It’s probably the same in most families … at least once a month, you sit down and figure out your monthly expenses. Looking through the bills, you are probably wondering … “How the heck are we able to spend this much?! What are we spending our money on?” Well, if you pay attention to your monthly expenses, most likely, you will be able to see where you can actually cut down on. Read on …

Take some time to shop around. If there is an item or service that you need, instead of buying the first one that pops up … do some research. Shop around for the best price.

If you can … park the car. If it is at all possible to walk to where you are going, do so. With gas prices right now, it’s probably a good idea - it’s great for exercise too. You could even carpool - that’ll help cut gas expenses. Just the same … shop around for cheaper gas.

Change your thermostat setting. In the winter, set the thermostat a couple of degrees lower. If it’s a bit cold in the house - just put on an extra sweater or socks. In the Summer, set the thermostat a couple of degrees higher - it may help to have an electric on.

Wash a full load. Try not to start the washing maching or dishwasher until you fill it up. It not only saves on water but also electricity.

Save water. Instead of taking long baths, take a shower. Make it a habit to turn your faucet off while you are brushing your teeth. Inspect all your faucets and sprinklers in your front and back yard and make sure that none of them are leaking.

Save on electricity. Turn off lights that you are not using. If no one is watcing TV, why leave it on? Same goes with the radio.

Pack a lunch. Instead of spending $5.00 every day on lunch, why not just bring a brown bag to work or school. You can pack your left overs from dinner the night before. You can pack a sandwich and some fruit. This might be even healthier for you and the kids. Try just making coffee from home instead of buying a cup every morning - saving you at least $2.00 each day.

These are just a few things you can do to start lowering your monthly expenses. Lowering your monthly expenses does not mean depriving yourself of anything. Try one, two or even all of these tips and watch your monthly expenses go down.

Share This

Having a credit card helps you obtain a good credit standing. Ironically, you can not obtain a solid credit standing if you can not receive credit to beigin with. I often hear other moms ask - “Now, how can I get a credit card if no one wants to issue me one?” Below are some solutions to start establishing your credit.

Solution 1
Apply for a department store credit card. Go to your local JC Penny or Target and see if they will issue you a credit card. If you pay your bills on time, your credit rating will begin to rise. Although this is tempting, do not apply for too many cards at one time. Why? Because the credit reporting agencies may determine you cannot handle the line of credit based upon your salary. It is important to check the APR rate and terms of conditions when you are offered a new credit card. Some credit card companies offer tremendously high rates. Once you establish your credit, and you are current in all your credit card bills, you can then apply for a regualr credit card like a Visa or Mastercard.

Solution 2
Apply for a secured credit card. When you apply for a secured credit card, your credit is based on the amount of money you deposit into a checking or savings account. It is essentially like a debit card. The amount you charge on your credit card is deducted from your checking or savings account balance. If you continue to use and keep your account in good standing, your bank will issue you a regular credit card. You can check out “Capital One” - they are quite popular with this service.

Solution 3
Apply for credit cards through companies who offer credit to anyone without any credit standing. Note however, that these companies charge a higher rate than for others who have established credit. They will most likely require a bank account so open a checking or savings account so you can provide them with this information.
These are just some easy ways to start off with your credit. You can try applying for a loan, but, most places will not approve you if you have no credit history. If someone is willing to co-sign the credit for you, you may get lucky. My best solution would be to try out for a department store credit card first or a secured credit card. Just a tip though, try not to use up all your credit limit right away. Also, try make sure that you pay your bill on time. Try not to pay just the minimum payment due. All these tips can help increase your credit rating.

Share This

It is quite rewarding and unselfish to be able to give to charitable organizations. Just look at te homeless and sick children around you and you will soon realize how fortunate you are to have what you need, while they are lucky to have one meal a day. Don’t you think it’s an opportunity to show your children the importance of helping out and giving to charitable institutions?

Most children do not know what they have until they see other children who are less fortunate.  Your child’s school may have engaged in the Toys For Tots program, which is a worthy program. Maybe your child made a donation of one or two toys.  If not, it is important to get your kids involved, no matter how small, in the charitable field.  The exposure to others who have very little is a lesson every child should learn and understand.

Witnessing children from other countries on TV and their misfortune, while disheartening, does not permit your kids to truly relate to the problems these poor kids face.  Why not  take your kids to a children’s hospital; or talk to them about homeless shelters and who resides there may help them realize the need to share. Certainly, any of the programs in their school which involve helping the poor are explained to them by their teachers.  However, it is the first hand experience that leaves a lasting impression.

It does not have to be a holiday - ask your kids to choose one toy to be given to a child in the hospital a few times a year.  Your local charitable organizations can also give you the names of hospitals and other local chapters where your kids can donate their toys.  It is important for them to get a glimpse of what poverty really is, and the effect it has on other children like them.  No book or TV program can instill in them how fortunate they are as compared to other children.

Furthermore, once they have experienced giving to charities; they will most likely do so for the rest of their lives.  Children and charity work is rewarding and teaches kids the value of what they have, and the responsibility they owe to others less fortunate then themselves.

Share This