Easy Ways to Make your Home More Eco-Friendly
We all want to do our part to protect the environment, but without a large paycheck, it can seem difficult, if not impossible. But doing your part doesn’t have to be hard. Small steps add up to a big difference, you just have to know which ones to take.
Use less water.
Saving water is all about small steps, here are a few that will help save big.
- Shut off the water while you brush your teeth
- Take showers that are a minute or two shorter
- Only flush the toilet when you need to (this one is a little iffy to some lol)
- Only run full loads of laundry and dishes
- Buy from sustainable producers. These are farmers, ranchers, and other producers that use techniques that pollute less and use less water. You can do some research online or ask at your local organic market to find these products.
Use less energy.
If you don’t have the money to buy a hybrid car or convert your house to solar power, you can make a big difference with small changes.
- Buy energy efficient appliances. They may be more expensive, but make up for the increased cost in lower energy bills (trust me I know).
- Unplug chargers when you’re not using them. Cell phone and other chargers use up powers even if there’s nothing attached to them.
- Put devices with remotes, like T.V.s, DVD players, VCRs, and stereos (do people even have VCRs and stereos anymore?), on a power strip and turn it off when you’re not using them. These devices use a lot of power to run the remote receiver even when the device is off.
- Walk or ride your bike for short trips (This helps us to get in better shape also).
- Buy local products. It takes energy to transport food and other products across the country. Buying local not only supports your local economy, it helps them use less energy.
When it comes to saving energy and water, it’s a great idea to get the kids involved. You can even make it a game. Have them track how much water and electricity everyone is using. You can compete to see who uses the least water. You can often count on your kids to help keep you on track when given the task.
Reuse.
Most of us know the three R’s: reduce; reuse, recycle, but when we work on conserving, we often leave reuse out of the picture. While you can often find tips on how to reuse common products from other people, what you need most is creativity. With a little thought there are many items around your home that can be reused – toilet paper holders can be used to sow seeds for the vegetable patch, and old yogurt containers can be cut into strip to make plant labels. Old food jars can be refilled with homemade foods or can make great impromptu vases.
Use environmentally friendly products. When you go to the grocery store, you probably see more and more “natural” or “eco friendly” products every time. There are generally two big problems with these products: 1. Just because they’re more natural than regular products, doesn’t mean they’re entirely natural. 2. They’re often expensive.
If you want inexpensive, natural, safe products, why not just make them yourself. Vinegar is a great way to clean and disinfect glass and other surfaces. Need to remove stubborn stains? Just add some baking soda to your vinegar cleaner. Some quick searching online will lead you to hundreds of other natural safe home-made cleaning products (I for one use Shaklee products, and they have proven to have some of the best products available).
We all know that going green means better for the environment, but it’s also better for YOU :-). Conserving resources also helps save you money, which is something most of us are happy to live with.
Peace & Blessings!
AddThis
Monday, March 26, 2012
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Impossible is Just a Word!
Everyone, at some point of his or her life, has dreamed of being somebody special, somebody big. Who hasn't fantasized about being the one who hits the game-winning jumper? Who hasn't dreamed of being the homecoming queen? And how many times have we dreamed of being rich, or successful, or happy with our relationships?
Often, people dream big dreams and have great aspirations. Unfortunately, many times people’s dreams remain just that – dreams; and their aspirations easily collect dust in their attic.
This is a sad turn of events in people’s life. Instead of experiencing exciting adventures in self-actualization, people get caught up in the humdrum of living from day-to-day just barely existing.
But you know what? Life could be so much better, if only we all just learned to aim higher.
The most common challenge to setting goals is the thought of them as impossible. Most people get hung up thinking, I can't do this; it’s too hard. It's too impossible. No one can do this.
However, if everyone thought that, there would be no inventions, no innovations, and no breakthroughs in human accomplishment. Think about it.
Remember that scientists were baffled when they took a look at the humble bumblebee. Theoretically, they said, it was impossible for the bumblebee to fly. Fortunately for the bumble bee no one has told it so. So fly it does.
On the other hand, some people suffer from dreaming totally outrageous dreams and not acting on them. The result is broken dreams, and tattered aspirations.
