Yard $ale Cash

The time for yard sales has arrived. It's not just about ridding yourself of clutter in your home and making money but it's about clearing out unused items and allowing yourself freedom form the item(s) that have been burdening you and just sticking around your house collecting dust. 

Utilities got you down in the cashflow department?

The easiest way to save money on a regular basis is to remember to run your house as if you were a "micro-managing mother". Turn off lights when you're not in a room, don't just run the water when taking a shower or washing dishes. If your mom would wag her finger at it don't do it!

Be a kid with your kid

I have been a foster parent for many years and seen this time and time again, let me make this clear- kids want to be with there loved ones, they don't care what they are doing. Spending money on your kid rather than spending time with them is not what they crave. It's so easy to save money and time and still keep on track with your financial goals while creating fun and exciting memories with your kids. 

1- click money back into your wallet

That 1-click shopping certainly comes in handy... that is until you're trying to not over spend and save some money. Then the convenience of being able to just hop onto a site and use you credit card on file becomes a hindrance and begins to cost you money. 

The ease of just finding a product and purchasing it is great in certain situations, but it can really become too convenient and allow for over spending. Take your credit cards off sites and take away that convenience. Just like I discussed in another post (Count to 10) if you take a moment and think about what you are purchasing you might realize you don't really need the item or even better that you can make it for les money than it would cost to buy and ship it. 

Breaking  this habit can be difficult, however the best way to break it is to simply remove the temptation and credit card all together. If the card isn't readily available then you might not be willing to put in the effort to purchase the item and thus you are saved that money. 

Every penny counts and the more you save the better you can feel about your financial decision and about your future. 

Banking on you and your future

You getting charged fee after fee just to have an account with a bank? Those rack up and cost you tons of money. Every tried to have your fee waived? How about using bill pay or cash back options (ATM fees, etc)

Know when to shop

Think the best deals for your holiday shopping are the week before? Wrong you can shop all year and save more time, money and hassle shopping after holiday sales. Most people shop this way after Christmas, why not all year long and take advantage of this money savvy and thrifty way to indulge in a little shopping as well as some tremendous savings. Wait until about two days after a holiday, then go out shopping for items you need that are themed for that day at deeply discounted prices. Get a Mother’s or Father's Day card for next year the day after. Get Easter egg decorating kits and baskets with toys the day after Easter. Get wrapping paper and cards and the ilk the day after or a few days after Christmas (most places are 75% off at that point). The discounts are vast, and you can just put this stuff in the closet until next year, saving you a bundle.

Generic brands add up to huge savings

We all want the name brand jeans and other items in our life. It's how we are set apart socially. Those items can rack up big bills. Try buying generic. Start small, you can save big when you purchase your genetic brand prescriptions as well as groceries. 

Hide them so you don't use them

It's very tempting to spend money if you have it on you, it's even easy to spend credit cards.  They are "future" money not "real".  Many people convince themselves to believe that they will only use a credit card for emergencies, then soon after that these emergencies become everyday purchases.

Keep on track

A good nutritionist will tell you that keeping a journal of you caloric intake and the ilk will help you on your way to achieving and maintaining your weight goals. Money is much the same. It's important to keep track of how you spend and where your money is going.

De-stress for free

We have all had difficult days and just want to go out to eat treat myself and spend money. It's all too common to just want to he taken care of when we are feeling down or had a rough day. It's too easy to over spend in these weak moments. 

Have kids, need a date night

As any parent knows getting out with just your spouse is difficult, nearly impossible. There are schedules to juggle and finding a sitter then figuring out how to have a low budget quiet night out and pay for that child care without going broke is very difficult. Never fear, I have a way to get you out on the town and not break your bank.

Vizualize and actualize

Having a visual reminder of maybe your kids, your spouse, that house or vacation you want, will serve as a constant reminder that you are working towards something more in your life and that you want to make a change to be better financially and mentally/emotionally. When you have something to work for and towards you are more likely to achieve your goals and reach your dreams. 

Don't be afraid to ask for what you want

The year is freak hand new there are many holidays coming up. If you have a goal in mind and are trying to save up for something ask your friends to help you with that.  Instead of them getting you a present have them contribute towards your goal.

Count to 10

Use a 10 second rule in order to figure out if that item you are "wanting" to purchase and "need to have" in your cart is a necessity or not. It's ok to put it in your basket while you think about if you actual need or want the item. Being impulsive happens and sometimes it gets the best of all of us, which leads to buyers remorse and frustration followed by nasty money woes. Avoid those bumps on your financial journey by thinking realistically, be proactive not reactive.

Ask for help from friends

We all have dreams and we all need support in achieving them. Speaking with your loved ones about your goals is a great way to meet your goals and to stick to the changes you are trying to make. Permanently altering how you act and react to a situation is how progress is made and how stability can finally become a part of your life. 

Brown bag re-vamped leftovers and save

Easiest way to save money is to not eat out, that includes going out to lunch during your work day. Re-working leftovers is also a great idea

Spruce up your closet with you closest friends

Is you closet full of lifeless clothes that are drab and you can't figure out how to flare them up. Maybe your friends might have that perfect accessory. Do a clothing exchange party with them. It costs you nothing and can be a night full of laughter and good times.