8 Painless Ways to Save Money

We all know how to spend less by sacrificing. From eating out less to buying fewer clothes to cutting back on vacations, saving through sacrificing can be effective, but painful. So if you are looking for ways of saving money, why not start with money saving tips that are relatively pain free?

With a little imagination, you'll find plenty of ways to reduce spending without making big changes to your lifestyle. And to get you started, here are eight painless ways to save money.
1. Get healthy: As someone who has struggled to stay fit, I realize that eating healthy and staying in shape is easier said than done. But for those who are in good shape, you can save a lot of money on life insurance and individual health insurance plans. And as an added bonus, you'll feel better and have more energy.
2. Rethink auto insurance: Every year, reexamine your auto insurance policy for savings opportunities. For example, consider raising your deductible, which lowers premiums. For older vehicles, evaluate whether you really need collision coverage, which covers damage to your car when your car hits or is hit by another vehicle or object. And make it a habit to compare auto insurance quotes annually, which can be done online in minutes.
3. Improve your credit score: Of all the painless ways to save money, improving your credit score is arguably the most important. From home loans and car loans, to credit cards and auto insurance, a good credit score can save you a small fortune. Over a lifetime, the savings can easily reach tens of thousands of dollars.
4. Invest on the cheap: Whether you are a passive investor who sticks with mutual funds or an active stock and options trader, there are easy ways to save money. For mutual fund investors, stick with funds that have low expense ratios. My rule of thumb is to keep the weighted average expense ratio for all mutual funds under 50 basis points (0.50 percent). As compared to funds that charge well over 1 percent in fees annually, the savings over a lifetime of investing can be substantial. And for active traders, stick with discount brokers that charge $10 per trade or less.
5. Think triple play: One of the biggest monthly expenses for some is the cost of Internet service, cable, and phone. The major of providers today offer discounts when you bundle all three of these services together. Called a triple play, you not only save money, but you also get the convenience of a single bill each month.
[See 9 Surprising Facts About Your Credit Score.]
6. Go prepaid with your cell phone: While this option won't be right for everybody, many can save a small fortune with prepaid cell phones. You can find prepaid cell phone plans that charge just $0.10 a minute. And because they are prepaid, you don't have to commit to long-term contracts. Two of the more popular prepaid cell phone carriers are Net10 and Cricket.
7. Shop online: There are several benefits to shopping online, convenience being chief among them. But shopping online can also save big money. Many retailers offer special discounts to online shoppers. And virtually every company that sells products or services online offers promo codes, discounts or coupons. Particularly if you have a big purchase planned, make sure to search the internet for deals before buying.
8. Get cash back: If you have good credit, there are a number of cash back credit cards that pay up to 5 percent on purchases. The key is to use the card for monthly bills and everyday expenses, not to charge things you don't need. Put monthly bills that accept credit cards on automatic payment, and use the card for everyday purchases such as groceries and gas. And as an extra precaution against overspending, pay the credit card bill in full several times throughout the month. It's easy to do online, and it prevents any surprises at the end of the month.

