Most people have problems saving money because they let their wants take over their needs. Being creatures that demand immediate gratification, most of us may be living beyond their needs. Add to this those who tend to keep up with the Joneses soon learn they are doomed to a lifetime of debt. Yet it really doesn't have to be like this because anybody can save a little something, and if they don't touch it except for an actual emergency, may build a healthy financial nest egg.
I came across this 52 Week Save Money Challenge that I found rather interesting. The concept is that if you save the dollar amount of that week in a year, you will have saved a total of $1378 at the end of the year. For example, the first week you put away $1, second week $2, and your total is now $3. The third week you put away $3 and you now have $6. In the 52nd week you will put away $52 and your total is close to $1400.
Now comes the hard part. You don't touch the money or treat it as a windfall. Instead you start over. By the 52nd week of the second year, your total should be at least $2756, possibly plus interest if you put it in a savings account. I also like that during the holidays is when you are supposed to save the most. This is still a manageable amount.
Most people spend hard earned money on frivolous things. Are you really getting rich on lottos and scratch-offs. The odds are against you, and even a win is usually short-lived as we see here, here, and what to expect here and here. The problem is that most big winners don't believe in accountants or financial advisors. These are a must for anybody who has a substantial amount of money.
If you still smoke, you should give it your all to quit, because aside from the health reasons, cigarettes are anywhere from $7 to $10 a pack. The health savings may keep you from the doctor visit costs.
I went from a job where the only concessions were expensive and the food was questionable, to a job where I am surrounded by a number of fine eateries. I consider myself lucky that I always packed my own lunch at my other job. I do occasionally get some food with my co-workers from various restaurants. An average meal cost about $12. My own meal on average costs $5 and I make it myself and know what goes into it. That should be self-explanatory.
Aside from saving the extra change you have in your pocket at the end of the day, consider saving bills of a certain denomination, too. Save any $1 or $5 dollar bills in your wallet at the end of the day.
Saving money isn't hard unless we are led into temptation by ourselves. We should distinguish between our needs and wants and have a sense of priorities. Saving works as long as the savings aren't eventually considered a windfall.
Moral of the story of saving money can be summed up here!
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Money Rules
Money isn't hard to budget as long as we master a few rules. Once we do that, we can seek more money rules that will expand our knowledge in the monetary field. Sometimes things are tough to understand when it comes to money, such as the give and receive principle, but it does work. Still when it comes to money, knowledge is power!
My goal for this year is to save and invest more and spend less. I will be talking about retirement more often since I am close to that time in my life. This is why everyone should educate themselves in as many money rules as they possibly can.
When you get your finances in order, regardless what your earning potential is, you gain confidence in the monetary field and will no longer live paycheck-to-paycheck.
My goal for this year is to save and invest more and spend less. I will be talking about retirement more often since I am close to that time in my life. This is why everyone should educate themselves in as many money rules as they possibly can.
When you get your finances in order, regardless what your earning potential is, you gain confidence in the monetary field and will no longer live paycheck-to-paycheck.
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
2014-The Year To Be Money Wise
With the start of the new year, we would benefit by reviewing all our finances and strive to save more, invest more, and make more money. At the same time we should be looking for ways we can cut frivolous spending and areas where we can put an end to wasting money. Over the years, it has been a trial-and-error when it came to money, and I have sustained losses, but through some sacrifices, I believe anyone can get their finances in order.
In The Beginning...
Since everyone is different in their financial goals and where they are financially, we need to get a grip on reality. Debt is not a good thing and "Keeping Up With The Joneses" will lead to financial disasters if you don't make as much as the Joneses!
The Rolling Stones summarized it best when they sang, "You can't always get what you want..." "...but if you try, sometimes you get what you need!" Your financial goals should focus on your needs first, and your wants should be put on hold until you can afford them without going into debt. We need to learn to live within our means, otherwise we will be forever in debt. Retirement may lead some directly to the grave, if you have to continue to work to meet your needs, because you went overboard on your wants in your younger years.
Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
Times have changed, yet history continues to repeat itself. We don't save and invest enough to build a nest and get struck by unforeseen bills and higher prices on goods that lead us to live from paycheck-to-paycheck. And therein lies the secret to the poor bloke who has to work forever because of unwise choices that depleted from any savings. Hoping to retire on Social Security won't cut it if you live much longer and the value of your payout has less buying power in the coming years.
Your payout may be for the rest of your life, but a dollar had more buying power in the 1990s than it does in 2014. Think about that. If you live even 10 years after retiring, you may not be able to buy or afford as many goods, and your NEEDS may be compromised.
