5 simple ways to save on your purchases

* The cost of a weekly shop is on the rise. But there are some things to make it easy and quick that we keep the cost low- * Use good money-offs. These are my voucher codes. * Do not go shopping when you're hungry when you shop on an empty stomach, you'll end up buying food you really need. * Online shopping is much easier to monitor what you spend when you see the costs for mounting on a cart. * Grow-Start growing your own garden and your own potatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, onions, etc. You can create a fortune on fresh fruit and vegetable store. * Shop where the products are often reduced is possible to go some great opportunities if you spend an hour or two before the store closes.

5 simple ways to save on holiday

* Book early last Or, right, or as minute as Trailfinders Teletext Holidays * Sign up for special offers lowThe airlines such as Ryanair by e-mail. * Saving for a holiday you really want * Book your airport parking in advance * Do you have a staycation and visit some of the UK you may not have been before

5 simple ways to save money around your house

There are many simple ways to save money in the house. Try it out and see the benefits of the cost of dismantling

* Turn off the lights and lamps of energy * Turn off the computer * Clothes hang to dryinstead of using a dryer Install low-flow showers * * Buy energy efficient appliances

5 simple ways to save money on your car

Use * as petrol prices to identify sites where the fuel is cheaper in your area * Only half fill the car with petrol. heavier vehicles to achieve less miles per gallon * Change the oil. Clean oil reduces wear of moving parts in the engine, which helps to improve fuel economy * Only half fill the car withFuel. heavier vehicles to achieve less miles per gallon * Turn the air conditioner sparingly. In a car, the gasoline used on average 15% more fuel and diesel fuel consumption can increase% up to 40

Tips to save money – shopping, holidays and throughout the house

Popularity: 1% [?]

Intersection to close

As part of the Aboite Center Road improvement project, the intersection of Coventry Lane and Aboite Center will be closed to traffic Tuesday-Aug.11.

NIPSCO hearing

A public hearing on NIPSCO’s proposed natural gas rate increase will be held at 6 p.m. Monday at the Grand Wayne Convention Center, 120 W. Jefferson Blvd.If Northern Indiana Public Service Co.’s request is granted, a typical residential customer’s gas bill will increase by an average of $1.67 per month.The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission will take spoken or written comments.

Kroger fuel rewards to partner with Shell

The Kroger Co. is teaming up with Shell for grocery customers to earn fuel savings. Beginning Monday, Kroger and Scott’s shoppers who use their Kroger Plus Card or Scott’s Plus Card will earn points that they can redeem for 10 cents per gallon instantly not only at Kroger Fuel Centers but also participating Shell stations.

New business touts efficiency advice

Phoenix Business Solutions, has opened at 916 Coliseum Blvd. W., Suite 5. It is owned by Ron Hertenstein, who serves as chief executive officer.Phoenix will help area companies become more efficient and save money by working with a network of area business professionals.Hertenstein is compensated by the professionals, so no fee is charged to the client.For more information, call 484-7022 or see www.phoenixsolves.com.

Company fills gaps

Short Run Finders opened last month to create small quantities of custom parts. Short Run Finders, 2328 Lambert Lane, specializes in assemblies, custom components and replacement parts for agriculture, automotive, defense and industrial equipment.“The need to meet the demands of good customers and avoid the expense of ramping up production for small quantities is where we can really help a company,” said Steve Aldred, president and a manufacturing engineer, in a statement.For more information, e-mail dstrader@shortrunfinders.com, go to http://shortrunfinders.com or call 440-7504.

No column today

Kevin Leininger’s column does not appear today. It will return next week.

–From staff reports

Local briefs

Popularity: unranked [?]

Published: Thursday, July 22, 2010, 3:31 PM     Updated: Thursday, July 22, 2010, 3:41 PM

This is an update from the joint hearings by the Coast Guard and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement investigating the causes of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion on April 20.

Brett Duke, The Times-PicayuneJohn Guide, BP’s well team leader, answers question during the Deepwater Horizon joint investigation hearings on Thursday at the Radisson Hotel in Kenner.

A key BP official in Houston said he didn’t bother opening a document warning of a risk of a severe gas flow problem in the Macondo oil well before a gas bulge blew it out and caused the worst oil spill in U.S. history.

John Guide, BP’s wells team leader in Houston supervising the top BP people on the Deepwater Horizon rig, said that by the time he got an e-mail message from cement contractor Halliburton, tubes that give structure to the well had already been placed and he considered the attached document about the possible impacts of the well’s design to be “too late.”

Therefore, Guide said that he never opened the document attached to the e-mail message from Halliburton’s Jesse Gagliano, which stated that BP’s choice to use fewer than seven devices called centralizers to hold well pieces in place risked a “SEVERE gas flow problem.”

Guide said he didn’t look at that document until April 24, four days after the accident, even though Gagliano sent it on April 18, two days before the accident.

Miles Clements, a lawyer for rig owner Transocean, confronted Guide about his assertion that Halliburton’s assessment of risk came too late.

“It wasn’t too late to do a proper cement job; it just would have cost more time and money, isn’t that right?” Clements asked.

“We did a proper cement job,” Guide responded.

“I’m not sure everyone would agree with you on that, sir,” Clements said.

Many experts believe that improper cement barriers allowed natural gas to seep into the well and shoot up open spaces.

Guide said he didn’t put much faith in the models Halliburton used, anyway.

Capt. Hung Nguyen asked Guide if he didn’t trust the Halliburton model, why didn’t BP leaders order a test called a cement bond log to be more sure of the integrity of the well’s cement barriers. Guide replied that actual checks of the well, not simulations, showed the well’s cement was safe, so the cement bond log was no longer necessary.

Guide repeatedly said his company’s decisions were based on ensuring “long-term wellbore integrity,” not on saving money and time, but when pressed, he allowed that some of BP’s choices also saved time and money.

Previous testimony:

Brett Duke, The Times-PicayuneJohnGuide, BP wells team leader, answers question during the Deepwater Horizon joint investigation hearings Thursday at the Radisson Hotel in Kenner.

A top BP official on the Deepwater Horizon rig at the time of the massive explosions April 20 questioned why company executives in Houston combined two processes on their troubled well, suggesting the bosses were trying to “save time.”

