Don't forget about Google voice. We use it for local and LD calls (we have no LD supplier and our local calls via our DSL provider would cost 10 cents a minute) , SMS and as a way not to have to give someone our personal phone numbers.
I totally agree with you on cutting most of these household expenses except Landscaping Services. I pay about $70/month for my landscaper to take care of my lawn. To me, it's worth paying someone else to do it for 2 reasons: 1. they do a much better job than me because they know what they're doing and have the right equipments. 2. I'd need to spend several hours each month if I was doing it myself. For $70, I think my time could be better spent elsewhere.
I have been bad in the past about late fees and now I pay all my bills on line - most automatically so I don't have to worry about. Aside from just the money you pay in late fees, it affects your credit rating so it's really important to get that under control.
Thanks for these tips. I travel every year, I struggle with carry-ons.. way too heavy for me but at least I got the essentials. Like the miniature versions (travel versions) a lot but expensive. I watched in Youtube, you can put your cables and chargers (at least for phones) in a sunglasses case... great idea! :)
Puchasing grocery items on sale, you really have to plan ahead but this really saves money. Grocery sales seem to cycle through every 6 to 8 weeks. sometimes less.
Tweezers and nail clippers are helpful for various things. I also bring band aids, vitamins, granola bars, an empty water bottle. Sometimes I bring a set of durable plastic utensils.
I've been using YouNeedABudget (YNAB) for one month, and it has completely changed my life and the entire way that I view money and spending. It has been an amazing, night-and-day transformation. Thanks, YNAB!
Weaning yourself from gross consumerism also helps with having an early retirement. If you live without all the expensive gadgets, life is simpler and thus less money is spent on costly updated electronics. I don't have an iPhone or an iPad and I get along just fine. Clothes are a huge expense for some people. My clothes are limited to comfort clothes. I don't want to dress up in expensive clothes to go to an expensive venue for either food or entertainment. I realize some people crave this type of life style and that's fine. For me, the simple, inexpensive lifestyle afforded me the ability to retire at age 54 (I'm now 66) and retirement is as wonderful as I thought it would be. The best advice: save money don't spend on stuff you can't take with you.
Thanks for this. I was thinking salmon is kind of expensive fresh and was always hesitant to buy the canned version but all these recipes are so friggin helpful!
Totally agree on cutting the cord for cable though the streaming quality generally doesn't rival the hd cable channels. I'm learning to really watch the Nationally broadcast games and actually go out to the ballpark like they used to do in the olden days. With HBO becoming available on Amazon Prime cutting the cable cord is even more tempting!
I have a "semi-dirty" basket in our room, but I might have to try hanging them instead.
Don't forget about Google voice. We use it for local and LD calls (we have no LD supplier and our local calls via our DSL provider would cost 10 cents a minute) , SMS and as a way not to have to give someone our personal phone numbers.
Thanks for letting us know, Elle. That info goes against the info in their press release so we'll reach out and check on that.
Solid review on these 2 airline rewards cards. Thanks for listing the pros and cons for us.
I totally agree with you on cutting most of these household expenses except Landscaping Services. I pay about $70/month for my landscaper to take care of my lawn. To me, it's worth paying someone else to do it for 2 reasons: 1. they do a much better job than me because they know what they're doing and have the right equipments. 2. I'd need to spend several hours each month if I was doing it myself. For $70, I think my time could be better spent elsewhere.
I have been bad in the past about late fees and now I pay all my bills on line - most automatically so I don't have to worry about. Aside from just the money you pay in late fees, it affects your credit rating so it's really important to get that under control.
My favorite budgeting tool is a simple list.
Six Feet Under and Oz are $1.99 an episode, even with Prime. :(
Thanks for these tips. I travel every year, I struggle with carry-ons.. way too heavy for me but at least I got the essentials. Like the miniature versions (travel versions) a lot but expensive. I watched in Youtube, you can put your cables and chargers (at least for phones) in a sunglasses case... great idea! :)
Right now I prefer Excel spreadsheets. I've tried using several - including Mint, but the semi-manual process works better for me.
I know this is so old school, but my favorite budgeting tool is the calculator.
Great list! I've always wanted to buy one of those scales that measures fat % and stuff like that. Anyone know if those actually work?
Puchasing grocery items on sale, you really have to plan ahead but this really saves money. Grocery sales seem to cycle through every 6 to 8 weeks. sometimes less.
Tweezers and nail clippers are helpful for various things. I also bring band aids, vitamins, granola bars, an empty water bottle. Sometimes I bring a set of durable plastic utensils.
I've been using YouNeedABudget (YNAB) for one month, and it has completely changed my life and the entire way that I view money and spending. It has been an amazing, night-and-day transformation. Thanks, YNAB!
Weaning yourself from gross consumerism also helps with having an early retirement. If you live without all the expensive gadgets, life is simpler and thus less money is spent on costly updated electronics. I don't have an iPhone or an iPad and I get along just fine. Clothes are a huge expense for some people. My clothes are limited to comfort clothes. I don't want to dress up in expensive clothes to go to an expensive venue for either food or entertainment. I realize some people crave this type of life style and that's fine. For me, the simple, inexpensive lifestyle afforded me the ability to retire at age 54 (I'm now 66) and retirement is as wonderful as I thought it would be. The best advice: save money don't spend on stuff you can't take with you.
Trent from the simple dollar.
I use Dave Ramsey's budget spreadsheets and envelopes from Financial Peace University
"Frugal" - wow! I call it being poor and/or homeless. I didn't realize that took effort for some people.
I keep a running budget in my moleskin. No fancy apps for me.
Thanks for this. I was thinking salmon is kind of expensive fresh and was always hesitant to buy the canned version but all these recipes are so friggin helpful!
I use plain old Excel spreadsheets. I tried a fancier budgeting tool and it just seemed more complicated...
Good afternoon! I would use, "Mrs. Alfred Jones." However, Emily Post says that you may use:
"Mrs. Alfred Jones"
"Mrs. Mary Jones" or
"Ms. Mary Jones"
I hope that this is helpful, and I am sure she will be delighted to receive your thoughtful card.
-Marla
Totally agree on cutting the cord for cable though the streaming quality generally doesn't rival the hd cable channels. I'm learning to really watch the Nationally broadcast games and actually go out to the ballpark like they used to do in the olden days. With HBO becoming available on Amazon Prime cutting the cable cord is even more tempting!
i still budget with pen/pencil, paper, and calculator