Ways to Make Money Now: Tips on Making More Money Quickly

"While saving money will help you have extra money in the bank, sometimes you need to make a little extra money on top of that. Whether you have lost your job and need to find a way to make ends meet or simply want a little extra income on the side to go to the movies with, these ideas will help you make money quickly."


Ways to Make Money Now: Tips on Making More Money Quickly:

Remember... never pay full price for ANYTHING!

20 money-savers that add up - CNN.com

"Every household has financial leaks -- the surprising ways in which money escapes. Find out how to plug them up"

You are going to love these... I even found a few new ways to save pennies each day and they are so simple! Most of them will make you wonder why you never thought of them earlier!!


20 money-savers that add up - CNN.com:
Remember... never pay full price for ANYTHING!

Earth’s Best Organic Baby Food Giveaway

Believe it or not, when my babies were... babies, the internet didn't exist... at least if it did, I didn't know about it and no one was giving away baby food. You ladies out there have no idea just how good you've got it. So, head over to Thrifty Mommy and enter her contest. It sounds like something you won't want to miss if you are still in the "buying baby food" mode. Me, seeing that my son has just proposed, there might be grandchildren down the road some day, but until that happens, I'm just going to pass along the info to you and I'm wishing you tons of luck. There's nothing to make your day a little better than to win something!!

Earth’s Best Organic Baby Food Giveaway

Remember... never pay full price for ANYTHING!

Consumer to cut back further over this year

And it's not wonder. Every single day we hear of more layoffs and I think that does something to a person's psyche?? The more you hear about other people cutting back, the more you seem to do the same thing. It's happening to me and I'm the Queen of Shopping! Just ask my husband. I actually went out yesterday and didn't spend a penny. A few years ago that would have been unheard of. It actually hurt... okay, it seemed like a waste of time if I didn't come home with something... anything. Yes, I actually looked at it as a day wasted if I didn't find at least something to buy.

It doesn't seem to be happening as much anymore. It's almost as if I have put myself on a budget and my husband couldn't be happier!!

Consumer to cut back further over this year

Remember... never pay full price for ANYTHING!

Saving Money on Food Tips

This might sound like a no brainer, but it is easier than you might ever have imagined to fritter away money in a grocery store. Just ask my husband. For some reason, especially on holiday, he loves to peruse supermarkets. Okay, I can see (almost) why he is drawn to them. First of all, we tend to rent an apartment or house while we are on vacation to save money and we do need food if we are going to eat in... so that usually means a trip to the supermarket. But, who knew that walking down an supermarket aisle in a foreign country, could be so interesting. I should really start taking photos of supermarkets around the world. They are fascinating...

Lol... I'm starting to sound like my husband!

The Personal Finance Weblog: Saving Money on Food Tips

Know What You Need

I have this thing about mineral makeup. I also know the price of it and when I'm seeing a good deal. Today I was wondering around Walgreens and found a compact by Physicians Formula that had been reduced by 40%. Of course I grabbed one. That will be perfect to toss into my handbag for touch-ups.


**Remember... never pay full price for ANYTHING!

100 Ways to Save Money For Your Next Vacation | Adriatic Travel Company

"Times are tight right now and a lot of people are really cutting back on things that are not a necessity. This is a huge problem for those of us who have have been bitten by the travel bug and need that annual two week escape overseas. I’ve come up with a list of 100 ways save and help pay for that next trip even though money may be a little tight. Don’t worry, I’m not recommending you do anything unreasonable like giving up HDTV service."

I just finished looking at all 100 ways to save for your next holiday and some of them I already do and some I just might add to my to-do list. Son has just announced that he is getting married in Costa Rica next year and it will be the perfect time to see how much we can save by this time next year. Here's to a nice warm get-away next February!!



100 Ways to Save Money For Your Next Vacation | Adriatic Travel Company:

SunJournal.com - Stretching shampoo strength

"To extend the use of shampoo, our family refills a hand soap container halfway with shampoo and the rest with water. As several in our family have long hair, this definitely extends the life of a bottle of shampoo or conditioner."