“They decided we should do displacement (of protective drilling mud with seawater) and the negative test together; I don’t know why,” BP company man Robert Kaluza told internal BP investigators after the accident, according to notes from those investigators.

“Maybe they were trying to save time. At the end of the well sometimes they think about speeding up.”

That’s how the investigators’ notes were read Thursday by lawyer Steve Gordon during Marine Board investigative hearings in Kenner.

Experts have said it was a mistake to displace the mud before the well was completely plugged, because the mud weight is the first defense against natural gas or oil kicking up and blowing out the well.

Kaluza, who had only been overseeing rig operations for four days when the accident happened, has not made any other public statement about it because he has twice invoked his Fifth Amendment rights to refuse to testify before the Marine Board panel.

At the panel hearings Thursday, Gordon asked Kaluza’s boss, BP wells team leader John Guide, whether Kaluza was right.

“I don’t know exactly what Mr. Kaluza is referring to,” Guide said.

Gordon asked if it’s true that doing those two activities together would save time.

“Could be,” Guide said.

“And time equals money out there, right?” Gordon asked.

Oil spill hearings: BP official ignored e-mail warning about gas flow in oil well

Popularity: unranked [?]

Eureka! My plug could fix BP oil leak, says John

11:10am Thursday 15th July 2010

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THE BP oil crisis has been labelled as the worst environmental disaster in United States history after damaging the livelihoods of millions of people.

But a Lower Stretton man claims to have invented a plug that could fix the leaking pipe within days and save many people a lot of money.

‘All I need to do is talk to an engineer – not someone on a phone’

John Stevenson

John Stevenson, aged 62, is convinced his plug is the answer to BP’s problems but says the petrol giant has not listened to his idea.

He said: “I’ve rung, e-mailed and texted BP but all they have sent back is an e-mail asking me to tell them what the idea is.

“If they took the time to speak to me about it I would tell them more but it seems like they haven’t got the common decency to do it.”

“I’m not writing the idea down for them because I want some money for it first.”

Mr Stevenson, who owns John Barry Interiors on Knutsford Road, explained how the plug works.

“I have these sorts of ideas quite often and the plug will definitely stop the leak.

“It has a bag in the middle with a set of spikes.

“The bag fills with water, creating a seal, and stops the leak while the spikes lock it into place.

“It will work better than a rubber bung because the crude oil would just push that out. The pipe then has a valve to control how much oil can be leaked out.

“BP are being silly because its such a simple idea that could save them billions,” he claimed.

And Mr Stevenson added that he is still willing to share the idea with BP.

“All I need to do is talk to an engineer — not someone on the phone who doesn’t know what they are talking about.”

However, BP said that its offices receive up to 50,000 solutions a day to the oil leak and subsequently a filtering process must be used.

A spokesman said: “We have had hundreds of thousands of ideas from all over the world.

“A number of them have reached stages of technical review but there is a process that must be followed which involves registering an idea through our website.”

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<a href="http://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/news/8273174.Eureka__My_plug__could_fix_BP_oil_leak__says_John/tag:news.google.com,2005:cluster=http://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/news/8273174.Eureka__My_plug__could_fix_BP_oil_leak__says_John/Thu, 15 Jul 2010 10:20:16 GMT 00:00″>Eureka! My plug could fix BP oil leak, says John (From Warrington Guardian)

Popularity: unranked [?]

Eureka! My plug could fix BP oil leak, says John

11:10am Thursday 15th July 2010

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THE BP oil crisis has been labelled as the worst environmental disaster in United States history after damaging the livelihoods of millions of people.

But a Lower Stretton man claims to have invented a plug that could fix the leaking pipe within days and save many people a lot of money.

‘All I need to do is talk to an engineer – not someone on a phone’

John Stevenson

John Stevenson, aged 62, is convinced his plug is the answer to BP’s problems but says the petrol giant has not listened to his idea.

He said: “I’ve rung, e-mailed and texted BP but all they have sent back is an e-mail asking me to tell them what the idea is.

“If they took the time to speak to me about it I would tell them more but it seems like they haven’t got the common decency to do it.”

“I’m not writing the idea down for them because I want some money for it first.”

Mr Stevenson, who owns John Barry Interiors on Knutsford Road, explained how the plug works.

“I have these sorts of ideas quite often and the plug will definitely stop the leak.

“It has a bag in the middle with a set of spikes.

“The bag fills with water, creating a seal, and stops the leak while the spikes lock it into place.

“It will work better than a rubber bung because the crude oil would just push that out. The pipe then has a valve to control how much oil can be leaked out.

“BP are being silly because its such a simple idea that could save them billions,” he claimed.

And Mr Stevenson added that he is still willing to share the idea with BP.

“All I need to do is talk to an engineer — not someone on the phone who doesn’t know what they are talking about.”

However, BP said that its offices receive up to 50,000 solutions a day to the oil leak and subsequently a filtering process must be used.

A spokesman said: “We have had hundreds of thousands of ideas from all over the world.

“A number of them have reached stages of technical review but there is a process that must be followed which involves registering an idea through our website.”

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<a href="http://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/news/8273174.Eureka__My_plug__could_fix_BP_oil_leak__says_John/tag:news.google.com,2005:cluster=http://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/news/8273174.Eureka__My_plug__could_fix_BP_oil_leak__says_John/Thu, 15 Jul 2010 10:20:16 GMT 00:00″>Eureka! My plug could fix BP oil leak, says John (From Warrington Guardian)

Popularity: unranked [?]

Eureka! My plug could fix BP oil leak, says John

11:10am Thursday 15th July 2010

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THE BP oil crisis has been labelled as the worst environmental disaster in United States history after damaging the livelihoods of millions of people.

But a Lower Stretton man claims to have invented a plug that could fix the leaking pipe within days and save many people a lot of money.

‘All I need to do is talk to an engineer – not someone on a phone’

John Stevenson

John Stevenson, aged 62, is convinced his plug is the answer to BP’s problems but says the petrol giant has not listened to his idea.

He said: “I’ve rung, e-mailed and texted BP but all they have sent back is an e-mail asking me to tell them what the idea is.

“If they took the time to speak to me about it I would tell them more but it seems like they haven’t got the common decency to do it.”

“I’m not writing the idea down for them because I want some money for it first.”

