Are you prepared for a change in the green?

Have you found that your frugality is angering the neighbors? We have seen more and more reports of people complaining over the neighbors trying to save money. For instance, a woman complained rudely to her neighbor about the way she would hang dry her laundry on a line in her backyard. The upset neighbor thought that this was cheapening the look of the neighborhood, even though the woman did her best to make it hidden, discreet, and private. If you happen to encounter problems like this yourself, all you need to ask yourself is, “is what I am doing against any rules or codes of the neighborhood?” If it is not, you are in no way obligated to stop what you are doing. However, if you want a more peaceful alternative with your neighbor, try reaching a compromise, or explaining your reasons for doing it. As long as you are being courteous, there is no law against saving a few dollars where you can!

No matter what time of the year, spending urges never seem to cease. Although there is a rare group that can spend and splurge on whatever they like, whenever they like… most of American’s find their spending is limited to the dollar amount of their paycheck.

However, often times, even with a clear knowledge of our limited resources we find ourselves living luxury’s we cannot afford. Thank you credit cards! The purpose of this post is to give you three basic tips on how to limit your credit-card debt.

Fun Fact: The average American household has at least ONE credit card with approximately $11,000 in credit-card debt.

1. Borrow only for those things which are MOST essential. Borrowing for college, a home, or a reasonable car is OK. Just remember, don’t ever get into so much debt that you can’t afford to pay it back.

2. DO NOT purchase with credit those things that you consume quickly. If you can’t go out to eat this month, that’s ok! If you can’t go to the movies this month, that’s ok! There’s no easier way to swamp yourself with debt than to use your credit card to purchase your day-to-day items. If eating out or going to the movies is something you love but can’t afford right now, save a little each month until you can (there’s no movie worth paying interest on for the next few months!)

3. Control your spending. Write down everything you purchase on a daily basis and at the end of the month weed out those things which are not essential. Believe me, this will put a few extra bucks in your pocket. There’s nothing worse than not knowing where or when your money has been spent (and even worse if you realize too late that somebody else has been spending it for you…).

As you stand at the checkout would you like to walk away with more bang for your buck? Here are some simple grocery shopping tips to help you save on groceries:

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