This year I made it a goal to get into the gym, lose a couple pounds, and tone up. For me, I wasn't looking for a quick fix or to lose a lot of weight... I joined the athletic club for a lifestyle change and to GET FIT! It's now the end of March and I'm still in the gym every Tuesday and Thursday and some weekends. So far so good. The other New Year's resolution I made was to stay FINANCIALLY FIT! At the end of 2015 I officially had no debt {except for my house}... no car payment, no credit card bills, nada! And I plan to keep it that way. It's not always easy but here's how I save a few bucks here and there which helps me stay debt free.
1. I shop online deals and always go through Ebates. If I'm in the market for something I can usually find it online cheaper by using coupon codes for discounts and free shipping. The icing on the cake is when I go through Ebates first and earn cash back on my purchase! If you shop online and you're not a member of Ebates already, I highly suggest that you join.
2. I buy designer handbags and shoes used. I'll admit I like the finer things in life. But right now my bank account doesn't agree so when I want a Louis Vuitton bag or Valentino pumps, I shop on The Real Real and Fashionphile. I have bought authentic items you wouldn't even realize are used, they come with a box and dust bag, and I got them for less than $500! I win
3. I rarely drink alcoholic beverages when I'm out to dinner. Jon and I used to be that couple who would split a bottle of wine at dinner or indulge in a couple of cocktails and craft beers. We soon realized that drinks a lone were costing us sometimes more than our food! What? So now I'll just order a glass of house wine or a draft beer if I feel like having a drink. And when I want a fun cocktail or craft beer... I'll have it at home for a lot cheaper. My dinner bills have gotten significantly lower!
4. I have a budget, check my credit card balances every day, and pay the entire balance every month. I pay all my bills {mortgage, gas and electric, cable, and security} on the first of the month using my checking account. Anything else I want to buy {food, atheltic club membership, gifts, clothes, gas, donations... literally anything else}, I use my 2 credit cards. I have given myself a limit of what I should be spending every month and I check my credit card balances every day to a. make sure I'm staying on track and b. make sure there are no fraudulent charges. If I don't have the money to buy something then I don't. Also, using my credit cards for all purchases allows me to earn points and pretty much every month I have enough to get a $25 gift card to a restaurant of my choosing!! {Note: for tips about credit scores and credit cards go to Credit Card Insider}
5. I joined an energy savings program. I save a ton of money on my gas and electric bill every month because I joined Ambit Energy. I still receive the same service but my rate is much lower. Plus I earn points each month that I can redeem for travel!! Right now I have enough to go on a free 5 day vacation to Mexico. Other ways I save on energy is: I unplug things that don't get used daily, I turn off the lights, and if no one is in the room the TV better be off :)
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For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Luke 12:34
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