"How To Save Money In 2016"

Ahh, yes.  It's that time of the year again.  A new year with new goals. Another set of New Year resolutions.  

Many of us set a goal of making or saving more money in the upcoming year.  But as with all New Year Resolutions, we don't always make a plan of how we are going to attain those goals.

Over the past few years, I have looked at the previous year and asked myself how can I do better? How can I save more money?  I make a list of areas that I feel that would make a noticeable difference in saving money, or simply not wasting money, in order to improve the over all "bottom line".

So here it is: The annual list of How To Save Money in 2016!  May this list help you make your dreams a reality, by taking measurable steps of action.

1. Pay bills on time-  Sounds like a no brainer huh?  You may be thinking, so much for the expert advice.  But many times when we set goals, we only think of the benefits of accomplishing that goal.  But in most cases, the consequence of NOT reaching the goal is far more important.  The major thing with not paying bills on time are LATE FEES.  From cell phone bills, to cable bills, to credit card bills; over the course 12 months, those fees can really add up.  The average late fee for a cable bill is $7.50.  The average late fee for a credit card bill is $25.00.  Banks make so much money on fees that it accounts for almost 32 billion dollars in annual revenue.
2. DIY-  Although all of us are working with limited time,  most people have more time than they have money.  By doing things yourself, instead of paying someone else can allow you do save a lot of money.  From home repairs to personal care such as hair and nails; a little DIY can go a long way. If you pay attention to the paperwork on service calls and repairs, it's the labor that's expensive.  YouTube has tons of videos that help with projects.
3.  Order Carry Out- In most states, if you dine in, you are charged "eat in tax" on the food you buy that you are not charged when you order carry out.  Also, the extra items ordered like beverages are an additional expense when dining in.  The last but not least additional expense with eating out are tips.  We are talking about saving money, but a worker is worth their wages.  So if you are dining in, at least an additional 20 percent should be factored in.
4. Go Digital-  The days of "extreme couponing" are nearly over.   Nobody wants to go shopping with a shoe box full of cutout coupons and have to make a shrine out of 1,700 rolls of toilet paper.  Many stores now have apps with digital coupons that you can use with your phone right at the store.  Also, popular sites such as RetailMeNot has sale, discounts, and coupons from multiple stores right on the app.
5. Don't Give Up-  One of the best pieces of advice I have ever heard was to "never accept a no from a person who doesn't have the ability to say yes.  Basically, it means to go to a "higher up" person when you are trying to negotiate something, or get something done.  Too many times we are told no one time, by a "gatekeeper" or entry level person and give up there.  In the past, I have gotten fees reduced, free upgrades, and favorable settlements by using this principle.

By using these tips combined with focus, determination, and consistency; you will be well on your way to a more financially productive year!

"Base Hits"

Goals.  Everybody has them, or if they don't, they need to!  But how many of us are actually achieving our goals?  As we embark on a new year in 2012, many of us scribble down goals, new year resolutions, and things we want to have or do "this" year.

Year after year plans are made.  We start off the year good, but by the 3rd week of January, most of our steam is lost, and many of us revert back to our "everyday habits".

Maybe we should be making new year strategies instead of new year resolutions.  So this year, I decided to do something different.  When the ball dropped, I made no resolutions and wrote down no new plans.  But rather, I decided to look at the goals I had set in the past, but didn't achieve, and looked for where I may have went "wrong".

I discovered that the reason I didn't reach some of my goals, or even get any closer to having some of the things that I want, is because I was waiting for the "home run".  You know,--- "the home run".  "If I hit the lotto, I will---",  "After I get this big client, I will---",  "When I get out of debt, I will---".  Etc, ect, ect......  Many of us are waiting for the home runs in our lives,  while overlooking the "base hits".

The "base hits" are the small steps, daily victories, and simple things we can do to reach our goals.  Theodore Roosevelt's quote, "Do what you can, with what you have, where you are", is so true.

If you tend to be a left side of the brain person, as I am, base hits can often be a challenge.   Most logical thinkers like to have all their ducks in a row, dots connected, and things done "right", before we do things.  The problem is, we end up not getting things done at all, while waiting for the right time, right situation, and so on and so on.

What we have to realize is that base hits win games too!  Sometimes all you need is a base hit to win games.  Home runs are great, but never underestimate the simple things we are able to do.  Saving 50 dollars a month, will still add up to the money you need to make that purchase.  Taking one  class at a time will still get you that degree.   Writing one chapter a week will still get that book done.

And guess what, base hits set you up for the home runs!