The Kleptomaniac Buyer
If you can't grasp the old adage that claims that A fool and his money are soon departed, then go ahead and keep up with the Joneses. A kleptomaniac is known for stealing items that he has no need for. What's worse is a person who buys items that he has no need for. A must for some in 2014 is to put some purchases on hold, especially those that seem like an impulse buying item.
Skeletons
We all have vices and lusts and are often led into temptations. Addictions are a big money draining problem. The prime evils are alcohol, cigarettes, drugs and gambling. I am not here to judge, I only want to point out the money being wasted on things that could even affect your health. Just a thought.
2014
Happy New Year!
May yours be profitable. Remember that some sacrifice is needed, but you might still be able to trick yourself into saving money. Starting a financial journal isn't a bad idea!
In The Beginning...
Since everyone is different in their financial goals and where they are financially, we need to get a grip on reality. Debt is not a good thing and "Keeping Up With The Joneses" will lead to financial disasters if you don't make as much as the Joneses!
The Rolling Stones summarized it best when they sang, "You can't always get what you want..." "...but if you try, sometimes you get what you need!" Your financial goals should focus on your needs first, and your wants should be put on hold until you can afford them without going into debt. We need to learn to live within our means, otherwise we will be forever in debt. Retirement may lead some directly to the grave, if you have to continue to work to meet your needs, because you went overboard on your wants in your younger years.
Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
Times have changed, yet history continues to repeat itself. We don't save and invest enough to build a nest and get struck by unforeseen bills and higher prices on goods that lead us to live from paycheck-to-paycheck. And therein lies the secret to the poor bloke who has to work forever because of unwise choices that depleted from any savings. Hoping to retire on Social Security won't cut it if you live much longer and the value of your payout has less buying power in the coming years.
Your payout may be for the rest of your life, but a dollar had more buying power in the 1990s than it does in 2014. Think about that. If you live even 10 years after retiring, you may not be able to buy or afford as many goods, and your NEEDS may be compromised.
The Kleptomaniac Buyer
If you can't grasp the old adage that claims that A fool and his money are soon departed, then go ahead and keep up with the Joneses. A kleptomaniac is known for stealing items that he has no need for. What's worse is a person who buys items that he has no need for. A must for some in 2014 is to put some purchases on hold, especially those that seem like an impulse buying item.
Skeletons
We all have vices and lusts and are often led into temptations. Addictions are a big money draining problem. The prime evils are alcohol, cigarettes, drugs and gambling. I am not here to judge, I only want to point out the money being wasted on things that could even affect your health. Just a thought.
2014
Happy New Year!
May yours be profitable. Remember that some sacrifice is needed, but you might still be able to trick yourself into saving money. Starting a financial journal isn't a bad idea!
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Financial Tune Up 2014
With the start of a new year, it is time to reevaluate your finances. Start with updating your budget. Your budget should include an emergency fund and savings along with a decreasing debt.
Should you give your insurance policies an update? Perhaps you should drop collision coverage on a car over 10 years old. For homeowner or renters insurance, take a new inventory. Start here.
If you are looking for a major purchase such as a car, join a credit union. Credit unions give better rates.
You should start organizing by decluttering your entire home. Start selling merchandise that just accumulates dust. Have a garage sale, sell it online or maybe even pawn it. Put the money in savings or investments.
It is now time to look over your portfolio and investments. Sit down with a financial planner and see if a new strategy is in order or if your situation has changed.
When it comes to getting your free credit report from the three bureaus, don't get all three at once. Get one in January, one in May and one in September.
Re-evaluate your subscriptions and memberships. Find a cheaper internet provider, phone service and provider, subscription to periodicals and gym memberships, to name a few.
On a personal note, this will be the year that I am going to try to make more money, sell or donate what I don't need, and drop or trade subscriptions. To achieve these goals I am going to try to work overtime or get a part time job. I am also going to change various plans like internet provider and phone service, because I feel I can save more money. I am also going to change my gym membership, because I can save $20 a month.
Should you give your insurance policies an update? Perhaps you should drop collision coverage on a car over 10 years old. For homeowner or renters insurance, take a new inventory. Start here.
If you are looking for a major purchase such as a car, join a credit union. Credit unions give better rates.
You should start organizing by decluttering your entire home. Start selling merchandise that just accumulates dust. Have a garage sale, sell it online or maybe even pawn it. Put the money in savings or investments.
It is now time to look over your portfolio and investments. Sit down with a financial planner and see if a new strategy is in order or if your situation has changed.
