-payment, storing items not allowed, etc. Do not accept cash payments. Checks only. Print out a copy of the check for your records if you only do online banking.

8. Have the renter read the contract carefully in your presence and ask if there are any questions or suggestions. At least consider them and try to work together so that both sides are comfortable with the end result. Have the contract signed in the presence of a notary, this is a must do.

While this may seem quite a bit of prep work, it's to your advantage. The end result is that both sides are happy and you are making money. Sounds like a win/win situation.

~Reduce Your Energy Bills AND Be Kind to The Enviorment~

2008-03-09T10:51:00.000-07:00

If you live in a typical U.S. home, your appliances and home electronics are responsible for about 20 percent of your energy bills. These appliances and electronics include the following:

*Clothes washers and dryers

*Computers

*Dishwashers

*Home audio equipment

*Refrigerators and freezers

*Stoves

*Central and room air conditioners

*Televisions, DVD players and VCR's

Here are some quick tips along with more detailed ways to reduce your usage and the bills.

Conserve energy by running your dishwasher only when it's fully loaded and turn off the dry cycle and air dry dishes instead. And remember you use less water then doing the dishes by hand.

Dishwashers use alot of hot water and electricity. Check and see what temperature your water heater is set for. If it is anywhere above 110-120 degrees, then it's just too hot. You can't use water that hot for anything, so have it adjusted down. Consider purchasing a water heater blanket. It will significantly lessen the loss of heat. Think about it, you take a shower and use cold water to cool down the hot you just paid to heat. Why?

When using the washer, only use full loads. Don't use hot water unless it's really needed. Most clothes will come clean in cold water. Detergent doesn't dissolve as fast in cold it seems. So put the detergent in first after you start the water and then add clothes a minute or two later to prevent soap spots on the clothes.

Read the directions on your soapbox or liquid bottle. Many come with a free scoop that encourages you to use much more than you need to. The same with the huge cap on the liquid bottle. Use less, your clothes will be clean and you save on detergent costs.

Use every opportunity to avoid dryer use. Hanging clothes is time consuming but a huge savings for the time spent. Get a line up and once you start doing this and bringing in freshly air dried clothes and linens, you will prefer it. If you don't have a yard or outdoor space, get a few portable drying racks that can be put up in the bathtub or anywhere. Put items on hangars and use your shower curtain pole as a 'line'. Get inventive.

If you must use the dryer, only run a full load. Determine exactly how long it takes to dry certain items. We automatically set the timer at the same number no matter what we put in and it's not always necessary. 20 minutes might be more then enough instead of 30 or more. Hint: Keep your lint filters clean. Remove after each use, clean all traces of lint and at least once a month, let it soak in hot soapy water in the sink. You will be surprised to see how much dirt still remains. Rinse thoroughly and air dry. Excessive buildup of lint has been known to cause fire.

If you have air dried your laundry and the items are too stiff, you can fluff dry with a fabric cloth for 10 minutes.

If you're wondering when you should turn off your personal computer for energy savings, here are some general guidelines to help you make that decision. Though there is a small surge in energy when a computer starts up, this small amount of energy is still less thatn the energy used whan a computer is running for long periods of time. For energy savings and convenience, consider turning off

the monitor if you aren't going to use your pc for more than 20 minutes

both the cpu and monitor if you're not going to use your pc for more then 2 hours

9. Make sure your monitors, printers, and other accessories are on a power strip/surge protector. When this equipment is not in use for extended periods, turn off the switch on the power strip to prevent them from drawing power even when shut off. If you don't use a power strip, unplug extra equipment when it's not in use.

10. Most pc's reach the end of their "useful" life due to advances in technology long before the effects of being switched on and off multiple times have a negative impact on their service life. The less time a pc is on, the longer it will "last." PC's also produce heat, so turning them off reduces building cooling loads. Note: Screen savers are not energy savers. Using a screen saver may in fact use more energy than not using one, and the power-down feature may not work if you have a full screen saver activated. In fact, moder LCD color monitors do not need screen savers at all.

