Watch Where The Money Goes

Sometimes I look at my bank account and I wonder where all the money is going. I know all the big things I pay for but I seldom think about all the little things I spend money on. I was surprised to find out just how much money this really was. Like little drips of water leaking from a faucet these tiny amounts add up over time to hundreds or even thousands of dollars over time. I think the most detrimental things for me are eating out at restaurants, impulse grocery store purchases, online shopping and poorly planned vacations. Take a look at what you buy every month and make a list and you will see what you really needed to buy and what was an impulse or luxury buy.

Use Household Items to Save Money

Sticky Price Tag Labels : Use baby oil and a rag to safely remove the labels.
Scratched CDs - Use a small amount of peanut butter. Start on the inside and work your way outward.
Remove Rust - Use half a potato as a scrubber dipped in water, then in baking soda.

How To Save Money on The Basics To Achieve Your Dreams

The best ways to save money is understanding the difference between a need and a want. Both a need and a want vary from person to person. The only basic things you need to live is food, water and shelter. The rest has become more abstracted as we evolve in time (i.e. tv, cellphones, internet, education, cars, plastic surgery, etc.) . Prioritizing is the best way to start. Start with food. Don't eat out at fast food places and restaurants. Make your meals at home and buy basic food components like fruits, vegetables, pasta, rice, oil and spices to make a wide range of meals. This will save you huge amounts of money and improve your health which will save you money on medicine and medical bills. The next is water. Don't buy bottled water. Use a water filter container if you love the taste of bottled water. Stay away from sugary drinks. They are a waste of money and effect your health. The last thing is shelter. Live with what you can afford. If you can live with family that is the most ideal. If you cannot family then live with roommates or a significant other. If you can afford to live on your own or cannot bear to live with someone else then live in a place that is practical for your lifestyle. Once you focus on these three elements you will realize all the other stuff becomes more of a want. Then you will see which wants you really want to focus on over the other ones. Like a new car or a used car. Or a community college or a private school. Or a new business or a job at a big company. If you follow this pattern it will allow you to focus your financial resources on things that really matter to you like a new career, a new business or a way to follow your dreams.