Today's new idea to help you live an inexpensive way of life, is to save money on car maintenance.
One can easily perform oil changes at home. It is easy to find out what type of oil and filter to use. You can look under the hood of your car or truck, and it will tell you the weight of the oil. In most stores, there is a digitalized kiosk that will allow you to look up what type of filter.
Other things that can be easily be done are light bulb changes. Here is an article to describe how easy it is on one particular vehicle.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Ideas from My Friends
I want to thank all of my friends for helping me come up with some new ideas this week. Here are some money saving or frugal ideas, that we came up with.
When you finish the end of a jar of jelly, peanut butter, etc., instead of throwing the jar away right away, save it. The next time you go for a snack, take a slice of bread and dip it in the jar to get that last little bit out instead of tossing it!
Again, at the end of a bag of pretzels. Don't toss that extra salt with the pretzel bag. Put it in a little container, maybe even a grinder, and save it for your popcorn or other snacks.
What about sunscreen? It will probably be expired if you save it from year to year. How about using the rest of the tube for shaving instead of tossing it? It will probably even help to soften your skin!
Another good idea....When you are getting the temperature set in your shower and the water is running before you get in, catch that water in a bucket. Use the water for your outdoor plants. This will especially be helpful in the summer.
Hope you have enjoyed these household tips from me and my friends!
When you finish the end of a jar of jelly, peanut butter, etc., instead of throwing the jar away right away, save it. The next time you go for a snack, take a slice of bread and dip it in the jar to get that last little bit out instead of tossing it!
Again, at the end of a bag of pretzels. Don't toss that extra salt with the pretzel bag. Put it in a little container, maybe even a grinder, and save it for your popcorn or other snacks.
What about sunscreen? It will probably be expired if you save it from year to year. How about using the rest of the tube for shaving instead of tossing it? It will probably even help to soften your skin!
Another good idea....When you are getting the temperature set in your shower and the water is running before you get in, catch that water in a bucket. Use the water for your outdoor plants. This will especially be helpful in the summer.
Hope you have enjoyed these household tips from me and my friends!
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Everything I Always Wanted - Almost
At the Myrtle Beach Resort, I have almost everything I've always wanted.
Those of you who know me realize that I could have afforded these things all along. It was just a matter of where I wanted to spend my money. And usually that was either on a vacation or an investment.
But back to the topic at hand. Yesterday I told you about the pools, spas, exercise equipment, etc. Today you're going to find out more of why I love it here.
I remember telling my friend onday, "I wished I had a matching bedroom suit". Her response was "Why don't you get one?". Knowing that I could afford it, of course.
I also always wanted a queen size bed, but didn't really have room for one in my small bungalow.
Well, guess what? Now I have a queen size bed and matching bedroom suit to boot!
I also have a dishwasher, never had on of those either. That is except when Bob was in the mood to wash dishes. LOL
Oh yeah, did I mention the rooftop sun bathing areas!?
Those of you who know me realize that I could have afforded these things all along. It was just a matter of where I wanted to spend my money. And usually that was either on a vacation or an investment.
But back to the topic at hand. Yesterday I told you about the pools, spas, exercise equipment, etc. Today you're going to find out more of why I love it here.
I remember telling my friend onday, "I wished I had a matching bedroom suit". Her response was "Why don't you get one?". Knowing that I could afford it, of course.
I also always wanted a queen size bed, but didn't really have room for one in my small bungalow.
Well, guess what? Now I have a queen size bed and matching bedroom suit to boot!
I also have a dishwasher, never had on of those either. That is except when Bob was in the mood to wash dishes. LOL
Oh yeah, did I mention the rooftop sun bathing areas!?
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Myrtle Beach Resort
What it's like living at the Myrtle Beach Resort?
Today I finally tried out one of the gyms here at the resort. I know, I've been here 2 weeks, and just now trying out the gym?!
I was surprised at the exercise equipment. There wasn't a lot of it, but the MAX 626 had so many exercises you could do on just that one machine. I tried about 6 different ones, and ended up doing 3 reps of 5 of them. Plus I used the ab machine and did 3 reps on there. It was a great workout. It's about time.
Then again, it's not like I've been just lounging at the beach since I've been here. I have walked the beach south to Surfside Beach town limits 3 times. And most recently walked all the way north to the Myrtle Beach State Park.
And I have used almost all of their pools and spas. I've been in the indoor pool, the indoor/outdoor pool, 3 of the 6 spas. I've been in the lazy river twice and in two of their outdoor pools.
I've also been in 2 of their dry saunas and 1 of the steamrooms. So hey, I haven't been lazy, just having a hard time fitting all of this research into my schedule!
Hope you're enjoying your work as much as I am mine.
Today I finally tried out one of the gyms here at the resort. I know, I've been here 2 weeks, and just now trying out the gym?!
I was surprised at the exercise equipment. There wasn't a lot of it, but the MAX 626 had so many exercises you could do on just that one machine. I tried about 6 different ones, and ended up doing 3 reps of 5 of them. Plus I used the ab machine and did 3 reps on there. It was a great workout. It's about time.
Then again, it's not like I've been just lounging at the beach since I've been here. I have walked the beach south to Surfside Beach town limits 3 times. And most recently walked all the way north to the Myrtle Beach State Park.
And I have used almost all of their pools and spas. I've been in the indoor pool, the indoor/outdoor pool, 3 of the 6 spas. I've been in the lazy river twice and in two of their outdoor pools.
I've also been in 2 of their dry saunas and 1 of the steamrooms. So hey, I haven't been lazy, just having a hard time fitting all of this research into my schedule!