5 Reasons You Didn't Get the Job

With the employment rate still at 9.5 percent in the United States, you may find yourself in the position of applying, interviewing, and still remaining jobless. You may have thought it was a sure thing; you may have left the office laughing and joking with the interviewer. So why was someone else hired and you weren't? These five reasons may shed some light on the situation.
1. You're overqualified
It's not just a cliche--you really can be overqualified for a position. It's especially true in a tight economy. A candidate that is more qualified would require a higher salary and benefits package for a competitive offer and for long-term retention. If someone else interviewed who fit the qualifications but didn't overly exceed them, it might be in the company's best interest to hire him and save the cash.
 2. You don't know the right people
You may be great on paper, and you may interview really well--but if another candidate is the employer's tennis instructor's daughter, you might be out of luck. This isn't a reason you can't really avoid. Your best bet is to make sure you follow up with a genuinely appreciative phone call or note. Leaving a positive impression will keep you in that employer's mind if other opportunities arise.
3. You hit it off, just not professionally
Having a good rapport with your interviewer is great--however, if you bonded over your love of tequila shooters, you may have made a friend and not an employer. In a less extreme example, you may be very easy to interview but still not right for the position. While being friendly and personable are two very important traits, they won't guarantee you the job.
4. You came with conditions
You may be a good fit for the job, but if you come with strings attached, you may not get hired. If you can't see yourself sticking to the position long-term, or if prior commitments mean you'll have to work odd hours, it could take you out of the running. If possible, come in condition-free or at least willing to compromise. However, if you have a restriction that is non-negotiable, it's only fair to both of you to bring it up in the interview--there's no sense in wasting time if the situation won't work out.
5. An unpredictable reason
Often, the reason is one you may never know. You may get an unrelated job simply for having a shared interest with the interviewer, or perhaps because you have a skill the employer hopes to learn from you. It may be as simple as two or more candidates being equally qualified, and you lost the coin toss.
It may also be a simple reason like an off-the-cuff comment you probably shouldn't have made, or a more blatant reason like answering your cell phone during an interview (never a good move, no matter how friendly you are with the interviewer!). Be honest with yourself about the interview process--if you can think of a slip up, learn from your mistake and keep it in mind for your next interview.
The bottom line
Whatever the reason, do your best to learn from it and apply it to your next interview. Don't be afraid to politely follow up and inquire about why you weren't right for the position--just make sure you don't come off as sulking. Be professional, and thank them for helping you to understand what you did wrong, or where you can improve. After all, if you made it to the interview stage once, you're likely to do it again.

Supercharge Your Metabolism!

The M Factor

Metabolism sounds mysterious and complicated, but it's actually pretty simple: It's the amount of energy (aka calories) our bodies need daily. About 70 percent of those calories are used for basic functions, such as breathing and blood circulation, says Rochelle Goldsmith, PhD, director of the Exercise Physiology Lab at Columbia University Medical Center. Another 20 percent is fuel for physical activity, including working out, fidgeting, walking, and even holding our bodies upright while standing. The remaining 10 percent helps us digest what we eat (it's true; eating burns calories!). The trouble begins when you consume more calories than your body needs to do these things: That's when you pack on the pounds.
You can partly thank your parents for the speed of your metabolism. Genes contribute to the levels of appetite-control hormones we have floating around in our bodies, Goldsmith explains. "Some people are genetically programmed to be active; they're naturally restless and use more energy," she says. Those are the lucky high-metabolism types.
Gender also plays a role. "The average man's metabolism is about 10 to 15 percent higher than a woman's," Goldsmith notes. That's mainly because men have more muscle mass than women do, which means they burn more calories. "Muscle does the work to help you move, while fat just sits there," says John Porcari, PhD, a FITNESS advisory board member and director of the clinical exercise physiology program at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Not only that, but women's bodies are designed to hold on to body fat in case of pregnancy.
The good news is, you can make your metabolism faster, experts say, despite genetics and gender. These are the 10 simple secrets to boosting it big-time.

1. Exercise more often.

Working out is the number-one way to keep your furnace cranking. The more lean muscle you have, the more calories you burn all day. That's because muscle uses energy even when you're resting. Exercise enough and you can help prevent the natural metabolic slowdown that can begin as early as your late twenties, according to Goldsmith.
Your amp-it-up game plan: five workouts a week. "Do three days of aerobic activity and two days of weight lifting," advises Shawn Talbott, PhD, an exercise physiologist, nutritional biochemist, and the executive producer of Killer at Large, a documentary about the U.S. obesity epidemic.

2. Kick up your cardio.

Aerobic intervals will help you maximize your burn, doubling the number of calories you torch during a workout, studies show. Intervals also keep your metabolic rate higher than a steady-pace routine does for as long as an hour after you stop exercising, according to Michele Olson, PhD, a FITNESS advisory board member and professor of exercise science at Auburn University at Montgomery in Alabama. That means you could blast as many as 65 additional calories after your sweat session. The ideal metabolism-boosting interval routine is to "go hard for a couple of minutes, then take it down to an easier pace for a minute or two, and keep alternating like that throughout your workout," Talbott says.
Just pick your cardio carefully. Aim for exercises that require your body to work its hardest by using a lot of muscle groups, Talbott says. That means running is better than cycling. Or try a cardio circuit. "Do a variety of activities -- like running stadium stairs, jumping rope, and squat thrusts -- for two minutes each, aiming for a total of 10 minutes," Olson says. "That will really rock your metabolism."