11. Set your thermostat comfortably low in the winter and comfortably high in the summer. Install a programmable thermostat that is compatible with your heating and cooling system. Have your central air conditioner serviced once a year. Keep the filters clean, either replaced monthly or washed and air dried.

12. Make use of fans, even in the winter. A whole house fan is permanently installed in your attic and draws in cool air into the home through the windows while forcing hot air out through your attic vents. Use after sundown when the outside temperature drops below 80 degrees, and in the early morning to cool your house and help reduce your air conditioning use.

13. If you have ceiling fans, use them properly to circulate the air. Heated air rises and cooler air settles to the floor. The fans should be set to pull warm air down from the ceiling in the winter and to pull cool air up from the floors in the summer. Most fans have a directional switch on the side of the motor body.

14. Insulate against drafts whether from windows or doors. If you have a slider door that leaks air, a plastic sheet can be installed for a season to stop heat loss. A "draft dodger" in front of the entry door threshold can keep air from going outside overnight.

15. Install patio covers, awnings, and solar window screens to shade your home from the sun. For additional future savings, use strategically planted trees, shrubs and vines to shade your home.

16. Leaking ductwork accounts for 25 percent of cooling costs in an average home, so have your ducts tested and have any leaks or restrictions repaired by a qualified contractor. NOTE: Duct cleaning is NOT the same as duct sealing.

17. Have an energy audit. You can do this yourself but consider hiring a professional or call your local utility company and be sure to have both electric and gas done. Often utility companies do this for free.

18. Use Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs. Your lights are significant energy users. So, invest in compact fluorescent lightbulbs for your lamps and even ceiling fixtures. If you haven't noticed, they come in warm white colors now and don't flicker when turned on. They save 75% of the energy of a standard bulb would use. You'll almost never have to change light bulbs again until you move! Save the standard bulbs from ceiling fixtures, etc.. to replace when you are ready to move out. And of course, always turn off the lights when leaving a room.

19. Nothing is more energy efficient for cooking than your microwave. It uses 2/3 less energy than your stove. Or invest in a nice sized toaster oven which can cook or reheat almost anything and enough for two people, using much less warmup time then your oven. When boiling water stove top, use high heat just until the pot starts to boil. Then turn the flame to low for the remainder(same for electric stoves) of the cook time. Getting to te boiling point is faster with high temperature, but it takes much less to maintain the heat than to create it. Use properly fitted lids to contain the heat once established. Meals will cook thoroughly on very low heat if you use less liquid and leave the lid in place.

20. Refrigerators with either top or bottom freezers use less energy then side by side. Having lots of food in your fridge keeps it from warming up too fast when the door is open. So your fridge doesn't have to work as hard to stay cool. Be sure to keep the back of the refrigerator dust free.

Common sense is #1. We know when we are wasting energy whether in our homes or elsewhere. If we practice any of the above routinely, the result will be an impressive reduction in your monthly bill and the knowledge you are helping the world you live in. Get creative, find many more ways that you can add to this list. Let me know, I will give you credit for the suggestion and add it here.

~Successful Tips for Selling On Ebay~

2008-03-03T16:37:00.000-08:00

YES! YOU CAN STILL MAKE CASH ON EBAY!

BUT

CHECKOUT THESE HANDY TIPS FIRST...

