Healthy Saving

If you live in New York, you know just how much cigarettes cost these days. LORD. Not only would quitting this nasty habit help your health, it will help your wallet in the long run. If you smoke, take the time to sit back and write down how many packs you purchase a week– do the math. $35.00 a week? Yea…I know that pain. Luckily, I have cut down a LARGE amount, which makes my parents and my boyfriend very happy. I feel much better than usual. As of right now, I have 33 hours cigarette free. It’s tough, but it’s worth it.

What about all the money you spend on alcohol? Sit back down and add up all the drinks you had at the bar last night. LE SIGH. That’s the kicker isn’t it? When you think about it, you could drop over $100.00 in a single night, and not even remember it. Now, I’m always up for a good night at the bar, but let’s get real. We’re spending money on cigarettes and alcohol only to not remember the “great” night you had and feed into a life in the fast lane. Think about the amount of money you have, and how much you spend on items that will ultimately be bad for you.

Over my birthday weekend, I was able to go out for a couple meals, and found myself penny pinching in order to be able to eat lunch today.

Goal for today: Spend only what I need to. Don’t indulge in the pretty things you pass by in the windows. Make today a “healthy” saving day. Fight the urge. We’ll do this together!

iTunes Trap

I must say, I am relieved I was able to spend some time away from technology for a bit and have a wonderful weekend with my two roommates from college and the rest of my friends for my birthday weekend!

Anyway, I’m back at blogging and I have a couple awesome ideas brought to you by my friend Lindsay and my boyfriend, Michael. While taking a drive around Long Island, I asked Lindsay to download a couple songs from my iTunes account. She noticed my credit card was connected to my account, which I thought was easy access to download a song or movie. Lindsay told me her trick to try and save some money, because it does add up! If you buy a gift card, or you only use a gift card that was given to you, you are able to track your spending so much easier. This way, if your gift card runs out, you will realize how much you have spent when updating your music library.

Believe me, I get it. Sometimes a song (of five) get stuck in your head, and all you want to do is put them on replay and jam out in your car or room. Don’t give in!!! The little charges on your card aren’t worth it! After buying a couple albums on iTunes, you start to realize that having the latest music will in fact ruin your balance on your account.

Mail’s Here!

I went to work today for the afternoon shift, so I was able to intercept the mail today before my parents were home from work. No sure why I am so secretive about what I buy, since it is my money, but I am…One of my two orders from etsy.com came in today, and I do not have shopper’s remorse about it…SO I decided I would share it! Although pointless to someone who is trying to save money, it seemed perfect for me!

I am the type of girl who loves monograms, so I am always on the lookout for cute monogram items. This was no exception…the price was wonderful PLUS the color/font choices were to die for.  I recommend anyone who loves preppy-ish styles for clothing or accessories to check her out! I have my fix for right now, but the affordable price and the cuteness factor make it hard not to buy! Even if I am trying to save money, I can still budget in order to remain satisfied.

Check Meredith’s shop out!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/PalmettoMonograms

Tip of the day:

“Budgeting does not mean torture! It means control!”

Made by: Palmetto Monograms! So adorable!
Made by: Palmetto Monograms! So adorable!

Two Day Hiatus…Failed.

After a 2 day hiatus of not spending any money I didn’t have to, I broke down and went online shopping on Wanelo. Oops…Luckily, for my wallet, I only bought something for $7.00. Afterwards, I had the worst shopper’s remorse and contemplated returning the item before it got to my house. But, I decided it had been something I wanted, and I justified keeping it. Feel free to give me a judgement face! I’m judging my weakness as well.

However, this post is not all about my new fail. I do have my third tip for saving money. Take cash out instead of always swiping your debit or credit card. When you do this, you’re able to visually see your money depleting. It is an eye opening process that shows you just how much money you are spending in a day.

I used to be afraid that if I carried cash around with me, I was more at risk for getting mugged. This is probably the dumbest thing you can think! Even though there is more available money for someone to take, what are the chances a mugger knows you are indeed carrying cash?

Take a minute and look at your wallet right now. Ask yourself…how much money did I have in here last night? What did I spend it on? Was it worth it? If you can justify all your expenses, then you’re in the clear.

Ask yourself, is there anything that I DON’T have to spend money on?

…get back to me.