The New Nation - Internet Edition

Farizaa Sabreen

Planning, and intelligently use your hard earned money can help you reach any financial goals that you have, help you in getting out of debt, and help you gain back control of your money, your future, and your life.

It's not necessary to drop wads of cash to keep yourself entertained. In fact, you can enjoy your leisure time even more with these cost conscious ideas. Check them out.

Get a little notebook that you keep with you and just do it! This will allow you to see where you can cut back and/or start saving.

Stop delaying! Get your priorities in line! Get focused! Check your cash flow so you can stop worrying about money, stop living from paycheck to pay check, stop being late on your bills.

Get a big jar or piggy bank, or something to start throwing your money into. If you pay cash for a daily newspaper, throw your paper cost daily into your container. If you pay monthly, write yourself a check for that cost.

Start a new habit by being selective on what you need to read and see if you can read it on the Internet or at the library. Can you hear about it on the TV news? Better yet, try a life change and stop reading or listening to the news and start making your own "news" to share with relatives and friends.

Teach your kids what they need to know about managing finances. Help them understand where the money comes from, how to keep track of where it goes and how savings can work wonders. You'll build habits that will pay dividends for the rest of their lives.

During eating out order a glass of water with your meal. The mark up on drinks is four times what you would pay at soft drinks. Eat only ½ of your meal and take the rest home. You will save calories and cash. Consider just going out to dessert. It's the best part of the meal anyway. Get takeout and enjoy food from your favourite restaurant at home can save almost half of what you would pay by eating there.

Host a double feature night at your home and invite all your friends while watching movies. Make it a potluck and have everyone bring their favorite movie food. Only rent what you will have time to watch.

How many times do you really watch DVD's that you purchased? If more than half your movies have been viewed only once - start renting. If you are now feeling guilt pangs about all those unwatched DVD's - try selling them and spend the money renting new movies.

For books/magazines, trade in your old books at used bookstores and use the money for your next round of books. Start a book and magazine swap club with your friends. Some books and magazines are definitely worth the investment. However, before making a book purchase, think about whether it's really necessary to buy. There is always the library!

Many zoos and museums offer one day a month for free. Check their calendars online or give them a call. Take a stroll through your local art galleries. Check your local bookstore and library for literary readings. Varsity campuses are another great resource for inexpensive if not free lectures and presentations.

If the only time you spend outdoors is walking from your car to the house - you need to get outside! Go for a walk. Go window-shopping at an outdoor mall. Just get out there! Nature is free!

Don't stay for the same old routine. Trying something new can be both economically gratifying and emotionally stirring. The best things in life may not always be free, but with a little searching, you can usually find them for 50% off!