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Posts Tagged ‘saving money’

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Even more ways to save around the house!

Monday, March 22nd, 2010

I’m always talking about ways to save around the house, and today I have even more tips for you!  Check out the following ideas:

  • If you haven’t done an energy audit of your house, then you should!  Contact your local utility company to see if they will do it for free (they usually will), and if not, then check out energystar.gov, and use their guide to do it on your own!
  • Buy and use a programmable thermostat.  These things are great.  We love ours!  We set it to lower the temperature in the house at night when we go to bed, since we’re going to be under the covers anyway, and raise the temperature shortly before the alarm clock sounds.  It’s a great way to save a few bucks!
  • Buy CFL bulbs!  Compact fluorescent bulbs will save you money over the long haul and the last longer as well.  I won’t deny the color is a little different and the bulbs  look weird, but they are well worth it!
  • Put on or take off that sweater!  I know that our preference is for a nice temperature controlled house, and most people don’t have a problem with putting on the sweater in the winter, but it’s just as important in the summer!  I know that we can only take off so many clothes, but the wearing lightweight fabrics, fewer clothes, and running the thermostat at a higher temperature is a great way to save in the summer.  We all (well, a lot of us) love to go to the beach, right?  So why is it that we can stand high temps at the beach and not in our house?  I say if the temperature is hot, deal with a little heat and raise the temp!  For each 1 degree you lower (in the winter) or raise (in the summer) your temperature, you will save roughly 1% off your bill each month!

As of Saturday, we are officially in spring.  Make these tips part of this years spring cleaning to do list, and save yourself some money this summer!

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DIY…We should get back to taking care of ourselves!

Monday, March 15th, 2010

These days we hire out all sorts of things that we used to do ourselves.  We pay people to mow our lawns and shovel our driveways.  We pay people to clean our houses and carpets and vehicles.  Why do we do this?  Are we lazy?  Too busy?  Do we have too much money?  No matter what the reasoning is, as individuals who need to save for our future (I don’t know anyone who doesn’t need to do that), we should be doing these things for ourselves as opposed to hiring them out! 

So you say you don’t know how to do certain things around the house?  Learn.  Lack of knowledge is no excuse for not doing something!  Check out the Diy Network for instructions on how to fix lots of common things around the house.  Every time you fix something yourself, you’re saving money for your future!   If you’re hiring out lawn mowing and driveway shoveling, stop.  Unless you are not physically capable, there is no reason you should be paying someone to do things around your house!  Besides, a little extra physical activity is good for us all!

Your favorite southern couple hates to hire out work.  We try to do as much as we can ourselves, and only hire out when absolutely necessary (having a broken tree removed from our yard, for example).  If we don’t know how to fix something, we research it.  We do understand that not everyone is “handy” around the house, however.  If you’re not handy, then befriend someone who is, and trade services.  Whatever your talent, exchange that for their help.  Maybe they fix your toilet and you help them (as a personal trainer, for example) teach them a basic fitness program in return. 

Whatever the circumstance, figure out a way to do things for yourself!  Not only will you save money, but you will become more self sufficient!

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Get your audiobooks for free!

Monday, March 8th, 2010

I know that some of you don’t do audiobooks, but for those of you that do, you know that newer release books cost quite a bit to download/purchase.  Well, this weekend, while trying to find the best price on an audiobook that Jerrill and I wanted to listen to, we stumbled across a great way to listen to them for free!

Our local library (and hopefully yours as well) offers audiobooks to be downloaded on their website for free!  Our local library connects us to NetLibrary, an eBook and eAudiobook content distributor.  They have a huge selection for their members to choose from, and offer the content FOR FREE for a set time.  The audiobook we wanted to listen to was available, and with an access code, we downloaded it for free for 20 days, which is more than enough time to listen to an audiobook!

Take it from me when I say that this is a great way to read or listen to books!  Not only is it free like your local library, but you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your own home!  What a great way to save some money!

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Your bank and overdraft protection…

Friday, February 26th, 2010

Today’s article, Banks use scare tactics to get you to sign up for overdraft protection, addresses the new bank overdraft “protection” law that basically says that you have to voluntarily sign up for the overdraft protection to let your bank keep processing your debit card transactions even after you run out of money.  As far as I’m concerned, at $35 per transaction, overdraft protection is no service to it’s customers, and certainly shouldn’t be anything someone would voluntarily sign up for!