3. Put some muscle behind it.

Too many women steer clear of weight machines, fearing that they'll bulk up. Or they work only their legs and skip their arms. Don't make this mistake. A head-to-toe strength routine will turbocharge your calorie-blasting quotient. Add five pounds of muscle to your body and you can zap as many as 600 calories an hour during your workout, Olson says. Be sure to choose a weight-lifting routine that targets your core, legs, arms, chest, and shoulders; challenging numerous muscles will help your body function like a calorie-burning machine, according to Goldsmith.

4. Don't skip meals.

We know you're superbusy, but make sure you grab lunch. "Simply chewing, digesting and absorbing food kicks your metabolism into gear," says Jim White, RD, a national spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association.
"The more frequently you eat, the more often it revs up." Conversely, missing a meal, or going too long between meals, brings your metabolism to a crawl. "Your body switches into starvation mode and your system slows down to conserve energy," White explains. Keep your engine humming by having three healthy meals of 300 to 400 calories and two snacks of 200 to 300 calories every day, he advises.

5. Fill up on smart foods.

Start by serving yourself protein at every sitting, says Darwin Deen, MD, medical professor in the department of community health and social medicine at City College of New York and a coauthor of Nutrition for Life. Not only does your body need it to help build lean muscle mass, but protein also takes more calories to digest. To get your fix, have low-fat yogurt at breakfast, chicken in your salad at lunch, and salmon for dinner. Between meals, snack on protein-rich walnuts. They contain omega-3 fatty acids, which help promote weight loss by increasing your feelings of fullness, according to a recent study in the journal Appetite.
While you're at it, eat more foods that slowly release the sugar you need for sustained energy, like high-fiber fruits and veggies and whole-grain breads and pastas. Munch a food high in fiber three hours before your workout and you'll also burn extra fat, a study at the University of Nottingham in England found. Sipping java can also help. "Caffeine stimulates the production of adrenaline, which speeds up the metabolism," White says. Research shows that caffeine can significantly accelerate your burn. Just limit yourself to no more than two cups a day; too much caffeine can overtax your system, resulting, ironically, in fatigue.

6. Eat breakfast.

It will switch your metabolism from idle to high speed. That's because your level of cortisol, a hormone that helps you use calories to build muscle, is highest just before you get up in the morning. When you eat an a.m. meal, your body is primed to turn those calories into muscle pronto -- the only time during the day this happens. Take advantage of the natural torching process by having a healthy breakfast of scrambled eggs, low-fat turkey bacon, and a piece of whole-grain toast.

7. Get off your butt.

Sitting too much -- at the computer at work, at home in front of the TV -- slows your metabolism, even if you're exercising regularly. An easy fix is to stretch, stroll, and fidget throughout the day. That's what scientists call NEAT, or nonexercise activity thermogenesis, and it can boost your burn and help you drop weight, says James Levine, MD, PhD, professor of medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and author of Move a Little, Lose a Lot. The proof: In a study of lean volunteers who were fed extra calories, those who paced frequently, for example, maintained their weight, while the people who did no additional walking got chubbier. If you take advantage of every opportunity to walk and climb stairs, it can make a big difference. "A woman who needs to lose weight would have to burn about 190 to 200 extra calories a day to lose 10 percent of her body weight, which you can do by increasing your overall activity level," Goldsmith says. "Try striding around your house or office when you're on the phone, standing up at your desk whenever you can, and walking to your coworker's cube instead of e-mailing her."

8. Go to bed earlier.

Deprive yourself of sleep and your body starts to respond as if it were under siege. "When you get two hours less shut-eye than you normally do, your system becomes stressed and produces about 50 percent more cortisol," Talbott says. "That in turn triggers your appetite."
At the same time, lack of zzz's throws the body's hunger hormones leptin and ghrelin out of whack, making you more likely to overeat. Skimp on pillow time for too long and you could be facing a serious weight problem, says Michael Breus, PhD, author of Good Night: The Sleep Doctor's 4-Week Program to Better Sleep and Better Health. In a 16-year study of sleep-deprived women published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, researchers found that those who slept seven to eight hours a night had the lowest risk for major weight gain, while women who got six hours a night were 12 percent more likely to pile on a significant number of pounds, and those who logged five hours or less were 32 percent more likely to gain weight.

