Frugal but Friendly!

Courtesy Pays Off BIG TIME

ceopocc — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 23:54:19 +0000

I consider myself a courteous person. Aside from it being the right thing to do, it really pays off. Good manners brings good things to me. For example, often businesses don’t charge me for the little extras I want, or I get an extra free hour of parking simply because I am nice to people, or something extra is thrown in free of charge. It pays to be courteous to everyone you meet. You could make someone’s day too!

Walk!

ceopocc — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 05:29:29 +0000

Okay, this is a simple one. I see so many people using bus tickets to get a few blocks down the road, or taking a taxi on a beautiful day when they could easily walk to their location.

Walking is not only good for your health, it helps clear your mind, brightens up your appearance, and it is the right thing to do for the environment.

Consider if you can walk to where you want/need to go. Challenge yourself.

Make HomeMade Gifts

ceopocc — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 03:29:29 +0000

The Christmas season will be upon us before any of us are ready. If you want to save serious cash over the holidays, it’s important to put your thinking cap on NOW about what you will give others. Get a few books from the craft section of the library and invest the time now to make something. You can make candles, body scrub, knit something. Get creative! Personally created gifts are back in demand. Don’t wait until December to get started!

Save on Technology!

ceopocc — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 05:18:12 +0000

I was frantic today when I forgot to check an email message about an appointment I had later that day. I don’t have any fancy technology like a blackberry and I don’t carry my laptop with me most days so I thought there was no way I could check my email account – and didn’t have time to return home. Then I remembered that the library offers free Internet service. I went there, checked my email for the information I needed, and went on my way. Why bother with paying for technology when it is provided free in the community? The library ROCKS!

Visit the Library

ceopocc — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 14:55:53 +0000

When I pass a bookstore, I am always tempted by great deals. But, your local library is FULL of great books that you can borrow for free. I am not much of a reader but, once in a while, I really get into it. I picked up 7 books this past week and have already devoured one of them – and I’m well into the second book. I may not read all of them before they are due back – but it was good, free entertainment. Get a library card and find your closest location.

Have a “Signature” Dish

ceopocc — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 04:12:53 +0000

While I am certainly not the world’s best baker, when people come over to my house for dinner, or when I am invited to a potluck, people always say they look forward to enjoying my desserts. I am particularly known for my apple crisp.

Being able to cook your own food is so much cheaper (and better for you!) than buying it ready-made. And, people appreciate homemade food so much more. It just tastes better (perhaps because it is made with love?).

I even had a marriage proposal because of one of my desserts!

Free Jewelry Resizing

ceopocc — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 22:54:03 +0000

My husband has saved me hundreds of dollars in jewelry resizing with an easy, inexpensive idea.
Last year I realized one of my rings was too loose. I took it in for resizing. The jeweller told me that it would cost about $35. Yikes. I figured there must be a cheaper solution. My husband said, “Did you think about duct tape?” I passed my ring to him, he took his duct tape, cut out a tiny square, and applied it to the underside/top of the ring. I tried the ring on again – it fit a bit better but was still a bit wiggly. He applied another layer, and then another, until it fit beautifully and didn’t dangle from my finger.
Turns out that our hands/fingers expand and contract depending on the season (and our weight, of course) so true resizing is not a good option for many people. If I had had the ring resized at the jewelry store, it may have been too snug later in the year!
Duct tape provided a simple, removable option that made all the difference. I doubt I’ll ever have to pay for resizing again!

Learn to do it yourself!

ceopocc — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 00:35:31 +0000

One of the best tips anyone ever gave me about saving money is to learn to do some things yourself so you never have to pay someone else to do it for you.

I have a small business. I hate having to pay someone else to do someting for me – and only actually do it when I am desperate! Last year I took a lettering class so I could enhance my flipcharts when I am making a presentation rather than paying a graphic designer to create something for me. This has paid off BIG TIME.

I save myself a lot of money doing my own work. I improve each time I use my skills – and there is a sense of pride in doing something yourself too!

Use what you already have

ceopocc — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 20:48:00 +0000

I love jewelry, especially rings. I can’t stop myself from looking longingly at ring displays at the mall. But, I also know I have a few perfectly good rings at home that I rarely wear. Instead of buying new things, consider taking inventory of what you already have – whether that is rings, tools, toys, or shoes. Chances are you’ve got so much, you totally forgot one or two items that will feel brand new when you use them again. Also, when you do feel the need to buy new clothing or accessories, consider how often you would wear that item, and determine the “cost per wearing” of each item. That will change your perspective on whether or not you you really want to purchase.

Eating Out

ceopocc — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 19:19:26 +0000

While I don’t recommend eating at restaurants if you are trying to save money, if you MUST have your fix, I recommend going out for breakfast rather than lunch or supper. There’s nothing like starting the day having someone else serve you!