SUE'S BLOG...
February 16, 2009
Cut the Fat
No, this is not another rant about the benefits of healthy eating…while it's true, the long term benefits of a healthy diet is truly worthy of a future BLOG, however, this time I'm blogging about some simple things we can do to combat the tough economic times we are in and save some of our hard-earned money.
It's amazing how much one family can save by doing some simple things differently. Honestly, I have implemented some of these changes, and by month's end I immediately saw the difference in my pocket book.
Here are just some examples:
- Buy "no name" products instead of brand names
- Do all your errands on one day instead of spreading it out during the week (you'll be amazed at the gas you save per month)
- Turn down the thermostat by a few degrees
- Brown bag your lunch instead of buying it (double benefit here, you can eat a healthy lunch each day and save money at the same time)
- Switch to energy efficient light bulbs
- Use coupons when shopping ($1.50 invested in the Sunday newspaper could save you $20 or more at the checkout. Organize the coupons by type, so as you develop a shopping list you can make a notation if you have a coupon)
- This is for the ladies, look for a less expensive hairdresser…they do exist! You just have to look
- Try car pooling…it's not as hard as you think to find someone that takes the same route as you
- Rent a movie instead of going to the theatre…you can save at least $45 per couple and you have the added benefit of a private screening for two in your own home! Add in a home cooked meal and some wine and the savings (and the romantic value) go way up!
- Look for the bargain phone plans…if you can bundle your Internet, cable and phone together the savings are well worth it.
These are just a few examples of what you can do to save some money in these tough economic times. If you only do two or three of them I promise you the savings will be well worth it.
It's not only government that has to tighten its belt this year; we also have to do our part to get through this challenge.
You will be amazed how one or two little changes can make a big difference.
Like your mother always said when you use to stare at that broccoli at dinner time: "you'll never know if you like it until you try it" … same goes with the above ideas.
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