Everybody has the heard the old familiar saying that bills travel twice as fast as paychecks, well I’d like to expand that and say bills for a treadmill travel three times as fast as my paychecks. Yes, my wife was up to it again saving $300 dollars on a treadmill that was originally priced for $700. Sure it’s a great deal BUT YOU STILL SPENT $400! The key to stop wasting money is to evaluate a purchase and make an honest assessment in your head as to if it’s entirely needed.

Speaking of running, some people may be running on empty when it comes to accumulating a surplus of money in their bank account. If there’s an ample of amount of money on the import side, the problem of lack of money stems from too much cash being doled out and thus wasting money.

A treadmill is a great purchase if it is actually used to lower calories, improve self-esteem, and promote an overall healthier lifestyle. If what you’ve just unloaded ends up being a $400 clothes hamper used only on New Year’s Day for the next 5 years its considered a waste of money.

In order to stop wasting money, you’ll really need to evaluate the worth of every purchase, from a $400 tread mill down to a $4 Super Duper Latte. If the benefits of buying an item outweigh the negatives of the money being shipped out then you’re less likely to experience buyer’s remorse.

The biggest and most advertised temptations are the special occasions that were originally invented to entice people to buy items. Christmas, Easter, Fathers Day, Mothers day, and Valentines Day are just a few I can recall. I am not saying that they are not celebrating worthy causes, however are they necessary. Most people feel obligated to buy Christmas presents for more than just their family. And now days the gifts people give are not small either. 

On Sale or a gimmick?

Sometimes, if you research your product, an item that says it is on special, isn’t actually a bargain at all. There is a huge sign saying that it has been reduced by 50%..People instantly ask themselves in their mind…”hmmm do I need one of those, because it is so cheap now, and won’t be the same price tomorrow.” Have you ever said that to yourself?

The supermarket isle.

Supermarket isles are stuffed with special price tags which over exaggerate how much you actually save. There are also items placed around and at the checkouts to satisfy your last minute impulse buying. Sometimes you can’t help but spend more money by purchasing a little magazine or maybe some breath mints. And those of us with children, it can become a nightmare to get your child to pass these items without wanting something.

How big are the shopping carts and trolly’s?

Big shopping carts are now in all the big department stores that sell everything from electrical to clothing and underwear. They are definitely there to entice you to spend more money, as some people do almost feel guilty for not filling it up with items. What are they implying?

Cash is available 24-7

Gone are the days, when you used to have to wait for the bank to open to get your money. Automatic Teller Machines scattered on the streets, in the shops and even the pubs, make it very easy to grab that extra bit of cash when needed. How easy is it to buy what ever you want and pay with a credit card or debit card. Who needs to have cash in their pocket when almost everyone has a card of some sort.

No wonder people spend more money than they have. I hope these simple facts will help you realise that you may not need what you are buying. Open your eyes to these misconceptions and you will save money easily.

Why is everyone keeping up with the Jones’s.

15 Quick Tips On How To Save Mone

With houses yet to be affordable to the average Joe, many families have no choice but to rent. On average, rental fees and other related expenses amount to about 35% of the family income. And that is huge and at times unavoidable unless you want to live with your family out in the cold.

With this knowledge in mind, it is good to empower yourself and adopt ways on how to minimize this expense as much as possible. Here are ways for you to do just that and avoid going beyond what rent expense is suppose to be.

Read the fine print

If you are moving to a new place or you are up for a renewal, read the details of your contract very well. This will let you know exactly what expenses are and what are not covered by the landlord. Try to negotiate for a better deal may it be a reduced price for taking a longer lease or ask if some utilities can be covered instead. Or request if you can get to use the facilities in your building for free such as the gym or the pool so that you need not grab and pay a membership somewhere else. This money saving tip is one of the most valuable.

Find a room mate

Consider finding someone who you can split the rent with as this will come down cheaper than renting a studio for yourself. Friends or relatives are the first persons to ask as they can refer you to their friends who may be wanting to save some money on rent expense too. Having a roommate also lets you save money on groceries as you can decide to split a membership on wholesale shops where basic goods come cheap in bulk. You also save money in cooking as you can cook for more than just one which comes down cheaper and often leave you with leftovers good enough for the next days.

