Search Results for: blog tips for saving for a rainy day

K.I.S.S. Guide to Savings

Keep It Simple, Stupid or K.I.S.S. is a principle that can be applied to a variety of subjects, including saving money. Basically, the K.I.S.S. guide to preserving your household budget is to avoid overcomplicating matters. Instead, stick to basic concepts that are easy to execute, such as: Forget about brand loyalty: Sticking with a certain brands is not the best strategy if you are looking to line your pocketbook with extra cash. Consider experimenting with cheaper alternatives. NBC’s Today show recently did a test on the best dishwasher soaps and Wal-Mart’s generic brand scored as well as name brand Cascade. … Continue reading →

Tips For Saving For A Rainy Day

For the past two days I have been cooped up inside because it is raining. What does this have to do with money? Well, there is always the popular saying “saving for a rainy day”. The phrase implies that it is important to set aside money now so that we will have it available when we need it later. There are many unplanned expenses that can come up, and having a “rainy day” fund can help to lessen the impact on your regular budget when, say, the hot water heater breaks or you suddenly find yourself jobless. In the current … Continue reading →

How to Make the Most of the Labor Day Holiday

Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer. It also means no more biking until sunset, no more eating leftover smores for breakfast and no more midnight dips in the kiddie pool. If summer 2009 was one to remember, then why not send it off in style by having one last hurrah in the great outdoors. The following family-friendly outdoor activities are sure to grab your kids’ attention and make their last weekend of summer one to cherish for years to come: CAMPING Many state and national parks are offering ranger-led tours geared toward grade-schoolers during the long holiday weekend. … Continue reading →

Four Ways to Save Money on Birthday Cake

This week we are in the middle of trying to finalize plans for an upcoming birthday party for our two sons. Two boys with birthdays only a month apart means one party to save the relatives from traveling, but two separate cakes with different themes. All of that cake can add up in expense. Here are four different ways to save money on birthday cake. With these various options, you should be able to find your own great way to shave off some of the cost of the birthday cake. Buy a regular birthday cake but skip the special decorating. … Continue reading →

Tips for Saving Money at the Circus 3

You scored great seats at the circus for a fraction of the regular price and you thought ahead to avoid paying for that $12 cotton candy. You are ready to settle in and enjoy the show. The lights dim and suddenly you are met with the scene of all of these wonderful spinning lights all throughout the auditorium. Your kids gasp and point. Conveniently, the toy vendor comes along the side of your aisle, loaded down with many options, from light up swords to princess wands to elephants riding on top of spinning and glowing orbs. OOOH. The price tag … Continue reading →

Tips for Saving Money at the Circus 2

Congratulations. You scored some inexpensive circus ticket sand are ready to see the show! Everyone is looking forward to it, and you are happy that you didn’t have to re-mortgage your home to attend. But wait. The expenses are just getting started. You haven’t gotten past the snacks and souvenir stands yet. Goodies Once you get to the circus and are happily settled in, watch out! There are enough items to purchase to make your head spin and your wallet fly away. I’ll give you a good example. Cotton candy is just sugar, coloring and air. But if you buy … Continue reading →

Tips for Saving Money at the Circus

The circus is a magical place for kids and adults alike. But the price to attend the circus is grounded way back into reality. In fact, for many, the price of attended the circus makes many families unable to attend. But there are some ways to save money at the circus. If you apply all of them, you may find that the circus is more affordable than you think. Tickets Let’s talk about ways to lessen the price of tickets. You can first pick a local or lesser known circus. These troops may not have all of the pyrotechnics and … Continue reading →

Money in Your Golden Years

I once sat through a workshop sponsored by a company I used to work for where the guy in charge kept warning: “There are no do-overs when it comes to retirement planning.” He also added (in a very ominous tone) that if we messed up now we’d all be doomed to a life of penny-pinching in our golden years. Ah, memories of corporate America. Truth be told, the workshop leader’s scare tactics were quite effective. His advice was sound and bears considering regardless of whether you are self-employed or part of a multi-million dollar corporation. Retirement planning is important, as … Continue reading →

Improving Your Personal Financial Future

A recent poll shows that most Americans have been shaken by the recession and are no longer optimistic about the economy improving any time soon. In addition, researchers found that many people, especially women are fearful about their personal financial future. In many cases, women admitted to saving less for retirement because they are “just getting by” or are desperately trying to pay off current debts, including school loans. The poll’s results have many financial experts concerned that individuals are not building a large enough retirement nest egg. This is especially true for the female respondents who stand to suffer … Continue reading →

Digging Out of Debt

With gas prices creeping to the $5 mark, I have a feeling that many of us are going to be cash poor very soon. That’s if you aren’t already digging out of debt from losing a job or getting your hours reduced when the economy first started taking a nosedive. Getting out of debt can be very challenging. While some people, whose debt has grown out of control, turn to consumer credit counselors, others take matters into their own hands. Studies show more and more people are borrowing from retirement accounts in order to pay down debt. The problem with … Continue reading →