At the end of the day it's not only how much money you earn that
matters, but how much of it you manage to keep.
With the rising costs of living in the U.S. many that would have
been considered affluent 10 years ago are struggling to make ends
meet while living from paycheck to paycheck. There are many ways
to hold on to a large portion of your income utilizing Online
resources. I've listed several of those below for your
convenience.
First of all, we all eat so saving money on groceries can add up
to thousands of dollars in staying in your pocket each year, if
properly done. Always, use a list. This list software is free
and allows you to create a budget as well and is free-of-charge.
http://www.homeplansoftware.com/freeware.htm. There is an
article showing how to optimize the list software at
http://Thea.us/rules.htm.
Coupons are cash. Period. Personally I don't have the time or
inclination to find and clip coupons. There is a web site that
will give you up to $100 per month in free coupons, already clipped
at http://eat-free.com. The last batch that I got from them had
several coupons that were a dollar each. Use the store flyers to
plan the weekly menu and the store's preferred members card for
additional savings.
Manufacturer's vouchers are another overlooked resource.
Manufacturer's thrive on consumer feedback. Clip the UPC code
from a package of a product that you normally use and write a
short note that is either a compliment, suggestion for improvement,
reason of complaint or a recipe using the product. In return
you'll receive a voucher for free product if you request it.
Don't forget to send the UPC code, that proves that you are in
fact a costumer and not a freebie-seeker.
Gasoline is another big issue these days that not only effects
the driving of our personal vehicles, but the cost of living
rising across the board. As for our personal gasoline needs
there is a handy county-by-county map at
http://www.alabamagasprices.com/Price_By_County.aspx?state=AL
that you can use to right-click on any county in the U.S. or
Canada to check gas prices. In checking our area I learned that
the next county south of us has an average gas price of 7
cents/gallon less than our county. There is also a link when you
right-click on each county that takes you to reported gas
station prices in each county.
Another expense for Americans trying to get ahead is Online
resources. Each year Americans throw away hundreds of thousands
of dollars chasing the 'Online Silver Bullet'. Well, it has been
my experience that the only proper use of silver bullets is for
killing vampires, should the occasion arise. Now, let's think
about this a minute. If you go to a medical doctor, you'll get
medicine for what ails you while if you go to a surgeon, you'll
get surgery. Right? So, if you want Online resources why to you
go to an Internet Marketer? All he's going to do is Market, or
retail, a product. Are you with me? If you want Online
resources, services and mentoring go to the geeks behind the
Online Marketers! You'll find a large collection of them at
http://The-Workbooks.com. You'll find that the geeks are a
inexpensive, friendly and eager to help you.
In our busy society, sometimes we exchange money for time
without thinking. If used, these resources will help you to
reach a few of your objectives while allowing you to keep your
money for things that you otherwise wouldn't be able to afford
and the time to enjoy them.
Noted author, syndicated columnist and Online Netprenuer
Thea Swafford loves to share the wit and wisdom found in
daily life. To be informed of cutting edge info that could change
your life send a blank e-mail to secrets@a1ebiz.com.