Three Ways to Save This Spring

Now that it’s finally starting to warm up, Michigan Spring can begin! That also means it’s time to start spring cleaning! Out with the old, in with the new.  But I'm betting your garage and basement aren’t the only areas you need to do some spring cleaning. Your budget could probably use a little sprucing up, too! Now is the ideal time to review your finances and give wasteful spending the boot! Here are three ways to save more this spring.

1.      Make Lists – Before you head to the grocery store or other shops, make a list of items you need. Then, stick to it from that list. The stores can be tempting with their big sales and price slashing, but don’t let that sway you from what you really need, and what you want. Also, don’t be afraid of generic options; There are plenty of alternative brands of the same product available of the same quality, but are much cheaper.

2.      Take a look at your expenses – Is there anything that you could adjust to save some monthly cash?  Maybe your cable bill… Do you really need 1500 channels when you only watch about 5? It might be relaxing to unwind in front of the television after a long day’s work or over the weekend but the amount of time that we actually spend watching television does not always warrant the expense. Check with your provider (or other providers) to know and understand all of your options.

3.      Garage Sale!  Yes, we have turned “garage sale” into a verb.  Whether your interpretation means hosting one yourself to clean out the clutter AND make a few bucks, or attending the abundance of garage sales in your area to get some really cool stuff for a fraction of the full price, garage sales are a fun way to save (or make) money!

Spring cleaning is a lot like saving money: Start small and do what you can, and soon enough you’ll see results. By spending a little time cutting costs, making lists, or “garage sale-ing” you can add to your savings account and improve your mindset.

Don’t forget to follow Honor on Twitter @honorcu!  Tweet us and let us know what you want to hear us talk about on Mason Jar Monday next week using #askhonorcu!

 

To listen to 97.5 Y-Country’s Wild Bill and Honor’s Kaylee Williams talk about spring cleaning your budget, listen to the Mason Jar Monday episode below.

 

Barbecuing On A Budget

It’s finally barbeque season, so get that grill fired up! But, as fun as grilling out with friends and family can be, it can get a little pricey if you are playing host or hostess.  However, there are ways to stick to a budget while still indulging in good eats. Here are three tips to follow so you can have your burger and eat it, too.

1.      Buy discounted meat - According to a recent survey, the ground beef you’ll need for your burgers costs 12% more this year (about $4.61/lb) compared to last year. To avoid breaking the bank, buy your meats when it goes on sale, and freeze it until BBQ day. Or, go on the day of your party and buy the fresh discounted meat then. Meat on sale is still fresh and good to use, but it needs to be used soon.

2.      Make it a potluck - You buy the main dish, everyone else brings the sides and dessert. Seems like a fair trade, right? This way, you’ll get a variety of flavors at your get-together, and nobody spends much. Have Aunt Sally bring her famous chocolate cake, Uncle Joe can bring his corn on the cob, and Bill, your neighbor down the street, can bring the beer.

3.      Use what you’ve got- Don’t blow your cash on paper plates and plastic utensils. Instead, use the dishes in your cabinet, and put your dishwasher to use afterwards. This way you’ll save money and make an eco-friendly decision.

 

So go ahead- have a party! Just make a few budget-conscious decisions when planning and you’ll save money and have fun in the process.

Don’t forget to follow Honor on Twitter @honorcu!  Tweet us and let us know what you want to hear us talk about on Mason Jar Monday next week using #askhonorcu!

To listen to 97.5 Y-Country’s Wild Bill and Honor’s Scott McFarland talk about barbecuing on a budget, listen to the Mason Jar Monday episode below.

Three Ways To Be Green And Save Green

When many Americans first hear about “going green,” they may think this means they’ll be dropping a lot more cash for everyday needs and wants. But not so!  There are simple ways to SAVE money by going green! Here are a few ways to be green and save your green.

1.   Don’t drive, walk  Is the grocery store just down the road? Walk. Is work just a bit too far to walk? Ride your bike.  Not only will you be saving money on gas and vehicle maintenance, you’ll also be saving the atmosphere from those harsh emissions. Taking many short driving trips which could just as easily be walked is a severe drain on your pocketbook which also contributes to the degradation of our natural environment.

2.   Shop green  From diapers to cleaning products to food, there are so many ways to shop green and save money. There are a multitude of green-centered companies out there, like The Honest Company  and Seventh Generation. Companies like these specialize in providing quality green products at an affordable price.  You’ll save a bundle on pricey, non-biodegradable products, and you’ll refrain from filling up your local landfill.

3.   Turn off the lights  Electricity usage is another environmental threat that also costs the average person a large sum of money every year. Keep the lights off if you’re not in the room or using them. Unplug appliances or electronics when not in use. Turn off the TV and go outside! These simple steps will keep your utility bills lower, and your electricity usage down. Win-win!

Like any endeavor, the prospect of going green will be as financially beneficial as you make it, and through a combination of thorough research, innovation and open mindedness you can save the environment and save money at the same time!

To listen to 97.5 Y-Country’s Wild Bill and Honor’s Scott McFarland talk about how to go green and save green, listen to the Mason Jar Monday episode below.