Self-Sufficiency Can BE In Vogue

Upon reading this morning's article about a family of 20 not in debt and able to be self-sufficient, I truly believe that their fiancial tactical approach to frugality is one to note.  Family of 19 Debt Free article highlights some key points that many folks need to understand.  The importance of paying your bills, not incurring debt and even itemizing bills where sneaky charges must be caught.  Yes, it is wise to NOT assume that your bills are always correct upon receiving them.  Folks struggle with Math so I will doubly make sure that I question any bill that comes my way.

As a military family, you are able to shop at the Commissary and it's nice especially when the sales and case lot sales are put on.  Coupons are good for 6 months after the expiration date.  Also, the coupons are handed out on Saturdays as well as a coupon basket by the bathroom (you can give coupons and take coupons).  You do need to do a food and supply inventory and know your prices but in the end, using coupons and watching what you buy and use in your household will help the bottom line.  Cutting your Grocery Bill in Half is a great book resource as well.

Food is a number one budget blower and with food costs rising, it is even more imperative that folks cook and budget more.  emeals.com is a great tool to faciliate staying on a budget and yet having the menu planned along with recipes.  Keep in mind that you only pay for the dinner meals minus sales tax so it is important to watch your food budget as you supply food for your breakfast, lunch and snacks. 

Happy Valentine's Day

February 14th brings so many things into our life.  It is a reminder of love and the power of love in your life.  Love comes in many forms, and it is an intangible that makes life what it is.  Love comes from parents to a child/ren.  Love between a man and a woman is an unbreakable bond especially when united as one in marriage.  Love for a family relative is insurmountable.  Love for a dear friend is a cherished treasure.  Love for a pet can be a strong emotion for many.  Interestingly, there is a love for things that can lead to a negative influence in one's life.  Afterall, things do not love back yet people and/or living things can!

Perhaps the history behind Valentine's Day is a good reminder during these cold, winter times when you are cooped up inside and the confines can wear on everyone's nerves is that you love and appreciate those in your life today. 

Money can buy flowers, chocolate, fancy cards, fine dining, jewelry and anything else that expresses our love.  Of course, it is wise to remain in your budget and enjoy the gift (albeit given or received).  ProFlowers offers 25% off on FTD flowers for USAA members.  You can log on to www.usaa.com/flowers or call USAA 800-769-7673 with your member number handy so that you can get the offer code.  It's about $37-$50 minimum for this option.  If you go to AAFES, there are some nice Valentine's Day discounted items.  Many retailers are offering sales prior to February 14th so it's a good time to take advantage of those deals.

For the woman, it is wise to do something romantic on Valentine's Day.  When in doubt about a purchase or what to do, it is prudent to spend the extra dimes and nickels because you just never know what a difference that will make in your best friend's life.

For the man, it is wise to do some form of recognition on Valentine's Day.  Ladies, do dress up, put on makeup, do your hair and nails and have something special planned for you and your man.  It doesn't have to be big but do it with a big heart.  After all these military men give a lot for their country.

2012 May Be a Financially Great Year

2012 may be a financially great year, that is IF you are willing to do something about it. 

It's important to keep in mind that things just don't happen. You have to take action and make things happen.  So why does this bit of perspective help me out financially?

In the wonderful world of finance where everyone must do basic math on up to advanced math albeit with your income, investments or other means of support, there is action happening.  Your spending behavior is directly reflected in your wallet even if it is buying food or fuel or other.  By not paying attention to your budget or how you spend your money, you are taking action. 

Perhaps you are neglecting your finances.  It's easy to do because many folks dislike the accountability factor involved with budgeting, reconciling your accounts and making financial decisions.  Sometimes financial hardship resurfaces hard times from your past and can cause you to turn the other way  or can cause you to get intense when it comes to your money.

Perhaps you are a good steward of your money, track it and live within your means.  This routine action of managing your finances deserves a pat on the back AND a time to reassess your financial goals.  Are you interested in a return on your funds?  Are you going to take a risk and step out of your circle of comfort?  Are you willing to do more work for more financial gain or are you determining your retirement options?

Perhaps you are in between where you earn income and yet just can figure out why the money was there and is now gone.  This constant merrygoround gets old, discouraging and lackluster.  This is when taking a personal finance class or something related to the topic will help jumpstart you back into action.

