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• Bored with your budget? Try these 10 frugal hobbies

  Posted Aug 12 2008, 05:21 AM by Karen Datko
  Filed under: Extreme savings, Saving, Blueprint for Financial Prosperity, Budgeting

  This post comes from partner blog Blueprint for Financial Prosperity.

  It's easy to jump into the car and head to the movies if you want something to do this weekend, but it's mighty expensive when tickets are $9 to $10 and gas is about $4 a gallon. However, it costs far less if you visit your local library and borrow a movie to watch at home. It costs far less if you borrow a book or volunteer or do any of the 10 hobbies I've listed below.

  This weekend, instead of going for the easier, more expensive, option, try one of these.   Read More...

  Discuss ( 3 comments) 5,189 Views Digg this | Email this | Link to this

• 10 simple steps to eliminating debt

  Posted Aug 05 2008, 05:13 AM by Karen Datko
  Filed under: Debt, Spending, Blueprint for Financial Prosperity, Budgeting
  Rating:

  This post comes from partner blog Blueprint for Financial Prosperity:

  I've never liked having debt because I've always felt uncomfortable owing someone money. When it comes to major purchases like a home, it's usually unavoidable; but for smaller- ticket items, I avoid debt like the plague because I know it's a slippery slope.

  You start owing a little here, a little there, and the next thing you know you're making large monthly payments with little to show for it.

  But we've all been there; we all slip up. Whether it's eating too much at a meal, spending too much when you're out with friends, or something else, stuff happens and you deal. Well, if debt happened and you're looking for some tips on how to get it unhappened, I'd like you to check out these 10 steps I've learned over the years.   Read More...

  Discuss ( 9 comments) 9,960 Views Digg this | Email this | Link to this

• Get a stimulus check every year

  Posted Jul 22 2008, 07:25 AM by Karen Datko
  Filed under: Blueprint for Financial Prosperity, Groceries, Transportation, Budgeting
  Rating:

  This post comes from partner blog Blueprint for Financial Prosperity.

  With presidential hopeful Barack Obama mentioning a potential second economic-stimulus check, many folks are clamoring to know more. Unfortunately, there's not much else to say about it other than that he'd push for one in the short term.

  I, however, offer a different solution. In order to find an additional $600, you need only cut $50 in spending a month. In reality, that comes out to only $11.54 a week. Reduce your spending by $11.54 a week and you will have created your own stimulus check. That's it.

  Can you do it? I'm betting that you can, and here are some recommendations for what you might want to trim.   Read More...

  Discuss ( 16 comments) 12,611 Views Digg this | Email this | Link to this

• Cut just one cup a week

  Posted Jun 02 2008, 08:44 PM by Karen Datko
  Filed under: Saving, Dining, Blueprint for Financial Prosperity, Budgeting
  Rating:

  This post comes from partner blog Blueprint for Financial Prosperity.

  Cut out the morning coffee at Starbucks!

  Bring a bag lunch!

  Stop drinking alcoholic beverages!

  If you've been trying to find areas to trim in your budget, those are likely the first three things you'll hear suggested, right? The Latte Factor! It's horrible that you're wasting money on coffee you can brew at home. It's a travesty! OK, except you don't have a coffee maker at home, have hardly any time in the morning to brew it, and if you don't have it -- oh boy, your office had better watch out because you'll be one cranky man/woman/beast.   Read More...

  Discuss ( 20 comments) 7,415 Views Digg this | Email this | Link to this