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harriettejane:

Wicked …

on 06.09.17    324%     via
on 06.09.17    503%     via
on 06.09.17    1453%     via
on 06.09.17    850%     via

Top 10 frugal lessons I learned from my parents

skinnyflints:

Our parents are cheapskates and they taught us well.  Here are my favorite 10 lessons in thrift:

1) Keeping up with the Joneses is stupid, and the Joneses are probably broke.

2) Always live below your means.

3) Cooking at home is enjoyable, relaxing, doesn’t have to be complicated, and can save you thousands of dollars every year.

4) If you can’t afford to pay cash, you can’t afford it period (houses and tuition are exempt from this rule, provided the debt burden isn’t too high).

5) Don’t buy if you can borrow-the library is a fantastic source for endless entertainment & education.

6) Rescue dogs love you more than dogs you can buy at pet stores or breeders.

7) Paying full retail prices is a waste of money-you can find high quality clothes at thrift stores and discount stores like Marshall’s and TJ Maxx.

8) Just because something is cheap, it doesn’t mean it’s worth it-only buy what you need, and quality matters.

9) Pay your credit card bill in full every month.

10) Always have an emergency fund.  (A shoe sale doesn’t count as an emergency!)

posted by K

on 29.08.17    64%     via
Anonymous asked:
Okay so this has probably been asked before but,, do you have any tips on saving up money? I recently got a job and I want to save some of the money that I make for college, rent, and to save some cash off to the side to spend on luxury items. I don't know how to go about saving up for these things. Any links or tips that you have would be helpful. Thank you and I love your blog!

yournewapartment:

Saving Money

1. Set a goal. Set a goal for how much money you’re looking to save every pay check. This goal can be as small or ambitious as fits your budget, and if you have a lot of expenses I’d recommend you trying to save around $50 per pay check. Every little bit counts.

2. Limit shopping. When my boyfriend and I are strapped for money, we limit ourselves to one large shopping trip per month. This sort of shopping trip takes a lot of planning, and we’ll spend a couple weeks keeping tabs on everything we need until we have a solid list. Refrain from doing any excess shopping after this trip, unless you run out of toilet paper unexpectedly.

3. Buy bulk. Buy bulk everything! Buying in bulk will save you serious money, you will just need to make space to store your extra supplies. Freeze any meat, bread and veggies you don’t eat immediately. Put extra paper towels and toilet paper in the bedroom closet, etc.

4. Choose the cheapest. If you are trying to spend as little money as possible, name brands are not for you. Also- who cares if it is a white onion or a Spanish onion, just choose the cheapest. This means that you’re probably going to be avoiding the organic section of your local supermarket like the plague.

5. Use discount stores. Need to buy cleaning supplies or laundry detergent? Hit up your local Dollar Store and purchase items there. Get off-brand cleaning products for a fraction of the price. These type of stores typically have well stocked canned selections (just remember to check the expiration date).

6. Double up on transportation. Try to limit the amount of transportation you are using on a daily basis. Avoid making multiple trips out of the house for work, school, shopping, etc. Map out a route and plan your day accordingly so that you’re not driving out of your way or taking the bus back and forth.

7. Avoid going out to eat. Believe you and me- there is nothing like a Panera dinner when I don’t want to cook or a deli sandwich when I’m going to be running around all day. But cooking at home will be less expensive and better for your budget (unless you’re living off of fast food which you shouldn’t because it’s not healthy).

8. Use student discounts. If you are a student, stash your student ID in your wallet and begin inquiring about student discounts. See: 95 Student Discounts.

9. Talk to your school. Find out if your school has any financial or merit-based programs that will offer assistance to you. If you’re living on your own and your parent or guardian isn’t paying for anything, you should talk to your school about becoming an “independent student”. Designating yourself as such may qualify you for additional financial assistance.

10. Tangible. I’m the sort of person who often feels stagnate and as though the goals I’m setting are not being accomplished. I like to offer myself little reward incentives to get through the hard times, and I strongly recommend that you do too! Set an amount of money (for example, $200) and after you reach it, treat yourself to a small reward. 

on 29.08.17    183%     via

A way to always have money by the end of the month

thehumon:

Back when I made a post about how to best save/spend money I forgot to give the best advise I have.