Hope you're enjoying your work as much as I am mine.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Practice What You Preach
Right now a lot of people are wondering why I'm not practicing what I preach. There's a good explanation, if you'll read on.
I have always said it is better to buy property rather than pay rent. Right now I am finding that is not always true.
Living in a condo with a price tag of about $240,000 would have given me a mortgage of around $1200 with 20 percent down. The homeowners association fees would be around $600 a month, for a combined total of $1800 a month.
Instead, I am paying rent of only $675 a month (winter rates) which includes all utilities, telephone and wireless internet. Did I mention that it's an oceanfront condo?
So you see, in order for me to be able to live here, it would cost a lot more to purchase. Obviously, in this case it is better to pay rent than to own. This is why each individual should evaluate each situation for themselves to see if it may be better to rent or to own.
I have always said it is better to buy property rather than pay rent. Right now I am finding that is not always true.
Living in a condo with a price tag of about $240,000 would have given me a mortgage of around $1200 with 20 percent down. The homeowners association fees would be around $600 a month, for a combined total of $1800 a month.
Instead, I am paying rent of only $675 a month (winter rates) which includes all utilities, telephone and wireless internet. Did I mention that it's an oceanfront condo?
So you see, in order for me to be able to live here, it would cost a lot more to purchase. Obviously, in this case it is better to pay rent than to own. This is why each individual should evaluate each situation for themselves to see if it may be better to rent or to own.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Financial Clutter
One of the things we do not realize that may be causing a problem in our financial life is "financial clutter".
What I am talking about here is the mail that we get that sits unopened. Some people, for example, may have a drawer full of bank statements that they have never even opened. They check their bank balance once in a while and hope that they haven't bounced a check.
One of the first things we need to do when we get the mail is sort it. Right then and there. Keep a barrel or shredder near your door, inside or out, and when you get the mail out of the box, go through it. Take out the junk mail and throw it away immediately.
Next, take those bank statements and open them. Balance your checkbook every month, if not more often. And every time you write a check or make an atm withdraw, write it down in your register.
And finally, when you get a bill in the mail pay it immediately. If you don't have the money in your account, put it in your bank book. Keep a running total of the bills that you have and when they are due. When you do get the money, go ahead and make the payment. If you pay your bills as soon as possible, you have a better grasp on your bottom line. This way you aren't spending money on luxury items that should be going toward bills.
These are things that we know we should be doing, and just don't take the time to do them. If you make a habit of it, every time you get the mail, before you know it your life may be financially clutter free.
What I am talking about here is the mail that we get that sits unopened. Some people, for example, may have a drawer full of bank statements that they have never even opened. They check their bank balance once in a while and hope that they haven't bounced a check.
One of the first things we need to do when we get the mail is sort it. Right then and there. Keep a barrel or shredder near your door, inside or out, and when you get the mail out of the box, go through it. Take out the junk mail and throw it away immediately.
Next, take those bank statements and open them. Balance your checkbook every month, if not more often. And every time you write a check or make an atm withdraw, write it down in your register.
And finally, when you get a bill in the mail pay it immediately. If you don't have the money in your account, put it in your bank book. Keep a running total of the bills that you have and when they are due. When you do get the money, go ahead and make the payment. If you pay your bills as soon as possible, you have a better grasp on your bottom line. This way you aren't spending money on luxury items that should be going toward bills.
These are things that we know we should be doing, and just don't take the time to do them. If you make a habit of it, every time you get the mail, before you know it your life may be financially clutter free.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Realize Clutter
Today I have come to realize how clutter harms us in our efforts to excel in life.
We build clutter because of fear. Fear is what keeps us from exploring our full potential.
Let me give you an example. My friend has built 2 extra sheds in addition to his garage to store old car parts. He is a mechanic, and he is afraid if he gets rid of a part, that he will need it.
If he didn't have all of those parts that he doesn't need, he wouldn't have spent the money and time building the sheds. Plus, his emotion of fear is sending away the good emotions/karma that could be empowering him. Not to mention the time it takes him to ramble through all of these parts when he actually might need one.
What other ways can fear and clutter be causing problems in our lives? We buy things because they are on sale. We are afraid not to buy them because it is such a good deal. We may never even use these items. Our world becomes so cluttered, we have to buy a bigger home or rent storage buildings to fit all of these items. Most of which we never even use.
How many times have you gone through your basement or a closet and found items new with the tags still on them? Items you just had to have at the time, or bought just in case...because it was such a good deal.
I hope this information has helped you to realize maybe it is time to declutter your life and your home.
We build clutter because of fear. Fear is what keeps us from exploring our full potential.
Let me give you an example. My friend has built 2 extra sheds in addition to his garage to store old car parts. He is a mechanic, and he is afraid if he gets rid of a part, that he will need it.
If he didn't have all of those parts that he doesn't need, he wouldn't have spent the money and time building the sheds. Plus, his emotion of fear is sending away the good emotions/karma that could be empowering him. Not to mention the time it takes him to ramble through all of these parts when he actually might need one.
What other ways can fear and clutter be causing problems in our lives? We buy things because they are on sale. We are afraid not to buy them because it is such a good deal. We may never even use these items. Our world becomes so cluttered, we have to buy a bigger home or rent storage buildings to fit all of these items. Most of which we never even use.
How many times have you gone through your basement or a closet and found items new with the tags still on them? Items you just had to have at the time, or bought just in case...because it was such a good deal.
I hope this information has helped you to realize maybe it is time to declutter your life and your home.
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