Mr Stevenson, who owns John Barry Interiors on Knutsford Road, explained how the plug works.

“I have these sorts of ideas quite often and the plug will definitely stop the leak.

“It has a bag in the middle with a set of spikes.

“The bag fills with water, creating a seal, and stops the leak while the spikes lock it into place.

“It will work better than a rubber bung because the crude oil would just push that out. The pipe then has a valve to control how much oil can be leaked out.

“BP are being silly because its such a simple idea that could save them billions,” he claimed.

And Mr Stevenson added that he is still willing to share the idea with BP.

“All I need to do is talk to an engineer — not someone on the phone who doesn’t know what they are talking about.”

However, BP said that its offices receive up to 50,000 solutions a day to the oil leak and subsequently a filtering process must be used.

A spokesman said: “We have had hundreds of thousands of ideas from all over the world.

“A number of them have reached stages of technical review but there is a process that must be followed which involves registering an idea through our website.”

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• Email
• Share
• Comments(11)

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<a href="http://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/news/8273174.Eureka__My_plug__could_fix_BP_oil_leak__says_John/tag:news.google.com,2005:cluster=http://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/news/8273174.Eureka__My_plug__could_fix_BP_oil_leak__says_John/Thu, 15 Jul 2010 10:20:16 GMT 00:00″>Eureka! My plug could fix BP oil leak, says John (From Warrington Guardian)

Popularity: unranked [?]

REDLANDS – Citrus Valley High School is on its way to becoming the leader in Redlands Unified School District when it comes to energy technology.

Workers have begun prepping roofs that will soon hold enough solar panels to power the entire school, said Principal Bernie Cavanagh. They should be installed and ready for use by or shortly after the beginning of the school year.

Brian Hardy, coordinator, Facilities Planning Services, said the solar panel project, which includes more than 1,200 panels, made sense for the year-old school.

“It is a new facility with large expanses of roof area that we can attach the panels to,” Hardy said in an e-mail.

Panels will soon sit atop the A, B, C, and D buildings, Cavanagh said. A separate system will be installed to use the sun’s energy to passively heat the pool, Hardy said.

“From an energy conservation standpoint, the school is not only setting an example for other schools, but is going above and beyond in leading the way with green technology,” said district Energy Manager James Fotia.

The project costs about $1.8 million, Hardy said. It was made possible through funding from a bond measure approved by voters in 2008.

“We were able to make this solar project happen at CVHS as a result of construction savings from local bond (Measure J) funds,” Hardy said. “Utilizing our CVHS construction savings for energy efficiency projects allows us to free up significant operating funds for years to come, which are crucial in this economy.”

Cavanagh said the panels are an investment that will eventually pay for themselves. Hardy said the district can expect a return on its investment in about 10 to 15 years, depending on variables such as climate and Southern California Edison rate increases.

Citrus Valley will be the first school in the district to house solar panels. Fotia said the district is working with Edison to see what kinds of rebates and discounts are available so other schools can eventually benefit from the technology.

“Other sites will not be as easy, but we are looking at creative ways to make it happen,” Hardy said. “We are exploring options at other larger facilities around the district, however, CVHS was a bit of a perfect storm in that we came up with savings from the construction of the school that allowed us to fund this project.”

Harvesting energy from the sun is just part of the district’s larger goal to save money by being more energy efficient and eco-conscious.

“We are looking at all opportunities around the district to retrofit lighting, mechanical systems, etc., to make sure that we are as energy efficient as possible,” Hardy said.

Hardy said the energy conservation plan that has been in place over the past year has saved the district more than $650,000. The plan is simple: Shut things off when they are not being used and unplug appliances during breaks.

“In June alone, we reduced energy costs 30 percent (compared to June 2009),” Fotia said.

Citrus Valley High to put solar panels on school roof

Popularity: unranked [?]

I have been saving tons of money in the past couple of months but now whenever I'm out I think, "Oh, I have a lot of money saved I can afford this and that" And then I end up spending more then I should have. How do I keep motivated to continue saving and not spend it?

You need to set your goals and save towards them. Whenever you get the idea that you can afford something other than that which you are saving towards, just remind yourself of your ultimate goal.

On the other hand, you could open a savings account, fixed deposit account…. depending on the ones your local bank offers in case you can not control spending when you keep seeing the money daily.

You need to make a game out of it.

Try tracking your net worth. http://www.networthiq.com/ You can compare it to others in your same group/category.

just make yourself do it, i used to be like that, then one day i made myself do it, now im rich

I am not sure how old you are, but remember that you can never be too rich. Also, if you have to count on your self for your retirement you better start saving now. Stop focusing on what you have in the bank, forget about it. It is there to save not to spend. Start a small account so you can spend it on what you want but stop spending your savings, you will be sorry in the future when you have nothing to live on later in life.

I would recommend putting it in an ING Direct Orange Savings account. Since its online…and not at my bank I barely ever take money out. Plus it has a great rate 4.5%. I would recommend putting your money in cds that way your not allowed to touch it unless you want to get penalized. Currently ING has cds @ 5% and greater. So I would say open the savings account to put some money in. Then open the cd that way you cant touch it and in the end you save.

If your interested in opening the savings account e-mail me defenderck@yahoo.com and I can give you a referral you get a $25 bonus if you open with $250 or greater.

Note:
The orange savings account and cd have no fees or minimums. You also need your savings account linked to a checking account so money can be transferred.

I hope this helps you save money. It helps me.

Save it in a place where you can't easily get to it. Where you put it will depend on why you're saving it. If it's for retirement, it should be in a 401K, 403B, or IRA. Withdrawals from these are a bit more difficult than writing a check, and will probably cost you a penalty of some sort.

If you're saving for a house or car, and it'll be at least 6 months or a year, roll the money into some sort of money market account. That will keep it safe, and I think it will earn a tad more interest than a savings account.

Set your goals for retirement and other major items down on paper. Get someone to work with you to map out your Financial Independence Number, and when you will reach it, given your current ability to save and invest. Keep those goals in sight daily to help you stay on track. Financial independence will be SO much more rewarding than an extra soft drink, accessory, or other small item, that we tend to spend money on unnecessarily.

Good Luck and Keep on Track.

A friend of mine said that just creating a balance sheet and modifying it every few weeks is really motivational- watching the saved money climb!

