 TIP - Resolve to Spend Less Money
Learn 3 things to make this resolution real!
High on many consumer's New Year's resolutions list
is saving money and the problem with this resolution is that it can be vague and lack a commitment to change behavior. Anyone can loosely resolve to save money but what does this mean? Perhaps it means an admission of poor money management in the past year and a pledge to do better. Or could it mean making a conscious decision to pay less on goods and services purchased from this day forward. Whatever the meaning, what I have learned is that saving money is directly linked to smart spending behaviors and practices. Smart spending involves three important things...
AWARENESS
The USA.gov publishes 66 Ways to Save Money and in this list the following verbs are used over and over again - compare, ask, check, select, remember, look for, talk to, make certain, be aware, be cautious, avoid, plan and each one of these point towards actions associated with establishing awareness before buying something. Also, it is important to be aware of your spending patterns by paying close attention to your bank statement and monitoring spending activity. Try one of the many cellphone apps dedicated to helping with this task if you need help in this area. Check out this iPhone app - ExpenseTracker, I have decided to use it to monitor my grocery expenses exclusively in 2011.
PLANNING
"Organizing is what you do before you do something, so that when you do it, it is not all mixed up." A. A. Milne
Having a plan however big like a retirement plan or small like a shopping list is organizing what you do before you do it! When a coupon is clipped and set aside, this too is planning to buy something in advance. Where savings build at the grocery store is when store sale items and published coupon savings are organized together to form a grocery list. Organizations like Savings Angel are in the business of providing this information to consumers who want it, need it and will use it. Our team of Couponizer Coaches along with others like Jill Cataldo teach others how to plan and use tools like our system to spend money wisely.
TIMING
Deals, discounts and offers are everywhere these days, however most if not all have expiration dates attached to them. Recently a show on TLC titled "Extreme Couponing" showcased what happens when a person armed with hundreds of coupons that match clearance prices. Well, the coupon value can match or exceed the purchase price which results in buying $100's of items and paying a few $1's. This is all about timing. Being at the right place at the right time does help when searching for great deals when it comes to finding great deals!
Wishing you much success and prosperity in 2011! |
|
Coupon minded Moms have created a dynamic blogosphere that brings tremendous value to consumers. One blog that stands out is Mainstream Mom. This blog posts relevant and practical information and we are proud to have them as a member of our affiliate community. Take a minute to browse the wide range of topics and tools offered to help you in this New Year. |
|
ElizaBeth Haubold - Las Cruces, NM 
So far this year, I have saved $137.08 with coupons. When we go to the store, at the checkout, my husband always asks for the coupons. I love the new organizer. I'm saving my money to get your tote and getting the kit to get started with your program. It was the best investment I could make.
Have a blessed week,
ElizaBeth
|
 RECIPE from Amy
Macaroni & Cheese
Winter comfort foods are on the menu!
Ingredients:
· 1/2 pound macaroni or other dry pasta
· 1 tablespoon butter
· 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
· 1 egg, lightly beaten
· 1/2 teaspoon salt
· 3 cups (about 12 ounces) grated cheddar or other yellow cheese (divided use)
· 1 tablespoon flour
· 1-1/2 cups milk
Directions:
Preheat oven to 325°-350°. Grease a 1-1/2-quart casserole.
Cook macaroni in large saucepan according to package directions. Pasta should be tender, but not too soft. Drain well and allow to cool slightly. Return to saucepan.
Stir in butter, mustard, egg, and salt. Add 2-1/2 cups cheese and flour, tossing well to evenly distribute ingredients. Turn mixture into prepared casserole dish. Pour milk over macaroni and cheese. Use the back of a spoon to press down ingredients and level the top. Bake for about 35 minutes. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top and bake about 10 minutes longer or until the custard is set and the top is golden and crusty.
Coupon Alert! Use coupons for macaroni, butter, mustard, eggs, salt, cheese, flour. |
