Reason number 23 why you shouldn’t go shopping today:
Driving to the mall in ice/sleet/rain/snow is a bad idea. Unless, you can walk…then you’re screwed. Get those snowshoes out!
Tag: Coins
Gambling: Yay or Nay?
You just need to control yourself and walk away…
For most people, gambling can be a vice that they just can’t walk away from. For others, it is not an interest. For me, it’s a catch-22…do I voluntarily become a broke bitch? Or, do I walk away and enjoy other things in life? Although I would choose the latter, my friends would like to have a “sassy casino night” in Atlantic City in New Jersey.
What’s a girl to do? I can’t be a Debbie downer, so I’m gonna have to deal.
How To Gamble: For Non-Gamblers
Make A Budget
Make a budget and stick to it. It’s a common trend for me to verbally tell my fiancé my plan for a budget. I will say how much I am going to spend, and how much I am willing to bend on it. I’ll think about the bills I have to pay, and how much I already have on my credit card. It’s a good strategy to keep in your back pocket when you are faced with the possibility of winning millions.
Be Strong
We’ve all been there: you put in $10.00, and you win $20.00…then $35.00…then you lose it all. When you lose your budget, stop playing. STOP. Casinos now make it easier than ever to put you in debt…including a place to put your credit card, and ATM’s all over the floor. My advice? Take your budget out in cash before you get to the casino. Usually, there is a HUGE surcharge fee all up in that jawn.
Enjoy Other Things
Although casinos are based off of gambling and throwing away money, you might as well throw your money away (if you really want to) on something that has a guaranteed good or service that is beneficial to you. So, go to a show or a club at the casino. In the end, you’ll be happy and drunk. #whatcouldbebetter
Be Negative
Yep, that’s right…be negative. Be realistic. What are the actual chances that you will win millions? Nada. Sorry for the harsh reality, but it’s true. You won’t win big if you keep putting your money in. Chances are, you will lose…and lose big.
Cash Out and Walk Away
If you put in $10, and win $20…cash out. CASH OUT. Go buy yourself ice cream and walk on the boardwalk. Put that money in your money jar and consider it a lucky win. Don’t ever think that you’ll win more with one more round.
That’s it for now, stay tuned for some sassy observations in a couple of days. Should be a good time.
xoxo-kate
If you know someone with a gambling problem, visit your state’s website for a dose of reality.
A Credit Card Is Not Your Friend
Today is a good day. I finally paid off my credit card…in full. Oh, I can’t tell you how good it feels to finally be out of debt! Well, except…you know…freakin’ Sallie Mae.
Here are a couple tips that helped me when I was trying to swim out of this black lagoon:
- Don’t put small purchases on your credit card We all know it’s tempting, but don’t do it!! Putting on small purchases are easier to forget than an impending big charge. The less you put on a credit card (or debit card for that matter!) the better. I have become a big believer in trying to carry cash with me, and only using cash!
- Swallow your fear: submit big payments If you get a paycheck for $800, and your other bills are paid, put $100 into savings and submit a BIG payment. Try to put $200-$400 for the month. The bigger, the better. You will feel like a huge weight is being lifted!
- Don’t swipe after you make a payment. We’ve all been there, we think that since we paid off some charges, we can continue to swipe! Our credit line is up, so why not? I’ll tell you why…because being confident about your money can be lethal. Obviously not at all times, but when you get cocky, it can be bad.
- Use your card for a specific thing. Whether it is for gas or food…keep it as such. Don’t go crazy using your credit card for frivolous purchases. The up side of this is that several credit cards have a special for cash back or double points for a certain thing. If it’s offered, use it. If you get double points for food and entertainment (ie: movies)…use it for just that. You can get some super fun things! (ie: points to use towards cash, gift cards, or your cc balance)
Try it, and get back to me!
xoxo- kate
Penny Pinching is the Way to Go
With Christmas just over a month away, I have already started a list of people I need to purchase a gift for and the amount I expect the gift to cost. This is a great way to stick to my budget. I have to congratulate myself, not for my low paying job, but because I am almost positive I am nearing the end of what I call my obsession for designer brands. I could easily charge a Michael Kors bag on my credit card and slowly pay it off over the upcoming months, but I don’t. I instead have come to realize that this isn’t going to make me Instagram famous. No matter how hard I try.
I realize there is a bigger picture: there are bigger things you have to worry about than spending frivolously… No matter how much I think a new handbag would bring in a new season or a new necklace would accent my new outfit, in the long run it isn’t the right choice.
It makes more sense to watch your pennies and only indulge in the smaller things such as my cup of Starbucks iced coffee, a milkshake, or a bite to eat once a week with the person I love when we have the same days off. I am learning my lessons about what I preach about impulse buying, and instant gratification. It’s not ideal and not where I see myself in five years. For now, my wedding planning and purchasing a house are more important than that new handbag I want, or that Tiffany’s necklace I hope my fiance gets me for Christmas. 🙂
Happy planning and happy savings.
xoxo- Kate
Step Three
How many of you drop change in the car and never find it again? Think about the amount of change you have dropped and try and add it up in your head. Coins are money too! Several banks and grocery stores have change cashing machines on the premises that can take your “pesky” change and give you a receipt for paper bills! Go through your pockets, purses, and car cup holders and gather all your change! You would be surprised how much there is on the floor in your backseat!
I’m sure I am preaching to the choir…since you are looking to save money…and you found my blog…BUT sometimes the simplest things go unnoticed. Don’t think you are the only one cashing in on your loose change. Plenty of my friends and family do this in order to have an extra $20 in his or her wallet. Don’t be embarrassed.
If you try to rationalize that pair of shoes you have up on the next tab on your browser, think about the extra $10 or $15 that is lying around in quarters and dimes in the bottom of your purse or in the back pocket of your jeans. If you want to save your change, get a large mug or cup and drop a couple coins in each day. In a week or two, you will have a full cup! (This also goes for my other tip…using cash instead of your debit card)
Have you thought about my question from my previous post? What do you spend money on each day?
I’ll list my items:
- Coffee- $3.25 or $5.79 (depending on Dunkin or Starbucks)
- Lunch/Dinner- $12.00- $20.00 (depending on where I eat)
My goal for this weekend: make my lunch/dinner at home.
What’s your goal?
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