Also, there are a ton of clever techniques to help you take advantage of the system in this book: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1600200… that might help you keep saving and making money.

Good luck!

Whether you want to go on a vacation, buy a house, or enjoy a comfortable retirement, you’ve got to learn to save money. Unfortunately, many of us tend to spend whatever we earn or more. We know savings are important for unexpected emergencies or major life changes, but we just can’t seem to put some cash away for a rainy day. Want to stop living from paycheck to paycheck? Read on and start saving today.
Steps
Don't buy things you do not need. Sure, it's easier said than done, but sometimes you might want to forgo that extra bottle of soda or bag of candy at the supermarket exit, or anything else that won't benefit you in the long run.
Figure out what you need to save for and how much you need to save. For short-term goals, this is easy. If you want to buy a video game, find out how much it costs; if you want to buy a house, determine how much of a down payment you’ll need. For long-term goals, such as retirement, you’ll need to do a lot more planning (figuring out how much money you’ll need to live comfortably for 20 or 30 years after you stop working), and you’ll also need to figure out how investments will help you achieve your goals.
Set savings goals. Once you determine how much you need to save, establish a timeframe (i.e. “I want to be able to buy a house two years from today.”) Set a particular date for accomplishing shorter-term goals, and make sure the goal is attainable within that time period. If it’s not attainable, you’ll just get discouraged.
Figure out how much you’ll have to save per week, per month, or per paycheck to attain each of your savings goals. Take each thing you want to save for and figure out how much you need to start saving now. For most savings goals, it’s best to save the same amount each period. For example, if you want to put a $20,000 down payment on a home in 36 months (three years), you’ll need to save about $550 per month every month.
Add together the installment amounts (monthly, weekly, or per paycheck) for all your savings goals. Can you afford to save this total each period? If so, great; if not, proceed to the next step.
Pay yourself first. Savings should be your priority, so don’t just say that you’ll save whatever’s left over at the end of the month. Deposit savings into an account (or your piggybank) as soon as you get paid.
Keep a record of your expenses. Write down everything you spend your money on for a couple weeks or a month. Be as detailed as possible, and try not to leave out small purchases.
See where you can trim your expenses. You’ll probably be surprised when you look back at your record of expenses: $300 on ice cream, $100 on parking tickets? You’ll likely see some obvious cuts you can make. Depending on how much you need to save, however, you may need to make some difficult decisions. Think about your priorities, and make cuts you can live with.
Reassess your savings goals. If there’s absolutely no way you can fit all your savings goals into your budget, take a look at what you’re saving for and cut the less important things or adjust the timeframe. Maybe you need to put off buying a new car for another year, or maybe you don’t really need a big-screen TV that badly.
Make a budget. Once you’ve managed to balance your earnings with your savings goals and spending, write down a budget so you’ll know each month or each paycheck how much you can spend on any given thing or category of things. Try to leave a little room for minor unexpected expenses.
Stick to your budget. A budget won’t do you any good if you don’t follow it religiously. Build some self-discipline, and remember why you’re on a budget in the first place.
Open an interest-bearing savings account. It’s a lot easier to keep track of your savings if you have them separate from your spending money. You can also usually get better interest on savings accounts than on checking accounts (if you get interest on your checking account at all). Consider higher-interest options such as CDs or money-market accounts for longer savings goals. You can also open an online savings account with one of the companies that offer them. Look around for the best savings interest rate and try to find one that adjusts its rate as the federal interest rate changes. You can then set up an automatic transfer from your checking account to your high interest savings account. Many employers allow you to deduct savings from your paycheck. The money is directly deposited in your savings account so you never even see it on your paycheck. You can also have investments for retirement taken directly out of your pay, and the taxes may be deferred with this option. If you typicaly keep a large balance in your checking account, consider moving most of that money into a linked savings account. Keep the money in savings until it is time to pay bills, then transfer enough from savings into checking to cover your bills. Make sure you check with your bank to see what the minimum balance requirements are for your checking account so you don't get hit with additional fees.
Don't use your credit cards. This is one of the most effective ways to reduce spending. Use cash for as many purchases as possible – you'll be more conscious of what you are spending your money on.
Kill your debt. Simply calculating how much you spend each month on your debts will illustrate that eliminating debt is the fastest way to free up money. Once the money is freed from debt payment, it can be easily re-purposed to savings.

Tips
If your savings time frame is very long, such as for retirement, you may want to structure your monthly savings so that they grow larger later in life when you will (hopefully) have more income coming in. On the other hand, money invested while you are young will have more time to grow. Start when you are in your teens!
Consider setting up an automatic weekly or monthly transfer from your checking account to your savings account. With many banks, this can be accomplished online.
Make sure you don't buy unnecessary things. For example, lets say you buy an exercise machine that's on "sale". You might think its a good deal, but after a few weeks, you will most probably just leave it sitting in the corner.
If unexpected expenses cause you to deviate from your budget from time to time, cut unnecessary expenses before you cut money from your savings goals. Other than the bare necessities, your savings goals should be your top priority.
In this day and age, many of us have cars, so saving money on gas can contribute to your effort considerably. Consider getting rid of the car altogether if you can. Another option is to avoid maintaining multiple cars. Failing that, drive less and shop around for insurance even before you buy a car. See "How to save Gas".
If unexpected circumstances render you unable to meet your savings goals, reassess them and figure out which ones you can delay or cut out. Get back on your program as soon as you can.
For very important or very large savings goals (such as a down payment on a house or saving for your kids’ college tuition), consider opening up a separate account. You’ll be able to keep better track of that particular goal, and you’ll be less tempted to dip into it.
If you receive unexpected cash, put all or most of it into your savings, but continue to set aside your regularly scheduled amount as well. You’ll simply reach your savings goals sooner.
As you satisfy the payment of a car loan, or your mortgage, you will have extra money. Set aside that money into savings. This way, the money you used to pay to somebody else now goes to you.
Use a piggy bank or jar for your coins. Coins and change may look insignificant but when accumulated over time they can help you save. Some banks now offer free coin counting machines. When you redeem your coins, ask to be paid by check so you won't be tempted to spend your newfound cash.
Don't save money solely for the purpose of spending. Setting some amount aside for emergencies can keep you out of a lot of trouble. Decide on some number of months' worth of salary as a cushion, and make a point to replace this stash anytime you must use it.
Interest on debts, especially high interest rates on credit cards, is a huge, unnecessary expense. If you are in debt, pay off your loans right away to get out from under that debt as fast as you can.
One option to get started saving is to find out what your take-home pay per hour is (net pay divided by hours worked) and save the "change" from each hour. For example, if you worked 25 hours and your check is $164, you would be making $6.56 "take-home" per hour. Save $14 that paycheck, and you have saved all the "change" per hour. If your hourly take home pay is an even number somehow (like $6) then just save $1 or 75 cents per hour.
If you need to have credit cards but you don't want the temptation of having them available to use day-to-day, there is this method: put the credit card in a tupperware box with water and store in your freezer. Thaw your card only when you really need to use it. Your card will not be damaged by freezing and forcing yourself to use cash will greatly help your budgeting.
Save pop cans when you get done drinking them and recycle. Some places pay money for cans to recycle.