After you’ve paid your rent and bills and possibly put a bit of money in your savings, divide the money you have left with the number of days until your next paycheck. It will tell you how much money you can use in a day and is the surest way to still have money by the end of the month.

In my case it was 1000dkk/30 days = 33dkk in a day (about 4 USD). Not a lot of money, but I didn’t spent money every day, so the next day I could spend 66dkk and so on.

As long as you never spend more than you’re “allowed”, you’ll always have extra money by the end of the month.

Of course, accident and unexpected bills happen, but that’s why it’s always a good idea to put a bit of money away every month if possible.

I have more money now (like, enough to have internet on my phone *GASP!* and eat other stuff besides oatmeal *GASPGASP!!*), but I still use this system because no matter how much money you have you’re always in danger of running out by the end of the month.

on 29.08.17    1283%     via

10 Gift Ideas for the Broke Person

yournewapartment:

Gift season approaches, and I’ve been struggling on how best to spend what little money I have on all the people in my life who I want to give holiday presents to. I’m sure I’m not the only one with this problem… so I thought I’d share some ideas.

1. Mix CDs - make your friends/family a mix CD with handmade cover artwork. If you can’t afford a stack of CDs, make a virtual CD and share the mp3s with them over Dropbox.

2. Homemade Cookies - Spending $7 on baking ingredients allows you to make a large batch of simple cookies. Divide them and use as gifts for multiple people. Throw on a handmade card and WHAM you got yourself a spiffy gift.

3. Cooking supplies - I’m not talking top of the line Kitchen Aid shit. Go to your local dollar store and buy things like wooden spoons, platters, funny mugs for under $5. Everyone needs at least some cooking supplies!

4. Cacti - Don’t go to a nursery, go to a grocery or department store with a plant section. Cacti are some of the cheapest and easiest to maintain plants, they only really need to be watered once or twice a week. And they look awesome. If the person you had in mind likes to cook, you might want to consider buying them some sort of herb like rosemary or thyme.

5. Bulk food - This might not work for everybody, but I’m sure your broke roommate wouldn’t object to a bulk package of ramen or mac and cheese. They sell 12 packs of ramen at my local dollar store for $1 each. ONE DOLLAR FOR TWELVE MEALS.

6. Unused Books - I’m betting that there’s a book in your apartment/dorm room that’s in perfect condition, but for whatever reason that you will never use again. Wrap it in some gift wrap and scrape off the price tag.

7. Spa Day - For those of you in relationships (or who feel safe touching your close friends/family in that way) make mock “spa coupons”. Offer services such as manicures/pedicures, hair stylings, massages, etc.

8. Use your talents - Are you an artist or musician of any sort? Make a piece of artwork or write a song. Buy a large piece of poster paper at Home Depot for $5 and make a funny collage full of inside jokes that only your friends will understand. Are you a knitter? Make mittens for people.

9. Weird clothing - Go to your local Salvation Army or Goodwill and spend a couple hours combing the shelves for weird items. Funny t-shirts, strange hats, etc. Don’t go to department stores looking for clothing, it’ll be too expensive.

10. “Fancy” Meal - Spend $20 and invite several friends/family members over for a fancy dinner. You don’t need to be a chef or to spend lots of money to make something “fancy”, just make the atmosphere “fancy”. Make pasta with some sort of red sauce and possibly meat. Insist that everyone dresses up, light candles, play jazz standards, take pictures- make a real night of it. 

ALSO! If you can’t afford gift wrap use newspaper. 

on 29.08.17    3906%     via
Anonymous asked:
I want to live by myself when I move out of my parent's place but I'm really afraid of money problems? I'm afraid that the only place I can afford will be in the ghetto and it'll all be torn apart and I'll only be allowed to eat one granola bar a week. I'm really stressing out about this. I don't know anything about after school life. I don't know anything about paying bills or how to buy an apartment and it's really scaring me. is there anything you know that can help me?

shelbys-advice-blog:

HI darling,

I’ve actually got a super wonderful masterpost for you to check out:

Home

Money

Health

Emergency

Job

Travel

Better You

Apartments/Houses/Moving

Education

Finances

Job Hunting

Life Skills

Miscellaneous

Relationships

Travel & Vehicles


Other Blog Features

Asks I’ll Probably Need to Refer People to Later

Adult Cheat Sheet:

Once you’ve looked over all those cool links, I have some general advice for you on how you can have some sort of support system going for you:

Reasons to move out of home

You may decide to leave home for many different reasons, including:

  • wishing to live independently
  • location difficulties – for example, the need to move closer to university
  • conflict with your parents
  • being asked to leave by your parents.