If you limit yourself with self-doubt, and self-limiting assumptions, you will never be able to break past what you deem impossible. If you reach too far out into the sky without working towards your goal, you will find yourself clinging on to the “impossible” dream.
Try this exercise. Take a piece of paper and write down some goals in your life. Under one header, list down things ‘you know you can do’. Under another header, write the things ‘you might be able to do.’ And under one more, list the things that are ‘impossible for you to do.’
Now look at all the headers and strive every day to accomplish the goals that are under the heading of things ‘you know you can do’. Check them when you are able to accomplish them. As you slowly are able to check all of your goals under that heading, try accomplishing the goals under the other header-the one that reads ‘you might be able to do.’
As of the items you wrote under things I could do are accomplished, you can move the goals that are under things that are ‘impossible for you to do’ to the list of things ‘you might be able to do.’
As you progress through this process, you will find out that the goals you thought were impossible become easier to accomplish. And the impossible begin to seem possible after all.
You see, the technique here is not to limit your imagination. It is to aim high, and start working towards that goal little by little. However, it also is unwise to set a goal that is truly unrealistic to you, or does not resonate with the belief system you support at the time of this process.
Those who just dream towards a goal without working hard end up disappointed and disillusioned.
On the other hand, if you told someone a hundred years ago that it was possible for man to be on the moon, they would laugh at you. If you had told them you could send mail from here to the other side of the world in a few seconds, they would say you were out of your mind. But, through sheer desire and perseverance these impossible dreams are now realities.
Thomas Edison once said that genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration. Nothing could be truer. For one to accomplish his or her dreams there has to be work and discipline, both mentally and physically. But take note that that 1% has to be a think-big dream, and not some easily accomplished one.
Ask any gym rat and he or she will tell you that there can be no gains unless you are driven out of your comfort zone. Remember the saying, “No pain, no gain”? That is as true as it can be.
So dream on, friend! Don’t get caught up with your perceived limitations. Think big and work hard to attain those dreams. As you step up the ladder of progress, you will find out the impossible becomes a little bit more possible.
Peace & Blessings!
Everyone, at some point of his or her life, has dreamed of being somebody special, somebody big. Who hasn't fantasized about being the one who hits the game-winning jumper? Who hasn't dreamed of being the homecoming queen? And how many times have we dreamed of being rich, or successful, or happy with our relationships?
Often, people dream big dreams and have great aspirations. Unfortunately, many times people’s dreams remain just that – dreams; and their aspirations easily collect dust in their attic.
This is a sad turn of events in people’s life. Instead of experiencing exciting adventures in self-actualization, people get caught up in the humdrum of living from day-to-day just barely existing.
But you know what? Life could be so much better, if only we all just learned to aim higher.
The most common challenge to setting goals is the thought of them as impossible. Most people get hung up thinking, I can't do this; it’s too hard. It's too impossible. No one can do this.
However, if everyone thought that, there would be no inventions, no innovations, and no breakthroughs in human accomplishment. Think about it.
Remember that scientists were baffled when they took a look at the humble bumblebee. Theoretically, they said, it was impossible for the bumblebee to fly. Fortunately for the bumble bee no one has told it so. So fly it does.
On the other hand, some people suffer from dreaming totally outrageous dreams and not acting on them. The result is broken dreams, and tattered aspirations.
If you limit yourself with self-doubt, and self-limiting assumptions, you will never be able to break past what you deem impossible. If you reach too far out into the sky without working towards your goal, you will find yourself clinging on to the “impossible” dream.
Try this exercise. Take a piece of paper and write down some goals in your life. Under one header, list down things ‘you know you can do’. Under another header, write the things ‘you might be able to do.’ And under one more, list the things that are ‘impossible for you to do.’
Now look at all the headers and strive every day to accomplish the goals that are under the heading of things ‘you know you can do’. Check them when you are able to accomplish them. As you slowly are able to check all of your goals under that heading, try accomplishing the goals under the other header-the one that reads ‘you might be able to do.’
As of the items you wrote under things I could do are accomplished, you can move the goals that are under things that are ‘impossible for you to do’ to the list of things ‘you might be able to do.’