I have also found that I can do the same with washing up liquid... maybe not equal parts, but maybe a bit more of the washing up liquid and I seem to get twice as many bubbles. Try out your brands of shampoo and washing up liquid and see how far you can stretch it! I'm definitely going to try the shampoo trick!

SunJournal.com - Stretching shampoo strength

Free Starbucks Coffee

Here is something that you might not be aware of. I just happened upon it a few minutes ago and it seems like a win-win situation. With the economy the way it is, I have to wonder just how much volunteering is taking place! So, a thumbs up to Starbucks for coming up with the idea and Thrifty Mommy for letting us know about it. :)

Free Starbucks Coffee

How To Remove Glue

I was playing around with an interesting glass jar for a Christmas project next year and I managed to get off all of the label glue... well almost all of it. There was a tiny bit left and I couldn't seem to budge it. And then I used a little cooking oil. That seemed to do the trick. And, I didn't have to go out and buy a thing!

**Remember... never pay full price for ANYTHING!

Dominion's Energy Conservation Blog: After Christmas LED Lighting Sale

I think that I talked about holiday sales a lot in the last few days, but I'm going to do it yet again... just in case... Just in case you haven't enough lights for your house to be seen from outer space and that's the look you are going for, you might want to grab the bargains that are out there. And for those of you who want lower electricity bills, you know the way to go right... LED! And they give such a nice glow too... even from outer space. ;)
Source

**Remember... never pay full price for ANYTHING!

What Will the Malls Do Next??

After the huge sell-offs after Christmas, what will the stores do next to keep their customers happy? Yesterday at Wal-Mart one section had rounded up all of the Christmas decorations left over (which wasn't a whole lot) and had slapped a huge 90% clearance sign on them. I don't know how long the sign had been there, but there were A LOT of Christmas balls still sitting on the shelves waiting for customers to claim them and take them home for next year! Not a good sign for the store, but good for those of you who have a few bare spots on your tree.

The local Mall on the other hand was quite empty and from what I have been reading, it's quite normal for a lull to take place between now and spring. There really isn't a whole lot of reason for people to be out shopping. And it should be even worse back home in Canada. Christmas is over and if you needed winter clothes or snow shovels, well lets just say that you would have picked them up already! So, will be be seeing more sales just to get us into the mall?? Either than or more closings. Have you heard about Macy*s?? Nine of their stores will be closing.


For me... I'm still watching for deals and I have my eye on a few properties here in Port Charlotte that have captured my attention. I have decided that living on one of the waterfront properties would keep me quite content. ;) If I can save a bit here and there, it all adds up for the fun stuff!

**Remember... never pay full price for ANYTHING!

Source

Your Spending New Year's Resolution

According to Market Watch, there are a lot of people out there who have made getting out of debt or saving money, their New Year's Resolution. While I thought that it was fitting with the ecomony being what it is, one thing definitely jumped out at me... it was...

Use cash as much as possible. I have to admit, that I seldom carry cash and the minute I see something that I want/need, I instantly go for my credit card. But after thinking about it for oh... about a second, I could see how this could get you into a lot of trouble. With a credit card, your limit is probably a lot higher than the amount of cash you would probably be carrying around at one time.

"Using cash really helps people stay on the straight and narrow. Set aside cash each month to cover variable expenses (such as food, gas and entertainment). When the money is gone, it's gone. No going back to the ATM for more. "

Did you spot the part about when the money is gone... it's gone!

And my favorite... SHOP SMART... which is why I always say: don't buy anything unless it's on sale! Some pretty easy ways to hold on to your money wouldn't you say!

Source

**Remember... never pay full price for ANYTHING!

Easy Decorationg Projects for Pennies

Easy Scroll Napkin Rings... you are going to like these! If you can find anything to compare at a lower price, you are a better shopper than me! ;)

Something for Every Single Room... I particularly like the use of old suitcases!