9. Schedule a nighttime workout.

Do a 20- to 30-minute moderate-intensity cardio routine before you hit the hay to keep your metabolism humming all night, Porcari says. The average woman's metabolic rate naturally decreases by about 15 percent while she sleeps, but an end-of-day sweat session will make the drop closer to 5 percent, he explains. So take the dog for an evening walk or go for a bike ride with your family after dinner. And don't worry that the activity will keep you awake: As long as you exercise at least two and a half hours before lights out, you should be able to drift off with no problem, Breus says.

10. Check your meds.

Some of the most dramatic metabolic dips occur when women start taking birth control pills and widely prescribed antidepressants known as serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. "These drugs commonly slow the metabolism because they affect the functioning of the thyroid gland, which regulates how our bodies use energy," says Kent Holtorf, MD, a thyroidologist and the founder of the National Academy of Hypothyroidism. Depo-Provera, a contraceptive that's injected every three months, seems to cause the most weight gain. "It's high in the hormone progestin, which stimulates insulin secretion, leading to increased appetite and a lowered metabolism," Dr. Holtorf explains. "It also signals the body to store fat." (Oral contraceptives, which contain less progestin, aren't as problematic.) If you've recently started taking any new medication and the scale is inching upward, ask your doc if there's an alternative treatment that is less likely to cause weight gain.

Online Dating Tips

Some of the best online dating tips are listed below:

• Take dating as a thing to enjoy. Just feel good about the fact that you are meeting people and spending some quality time with them. You may come across like minded people who may stimulate your mind. Its not important that these people will play any major role in your life or not in future. But don't forget that you can learn something interesting from these people. Who knows in this way you can meet some people who may become your best pal all through your life that you can treasure.
• Find out how serious you're about dating and also try some genuine dating sites. Getting mentally ready for dating is very important. It will take you nowhere if you're unsure about yourself. You should be prepared to give your 100 per cent if you have to go for dating. Make sure about your objective as what you want to gain out of your dating. Most importantly, don't feel sad about rejection as there are chances that you may be rejected. Everyone has to face rejection at some point of time. It is nothing to feel bad or sad about. Take it in a positive stride and move on. Moving on in life is very essential.
• Feel confident. It is most important to feel confident whether you're dating or not. Pamper yourself and feel good as this will bring more confidence in you. There are many things one can do to give some extra attention to oneself. You can start visiting a gym, follow a good diet and exercising regime, read books and magazines, spend some time and money on grooming yourself as all these will make you feel good and confident which others will definitely notice.
• Always be positive. Try to be with people who have positive attitude and who will encourage you to go for dating. Stay away from those who discourage you for dating and who have negative views about relationships and love. Try to take part in social gathering and mingle with those who are single. Try to get close to singles and make friends with them. Even if you don't have dating in your mind that time, but getting to know another person is always a learning experience.
• Once in a while it is good to treat yourself with new clothes. So you should go for shopping whenever you get some free time and you have that extra money to dispose on pampering yourself. Make sure you get your image perfect. You should look exactly the way you feel. The positivity in yourself should reflect well from your image. Spend some time on yourself and try to accentuate the positive traits that you have. Get rid off all the old stuff like your old jeans or pullovers and cardigans. Get a new wardrobe for yourself. This will surely give you more confidence and everyone will take a note of that.
• Don't try to fool yourself and be practical and realistic. You should first select the person you want to go for dating. Your date should be someone you know would be willing to accompany you and get close to you. You shouldn't try to date someone too glamorous as your date will also expect the same from you. So you can save yourself from rejection and heart break if you are little more careful while selecting your date.