Warnings
Never loan cash you cannot afford to lose.
Never borrow money that you cannot repay.
Do not go out "window shopping" with any money on you. You will only be tempted to spend money you cannot afford to lose. Shop instead, only to a predetermined shopping list.
When window shopping, learn how to talk yourself out of buying. Nitpick and scrutinize to get past your first impression of a tempting item. In very tempting situations, give it a whole day to think on. Most desires will fade in attraction when you're not under pressure.
Be sure to keep track of automatic deductions from your paycheck and any automatic transfers you set up. Sometimes mistakes happen, and if you’re not paying attention, you might not get all your money.
Don't buy something that would put you in debt or is unnessary.

Things You'll Need
Jar or Piggy bank
will power
an idea of how much you want to save
A great place to lock up your money

How do I keep motivated to continue saving money?

Popularity: unranked [?]

July 16, 2010 2:00 AM

n Exeter Area General Federation of Women’s Clubs (EAGFWC): Summer Arts & Crafts Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 17, at the Exeter Town Hall, 10 Front St. There will be more than 20 crafters. No admission. E-mail: eagfwc@gmail.com for more information. www.gfwcnhexeterjrs.org.

n American Independence Festival: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 17. Rain or shine. $7 admission for events on museum grounds and Swasey Parkway; under 10 free and free for museum members. Help celebrate America’s freedom at this popular festival. Join the crowd escorting George Washington down Water Street in Exeter, and see the horseback delivery of the Declaration and listen to the public reading, complete with hecklers. Visit the Traditional New Hampshire artisans’ village, view the original Dunlap Broadside (one of 26 known copies in the world) and early drafts of the U.S. Constitution and stroll Swasey Parkway and Water Street. Enjoy plenty of food, music, sidewalk sales and children’s activities, then stay for the town’s evening fireworks and live band.

n Fairy Book Author Tracy Kane and Fairy House Building: from 11 a.m. to noon, Saturday, July 17 at Churchill’s Gardens 12 Hampton Road, Exeter. Directions Rt. 111, Exeter. Reservations are requested for this Kids Club event. Free. 772-2685. Registration: info@churchillsgardens.com.

n Go Quackers for New Outlook Teen Center: New Outlook Teen Center will be holding its 6th Annual Rubber Ducky Race to benefit the center as part of the Exeter Revolutionary War Festival at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, July 17 down the Squamscott River. Cash prizes will be awarded for the first 3 ducks across the finish line (1st-$200, 2nd – $100, 3rd – $75). The best place to watch the 500 ducks make their way down the river will be on the String Bridge in Exeter. Duck tickets are $5 and will be available on the day of the event as well as at New Outlook Teen Center (M-F 9-5) or by calling 778-3933.

n Petco National Reptile Event: will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 17 in Atkinson and all Petco stores nationwide. Free. www.petco.com. Schedule as follows: 11 a.m.: Reptile feeding time. 11:30 a.m.: “How To” Seminar. 12 p.m.: Reptile “Meet and Greet.” 12:30 p.m.: “Ask the Reptile Specialist.”

n ultimate lacross camp: for ages 7-15 will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 19-23 at the Stratham Memorial School athletic fields. The cost is $225 and includes lunch and reversible jersey. Register at the recreation office. Camper registration packets can be found online. Information, contact Harrison at hajohn07@stlawu.edu.

n Edible Flowers: a free 30-minute presentation by UNH Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Dot Cole, will be held at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. Monday, July 19 at the Demonstration and Instruction Garden (DIG), across from the Rockingham County Complex at 113 North Road in Brentwood. Come learn which flowers are safe for consumption before experimenting with blossoms in your own garden. Cole will share some of her favorite recipes and demonstrate which blooms can be included in recipes. Call 679-5616.

n Dive into Reading at the Exeter Public Library: The library is offering a Teen “Frozen T-Shirt Challenge” on Tuesday, July 20 from 1 to 3 p.m. This contest adds a little chill to a hot summer event! This summer reading program is free and open to all Exeter Public Library teens, grades 6 and up. Registration is required. All T-shirts are supplied. For more information or to register, call the library at 772-3101. This event will be held in the Exeter Public Library Founder’s Park at 4 Chestnut St.

n seacoast hospice: 2010 Summer Grief Support Groups: 10 Hampton Road, Exeter. Registration required. (800) 416-9207, www.seacoasthospice.org. Healing after a suicide support group: grief support for adults grieving the death of a loved one to suicide. 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays, July 21-Aug. 25, Exeter.

n MusicalArts Preschool Holds Open House: from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 21 at MusicalArts location in the Tuck building at the former Exeter High School. MusicalArts offers artistic alternative to preschool curriculums. A new preschool class available to 4-year-olds will be offered. This year there is going to be two separate classes each week. The 3-year-olds will attend on Tuesdays and Thursdays and the 4-year-olds will attend Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. For more information on MusicalArts Academy of Music and Dance visit http://www.musicalarts.org/.

n Authors are Real People: Meet Jennifer Ericsson from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 21 at Seabrook Library. Free and open to the public. Children’s librarian Jennifer A. Ericsson is the author of several picture books (“Home to Me, Home to You,” “I Take a Piece of Chalk” and many more) as well as co-author of a number of puzzle and activity books for young readers with collaborator Beth L. Blair. When not writing children’s books, Ericsson often visits schools and offers workshops on picture book writing. She makes her home in Concord. 474-2044.

