CNCAI Personal Finance

In spite of the “recession” you can find lots of items whose prices have been slashed in an attempt to make them more appealing for consumers to buy.  Everything from electronic to automobiles have had some sort of sale, but one item who’s cost has remained stagnate or in fact even increased is clothing.  Clothing is a necessity right?  We cant go without buying new clothes, if not for us for our kids right.  Well guess what there are still ways to save on clothing.  Below are some tips to help you the next time head for a wardrobe update.

• Buy next year’s winter clothes at the end of this season and save. The styles won’t change that much (if at all) and you will pocket a big difference in the price.
• Buying an $80 pair of shoes that will last saves money in the long run instead of having to buy 3 pairs of $35 shoes that don’t hold up.
• Stick with the basics. You can always be sure you clothing styles will last from year to year when you buy perennial stand-bys such as medium length A-line skirts and solid tailored blazers for women or neutral color shirts and tailored to semi-tailored sports coats for men.

Today everyone wants to cut back on expenses and or find ways to save money.  Budgets help us allocate where our money goes when it comes to paying bills.  But how do you go about cutting out spending money on unnecessary things.  Try a one month spending fast where you and your family only spend money on necessities.  Necessities do not include the cup of Starbucks you must have in the morning before you head to the office or the must have CD of the week.  I know I know you need that cup of Java to get you through your day but you can brew it yourself for $5 for a whole bad of coffee as opposed to the $5 per day cup.  During the spending fast you cannot eat out (unless a non household member is treating you), and yes this includes lunch.  You must plan your meals for the month and purchase the items from the grocery store.  As for lunch brown bag it or what a way to get rid of those leftovers by eating them for lunch the next day.  Next is entertainment instead of taking your family to the movies ($8 -$10 per person not including snacks) have a family game night instead or go to the park.  Not only do you save money but it gives you a chance to spend quality time with your loved ones.  If you are single start reading the book you purchased but haven’t gotten around to reading.  Ladies instead of paying $50 for a manicure and pedicure have a girls night at your house invites the girls over and you all exchange manicure and pedicure services.   At the end of the month tally up all the money you saved during the month by not spending on luxuries and put into an interest bearing savings account.

At a time when saving money is so important, grocery shopping is one place where you can pinch pennies, and not have to go without.  The number one thing that comes to mind is shopping with coupons. You can find them in your Sunday newspaper, magazines, and online. There are a lot of websites that are dedicated to bringing you good cents off coupons every week. Trade with your friends, also. If you are looking for specific coupons, go to the company website.  They have coupons that aren’t found elsewhere.  Do your shopping near the middle of the week when prices haven’t gone up in anticipation of brisk weekend traffic. Shop the sales, even if it means going to a few different stores. Compare prices from store to store. If you have a large family to feed, buy in bulk, and freeze or store your purchases. The one dollar stores carry a huge variety of food now, and some of your best buys can be gotten here.  They also carry an abundance of name brand soaps, detergents, toothpaste and other non-food items. Although they don’t usually take manufacturers coupons, the price you pay is low enough to make it worth it!  If you do your homework you can save quite a bit of money on your grocery bill. Shop with a list, and stick to it. Don’t buy on impulse, and don’t shop when you are hungry, because all those goodies that you normally don’t buy will just be too tempting to resist.