subject: Theodore Henderson's Money Saving Tips – June [print this page] Twelve Frugal Tips for June Twelve Frugal Tips for June
If ever there was a time for frugality and careful money management, this is it! June typically begins the summer-time travel plans but I urge you to consider otherwise. Saving money may be a more satisfying goal in the long run.
1. Try to eat less meat, particularly red meat which tends to be the most expensive. You don't have to cut it out entirely, rathersimplyadd more vegetables and grains to your daily instead. You will save money and feel better physically at the same time.
2. Can't really afford your rent or mortgage after a layoff or job loss? If you can, try to live temporarilywith a relative (parents?) for a while and do the chores and help them out. Really do some work so you can pay less in rent and they get the benefit of useful, trustworthy company. It will allow you to get your financial situation in order before heading out on your own and paying for everything yourself. Many younger adults really don't grasp how expensive it is to live on their own until they do it.
3. If your school, building, or condo complex has a gym, use it. They are generally less expensive than a regular commercial gym. If you need help with information about working out properly, try to visit a site likeBodyBuilding.com. It is a free site that offers thousands of pages of health and fitness tips.
4. There's nothing quite like a nice tool set. See if any of your friends have one and borrow what you need. Make sure to return them within a reasonable amount of time so that you don't have to buy your own!
5. Don't travel during peak travel seasons if possible. As tempting as it is to hit the beach in July, going in early May can cost much less and actually be less crowded as well!
6. Go hiking, regularly walk in parks, go to the beach, and go sightseeing. Guess what they all have in common? They are all totally free and many help you to get healthy exercise. Pick up a really nice bicycle at your local pawn shop and hit the bike paths!
7. Pay bills directly from your checking account. You can save on postage, envelopes, and avoid the risk of late fees. When you do this, make sure to check on how long it takes the payment to clear so you don't get caught paying late!
8. Disconnect your cable or get the lowest package possible and wrap in your internet connectivity. Check back regularly to see if they have specials you can take advantage of. Many companies have a super-cheap tier of internet service that they don't advertise but will tell you about if you ask. You should also check regularly to see if their package prices have decreased but you haven't gotten the lower price. Call them and ask for the current price. Most times they willaccomodate you. They don't want to lose customers.
9. Try to have a yard sale and get rid of some items that you simply don't need or don't use. Not only will you get some quick cash but you can free up some storage space as well. It has been shown that eliminating clutter can help you with your personal outlook as well.
10. Before you buy anything don't forget to ask if it is going on sale any time soon. Don't do this though if it is on sale already just buy it! Check online. You can often get better prices and be sure to do an onlinesearch for free shipping coupons.
11. Take advantage of promotional stationery items such as free pens and pencils that are given away at banks, conferences, etc. Some of my best pens come from conferences I have attended.
12. Suggest to family and friends to NOT buy each other Christmas presents this year. If they do need to receive something, then at least agree on a price cap or low cost alternative to the frenzy of Christmas purchasing. Sometimes baking or receiving a lovely pie or cookies means as much or more than a glitzy gift that may or may not get used.
As always I would love to hear your money saving tips. Email them to me at info @ thjassociates.com.