Now, I’m sure you can tell from above, we believe if you can’t keep a minimum amount in your bank account, or can’t keep from overspending because you aren’t diligent, then you shouldn’t have a bank account, and should operate on a cash only (money orders to pay bills) system.  However, if you choose to have  a bank account, and struggle to keep funds in it, then use the other services that many banks offer, that don’t come attached to a ~$35 fee PER TRANSACTION! 

The scary stuff you get in the mail from the bank, that says your debit card will stop working and the like is true, because OF COURSE it should stop paying people if you don’t have any money in your account!  That is the way it is supposed to work!  The card is not supposed to let you spend more than you have!  Overdraft “protection” is like you receiving a mini loan from the bank…kind of like those payday check cashing places, but wrapped in a prettier sounding name.  Ignore these letters from the bank!  You don’t want to keep paying $35 a transaction loan fees for the rest of your life!  DO NOT opt in to this plan, just learn to watch your account and don’t over spend. 

If you absolutely CANNOT LIVE without overdraft and refuse to be on cash only (hard headed, aren’t you??), then there are a couple of alternatives.  Many banks will allow you to link your checking account to your savings account to prevent overdrafts.  Some will also link it to a line of credit (not something we recommend) to prevent these overdrafts from happening.  Neither of these programs are free, but they are cheaper than overdraft, and won’t catch you off guard either, because, let’s face it, if you don’t have the money to cover your purchase, you definitely don’t have the money to cover your $35 a transaction overdraft “protection”.

If or when you start receiving these notices from your bank, do yourself a favor, and “just say no” to overdraft protection…instead, be more diligent with your account, or switch to cash!

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Valentine’s Day tips and ideas…

Wednesday, February 10th, 2010

Much to the dismay of many men across the country, Valentine’s Day is this weekend and now is the time to start planning (earlier would have been good as well, but I’ll take what I can get).  So, say you want to do something for Valentine’s Day, but either can’t think of anything, or are on a tight budget…what do you do?

Well, if you are having trouble coming up with creative ideas, let me put your mind at ease that most women (not all of us, unfortunately…even though Valentine’s Day is OPTIONAL, some women expect the moon and more) are appreciative of anything you do.  So no matter what it is, the fact that you’ve done something is enough to make us happy.  That being said, if you want to get creative with the traditional Valentine’s Day ideas, to score some bonus  points, there are some great ways to do that.  For example:

  • The trifecta – Flowers, candy and jewelry.  We all like roses, but get creative and get some orchids or tulips (red or pink are probably best).  Candy is great unless she’s health conscious, so either get her favorite chocolates (they don’t have to be expensive, just her favorite) or try something a little more healthy, like her favorite fruits or nuts (the expensive ones that she won’t buy herself).  Jewelry is a personal thing, but as long as you know which color is her favorite (yellow or white gold) and which type of jewelry (bracelet, earrings or necklace) you should be fine.  No matter what you choose, be sure to get creative and hide the box where it will surprise her.
  • Dinner and a movie- This is a great gift for the significant other that doesn’t get to go out much.  The dinner should be to a nice place (where she can get dressed up, if she likes that sort of thing) and the movie should be her favorite (yes, that could mean chick flick, but come on, it’s only once a year, I know you’re man enough to live through it).
  • Cultural – If your girl likes a little culture, a trip to the theater or a museum might suit her.  Take her to her favorite cultural outing, or to a new place (or show) she hasn’t been to yet.

