We accept Paypal
In Business
Since 2001
     
Owned by Bill Platt (405) 385-7038
Home for Writers for Publishers Article Directory Article Search
Buy Our Services
Article Distribution
Article Marketing Ebook
Site Navigation
Home
+ FAQ

FAQ

+ Contact Us

   Email Us

   or Call Us at:
   (405) 385-7038 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (405) 385-7038      end_of_the_skype_highlighting

+ Article Software

Use one of our Software Plugins to receive Articles from our site:

WordPress Content Plugin

Article Dashboard Content Plugin

+ About Us
+ Ebooks
+ Blogs
+ Social Media
+ Extra Pages
Search Tools
+ Search Our Articles
Article Directory
+ Authors
+ Articles
thePhantomWriters Blog
Get RSS Feed

Increase Your Profits From Google Page One
Understanding How To Be Successful With Article Marketing
Temporary Issue with Article Distributions
Computer Upgrade
New Service Upgrades in Place
Are You Paying Too Much For Traffic? Increase Clicks 40-Fold With This PPC Strategy
How To Use Disinformation To Foul Up Your Competition In The SEO Game
Tips For Writing Your Own Articles
2009 Has Been A Rough Ride
Out of Office 11-17 to 11-19 for Funeral and Meeting with Attorneys
 

13 Tips For Saving Money And Reducing Your Cost Of Living

Copyright (c) 2009-2010 Fred Vanhoosen

 
During this current economic downturn, people are rediscovering how to save money during hard times. In this article, we document thirteen of the most useful tips for helping you and your family save money and reduce your overall expenses.

While it is true that there are two ways to regain control of your personal finances (1. Cut costs; and 2. Increase income), the saving money part is far easier for most people to accomplish. If in fact you are seeking out new sources of income to supplement your current income, you should review this article (http://tinyurl.com/lnm282) that shows you where you can find telecommuting jobs online.

If you are looking for a job, then find a job. But if you are looking to discover old and new ways to save money, then read the thirteen money saving tips shown here:

1. Do you find yourself reading more news online and only reading the paper for comics or coupons? Then bookmark both a comics website and printable coupons site (like coupons.com) and cancel the newspaper. Save paper and money on delivery.

2. Don't buy it unless you know that you will use it for certain. The "this might be handy" purchases can drain money and closet space, when you find that the maybe situations don't come up.

3. Some utility companies give the option of installing a power meter that shows you energy consumption for the entire house at any given moment. This constant awareness of the consumption rate can lead home owners to cut back, where a monthly bill might not be enough motivation.

4. Get rid of the garbage disposal. It encourages you to get rid of waste by dumping it down the sink. If you have to put it in the trash, you have a stronger visual signal of how much food was wasted, and thus a better reason to either eat the food or not fix as much. This also saves water, since garbage disposals require water to work appropriately. It is best to compost, but even putting it in the trash is better than putting it down the sink and wasting both food and water at the same time.

5. You're thinking of planting a garden. Although ease of growing and food preferences are factors, don't forget to pick plants or plant varieties that require little water, fertilizer, and pesticides.

6. Take your shoes off inside the house. It reduces wear and tear on shoes, which are more expensive than socks, and reduces the scuff marks you have to clean up.

7. Like an exercise program? Ask about becoming an assistant instructor or motivator. It would most likely be free to do, but even if the venue wants to charge you money to be an assistant, you can likely get the classes at a reduced cost.

8. Only get magnetic bumper stickers. There's no clean up necessary when you change your mind, you can put it on your fridge or work cubicle at a whim, and can be removed in locations where such sentiments can get your car keyed.

9. Gambling never makes money, so do not go into a casino unless you work there.

10. If you indulge in "retail therapy", shopping for a pick me up, look for a job as a mystery shopper. And then do not go into the store unless paid to do so. At the very least, only shop when someone else is paying for the merchandise.

11. If you are in debt, don't touch the alcohol - unless you're serving it to someone else. This is a vice that is doubly crucial to contain, since we often do stupid things under the influence of alcohol. From drunk driving (and expensive tickets) to purchases and conversations we would not make when sober (both physically and emotionally costly). When the financial stress begins to mount, step away from the alcohol. This will certainly save your budget, and possibly far, far more.