Just make sure you legitimize an agreement should your roommate relationship sour in the long run. Talk about what is expected from each other to make everything clear as disagreements might make the situation meant to relieve financial stress be a source of other problems.

Decorate your home in the cheap. Challenge your creativity and find ways to make your home cozy and pretty without costing you a lot of money. Furniture and appliances will obviously take a large share so search for reliable shops and websites that can offer you these at discounted price. Also check out second hand shops or garage sales as they often have used but still reliable furniture that may only need a fresh coat of paint that you can actually do. Ask your friends and families for unused goods which they may have such as chairs, tables and throws.

Doing it yourself is a good way to achieve this by making your own decors by crocheting, taking photographs or other crafts. It will add a personal touch and character and let your home speak about you and your artistic talents.

Save energy

Keeping tabs on how you use energy and other utilities will of course keep your bills down. So saving on electricity by turning off lights when not in use, turn off the tap when you don’t need it running such as when you are brushing your teeth and install energy efficient lights around your house. There are many ways to conserve energy without compromising your lifestyle. Read up one energy saving tips online to have an idea.

It is very difficult to control your urges to spend when going shopping with peers because they are the most influential people you know. You must realize that you can still earn your peer’s respect, even if you have a clear state of mind to completely control your personal finance, by also helping them to resist peer pressure and the impulse to splurge.

In order to resist the pressure to shop for more than you need, you must find it in yourself to appreciate the things that you do have, and not always lust for those which you do not possess. Everyone can cut back a little on their spending and your friends will appreciate a little help from time to time. Remember that when shopping with peers, you put a pressure on them as much as they do on you. You need to voice out your goals about your personal finance and encourage them to do the same. Learn to enjoy the pleasure of your peers’ company by striving for the same goals when shopping, you’ll not only save money but also earn their respect.

One lesson we all know is that friends and money do not mix.

Here are some great ideas to share with your peers when you go shopping:

1. Make a Shopping List.

By planning and using a shopping list, you can save money while shopping with your peers because your list will help you prevent impulse purchases and ensures you only buy what you really need. If you are tempted to buy something, try to check your list first, there’s a chance that you’ll lose interest when your list reminds you that it is not one of the things that you need.

2. Only Bring the Cash You Need.

If you only have in your pocket a small amount of cash enough to cover all the things in your shopping list, then that is all you will be able to spend. There will be no impulse buying because it causes you to be more careful and thorough when you are spending our money. You can’t really do this with a credit or debit card on hand because it is too easy to not worry about the money until you get the bill.

3. Always Compare Prices.

Just because something is on sale does not mean that it’s cheap. Give shops a quick call to compare prices of the items you’re looking for. Given the high cost of living these days, you can’t be accused of being cheap for looking to browse around to save a few dollars.

4. Buy Fashion Basics and Classics.

It’s best to purchase and spend more money on classic pieces that will stay in style for years to come, rather than trendy pieces that will only last you a few months. Before you buy anything, ask yourself if you can mix and match it with your current wardrobe and then figure how often you’ll actually wear it. By shopping for and selecting certain classic pieces that you can make special every day with layering and accessories, you can have an all purpose, tasteful wardrobe that will suit your fashion needs.

5. Don’t shop when you’re bored.

Sometimes when you have nothing to do, you find the most ridiculous excuse to fill that void by buying something you don’t actually need. Only shop when you have a valid reason; besides, taking the extra time to evaluate merchandise is a good way to escape boredom and save money.

6. Sleep on it first.

You think that really want to buy something? Put it down, leave the store, and buy it tomorrow. Sometimes the excitement of seeing new things and the effect of the beautiful displays makes people think that they need it otherwise. Sleep on it first because chances are, you’ll realize you did not really want it and you’ll be delighted you saved money by skipping that buy.

7. Find great deals online.

Shopping online has become very popular because you can usually find great shopping deals online. Internet Stores have lower prices and better deals on just about anything compared to brick and mortar retail stores because they have lower overhead expenses and they can pass on their savings to the consumers. They are extremely convenient and can offer a large selection of products.

