Saving Grace Archives

Week of 1/9/2008

Two Saving Techniques

For those who get paid twice a month, this won't apply. For those who get paid every other week, however, this is a way to really sock away a chunk of change. In 2008, the months of February, May, August and October will bring 3 paychecks. Since most of us base our budgets on a monthly income, this means that in those 4 months you will be flush with money. After all, if you made it through all the other months on only two paychecks, it stands to reason you can make it through the other four with the same amount. Stash the third paycheck away and at the end of October you should have a fully funded emergency fund.

For those to whom this doesn't apply, try this. If you still use checks to pay for groceries, sundries and the like, round up each purchase to the nearest $5 or $10. For example, if the total comes to $53.45, make the check out for $55 or $60. Take the change and, instead of putting it in your wallet, take it home and drop it in a cookie jar or whatever you are using to collect loose change. You probably won't end up with thousands, but you'll be amazed at just how much will accumulate in a year's time.

Week of 1/23/2008

Save On Prescription Drugs

If you've never had to take prescription drugs on a regular basis, it's difficult to appreciate the bite it can take out of ones budget. But it doesn't have to do serious damage if you happen to be taking a drug with a generic brand available.

Both Target and Walmart offer generic brand prescritions for just $4 for 30 pills which works out to $0.13 per pill. If you don't have a Target or a Walmart within your shopping area, you can order online. Of course you have to pay shipping charges which may negate your savings, but it's worth making a comparison at Target Pharmacy and Walmart Pharmacy. You'll also need to weigh the shipping charges against the cost of gas to and from your closest Walmart or Target (and the temptation you might have to buy other things you don't really need).

 Week of 2/27/2008

Financial Planning Made Easy

What impact would 8 weeks of maternity leave have on your dual-income family? How would a change in personal finances affect your hopes and dreams. Now you can find out without paying the high price of a personal financial planner. Finally, someone has come up with a do-it-yourself, Web-based application for plotting your financial future.

Voyant is an innovative concept FREE to members. To join, all you need is an active email address. There are no dues or fees of any kind. The social networking aspect of Voyant allows users to exchange ideas and seek solutions from friends, family and other members with similar interests.

The best way to discover all of the features of this remarkable application is to use it. Try Voyant today. You have absolutely nothing to lose.

Week of 3/5/2008

Stickk It To Me

Are you like 40% of Americans who make a New Year's Resolution to save more money and abandon the plan within a month? If so, you may need an incentive, like the loss of cold, hard cash.

 A couple of clever guys from Yale have come up with a way to help you achieve your goal, whether it be to save money, lose weight, stop smoking or just about anything else you can think of.

A new web site called Stickk.com allows you to create a "commitment contract." If you don't hold up your end of the deal (as verified by a designated "referee"), you pay an amount that you agreed to in advance. The idea is that you'll be more likely to stay the course if you have dollars at stake.

There certainly are less credible ideas out there. If you're really serious about saving but just can't keep the resolution, Stickk.com just might be for you.

Week of 3/12/2008

Household Saver

It's not often that a product comes along that stands out from the rest. It's also more unlikely that the product made its way to market through mail order. One of the best kept secrets for saving money on carpet cleaning, upholstery cleanind, dry cleaning, and a whole lot more is White Wizard Spot Remover and All Purpose Cleaner.

This product has been around for more than a few years, and by all counts, those that have accidentally discovered it give it rave reviews. The Saving Lady has been using it for nearly 7 years and offers the same rave review. "When nothing else touches some of the toughest stains, I can always count on White Wizard to do the job," she says. Another satisfied user states, "If you have an opportunity to try this product, put it to the test in your home and on your clothes and even furniture! You won't be disappointed!" The only negative comment appears to be that the product is not available in stores. Not to worry. You can purchase White Wizard here where we have found the very best price.

If you add up what you could spend on cleaning or worse, having to trash something because you couldn't get a spot/stain out, White Wizard will save you many more dollars than its price.

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