Entries categorized 'Thea' ↓

I have been trying to take this "Economic Crisis" as a personal challenge to fortify and fine tune my spending practices. So I offer you some of my tips for tightening the budget and ask you to share yours.

The amazing Brian suggested a Buy Nothing Month - which will do wonders for the budget. I have yet to accept this challenge, but I aim to, one day when I don't have extenuating circumstances that require smart spending. I promise Brian. On to my tips.

1. Ask yourself important questions.

Do I really NEED this? If so, can I find a less expensive alternative? If I save the money for this item over a period of months instead of taking it out of my cash now, will I be better off in the long run? If I wait to buy this item for 30 days will I still need it? Get real with how important this purchase is, or not. This applies to all things big and small. For instance, buy yourself a reusable water bottle and fill it at home instead of buying bottled water.

2. Make practical lists.

Lists are your friend. Lists by their very nature facilitate organization. They can save time, money and at least for me, no small measure of sanity. A well thought out list keeps you focused on those things you have already confirmed you NEED and can help you avoid impulse buying. Try it for your shopping lists, errands, to-do's and even your savings goals.

3. Find deals and reduce, reuse and resell!

There is a pretty cool blog called It's Hip to Save that has lots of saving suggestions and coupons.

I also love to find little known deals such as buying shampoo and conditioner in bulk at Oakway Barber Shop in Eugene. They have many of the salon style hair care items bulk. If you forget your own bottle, no problem, they will give you your goods in a reused soda bottle. Nice!

Another great way to help out your budget is to resell the stuff stashed away in a closet that you no longer need or use. That's not just saving, it's gaining!

You can resell/gift your unused stuff AND find great deals at places like craigslist and Freecycle. Freecycle is a collection of users giving and getting stuff for free. One person's junk is another's treasure. Of course, you can always find a treasure and a deal at reuse shops like Goodwill and the Salvation Army. Oh and don't forget used book stores!

4. Plan your trips.

Plan your travel to accomplish as much as possible in as few trips as possible. Stop at the grocery store on the way home from work or do your errands in one trip instead of making many. Save up your travel until you can accomplish what you need to in one trip.

5. Make it fun!

Its all about your perspective. There is a world of difference between an adventure and a burden. Finding a good deal or the perfect item for a great price can be an adventure. Trying out new recipes at home versus going out to eat or learning to tune up your car can actually be fun! This year instead of giving several gifts for Christmas, give one thoughtful and perhaps homemade gift. That is definitely fun.

As always, I love to hear from you. Feel free to share your tips for spending wisely.

I asked my friend MP to help me introduce myself to you. Turns out, MP knows me pretty well.

MP: What are you listening to right now?

TA: BBC Radio 3 streaming over the Internet.

MP: What are you drinking?

TA: Hey, how did you know I was drinking something? A cup of ginger tea.

MP: What is your current non-work related project?

TA: oooo Good question! I am currently working on 1.) finishing 4 star quilts with a friend so we can give them away. 2.) Learning to needle felt 3.) Creating Jewelry and 4.) planning my garden.

MP: Who was the last person you hugged? and the last Critter?

TA: Last person was my husband N. this morning. Last Critter was Breelan the kitty cat who is sitting here with me as we talk.

MP: What's for dinner?

TA: Homemade Chicken Noodle soup and green salad made with locally grown ingredients.

MP: What was the last thing you bought?

TA: ummmm besides groceries?

MP: yes

TA: ummm oh, fabric to back those four quilts.

MP: What is your favorite kind of weather?

TA: First of all, I have to be honest here, I am not a big fan of favorites. I have lots of things I prefer, but to have a 'favorite' seems somehow limiting to me. What if I change my mind? I used to abhor pink. Now I give it its due. I like a variety of weather, all in its good time. I prefer that 100 degree heat stick around for as little a time as possible and wish that it snowed more here in the winter.... but really, I like it all. I do have a favorite pink long sleeved tee shirt. It's perfect in every way. Soft, just the right shade of pink, thin yet warm. I love it. How's that for confusing?

MP: hahaha.

MP: Are you glad to be done with school?

TA: Actually, I really miss it. I wish I could fit more school in to my life. For now I have to make due with a continuing education class every now and then (I am taking a CS3 class this term) or a class at the UO Craft Center.

MP: What's on your bedside table?

TA: Hold on, let me go look........... Copper lamp, alarm clock, Lakota Dictionary, journal and pen, Cocoa Butter Lotion, five books ready to be read - including the one I am currently reading - In Sweet Company by Margaret Wolff, hair clips and bands.

MP: Name the things you couldn't live without.

TA: Family and friends and critters, the red road, music, singing, access to local and organic food, natural/original medicines, my laptop and the Internet connected to it, laughter, my iPhone, some crafty thing to do with my hands, roof over my head, plenty of blankets when I need them and clothes. I really, really like one cup of GOOD SUPERB coffee a day, though I am currently not drinking any. I think that covers it. Though I am pretty sure that if pressed, I could actually live without some of those things... I just prefer not to. *grin*

MP: What would you like to have in your hands right now?

TA: A solution to the water issues of the world. Actually, the solution to the food issues of the world too. I mean the availability of plentiful, good, clean, chemical and toxin free food and water.

MP: Yea, wouldn't that be nice!

Yes, yes it would. Thanks MP for helping share a little of me with the rest of the world. That was .... fun!

Photo Credit Holli True Photography All Rights Reserved

It was fun to read everyone's comments about your favorite Broadway song's and/or Broadway show's.

The winner of Neil Berg's 100 Years of Broadway CD is ... (come on admit it, you can hear the faint sounds of a drum roll in your mind) ... Kari who said, that she adores Stockard Channing and "Grease is one of my favorites so it has to be "There are worse things I could do"."

Congrats Kari... I will get your CD to you tout de suite!

Be sure to stay tuned (as in keep those pipes warmed up) there are more Singing with the Stars and 100 Year's of Broadway giveaway's are coming your way!

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