8. Do it yourself.

You can save a lot of money by learning how to do things yourself (DIY to save money). In these times of economic crisis, change your way of thinking and get creative. Instead of rushing out to buy something new, learning to work with what you’ve got.

9. Know your Sales.

Store sales always entice you to spend a little more than they mean to, whether it’s a marketing gimmick or real slashing of prices for product movement. Regardless of the amount that has been cut off from the original price, it is not worth spending you money if you have no use for it. Know what sales are applicable to you and only take advantage of that.

10. Shop Out of Season.

If you’re really interested in saving money while still wearing stylish clothes you need to learn how to shop out of season. This way, you’ll be able to get all the clothes you need for the next season at an amazing discount, and you are not as likely to go over your budget. Remember to buy classic pieces so that it will not look dated by the time you wear it.

11. There is no shame in Haggling.

If you think you’re not really getting the best deals, talk to the salesperson or shop owner and ask if the price can be lowered. Do not haggle if you’re not really interested in the item; simply ask for their best price if you’re just looking around. If don’t get the price you want, just walk away. Try looking for a better deal or just come back when the item goes up on sale.

12. See if Your Peers Will Split It.

If there are any shop that offer ‘buy one take one’ items that you really like, ask your peers if someone is willing to split it with you.

13. Borrow, barter, or buy thrift.

One way to save and stop possessions from accumulating in your life is to not own everything you use. You can swap for things you don’t need for things that you do. Borrow items whenever you can. And if you can’t, consider buying second hand first and you’ll be able to save a significant amount of money.

14. Save Your Receipts.

Sometimes when you buy something at the store and you take it home, you realize that it’s not really what you want. Give yourself a chance to change your mind by getting into a habit of keeping the receipts and tags on until you are sure about the purchase.

15. Give honest opinions.

When you feel like your peers are buying something they don’t really need, don’t encourage them to spend money just so you don’t feel guilty about your own purchases. By doing this, your peers will trust your opinions more and eventually respect your practicality.

Ally is part of the team that manages Home Loan Finder, a free mortgage broker and home loan interest rates comparison service in Australia. Before joining HLF, she was a Media Planner with McCann Worldgroup Philippines, Inc., with award-winning executions, including the Levi’s 501 “Live Unbuttoned” global campaign.

Having rolls of cash in your pocket when you are out on the town is not a good idea. If you had that money safely tucked away at home or even in your bank account, it might just save you from spending it.  I persoanlly like to go out with a minimum amount of cash, even without any cards that could even give me access to the money. I know I am an impulsive buyer and could happily spend any amounts of money on absolutely nothing. So the answer for me is to simply not take the money with me in the first place.

Having easy access to your money is a recipe for disaster. Being cashed up will give you a choice to actually spend your money,  whereas having no access to your money would leave you with no choice to spend anything.  It’s not just about carrying money in your wallet or purse, it’s about being able to get to it at all. You shouldn’t even be carrying a credit card or easy access eftpos card unless you are a long way from home.

Tips to avoid having access to your money?

1.  The main tip is to not to carry too much money in your purse or wallet. Just don’t take it out! It’s that easy.

2.  Do not keep money in bank accounts that are easy to get to.  Lock your money away in non-accessable accounts. Make it hard to get to.

3.  Pay extra bills if you have extra money. Do this before you can spend it.

4.  Freeze your credit into a block of ice. Just be careful with that as my husband took my credit card on a fishing trip to keep the bait cold and fresh. I did not appreciate the smell when I finally got it back.

5.  Talk to yourself! Ha Ha Ha…. No I am not joking. Talk to yourself in your head, silently, and stop yourself from accessing your money. At least it will make you think twice.

Simply having money in the house can drain your savings, especially if you have children. Any loose change hanging around my house is swallowed up into never never land. Never to be seen again. However I find that if I do not have it there, the children seem to survive quite nicely. They really do not need to money, but use it because it’s there.

If you can try and cut down access to your money, I guarantee you will save money and spend less. Give it a try!

