Are you one of many Americans stressed about rising gas prices and the
affect it will have on your finances? Small lifestyle changes now could
lead to major savings and less worries about high gas prices or future
money problems.
Being
"Nickeled and Dimed" applies to consumers unable to account for the
money they spend: cash back from an ATM transactions, luxury spending
or anything not categorized in a monthly budget. Luxury items like that
morning cup of coffee may not seem expensive on your way to work, but
over time can add up to the cost of a new car!
Family Credit Counseling Service offers some tips to save your money, and avoid money worries:
1. Morning Latte & Muffin Test: Your daily dose of caffeine and
muffin on your way to work may run $7.00 per day or more. Consider
breakfast at home and save $150 per month or $9,100 in five years!
2.
Soda/ Bottled Water Test: Purchasing that refreshment at the local
convenience store could cost $1.50 per bottle, costing you over $45 per
month or $2,700 over five years! Consider purchasing beverages from
discount or wholesale stores to add even more money to your pocket.
3. Cigarette Test: The average cost of cigarettes is over $5. Add up a
pack a day for five years and you've spent $9,125! Consider the visual
motivation of saving a five dollar bill in a large jar every day. This
might prove beneficial for your health as well as adding money to your
wallet for that car.
4.
Take-Out Test: Eating out everyday is unhealthy for your body but even
more for your wallet! A $10 meal every day adds up to $18,250 over five
years. Challenge yourself to bring your lunch or eat meals at home
Monday through Thursday and treat yourself on Fridays. You'll still be
able to enjoy the company of your friends while saving a bundle of
money throughout the rest of the week
5. ATM Fee Test: Are you an ATM junkie? If so, you could be paying as
much as $5 per transaction. Two or three trips per week to another
financial institution's ATM machine could cost over $780 per year or
$3,900 after five years just to use your own money!
This
is just a sampling of ways you can save money. These changes add up to
over $43,000 in just five years, and this is tax-free money and doesn't
include interest.
Forget worrying about the cost of gas, that's enough money to buy a whole new car!
Successfully
managing your money requires finding creative ways to enjoy life
without allowing conveniences to steal the pleasure of those
experiences. For additional budgeting, general money management tips,
or a copy of their personal budget guide, contact Family Credit
Counseling Service at 800-994-3328.
By Brandy Schaffels
Contributing Editor
