My mom emailed this to me and I thought I would share it with you...
1. Trade services instead of cash
- If you're a hardcore yoga buff and a marketing expert, maybe you could offer to build a website for your favorite yoga instructor in exchange for training. This also goes for personal trainers, hair dressers, etc.
2. Brown-bag it.
- Make your own lunch and bring it to work instead of spending $10 at the food court. Home-prepped food is more likely to be healthier too.
3. Unplug electronics when not in use.
- Even plugged in but not being used such as chargers, they still suck electricity
4. Cut recurring fees.
- Scan your monthly credit card statements for any monthly fees. A lot of us sign up for subscriptions we don't really use.
5. Avoid retail danger zones.
- These are items at the ends of aisles in grocery stores, etc. They are usually items NOT on your list and are expensive
6. Send in rebates immediately
7. Think pre-income tax when spending.
- Thinking of buying that $60 sweater while it's on sale? Depending on what tax bracket you're in, the true cost is really $75 to $110. That is what you actually must earn before taxes to spend $60. Is it really worth that much?
8. Calculate what your hourly time is worth.
- Thinking of spending 3 hours at the mall? If you make $50,000 per year and work 40 hours a week, that means your hourly rate is $26. Spending 3 hours at the mall is equal to $78 in terms of your time and this is before you buy that $60 sweater.
9. Use coupons and shop with a list.
- Sing onto an online coupon cutting service like couponmaster.com For about $10 you can get $50 worth of coupons for items you use regularly. You can save about $200 / month this way.
10. File taxes ASAP.
- If you are owed a refund, don't spend it before you get the check. Use the check to pay off debt or put it into savings.