RESEARCH THE HECK OUT OF EACH ITEM YOU LIST: Dig through eBay to find what similiar items fetch(and how often they sell). When you click on the items, choose the option at top to see 'items ending soonest' that way you can see what has bids and what they sold for.
CONSIDER CHOOSING A 2ND CATEGORY WHEN LISTING: For instance, when I had a gold bracelet to list, I first chose the category 'jewelry-bracelets' and my second category was the maker's name. Buyer's prefer a maker's name on almost everything. I ended up selling it to a collector of that maker.
USE LOW STARTING BIDS: Low starting bids cost less to list, and they may encourage participation. The more popular you expect an item to be, the lower you should set the starting bid. If you expect only a few bids, start bidding closer to your minimum desired sale point. I had a sealed jar of a pricey brand name skincare moisturizer. Someone else had it listed for just under the retail price and never got a bid. I knew it would sell and listed it for $5.00. The bidding went crazy and I sold it easily with a nice profit. Remember it's best not to use a reserve bid. It turns potential bidders off.
START YOUR LISTINGS ON THURSDAY AFTERNOONS AND EVENINGS. ALSO RUN 10 DAY LISTINGS. Time your auction to end on Sunday evening between seven and ten Eastern(four and seven Pacific). This gives two weekends to attract bids.
IF NEEDED, PAY EXTRA TO PREPARE LISTINGS IN ADVANCE AND SCHEDULE THEM TO START ON THURSDAY EVENINGS. Prepare a group of listings in advance, then schedule them to start within a couple of hours of each other. Don't have your listings end closer than within two minutes of each other.
HONESTY IS A MUST IN YOUR LISTING. If an item as a chip, a book page is torn, whatever the problem, make sure you mention it in the description. Take clear photos, especially of the problem and eBay offers a one free photo. Be sure to have a photo that appears on the main page listing. Be specific about your refund policy and how long you will wait for payment. Buyers want to know what to expect from the seller.
OFFER FREE SHIPPING AND DELIVERY CONFIRMATION: You could charge for these, but free shipping builds goodwill. Delivery confirmation gives you peace of mind. Free insurance is of dubious value; I sometimes offer it, but generally only on expensive items. You might offer it as a customer paid option. (Hint) Offer Priority Mail shipping for those in a hurry. Buyers will pay more but get their items generally in 2-3 days. Bonus for the seller is the USPS will send all packing materials for Priority Mail shipping to your home free of charge:) that includes sized boxes, labels, tape and you can request the boxes picked up at your home by them as well. Setup an account with USPS and print your shipping labels, paid or unpaid for added convenience.
INCLUDE A FREEBIE, IT BUILDS GREAT PR: When I was selling bath and shower products, I always included samples in the box along with my business card. This personal touch led to many repeat customers. People love getting freebies.
WRITE A GOOD DESCRIPTION: Imagine you are the buyer, include details that would be of interest and make the item sell itself. The description is the backbone of the sale with excellent photos a close second. Place keywords in the description and sprinkled in conversational sentences. When selling an animated video, I included the names of major stars who did the voiceovers. Check and double check your spelling and grammar.
BE THOROUGH: Many people advocate short descriptions...I disagree. I think that long descriptions are best, especially if they use bold text and highlighting to emphasize the important aspects of your auction.
ATTENTION TO GREAT PACKING: Be sure to have the right box for the item. Have a broad selection of sizes and allow for enough room to include packing materials. Wrap any item no matter what it is in tissue paper first. It protects from any marks from newspaper print, bubble wrap from leaving an imprint. I always used bubble wrap and didn't skimp either and used shredded paper as added filler. Use strong wide packing tape, not thin cellophane. Whether using mailing labels or writing on the package, use a black Sharpie. Hint: cover your return address and buyer's address with cellophane tape. It helps keep the ink from running in case the package is exposed to rain.
ENCOURAGE QUESTIONS: At the end of your description, request all questions be sent prior to end of auction. You must be monitoring your email to make sure you get them answered promptly. If it's a question that many people might be likely to have, such as shipping weight, post the response publicly. Hint: be sure you have a digital postal meter to have the shipping weight handy. They can be purchased reasonably at eBay.
BE FRIENDLY: Having an easy going persona is going to receive a better response than a brusque, business-like persona. That's why it is necessary to have all your instructions in your description so any unpleasant questions will not be necessary later on.

Garage/Yard Sale ABC'S For Success~

2008-02-28T07:00:00.000-08:00

HAVE THE BEST GARAGE/YARD SALE AND FUN AT THE SAME TIME!

Advertise Your Sale:

Be sure your sale gets a mention in the local newspaper, pin notices on grocery store bulletin boards, staple to poles and even handout to friends and neighbors, co-workers. If time allows have your church include it in their weekly bulletin.

Mention the date, time, place and any key items for sale, special note as to whether strictly household miscellaneous or specifics.

