How you can save up to $2,000 a year

Making just a few changes in your everyday life could add up, maybe even up to $2,000 a year or more. An article posted on CNN Money gives some good tips on simple ways to save you some cash. Some of these include:

-Replacing your old washer and dryer with more energy efficient ones (such as the Energy Star Models)
-Using cash instead of credit for groceries and clothes
-Getting lower car insurance.

Can you think of anything you could do to save on your bills? Maybe turning off lights, using energy efficient light bulbs, making sure your refrigerator is running well, or unplugging or turning off your computer when not in use. If you really think about it for a minute you may be able to save more money then you realize. An extra $2,000 a year sounds pretty good for only making a few minor changes. Although, buying a new washer and dryer or other energy efficient appliances won’t save you right off the bat, they will wind up paying for themselves in the long run.

Inexpensive Wedding Gifts

If you’re like me, you’ve already started to receive a ton of wedding invitations or maybe you’ve already been to a few weddings in the past few months. Hopefully you’ve got a lot of extra cash saved or maybe you don’t. Weddings can be expensive, even for those just attending. Maybe you even have four or five weddings to attend like me. Just one wedding can cut into your finances. From what you are going to wear, travel expenses, and wedding gifts, attending your best friend’s wedding could get pricey. Well if you are on a budget there are still ways to come up with creative gifts that don’t look cheap. Hey it’s the thought that counts right? Here are a few ideas from an article on about.com.

-find out where the couple is going for their honeymoon. If they are going to a beach maybe get them some supplies such as sunscreen and good quality beach towels, or some cute flip flops and put them in a nice bag

-put together a movie night for them. Buy a romantic comedy and throw in some popcorn or candy and maybe a blanket and a big popcorn bowl.

-Is the couple buying their first house? Buy them a subscription to a good do it yourself magazine or any magazine that might be useful to them.

-give them the ingredients for a romantic dinner. Buy some good pasta and sauce and maybe some candles and put it with a special note.

You don’t have to spend a ton of money for a great wedding gift. Many couples register at a few different places and have a wide price range. You may be able to afford some of the items they have registered for. If not, just be creative. Do a search online and talk with other friends to see what they will be bringing. Maybe you could even split a really expensive item with a few people. Don’t let the wedding gift put you into a financial bind. Weddings are always a lot of fun and you shouldn’t have to stress about the gift.

Tips for Recent Grads: Do This Not That

So you’ve graduated from college and the world is at your fingertips. Maybe you’re one of the lucky ones to have already landed a full-time job. You’re ready to start your career, and ready for whatever life throws at you. You think you’ve got it all covered and then it hits you. The school loans, insurance, rent, and car payments. How do you handle it all? There are many do’s and don’ts that recent college grads and young professionals should consider when entering into the “real world” to save them money and headaches.

DO This NOT That

-DO develop a plan to repay your student loans. Even if you haven’t landed that dream job and you are still on the hunt, come up with a plan you know you can stick to. “According to statistics from the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study, the average student loan debt among graduating seniors is $19,237.”(http://ezinearticles.com/?Recent-Grads-Face-a-Bleak-Economy&id=1511123)

-DON’T default. This may result in trouble getting money for future education or a wage garnishment. If you do have trouble, contact your lender about a deferment or other options.

-DO consider public transportation if you live in a larger city. Carpooling may also be another option. This can save you money on gas, insurance, and car payments.

-DON’T rush into buying a new car after landing a job. Many people graduate and one of the first things they want to do is buy a new car or house. If you do buy a car or house, make sure the payment is not more than you can handle. If you are under 25 years old, you may wind up paying more for your car insurance due to your age.

-DO go out and have fun, meet new people and try new things, just be cautious.

-DON’T become accustomed to a certain lifestyle. Just because your friends can afford to eat out all the time and go shopping doesn’t mean you can. Or maybe you got accustomed to a certain lifestyle in college. It is ok to say no. Your salary at your new or current job may not be what you expect and you need to balance your money between what you NEED to survive and the things that you WANT.

Once you have that full-time job and make at least $1,000 a month, DO consider a payday loan if you get yourself stuck in a sticky situation. We all need a little help sometimes. It’s ok to ask for help, just DON’T abuse it.

DO make sure you balance your budget but DON’T stress yourself out. Just stick to a plan you can handle. Doing simple things like these can help you save enough money to start paying back those school loans, credit cards, payday loans or other expenses. Before you know it you WILL be prepared to combat whatever life throws at you.