Job Interview Tips

* Research the company before you attend your interview i.e., website, annual report... etc..
* Prepare and practice before the interview. The more you prepare, the better chances you have of succeeding.
* Dress professionally in simple business attire.
* Plan to arrive a few minutes early.
* Turn off your cell/ hand held/ mobile phone prior to attending the interview.
# Introduce yourself in a courteous manner.
# Have a firm handshake.
# Stand straight and make eye contact.
# Sit erect and lean forward in the chair, to show your interest.
# Be a good listener as well as a good communicator.
# Be prepared to answer open-ended questions, like, "Tell me about yourself".
# Keep in mind the product you are selling is you. Give them reasons to buy, by emphasizing what you can bring to the organization.
# Talk about specific achievements.
# Don't answer with a simple "yes" or "no". Explain whenever possible.
# Don't make derogatory remarks about your present or former employers.
# Plan to ask questions. Asking questions gives you the opportunity to show your interest & gives you the opportunity to find out if this Company is the right place for you.
# Don't smoke, even if you are invited to. Don't chew gum.
# Never inquire about salary, vacations or bonuses, in the initial interview. You will be in a stronger position once they decide to hire you.
# At the end of the interview, ask about the next step in the process.
# Later, you may be asked to come in for a second interview and sometimes a third interview. Apply same tips as above & be consistent in your answers with the answers you gave in the first interview..
# Thank the interviewer.
# Always follow up with a thank-you letter to everyone you have spoken to.
# If you haven't heard from the employer within the time frame given to you at the interview, follow up with a call, note or email.

When a job interview doesn't produce a job offer:
* Poor personal appearance.
* Lack of focus. Be clear about what you want & what you don't want.
* Appearing too eager or too anxious. Listen 75% of the time & talk 25% of the time.
* Poor references. Always contact your references before you attend interviews & if you are not sure of what they will say, ask them. It's also a good idea to give them a copy of your resume.
* Poor attitude. Don't be arrogant.
* Very high salary expectations.
* Lack of common sense.
* Qualified, but not the most suitable for the job.
* Lack of potential.
* Late arrival to the job interview.
* Inflexibility.
* Insincerity.
* Not being self motivated.

10 Tips for Easy Weight Loss

Tip 1: Find out how many calories you need

BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate)



BMR [kcal]

Body Weight [lb] x 15 + (moderate activity [mins/day] x 3.5)

Since you wish to lose weight, your target = BMR - 500 kcal

For instance, you weigh 140 lb and you perform 20 mins of moderate activity every day. BMR of this example = (140 x 15) + (20 x 3.5) = 2100 + 70 = 2170 kcal. BMR minus 500kcal; it would be 2170 - 500 = 1670 kcal. Therefore 1670 kcal is the target in this example to losing 1 lb per week.

weight loss tipsTool: Use our online Calories Calculator to calculate how many calories you need every day.

Tip 2: Eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day

easy weight loss tips
Fruits and vegetables are packed with beneficial fibers, vitamins and antioxidants. They fill up your stomach fast so you feel full earlier. They are also low in calories and helps to keep your calorie count low.

weight loss tipsRead more: Top 5 Healthiest Foods


Tip 3: Watch for Portion Size

One serving of pasta means 1/2 cup of cooked pasta. However, most restaurants serve a pasta dish with 4 servings of pasta!!! You do not need to finish and clean off the plate every time. You can simply ask to take home the leftover.
easy weight loss tips


Tip 4: Do not Skip Meals

easy weight loss tips


Eating small frequent meals help to balance your calorie intake throughout the day and also keeps your blood sugar level balanced. Instead of eating 3 big meals, try to eat 5 - 6 smaller meals throughout the day.

weight loss tipsRead more: 4 Breakfast items to Avoid


Tip 5: Go for wholesome fresh foods

If possible, purchase fresh foods and avoid package (processed) and convenient foods such as fast food. Packaged and convenient foods are often higher in sodium and fat content. Many people we spoke to are amazed that they can easily lose weight by packing a home-cooked lunch to work instead of eating out.
weight loss tips


Tip 6: Don't be overly-restrictive

easy weight loss tips


Everyone has his or her favorite treats. Simply allow yourself a little indulgence, but watch out for the frequency and the quantity. Having a small treat once in a while can be rewarding to your weight loss experience. Cutting too much of your favorite treats usually lead to an early relapse.


