Secrets of Success

Cheaper vacations..

I just went to Cabo and got FREE: 2 days of 2-tank diving, sunset diner cruise, Mexican Fiesta dinner, 2 bottles of Tequila, and $150 CASH just for attending timeshare tours. Vacation was nearly FREE!!! Remember to say NO at the end of the high pressure sales pitches.

Used FF miles for ticket (pd. $50 tax) and stayed at my timeshare (maintenance dues $550)

BLACK FRIDAY SALES

Take CASH with you and don't spend more than you plan to. When it comes Black Friday, you'll always see something you WANT not NEED that is too good to pass up, but not in your budget. Plan carefully and watch your spending. This is such a tempting time of the year.

Automatic savings

When I first started my 403B after divorce I was only able to contribute $25/month.. Now I max it out + the catch up for over 50 years. I did the same thing with my savings. Each month I have money automatically transferred from checking to ING for 3 savings accounts.. Christmas, emergency fund and summer pay. I save over $2600/mo this way. When you don't see it, you don't spend it!!

BIG savings at Kohls!!

I just bought $120 worth of retail price items and only paid $11 and change out of pocket!! I do this by combining offers and discounts. Here's what I had/did today: paid using 2 $10 Kohls cash I earned previously and a FREE $10 gift card that came in the mail along with a 30% coupon for the current campaign. ALL the items I bought were on sale for 40% or clearance for 70% off AND they took the 30% coupon off on top of that!! I do this a lot.

FREE meals... or dessert, etc.

It's my birthday Saturday 10/2. A while back I did a web search for birthday freebies. I joined several of my favorite local restaurants and between last week and now, I can eat free meals and/or desserts/appetizers for the next 2 weeks. : ) No strings attached. Just print out the coupons celebrating your birthday they send you.

Think Positive...

Instead of using the word "budget" use "spending plan" who doesn't like spending ... either way you choose how your funds are allocated but the latter takes the sting off the activity.

Enjoying vacations...

I'm here diving in Ft. Lauderdale,FL and enjoying my vacation knowing that I can have a great time and not worry about spending since I've saved up more than I'll need.
IT PAYS TO SAVE..

Financial Plans... wealthy people have them..

those who have a PLAN usually get to where they are aiming. Don't be ship without a rudder being tosses where the wind blows.. Have a plan and get their, or at least aim. This should be true for long term as well as short term goals, savings, education, house, retirement, weight loss/exercise, etc.

FREE MOVIES

If you have a library card, you can check out movies for FREE and not pay any rental fees. Support your local libraries. : )

Make your own laundry soap REALLY CHEAP -- WORKS GREAT

Powdered Laundry Detergent
1 cup grated Fels-Naptha soap
1/2 cup Arm and Hammer Super Washing Soda (not baking soda, please!)
1/2 cup 20 Mule Team Borax

Mix and store in airtight container or bag. For light loads, use 2 tablespoons. For heavy loads, use 3 tablespoons.