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Well. Hi. And I just want to explain how...terribly I can't save a dime. Its my girlfriends 21st bday on the 27th and I need to find a way to save what little money I have left for this occasion.. help?
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There's no magic formula. It comes down to not spending it.
If you don't spend it, you can invest it. Then, continue NOT spending it. I know it sounds simplistic, but that's about it.
About to buy a Starbucks? Don't spend the money.
About to stop by the quickie mart? Don't stop.
About to go to happy hour? Don't pull into the parking lot.
About to grab the ice cream at the super market? Put it back in the freezer.
If you keep good track of what you're actually buying, it becomes easier. There's nothing so motivating as seeing that you're buying $200 worth of Veintes every month to get you to drink the company coffee. It tastes a lot better when you think of the $4 you aren't spending. -
Exactly. You need to figure out where all of your money is going. Keep a spending log. Write down every single purchase you make, every bill you pay. Do that for a month and you'll probably be shocked by the results.Originally posted by Wino View Post
As for what you can do between now and the 27th, probably not a whole lot since that is only a few days away, but still cut out every possible unnecessary expense that you can. Don't eat out. Don't go out for drinks. If your car needs gas, don't fill it if you don't have to. Just put in enough to get you through the week. Don't buy anything but absolute necessities at the grocery store.Steve
* Despite the high cost of living, it remains very popular.
* Why should I pay for my daughter's education when she already knows everything?
* There are no shortcuts to anywhere worth going.Comment
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Also, if your GF is high maintenance and she expects something expensive from you knowing full well that you're stapped for cash, you could be with the wrong girl. If she accepts the fact that you're broke and she is fine that you not spend beyond your means then you might have a keeper. Although in my own experience and knowing most girls when they say don't spend money on me it means the exact opposite, with a few exceptions (lol).Comment
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Give your girlfriend a flower instead of gift, it will solve your purpose without spending a penny. And note down in each and every place you are spending. In every weekend, calculate how much you have saved and target next week with a achievable goal in mind.Comment
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Tanker, were you looking for a quick fix for BD gift or a long term plan to pay yourself first and have something to show for your work for a year?Comment
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Classic! Reminds me of this: SNL - Don't Buy Stuff You Can't AffordOriginally posted by Wino View PostComment
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Not sure if you're looking to save over the next 5 days, but the basic tenet I live by is to pay myself first. Put money in savings before you pay any other bills. Make it a small amount at first, and you'll see how painless it is.Comment
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Automatic savings
The most effective way to save money is to use the automatic savings tool that sets aside little money as frequently as possible: daily or even with every purchase you make. This approach won't affect your spending habits while the savings account will grow automatically!Comment
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I agree automatic savings is a great way to go. I use an online bank that has that feature, such as Capital One 360, which was ING. I hook it to my regular checking account. Even if it's $10 here and there, it's money you don't miss. I try to look at that account only monthly to be pleasantly surprised that I saved money without really feeling it.Comment
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If you ever get a chance to read the book The Automatic Millionaire by David Bach I highly suggest it.
Pay yourself an allotted amount out of your paycheck, don't spend on useless wants, pay all your bills, put very little on Credit and save the rest.
But, I agree with everyone here you have to figure out where you're spending the cash at and stop. Keep track of everything you buy.....Comment
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