Perhaps you have been in recovery.  For many veterans and military personnel coming back from the combat zone, they are faced with medical costs that wipe out whatever savings and/or income that they have.  The financial hardship on the families is difficult.  For some the physical disabilities create challenges including finding a job, keeping a job, and dealing with certain limitations.  For many, they are dealing with PTSD or post traumatic stress disorder.  It's a major issue that few talk about nor the negative effects it has on many military families.  Sweeping it under the carpet is difficult when a military member dealing with PTSD  has a hard time getting out of bed to go to work or to even funtion in American society. 

I write that 2012 may be a financially great year because it can be if you take action.  One problem is the word may, and I specifically use this word to make a point.  Many want to live up to doing a good job and yet they (especially the men) feel that what they do is not good enough.   Bosses and/or supervisors provide negative feedback, expect more than what is realistic and pass judgement on subordinates that beats them down.  Few workers underestimate their ability to do a good job yet most question their superior when it comes to job performance and evaluation.  Yet employment provides a financial means to support the family so many workers just grin and bear it.

Today is the day to take action even if it is a baby step in your financial affairs.  Perhaps you organize your bank accounts into a notebook and your bills into another notebook.  Perhaps you learn about a new financial software via your financial institution's web site page or Internet or package.  Perhaps you pick up a book from the library to read.  Perhaps you cut up your credit card and start paying it off.  Perhaps you open a new account to help jumpstart your financial future with just $20 a month. 

Little steps of action will enhance your financial situation.  Balancing your life and keeping hope abreast will help you navigate through this tricky time.  Perhaps reducing or cutting back in certain areas is a necessary action to help your family go forward.  For example, buying a frozen pizza versus ordering a pizza for delivery is a small step to save some outflow.  Now, if you are on TDY orders and/or PCSing and don't have access to a kitchen, it is wise to eat healthy, drink lots of water instead of sodas or alcohol and make practical choices.  Ask for the military discount when possible and seek restaurants who do give it so that you can cut back on this eat out expense.  Also, during lonely times it is easy to spend money to compensate for not having someone around.  This is when it is very important to do a low cost activity such as a craft, sign up for a class, exercise, attend a church social function or go to the local library for free events (sometimes they are posted on their bulletin boards more so than on the web).

Just taking action to do something will help you come alive with life, venture out, learn something new and gain a whole new perspective on life.  It is so much better than watching tv, playing a video game or anything else via your couch.  Act and see what great possibilities lie ahead. 

   

Holiday Season Tips

Frantic about the end of the year?  You are not alone.  Many are.  In addition to all the holiday season busyness, Americans are dealing with an economy that is dismal regarding employment.  For many, Christmas will not be as great as in years past. 

1.  Check your end of the year financials.  The old expression of getting your house in order is recommended. 
2. Budget for holiday gift giving and go lean!  Everyone understands that people aren't doing as much as in years past.
3. Spend less on your children and spend more time with them. 
4.  Travel with a purpose, meaning budget your auto fuel.  Try to merge two or more trips to the store into one.  Try to carpool or get a ride.  Walking, riding a bike or even taking an alternative means of transportation though full of hassles can free up cash elsewhere.  I know of a retired couple who sold their second car and share one vehicle. 
5.  Clothing goes on sale this time of year so be on the lookout for nice gift ideas or a new article of clothing for yourself. 
6.  Attend church especially the Christmas events.  They bring out a cheerful bit of our soul.  Plus they are free and some offer free child care depending upon the event.
7.  Gift cards are all over the place and make for easy gifts (or do they?).  If you are handing the recipient a gift, it is best to give cash.  Gift cards now come with a $3.95 activitation fee in addition to the amount on the card.
8.  Impulse spending occurs so quick as stores and salespeople put the push on you to spend spend spend.  Be wise.  Watch your wallet. 
9.  Technology is allowing thiefs to get ahold of your credit card.  Check your free credit score as well as your credit card and debit card.
10.  Shop during low volume of people times.  Weekends, after work and school holidays are when traffic will be high.  Plan a day off.  Better yet...shop online and plan to be at home when the UPS man delivers your package.

