I’m not a financial planner of any kind. The closest I ever came was working customer service for a bank (total nightmare). But the reality is, how many of us are even remotely focused on checking into our relationship with money?
Continue reading “C@$H”
It’s that time of year again when most fret they haven’t finished their summer reading lists, and start demanding a new Fall wardrobe even though they may not need one. The Back-to-School mantras and sales aren’t only for students and parents anymore – it really is for everyone. Have you been putting off buying new items because things seem to be more expensive through the summer? It’s not your imagination, it’s a reality. A lot of companies do not offer a reasonable discount on most products after all the Mother’s Day promotions back in May. Father’s Day and graduations do not really offer a financial break either. So, when can we really maximize our need for new items without going broke? The Back-to-School time frame. I’m not sure not everyone needs new pens, pencils, or loose leaf paper, but home goods, electronics, and even car dealerships are willing to give you a better deal this time of year. They want to unload all the older items before they get plenty of new stock in time for holiday shoppers. It doesn’t matter which store is your favorite either. They all will start putting the back stock out on the floor just to get it sold. That’s why it’s hard to maneuver in the store until you realize the extra product on the floor.
Continue reading “Money Monday – Maximize the Back-to-School Savings”
We have all heard of extended friends, family or coworkers that have taken vacations with the change they collect in a jar. In fact, most people are moving away from paying in cash all together, so we probably haven’t had change jingling around in quite a while. Possibly the only time was when we had to request a new bank card and was forced to use cash for a week or two. I know it can seem daunting to walk around with cash these days. If you are robbed, it’s much easier to make one call to the bank or credit union and alert them then wait for a new card versus losing all the money you were carrying in one swoop. But why not start small? Keep a smaller amount on you in an effort to start accumulate change. Believe it or not, you will be surprised at how much change you end up with at the end of the week, or end of the month. This habit will also help you save more of your money. If you physically have to remember, and count out either exact change you will know exactly how much you have spent. You won’t have to play the, “Am I going to overdraft?” game and either run home or feverishly check your account online through your phone.
Instead of scrolling through various social media sites looking for a savings solution or starting a savings plan in January only to give up by the end of February, start small and build on your savings goals. You will be very surprised at the results by even Memorial Day or your Summer Vacation, and create a new positive habit for yourself!
Just Trim The Ends 