Make Signs:

Place signs in your front yard(make them visible from the street), at street corners and at busy town intersections. Mark the sign with arrows pointing in the direction of sale. Tack down securely to avoid the wind blowing them away.

Buy garage sale signs or make your own out of poster board(attach it to a wooden stake). Use stencil letters or print in permanent marker. Make letters large enough to be seen from the street.

Hang helium balloons from the sign to attract more attention.

IMPORTANT TIP: Remember to remove all signs after sale is over!

Display Your Items:

Be sure all your items have been checked over first. Have clothing clean and other items reasonably free of dust and dirt. Anything that has an unpleasant odor will not be a desirable item to have out.

Once you have checked everything carefully, set your items up at least the day before the sale. It's always smart to be prepared for early birds who want first crack at your treasures. Another thing to remember, is to treat your sale like a store making it easy for shoppers to sort through items.

Group items together same as department stores. Anything to make it easier for the buyers.

Set up tables or sawhorses with a plywood top to display items.

Hang clothes on racks or on a rope between two trees. Save dry cleaner hangars to display clothes. Mark sizes.

Attach price label. Use plain or colored labels, hang tags or pre-priced stickers(save you time) to mark your items. Use different colored labels if you are having a multi-family sale(helps keep track of the sales).

Have instructions and owner's manuals taped to items. Also, plug in electronics and have batteries in battery operated items so people know they work.

Package small items that are alike(i.e., a bag of craft supplies; a bag of hair accessories). Then give the package a single price(i.e., each bag, $1.00).

Put large ticket items, such as furniture, near the street to peak the interest of passersby.

Take photos of large items and display on poster board(i.e. a bed or a mattress). This helps you from having to bring certain large items to the garage or the driveway. Of course you can physically show items to interested parties, but make sure to have a helper to oversee the sale when this is necessary.

GET YOUR CHECK-OUT STATION READY:

Have a cash box or fanny pack to keep money in one safe place. Also make sure to have small bills and lots of change on hand.

Be ready to negotiate! Shoppers are always looking for a better deal.

Have help on day of the sale.

Finally, donate leftover items to charity.

Have fun! Garage/yard sales are a great way to meet neighbors and better yet, it's a great way to get rid of the junk and follow those dollars right into your wallet.

~Consider These Options For Making Money~

2008-02-19T11:15:00.000-08:00

TO BE SUCCESSFUL WITH THESE IDEAS,

BE CREATIVE, POSITIVE AND RESOURCEFUL!