12. Do not drink the coffee unless it is fueling your night shift job, and thus is a justifiable business expense. Even in this case, skip the Starbucks latte for Dunkin Donuts or McDonald's coffee. Better yet, make your own coffee and brown bag it in a thermos to work to save even more money. And having your own coffee at hand can reduce the temptation to buy a snack while already in line to buy the coffee.

13. True emergencies are defined by something physical being broken: your bones, your car, your roof. We often think of an emotional disaster as an emergency, and then spend part of our emergency fund to make it better. Don't break into your financial piggy bank when something physical isn't broken. Broken hearts because you won't go on a cruise with someone or mall trip for the weekend do not count. Breaking the mold and expectations - like not sending the kids on a summer camp when you are worried about paying the credit card bill - are completely acceptable. Redefine your emergencies for which you touch your emergency fund.

While it may seem like all is lost right now in your time of need, it is important to always keep a positive mental attitude. Stress kills, and besides, it is easier to uncover the good times that await you if you are in a good mood now and into the future.


About The Author:
Fred Vanhoosen writes about money issues. While he recommends that one should be careful about using payday loans in times of dire need, he also knows that sometimes we need fast access to fast money to cover an unexpected expense. When that happens, Fred recommends http://www.fastcash4all.net/ for your cash advance needs.

Follow "The Phantom Writers" on Twitter (@phantomwriters)
to be notified when new articles are made available.


VOTE ON THIS ARTICLE
Needs Work >> 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 << Excellent Article

Tell our authors what you think about their article.


Top-Level Category: Family Articles || Related Categories: Finance Articles and Shopping Articles

10 Most Recent Articles Written by Fred Vanhoosen

Easy Tips To Reduce Your Cost Of Living And Survive Recession
Written by: Fred Vanhoosen | Distributed: 2009-07-14 | Word Count: 505 | Page Views: 445 | Votes: 13 | Rating: 2.46
Recession is a period of general economic decline and we need to prepare for it. Surviving the recession is much easier when you are prepared for it. Here are some tips for surviving the current economic crisis.

21 Plus Tips To Help You Recover From A Personal Financial Crisis
Written by: Fred Vanhoosen | Distributed: 2009-07-07 | Word Count: 2200 | Page Views: 435 | Votes: 13 | Rating: 1.69
In this article, we show you exactly how we were able to overcome a recent financial crisis in our family's personal finances. We detail 21 primary tips that can help you reduce your overall cost of living, but we also include other tips that can help you to recover your finances enough to survive the crisis.

A Baker's Dozen of Grocery Coupon Websites And Resources
Written by: Fred Vanhoosen | Distributed: 2009-07-07 | Word Count: 580 | Page Views: 445 | Votes: 13 | Rating: 2.38
In the past, many people read newspaper and magazine articles about and watched news segments showing others who often food shop for free using coupons. The average family often does not have the time to organize and purchase food in bulk to make such a stupendous leap into savings. But, by following the links in the article and visiting the referenced websites once a month, any family can learn how to cut their grocery costs from a little to a lot...

Seven Tips That Could Add Hundreds Of Dollars To Your Monthly Budget
Written by: Fred Vanhoosen | Distributed: 2009-04-23 | Word Count: 1348 | Page Views: 445 | Votes: 6 | Rating: 3.33
In this article, we offer seven tips that if used can help the average American family reduce their living expenses by at least $100 per month.

When Pennies Count, These Budgeting Tips Could Save You Hundreds of Dollars Per Month
Written by: Fred Vanhoosen | Distributed: 2009-04-22 | Word Count: 911 | Page Views: 400 | Votes: 5 | Rating: 2.20
The current state of the economy has been a wake-up call for many people and it's causing them to get serious about saving money and eliminating debt now. This article will give you a lot of ideas on how to reduce your spending, pay off your debts, and move more money into savings - through the current recession or any financial emergency you may experience.