Tip 7: Understand Food Claims and Labels

A product labelled with a fat-free claim does not mean that it is low in calories. Similarly a product labelled as low-sugar or low-carb does not mean it is low in fat or calories. Always read the nutrition label on the packaging.

weight loss tipsRead more: Understanding Food Labelings
weight loss tips


Tip 8: Watch for the sugary drinks

easy weight loss tips


Juices, soda, cream & sugar in your coffee or tea all add up. Opt for drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day. In addition to providing hydration to your body, it will also help you feel full.

weight loss tipsRead more: 5 Myths about Drinks


Tip 9: Keep a food journal

Keeping a food journal helps you pin point your eating pattern and will enable you to easily modify it. If possible, have your Registered Dietitian review your journal.
weight loss tips


Tip 10: Exercise, period

easy weight loss tips


Most authorities recommend 30 - 60 minutes of physical activity a day to stay healthy. Also try adding weight-bearing exercises at least 2 times a week. This will help burn some of the unwanted calories.

Beauty Tips: Staying Beautiful --- Naturally!

Almost everyone desires to be beautiful. Women, in particular, invest even their hard-earned money every month for beauty products, beauty services, and the like. Nowadays, quite a number of the male population, too, are finding it rather necessary to take care of their skin. In fact, department stores and salon clinics everywhere are now offering facial treatments for men!

The desire to be beautiful is not simply a fad. Fads fade away easily. But the desire for beauty does not. Some people may think it a bit superficial or vain, but a beautiful face always makes a lasting impression --- and this is probably one reason why the desire to be beautiful is not just a fad.

There are many beauty products available in the market today. These beauty products may suit every skin type, skin color, and practically every need. There are beauty products specific for men, and products that are exclusively for women only. And they come at a certain price, of course.

But to be beautiful and to stay beautiful need not be expensive. They may even come free of charge. Sleep, for instance, does not cost anything, but getting enough sleep everyday can do wonders for the skin. Ever noticed how one’s eyes get all puffed up and sore when the individual did not have a good night’s sleep? At least seven to eight hours of well-rested sleep everyday is recommended to have healthy, glowing skin.

Another beauty tip that does not cost a dime is drinking water. At least eight glasses of water a day hydrates the skin, making it supple it glows with health! Have a glass of water upon arising in the morning, another glass each before and after every meal, and another glass before retiring to bed. Within a few weeks, one is likely to notice a great change in you.

There are also fruits, spices, and other stuffs you use in the kitchen that you can turn into beauty products right in your own home. And they are not expensive at all! For example, a couple of drops of fresh lemon juice when mixed with an egg white make a great wrinkle remover. Baking soda can effectively remove blemishes on the skin. Vinegar is good for the hair. Apple cider vinegar, in particular, is a great dandruff fighter, while vinegar mixed with cold water can make the hair shine with life. A quarter of honey is perfect to achieve silky skin. Mix it with vegetable oil and lemon juice and you have a great skin smoothener. You do not even need to go to a dermatologist to treat crow’s feet. Simply dab egg white onto the lines and finish it off with vegetable oil. Then watch as the lines magically disappear!

Best of all, always looks at things in a positive light. A healthy disposition radiates in one’s face, illuminating her with inner beauty. Smile – and don’t forget to do this often. A person who constantly smiles is always beautiful --- inside and out.

Top Ten Money Saving Tips

Top Ten Money Saving Tips

* Save Money Tip 1

* Spend Less. This is not over simplifying the best way to save money! It is essential if you are serious about being a long term money saver and being able to save money every day. Review what you spend and look at ways you can save money. Consider making telephone calls for instance only at off-peak times. Do you really need to have newspapers and magazines delivered? Can you do without those coffees you buy at break time everyday - would a flask of coffee taken to work save you money? What about using the public lending library instead of buying books or music CDs? Once you start looking for little ways to save money and spend less you will quickly become an expert and really save money. Save Money Tip One

* Save Money Tip 2

* Establish a personal budget. This is essential for families and individuals and can be the fastest way to save money. You will instantly see your incomings and outgoings once you create your budget. You will not be able to save money unless you know how much money you have coming in, and how much money you have going out. Once you have prepared a budget of incoming money and outgoing money, you WILL be able to identify areas where you can save. It is MUCH more difficult to save money over a long period of time (the rest of your life?) without a budget. Save Money Tip Two