If  you’re on a tight budget, some of these things can sound out of your reach.  Don’t worry!  These are ways to be sweet to your significant other while watching your pennies too!  Here are some examples of the above ideas, on a budget:

  •  The trifecta – Flowers, candy and jewelry.  Flowers on a budget at Valentine’s Day isn’t too bad.  You can get them at a discount store, like Costco or Sam’s Club/Wal-Mart, the price will be what you like.  Also, it pays to buy them a week early and give them to her then, since the price will be lower (unfortunate, but yes, the florists jack-up the prices on Valentine’s Day).  Candy is easy on a budget…instead of opting for an expensive box of chocolates, bake her a delicious dessert.  This satisfies her sweet tooth, saves money and scores you points for effort!  Jewelry is easier than you think on a budget.  Most women like “costume” or “fashion” jewelry, so find out her favorite costume jewelry designer, and, if it’s in your budget, get some.  Not in your budget?  Opt for something personal, like her favorite movie on DVD, with a bag of popcorn and a note about having a movie night, or a professional massage (check your local massage school, since they often offer these services at a fraction of the cost…or, give her the massage yourself!).
  • Dinner and a movie – If she likes to go out, do a dinner out, but scale back and take her to a moderately priced place.  Otherwise, cook for her.  You can buy the ingredients to make a fancy dinner at a fraction of the cost of that same dinner out.  Set the table for a formal dinner, with full silverware, linen napkins and candles.  Inform her that she should “dress” for dinner, and be dressed up yourself, since it will make the experience more memorable.  The movie can be watched at home (budget friendly), and if you want serious bonus points, a little dancing in the living room never hurt any man, I don’t care if you’ve heard rumors to the contrary!
  • Cultural – Well, museums are still priced right for the budget conscious this year, but the theater is out, so if the museum isn’t your thing, you could both go donate blood together, or do some community service work together.  Not in that kind of mood?  Well, find a safe but culturally different part of town, and go on a mini “tour”.  Walking, biking or driving, it’s up to you.  Just do something to make it memorable.

There you have it!  A few (and long winded) tips on ways to get creative or stay in budget for Valentine’s Day!  Good luck, and I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday!

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Fees and mirroring…

Monday, February 8th, 2010

For most of us, fees are the type of bill that give us heartburn or headaches.  They stink!  And, if we’re actually paying attention to our bills, fees just irritate us to no end.  Especially when we see all the extra taxes on there lumped in with the fees, since we give Uncle Sam plenty out of our paycheck every year.  But noticing these fees is very important!  As a matter of fact, being vigilant and reading through your bills as they come in is very important, since not only might you be paying a fee you shouldn’t, but you could also catch a company in the practice of “mirroring”.

I will be the first to admit that it is sometimes difficult to decipher fees when the bill comes in, but that’s no excuse for not knowing what is happening on your account.  If, after pouring over the bill for a little while, you still can’t figure out what is going on, call the customer service line and ask them to explain it.  A nice added benefit?  If you’re more vigilant about bills, it might carry over into your bank account, and then you won’t be charged overdraft fees (if you were overdrawing in the first place, because let’s face it, you shouldn’t be).  Overdraft fees from banks are one of the biggest stupid taxes around.  If you pay attention to how much you have in your account, you won’t be charged.  It’s only when you are unaware that they happen, and no one should be unaware of what’s going on with their money.

Now, how about “mirroring”?  Mirroring is a practice of charging you twice in the same month for only one month’s service, by companies who have access to your bank account because you’ve set them up on an auto pay function, where they have access to your account.  I use this feature myself, although, truth be told, I’m very sceptical of it.  We check our bank statement carefully each month to ensure that mirroring does not occur, and it has happened to us in the past.  Usually it’s not terribly complicated to get adjusted, if you catch them quickly.  The problems start to occur when you haven’t noticed the problem over the course of months, or a year, and them try to get your money back.  They have had it for a year!  It doesn’t always go well if you wait.  Remember, if you give a company access to your account, then you have the responsibility to yourself to ensure that they are doing right by you and only taking what they are supposed to take.  Never let them take advantage of you!

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Taking on too much & treating yourself…

Monday, February 1st, 2010

Okay, so what happens when you decide that you want to lock down your finances, follow a budget and get out of debt.  We know that getting out of debt can be a boring and tiring experience, but you can take some precautions to guard against that. 