Tips For Restoring Your Credit In The Aftermath Of Foreclosure
Written by: Fred Vanhoosen | Distributed: 2009-03-19 | Word Count: 1621 | Page Views: 356 | Votes: 8 | Rating: 1.75
If you have met foreclosure or bankruptcy and you are wondering about your ability to rebuild your credit, this article will be useful to you, as it shows you several techniques for rebuilding credit after foreclosure, repossession or bankruptcy.

Is Government Working For You - Or Are You Working For Government?
Written by: Fred Vanhoosen | Distributed: 2009-01-28 | Word Count: 1028 | Page Views: 445 | Votes: 6 | Rating: 2.17
The new Congress and President are hard-at-work trying to push through a new economic stimulus package. Our elected leaders are claim the stimulus package will cost $825 billion. To put the $825 billion into perspective, the government could give a $17,000 check to every American and the numbers would add up to the same amount of the new stimulus package...

Available Loan Products During a Credit Crunch
Written by: Fred Vanhoosen | Distributed: 2008-12-10 | Word Count: 1273 | Page Views: 529 | Votes: 4 | Rating: 1.75
As we turn on the news each day or pick up our local newspaper, we are inundated with the bad news about the effects of the credit crunch on the larger economy. With so much bad news about the economy, it is easy to believe that the credit crunch is deep running and affecting every sector of the economy. But the truth of the matter is that the credit crunch is pretty much regional in nature and it is only affecting certain types of lending. Continue reading this article as we explain this assertion.

Payday Loans - Convenience and Danger
Written by: Fred Vanhoosen | Distributed: 2008-12-08 | Word Count: 1027 | Page Views: 554 | Votes: 6 | Rating: 3.17
Payday / Cash Advance Loans are a godsend for those consumers who truly have a temporary short-term cash need, but what is a blessing for one consumer can easily be a nightmare in the offing for another consumer whose financial needs are more dire and long-term in nature. Get the facts before you select this kind of loan product.

All of Author's Articles on this site: Fred Vanhoosen Articles

Most Recent "Family" Articles

Alpaca Wear Makes Terrific Gifts for Men and Women
Written by: Robert Moore | Distributed: 2010-07-27 | Word Count: 772 | Page Views: 83
Alpaca wear has a long and venerable history and the first record of Alpacas was in the Andean mountains. Alpacas were perfect for producing a fiber suitable for protecting these people from their extreme climate. Alpaca fiber is similar to wool and known for its beauty, luster, warmth, and stain resistance.

Top Ten 'Mistakes' Made by Parents America
Written by: Ryan Hogan | Distributed: 2010-04-27 | Word Count: 970 | Page Views: 275
On one hand the word "mistake" may be too harsh. Every child is different and only you really know if your offspring is happy and flourishing. Therefore, who is to say what a parenting mistake is and is not? On the other hand, "mistake" may not be harsh enough.

Picking A Baby Name That Will Survive The Test Of Time
Written by: Amanda van Hess | Distributed: 2010-02-16 | Word Count: 833 | Page Views: 250
For as long as man has walked upon the earth, and tribes of people have had a common language, new parents have struggled with the names to give to their offspring. In this article, we analyze the popularity of biblical baby names through the last 130 years, until the present...

Baby Names For Twins - Double The Trouble
Written by: Amanda van Hess | Distributed: 2010-02-09 | Word Count: 700 | Page Views: 254
Deciding on a baby name is tough enough without having to decide for two - twins that is... Twins are double the fun and double the trouble. Once mom realizes that she is sporting two under the hood, the challenges of naming her unborn children becomes much more difficult. Should she just choose two distinct names, or should she choose two names that fit well together or have a relationship to one another?

Tips For Naming A Baby, When You Want To Be Surprised By The Baby's Sex
Written by: Amanda van Hess | Distributed: 2010-02-03 | Word Count: 834 | Page Views: 263
In recent years, with the availability of inexpensive ultrasound procedures, it seems that all soon-to-be parents are racing to have an ultrasound done to learn the sex of their unborn baby. However, many new parents still prefer finding out the sex of their new baby on his or her birthday. Much like waiting to open a Christmas gift on Christmas morning, some parents prefer to learn the sex of the child on his or her day of birth. Of course, this offers real challenges to new parents, when naming their new child.

