Secrets of Success

A place for everything and everything in its place.

I have rearranged some closets and my kitchen cupboards more than once when the organization just wasn't efficient. Keeping like items together, items visible, and labelling (some) items helps me know what I have, when I'm running low, and helps everyone know where something goes. This has reduced unnecessary spending, saved time, and has helped not only my sanity but also helped to keep items from expiring. It makes rotating easier and improves efficiency.

Challenge and Reward Yourself

Set shorter-term goals for yourself that require you to work to achieve them. Attach a reward for yourself (not food related!) for achieving each smaller goal along the way to your larger goal. Keep track of those smaller goals you've achieved and review them frequently to see how far you've come!

Give Thanks

Sometimes we focus on what we're lacking so much that we fail to realize just all we have been given. Challenge yourself to list things you are grateful for regularly. This can be especially helpful when you are feeling really down or sorry for yourself.

Don't pay full price for movie tickets

Instead of "having" to see a movie when it first comes out, I wait until it comes out on Netflix or see it at a cheaper theater later. If I decide to splurge and see a movie in the regular theater, I use coupons (from Entertainment books or online) and/or see matinees.

Order take out

If you don't feel like cooking but don't want the big bill of a restaurant or fast food, order to-go. Not paying for drinks saves you a lot of money. Some people tip the to-go person at least a dollar or two, but it's still often much less than you'd end up tipping a server for dining in house.

Prepare before going out to eat

When I'm planning on going to a restaurant, I will look up nutritional information online and select my meal ahead of time whenever possible. This helps me know if I can eat the whole meal or should bring some leftovers home, as well as whether a dessert or drink splurge is okay.

Stock up cautiously and frugally

When an item you use regularly is on sale, stock up. That way you won't have to make trips to the store for just one item and have to buy it when it's out of stock at home. Just be sure to look at expiration dates. Only buy what you will use before it goes bad or you're throwing money away.