Magazines and television shows are packed with money-saving information for homeowners. The trouble is that most people do not act on the advice. Generally, the necessary changes take too much effort or don't make any significant difference.
Of course, every banker will tell you that if you look after the pennies, the dollars will look after themselves. Home owners understand the theory but putting it into practice is another story. People will respond better if the alternative is easy and a reward is in sight. The following 'fun' money tips are meant to make you smile and save money in the bargain.
Fun Money-Saving Tips
1. Practice Aromatherapy
Starting an aromatherapy routine might seem like an extra expense. After all, lavender and gardenia oil come with a cost. (Well, usually they do, unless you can pick your own wildflowers and make your own scents - and save cents along the way.)
The cost of oils though is canceled out by the benefits of aromatherapy. The scented blends can either relax or energize you depending on whether it has the perkiness of peppermint or the calming of chamomile. Home owners will be in a better frame of mind to balance that budget or stay calm and sort out their debt.
Repeat these words of advice in your relaxed or energetic moments.
"I am the creator of my own wealth and take action today toward abundance."
2. Have A Block Sale
Don't keep all the fun of saving money to yourself. Share it with the neighbours. Have a yard or garage sale that involves the whole neighborhood or apartment complex. It doesn't even matter if you don't have a yard or a garage.
'Block' sales can make everyone money, help get rid of the clutter, and unite neighbours in a common cause. Actually, people gain more than money from these events. The occasion encourages camaraderie and fosters a sense of belonging to a community.
Don't invest all your savings, however, into a post-sale celebration with the neighbors. Save a little for a rainy day. Anyway, a rainy day doesn't seem so bad when you’re surrounded by good neighbours.
3. Shop Online
Shop online and save money! Shopping seems like a painless way to save money and it can work for you. Of course, never shop beyond your means. Yet you should compare the price of online shopping to the actual cost of heading out to the department stores.
Besides your time and the inconvenience, department store shopping can mean transportation costs (maybe more than one trip), a probable stop for lunch, and maybe a salesperson who encourages you to buy more stuff. Online shopping is free from all these hassles. Often the retailers offer free shipping and, on the average, the prices are reasonable, and you don't have to leave the comfort of your own home.
Making Perfect Sense of Dollars and Cents
Actually, it makes perfect sense that saving money works best if it is part of a fun experience. Ideally, money is not meant to be a source of stress. No doubt, the lack of money for the basics of life is an overwhelming stress – one that nobody should have to endure in our world of extravagance. Yet beyond that circumstance, money should have its place, and saving it should not take the joy out of your life. If you lose your sense of joy, no amount of cents can replace it.
What Are Your Favorite 'Fun' Money-Savings Tips?