Digital Donations This Red Kettle Season

For an institution founded in 1852 to start adopting digital means of accepting donations versus the traditional coins and dollars, it's going to get a great time of year for nonprofits such as The Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign.  Great organization that does way more than you would think even in this modern era!  If market research confirms that people spend more at fast food places when using a credit card, perhaps this will up donations to charity this holiday season. 

Fewer shoppers carry cash on them.  It is important to be protective of your credit/debit cards this holiday season. 

Layaway is Back!

The ads are astounding how more retailers are offering layaway this 2011 holiday season. 

Walmart Toys R Us  Sears  K-mart  Best Buy  and more!

It's an aggressive move to recapture sales at a time that consumers are more debt-savy.  The reality is that you may not capture those huge sales or markdowns as the holiday season nears to an end.  Paying full price for an item on layaway will help with your cash budget but perhaps stockpiling the cash in your wallet and waiting for the sale may be a good thing depending upon your wish list this season. 

It's important to reassess your budget this year and see what's a priority and what can wait until closer to the date.  Also, each layaway option has different fees or rules so check out the full details before signing on the dotted line. 

eLayaway is another fee-based company that enables you to make payments on certain items such as iPads and other items.  For a small fee and a proven reliable business in layaway, you can stay on target with your budget this holiday season.

 

Shoppers Beware

With slim sales and a difficult economic environment lingering, retailers are trying many tricks and marketing gimmicks to get you into their store or web site page just to get that sale.  Coupons, promotions and markdowns are among the many tricks of the trade to lure shoppers.  The bulk of shoppers represents the female shopper, who remains the primary buyer for the family.  Interestingly, the average female shopper spends an astounding eight years in a retail store (or the equivalent of 25,184 hours and 53 minutes over a period of 63 years walking with a shopping cart or basket).  Source  That's not how many would like to spend their precious time on Earth or perhaps so since the number one recreation activity is shopping. 

With fewer Americans able to afford certain basics such as medical care or health insurance, it's a wonder that shoppers are tempted when entering stores.  Food, fuel and medical treatment are at a high.  With the world population at 7 billion and greater demand for food coming from developing countries such as China, prices for American basics are going up and will likely continue to rise in addition to inflation. 

What shoppers need to beware of is their personal money managment and that goes back to budgeting basics.  Know what you are going to buy from the store and stick to your list and/or budget the entire time you are there.  Markdowns are tempting, and impulse consumer spending is one way that retailers are hoping to spike their sales short term. 

Omit frivolous spending.  What I mean is for you to rethink your spending behavior.  Reductions in spending can include many things, and below are some suggestions to consider the next time you are in the store or online.

• Take a list of what you plan to buy and stick to it.
• Bring coupons and search for the better deal while in the store.  Yes, get out your calculator and stand there to compute the better deal.
• Ask yourself....Do you REALLY need this item? 
• Walk out of the store and leave the item there.  Sleep on it.  If you realize you need to make the purchase, then return to the store the next day only if this is okay with your budget.
• FREE is not necessarily free...there is a catch to it and sometimes it's more expensive to get out of it than it truly being free.
• If it's too good of a deal and you need to do more research, then walk away. 
• Do NOT let pushy salespeople convince you to make the purchase.  Walk away from them if it is too much harassment.  These people are desperate for sales and are being paid to be this way to you the customer.

The best advice for shoppers is to stay out of stores.  Research shows that the longer you stay in the store, the more likely you will spend money.  To protect yourself and your wallet, it is best to beware of yourself and your surroundings the next time you shop.  If you are tired, hungry or hard-pressed for time, it is probably not a good time to go shopping.  Buying the item with the intent to return it is not the best option because you must make a return trip, the refund may not be what you need financially, or you lose the receipt thus no proof of purchase. 

Beware of how your items are rung up at the cash register.  I was charged $70 for 7 heads of lettuce when I only purchased one.  Had I not caught the mistake, the cashier would have rung me out.  Paying attention to how your purchases are rung up is important.  One tip is to add up your items in the shopping cart and watch them being rung up.  Most of the time, there are no surprises this way.

Being vigilent when it comes to your money and how you spend it at the store will benefit you in the long run.  Beware and be safe in your shopping.  And as I always encourage folks, please buy Made In the USA.