As you progress through this process, you will find out that the goals you thought were impossible become easier to accomplish. And the impossible begin to seem possible after all.
You see, the technique here is not to limit your imagination. It is to aim high, and start working towards that goal little by little. However, it also is unwise to set a goal that is truly unrealistic to you, or does not resonate with the belief system you support at the time of this process.
Those who just dream towards a goal without working hard end up disappointed and disillusioned.
On the other hand, if you told someone a hundred years ago that it was possible for man to be on the moon, they would laugh at you. If you had told them you could send mail from here to the other side of the world in a few seconds, they would say you were out of your mind. But, through sheer desire and perseverance these impossible dreams are now realities.
Thomas Edison once said that genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration. Nothing could be truer. For one to accomplish his or her dreams there has to be work and discipline, both mentally and physically. But take note that that 1% has to be a think-big dream, and not some easily accomplished one.
Ask any gym rat and he or she will tell you that there can be no gains unless you are driven out of your comfort zone. Remember the saying, “No pain, no gain”? That is as true as it can be.
So dream on, friend! Don’t get caught up with your perceived limitations. Think big and work hard to attain those dreams. As you step up the ladder of progress, you will find out the impossible becomes a little bit more possible.
Peace & Blessings!
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Small Steps to Improve Your Investment Skills
You work hard every day, so you want your money to work for you. Maybe you are accomplishing this with investments. But, everyone can get a little better. If you are looking for ways to increase your portfolio, improving your skills may be in order.
Investing is an art that anyone can learn if they want to. Many go on the word of analysts and a financial advisor, but they can only take you so far. They can recommend, but the best fit for you will come from making your own choices for what you need at what time in your life. To do that, follow the few steps that we are about to give you so that you can be on top of your game and increase your financial nest egg.
* Read up on investing – What area of investing interests you the most? Start there. It could be day trading, a particular type of stock, bonds, Forex, or what have you.
Know how they operate, the trends, how to track them and more. As for other areas, read up on those too. You may not be interested in adding another component to your portfolio now, but when you are ready, you will know where to begin.
* Analyze your current investment portfolio – Where do you stand now? How have your investments done? Look at the steps you have taken to get where you are now. If you have been too hesitant or conservative, you may want to up the ante so to speak, depending on your long-term goals. If you have made mistakes that have led to losses, how can you learn from them this time around?
* Study the trends – This was briefly hit upon in point number one. Trends depend on a lot of different factors: what is going on in other parts of the world, company issues, consumers and what is hot right now. Knowing how to read the trends will help you to sell when it’s necessary and also to buy when it looks like things are about to take an upswing.
* Practice – We don’t mean with your own money or anyone else's. This is a mock project that many kids do in school as an introduction to the world of investing. If you want to try a few new strategies, use pretend money. Act as if you were buying a certain stock. Begin with a set amount of “money” and see what you can make of it. This way, if you make a mistake, you don’t lose your shirt. Use real stocks but fake money to hone your skills.
Investing can be tricky. No one wants to lose money that they are nesting for the future. To get better at it, use these tips above.
***Don't forget to check out the Money-Maker of the Month***
Join for FREE and start getting paid by clicking here! Peace & Blessings!
Investing is an art that anyone can learn if they want to. Many go on the word of analysts and a financial advisor, but they can only take you so far. They can recommend, but the best fit for you will come from making your own choices for what you need at what time in your life. To do that, follow the few steps that we are about to give you so that you can be on top of your game and increase your financial nest egg.
* Read up on investing – What area of investing interests you the most? Start there. It could be day trading, a particular type of stock, bonds, Forex, or what have you.
Know how they operate, the trends, how to track them and more. As for other areas, read up on those too. You may not be interested in adding another component to your portfolio now, but when you are ready, you will know where to begin.
* Analyze your current investment portfolio – Where do you stand now? How have your investments done? Look at the steps you have taken to get where you are now. If you have been too hesitant or conservative, you may want to up the ante so to speak, depending on your long-term goals. If you have made mistakes that have led to losses, how can you learn from them this time around?
* Study the trends – This was briefly hit upon in point number one. Trends depend on a lot of different factors: what is going on in other parts of the world, company issues, consumers and what is hot right now. Knowing how to read the trends will help you to sell when it’s necessary and also to buy when it looks like things are about to take an upswing.
