| SolveYourProblem
eLearning Series:
Time-Tested Money Saving Tips
( 20 pages
)
21.
Financial Consulting
Many financial
companies and even churches offer outstanding classes on how
to manage money. While some of these programs are free, others
may have a nominal fee of around $35 to attend but the money
is well spent. Another great option is consumer-counseling
services. This is a great option for people in over their
head with debt. The counselors will work directly with your
creditors to lower your balances, interest rate, and establish
workable payments that you can afford.
22.
Break old Habits
Take time to
learn the various things that “trigger” your spending. When
you are depressed, lonely, sad, anxious, excited, whatever
it may be, do you spend more? Once you can identify these
triggers then you can learn how to control them. As an example,
if you were just laid off from your job, although money is
tight, you may have an overwhelming “need” to spend money.
Perhaps you notice that when you are bored, you head for the
shops. Knowing what affects you will help you to discipline
yourself to find other ways of comfort.
23.
Avoid Temptations
If you have a
particular weakness, stay away from it. If you love to gamble,
stay out of the casinos. If you have a weakness for shoes,
drive past your favorite shoe store. While avoiding temptation
is hard, it is also necessary in order to save money. When
you want to give into your temptation, this is the time to
use your “allowance”.
24.
The Right Time to Shop
Studies have
proven that when shopping while hungry, depressed, tired,
and stressed, you buy more. Before you head to the grocery
store, eat something. If you are upset or feeling a little
blue, calm yourself down or wait until you feel better before
you head out to shop. As funny as it may sound, having a clear
mind is important when it comes to shopping and spending money.
25.
Make your Own Gifts
If you ask people
if they prefer a store bought or handmade gift, the majority
would choose the latter. Handmade gifts are individualized
and come from the heart. When you have a birthday, anniversary,
baby shower, wedding, or Christmas gift to give, make the
gift. For Christmas, you could make a beautiful ornament or
door wreath, for a baby shower you could purchase an inexpensive
bib pattern and make special bibs, or for a wedding, you could
create a wonderful album of photos showing the couples dating
life. Other great options include making homemade hot chocolate,
soaps, candles, or lotions and placing them in inexpensive
glass containers or baskets purchased at a thrift shop. If
you use a mason jar, add foam and fabric under the lid for
added color, use a label to write the contents and a message
of endearment, and wrap a nice piece of ribbon around the
ridge. The options are endless, so get creative.
> Home > Money
Saving Tips Main Page
|