Layaway, A Popular Option as eLayaway Enters Household Names

Military families as well as federal employees have a new opportunity this season to pay cash (not debt) for Christmas.

eLayaway is an online layaway financial services company that has partnered with Centralized Strategic Placement (CSP) to make this possible.  CSP's Exchange Shopping Program (CSPEX) include active and retired U.S. military and other Federal employees authorized to shop at AAFES (Army & Air Force Exchange Services) and other U.S. Department of Defense online stores. Additionally, eLayaway will be offered to CSP's retailers, distributors and manufacturers.  (See Article)

Walmart is joining other retailers in offering layaway. 

A surgence in traffic is increasing because of the economy when it comes to layaway.  Perhaps more people are being smarter about their spending behavior or have lost much and are financially strapped to make ends meet this season.  Whatever the case, it is a great financial alternative to the credit card.
As those who have taken Dave Ramsey's Military FPU will say, it is best to stay out of debt, and this online elayaway option fits the bill for those seeking creative financial ways to accomplish financial budget goals.

eLayaway is a publicly traded company. It's FREE to join.  A few of their affiliates include the Apple Store where you can make payments on a new Ipad2 for as low as $72.50 per month.  Others include Best Buy, Joanns (for those crafty people!), Bass Pro Shops, The Disney Store, and many more. 

A neat idea is to pay from $2.19 to $9.91 a month for a gift card good for retailers such as Walmart, Target, Talbot's, Best Buy, Marriott, Budget or even Applebee's.  Gift cards are a popular present to give, and by making montly payments, it doesn't blow your budget. 

Giving the gift becomes two times better since you are giving you and your family the gift of staying debt free while affording a nice gift.  Of course, giving the gift of your time and yourself is priceless.

Shop Back to School & Get Tax-Free Savings

It's back to school time.  Summer is wrapping up yet again.  Many of my dear military friends have PCSed, moved, relocated or taken a new job.  Change is inevitable.  Some change is good.  Some change is difficult to accept.  Some change is not the way I had hoped.

This weekend is tax-free weekend in Tennessee.  Perhaps other states and areas offer this opportunity for folks buying back to school items to save.  Buyer beware on certain items as some are part of the tax free category and some are not.  Each state is different so be sure to check with your local state government. 

Ironically, many retail stores are desperate for your business and are offering to pay state sales tax on any item you purchase. 

Keep in mind that some items made in another country may not be complying with federal regulations.  For example, Crayola is the only product that I purchase when it comes to crayons, sidewalk chalk, markers or other items that my children will use.  It is important to not sacrifice price for your child's well-being.  Yes, certain crayons or sidewalk chalk contain harmful chemicals and several children are known to have develop a severe allergic reaction that is unexplained and leaves the parents skeptical about what to do.

There are several children's consignment sales offering back to school items for Fall/Winter.  This is a great way to make affordable purchases that are tax-free.  Your local Goodwill store, Salvation Army, or other Thrift stores may also offer tax-free savings. 

For us military folks, it's great to enjoy tax-free purchases on certain items while still having to pay a commissary fee or other.  I am certain that there are deals at your local AAFES stores so double-check your prices and see if Walmart or others will match the price. 

Regarding online tax free savings, it depends.  I don't know of any at this time of publication.  On-line buying is convenient and great.  Beware of shipping costs because that is what will up your cost in the purchase.  Some vendors are offering free shipping or site to store free delivery.  I opt for that one over paying shipping costs any day.

International military families may be challenged with certain back to school supplies.  While I am unfamiliar with some items, it is good to go to such sites as Wives of Faith Facebook page or other military related web site pages and even blogs for more specifics. 

Best of luck as you and your family go back to school this fall!  Whether is homeschooling, local public school or base school, and/or a private school, I wish you great success.  Study hard and make people in your country proud!  It's an international world now when it comes to education.

Financial Fallacy

This morning's news echoes what many are questioning....why is the United States developing a financial fallacy with regard to its debt and just common sense management of govenment business?  I believe that the S&P 500 will lower our AAA credit rating. 
For many folks especially the military, this is discouraging news.  I have a difficult time turning on the tv or internet and read these bleak reminders about all the arguing in Washington DC.   Since I can recall back to the 1980s, it made sense to payoff the debt before it went on a credit spiral.  Today, we are experiencing a credit spiral. 

This wonderful capitalistic country is on the verge of something none of our American ancestors would want for us.  These seven points below outline general financial perspective as we encounter an economy that is teetering on the edge of a potential financial disaster.