* Practice – We don’t mean with your own money or anyone else's. This is a mock project that many kids do in school as an introduction to the world of investing. If you want to try a few new strategies, use pretend money. Act as if you were buying a certain stock. Begin with a set amount of “money” and see what you can make of it. This way, if you make a mistake, you don’t lose your shirt. Use real stocks but fake money to hone your skills.
Investing can be tricky. No one wants to lose money that they are nesting for the future. To get better at it, use these tips above.
***Don't forget to check out the Money-Maker of the Month***
Join for FREE and start getting paid by clicking here! Peace & Blessings!
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Teaching Your Kids about Basic Economic Principles
We all want the best for our children. Some of the most important life lessons we can give our kids are lessons about money. Financial gurus agree that in order to develop a sense of financial responsibility in children they should be taught to understand how our economy works at the most basic level.
A good time to start teaching children about these concepts is when they are around seven years old. You can begin by talking about how cash and credit cards work. Explain that borrowing money to pay for something is what we do when we use a credit card.
Also explain that when we purchase by credit, the item purchased is far more expensive than it would have been had we paid for it in cash.
That’s a great send-off point to discuss the importance of operating your own household economic unit on a cash basis. Teach your child the benefits of buying only what can be paid for using the cash at hand. Then explain that credit cards have a role to play in our lives but only serve us well when we use them in a disciplined fashion.
Once you’ve covered how personal finances work, then start to discuss how the economy works. Explain how money is generated and help them to understand that through employment, investments, or business ownership people earn money.
Highlight how we are all interconnected. For example, you might explain that the couple that owns the local flower shop help to keep the people working in the greenhouse across town because they purchase flowers from the greenhouse that are then sold in their store. Then show how your family helps to keep the local flower shop open when you purchase flowers for your dining room, and so on.
When everyone does their job and purchases responsibly (utilizing more cash purchases than credit) we have a functioning economy. Teach your kids about the importance of saving as well as investing and how this helps individuals to develop their own cash economy. The more we earn, save and invest the more we will be able to buy on a cash basis and pay less for it at the same time.
One important lesson you can include about basic economic principles, like supply and demand, is to discuss things in terms of need rather want. Our economy is constantly adjusting to the demands of consumers, like Mom and Dad, by providing things on the market that are based on those demands.
The key lesson here is that on an individual basis we should be really looking at our purchases in terms of needs and wants. The market may seem to be saying that everyone wants the newest electronic gadget like an Apple iPad (a thin computer that resembles a slate, and that is used primarily for accessing the internet, not creating data).
The big question to ask is do I “need” it or do I just “want” it? Teach your children the difference between the two and explain that when trying to maintain a cash economy in the home it will be important to purchase based primarily on need and not want. Impulse purchases or buying things based on want and not need causes some people to use credit cards in an undisciplined fashion. This leads to unmanageable debt and the crash of your household economy.
Providing your children with real life examples is a great way to teach them about basic economic principles. Peace & Blessings! :-)
A good time to start teaching children about these concepts is when they are around seven years old. You can begin by talking about how cash and credit cards work. Explain that borrowing money to pay for something is what we do when we use a credit card.
Also explain that when we purchase by credit, the item purchased is far more expensive than it would have been had we paid for it in cash.
That’s a great send-off point to discuss the importance of operating your own household economic unit on a cash basis. Teach your child the benefits of buying only what can be paid for using the cash at hand. Then explain that credit cards have a role to play in our lives but only serve us well when we use them in a disciplined fashion.
Once you’ve covered how personal finances work, then start to discuss how the economy works. Explain how money is generated and help them to understand that through employment, investments, or business ownership people earn money.
Highlight how we are all interconnected. For example, you might explain that the couple that owns the local flower shop help to keep the people working in the greenhouse across town because they purchase flowers from the greenhouse that are then sold in their store. Then show how your family helps to keep the local flower shop open when you purchase flowers for your dining room, and so on.
