3 Easy Ways to Hang on to Your Money

Do you feel like you are spinning your wheels trying to make ends meet?

Most of us feel that way, and someone once told me that our working life is like a ferris wheel. The more seats we fill up (financial commitments) the faster the ferris wheel goes, and it then spins out of control.

If you feel that way, and don't feel like you can make ends meet, and are considering a second job, why not invest in one afternoon with your bills, and you may find out that you do not need to go down that route.

After all if you have time to consider fitting in a part time job, then you have time to sit down for one afternoon with your bills and really look at them. That to me, was the hardest part, actually gathering everything up and laying it out on the table. But once you do it, you will at least know where you stand, good or bad.

A Financial Budget. We have all heard of the words, but the word budget tends to leave a bad taste in our mouths, is not talked about at parties, and has never been a really hot topic. But if you do one up that is fun, and includes entertainment and rewards, then you are more likely to stick to it, and better yet, if you even save a hundred dollars, then that is one hundred dollars you didn't have to make at a second job.

1. Start with your cell phone, internet and cable. Are they all with the same company?.. If yes.. Phone them up and ask to be bundled into one bill. You will save a lot of money here, it may even be worth changing companies for this reason. Remember the company doesn't always offer this, it is up to YOU to phone them and ask. Package deals with cell phones, internet and cable are much cheaper, plus it is only one bill.

2. Look closely at your credit card statements.. write down the interest rates. Phone the company with the lowest rate, and ask them to transfer your other balances to their card. Some credit companies will jump at the chance to pay off their competitors. If your credit limit is not high enough, as for an increase with the promise that you will cut up the other cards.

3. Watch your weekday spending.. you may think you are only spending change on coffee's, muffins etc, but it adds up. If you make yourself a pot of coffee in the morning and make your lunch and snacks while it is brewing (you would only be in line at the coffee shop anyways) and you can save even five dollars a day, that is 25 dollars for a movie and fun on the weekend. Which would you rather do?. (and don’t say both!.. we are trying to save money here!)

If you can shave at least 10% off of your bills and spending, you will save money. Figure out how much you can save, and have your bank do an automatic transfer on pay day to a savings account. Now pat yourself on the back for a job well done, because you are now in control.
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