1. Inflation - we will experience higher inflation than in previous years.  The purchasing power of the dollar is dismal in this type of economic environment.  For those in retirement or about to enter retirement, it means a lower quality of living since the cost of living standard (just to maintain present day cost of living) will be a challenge.  For military families, it means hardship because many are challenged financially.  Relocation with the military is expensive, more so than what people realize.  While there are items provided for, it's still a challenge for many to meet budgets.
2. Jobs - what jobs are being created today?  Manufacturing ventured overseas starting in the 1980s, and today there are fewer manufacturing jobs left in this country.  (Many work part-time  jobs with little to no benefits.)  For those 55+, the ability to get a job is on the decline as youth versus experience is the preference.  For those in the military, there are some cutbacks occurring that will force military families into civilian world and that may mean unemployment.  One couple has been struggling with employment for three years now, and it's a direct result of his military reserve status. 
3. Discouragement - if you shop local pawn shops and thrift stores, you will see a huge increase in traffic buying clothes, shoes and other basic necessities.  Pawn shops are packed full of merchandise such as guns, guitars, jewelry, tools, electronics and more simply because people need money to get food and provide shelter and transportation.  This increased level of activity spells out to me the increasing discouragement that we as a nation are enduring.
4. Money - many are working longer hours with increased job responsibilities for the same amount of pay (or less).  Benefits such as health insurance are changing and costs are rising.  More are having to pay out more in medical expenses than before.  It makes me rethink picking up the phone and calling the doctor's office before incurring that bill.  The bad fact is that I never know what kind of bill I am looking at with medical expenses even when it is for the same routine checkup.
5. Children - parents spend a lot on their children.  With an increase in cost of living, we may see a resurgence of family nights where folks play games or we may see more children left by themselves because of daycare costs as well as working longer hours.  Children consignment sales are very popular as you are able to beat certain thrift stores for good clothing.  Sports activities and other extracurricular activities may see less enrollment because let's face it, budgets are tight and people are tired of these overcompetitive parents yelling at the games.
6. Pets - the animal control centers are seeing an increase in loose pets as a direct result of the economy.  People move and leave the pet wandering to survive on their own.  Pet stores continue to see sales rise; however, more animals are being put to sleep.
7. Nursing home care and hospice - as the bulk of our US population enters the Golden years, it is raising concern for the quality of care.  The elderly are experiencing certain financial challenges. Nursing homes are claiming that elderly person's assets before allowing Medicare to kick-in and are even holding family members financially accountable going back seven years.  In addition to financial challenges, it is common for families of loved ones in nursing homes to encounter abuse of loved ones.  For example, a nurse aid contacted all family members and asked for money for their loved one.  She did not realize that the family she was conning was one full of attorneys, military officers and educated people who called her bluff.  While her jail time was next to nothing, she will try this again. 

While the outlook appears bleak and discourages those of us who are hardworking, exercise our right to vote as a U.S. Citizen, and are doing what's right (i.e. not into drugs or other bad behavior), it is important to understand this season of life that the United States faces.  Who knows, we may be revisiting the time of Ninevah where a higher power is exerting influence to get our attention.

2012 Military Pay Outlook & US Government Shutdown

According to Military.com 2012 Pay News - The president's 2012 budget request includes a proposal for a 1.6% military pay raise for 2012. While slightly larger than last year's military pay increase, the 2012 proposed military pay increase would be the second smallest in 50 years.

Concerning all the political and current news being reported, I am leery of what's to come next.  Our current economic climate is seeing some positive signs such as manufacturing has picked up according to the Institute for Supply Management.  Leading economic indicators look good as a recovery appears stronger and stronger since the 2009 dip.  Housing has yet to see any improvement as personal income is down.  While personal consumption is up according to the US Dept of Commerce, I suspect that it is the usual Amerian tendency to spend with a credit card or other debt.  For those military members interested in managing their financial affairs better,  I would determine a household budget based on current pay and then computer another budget based on the 2012 military pay proposed above.  While military personnel and their families should NOT endure the stress of  getting paid, it is important to get out your calculator, pen & paper, and/or computer to determine your spending plan.  Military wives especially need to lower their spending habits because it is amazing the unlimited choices relative to your limited financial resources.

In the article Why Put Military Pay At Risk?, it lends perspective on general sentiment.  That this political talk is WRONG. 