How to make your leather look gorgeous again! And this stuff I have right in the kitchen!

**Remember... never pay full price for ANYTHING!

Shade trees save money, energy

I know that the minute spring hits, we are all going to want to go out and buy annuals to pretty up our lot, but I was just reading that planting trees on the south and west side of your property can save you tons of energy. But, I can hear you right now asking where do you get affordable trees? In my case, it was family. My dad was always digging us up "baby trees" which cost us absolutely nothing and in the article below, apparently some municipalities give them away. You should really check out your town to see if there is anything similar and if not, go and ask your dad ;) And while you are at it, see what else you can get for free. In my case, I could rely on trees from dad and free flowers from Mom.

Can't beat that!


Washington Energy Services - Shade trees save money, energy - Seattle's Energy Efficiency leader

How to Buy New Christmas Lights for Next Year

You probably have wondered how much an incandescent string of Christmas lights can compare to the LED Christmas lights. I knew that there was a difference, but I really didn't know just how much... and match that with a save-the-world husband and you pretty much go without Christmas lights for the entire season!. He doesn't even like to turn on the Christmas tree lights if he can get out of it. But that's another story for another time, but I thought that you might be interested in the savings in the long run if you stock up on LED lights for next year. Go and take a look!!

**Remember... never pay full price for ANYTHING!

Source

Day 3 of 21 Days of No Shopping

Have to admit... I did go shopping today, but seeing that I didn't buy anything yesterday, I thought that it would be okay as long as I was careful. First of all, I picked up a novel for under $6.00. I'm thinking that if I'm sitting by the pool reading, I'm not spending money! Do you see how my mind works?? I also picked up 8 Christmas ornaments to fill a gorgeous bowl that I was given for Christmas this year. It will look gorgeous sitting on the dining room table next Christmas and all I would have spent would have been a grand total of $3.00. That's not half bad at all! So, that's 2 days with no shopping and one day that I broke down. But my grand total was under $10.00! Anyone who knows me would be amazed that I could show that much restraint. You are talking to a shopaholic in a BIG WAY!

**Remember... never pay full price for ANYTHING!

10 Things You Can Do Differently to Save Money

1. Start a new file for all of your receipts. I keep an accordion file and every time I buy something, the receipt goes into the proper section.

2. Make a list of everyone you need to send cards to this year. Buy them all at once (check out the dollar store for possibilities) and get them ready to go!

3. Make a list of all the gifts that you will need to buy and keep said list in your handbag. Having a list will help keep you from blowing money on things you really don't need. You might also want to keep track of sizes as well.

4. Keep a file card in your wallet and mark down the amount every single time you use your credit card.

5. Keep a notebook in your handbag along with a pen so that you can comparison shop.

6. Re-read one of the novels I bought a couple of years ago. Chances are I won't remember a thing anyway. I tend to read really quickly and probably miss most of the best bits!

7. Take one thing from the back of the closet and try it on again. If it's at the back of the closet, it probably hasn't been worn in some time!

Okay, I'm still working on the other three!


**Remember... never pay full price for ANYTHING!

Day 2 of 21 Days of No Shopping

Friday...

Today I get to shop. So far it's just a trip to pick up some milk, but I have to wonder what else I will come out with??

**Actually I spent the afternoon at the bookstore and and not the supermarket at all! Hubby and darling daughter went to the supermarket and Home Depot. And you won't believe this but I couldn't find one single book to buy! That just isn't me!

**Remember... never pay full price for ANYTHING!

Day 1 of 21 Days of No Shopping

Well, yesterday was my first day of no shopping. As I said earlier this week, I'm going to try to go for no shopping every other day... seeing that I'm on vacation. And if I can do better than that... even better. But to begin, I'm going to take it slow and easy.