* Save Money Tip 3

* Bulk is good. Think about shopping and buying in bulk. Save money grocery shopping by planning meals in advance and bulk-buying. You can also save money by cooking in bulk. This is a real way you can save money with little preparation and almost no extra outlay. Always purchase generics when you can. Prepared foods and convenience foods will always be much more expensive than the generic ingredients needed to make the food. Preparing food in bulk and in advance also gives you the opportunity to plan ahead and be more accurate in your budget. Save Money by buying in bulk whenever you can. One thing to be aware of when buying in bulk is to be sure that any product you buy will get used before it goes bad - you won't save money if you have to throw stuff away. Buying in bulk is not only a good way to save money it is also a good strategy for coping with and surviving emergencies. Save Money Tip Three

* Save Money Tip 4

* Make sure a sale is a sale. By this I mean do your price research before you commit to making an expensive purchase in a retailers money-off sale. You have to be sure the sale really is a sale and not a creative marketing strategy of the store to encourage you to spend your money without thinking. Once you have researched the true price of a product (any product) you are in a good position to take advantage of a sale, special offer or discount and really save money. "Buy one get one free", "50% off", and "Huge Discount" will only help you save money if the actual price you pay is lower than you would pay somewhere else for exactly the same product. Save Money Tip Four

* Save Money Tip 5

* Buy used. Sure, we all like to buy new. But there are huge money savings to be made in buying used. Typically cars lose one-third of their value in the first 24 months from new. Why not buy a car 24 months old? Other items such as clothes can be worth even less just the day after new. Look for ways to buy "as good as new" items and save money. Typical products you might consider buying used to save money include: cars, clothes, electrical goods, garden items... tools and sheds, household items... pots and pans, the list of used goods where you can save money is endless. Save Money Tip Five

* Save Money Tip 6

* Don't carry excessive debt. Some debt in our lives may be essential. We may need a mortgage to purchase a home, we may need to use our credit card to make purchases until pay-day, but your aim to save money should be to have as little debt as possible. Credit Card deb is typically the most expensive debt we may carry. You will be able to save money every month if you make it an absolute rule to pay off your outstanding balance every month. If you can have the discipline to do this you will save money by effectively having no debt, and thus no interest charge on your credit card(s). Save Money Tip Six

* Save Money Tip 7

* Save Money. No, I mean really save some money. Each week or each month get into the habit of putting an amount, however small into your savings. You could start by saving a very small fixed amount each time and then move to putting in larger amounts once you begin to save money from your other money saving strategies. You will find that by saving money on a regular basis you will quickly build up a store of reserve money and also feel motivated to save more. The hardest part is to take the first step and start saving money - so START TODAY and save some money NOW! If you find it impossible to save money once you have it, consider having money deducted from your paycheck direct each month. This can be a great way to save money rapidly as once it is set up you will not notice it is being collected and your savings will grow with no more effort from you. Save Money Tip Seven

* Save Money Tip 8

* Shop Wisely. Consider markets, superstores, farmer's markets, local shops, marts and stores. Anywhere is worth checking out to see if you can save money. Farmer's Markets can be particularly good places to save money. Typically you are buying direct from the producer of the product so the savings are passed on to you. Use your bulk buying strategy here - farmer's markets often offer opportunities to save money by buying larger quantities of staples, for instance potatoes, rice or corn. Save money and shop wisely. Save Money Tip Eight

* Save Money Tip 9

* Eat in rather than out. This is a huge area where you can save money. A cup of coffee taken out could easily cost you TWENTY times (or more) what it would cost you to make it at home. So think before you drink when you are out. Eating is the same. Fast food restaurants are counting on you eating food that you perhaps don't really need at that time but buy just because it is quick. Why not wait until you get home and have a more nutritious meal and save money at the same time. Save Money Tip Nine

* Save Money Tip 10

* Use less. This money saving tip is a lesson we all need to learn. We live in a consumer society where waste is a huge problem. If we could all use and consume less there would be less waste, less power consumption, and the benefits for you are SAVING MONEY. Consider using less shampoo when you wash your hair, this may not mean washing your hair less effectively it means not flushing the excess shampoo and your money down the drain. What about saving on heating? Turn the thermostat down or put on extra clothes when you are cold. Turn off lights, the TV and the computer when they are not in use. Each little saving you make will build up and enable you to save money. Huge savings in energy can be made which will save you money and be good for our planet and the other people on it. Save Money Tip Ten