Accordig to Rick Maze of the Air Force Times, Rep. Hunter is trying to get Congress to pass HR 1551 where military pay would be guaranteed.   To date, there are 39 co-sponsors of the bill.  The challenge is the debt ceiling and what the US Government intends to do regarding this $14.3 trillion debt issue.  There is a financial risk involved with guaranteeing such a large amount of money for any business situation let alone government.  However, the military is a different matter when it comes to government and certain financial obligations.  There are other budget cuts that should occur before reducing military pay (the above small increase in military pay 2012 is a political statement that is an insult to hardworking and underpaid military personnel and their families) such as fourth generation welfare recipients who have a refridgerator, cable tv, a wii or playstation, and these electronic food stamp cards where purchases include beer, wedding cakes, steaks and other.   I personally do not have cable tv nor a wii or playstation.

As of this blog publication, there is no guarantee that military pay will occur should the government shutdown occur.  I am sorry to type this because it is just wrong.  Historically, this has been a challenge for past armies and military troops throughout the ages (the Romans and others).  It is critical to pay your military because if you look at history, it is a telling tale.

Higher Food Costs That Will Trouble Your Wallet

Food prices are high and are going higher.  According to a Wall Street Journal article written about the CEO of Smithfield Foods perspective on his business and the real world he is living, it's getting harder to bring home the bacon. 

Devaluing the US dollar is contributing to inflationary pressures and is lowering your purchasing power.  Politicians can do something here, if they so choose. 

Ethanol prices or the price of corn is going higher.  If 40% of the corn supply is allocated toward ethanol, then the demand for corn goes higher.  World populations are growing and demand is higher for food. 

For us military spouses who are shopping, it's challenging to determine what to do next.  For retirees or those on fixed incomes, it's more challenging because the trade-off is now do I buy my medicine or my food?  While many may not care and just go further into savings or debt to maintain their current lifestyle, it's becoming increasingly alarming to many who do care.  The future outlook looks grim or entails more creative ways to fund your current lifestyle. 

Reminders of the Great Depression and the more challenging times in the 1930s perhaps indicate the present cycle.  Natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods are shockers.  A lackluster economy that is trying to rebound is dim on the horizon.  Cutbacks on many levels are occurring.  The elderly population is fearful.  The baby boom generation is starting to retire and draw on social security.  College graduates cannot find jobs upon graduation.  Middle-aged workers are working longer hours for same or less compensation. 

Higher food costs that will trouble your wallet stems from the upswing in corn.   Meat prices will surge.  Milk and dairy products will increase in price.  Bread will go higher because it is a grain-item. 

If you track your food prices and can get the best deal for your dollar, it will help you and your budget as we as a nation endure an economical time unmatched since the 1930s.

Promo for Operation Homefront from Stage Stores

In support for U.S. military families, Stage Stores Inc. is now selling a
patriotic, reusable shopping tote with all proceeds benefitting Operation
Homefront.  You can purchase the shopping tote at any Stage
store for $5. 100 percent of the funds are donated to Operation Homefront.

Stage Stores Inc. operates its stores under the names of Bealls, Goody's,
Palais Royal, Peebles and Stage.

Making it an even bigger win, Stage is giving every shopper who purchases the
tote a $5 Bounce Back Reward good on any $25 purchase.

As additional support for military families, Stage is also introducing a military discount program.
Active, inactive and retired military members with valid military identification are eligible for a 15 percent discount every day.

Find a list of stores

Operation Homefront also has a community page dedicated to furthering its outreach.  Community Operation Homefront offers FREE stickers for those who have served.  There is the Wounded Warriors Wives Program as well as the SABAN Scholarship for military spouses.  Deadline for application is July 1, 2011.

 

Water can $ave You

If you think about it, most all beverages have some form of water in them.  If you are seeking ways to reduce your budget and haven't considered switching your daily soda for a glass of water, it could add up to an annual savings of $500-$1,000.  In the article How Water Can Save You $977 a Year, I learned of some helpful information.  If you shop at the BX, Commissary or other base facilities, it's so easy to purchase a soda and bottled water.  It's more challenging to find a place to serve FREE water.  For example, at McDonald's, you have to pay for bottled water if you want water.  To be charged for water anyways automatically gives you permission to select another beverage since you have to pay for it. 

