Don't throw it away... feed the pig!

OK, so after all this economic talk, although TRUE it can definitely be a little depressing, and add that to the -45 weather we are having today and well… UGGG…

But let’s think of some things that can HELP financially and mentally during these times and as most of them are about reducing, we are being green toooo. Yaaa!

Most of us have no problem in the area of spending money (myself included),! As a child my parents would probably say my allowance was already spent before I received it. This is still true for many of us: we know our wages and have pre-planned what we will be spending on pay day (a new TV, saving for a car, mortgage, utilities, etc).

Yes, many of those things are necessities and some are simply desires, however, if we think about them, we can probably find a better way to plan and save us some money in the long run. For one, we don’t want to be THROWING our money away (if you do, please call ME & I will help you get rid of your unwanted $$$ :)!!

The current economic crisis will eventually blow over someday, but until then there are ways in which we can be cost effective and let our piggy banks fill up a little to give us that extra cushion. We don’t know what is to come… market spiraling (MORE), higher gas prices, increased healthcare costs, etc.

OK, OK…. Sooo enough of the talk let’s get to the TIPS and TRICKS:

5 Ways to Save Money during Economic Crisis

1. When Possible, avoid your car - Try using your car less when you can, even though gas prices are lowering, you can really save a LOT by filling up less. And for the green side of this, buying gas + car exhaust = No Good! It’s really NOT that hard, we are soooo used to the convenience of jumping in the car and going… so car pool, walk, bike, bus, etc.

- Aside from the gas saving, you will be saving on the wear and tear of your car, saving costs on maintenance and possible repairs.

2. Cut entertainment expenses - You can save a lot of money simply by cutting your entertainment expenses. Think about borrowing a DVD from a friend or the library for a change, having a games night, cooking dinner with friends instead of going out, instead of paying for a gym membership you can stay in shape with free outdoor activities, on a date with your hunny try a picnic that you cooked yourself.

3. Save on utilities - Avoid using lights in the daytime when possible, we have windows so “let there be natural light." Window’s can also cut cost by allowing solar heat in. Before the sun sets at night, pull down your blinds to keep the heat in, and in the morning open them all day... you will see a difference in your heating bill... try it!

-When appliances are turned off but unplugged then they still drain electricity. Turn off things such as TV’s, computer screens, microwaves, mobile chargers etc while not in use. One great way to make it more convenient is to place some of the sources on a power bar and with one flick…. you’re savin’!

- Although we allll love LONG bath’s and showers, we are really wasting a lot of water, so one trick to save water and $$$ is while you are washing you hair, turn the taps off, then start’er up again when it’s time to rinse.

- Another thing I find myself doing is taking some water from the tap to drink but when I’m finished I toss the rest… uggg, so I either need to take LESS or use the water up, ie. water the plants, or drink it all :)

- Cable bills can be massive and we usually just cringe and pay, although if we really look at the bills to see what extra costs are there, we can often find some changes that can be made to suit our pockets better. Reduce your TV channels: if you don’t watch them, get rid of them! Do you use your whole $10 worth of long distance each month? Or is it worth it to pay per minute? …. Another way to reduce your bills is by going through one Server Company that you can have your TV, Internet, Phone & Cell all on one bill, there is usually a better rate (ie. Sasktel). But still look at the bill and asses what you can change…. bunldes save a bundle, lol, as the advertisements tell us!

- if you are so bold: cut your cable bill. You can watch complete TV shows and movies online, and get up to the minute news through the internet.

- Landline phones are also an unnecessary expense. Many people (including Chanel) just use their Cell phones. Cell phones are portable and allow you to be reached almost anywhere and always, ugggg, always! lol... well when we answer them... Chanel...

4. Be a smart food shopper - While shopping at the supermarket look out for value packs or family packs, its not much of a saving but its a start and you will be going back less to get it (less driving).

- Switch to no-name brands, or in store brands (generic)… they are often just the same but cost less (essspecially in the area of pharmaceuticals).

- Use coupons, I know, I know… no one wants to be the one who pulls out the wad of coupons… but hey, own it… it’s coooool to use coupons!

- Make a list, and plan your meals before you go shopping. This will help you to buy only what you neeed and not fill the cart with added junk and food that will be wasted.

- Plan to start bringing your lunch to work; you will save a ton of money.

5. Rent out a room - Not all people are comfortable with this but if you have a large home or a basement suit rent it out to someone. It will help pay the mortgage and bring in some extra cash. Make sure you educate yourself first on renting and do a proper credit reference and background check on possible tenants before renting the room.

These are just a few tips to get you going and hopefully you will begin to see a difference... feed that piggy bank!

Let us know if you notice a difference and what other tips you have for saving the green!

"Don't wash money down the drain!"... but remember, if you are, invite me over!

Heather