SAVE MONEY, LIVE FRUGALLY

The economy is an up and down roller coaster with a speedy track through times of stability and then rapidly transitioning to an economy headed into a downward spiral. But, as with all roller coasters, there is bound to be another hill ahead where we’ll climb to the top and prosperous times again…

So, today, we’re at the bottom of the spiral. Maybe we’re out of the spiral and into the slow uphill climb. Sometimes we hear, “the economy is at an all time low”, or “It seems like things are looking up”. No matter what, we as a society and especially each of us as individuals must change our ways and learn to cope with the tough economic times.

Instead of waiting for the economy to turn around, the best thing to do is to modify your current lifestyle; sometimes it means a lot of change, and sometimes only a little. Your first step is to adopt a new motto: Live Right Sized. This is a word my boss uses all the time. It just means live within the boundaries of your bills and your expenditures. Okay, I know it’s easier said than done, but it IS possible.

Saving money is a matter that we are all conscious about. My hope is that you will find this blog helpful regardless of your employment status.

It’s easy to find helpful hints on how to save money. A few minutes of Googling and it seems like everyone has an opinion. Here are some great tips I found that may help improve your lifestyle and keep your hard- earned money in your pocket.











BUDGET: This is by far the most important. Understanding the amount of income you earn monthly and the total amount of the bills you have to pay out monthly is crucial to saving money and learning what you have to spend and what you do not.

EAT AT HOME: I know, sometimes we just don’t feel like coming home after a hard day of work and cooking. Nevertheless, making your own food will save you a lot of money. The average person can go out to a sit down restaurant and spend anywhere from $12 to $20. However, if you grocery shop and eat dinner at home, you can eat for about $5 a day. Remember, there are simple and quick meals that you can make as well as making meals on the weekend and freezing them for the week.

Here are some great recipes that are cheap and easy to make:
http://www.cheapcooking.com/

SHOP AT THRIFT STORES: Ask yourself; is it necessary for you to have fresh off the rack, name- brand clothes that will sit in your closet only to be worn a few times? Thrift stores or consignment shops have great clothes to choose from and often carry name brand clothes in good condition. It’s also an ideal place to shop for children who grow quickly!

FREE ENTERTAINMENT: You don’t have to spend lavishly to have fun. There are many things to do, in and around your community, which are free and fun to do. Check your local newspaper, entertainment guide, or local news station for events that are going on in your area.

Local Tampa Residents check out Bay News 9 for free entertainment:
http://www.baynews9.com/Home.html

USE COUPONS: If you have never used coupons, before it is time to try it. Going through coupon ads may sound like a task, but if you want to save money this is a great way to do it. Check your local Sunday newspaper for your best deals, but check online as well. Many sites will send you coupons if you request them.

Here are some great coupon sites that I have found that give a variety of different saving opportunities:
http://www.wowprintablecoupons.com/

What do you think? Is this blog helpful? Do you have some suggestions for other readers? Are there some great sites that you could recommend that will help others live frugal? Leave your comments for me to post.

Carly Sabato