Category Archives: Saving Money

4 Ideas for “Me Time” Under $25

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Whether or not you’re a parent, it’s important you take time out of your busy schedule to take care of yourself once in awhile. Parents often call this “me” time and although some may not want to admit it, everyone needs a little time to themselves for rest and relaxation. Here are four budget-friendly tips for getting that much needed “me” time for under $25.

Pick out a Pinterest project.

Whether it’s a new recipe, a home décor idea, or a creative craft, go back to your Pinterest boards and tackle that project you’ve been longing to get to. Having a small project to do on your own, will get you feeling creative and also productive.

Have your car cleaned.

Sometimes having someone do your chores makes all the difference in the world. Cleaning out your car is not something most of us look forward to, so do some research and find auto-detailing shops in your area on the cheap. In most cases, you can usually get a great interior and exterior wash for around $20. Check out Groupon for deals near where you live or work.

Take a nap.

Who doesn’t love a good nap? Many of us are lucky if this is ever an option. On the next weekend that rolls around, make it part of your day, even if it’s just 30 minutes. If you have children – arrange in advance for them to be looked after. Just getting that extra time in to rest can really help recharge your batteries, even if you just lie down and don’t go all the way to sleep.

Go out for a solo coffee date.

Those fancy coffees can really put a dent in your budget, but grabbing one every so often can be a nice treat. Make a plan to hit up your neighborhood coffee shop with a good book or magazine and sit and enjoy your favorite beverage. The coffee will give you an energy boost and the alone time will help you feel happy and rejuvenated.

Article Source: Wendy Bignon for CUInsight.com

 

4 Easy Ways to Start Building Your Emergency Fund

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Things happen. And then we have to spend money. Hopefully you’ve got some money put away to help out with life’s curve balls. If you don’t, it’s time to start that emergency fund. Here are some easy, pain-free ways you can build up some extra cash.

Start with your tax return: If you’re getting money back at the beginning of next year, a great destination for that cash would be your emergency fund. Start putting a little away now, and when that refund check comes, you can be on your way to having 3 to 6 months’ living expenses saved away.

Start a small direct deposit: Hardly anyone gets a paper check anymore, so you’re probably familiar with direct deposit. Another easy way to start that emergency fund is to open up a savings account and put a small amount into your account every week. If money’s tight, and you don’t feel like you can afford to take too much out of your check each pay period, then it’s okay to start small. $10 a week won’t hurt your wallet too much, but will still help you put away almost $1,000 a year. Add that to your tax return and you’re off to a good start.

Start with coins: You probably have loose change piled up in multiple areas right now. Throw all of that change into a jar and count it up. That loose change might not seem like much, but if all your change goes into your new emergency fund, you’ll be surprised at how fast it adds up.

Start clearing out that checking account: If you’ve budgeted well you may not have much “free” money left in your checking account after the bills have been paid, the groceries have been bought, and the 401k has been stocked. If there’s a good bit still floating around, move a little into your emergency fund. In fact, any time extra money finds its way into your pocket, put it away for emergencies.

Article Source: John Pettit for CUInsight.com

Stay Cool this Summer and Save Money

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The summer sun is hot. You come inside to escape the heat, but more than likely you’re also spending a ton on those energy bills. Below are a few ways you can stay cool this summer while also staying on top of your budget.

Adjust your air conditioning accordingly.

Of course, you want to take full advantage of your air conditioner, but do so with some forethought. Before you leave for work or even to run a few errands, crank the air up a couple degrees. That way when you’re gone, the house isn’t being cooled down when there’s no one home.

Also, turn the air up at night and on cooler days to avoid unnecessary costs. Many HVAC units also have programmable features that allow you to customize how your system runs, which can really help when your bill arrives. Another great idea is to close vents in any rooms that are unused to avoid wasting that cool air. Always change out air filters when needed, to avoid any clogging that may make your unit less efficient.

Fans are your friend.

Another great idea for keeping your home cool is to periodically run ceiling and other fans to keep the cool air flowing. This can also help spread the cool air when you return home after having your air conditioning unit cranked up while you were away.

Unplug unused items.

During the summer, it’s natural to want to get inside and flee the heat, but be mindful of how much more energy you are using while running those devices. Computers, televisions, and other gadgets are a great way to stay entertained – but they also can use a lot of power and put a dent in your wallet. So, when not in use, get unplugged to cut costs and save electricity.

Wait to run appliances.

If you are able, hold off on running the dishwasher until the evening when the sun is low and it’s not as warm. That way any heat emitted will be less noticeable in your home. The oven can also make your house hot, so consider cooking on the grill to keep the heat outdoors. Additionally, save your showers for the evening so your bathroom isn’t unnecessarily warm while you’re getting ready in the morning and rushing out the door.