When everyone does their job and purchases responsibly (utilizing more cash purchases than credit) we have a functioning economy. Teach your kids about the importance of saving as well as investing and how this helps individuals to develop their own cash economy. The more we earn, save and invest the more we will be able to buy on a cash basis and pay less for it at the same time.
One important lesson you can include about basic economic principles, like supply and demand, is to discuss things in terms of need rather want. Our economy is constantly adjusting to the demands of consumers, like Mom and Dad, by providing things on the market that are based on those demands.
The key lesson here is that on an individual basis we should be really looking at our purchases in terms of needs and wants. The market may seem to be saying that everyone wants the newest electronic gadget like an Apple iPad (a thin computer that resembles a slate, and that is used primarily for accessing the internet, not creating data).
The big question to ask is do I “need” it or do I just “want” it? Teach your children the difference between the two and explain that when trying to maintain a cash economy in the home it will be important to purchase based primarily on need and not want. Impulse purchases or buying things based on want and not need causes some people to use credit cards in an undisciplined fashion. This leads to unmanageable debt and the crash of your household economy.
Providing your children with real life examples is a great way to teach them about basic economic principles. Peace & Blessings! :-)
Monday, May 23, 2011
Why Gold & Silver? FULL MOVIE - Mike Maloney Tells All
This is a must see! Check out Mike's take on the precious metals market and let me know what you're doing to get involved in Gold & Silver. Peace & Blessings!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
The Time Is Now!!
A powerful must see youtube clip. Let me know what you think and most of all where you stand. Peace & Blessings!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
How to Save Money on Everyday Leisure Activities
No matter how hard you work, you need some fun and relaxation in order to preserve a healthy mental state. Unfortunately, many of the leisure activities people participate in can cost a great deal. There really is no need to spend much at all, however. Low cost and free activities can be just as rewarding, or even more so, than those that come with a high price tag.
Here are a few activities that are both fun and frugal:
* Outdoor recreation. State parks are a valuable resource for free and low-cost recreation. If you already own
Bike riding is not only great exercise, but it allows you to see the world at a slower pace. Children often love riding bikes, and a group bicycle outing is a pleasure many enjoy. Bikes can be ridden for leisure, such as around the neighborhood or on a rural trail. Bikes can also be a valuable resource to cut down on fuel emissions. Try riding yours to work or to run small errands.
* Create a garden on your property. While many people garden for a purpose, most find great pleasure in daily gardening chores. Gardens can include simple flowers, extensive landscaping, vegetables, fruit trees, natural habitats, rain gardens and much more. Whether your garden is purely for looks, or if it serves a more valuable purpose, the mental and physical benefits are long lasting.
* Performing arts. Many stage productions offer reduced ticket days or pre-showings. These may be offered on slow-days, may be a final dress rehearsal, or may include only understudies. However, regardless of this, they are opportunities to view a major production without the major production’s cost.
Check out community theaters or high school productions. Some of these may be free, but even at a cost the tickets are very reasonable, and you know the proceeds are going to support the organization or school.
* Movies. Most movie theaters offer reduced-cost matinee showings. These are usually on weekday afternoons. If your schedule allows, it's a great way to see the latest movie for much less.
Your community may have a discount movie theater. The movies showing will not be the latest, but they may show before they are released on DVD. Often classic movies or long-time favorites will be shown. The cost of a discount theater is sometimes as low as $1 per ticket.
Rent DVDs instead of buying them. Unless it’s a movie that you know will be watched over and over for months, this is much more affordable. You can even check out a DVD from your local library, usually for free.
* Community events. Start watching your newspaper’s community calendar, or look up the websites for area chamber of commerce offices. You can usually find a long list of community events, including festivals, carnivals, fairs, movies in the park, and free concerts.
* Family game night. A growing tradition among families is a game night. Plan ahead, clear schedules and turn off the phone. Do your research ahead of time and purchase games that will suit your family’s interests, age ranges and number of players. Traditional favorites tend to be less expensive, will be enjoyed longer and slow the need for more new games.
You can also add things like, water guns, bubble blowing fun and setting up the water sprinkler system for the little ones to run through. Be creative & have fun with it ;-)
If your focus is on frugal fun, any combination of these and other inexpensive leisure activities will help you save money and will increase relaxation and improve mental and physical health. You just might create some great memories and family traditions while you are at it!
