The money saving tips starts here....

This journal is dedicated to my Grandma, Joyce, who died many years ago and my Mom who I love. They taught me how to save money many years ago. May God Bless them both, Grandma in heaven and Mom by me!I know everyone is short on money these days. These are tips that I have learned over the years that might lower how much money you use in your life. Savings that you can use for something else or to saves in a emergency.
Tip #1: CUT UP ALL CREDIT CARDS. The thing is people who has credit cards spend money they don't have and it bites them in the butt sooner than later. Like my aunt to pays off one credit card with another credit card putting her more and more in the hole. Stop it today! Chop them up! If you don't have the money for that thing you need save up for it. I even saved up for a new computer tower before my old one died. It feels better that you own the item than having to pay it back with interest. Check card is fine but credit cards are a no no. This moves into tip # 2.
Tip #2: GRANDMA'S ENVELOPES. No it is not something my grandma did. The point is when you get your check you have envelopes for groceries, gas, savings, etc. Make a plan on what you need for the month ahead of time. What you have in those envelopes is what you use for the month. Period. No more no less.
Tip #3: COUPONS. Lots of them. Not everyone can afford the Sunday paper every week or even once a month so there is a good way to get coupons with out the paper. One of the two print off coupons off the Internet but also (especially if you live in a area that don't take the Internet coupons) to call the 800 numbers on the back of the item. 9 times out of 10 they will give you coupons. For the ones who say only in the news paper complain. Tell them you can't afford the paper and/or don't take internet coupons. I have had some who only had them in the paper change to giving coupons when you call them. Consumer suggestens is very important to them and sometimes what the customers want the customers get in most cases.
Tip #4: TURN OFF LIGHTS! Turn off all lights. If you are not going in there or not going back in the room you are in shut off the lights. Also if you are not using your computer turn the computer. That just sucks up the energy. It save on electricity, the environment, and money. Tip #5: THRIFT STORES. Thrifts stores has some great stuff. It may be "used" but they have new or like new stuff. If you don't believe me about new. I volunteer at a thrift store and clothing comes in with tags still on. Never even warn with a cheaper price than a place that sells only new items.
Tip #6: SOLAR POWER. If you own your own home put solar panels in. It may cost up frount but it will save money in the long run. If it gives a lot of energy the electric company might pay you!!
Tip #7: USED BOOK STORES. If you a reader like me and have books that you know will never read take them into a used book store. They will buy your books and will either give you a store credit to get a different book or give you money to use for something else.
Tip #8: SHADES. If the summer close all your curtain that is facing the south. That is where the strongest sun comes from and with it shut it will make things a lot cooler for you and save on the air conditioning that cools your home.
Tip #9: SHORT SHOWERS. If you pay for your water you know it cost a arm and a leg. One way is to take shorter showers. Take a 5 minute shower instead of a 10 minute shower. It will save on water and money.
Tip#10: SAMPLES. Oh these are fun. You see some on TV where they save if you go on this web sight or call a number to get a free sample. First thing is to make sure that you don't have to pay for shipping and handling (that really isn't free if you have to pay that in my mind). Also go on http://www.pgeverydaysolutions.com/ and sign up for the free samples and coupons. It is all free and they will send it by mail to your home!
Tip#11: SAVE HEAT. If you live in apartment like I do it can get kind of drafty (from the windows) in there and make you more cold. Cover up some of those drafty places by the windows! All you need is rolled up towels! If you cannot seal them up then cover them up!
Tip #12: NEEDING HELP. If you are as bad as me and my Mom is in this economy you might need some help from different organizations. I was inspired to make a blog that had all the information in one spot. So go to my other blog called Helping Hands that has all the information you will need. The web sight is http://helphand101.blogspot.com/ . There is also going to your local food panteries and federal organizations that might can give you food stamps and housing assistance. Also if you are homeless look for a local homeless shelter in your area. Best place to look is the phone book or on the internet.
Tip #13: COMPAIR. My Grandma many years ago when we went shopping we went store to store to get the best deals. Now a days we have places like Walmart that matches prices. To do this store flyers is the best place to look. If you can't afford the news paper (who can these days) you can go to a store to look at the flyers. Compair the prices. Then go to a store that compairs prices. You can really save a lot of money that way!
Tip#14: LIGHT BULB SWITCHING TIME. Switch your light bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs. They cost more but they last for about 5 years and they truely save money on the energy bill. Trust me when I switch to them the watts went down. Tip #15: USED TIME! Used DVD, CDs, and video games are a great thing. There are stores that sells those used items. You can get money for all those that you don't want and if you want to buy you can save about half. I found a brand new video for half the price and it wasn't even opened! It is amazing what you can find!

Tip #16: WIND POWER! I know this will cost money but it will save you money in the end. Trubines are a great thing. I don't understand how some people hate the turbines. I think they are great. They are just a big wind mill. If it saves money and keeps away from nuclear power I love it!

May God Bless You All In Your Journy In Life!!!