Yesterday, I went to Fisherman's Village in Punta Gorda and looked to my heart's content, but I bought nothing. I did inquire about a candle melt that was being used in a particular Christmas store. It's called BeanPod Candles and the scent was "evergreen". I swear the scent was so realistic that it smelled as if a real pine tree was in the room. I even checked out some of the trees to see if there was a real tree mixed in with the artificial. All the trees were artificial which tells you just how good the candle beads were. And it's made of soy btw... I can't give you a price because they were out of them, but you at least have a heads up for next year.

Remember... never pay full price for ANYTHING!

Are You Making Your Own Yogurt?

For some reason finding one of these yogurt makers in Canada is almost impossible. Even ordering it through Amazon wouldn't work. I ended up searching EVERYWHERE and then finally found one. It doesn't make them in little cups like this one does, but we do have yogurt now any time we need it. And I have also stopped buying sour cream. We use yogurt in place of it and no one is the wiser. And there is something about creating your own flavors of yogurt that is kind of cool as well. My family has gotten into the habit of stirring in a little pie filling from a can, but I thinking that stewing your own fruit would be healthier if not more economical at the same time. Anyway, I just wanted to share. Making your own yogurt/sour cream is going to save you money... big time! :)

Cuisipro Donvier Electronic Yogurt Maker


**Remember... never pay full price for ANYTHING!

Whitening Your Teeth at Home: Waste of Time or Not??

Whitening your teeth... that is just the topic that they are discussing right here. If you aren't willing to give up all the good things in life... like coffee and red wine, take a look and if you have anything to offer, add it to the list!!

*I didn't see the use of strawberries on the list! Using fruit has been around for eons! Rinsing your mouth after the beverages mentioned above is also an idea that costs you nothing but a mug of water!

**Remember... never pay full price for ANYTHING!

21 Days Without Shopping

I was just reading this article and yes, I'm going to think about it, but no, I'm not going to tell my husband! To be quite honest, I don't think that I can do it. I'm trying to be smarter about my shopping for 2009, but to go for three weeks without shopping?? Especially now!! I'm on vacation... the temps are gorgeous and the sales are unbelieveable and I'm thinking about stopping cold turkey?? I really don't know how anyone could do it?? But it was a fun read and I just might try to shop every other day for three weeks without buying anything, but let me tell you right now, that is going to be really hard if not downright painful.

I think that the only way that I will be able to pull this off is to NOT go to the mall so often. While I'm at home, I don't go shopping (in the winter) unless it's a necessity. It's too bloody cold for one thing. Here in Florida, that's not the case. So what to do?? Shopping is fun... what can I say??

Okay, so here's the deal. On my "off days", I won't buy anything that I really don't need. That mean no cosmetics, no magazines to read by the pool, no clothes and no stationary. Yes, I go weak at the knees when I see a Staples store. Don`t ask me why, but I simply can`t have enough sticky notes, file cards or automatic pencils.

On my "on days" I will see just how frugal I can be! No promises lol...


Will I fall off the wagon?? I don't know, but I'm really going to try to see if I can do this. With all my best intentions, I know that I'm bad at frittering away little bits of money here and there. I don't even want to think about how much I have spent in 2008 for things I really didn't need. But I do have to give myself a little pat on the back. I didn't buy a new 9 foot Christmas tree for hallway and I was sooooo tempted.

So, join me daily as I come clean on my purchases. Maybe having to tell everyone just might help me stick to my plan!!





**Remember... never pay full price for ANYTHING!

Happy New Year

Here's to a great year of shopping! To my family to yours... have a happy and healthy 2009!

Photo Credit: Stock.xchng


**Remember... never pay full price for ANYTHING!

Don't Pay Too Soon

Here's a little trick that seems to work for me. I will spot something at a department store that I feel that I just have to have. Okay, I pick it up, put it in the cart, but I don't pay for it immediately. I will walk around with it for a half hour or so while looking at other items in the store. On many occasions, by the time I'm ready to leave, I have talked myself out of the purchase. It's funny how your mind can come up with all sorts of reasons why you really don't want/need the item after all! Give it a try and see if it works for you. I have saved a ton of money this way!

**Remember... never pay full price for ANYTHING!