Giveaways in Utah

Today on the show Good Morning Utah they mentioned a blogspot that gives daily giveaways. It is www.giveawaytoday.blogspot.com. It can range from tickets to a local event or goodies from a local store. In today's economy anything free is good! Give it a try. If you don't live in Utah you can always give your winnings to someone who does:) Lisa

Turn down that thermostat!

I was very surprised to find out just how low the gas company suggests you turn your thermostat to when you are not home or when you go to bed, 50 degrees! Brr. I have been keeping mine around 66 to 68 degrees during the day and 62 degrees at night. I tried 60 degrees one night but was too cold. They claim you will have significant savings on your bill if you follow their guidelines. I haven't yet received a gas bill yet but decided to start cutting back. I set it to 58 degrees last night and was only a little chilly. They say to do it gradually. So all this week I will try 56-58 degrees and try going down if I adjust.
We are talking about a spoiled California lady here who hasn't had to worry about thermostats in many a moon! Maybe I should start looking for a nice decent man to cuddle up to. That could save money in the long run! But in the meanwhile, flannel jammies, flannel sheets and socks at night will all help lower my bill. Unfortunately my Kitty does not like to cuddle under the blankets. She is a great cat but lacking in the cuddling department.
As soon as I get used to dealing with this cold winter I will have a very hot summer to contend with. It sounds good now, but we shall see. I like Utah but really miss California. Let's see if the thermostat trick saves enough money to be worthwhile. Lisa

Double check that shopping cart!

Hi all, Here we are in a new year and the economy isn't looking any better. But just keep plugging away at these helpful hints on saving money. It's something we all have to do now.

Next time you go shopping make sure you have eaten first. You will buy less on a full stomach. Then before you actually go to the check out line, look in your cart. Do your really need everything you threw in? How about putting back that liter of soda, those box of crackers, or that ice cream. Not only will you save a little extra money but maybe also an extra couple of pounds.

We all fall prey to impulse shopping. So just do a quick double check each and every time.
Keep up the good work with coupons and savings ads and things will eventually get better. Here's hoping for a better economy soon. Lisa

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