Happy New Year!

I wish you all a very happy new year. 2008 has been very tough for many people, including me.
I moved recently from California to Utah. I know, I know people always ask why. The truth is that California will always be my home in my heart and maybe I will get the opportunity to move back but it is very expensive there. My one bedroom apartment was going for $12oo a month. I just rented an apartment here for $650. The cost of living is lower here in general. Gas is $1.39 a gallon. A far cry from the $4.00 I was paying in LA. Groceries only seem to be slightly less and eating out actually seems to be a bit higher.

Recreation seems to be a bit less expensive, depending on what you do. I can rent ice skates and skate for hours for only $5. Also bowling is only $1.50 a game. You won't find that in the LA area. I haven't been to a movie yet but I believe they are about the same.

The adult classed are much less. There are several classes I would like to take and they are only about $35 for 10 weeks. Again, in LA they would have been around $75.

So while I don't suggest everybody move to save money, it looks like it may work for me!
I am enjoying the snow and look forward to the seasons. But I have a feeling it may get old fast!

Here's hoping that 2009 brings good health, happiness and many blessings to us all. Lisa

Medical Appointments

It's that time of year to make the most of your medical insurance. By now you have probably reached your deductible for the year. It starts all over again in January. So if you still need a flu shot, lab work, or your blood pressure checked, now is the time to make your appointment. The slots will fill up fast, as everyone else will be doing the same thing.

While it may be difficult to find the time during the holidays, it will serve your pocketbook well to find the time. Why pay more to get that "funny" spot checked on your face by waiting one more month? Need refills on prescriptions? Now is the time to get them. Most prescription plans start their deductibles over in January as well.

I just saved a bundle by going in for a mammogram. Something unusual was found and I ended up having two biopsies and then going to the hospital for surgery. Because I have already met my out of pocket for the year, it should cost me nothing. Luckily for me, all is well.

Here is hoping all is well with you too. Stay healthy in body, mind, and spirit, and in your pocketbook too!....Lisa

Weather Proofing

It's that time of year when we want to stay home, cozy and warm cuddling in front of a fire. Making your home weatherproof helps to lower heating costs. Have you noticed any drafts coming in around door or windows? Caulk them. Your local Home Depot or Lowe's will be happy to give you tips on how to do this. If you have storm windows put them on. Drafts coming under the door? Place extra towels around the bottom.

Flannel sheets on the bed help keep you warm and cozy. If you have an electric blanket, save money by only using it to warm the bed up before crawling in. Wear socks to bed, it's a quick way to warm up. Or better yet cuddle up. If you don't have a special someone a dog or cat will do!

If you have a large house, only heat the rooms you use the most and close off the others. Use your fireplace for warmth as well as entertainment.

For large families, keep a large pot of soup going on the back burner. Your family will appreciate coming in from the cold to something warm and tasty, whether it's after building a snowman, or coming home from school.

It's a great time to try different teas, coffees, hot ciders or hot chocolate.

To warm up take a hot bubble bath instead of a very long shower. Use lots of lotion as your skin tends to get drier in winter.

Also try keeping your thermostat lower and wearing a sweater.

With the predicted rising heating costs this year, look out for your elderly neighbors. Too many times they are without heat because they can't afford it. So notice who your neighbors are and look out for each other. Have a happy, safe and affordable winter. Lisa :)

Credit Cards

With the economy looming large in every body's mind, it only makes sense to save in any way that you can. I know that many, many people are in credit card debt. It is very easy to do. From what I hear on the news, people are going to find their credit limits cut and not many perks with cards from now on.

But for those of you who have learned self-control you can still make money from a credit card.

I do all the time. My card of choice is Discover where I earn 1%-5% cash back on all purchases.

I use my card for everything, groceries, gas, eating out, doctor bills, etc.

But, and this is very important, I pay it off in full every month. To make sure that is possible I use a check register. I put the amount I have allotted for that months bills at the top and each and every time I make a purchase I subtract it from that amount. That way I know I have the money to pay it off when it comes due. This takes some discipline. You must remember to subtract every purchase. Also treat the card as money. Subtracting from your allotment helps keep you on track because you know exactly how much money you have left at any given time.

I get back about $40 every few months. Credit card companys don't like people like me because thet don't make a penny off of me. They pay me instead ! There are many card offers out there. But again, I only advise this for the very disciplined as the whole point is to save money and not get into more trouble.

I'll be looking for as many money saving tips as I can, especially with our economy being what it is, so check back often. Happy savings, Lisa

Birthday Bonuses

Birthday's are another fun way to get freebies from restaurants and stores. I just celebrated mine, and no I will not tell my age! Let's just say old enough to learn a few savings tips but young enough to learn more!

When you are out and about, notice who has birthday clubs. I got on several mailing lists that I don't even recall signing up for. This year I received a Vicoria's Secret gift card for $10, a Mervyn's gift card for $10, a free entree at Sizzler's, a free hamburger at Red Robbins, and a free meal at Hometown Buffet. I also received discount cards from Hallmarks, Toyota service, and Bath and Body works. Not bad for just getting older! I even forgot to get my free car wash from a neighborhood business. My employer also gives a nice little bonus, two movie tickets and a $5 Starbucks gift certificate.

So start noticing which companies want to honor you (and keep your business), and you'll be pleasantly surprised. Happy Birthday to you whenever it is and many happy savings. Lisa:)

Redbox

I don't know about you, but I have been so busy watching the Olympics that I haven't had time to watch a movie. As you know I already suggested getting your dvds and videos free at your local library. If you aren't happy with their selection or are not lucky enough to live where there is a larger library that is well stocked, then there are still a couple of other options that are less expensive than going to your local Blockbuster or Hollywood Video store.

Many grocery stores and in some areas, McDonald's have a Redbox. This is a nice little vending machine that is for dvds. It only costs one dollar per dvd per day. Nice price, eh? Just remember to turn them back in on time. There are other brands besides Redbox so check around. When you first sign up with Redbox you get a couple of free rentals as well. You can check it out on redbox.com.

Also, if you watch a lot of movies you might want to check out Netflix. You pay a yearly fee and get to keep your movies out without late penalties. They are mailed right to your home and you put them back in the prepaid envelope and mail back when you are done. A little more money but well worth it in my case. Netflix can also be found at Netflix.com.

Wishing you many movie adventures, with money to spare. Lisa

Brown Bagging It

Okay, lets be real. Most people who bring their lunch to work really don't use brown bags anymore. I find people tend to use their plastic grocery store bags or have purchased a lunch cooler like I have.

It is much less expensive to plan ahead and not be tempted to eat out each day. I buy easy to pack items that I like and that are healthy. I'm vegetarian so sometimes I have to get creative or I get stuck in a rut. But lately I take string cheese, v-8 juice, low fat microwave popcorn, a fiber one bar, cherry tomatoes and fruit. It's all healthy, low fat and filling.

If you want to make sure you can stick with it, be sure to pack things that you will look forward to eating. Don't get in a boring peanut butter and jelly rut. Though that is rather tasty now and again! Make sure you get some fruits and veggies in there and a treat as well.

It is much less expensive than going out for lunch each day. And that means more money for your banks. They must be filling up by now.

It must not feel like a punishment or sacrifice or you know you won't do it. I give myself a treat every now and then by going to McDonalds and getting an ice cream cone. It is less than a dollar and only 3 points on Weight Watcher's. Can't beat that and it tastes soooo good on a hot summer day.

So get creative and start packing those lunches, and happy savings. Lisa