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Gimmicks
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Saving now pays later Our weekend is already planned.
No parties or get-togethers. Just us and the kids.
Every day on the radio, I hear how the cost of heating is going up this winter. So, a trip to Walmart for more area rugs, stripping, caulk and plastic for the inside of my screens. Spending $100 now will save me hundreds this winter.
Last January, we bought a new thermostat for the house, a 5-1-1 programmable. Hubby put it in and I set the times and temps. The first month, which was HARSH, that little investment more than paid for itself! Cost: 50, savings: 70.
Not too long ago, I went to a really good seminar on saving money. It had the usual tricks, like not spending change, direct deposit, cutting down on coffees/eating out/cigarettes, etc. Tracking spending is advised, but doesn't seem realistic for most people.
There were a few lump-sum goodies, too, like when buying a vehicle from a dealership, do NOT purchase the GAP/disability/credit life insurance from them. Instead go through the lending company and you can usually save 50%.
Doesn't seem like much until you look at it as possibly making 2 extra payments, right?
Another good way to lump-sum save is insurance shopping, then putting away the savings. Or my fave, which we do, is giving us adults an "allowance." Instead of feeling tightened by a budget, this $20 is our "freedom money."
That freedom keeps us saving, and having savings keeps us freer!
