This morning I replied to the question,What lifestyle changes have you made in our “new” economy? Here is my reply:
Creating the blog She Makes Cents, has been one way were I am held accountable for my financial decision…since I’m blogging about it. In our “new” economy and for research for my site, I now do the following:
- I make spending and saving goals for the month. Then I tell the people around me my goals. That way, when I start to slip or go regress to old habits, I have a support system to help keep me on track.
- I am notorious for going to restaurants multiple times a week. I now make sure I eat before leaving the house and I pack fruit and random snacks in my bag. That way, when I start to get “snacky” I don’t have to make a trip to the vending machine, closet Chick-fil-A, or restaurant.
- I track my spending. EVERYTHING! I tried it because of a suggestion from this financial writer. It really adds some perspective to your spending habits and it made/makes me think hard about my purchases and the motivation/emotion behind them. (You can download the original template I used from author Catey Hill, here).
- I opened an alternate email account and I send email coupons and store sign ups here.
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Before I go out, I check out Groupon Now, HalfOffDepot.com, & Living Social. Why pay full price when you can get a better deal on the same product and service?
I have more tips; check out SMC Money Journal & Fix Your Finances!
This question got me thinking about you SMC readers.
What changes have you made, if any, in our “new” economy?
Have you benefitted from any advice you read on here?
I’d love to hear from YOU!
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