n 2010 north hampton Summer concert series: The New Legacy Swing Band in-concert from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 21 at the North Hampton Bandstand, intersection of Routes 111 and 151. Great swing classic sounds of the Big Band Era. Information: 964-5992, 964-6326 or 964-6029.

n The Eastern Coyote Presentation: will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 21 in the Gregg Conservation Center which is located on the grounds of the Discovery Center located on 89 Depot Road (just off Route 33) on the Stratham/Greenland town line. Coyotes have returned to New Hampshire and encounters with humans and their pets are on the increase. Chris Schadler, noted authority on wolves and coyotes, is the Bay Views speaker. Schadler is a Wild Canid Ecologist who has taught both Conservation and Wolf Ecology in the Department of Natural Resources at the University of NH. She is currently working on her book, “Coyote Nation,” which is a study of the Eastern Coyote and how our changing landscape and management policies have affected its population dynamics, dispersal patterns, food choices and interactions with returning wolves from Canada. 778-0015.

n exeter 2010 summer concerts in the park: Thursdays at the Parkway. No admission. 773-6151. July 22: Combo Sabroso, Latin Dance Band, will perform from 6:15 to 8:15 p.m.

n The Exeter Arts Committee: invites interested Seacoast artists and poets of all ages along with the general public, to a casual get-together in preparation for this October’s “The Vision & The Word” art show at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 22 in the Exeter Town Hall gallery on the second floor of the historic town hall next to the bandstand. John Perrault, a local musician and poet, will present a reading and performance to further inspire those attending. “The Vision & The Word” will feature complementary, planned pairings of original art and original poetry, enhancing the experience and enjoyment of each piece. The Thursday night kick-off is an opportunity for Seacoast poets and artists to meet one another, brainstorm ideas, and perhaps meet potential collaborators. As it will be a non-juried show, any individuals or collaborators interested in entering paired art and poetry will have their work presented in the show. “The Vision & the Word” art show itself will be open, free to the public, for three weekends in October in the gallery at the Old Town Hall in downtown Exeter. Attend Thursday’s gathering for more information about the October show and about entering your work, or visit the Exeter Arts Committee on Facebook or at the Web site: http://exeterarts.home.comcast.net. Questions can be directed to exeter2arts@gmail.com. Perrault is a poet, balladeer, lawyer, and teacher and was poet laureate of Portsmouth, from 2003 to 2005.

n “Money Savvy Teens”: A basic introduction of money concepts, including saving, spending, donating, and investing money will be presented at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 22 at the Exeter Public Library’s Meeting Room. This session will be geared toward Grade 6 and up teens and their parents. The concepts of interest, taxes, and inflation will also be introduced. This is an interactive program. Each session will last approximately one hour. This program will give young adults the basic framework to make good financial decisions — to educate a “Money Savvy Generation.” Matthew Guba, a financial executive from Trilogy Financial Services will present this program. This summer reading program is free and open to all Exeter Public Library Young Adults Grades 6 and up. All materials are provided. Registration is required for all events. For more information or to register, call the library at 772-3101. The library is at 4 Chestnut St.

n exeter parks and recreation is currently accepting registration for: Youth Co-ed Soccer Program to youths from Kindergarten through Grade 4. Teams will be organized in divisions: Kindergarten, Grades 1&2, Grades 3&4. Games will be held on Saturday mornings at the Recreation Park on Hampton Road. Practices will be 1 day each week, Monday—Friday, selected by the coaches pending their schedule and availability. Cost: Residents: $35 for first child, $30 for second child. Non-residents: $50 for first child, $45 for second child. The costs for this program include soccer shirt. This year, we are offering team sponsorship for those who would like to sponsor a team with a contribution of $100. The sponsor’s name (not logo) will be printed on the team shirts. Sponsorships are accepted first come, first serve, pending the number of teams. Deadline July 23. 773-6151.

n Exeter Parks and Recreation: is accepting registrations for: NFL Flag Football: For ages 6-12 (Age as of 9/1/10), Boys and Girls have the opportunity to participate in our exciting NFL Flag program. NFL FLAG gives the children a change to be part of a team, make new friends, and have fun while participating in an activity which encourages teamwork, respect for others, and fair play. Program will run for ten weeks, Aug. 23-Oct. 30. The cost is $40 for Exeter residents and $55 for non-residents. In order to receive proper uniforms in timely manner registrations will be accepted through July 23. Registrations may be done online, in person, via mail or call 773-6151. Registration forms can be printed from http://town.exeter.nh.us/rec.

n Multi-family yard sale: with furniture and crafts, will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 24 at Cornerstone Baptist Church, 8 Winnicut Road, Stratham.

n Join the excitement! Come and watch the Stratham Fair Woodsmen’s Competition: on Sunday, July 25. The event will begin at 11 a.m. and go through the early afternoon. You will see professional competitors participating in exciting events like the Hot Saw Competition (don t blink – it s fast!), Axe Throw, Block Chop, Jack and Jill and many others. It is held at the Stratham Fairgrounds, next to the David C. Noyes stage. Bring your own chairs or sit on the hill. 679-5616.

n The Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation of Portsmouth: will present an interactive “Marine Biology Day” for Wiggin Memorial Library on Monday, July 26, at 10:30 a.m. in the Community Room of the Stratham Municipal Center (10 Bunker Hill Ave.). The hands-on program is geared towards children entering Kindergarten through Grade 5. Attendees will have the opportunity to get “eaten” by a 60-foot inflatable whale, explore live tidepool plants and animals in portable touch tanks, and touch real whale bones, baleen, and other artifacts. Call Jan Streelman at 772-4346.

n Spread the Dough will be having a fundraiser: from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, July 26 at McDonald’s on 148 Portmouth Ave. in Exeter. Twenty percent of all sales in this two-hour period will go to Spread the Dough, a local youth founded and run (501C3) non-profit. Spread the Dough was founded in January 2005 by Melina Higgins, a local Stratham girl who just completed her freshman year at Bryn Mawr college in Penn. Spread the Dough (Web site: Spreadthedough.org) is a group of young people in six different states (aiming for all 50 states to participate) who deliver day-old baked goods from local bakeries to the surrounding homeless shelters, soup kitchens, and people in need. Money earned will help support the non-profit with purchasing T-shirts, accounting fees and brochures. If you are unable to attend, or would like to make a donation please submit information to: Spread the Dough, P.O. Box 26m Stratham, N.H. 03885.