First of all, stick to your budget, but allow yourself a little indulgence on rare occasion.  Why?  Well, it’s my opinion that everyone only has so much willpower to give to something, and eventually they will break and indulge anyway, so little indulgences keep away the big ones.  So, what types of indulgences are little?  Well, when you’ve got your finances locked down, and you’re buying basic needs only when it comes to groceries, TV and movies/shows etc., on occasion it wouldn’t hurt to buy a nice meal from the grocery.  Make that a special family night with a nice meal and some board games or something.  Or, you could save a couple of bucks every week out of your grocery budget to take the family to the movies or some other inexpensive activity.  Your choice!  The point is to indulge occasionally to keep you focused and on task, without blowing through your budget.  If you never treat yourself, you might fall off the wagon.  Notice to those of you who are “used to” treating yourselves…this does not mean you can do your normal “treating”…no mani/pedi’s, or blowouts, or daily cupcake from the specialty $10 a cupcake store, or expensive clothes/shoes/tools.  This is a small indulgence.  A $20 pick me up a couple of times a month.  If you can’t stick to that, you’ll never get out of debt.  And no, you don’t “deserve” those mani/pedi’s, because they are what got you into debt in the first place! 

Trying to do 2 or more hard things, like getting out of debt and quitting smoking (for example) at the same time, means even more added stress to your willpower.  You have to give a little slack and indulge yourself  while getting out of debt, because the alternative,in this example, is indulging in smoking.  Not cool.  And indulging a little there would save you money anyway, since once you quit smoking, you would have a ton of cash to put toward paying down your debt!

What’s the take away?  Get on a budget.  Pay off your debt.  Learn to live like an adult who doesn’t get everything they want every time they want it.  But stay on this path for the long haul by making the occasional small ticket splurge!

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Stay away from the mall when…

Monday, January 4th, 2010

If you’re in a foul mood, you should avoid the mall or other retail establishment as much as possible.  A recent study by Harvard professor Jennifer Lerner discovered that people who shopped when they were depressed were more willing to spend money…up to 30% more than consumers who were in a better mood!

This shouldn’t surprise anyone…it didn’t get dubbed “retail therapy” for no reason!  The problem is that in our society, we act like retail therapy is a GOOD thing, when it’s actually AWFUL.  The retail stores have convinced us that it’s normal and OK to shop when we’re down, but they’re only doing that because they want to part us from our money, not because they actually want us to feel better!

The next time you’re feeling down, don’t go out and look for a distraction, go home and find ways to distract yourself!  Take a bubble bath, clean the house, take on some of your “honey-do” list etc.  Go to a park, or the beach, or some other free place to clear your mind.  Get creative.  What you do is your choice, so long as you don’t go to a store and spend money.  It’s a new year, and that means it’s the perfect time for you to make the change that could make you retire with ease 20 or 30 years from now.  It all starts with you, and a step in the right direction is avoiding the mall when you’re down (and whenever else you don’t actually NEED something from there)!

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We’re on vacation, but…

Monday, December 28th, 2009

I still wanted to give a tip for this Monday.  If you’ve been heading out for the after Christmas sales, remember that it’s not a sale if you didn’t need the item in the first place!  Already bought something you don’t need?  It will be a lesson in being a grown up to take it back to the store and returning it!  Make yourself proud!  Don’t fall into your usual patterns!  Save that money!  Don’t spend it!

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You shouldn’t always pick it up!

Monday, December 21st, 2009

Today’s Mucho Moolah tip is simple but effective: Look, but don’t touch!  All too often, when we go shopping, even if we tell ourselves that we’re only window shopping (a difficult task for most people), we still end up buying things.  Why is that?  Well, it’s because when we look at things, we want to touch them as well.  The retailers know this about us, since they have paid big bucks to do research on how and why consumers spend money, and they not only have figured out that putting a sweater, for example, on a table is inviting, they know that if you pick it up, you’re more likely to buy it!  Not only that, but the longer you hold onto the item, or carry it around with you, the more your sense of ownership has increased, making you even more likely to buy it!  Whew, have they got us figured out or what?

So, keep our advice in mind, and don’t touch it!  If you’re the type of person to go out for “retail therapy” (do NOT get me started on how much I loathe that phrase, and what it implies), then you need to find something to do with your hands.  Put them in your pocket, carry a big bag in your hands, text etc.  Finding something to do with your hands could save you a lot of money over the course of the month, because every time you see a $200 and don’t buy it, that’s $200 in your pocket for something else, which I hope will be savings!

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