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Rethinking
By Daphne | February 29, 2008
Money is tight, so now is the time to rethink some things, not just spending.
I was at the store the other day and while I was in the checkout line, I decided that I didn’t like some of the items I had in my cart. So instead of just going ahead with the purchase, I went back and put the items on the shelf.
When you are spending your money, you may decide to rethink some purchases. If you are thinking about things a lot, then you may not really want the item.
I wasn’t at the grocery store, I was buying some items at Joann’s even though I had a list, I didn’t like some of the colors and so I chose something else. At the grocery store I take a list and it works out very well. I generally do not deviate from my list because when I do I spend too much. If there is something that I use and it is on sale and I can stock up then I will deviate from the list because in the long run this will help me save money.
Inflation has taken a toll on our earning power, so its imperative to shop the sales and use coupons when you can so you can boost your spending power.
Think that you can’t make a fancy coffee drink or meal at home? You may be wrong. I made a mocha for myself a couple of times and then yesterday when I used a gift card to buy a mocha from Starbucks, mine tasted the same. I don’t like whipped cream on mine so by making this drink at home with coffee, milk and hot chocolate it tastes the same.
Rethink entertainment… you can see a play for about the same price as a movie or sometimes even less. It may not be Broadway, although if you are fortunate enough to get rush tickets you may be able to see a Broadway play for cheap.
Rethink donations… you may not have a lot of cash to donation but you could donate your time or talent to an organization. Volunteers are needed to do all sorts of things and you could really help a worthwhile cause.
Rethink plastic bags… plastic bags are not bad if you reuse them. In some parts of the city reusing bags isn’t as acceptable. I went to a store in a different neighborhood and had my own bags and it was strange. Not everyone is accustomed to carrying their own bags. Tell your friends to BYOB. Bring Your Own Bag. Paper, plastic or Cloth. Just bring a bag and use it consistently. Then when more people are comfortable, with using their own bags tell your political representatives to stop using bags.
Rethink your investment plan… Investment plan? What’s that? Well, unless you know for sure that your money tree in your backyard or on your patio is going to yield thousands daily for the rest of your life, you need to make sure you are investing enough in your future. This not only means money wise but making sure that you are investing in yourself first by taking care of your health, mental and physical (and spiritual). Secondly, make sure that you are learning new skills to stay competitive in the workforce/marketplace.
When you think about things you may avoid some mistakes and learn to do some new things that will definitely help.
Topics: February 2008 |