Issues to consider when moving out of home

It’s common to be a little unsure when you make a decision like leaving home. You may choose to move, but find that you face problems you didn’t anticipate, such as:

  • Unreadiness – you may find you are not quite ready to handle all the responsibilities.
  • Money worries – bills including rent, utilities like gas and electricity and the cost of groceries may catch you by surprise, especially if you are used to your parents providing for everything. Debt may become an issue.
  • Flatmate problems – issues such as paying bills on time, sharing housework equally, friends who never pay board, but stay anyway, and lifestyle incompatibilities (such as a non-drug-user flatting with a drug user) may result in hostilities and arguments.

Your parents may be worried

Think about how your parents may be feeling and talk with them if they are worried about you. Most parents want their children to be happy and independent, but they might be concerned about a lot of different things. For example:

  • They may worry that you are not ready.
  • They may be sad because they will miss you.
  • They may think you shouldn’t leave home until you are married or have bought a house.
  • They may be concerned about the people you have chosen to live with.

Reassure your parents that you will keep in touch and visit regularly. Try to leave on a positive note. Hopefully, they are happy about your plans and support your decision.

Tips for a successful move

Tips include:

  • Don’t make a rash decision – consider the situation carefully. Are you ready to live independently? Do you make enough money to support yourself? Are you moving out for the right reasons?
  • Draw up a realistic budget – don’t forget to include ‘hidden’ expenses such as the property’s security deposit or bond (usually four weeks’ rent), connection fees for utilities, and home and contents insurance.
  • Communicate – avoid misunderstandings, hostilities and arguments by talking openly and respectfully about your concerns with flatmates and parents. Make sure you’re open to their point of view too – getting along is a two-way street.
  • Keep in touch – talk to your parents about regular home visits: for example, having Sunday night dinner together every week.
  • Work out acceptable behaviour – if your parents don’t like your flatmate(s), find out why. It is usually the behaviour rather than the person that causes offence (for example, swearing or smoking). Out of respect for your parents, ask your flatmate(s) to be on their best behaviour when your parents visit and do the same for them.
  • Ask for help – if things are becoming difficult, don’t be too proud to ask your parents for help. They have a lot of life experience.

If your family home does not provide support

Not everyone who leaves home can return home or ask their parents for help in times of trouble. If you have been thrown out of home or left home to escape abuse or conflict, you may be too young or unprepared to cope.

If you are a fostered child, you will have to leave the state-care system when you turn 18, but you may not be ready to make the sudden transition to independence.

If you need support, help is available from a range of community and government organisations. Assistance includes emergency accommodation and food vouchers. If you can’t call your parents or foster parents, call one of the associations below for information, advice and assistance.

Where to get help

  • Your doctor
  • Kids Helpline Tel. 1800 55 1800
  • Lifeline Tel. 13 11 44
  • Home Ground Services Tel. 1800 048 325
  • Relationships Australia Tel. 1300 364 277
  • Centrelink Crisis or Special Help Tel. 13 28 50
  • Tenants Union of Victoria Tel. (03) 9416 2577

Things to remember

  • Try to solve any problems before you leave home. Don’t leave because of a fight or other family difficulty if you can possibly avoid it.
  • Draw up a realistic budget that includes ‘hidden’ expenses, such as bond, connection fees for utilities, and home and contents insurance.
  • Remember that you can get help from a range of community and government organizations. 

(source)

Keep me updated? xx

on 29.08.17    119279%     via
Anonymous asked:
Hello! Im scared of getting a job because I feel like I'd mess up and embarrass myself. I understand that I should just do it, but i'm scared. /:

collegesmarts:

No need to feel embarrassed! The job hunt is stressful for everyone, that’s why we have written a TON of blogs about it. I’m not sure if you mean working/resume building while you’re in school or after you graduate, so I’ll give you some resources for both! :)

Interviewing/Resumes:

Working While in School:

The Post-Grad Job Hunt:

Saving Money:

This help you get started on preparing. Don’t be scared, you got this!

on 29.08.17    4181%     via
bsethemes