Water is healthy, and if you follow Weight Watchers or other nutritional diet regimes, all mandate your consumption of water daily.  The health benefits are overwhelmingly positive if you make the switch.  Water as shown on the Biggest Loser is important for rehydration as well as filtering the impurities out of your body, especially for weight loss goals.

While I try to drink water, it's challenging when the taste of local tap water doesn't resonate well.  Spike it with a little apple juice to enhance some of the flavoring while still getting your intake.  More important, consider the cost savings of drinking tap water the next time you shop retail or eat out.  It's amazing that there is that significant of a cost savings in a simple way. 

Scale Back Expenses

Consider this that you overspend in certain areas of your personal spending that you don't realize. 

Yep, I am in denial too!  However, I just read an interesting article, and given mounting food prices, oil prices and other consumable expenses not to mention challenges folks face with this economic recession, it makes sense to scale back your expenses.  Financially Fit presents a good article regarding financial food for thought.  Below is my take on certain points.

Telecommunications is an area of high expense.  One friend spends over $100 a month on the latest and greatest technology because she has to have speed as well as the latest and greatest technology at her fingertips.  While this example is an extreme, I will say that she and her husband spend 60% more on their monthly telecommunications bill that most.  But consider those who have a house phone number (and pay extra for long distance), a cell phone for Dad, a cell phone for Mom, and then cell phone(s) for teenagers.  Scaling back on just one phone number will enhance monthly spending.  Several friends utilize their cell phones as their only phone.  If one spouse drops their phone and has their office foot that bill, then that is one less expense much less trying to get roaming charges reimbursed for the business trip where office staff and clients called via that cell phone. 

Cancel cable and invest in the digital box for FREE tv.  No monthly cable bill or direct satellite bill will be a significant cost savings (in addition for military personnel, less connection cost charges).  With DSL and other sophisticated technologies, you can view tv downloads online.  In addition, if you workout at the local gym or visit the coffee shop during certain tv viewing times, you can access your tv shows when you want without paying the extra bill.  For the SuperBowl or other special events, it's great to visit a location that allows you to enjoy socializing, eating and/or being without paying for cable.

Grocery shopping in one trip will help reduce that part of your budget that is supereasy to blow.  Of course, it is wise to eat or have a full stomach prior to shopping.  It is also wise to take inventory of your pantry/food supply, develop a meal plan and make a list of the items you need prior to walking into the grocery store.  I allow three items in the grocery basket that were not on the original shopping list.  However, it's important to keep to a budget number.  Impulse shopping is too tempting these days with savy grocers marketing in ways that no one can turn down.

Your HVAC unit is a huge energy user.  If you use only electric, it's important to beware of the outside temperature, the times of the day that the sunlight hits your house/unit and develop a morning and evening approach to adjusting your thermostat.  There are automated systems that will adjust indoor temperatures according to times of day.  It's been recommended to run your unit a few degrees cooler in the cold season and a few degrees hotter in the warmer season. If you have other energy sources besides electric, it's wise to do a payment plan where your monthly amount is the same.  It is wise to contact your local energy provider for a monthly payment option as these variable bills can make or break a monthly budget. 

John D. Rockefeller was adamant about turning off the lights when leaving a room.  Today, it is no different.  If you turn off lights upon leaving the room, unplug items, and/or turn off the computer, tv, and even recharger plugs when not needed, this will reduce energy consumption as well as your monthly electric bill. Our electronic usage is higher versus a few years ago.  Batteries are also expensive to replace.  Reconisider certain purchases.  For example, when buying a toy, it is good to purchase a noise-maker that requires no batteries. 

Other personal expenses to scale back include:
1) groom your pets yourself
2) do your nails and/or spa treatment at home
3) mow your lawn rather than hire someone
4) borrow tools to do handyman jobs at your home
5) clean the house yourself rather than hire a cleaning service
6) cook your family's meals rather than eat out all the time (a 70% savings)
7) wash the car yourself rather than go to a full-service carwash
8) weed your garden or landscaping
9) trade off child care with another mom
10) go to the local park for FREE entertainment rather than pay for tickets

Getting creative with scaling back expenses will enable you to make ends meet, create a sense of pride for the monetary self-sacrifice, and  allow you to reallocate funds elsewhere.