Article Source: Wendy Bignon for CUInsight.com

6 Ways to Save on Groceries

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Budget and stick to it.

Filet mignon is delicious, but buying too many pricy items could break the bank. There’s nothing wrong with buying what you want, but you have to make it work within a budget that’s comfortable to you. Have the filet one night, and a simple salad the next to enjoy luxuries and a healthy relationship with your money.

Shop sales wisely.

Stocking up on items is a great plan. However, stocking up on items you won’t or can’t use is a waste of money. Also, even if the sale is fabulous, it’s not to your advantage if buying that item now means you break your budget. 15 cans of creamed spinach for $2 is only a steal if you’ll actually eat it.

Switch to store brands.

The quality of store brands varies, but if you’re able to find a product that works for your family for less, you’ll save on every trip to the store. This simple trick will leave more room in your budget for splurges.

Digital coupons.

Many stores now offer savings apps or text coupons. Use them to save on your bill, but use with some caution. Sign up only for those you can regularly use or you’ll be swamped!

Store discount cards.

Discount cards mean savings on everything you buy. For example, Target’s Redcard. Cardholders save 5% on every purchase on everything from grills to electronics to toilet paper. Don’t forget about store savings cards as well – for example, your shopper’s club discount at Shoprite. Those who shop without one of these cards often can’t take advantage of the sales.

Never shop hungry.

We’ve all done it and we’ve seen the consequences to our wallet (and sometimes our waistlines). Even sardines and kale look good when you’re hungry. So instead, eat a snack before you walk down the snack aisle and buy what your brain wants, not your belly!

Check out other money saving grocery shopping tips here.

Article Source: Jennifer Reynolds for CUInsight.com

 

4 Budget Friendly Summer Date Night Ideas

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Summertime is upon us and that means the kids are out of school. We find ourselves spending a lot of time (and often, money) making sure they are happy and entertained during the summer months. It’s important that we don’t forget about ourselves in the process. Even if you’re not a parent, finding time for your relationship with your significant other is essential to a healthy partnership. Below are four ideas for fun summer date nights that won’t put a hole in your wallet.

Catch a baseball game.

Even if you’re not in a big city that boasts a professional baseball team, check out MiLB.com to discover a minor league team near you – like the Jersey Shore BlueClaws. Tickets to minor league games are less expensive and the snacks and drinks are typically more budget friendly as well.

Check out the night sky.

How often do you and your partner take time to gaze at the night stars? Summer is the perfect time to grab a blanket and get outdoors. You don’t need a pricey telescope to find those constellations in the sky. Check out this free Star Tracker app and explore the universe from your own backyard.

Enjoy some ice cream.

There is nothing like a cold treat when it’s hot outside. Instead of a date night at an expensive restaurant, opt for a dessert date instead. That way you’re still out together enjoying something delicious, but for a $10 price tag instead of $100.

Have a game night indoors.

Get inside and away from the heat and be a kid again. Have a game night with all your favorite board games. The games and snacks won’t cost much and the winner’s bragging rights are priceless.

Article Source: Wendy Bignon for CUInsight.com

5 Ways to Save on Common Household Expenses

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You’re probably always looking for ways to save at home, right? Sure, you can take drastic measures like living in a tiny house, but there are far easier ways to save money. Here’s a look at a few ways you can easily save a few bucks on your common household expenses.

Bundle up.

We’ve all got internet, and some of you have yet to cut the cord on cable services. If you plan on keeping it around, the least you can do is bundle up your services. If you’re paying two different companies for those services, that’s crazy! Check out allconnect.com and find a bundle package that’s available in your area.

Clip those coupons.

This doesn’t sound complicated, and for good reason. Even if your grocery bill is smaller than most, remember that you don’t have to be a family of five to save money at the checkout. Check out the weekly ads at your grocery store and keep those coupons that come with your receipt.

Cancel that gym membership.

That gym membership sounded good around New Year’s but now you’re only going a few times a month – if that. You can save that money and buy a bike and some dumbbells, or even just a new pair of running shoes. Only keep your gym membership if you’re truly committed.

Find cheap entertainment.

Sometimes local theaters have discounted movies on certain nights, or maybe your town has free movies in the park in the summertime. If you don’t have those options where you live, head to the Redbox and make it a double feature for way cheaper.

Make coffee at home.

You’ve probably heard this one before. You like your Starbucks coffee and don’t want to settle for making your own. Grab a Keurig and buy some K-Cups – you can even by Starbucks K-Cups. That 3-4 dollars per day will really add up. In fact, if you start putting that cash away every day, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to see what you’ve got a year from now. Next year’s summer vacation may be paid for!

Article Source: John Pettit for CUInsight.com