Creative Savings

With rising fuel costs, and thus, rising costs of just about everything else, people share a collective tightening of their budgets. As though doomsday approaches and a quick scramble to the grocery store for canned goods and bottled water is a necessary plight, in the face of this merciless demon we call the price tag. But do not fret, for logic rears it's formidable head when crisis such as these strike. That logic comes in the form of creative financing.

Everyone has heard the old adage that with a raise in income follows a raise in expenses. People habitually adjust their quality (or quantity) of life according to their pay. However, there is no rule that prevents people from re-adjusting their expenses. It can be challenging at first, no one likes to give up certain comforts they've become accustomed to, but often times tiny expenses can be painlessly removed with no noticeable difference. In fact, some removal can actually improve quality of life. Below are some examples of how to cut your spending and creatively finance your life.

1. Cable. I know it's painful. I know that life without sitcoms feels like a drab existence. I mean what will you talk about at the water cooler on Monday mornings? But really - think of the life you get back! More time to read, walk, spend time with your spouse and kids, cook, take some classes, become enlightened. Approx. Savings = $50.
2. Call The Credit Companies. Do not be afraid of your credit cards. Take back control of your debt by calling the companies and asking for lower interest rates. You will be surprised how many of them will willingly lower your rate just because you picked up the phone. Also, take advantage of checks sent through your credit card that offer 0% or really low APR's for six months to a year. Pay off your higher rate cards with those checks. This can save you hundreds of dollars. According to MSN money, the average household carries $8,000 in credit card debt. Depending on your interest rate, that can be a hefty bill each month, without even touching the principal. Approx. Savings = Varies.
3. Carpool. It's a very simple, very effective way to cut your spending. It may be uncomfortable at first, perhaps you're not a social butterfly around the office, but believe me this time it's worth it to step out of your cocoon. To enhance participation approach your boss about setting up a carpool system or message board, maybe even offering incentives to employees who carpool. Depending on your drive savings could be huge. This can be utilized for family functions, for parents who drive their kids to school, the possibilities are endless. Approx Savings = Varies.
4. Grocery Sales. Now shopping for sales at the grocery store does not mean clipping coupons. Often times clipping coupons only leads to purchasing more items, or more expensive brands because you have a coupon. Instead look for clearance items. If you shop in the evening you can stop by the deli and bakery and buy lunch meat and bread at clearance prices. Purchase items on sale and try to choose store brands rather than pricier well known brands. Approx savings = $50 + monthly
5. Cut The Gym. Now this only applies if you have a costly membership that you rarely use. If you hit the gym daily, take advantage of the showers, free soap, and are keeping yourself healthy - then the gym is worth your money. However, if you're paying a monthly fee and not using the facilities, cancel it ASAP. If the only equipment you use at the gym is a treadmill start walking at home or outside. A great workout can be had using simple at home techniques that are FREE. Use your body weight to burn calories, run around, jump rope, do lunges and squats. Approx Savings $30-$100 monthly.
6. Stop Dining Out. This is huge and it includes fast food, vending machines, and fine dining. When you take your lunch you can easily prepare a healthy meal for $2 to $3. If you buy it - you're looking at minimum of $5 to $7. Over the course of the month that is a savings of $40 to $100 - on one person's lunches! Now add dinners out that cost $20 or more for two people, $3 to $5 daily on vending machine snacks, and the occasional breakfast on the go for $5 to $10 and you've got a lot of wasted cash. Approx. Savings $100 + per month.

1. Join Ebay. Hey you're on-line anyway, you might as well be making some money while you're at it. Ebay and Amazon are both great places to sell all that stuff that you don't use anymore. This way you post your stuff directly to the consumer, state a shipping cost, and wait for the bids to come rolling in. It also makes spring cleaning a much smaller feat.
2. Look into Local Consignment Shops. Clothing resale shops are becoming increasingly popular. Drop off your clothes (they must be gently used) and wait for the check; some stores even give you cash on the spot. If you have extra time you can even purchase clothes from garage sales or thrift stores and re-sell them at more upscale consignment stores.
3. Use On-Line Advertisements. If you have a blog, use hub pages, or have some other web page that attracts traffic, money can be made by allowing advertisers to post their ads on your site. Google ad sense, amazon, and ebay all offer these options. Just make sure to actively drive people to your site - otherwise the pay off is minimal.
4. Consider Hosting Product Parties. People can sell everything from cosmetics to sex toys nowadays through home parties. Not only can hosting bring monetary benefits, but product perks are involved as well. Hosts must have time to devote to networking and must be willing to put in the time, but again this can be a fun and profitable way to earn extra income.
5. Get A Second Job. This is pretty obvious, but it doesn't have to be all about work. Look at getting a part time job for money and enjoyment. If you love kids babysit a night or two a week, if it's pets you fancy start walking dogs or pet sitting. There are opportunities for just about any interest that you may have - just go out and find them. Craigslist is a great place to advertise your services for free, or make flyers and post at grocery store bulletin boards.