By Robin Goudy, MS. Each week, this Brooklyn spender-turned-Washington budgeter will share smart money-saving tips in Savionaire’s new column, The Refined Budgeter. Email your money-saving questions, tips, or comments to money@savionaire.com. Put “The Refined Budgeter” on the subject line. Disclaimer: You should consult a financial professional concerning your finances. The information Robin gives is based on personal experience as a savionaire.
A positive from the recession was people had become aware of their spending and saving habits…or rather bad spending and saving habits. Even though the economy is slowly recovering, savionaires should always appreciate the value of the dollar. You don’t have to have a graduate degree in finance or economics to know some ways to spend and save your money wisely. That is what I am here for! If you choose to follow the money-saving tips that I have used to make it financially in the Big Apple and the Nation’s Capital, then you should become a savvy spender and saver:
* Go to the library to borrow books, magazines, music, and movies.
* Start an Exchange Program. For example, swap books, magazines, music, and movies with co-workers and friends.
* Read the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Washington Post online instead of purchasing a subscription. Sometimes you can go to places like Starbucks, Panera Bread, or to a swank hotel lobby and read them for free. While there, make it a point to meet new people.
* Make your coffee, smoothies, and lunch at home to take to work. On the days that you don’t have food to take to work, go to Seven Eleven. They make a great salad for $2.99. Keep salad dressing in the refrigerator at work (only if you don’t have nosy co-workers). Don’t order a drink with your lunch while out, and don’t order dessert unless your lunch partner wants to share it (great for weight management).
* Combine errands so that you save gas, reduce wear and tear on your car, and help to keep Mother Earth green and clean.
* Buy greeting cards when they are on sale or when you have coupons such as at Kohl’s for 20-30% off, and save them for an occasion. Buy holiday season cards at the end of the season when they are 50-75% off. Use the same principles when buying gifts as well.
Thema’s Tip: Leave a comment for your fellow savionaires concerning what savvy spending and saving tips you follow.