Recently my niece’s 21 year old friend died in a car accident and my niece mentioned that he had already lived life to the fullest. He had inherited $120,000.00 and imediately started living like a king. He had no regrets, and as fate had it, he got to enjoy his money just in time. People remember what he did with his money and now smile. He enjoyed himself.

Now I am thinking, what if I died tomorrow? Would I have any regrets about being strict with my money and not living the full life I could. Of course it’s not that serious but I cannot help but ask the question. Am I living life to the fullest or I am caught up in the day to day need for money? Should I be spending my money more freely if I need to, or should I still save it for a rainy day.

Why should you save money?

• We should save money for the just incase as the economy is unstable.
• We should save money because it is hard to earn.
• We should save money because money breeds money.

Why should you spend money?

• You might die tommorrow and you cannot take it with you.
• You might miss out on some great experiences.
• Money is the be all and end all of life.

Will spending or saving money make you happy?

This is a questions I often ask myself. Should we be spending money and having a bit of fun, as we work hard for it, or should we be saving it? Everything costs so much money now days. Even to give your family a simple camping holiday is not cheap any more. Really what can you do? Just simple living costs probably take all of your money anyway. Are we in a catch 22?

It’s all too complicated I hope I haven’t confused you.

If spending money, frequent shopping sprees, and the sound of a cash register ringing makes you happy, then you have a problem. If you actually like handing money over to the shop assistant to see them smile, then you have a problem. If you are constantly buying items that you had no intention of buying, then you have a problem. Here are a few sure signs to confirm that your money spending habits are out of control.

Do you have a shopping and spending problem?

1. You are constantly trying to justify what you have spent on the most recent spending sprees with new excuses..

2. You hide things such as bank statements, credit card statements, purchase receipts.

3. You have clothes in our cupboard that still have prices tags on them. Some are even in the shopping bag they came in.

4. You are always redecorating your house in order to justify shopping sprees and spending money.

5. You were always an honest person, until someone started to get curious about you spending money, and you had to lie.

6. You remove price tags and say you got the item on sale.

7. You see things when you are shopping, then decide you desperately need it? There was no plan to spend money on something you actually need.

8. You juggle your families finances to hide the fact that you have spent so much money shopping.

9. You buy things for other people and then convince them that they need it.

10. You are the happiest when you are shopping and spending money.

Here’s some ideas to help you stop spending money.

1. Stop the secrets. Tell people you have a problem and they will help you.

2. Find out why you feel the need to go spending money even though you cannot afford it.

3. Get your spouse or a friend to do your shopping for you. Don’t go to the shops until you can control yourself.

4. Cut up your credit cards. Do not carry cash in your pockets.

5. Write a list of all your purchases so you can see clearly what you have spent.

6. Stop and think about it. Do you want to end up in debt up to your ears, risking everything you have.

7. Get some self control. Do not let yourself get into financial trouble.

Having $100 in your pocket always will make you feel better than just having spent it on something you really didn’t want? Curve your shopping habits and stop spending money. If you can’t possibly stop spending money and going shopping then you should probably seek professional help.

Have you got a 106cm High Definition Flat Screen TV, or a car that costs half as much as a house. How many Televisions have you got and do you even know? Does your mobile phone take pictures, play music, and browse the internet? Well if your last name isn’t Jones, then why are you trying to keep up with them???

Have you ever stopped and thought about all of these needless possessions and conjured up a genuine reason why you have them? My theory is if you associate the word need with an item, it justifies the copious amount of money you just spent on it. I am constantly reminded about my spending’s and possessions as my mother was born in 1934 when these items were not available. She always says “We never had that when I was young. And we survived.” It would be great to be able to go in the back yard and gather your vegies, kill Betsy the chook, and cook dinner. Not me though. The very thought of killing something to eat makes me cringe with horror. I couldn’t eat that, but will happily buy one from the local butcher. And I do not want to know the details of how he got it to look that way. 

Mums generation learnt to be careful with money, whereas my generation throws it away. Some of my nephews and nieces are travelling down the fast lane quicker than I ever did. They are in the under 30 bracket, but have the Flat screen LCD TV, the flash car, and the fancy mobile phone. Sometimes I wonder if they are keeping up with the Joneses or is it just in their blood. They have been bought up with having everything and now its turned into a necessity. Can they even live without a gadget in their pocket or at least in close range. What happened to working your way up to all of this. 