When it comes to getting your free credit report from the three bureaus, don't get all three at once. Get one in January, one in May and one in September.
Re-evaluate your subscriptions and memberships. Find a cheaper internet provider, phone service and provider, subscription to periodicals and gym memberships, to name a few.
On a personal note, this will be the year that I am going to try to make more money, sell or donate what I don't need, and drop or trade subscriptions. To achieve these goals I am going to try to work overtime or get a part time job. I am also going to change various plans like internet provider and phone service, because I feel I can save more money. I am also going to change my gym membership, because I can save $20 a month.
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Money Lessons
Money isn't often discussed in conversations and few are taught the essential lessons about money. A good indicator of money knowledge is how much debt one has. Another indicator is how much money you have saved or invested. You can expect that the dollar of today is not the dollar of tomorrow, it will lose value and buying power. That's why you have to have something for your future(emergencies, retirement, unforeseen expenses, etc.).
Some money lessons can be found in unusual places. It's all about knowing your priorities and watching your spending. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, you need to have a budget and stick to it. Thanks to the internet, you can learn how to budget your money.
It is never too early to teach children about money. The lessons will last a lifetime. Teach your children well when it comes to money and start early.
Debt isn't easy to get out off if we are drowning in it. Still it can be done. Sometimes all it takes are small steps.
Some money lessons can be found in unusual places. It's all about knowing your priorities and watching your spending. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, you need to have a budget and stick to it. Thanks to the internet, you can learn how to budget your money.
It is never too early to teach children about money. The lessons will last a lifetime. Teach your children well when it comes to money and start early.
Debt isn't easy to get out off if we are drowning in it. Still it can be done. Sometimes all it takes are small steps.
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Retiring Securely
The sooner you start saving for your retirement, the more of a secure retirement you will have. It's never too early to start and I would recommend starting to save at birth. If you don't save enough for your golden years, you will be spending them at the "Golden Arches" to say the least.
There are rumors that Social Security, won't be there in a few more years and retirements are being taken from the private sector as corporations file for bankruptcy. Nothing is ever really guaranteed in life, and sometimes it pays to prepare for any unforeseen situation that will have a monetary affect your retirement.
I suppose that people fail to save for retirement because you never think of retirement until you finally got old. There are those who can retire as young as 40, and I'm sure some can retire younger and some are born retired.
If you wait until the age of 70 to collect SSI, you will double the benefit you get at 62. If at 62 you get $1000 a month you will get up to $2000 at 70. Considering that one is in good health, it may be to ones best interest to retire at 70. Remember that your retirement must sustain you until you die. The earlier you retire on Social Security, the less your benefit will be worth.
If you have saved and invested enough over the years, it really don't matter because SSI is just gravy. Many people fail when it comes to saving for anything due to budget failures. So plan carefully when it comes to retirement, because I haven't even scratched the surface.
There are rumors that Social Security, won't be there in a few more years and retirements are being taken from the private sector as corporations file for bankruptcy. Nothing is ever really guaranteed in life, and sometimes it pays to prepare for any unforeseen situation that will have a monetary affect your retirement.
I suppose that people fail to save for retirement because you never think of retirement until you finally got old. There are those who can retire as young as 40, and I'm sure some can retire younger and some are born retired.
If you wait until the age of 70 to collect SSI, you will double the benefit you get at 62. If at 62 you get $1000 a month you will get up to $2000 at 70. Considering that one is in good health, it may be to ones best interest to retire at 70. Remember that your retirement must sustain you until you die. The earlier you retire on Social Security, the less your benefit will be worth.
If you have saved and invested enough over the years, it really don't matter because SSI is just gravy. Many people fail when it comes to saving for anything due to budget failures. So plan carefully when it comes to retirement, because I haven't even scratched the surface.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
The Frugal Gambler
I am not a gambler, but I am surrounded by them. Go to the casinos, buy the scratch-offs, play the numbers, it never ends. Sorry, I work hard for my money, so if I do "gamble" it will have to benefit me or break me even.
On October 8 the new $100 bills come out. They may be worth up to $15,000 if the numbers are right!
I'm talking about serial numbers of the bills. The low numbers or numbers with a meaning may be worth more than the bill's value. So on or about October 8, I would go to a bank or other institution and get a brand new crisp $100 redesigned bill!
On October 8 the new $100 bills come out. They may be worth up to $15,000 if the numbers are right!
I'm talking about serial numbers of the bills. The low numbers or numbers with a meaning may be worth more than the bill's value. So on or about October 8, I would go to a bank or other institution and get a brand new crisp $100 redesigned bill!
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