Smart Spending Blog
Strategies for saving more
11Comments
Mar 16, 2012 5:28PM
Where on earth do they find these financial idiots? 50% of all americans make less than $50k a year. 75% of Americans make less than $80k a year and includes almost every dual income family. I am going to go out on a limb and suggest that 75% of Americans already know how to live on a budget. In fact, a lot of these financial idiots cannot even create a budget for a household at $50k a year. They have no idea how anyone could do it. And they are going to give advice on how to budget and live like the 1%. Yeah right. The top 25% can go out and buy almost whatever they want and not even blink an eye. They drop $400 on an outfit which is more than most americans spend on clothes in a year. I would love to see every senator and congressman create a household budget at $50k a year, and live on it for a year. I guarantee that there would be some major changes in the way that Congress looks at the economy.
Feb 23, 2012 4:38PM
Save $33 a month by adjusting your refrigerator temperature? Even an inefficient refrigerator/freezer will use less than $20 a month in electricity. Adjusting the temperature might save you 15% of that, or $3.
Also, regarding appliances and surge protectors: Yes, there are "phantom loads" associated with appliances - energy that is used even when the item is turned off. But $30/month is a gross exaggeration for a normal household. More importantly, you omit that you then have to TURN THE SURGE PROTECTOR OFF to get the savings, which involves leaving a bunch of power strips in plain view or crawling behind furniture to get to them.
Mar 16, 2012 4:53PM
Mar 16, 2012 5:37PM
Mar 20, 2012 12:20PM
Personally, I would not put anymore of my private information into ANY app: please be careful folks, the Internet is a scary place to keep your private 411.
I live very frugally due to underemplyment: I find it difficult to live on what I make, but I prioritize and most definitely do NOT allow myself most indulgences.
I was a huge spendtrift the first 35 years of my life: I regret it now, but I can say that I have traveled many places in the world, have worn the trendiest clothing, etc...
Now? What a different world we live in!
DO not use credit cards: first and foremost rule.
Secondly: do not care what other people and "stylists" in magazines wear/buy/suggest - a woman can get so caught up in what I call "competitive" dressing. It's ridiculous, forget it, buy quality clothing that is seasonless and washable, if possible.
Thirdly, quality makeup and toiletries do not have to be Chanel. Lancome makes L'Oreal products - worth the money and not as much of a sting in the wallet. Men can find very affordable toiletries in CVS as well.
Fourthly, your haircut should NOT cost hundreds of dollars - truly unnecessary. This applies to men and women.
COFFEE: does not have to be more than $2.00 - this applies to men and women.
I bring my breakfast and lunch to work every day and only go out for lunch with friends 2 times a month.
Feb 22, 2012 3:00PM
Mar 16, 2012 6:44PM
Mar 16, 2012 7:23PM
Great topic but really poor facts. Renting sucks in the past, present, and future. Just bought another home to rent. Mortgage, ins., and taxes are $744/month. Idiots that rent pay me $2420/month. I think most learned better math skills by the 3rd grade. Who would carry any balances on credit cards? I know--those that pay high rent. Living in suburbs vs inner city while saving on rent, shows you have no idea how much you must spend on transportation. Gas here is approaching $4/gal so 1 gal extra a day equates to $120/month and where can you live and just use 1 gal to get to/from work? Public transportation is the way to save. No parking and no gasoline. Been unemployed for 5 yrs and no income. Learned to do without so that I could "have" later. As long as one continues living in "me and today' instead of how to make tomorrow better, they'll always be scratching!!
Mar 16, 2012 7:03PM
If you book that trip to Paris for the early summer sales, just remember that with the exchange rate, you will be paying a very hefty premium of likely anywhere from 30 to 40%. Additionally, your credit card company and bank will most likely hit you with hefty transaction fees at 3% minimum. Spending locally (if you're going to spend at all) seems much smarter if you're watching your money.
Mar 16, 2012 5:19PM
Mar 16, 2012 5:01PM
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