PROVIDE A SERVICE: Virtual secretaries(work at home) are in demand and a necessity for businesses that are operating on a shoestring. Consider installing one or two land line phones enabling you to provide an answering service to trades people, such as electricians, plumbers, lawn maintenance etc. Look in the Yellow Pages for business's listed by owners name only. A clue they probably do not have an office. Prepare a very professional flyer with your business name, services offered(you can include paperwork, billing) whatever you are capable of. Be honest about that. Have a salary in mind that includes your expenses, be prepared to negotiate though. AND most important, when you have made a decision on a client(s), get everything in writing, signed and notarized.
SELL ON CONSIGNMENT: A golden opportunity to finally get rid of those items you no longer wear, if ever and be paid at the same time. Look carefully through your gently worn clothes making sure they are clean, with no tears; button and zippers working, and remember jewelry too and bring to a reputable consignment shop. Be patient, it takes time but it's worth a little bit of your time.
YARD AND GARAGE SALES: The absolute primer on making money, a must to try and is almost always successful. It is work, preparation is the hardest step but without taking the time to do the prep work, you will end up disappointed with a small turnout and profits. PLEASE READ MY SEPARATE POST ON GARAGE SALES IN ARCHIVES.
PERFORM HOUSEHOLD SERVICES: You can earn some money informally by letting friends, family, church members and others in your community know that you are available to clean their houses or apartments. If you have a knack and stamina for cleaning quickly and thorougly, you can turn this into a regular, reliable way to earn extra money.
HAVE A BAKE SALE: Do you have a particular recipe for a delish cookie or coffee treat? how about tasty breakfast burritos? Why not bring your items once a week to your job and sell them to co-workers and other business people in the vicinity? Wrap them in colorful plasticwrap, put them on a big serving platter or tray with the price visible on a card. That way there is no mistaking them for free. You may find that people start to anticipate your arrival with homemade goodies. The possibilities are endless here, we all know Martha started small with samples:)
SELL HOMEGROWN FRUITS AND VEGETABLES: You don't have to have a farm to produce delicious, organic produce.(I have a friend who grows them on her patio in pots). By presenting your goods in an appealing way(save the plastic or cardboard produce containers from the grocery store and tie them with a distinctive ribbon or desktop printed label, you give them niche appeal, selling them much the same way as baked items, listed above.
DO GARDENING SERVICES: Mowing lawns is a perennial summer job for kids. If you have a mower, encourage your children to launch a business--or do it yourself. In addition you can also weed or haul gardening rubbish to the dump(often garbage services won't remove it.)
DOG WALK AND PET SIT: Owners are always looking for reliable pet-care services. Plus if you stay home with your kids during the day, a regular dog-walking gig is a great way to get everyone out of the house for some fresh air and earn extra money. Print up a flyer to leave at pounds, the ASPCA and local veterinarians. Be prepared to provide references from anyone you have ever sat for before. Remember these pets are much loved by their owners. You have a responsibility to provide them with a safe and caring person, that's you. Only consider this job if you are an animal lover and dependable.
BABYSIT: To provide regular childcare in your home, you'll often need to be accredited and registered with the state. But occasional babysitting in your home or someone else's is more straightforward. You might already babysit for friends for free, but by reaching out in your community you can find parents whom you would feel comfortable charging a reasonable fee--such as those belonging to common churches, PTA's or playgroups. Depending on your schedule, you can position yourself as a last-minute resource, a Saturday sitter while Mom does errands, date-night sitter and so on.
RENT OUT GARAGE SPACE: This option has been a very successful one based on feedback. How many of you park your cars in the driveway because your garage is cluttered? (Hint: have that overdue Garage Sale) and advertise for the garage rental at the same time). Make sure you have several well placed notices about the rental and you can sometimes use small circulars that offer free ad space. Insist on references though, be specific about what you will allow stored and have it in writing, signed and notarized. Be sure to include that the owner provides you with a photo i.d. and don't forget those references.

All the above are sure ways to follow the dollars into your wallet.

~15 Ideas For Saving Money On Gas~

2008-02-18T20:05:00.000-08:00

No surprise to find out that the U.S. topped out at an average of $3.00 a gallon as April ended, news from the Energy Information Agency, which tracks fuel costs across the country. With no appreciable drop in these prices in the near future, I have some excellent tips to get the most out of each gallon you buy and follow your dollars back into your wallet.

CAR MAINTENANCE:

Keep the tires inflated properly. This one is simple and a potential lifesaver. Underinflated tires waste fuel and wear out the tire tread. Also, check tires regularly for alignment and balance.

A well tuned engine burns less gas. Get regular tune-ups and follow through with routine maintenance. The right parts and fresh oil keep your engine running happy and less thirsty for gas.

Get the junk out of the trunk. A weighed-down car uses more fuel. For every 250 pounds your engine hauls, the car loses about one mile per gallon in fuel economy. Carry only the basic emergency equipment and items you really need.

GAS SHOPPING:

Buy the lowest grade (octane) of gasoline that is appropriate for your car. Check your owner's manual for this information. As long as your engine doesn't ping or knock, the fuel you're using is fine. You can save hundreds of dollars a year.

Pay cash at stations that charge extra for credit cards.

Don't top off the gas tank. Too much gas will just slosh or seep out. Why waste those precious pennies?

DRIVING:

Drive intelligently; don't make fast starts or sudden stops. You're just overexerting your engine and burning extra fuel. Gradual acceleration also helps automatic transmissions run better. Engine-revving wastes fuel, too.

