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Building a Savings Plan for 2010

The economy hit us hard this last year. With one of us out of work and the other struggling to find work contracts, the money has trickled in just enough to keep us from going under completely. The work prospects have not changed, but my attitude has recovered. Sometimes the right attitude is all that is needed to build a successful savings plan.

Start Saving Now

1. Make a menu. Knowing what will be fixed for each meal and what needs to be done to prep that meal will make buying groceries easier and much less expensive. Easy, quick meals will also keep you from giving in to the need to get fast food or eat out.

2. Wash the rags. Today I was putting one of the last rolls of paper towels up when it dawned on me that we go through one roll every two days. Choosing to use towels that can be washed to do most of the work will save us quite a few dollars in the end.

3. Turn down the heat. The colder it gets the lower the thermostat needs to go as well. Heat pumps in particular will use up much more energy when they are set to a temperature that is over 40 degrees above the outside temperature. Use the fire place during these times if at all possible.

The little things can make a big difference. Cutting down or cutting back can give you the extra money you need to begin building up your savings. What are the little tricks and tips that you use to save?

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