What's Important in a Relationship
Written by: James Kern | Distributed: 2010-01-14 | Word Count: 644 | Page Views: 257 | Votes: 3 | Rating: 3.00
Unless you know what your partner really wants from you, then you have very little chance in hell to have a fulfilling relationship. Find our today exactly what your partner wants from you.

Why A Girl Doesn't Really Need An Engagement Ring
Written by: Elizabeth Johnson | Distributed: 2009-12-30 | Word Count: 748 | Page Views: 240 | Votes: 1 | Rating: 2.00
The circumstances of life and occurrences in the heat of the moment may lead to marriage proposals, without the engagement ring in hand... When my dad asked my husband his intentions with me, my then-boyfriend blurted out a request for marriage... The only problem was...

Uncovering The Hidden Activities of The Cheating Spouse
Written by: Donny Prentice | Distributed: 2009-12-08 | Word Count: 1048 | Page Views: 840 | Votes: 5 | Rating: 2.60
If you suspect a spouse of cheating, chances are really good that your instincts are correct. It is not uncommon for friends and family to attempt to dismiss your suspicions as an overactive imagination. Read this article to explore the various ways to uncover a cheating spouse.

A Cheating Spouse Is Easily Caught
Written by: Donny Prentice | Distributed: 2009-12-01 | Word Count: 1022 | Page Views: 989 | Votes: 8 | Rating: 2.38
If you suspect that your spouse is cheating on you, then your suspicions are probably right, but you should be forewarned that your friends and family are probably going to assure you that it is all in your head.

Your Marriage Can Be Saved, If You Are The Source Of The Communication Problems
Written by: Donny Prentice | Distributed: 2009-11-25 | Word Count: 707 | Page Views: 259 | Votes: 1 | Rating: 2.00
The leading cause of divorce in the United States today is marriage - always has been, and always will be. But joking aside, one of the leading causes of divorce is the unwillingness to communicate or listen to one another.

Most Viewed "Family" Articles

Girls Sleepover Party Ideas
Written by: Jillian Gallo | Distributed: 2008-09-16 | Word Count: 837 | Page Views: 10400 | Votes: 116 | Rating: 2.09
Throwing a sleepover for your daughter is one of the most memorable events she will have from her childhood. Regardless of her age, these parties make memories she will take with her as she grows up. How can you make these nights more memorable? By following a few tips, you can make the most out of your daughter's next sleepover.

Graduation Flowers Are At The Head Of The Class
Written by: Wesley Berry, AAF | Distributed: 2008-04-24 | Word Count: 538 | Page Views: 5991 | Votes: 23 | Rating: 1.74
The coming of spring signals new beginnings, and each year many young adults take the first steps toward that new beginning when they walk across the stage to accept a diploma at their graduation ceremony. Of course, with graduation comes excitement, smiles, tears, a big celebration, and lots of wonderful memories. One way to help make the day even more beautiful and memorable is with flowers.

Acid Reflux Recovery Diet and Recipes Presents the Perfect Cold Weather Dinner
Written by: Charles Stewart Richey | Distributed: 2006-10-17 | Word Count: 1394 | Page Views: 2379 | Votes: 11 | Rating: 2.18
As the leaves start to turn to fall colors and in the evenings we are tempted to sit by a warm fire, hearty food comes to mind. The fall and winter bring a host of root vegetables, squashes greens and fruit from which hearty meals can be easily made. The challenge is to keep these dishes healthy - that means keeping them as alkaline as possible. When attempting to reverse the symptoms of acid reflux, diet is probably the most important consideration.

ADD/ADHD – Developing Confidence in School
Written by: Susan Kruger | Distributed: 2006-10-03 | Word Count: 1155 | Page Views: 2359 | Votes: 11 | Rating: 2.09
ADD/ADHD certainly presents is challenges, but there is no reason why an ADHD diagnosis has to stand in your way of feeling confident and achieving success. This article explains why having ADHD is really a good thing and introduces three steps you can do to reach your greatest potential.

