Thrift Takes Creativity ~ Words of Wisdom

When G. K. Chesterton originally wrote, "Thrift is poetic because it is creative; waste is unpoetic because it is waste," it was in the context of upcycling trash--using everything you can.  Upcycling does take creativity.  Being thrifty with a budget also takes a creative thought process.

I often say, "we need to get creative to lower our utility bills," or some other area of our budget.  When it comes to groceries a creative menu can go a long way in reducing weekly grocery budget. The use of sales, printable coupons and money saving apps for grocery shopping [like Ibotta and SavingStar] takes creativity in combining the three to create a perfect deal.

So the next time you want to work on saving money,  let your imagination run wild and see how creative thrift can be poetic.

Pinch the Pennies and the Dollars Will Follow ~ Words of Wisdom

Whether we want to save for a rainy day, an emergency fund, a special trip or just need to stretch the dollars in our budget, we must watch the pennies.  It's the little leaks in our plans that can sink them, and if we watch those pennies we will automatically watch the dollars.  So the next time you are evaluating a financial goal you have be sure to "take care of the pennies and the dollars will take care of themselves."

Finish the Journey By Taking the First Step ~ Words of Wisdom

A more accurate translation would be "The journey of a thousand miles begins beneath one's feet," which reminds me I am standing on the starting line of my goal and it's up to me alone to start the journey.  This proverb has helped me reach many a goal in my life, from money to health to organization.  Tho the journey ahead seems impossibly long, when I take that first step the end seems much closer and doable.

In the financial realm I think of it as "A journey of a thousand dollars begins with a single dollar."  Whether I am longing for a new outfit or a new car, I need to begin where I am standing by cutting expenses and tucking away that first dollar.  And by staying on track and putting one foot, or one dollar, in front of the other I can reach my financial goal.

So the next time you have a financial goal, remember a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step and take that first step.  Then with one step dollar at a time you will reach your journey's end.

Stop Dreaming: Wake Up and Work ~ Words of Wisdom

Earning and saving money doesn't come by accident.  If all we do is dream of having savings, it will be just that, a dream.  To become a reality we must "stay up and work for it."  The harder we work, the sooner we will reach our goal.

Sometimes it just takes that first step to get us moving, like saving our loose change.  Then it often seems to snowball and our goal is met and surpassed.  So next time you are dreaming about having more savings or spending cash, wake up and start working towards your goal.

Inch by Inch ~ Words of Wisdom

One of my favorite sayings is "By the inch it's a cinch, by the yard it is hard."  It has helped me thru many a goal as it reminds me to break it down into manageable steps and it will be much easier.

I have also found it true when it comes to earning and saving money.  Two personal experiences are earning extra cash thru Swagbucks and paying off our home mortgage early.

Earning a Little Extra Cash Inch by Inch

Swagbucks is an online earning site that rewards members points called SB for different activities.  By the hour it is a horrible income, but by spending some spare time and working on it while I do other things (like typing this post, folding laundry, working in the kitchen, eating meals) It's a Cinch to earn $25 to $50 extra dollars each