n ussi multi sports camps: will be held July 26-30 at the Stratham Memorial School fields. A full day of camp will be offered for ages 7-14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Full day camp offers campers the chance to experience many additional sports and daily sports challenges in addition to the entire sports lineup of the half-day camp. The cost of the full day is $169 per participant. A half-day camp will be offered for ages 5-6 years from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This camp give the younger participants the opportunity to experience over 12 sports in a week. After lunch all campers will experience the fun and excitement of the USSI Olympic Games and World Cup. The cost of the half-day camp is $149 per participant. Camp registration must be done online at www.USsportsInstitute.com. No office registrations will be accepted.

n us sports institute sports squirts program: has been designed to introduce children age 3-5 to a variety of sports in a safe, structured envionment. This camp will be held from 4 to 5:30 p.m. July 26-30 at Stratham Memorial School fields. The cost is $89 per participant. Camp registration must be done online at www.USsportsInstitute.com. Office registrations will not be accepted.

n Dive into Reading at the Exeter Public Library: The Exeter Public Library is offering a Teen “Cooking with Katie” Fun Summer Foods, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, July 27. Hands-on Cooking with MA Chef Katie Wilton. Join us to create and sample some clever snack recipes! This summer reading program is free and open to all Exeter Public Library teens, Grades 6 and up. Registration is required. All foods and cookware are supplied. For more information or to register, call the library at 772-3101. This event will be held in the Exeter Public Library Meeting Room at 4 Chestnut St.

n exeter public library summer music series: at 4 Chestnut St., Exeter, will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, July 28 with the Little River Trio performing. The group has been together for more than five years. As members of the choir at the United Church of Christ in North Hampton, each has contributed their instrumental talents individually during worship and fellowship events. Information: 772-3101.

n 2010 north hampton summer concert series: Rico Barr and the Jump’n Jive Review will be in-concert from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 28 at the North Hampton Bandstand, intersection of Route 111 and 151. Information: 964-5992, 964-6326, or 964-6029.

n Have you ever wondered: what lurks under the waters of the Gulf of Maine which stretch from Cape Cod to the Canadian Maritimes?: On Wednesday July 28 at 7 p.m., the Great Bay Discovery Center’s Bay Views program is presenting award winning underwater photographer, Andrew J. Martinez and his photographs from his Gulf of Maine Gallery. Martinez has taught underwater photography for the past 15 years and currently teaches at UnderSea Divers in Beverly, Mass. The program is free and will be held in the Hugh Gregg Coastal Conservation Center located on the grounds of the Discovery Center at 89 Depot Road (off Route 33) on the Stratham/Greenland town line. Information: 778-0015.

n exeter 2010 summer concerts in the park: Thursdays at the Parkway. No admission. 773-6151. July 29: Islandside performs on steel drums and reggae music from 6:15 to 8:15 p.m.

n the “Chainmail Weaving” craft event: will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 3 at the Exeter Public Library’s Meeting Room, at 4 Chestnut St. Make a Splash with New & Old Friends! Learn this metal craft to create your own medieval fashion. Chainmail expert Kate Derosier will be on-hand to help you weave. Throughout the summer, there will be weekly drawings for reading prizes and other special treats. Join us for board games, trivia, unlimited book-bingo and puzzles, all summer long in the Teen Scene area. This summer reading program is free and open to all Exeter Public Library Young Adults Grades 6 and up. All materials are provided. Registration is required for all events. For more information or to register, call the library at 772-3101.

n meet Olympian Scotty Lago: from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 3 at Seabrook Library. The bronze medalist will meet the kids and share stories about his snowboarding career. Free and open to the public. 474-2044

n stratham 2010 summer concert series: will be held at Stratham Hill Park. Aug. 4: The BaHa Brothers band will perform at 6 p.m. Open to the public. Donations are encouraged. A food concession will be available at the park.

n 2010 north hampton summer concert series: Country Mile Band in-concert from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 4 at the North Hampton Bandstand, intersection of Routes 111 and 151. Information: 964-5992, 964-6326, or 964-6029.

n children’s summer performance series: at Co-op Middle School auditorium. Free and open to the public. 773-6151. Aug. 5: Ben Rudnick and Friends, 10-10:45 a.m.

n seacoast hospice: 2010 Summer Grief Support Groups: 10 Hampton Road, Exeter. Registration required. (800) 416-9207, www.seacoasthospice.org. Motherless daughters support group: one day support group for adult women grieving the death of their mother. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 7, Exeter.

n exeter public library summer music series: at 4 Chestnut St., Exeter, will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 11, featuring Ryan Judd, an acoustic instrumental guitarist, specializing in contemporary fingerstyle guitar. Information: 772-3101.

n 2010 north hampton summer concert series: ‘The Spectras’ will be in-concert from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 11 at the North Hampton Bandstand, intersection of Routes 111 and 151. Information: 964-5992, 964-6326, or 964-6029.

n stratham 2010 summer concert series: will be held at Stratham Hill Park. Aug. 11: BEATLE Juice , the “New England Invasion Sensation!” will perform at 6 p.m. Open to the public. Donations are encouraged. A food concession will be available at the park.

n english/french concert: with Lucie Therrien and guest guitarist Neal Zweig will be held from 5:35 to 6:35 p.m. Friday, Aug. 13 at York Art Association, 394 York St. (Rte. 1A), York Harbor, Maine. Open to the public. Art Exhibit opening reception from 5 to 7 p.m. (207) 363-4049.

n 2010 north hampton summer concert series: U.S. Air Force Band of Liberty Concert Band will perform from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 18 at the North Hampton Elementary School, located on Route 111. Information: 964-5992, 964-6326, or 964-6029.

n stratham 2010 summer concert series: will be held at Stratham Hill Park. Aug. 18: is Local Night. Jam with The Crab Shack Band at 6 p.m. Open to the public. Donations are encouraged. A food concession will be available at the park.