Peace & Blessings!![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_swje4uOZYjpgIz-xF41DgT_S_Okp1amILEM7mbxzhTlBIWiGP6QXtedbx7W0jFxw9h7NQ8lD9EHY5I2kl3PwrVlOA2yQPju-YqVSKF4WuK_QY9lb4tqyGMIAnwW5RtVle8ROFxuAYvcgJEWvPZFh7k=s0-d)
Here are a few activities that are both fun and frugal:
* Outdoor recreation. State parks are a valuable resource for free and low-cost recreation. If you already own
Bike riding is not only great exercise, but it allows you to see the world at a slower pace. Children often love riding bikes, and a group bicycle outing is a pleasure many enjoy. Bikes can be ridden for leisure, such as around the neighborhood or on a rural trail. Bikes can also be a valuable resource to cut down on fuel emissions. Try riding yours to work or to run small errands.
* Create a garden on your property. While many people garden for a purpose, most find great pleasure in daily gardening chores. Gardens can include simple flowers, extensive landscaping, vegetables, fruit trees, natural habitats, rain gardens and much more. Whether your garden is purely for looks, or if it serves a more valuable purpose, the mental and physical benefits are long lasting.
* Performing arts. Many stage productions offer reduced ticket days or pre-showings. These may be offered on slow-days, may be a final dress rehearsal, or may include only understudies. However, regardless of this, they are opportunities to view a major production without the major production’s cost.
Check out community theaters or high school productions. Some of these may be free, but even at a cost the tickets are very reasonable, and you know the proceeds are going to support the organization or school.
* Movies. Most movie theaters offer reduced-cost matinee showings. These are usually on weekday afternoons. If your schedule allows, it's a great way to see the latest movie for much less.
Your community may have a discount movie theater. The movies showing will not be the latest, but they may show before they are released on DVD. Often classic movies or long-time favorites will be shown. The cost of a discount theater is sometimes as low as $1 per ticket.
Rent DVDs instead of buying them. Unless it’s a movie that you know will be watched over and over for months, this is much more affordable. You can even check out a DVD from your local library, usually for free.
* Community events. Start watching your newspaper’s community calendar, or look up the websites for area chamber of commerce offices. You can usually find a long list of community events, including festivals, carnivals, fairs, movies in the park, and free concerts.
* Family game night. A growing tradition among families is a game night. Plan ahead, clear schedules and turn off the phone. Do your research ahead of time and purchase games that will suit your family’s interests, age ranges and number of players. Traditional favorites tend to be less expensive, will be enjoyed longer and slow the need for more new games.
You can also add things like, water guns, bubble blowing fun and setting up the water sprinkler system for the little ones to run through. Be creative & have fun with it ;-)
If your focus is on frugal fun, any combination of these and other inexpensive leisure activities will help you save money and will increase relaxation and improve mental and physical health. You just might create some great memories and family traditions while you are at it!
Peace & Blessings!
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Gain Control of Your Finances – Steps You Can Take Today
Whether some want to believe it or not, your finances determine many important things in your life such as where you live, how you live, and what you're able to do. So, it is very important that you gain control of your finances. Here are some steps you can take today to start taking back control of your money and get on the path to creating wealth.
Start tracking your spending. The first step you need to take when taking control of your money is find out how you're managing your finances right now. Where does your money come from and where does it go? You may be surprised to learn that how you think it's being spent is often different than how it is actually spent. This was an eye opener for me as I continue on my path to ultimate wealth & freedom. This is a biggie, believe it or not.
To find out where your money is going, begin tracking it right now. Your tracking system can be as simple as a notebook page with columns, or you may want to set up a software program to help. (There are all types of FREE software out there for you to get that helps with tracking and creating budgets). Then write down all the money you spend as soon as you spend it. Don't let guilt keep you from making entries. This step is meant to help you find out the truth about where your money goes, not judge your spending.