New Year. New Semester. New Homework Solutions.
Written by: Susan Kruger | Distributed: 2007-01-18 | Word Count: 646 | Page Views: 2133 | Votes: 6 | Rating: 3.00
Learn how to identify specific homework problems and create easy systems to solve them.

How To Identify Toxic Black Mold
Written by: Daryl Watters | Distributed: 2007-05-08 | Word Count: 405 | Page Views: 2103 | Votes: 13 | Rating: 2.31
Need toxic black mold or stachybotrys toxic mold testing information or mold inspector information. Certified Florida based mold assessor and inspection firm serving Broward Dade and Palm Beach County including Miami and Ft Lauderdale. Conduction Florida mold testing IAQ testing for commercial and home house mold and indoor air quality problems. Florida mold inspection.

How To Make A Picture Perfect Wedding Album
Written by: Cheryl Miller | Distributed: 2006-05-25 | Word Count: 629 | Page Views: 2090 | Votes: 11 | Rating: 2.64
Your friend is getting married and on this biggest day of her life you want to give her something she will be able to treasure for years to come. Why not make her a special wedding album? Here are 7 of the most popular poses and how to make them into life-long gems.

Pepper Spray: How Does it Feel to Get Blasted?
Written by: Fred Cheney | Distributed: 2007-12-18 | Word Count: 477 | Page Views: 1993 | Votes: 13 | Rating: 2.85
It's something to think about. What would happen if you tried to use pepper spray and it sprayed into your own eyes? And, could you accidentally blind someone with it? Permanently maim them? What are the effects of pepper spray? These are important questions and they certainly have answers.

Symbolism Of Wedding Rings
Written by: Marc Choyt | Distributed: 2007-08-16 | Word Count: 662 | Page Views: 1992 | Votes: 6 | Rating: 3.33
The sacred commitment of exchanging wedding rings has deep roots. The author discusses the historical and magical symbolism behind wedding rings, based on traditions that stretch back thousands of years. The article shows how at best a wedding ring combines the art of the jeweler, the reverence of the betrothed, and the beauty of love and partnership in a single, resonant symbol.

Acid Reflux From Birth To The Grave?
Written by: Charles Stewart Richey | Distributed: 2006-10-10 | Word Count: 947 | Page Views: 1961 | Votes: 6 | Rating: 2.33
My poor little mother...how horrifying it must have been to have her first born child reject her own mother's milk. She had dreamed about having her first baby since she was a small girl. It would be such a wonderfully nourishing experience to hold her new born child while suckling her breast. What normal mother has not enjoyed these fantasies about child birth? She was so young and delicate and naive.

Highest Ranked "Family" Articles

Home Alone Child Safety
Written by: Jerry Tarrer | Distributed: 2007-03-21 | Word Count: 1038 | Page Views: 742 | Votes: 5 | Rating: 4.40
Your child's safety depends to a large part on good communication between you and your children. This is especially true of two-income families, and single parent families where the children are left alone for extended periods of time and have to care for themselves.

PB and Js And Licking The Bowl - The Joys Of A Kid Friendly Kitchen!
Written by: Pamela Cole Harris | Distributed: 2008-02-14 | Word Count: 554 | Page Views: 555 | Votes: 6 | Rating: 4.00
Remember licking the bowl when you were a kid? Or making your own peanut butter sandwiches with grape, or better yet strawberry, jelly? Mmmmm... the smell of homemade oatmeal cookies! And they were even better because you knew you helped make them! Kitchens can be a place of special memories for kids of any generation. Are you building those memories with your children or do you view the kitchen as a dangerous place for kids?

Potty Training Made Easy
Written by: Kim Michael | Distributed: 2009-04-07 | Word Count: 507 | Page Views: 440 | Votes: 5 | Rating: 4.00
If you're the parent of a toddler, you are probably looking for the right signs that your child is ready to be potty trained. Potty training your child can be a frustrating time in your life. When your child is ready to be potty trained, they will provide to you clues that the timing is right. If you capitalize on these clues, and use the right tools, this can be an exciting time in your life, as well as your child's.

