Frugally Taking Control of Your Financial Fate

2013 Frugally Taking Control of Your Financial Fate

Frugality. It’s easier said than done, but if you want 2013 to be the year you save big then maybe it’s time to think frugal and wrest control of your financial destiny.

But how can you go about putting the plan in action? Take these steps and before you know it you’ll quickly find yourself well on the way to financial independence.

Change Your Money Thoughts

Your financial thought process goes a long way towards determining if you’re ready to take control of your financial fate. What should you be on the lookout for?

Many people have come to view their finances as something out of their control; beyond a few attempts at cutting costs they believe they’re mostly at the mercy of others – their bosses, the stock market and the dreaded “recession”.

Let’s put a stop to that now, You can make the difference, and whatever happens in 2013 no one has more to gain from your finances.  Before moving forward you need to realise your money is your responsibility.

Create New Income Streams

If your only source of income is your day job, then you need to create a new source of income so that you’re no longer relying on just one paycheck.

How you go about this can differ depending on your skills; you may have a valuable skill you can use outside of the workplace, or you could consider picking up a part time job, there are many different ways to diversify your income and by having a healthy cash flow from several different sources, you’re ensuring financial stability if the worst should happen.   Look to save your money with a range of savings alternatives out there such as an investment plan or a fixed rate bond account, sites like Fair Investment Company, MoneySuperMarket and money.co.uk, offer a range of deals for those looking to save on their capital and maximise their returns. [Read more...]

Dieting on a Budget – Part 5

Due to lack of transportation, we only go shopping once a month, sometimes every other month, so fresh fruit is not often possible in my diet. I substitute with fruit muffins, fruit oatmeal, and canned fruit when I need to. Fruit is very important to a balanced diet. I eat a lot of plain cereal – cornflakes, chex cereal, etc. – because they are low in calories and easy to buy store brand versions. Not many people find these palatable alone. Do NOT add sugar, add fruit instead. It will add to your calorie/cost but will pay you back with important nutrients, and is a much better option than sugar. However, don’t over do the fruit, natural fructose found in fruit is just as high in sugar content as regular sugar

You will notice that I don’t include dinner in my menu plans. Since most people eat dinner with their families without also subjecting the entire household to a low calorie plan, I have left dinner up to the individual. Eat whatever your family is having. Each menu plan will list how many calories the other 5 meals have consumed and how many calories that would be left for dinner, based on a 2000 calorie daily intake.

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Dieting on a Budget – Part 4

I have a sweet tooth. I know it. I admit it. I indulge it. Daily. I pay attention to serving size. If four cookies are a single serving, I only eat four cookies. One pop tart is a serving. I save the other pop tart in the pack for later, or give it to my daughter. If I don’t feed my sweet tooth, I end up feeling deprived and then a junk food binge is more likely.

You will notice that I don’t include dinner in my menu plans. Since most people eat dinner with their families without also subjecting the entire household to a low calorie plan, I have left dinner up to the individual. Eat whatever your family is having. Each menu plan will list how many calories the other 5 meals have consumed and how many calories that would be left for dinner, based on a 2000 calorie daily intake.

[Read more...]

Dieting on a Budget – Part 3

My menus are pretty high in carbs which may not work for everyone. I lead a pretty active life and I was taught that carbs equal energy. I don’t drive, so I walk at least 2 miles traveling to work and back and need as much energy as I can get. Plus, I just love sandwiches. I think I could live on bologna sandwiches if I tried to.

You will notice that I don’t include dinner in my menu plans. Since most people eat dinner with their families without also subjecting the entire household to a low calorie plan, I have left dinner up to the individual. Eat whatever your family is having. Each menu plan will list how many calories the other 5 meals have consumed and how many calories that would be left for dinner, based on a 2000 calorie daily intake.

[Read more...]

Thrifty Thursday-Frugal Solution for Getting Rid of Ants

Getting rid of ants can be a nightmare. When I owned my home in SW Florida we had the small sugar ants (and they were everywhere). I tried everything the hardware store recommended. I would estimate I spent well over $50 on sprays, traps, and special powders. Not only was this far from frugal, but the smells of the sprays were horrible. I am sure they weren’t healthy either. Even worse, the ants came back within days. By the way, this happened no matter how much we kept the house clean.

Finally, I was talking to a fellow teacher just before we got out of school for the summer. We were going on vacation and I thought I would just spray the heck out of the house before I left. She told me there was a simple solution. She told me to put talcum powder around the baseboards and near the cupboards. I was hesitant but ready to try anything. I had powder in the house, so I was willing to try it out.

We came home two weeks later. The house was ant free! I never had an issue after that either. If you have an ant problem, I highly recommend giving it a try.

Did you miss last week’s Thrifty Thursday?