Secrets of Success

Saving a little more

For the last several months, I have been saving my change every day. In addition, whenever I get money that I wasn't planning on, I add it to the same bank. This week, it was savings from coupons. Last week it was $13 for aluminum cans that I recycled. I'm already excited because the bank is starting to get heavy. Every little bit adds up.

Planning and Buying for Christmas & Winter Holidays Now

I save money on Christmas by approaching it two ways. I use a Christmas account so that I have money for gifts and decorations, etc in November. I also start looking for sales now and buying the things that I can in advance. I buy and address my Christmas cards in the fall. I buy the Christmas stamps when they arrive in the PO. By making purchases early, it saves time and money later. Now is also time to start the craft projects!

Start NOW to plan and save for Christmas 2011

After your celebration, make notes about what went well and the traditions you'd like to continue. Think about things that you can buy throughout the year to save money. Look for after Christmas sales for items you can buy and use for next year or even solid-colored items that can be used for other holidays. Maybe rather than buying during the year, you'd do better to put aside $25 or 50 or 100 each month so you have money to buy presents next November/December without going into debt. Plan now!

Plan Ahead for Holiday Meals and Baking

Plan your holiday meals now and make a list of the goodies you'll bake for the hoildays. Consider what's on the list each week when you go to the grocery store. If you add in an extra item or two that is designated for the holidays, you will not have to buy it all at once when the money is tight. This is the same concept as those who purchase gifts all year long. It's much easier to break up the expense over weeks and months, than purchasing all at once. Staples like sugar & flour save easily.

Only 90 days left in the year

Don't wait until the new year to start new goals. Start a new goal right now for what you will do during the last 3 months of the year. Countdown to New Years and Celebrate by reaching a goal. The holidays can be hard to stay on track, but you can do it. Don't assume you'll put on weight and then have more to take off in January. Set your goal now and go for it!!!

Saving money on prescriptions

My doctor gives me samples on new medications in addition to the prescription. If I'm going to be on the medicine longer term, I always go to the website for the drug company to see if there are any discounts or coupons. I will sign up for their newsletter as well. I had a $35 co-pay on one medicine (no generic option yet) and now have a discount card that gets me $20 off, so I only pay $15 for it now. I really appreciated that savings on medicine that I really can't skip.

Count the Cost

This may be a new way of looking at your purchases. Before you buy something, consider how many hours you have to work in order to earn the money to buy the item. Think about your hourly wage. Decide if the item you want is worth an hour of work or 5 hours of work or more, depending on your salary. Ask yourself if it's worth it to trade a certain number of hours of work for this item that you want to buy.

Hang on to those receipts

Keep all of your receipts together in an easily accessible place. Sometimes, despite my best judgement, I buy something that I MUST have. Two days later I realize it was impulsive and want to return it. I know my receipts are in a labeled envelope for an easy refund.

Hang on to those receipts

Keep all of your receipts together in an easily accessible place. Sometimes, despite my best judgement, I buy something that I MUST have. Two days later I realize it was impulsive and want to return it. I know my receipts are in a labeled envelope for an easy refund.

Now is the time to start planning for the winter holidays

Now is the time to plan the crafts you want to make and give as gifts. Work on them before time gets away from you. Now is the time to pick up a gift that's on sale and store it away. Now is the time to pick up an extra food staple item to use in your holiday baking. Small purchases now save $$ later