n red sox vs. los angeles angels: Thursday, Aug. 19. Tickets: $115 residents/$120 non-residents. Bus leaves from NHS at 4:30 p.m. Pavilion Box seating. To download registration form, visit www.northhampton-nh.gov, click on Recreation then the Registration forms link. Information: Diane Wheeler: 964-3170.

n take a chance to win two red sox tickets: to see the Boston Red Sox vs. the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park on Saturday, Aug. 21. The Friends of the Lane Memorial Library are currently selling raffle tickets at $2 each from now until the drawing on Saturday, Aug. 7 at the library. Tickets may be purchased in Hampton at Hoaty’s on Lafayette Road; downtown at the Kitchen at Depot Square; and at the Lane Library on Academy Avenue. 926-3140.

n exeter public library summer music series: at 4 Chestnut St., Exeter, will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 25 with Sylvan Roots. This group includes local stars Neal Zweig, Dick Kruppa and Bob Moore. They will be sharing their acoustic guitar, banjo and vocal talents. For information: 772-3101.

n 2010 north hampton summer concert series: Mad Bavarian Brass Band will be in-concert from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 25 at the North Hampton Bandstand, intersection of Routes 111 and 151. A flavor of the Alps right here in New England. Enjoy polkas, waltzes and more. Information: 964-5992, 964-6326 or 964-6029.

n 2010 north hampton summer concert series: The East Bay Jazz Ensemble will be in-concert from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 1 at the North Hampton Bandstand, intersection of Routes 111 and 151. Plays swing, Latin, country and contemporary music. Information: 964-5992, 964-6326, or 964-6029.

n hampton beach seafood festival: will be held Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Sept. 10, 11 and 12, the weekend after Labor Day. Friday: 4-9 p.m.; Saturday: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; and Sunday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. New this year is the first Annual Lobster Roll Eating Contest. Information: 926-8718, ext. 102.

n Exeter Parks and Recreation is currently accepting registrations for: Fall Soccer: For grades K-4, A youth Co-ed Soccer Program that is designed to instruct students in the fundamental aspects of the sport, while encouraging them to enjoy themselves and make new friends. Program will run Sept. 11-Oct. 30. The cost is $35 for Exeter residents and $50 for non-residents. There is a $5 discount on second child. Deadline to register is July 23. Registrations may be done online, in person, via mail or call 773-6151. Registration forms can be printed from http://town.exeter.nh.us/rec.

n hampton beach seafood festival: will be held Saturday, and Sunday, Sept. 11 and 12, the weekend after Labor Day. Saturday: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; and Sunday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. New this year is the first Annual Lobster Roll Eating Contest. Information: 926-8718, ext. 102.

n hampton beach seafood festival: will be held Sunday, Sept. 12, the weekend after Labor Day. Sunday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. New this year is the first Annual Lobster Roll Eating Contest. Information: 926-8718, ext. 102.

n seacoast hospice: 2010 Summer Grief Support Groups: 10 Hampton Road, Exeter. Registration required. (800) 416-9207, www.seacoasthospice.org. Bridges: Grief Support for children and teens: grief support for children ages 4-18 who have experienced the loss of a loved one. 6-7:15 p.m. Tuesdays, Sept. 21-Nov. 16 in Newington. For information, call Meredith Plimpton, Child and Youth Bereavement coordinator.

n The Brentwood Gathering: a local craft fair featuring homemade and handmade items will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23 at the Brentwood Community Center at 190 Route 125 in Brentwood. Crafters interested in attending, should send a message to marybartlett76@yahoo.com or leave a message at the Library at 642-3355. Vendors are limited to two per craft, to ensure a wide variety and plenty of appeal to customers. Food will be available. The Brentwood Gathering is sponsored by the Friends of the Mary Bartlett Memorial Library in Brentwood.

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Exeter/Hampton/Rockingham community calendar

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Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve had several readers e-mail me asking advice about paying their bills. I know many of you have been hit by job loss, medical bills or just life itself and there are times when simply paying monthly bills becomes a problem.

And, yes, I’ve been there too. While I do not believe God causes these things to happen (in fact, it’s usually caused by us), I do believe God allows us to walk through some of these situations and God gives us the strength to stand up underneath it.

“You (the enemy) intended to harm me, but God intended it for good…” Genesis 50:20

If you are having a hard time paying your bills, be sure to do the following things:

1. Call the Companies Directly: If this is the first time you have had this problem and especially if it is caused by some sort of traumatic event (job loss, medical, etc) be sure to call the companies you owe directly. Call everyone from the electric company to the credit card company.

Many will work with you if you are actually willing to pay. This means, you may be able to work out a payment plan and in some cases you can skip a month’s payment (interest still applies though).

2. Negotiate: This is true especially with medical bills. If you do not have insurance, be sure to tell your doctor (or hospital), typically they make exceptions for hardships and lower costs. Many will also trim the bill if you offer to pay cash on the spot.

Do realize this is not a garage sale here, you are the one in need of assistance. So, nicely explain your situation and ask for alternatives.

3. Shop Around: Now is the time to shop around for cell phone plans, internet service and even doctors. Fees for doctors can vary and if you are a cash patient, you may want to call around and find out what other doctors charge. (Disclaimer: Don’t just go to the cheapest doctor, be sure to find one that is right for you family.)

When shopping around for basic services such as cell phone or internet, be sure to let your company know that you are considering leaving. Many times, they’ll offer you a better deal on the spot.

4. Sell It: When times are rough, have a garage sale…or an ebay sale….or even a craigslist sale. Whatever. I recently told my son he had to save his money for a new toy he wanted, he immediately ran back to his room and grabbed an old toy and gave it to me. When I asked him what he was doing, he replied, ’sell it.’

Sometimes, you have to sell it. Take some time to search through your house for clothing you no longer wear or furniture you’d like to get rid of. Sometimes, this brings in just enough money to get you through.

5. Pay Necessities First: According to MSN Money, pay your necessities first before anything else. Get food for your family and medical attention then pay your house payment and utilities.

Be sure to keep in good standing as much as possible, even if it’s just by calling the companies you owe telling them that you will pay soon.

We know God is good and He does provide for us. Stand firm on the Word even when you’re going through hard times. Do not let insecurities come flying out of your mouth, what you say matters. Speak to your mountain and tell it to move!

Financial Freedom: Just Trying to Pay the Bills

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