tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561771429796052206.post8322928756631984424..comments2023-05-04T07:16:52.577-07:00Comments on MKL's Muse: Madd Money: What's Helped Save You the Most Money?Michael Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16180074963526979074noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561771429796052206.post-88859041423295946082008-11-06T09:28:00.000-08:002008-11-06T09:28:00.000-08:00Oh, dude, you are talking my subject now! Ever si...Oh, dude, you are talking my subject now! Ever since I decided to get out of debt a few years ago, this has become my pet subject.<BR/><BR/>1. Use a budget, but budget "fun" money. I have a budget, but I set aside money each month to use however I want--without guilt. <BR/>2. Shop clearance/sale items only. If I want something badly, then I will simply watch the ads or look online. Sometimes the wait is a long time, but eventually, you'll find a deal on the desired item.<BR/>3. When I go out to eat, order water. Spending $2.00+ on a soda that isn't healthy and costs more than a 2 liter doesn't make sense.<BR/>4. Make sure that when I use a credit card, I use one that gives back to me (cashback or rewards) and that I am able to pay the balance each month. Don't pay interest because then you're actually paying money to someone else.<BR/>5. Set aside money for saving--no matter how small. And use a FDIC approved bank with a great interest rate. I started off saving $10/paycheck because most of my money went towards my debt. But, if an emergency came up, I had cash readily available to use. Also, make it automatic--my work allows me to put my money into 3 accounts. If your work doesn't do that, most banks can be set up to take money out of your account on a specific date.Beefchehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16220912762746958102noreply@blogger.com