Keeping up with the Joneses isn’t always as easy as it used to be. Everyone already has everything. Now its just a matter of how big or fast yours goes. My simple word of advice, and I am sure my mother would agree, is to hold onto your pennies because you may need them for that rainy day. Forget about the Joneses, and trying to keep up with them, because they are probably in debt up to their ears…

Think about things before you buy them. Ask yourself a few questions first. Why am I buying this product? Do I need it and why? Can I make do without it? Learn to distinguish between your needs and wants and do not buy something because your neighbour, Mr Jones has it. Even though you may be jealous about the new 30ft swimming pool or the mini home cinema, remember that these posessions will not bring you happiness. 

Comic By Gary Varvel
From the Cartoonist Group.

It should be everyones goal to save money throughout their lives. Earing a dollar is not always easy and you should always think twice when parting with this hard earned cash. Who said money doesn’t buy you happiness. I am never happy when I have bills to pay and no money to pay them. Therefore we need to be careful with the money we have and make sure we have enough to keep us happy. Here are some quick tips to help you save money.

1. Write down your expenses, day by day - If you could actually see what you are spending everyday then it might shock you into not wasting so much money. If all the expenses are written on a board on the wall it is even worse. This is a real eye opener that everyone needs to do.
2. Never go shopping on an empty stomach - If you go shopping  with starving stomach then you will end up collecting extra junk foods that you may not have bought if you were not hungry. Everything looks good when you are hungry. We all know what it feels like. Even if you are thirsty you start buying lots of drinks. Fill yourself up before you go shopping and you will save loads of money.
3. Make a list of errands before you leave the house – This is good because you will go by a planned path and save your petrol and travel expenses. If you have not decided where to go then you will end up going in circles and wasting your time and money. If you stick to a plan it will also stop you from making unshedualed visits where you could spend more money.
4. Limit the number of cleaning products you use – Many people use different types of cleaning products for different appliances and devices which is not a good idea but only waste of money. It is better to use natural cleaning products and save your money. Cleaning products are a rip off. We do not need them at all. Try vinegar and bi card soda for cleaning the toilet and bathroom, water, eucalyptus oil and dish washing liquid for spray and wipe, and more…
5. Look out for a free car wash – There are several service stations that provide free wash for cars if you spend a specified amount on petrol. This sounds a bit scabby but I pay for water where I live. Washing the car can take a lot of water and if its for free then why not use it. Just make sure the price of the petrol isn’t jacked up to compensate the free service.

I personally like writing down the expenses on a board on the wall for the whole family to see. My children will not ask for money if they see that I have already spent huge amounts of money that day. It works a treat! This method is also good for seeing those hidden expenses that you forget about and just pay. You will be able to see where to cut down and stop wasting money.

The global financial crisis has affected every economy and society throughout the world. It is the need of the hour to immediately turn over to the strategies that can help you in facing the crisis in a better way.

1. Primary needs first than the secondary needs

Begin with simple elements like opt for public transport for traveling instead of private vehicles to save money and petrol. All those who have lesser incomes must count on their really basic needs and avoid other expenses. See where you can cut down and do it.

2. Take merit of existing opportunities

Evaluate your hobbies and interests and look for the ways through which you can utilize your interests and skills into  making money projects. Think outside the box and try to earn extra money somehow. Maybe you could mow someone else’s lawn or even clean the neighbours house. There are always jobs around that we all have the skills to do. There is no excuse.

3. Clean up your debt

It is recommended to clean up your debts as soon as possible in the present financial crisis. Develop the priority scale, and one by one clear your debts. This is not the time to sign up for big loans or expensive credit cards either. And if you have extra money keep it safe for those little emergencies.

4. Apply the right strategy of saving 

At first set up a nice goal for saving money. This way you will feel motivated in establishing the financial plans and goals. The priority is for saving money then you can spend the rest of the money for your necessities. Discipline yourself in order to invest and save your funds. You can also consult a financial advisor.