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How To Live Below Your Means 11-20

11/26/2008

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11. Stop Going to The Mall
 
There is nothing there but to take your money away. Instead of going to the mall, go to the park and feed the ducks with your family. Take a trip to camp on a weekend – camping site is inexpensive plus fresh air is a rare opportunity for kids and for you to breath natural air.

Friend of mine’s kid had an allergy on pollen in Atlanta. Sine they started going camping and limited the use of air conditioning (they would rather open windows) the allergy went away. Plus they save money on electricity.

 
12.  Opt Out of a Gym.

Working out in the gym is great, but consider running and doing exercises on the open air rather then breathing recycled in the gym. Local park is a great opportunity and it is free. There are plenty of running trails. Why to pay for a gym since there is a natural replacement available.
In addition it is much healthier to spend time in the park.
Please do not run on the streets since the air is polluted, especially during traffic hours.

 
13. Do Not Pay For Designer Clothes, Shoes and Accessories

I had an instance where two of my coworkers bought the same dress. One in TJ MAX for $59 and the other one in Nordstroms  for $299. It was funny to observe that conversation as they were comparing their shopping at work. Who cares if it says Nike or Puma or whatever it is. You always pay a premium for items that have designer labels on them.


14. Buy Store Brands

In Kroger they have laundry detergent for $0.99 Kroger Brand. Do you think I will pay $3.99 just for label? The key here is that Kroger brand is not advertised, so there is no marketing expenses.


15. Buy Used Books Instead of New Ones

When I was a student in Georgia State University I remember I paid $110 for my math book. I thought it was too much. Since then, I paid no more then $5-10 for a book. Universities encourage professors to push for the latest edition.

Please, be aware that the History of the Unites States and other subjects do not change every year. I was buying the same book just 2-3 editions older and it was almost free – no more then $10. The chapters were moved on purpose to confuse me in couple of books but that was an easy fix – 5 minutes and I compared with my classmate that paid $90 for a book.  That was the only time where I had to do something. The rest of the books had the same content, just pages were in off. I would look at the syllabus and find it by the subject. Amazon.com and Half.com are my favorite websites for books. The savings are huge.


16. Enroll in Library

When I was preparing for GMAT test, I found nine books, like Princeton Review and others ( including CD with 5 practice tests) in my local library.

I could keep the book for 4 months - just kept extending online. I also discovered that my local library has free DVD's to watch. The library even has software to learn languages and other valuable programs that most likely I would end up paying for.

 
17. Buy at Thrift Stores and Yard Sales.

Too proud for this? Peers reassure? Well. Something you are looking for can be there. Me and my friend bought old German knives. The quality is awesome and they were fifty cents each. Comparing to modern Chinese quality one can find a good solution in those places.

Again, do not buy something that you do not need, just what is needed at this time.


18. Reduce your Cable to Basic Package

Most of us are busy all the time and 100 + channels are really not needed. We can not watch all of them anyway. So, adjust your cable just to your needs. Internet is another option. Most of the shows are available at certain share sites for download for free.
You can even watch TV from the whole world online free. Google it. You will be surprised what is out there.

 
19.    Use Online Coupon Codes for Everything

Recently, my friend and I had to rent the truck and transport some windows and doors. Right before check out I thought, let me Google coupon code for Budget. I reduced our expense by 25%. It took 30 seconds to identify the site and find the best coupon. Usually it is a code that you type in while making online reservation. We saved 30 dollars and had a good dinner the same day.

 
20.    Avoid Cigarettes and Alcohol

This is what I have been working on. It’s not only will save me in the long run (I pay $5 for cigarettes – American Spirit) but also ensure that I will be healthier.  If you drink and are not going to give it up, then consider drinking at home. It is much cheaper then going to bars.


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    Articles

    How to Stop Watching TV
    How to Stop Junk Mail
    The Essene Gospel Of Peace
    Life and Death
    7 Day Fasting Diary
    10 Tips For Successful Fasting