Here are a few additional money-saving tips that may
help you get your budget in order.
* * *

1. Don't keep cash in your wallet if you can help it.

2. Use your cash card, NOT your credit card, for all purchases and keep careful account of how much you spend; and what you spend it on. For those of you who have a hard time holding on to the cash in your wallet and if you have discipline and you have one card, like an American Express for example, use it for your necessities ONLY. I use my American Express for groceries, transportation, weekly lunches, etc...things that I would have to buy ANYWAY. If you are not disciplined, however, this technique may not be the best for you. You may just want to put a specific amount of cash in your wallet for the week; for example $40/week, and just make it last. When you see yourself getting down to the last $15 dollars...slow the spending down.

3. Use your credit card only when you already have the money for the item or service you are purchasing, or at least most of it. Nothing puts people on low incomes into debt as easily as incorrect use of a credit card. You need to be able to pay off the debt WITHOUT PAYING ANY INTEREST, which means the whole amount needs to be paid as soon as it's due.
****If you have are not able to pay your credit card off as it comes due each month, the only solution might be to cut it up and throw it away.


MISCELLANEOUS TIPS

1. Preferably, cut out long-distance phone calls and ask family and friends to ring YOU. If you can't, at least cut down on the number of calls you make. Try to make all such calls when your phone company has a special "bulk" deal that you know you can afford. If you have a "free night and weekend" deal on your cell phone, save your long-distance and other conversations for those time frames...believe me, you will see the difference!

2. If you spend $5 a week on your state lottery, you could save $260 a year--with a 100% chance of winning!

3. If you smoke, make a determined effort to give it up. This may be very hard but it's well worth the trouble: you'll feel better and pocket a huge savings.

4. Concerts, plays, films, video rentals, etc, may also be off budget. Remember, if it's not necessary to survival...Also, go online and checkout some free cultural activities that may be going on in your area.

I do hope at least some of these tips help you. They may even lead you to some more ideas of your own to save money.

Finally, good luck with your budget! You will find peace of mind in your new found financial freedom!
 

have the courage to question & challenge the status quo... refuse to accept "traditional" thinking and answers as fact....
~Kimlee