Lighten up on the accelerator. The faster you drive, the more gas you use. Speed limits have gone up around most of the nation, but you don't have to see your fuel consumption increase by two miles per gallon when you do.

Avoid long warmups. Even on cold winter mornings, your car doesn't need more than a minute to get ready to go. Anything more and you are just burning up that expensive fuel.

Combine errands into one trip and plan your trips for the most efficient route. You'll save yourself time and money.

Do not rest your left foot on the brake. The slightest pressure could cause a drag that will demand additional gas use--and wear out the brakes sooner.

OTHER GOOD HABITS:

Tighten up that gas cap. Make sure it's on securely. Buy a new one if your current cap doesn't fit snugly. Gas easily evaporates from the tank if it has an escape.

Buy a fuel-efficient car. When buying cars factor in long-term fuel costs. Keep in mind that sunroofs add to wind resistance, lowering the mileage per gallon.

Be smart with the air conditioning. On the highway, closed windows decrease the wind resistance, so run the air conditioner. But in stop and go traffic, shutting off the air conditioning and opening the windows can lighten your fuel use. Air conditioning can lower your fuel economy by 10-20% percent.

Remove snow tires in good weather. Deep tread and big tires use more fuel.

Make Some Changes and Keep Your Coins~

2008-02-11T18:49:00.000-08:00

$UB$TITUTE$ THAT MAKE $EN$E

Buying coffee on your way to work? Purchase 2 inexpensive coffee mugs with tops and make your own at home before you leave. Those daily latte's can add an extra $30.00-40.00 to your expenses each month.
Buying lunch out everyday or even occasionally? Make your own the night before and brown bag it. Bringing lunches, drinks and treats from home can save your family $100.00 per month depending on family size.
Buying fast food more then once a week? Avoid it like the plague and fatten up your wallet instead of your hips.
Buying at convenience stores? Being in a hurry will cost you plenty here. Food and miscellaneous items are often marked up 25%.
Buying food at specialty/gourmet shops? Many similiar and often identical items can be at your local supermarket for much less.

Got your priorities in order?

2008-02-10T11:11:00.001-08:00

If your spending priorities are not:

Getting your mortgage or rent paid on time each month,
Providing food for yourself and/or family daily,
Keeping your utilities paid ontime each month,
Transportation needs met,

Then it's time to re-organize the meaning of 'spending priorities' for you. The above just represent the absolute necessities and yet so many are behind at least a month in rent/mortgage and utilities alone.

It will help to rethink the meaning of 'spending priorities' by eliminating your WANTS and concentrating on your absolute NEEDS. It is where you begin to take a hard look at where that money you earned is going and it begins with keeping an accurate record of every penny you spend. Every penny.

Begin to record everyday what you spend, not rounding off numbers but exactly no matter how small. Include every expense whether cash, check or plastic and what it was spent on. Review it after one week and you will begin to see that you are buying many things that you want but can definitely live without just fine.

Now, add the figures again but leave off the items you did not need to buy and get your total. Depending on whether you are keeping account for yourself or family, the results can be surprising.

Your ultimate goal is to see those dollars building up in your savings daily, weekly and monthly.

STOP! Being careless with your cash spending...

2008-02-09T12:31:00.000-08:00

DISCOVER WAYS TO SHOP AND PAY BILLS WITHOUT EMPTYING YOUR WALLET!

With minimal effort(and pain) you can stop the endless struggle of living paycheck to paycheck. You can ease the strain of worrying if today's mail will be bogged down with yet more bills you cannot pay.

Prices are skyrocketing while paychecks, for most of us, hardly keep up with the increases. Single parents, newly marrieds, large famlies and seniors are all struggling to make ends meet.

We clip coupons, watch for sales and yet mysteriously our dollars slip away and we have no idea where they went.

This blog is to provide you with tips, easy to follow methods and strategies to help you hang onto more money at the end of the week...even each day. Because keeping tabs of your daily spending is a must.

For some it will be harder to follow only because it will require some sacrifices, a hard look at your spending habits, a desire to change and patience. The end result can be the satisfaction that you have managed to meet all your needs first with money left for some of those wants.