Educational Toys Can Be Fun
Written by: Kim Michael | Distributed: 2009-04-01 | Word Count: 521 | Page Views: 392 | Votes: 7 | Rating: 3.86
Most parents these days are looking for toys that can be both educational and fun. When playing with our children, parents want to teach as well as have fun.

As A Woman Thinking Of Divorce, Is It Necessary To Hire A Divorce Lawyer?
Written by: Cathi Adams | Distributed: 2007-06-14 | Word Count: 509 | Page Views: 832 | Votes: 8 | Rating: 3.75
Couples finding themselves in the middle of divorce proceedings are growing in number each year. Some studies are showing that over 50 percent of first time marriages will end in divorce, with subsequent marriages ending at even higher percentages! That means a lot of people looking for the expertise of divorce lawyers.

How An Envelope Online Budgeting System Can Help You Take Control Of Your Finances
Written by: Gust Lenglet | Distributed: 2007-06-22 | Word Count: 626 | Page Views: 829 | Votes: 6 | Rating: 3.67
Have you ever felt that your hard-earned cash is slipping through your fingers? Are you genuinely surprised by how much money you and your family spend? Do you regularly run out of money before the end of the month? Are you racking up credit card debts to fund the difference between what you earn and what you spend? Do you wish that you had more control over your personal budget or your household budget? Don't just sit there, take control over your finances.

Want to Know Where to Go in Boston?
Written by: Mark Anderson | Distributed: 2008-10-10 | Word Count: 1075 | Page Views: 593 | Votes: 6 | Rating: 3.67
Ever since the colonial days, Boston has been one of the most intriguing cities in the United States. Its rich history is rivaled only by the vast amount of things it has to offer. Whether you're a college student, child, or an adult, there is plenty to find in Boston Massachusetts. From sports and nightlife to culture and nature, there is truly something for everyone. Let's look at what Bean Town has to offer.

How Can Bible Study Help Kids Grow Up?
Written by: Adam Barnett | Distributed: 2007-10-23 | Word Count: 463 | Page Views: 1467 | Votes: 11 | Rating: 3.64
Bible study is probably the number one way to keep your kids on the right path, and keep them out of trouble. We can't watch our kids all day and night, and we can't keep bad influences from coming to them. But what we CAN do is make sure they know wrong from right. This will help them when they face problems and major decisions on their own.

How To Pick The Best Camping Tent
Written by: Marc Wiltse | Distributed: 2007-06-26 | Word Count: 1187 | Page Views: 859 | Votes: 8 | Rating: 3.63
A good camping tent keeps you dry, comfortable, and provides protection. Unfortunately if you don't know what you're looking for, you're probably going to waste money.

Finding True Love Through Intimacy
Written by: Daniel Linder, MFT | Distributed: 2006-06-02 | Word Count: 1466 | Page Views: 1784 | Votes: 10 | Rating: 3.60
A lot of people have been asking about true love; is there such a thing; if so, what is it? Is it attainable; if so, how attainable is it? If it were just love, I wouldn't have so much difficulty. But, true love?





Article Statistics
Find This Article Title In The Search Engines:

Widow Search
Right Blinker
Google
Yahoo!
Zuula
Bing
Cuil

Last Distribution Date:
2009-07-09 10:24:00

Word Count: 899

Total Views: 382
Views This Month: 6
Views Last Month: 21

Article Rating: 2.42 of 5
Votes Cast: 12


Author Overall Stats:

Times Viewed Overall: 4428
Author Overall Rating:
2.30 of 5
Votes Cast Overall: 86


More Articles By This Author:

Articles On This Website

Article Reprint Rights
Creative Commons License

This work is
licensed under a
Creative Commons
License


You are not required to show the creative commons license notice when you reprint this work.
Article Publishing Tools
Print Article
Email-to-Blog
HTML Source Code
Text Newsletter Format
Link Back HTML

Blog Publishing Tools

Internal ID: #6843

Education For Careers




All Articles are Copyright © 2001-2010 of the Defined Authors.

All other material and images on this site are:
Copyright © 2001-2010, ThePhantomWriters.com