Money Monday: Little Steps

As this year winds to a close it becomes time to reflect on the past year and make aspirations for the next one. In a totally unscientific poll of my friends the two highest things on our list of things we want to focus on in 2009 are: 1) our weight and 2) our finances. To achieve success in either one of these it takes a gradual lifestyle change, starting with little steps.

Here's a link from "The Simple Dollar" of 100 little steps that can get you saving:
http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/02/06/little-steps-100-great-tips-for-saving-money-for-those-just-getting-started/

My top 5 from the blog:

• Switch your bank accounts to a bank that respects you. (...and that's why I'm not a Wachovia customer any more...)
• Master the thirty day rule. Whenever you’re considering making an unnecessary purchase, wait thirty days and then ask yourself if you still want that item.
• Invite friends over instead of going out. (My Yankee Manfriend's favorite MO)
• Do a price comparison - and find a cheaper grocery store. (That's why I buy my packaged goods at Wal-Mart Supercenter. I get 2 weeks worth of food for $50 compared to the $70 at Food Lion and the $80 at Harris Teeter for the same items. That's a $520-$780 yearly savings a.k.a. my car insurance for the whole year. )
• Design your “debt snowball.”

Here's one more list from Jeff at "My Super-Charged Life": http://mysuperchargedlife.com/blog/20-ways-trim-your-budget-survive-hard-times-ahead/

Happy saving. :-)