Set up a budget. If you don't think you can follow a budget, think of it as a spending plan instead. To get your finances on track and start saving, you will need to spend less than you make. This will begin the positive cashflow process. This step seems like common knowledge but you’d be surprised at how many people don’t realize that they spend out way more than they bring in. Write down where your money is coming from and on what dates you are paid. Then figure out how much of that money is spent on bills and other necessities and the dates in which these particular items need to be paid as well. Even write down how you will spend the remainder of your money. (I have used Mint.com in the past for these type of situations)
This is where you may realize you need to cut out some expenses so you can stay within your budget. Remember to plan ahead and put money aside for large purchases. Your needs will likely change every few months, so review your budget or spending plan regularly.
Next, start saving or what I like to call paying yourself. The wealthy save a portion of their income so they can invest it and watch it grow. Trust me, there is nothing like watching your money make money for you! However, most of us aren't accustomed to saving. We spend our money as quickly as we get it. If need be, contact your bank about arranging a regular automatic transfer from your account. Saving 10% of each paycheck is a good goal to strive for. While you're getting used to the idea of saving, you may want to start out by saving 5% of each paycheck and build your way up.
Another idea that will help is to put away your credit cards. If you have your credit cards with you when you go shopping, you will probably use them. Eliminate your credit cards as an option by putting them away or even hiding them. If you remove them as a temptation, you will force yourself to live within your means by spending only the money in your bank account.
Ask your credit card companies for lower fees. Pick up the telephone and ask your credit card companies if they can work out a lower rate for your credit cards. Usually they will try to help you because it hurts both you and the credit card company if your debt goes to collectors. A lower rate means it will cost you less to carry the balance while you pay it off.
You can gain a lot more control over every aspect of your life once you control your finances. By following the above steps and suggestions, you will be on the way to getting that control. ;-)
Peace & Blessings!
Start tracking your spending. The first step you need to take when taking control of your money is find out how you're managing your finances right now. Where does your money come from and where does it go? You may be surprised to learn that how you think it's being spent is often different than how it is actually spent. This was an eye opener for me as I continue on my path to ultimate wealth & freedom. This is a biggie, believe it or not.
To find out where your money is going, begin tracking it right now. Your tracking system can be as simple as a notebook page with columns, or you may want to set up a software program to help. (There are all types of FREE software out there for you to get that helps with tracking and creating budgets). Then write down all the money you spend as soon as you spend it. Don't let guilt keep you from making entries. This step is meant to help you find out the truth about where your money goes, not judge your spending.
Set up a budget. If you don't think you can follow a budget, think of it as a spending plan instead. To get your finances on track and start saving, you will need to spend less than you make. This will begin the positive cashflow process. This step seems like common knowledge but you’d be surprised at how many people don’t realize that they spend out way more than they bring in. Write down where your money is coming from and on what dates you are paid. Then figure out how much of that money is spent on bills and other necessities and the dates in which these particular items need to be paid as well. Even write down how you will spend the remainder of your money. (I have used Mint.com in the past for these type of situations)
This is where you may realize you need to cut out some expenses so you can stay within your budget. Remember to plan ahead and put money aside for large purchases. Your needs will likely change every few months, so review your budget or spending plan regularly.
Next, start saving or what I like to call paying yourself. The wealthy save a portion of their income so they can invest it and watch it grow. Trust me, there is nothing like watching your money make money for you! However, most of us aren't accustomed to saving. We spend our money as quickly as we get it. If need be, contact your bank about arranging a regular automatic transfer from your account. Saving 10% of each paycheck is a good goal to strive for. While you're getting used to the idea of saving, you may want to start out by saving 5% of each paycheck and build your way up.
Another idea that will help is to put away your credit cards. If you have your credit cards with you when you go shopping, you will probably use them. Eliminate your credit cards as an option by putting them away or even hiding them. If you remove them as a temptation, you will force yourself to live within your means by spending only the money in your bank account.
Ask your credit card companies for lower fees. Pick up the telephone and ask your credit card companies if they can work out a lower rate for your credit cards. Usually they will try to help you because it hurts both you and the credit card company if your debt goes to collectors. A lower rate means it will cost you less to carry the balance while you pay it off.
You can gain a lot more control over every aspect of your life once you control your finances. By following the above steps and suggestions, you will be on the way to getting that control. ;-)
Peace & Blessings!
Sunday, May 16, 2010
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