Archive for July, 2009

Make nice with your boss.

July 31st, 2009 by Catherine

Did you know that one easy-peasy adjustment on your company’s printer settings can save over $700 in a year? By simply setting the default mode on your office copier to print double-sided copies, you’ll save on average 70,000 sheets of paper annually? That’s about 8 trees’ worth of paper! And you thought you had to brown-nose your way to the top…

Live well. Spend wisely.

What’s so appealing about plastic bottles anyway?

July 31st, 2009 by Catherine

If you haven’t already bought a reusable water bottle, will you just do it already? Even if you reduce your plastic water bottle purchases by 5 each week, you’ll save about $10 a week, and that will quickly add up your savings account! Try it for a week and see if you notice the difference.

Live well. Spend wisely.

A better bridal shower.

July 31st, 2009 by Catherine

Like most women, you’ve probably lost count of how many bridal and baby showers you’ve attended over the years. And if you’re part of the lucky club who is close to said bride/baby mama, you’ve probably had the honor of hosting and throwing their blessed celebration. Tired of spending a fortune? Rethink what it means to throw an elegant party. Schedule the event earlier in the day and make it clear on your invitations that it’s a tea party. Keep drinks to tea, coffee and water perked up with cucumber, lemon or other fruit garnishes, and go wild baking a bunch of simple cookies or cupcakes. For some simple recipes, head on over here

Live well. Spend wisely.

As if you need one more reason to quit smoking.

July 31st, 2009 by Catherine

Smoking is disgusting. It makes your teeth yellow, your breath stink and more importantly, causes a slew of health problems (all of which I’m sure you already know, but choose to ignore if you haven’t quit already). But did you also know that smokers earn less money in pension and Social Security payments? With a single pack of cigarettes costing, on average, $9.00, isn’t is about time you just quit already? Even smoking just one pack each week will set you back almost $500 in the course of a single year, enough to land you this super-swanky espresso maker from Williams-Sonoma. Stinky smoker’s breath vs. sweet new kitchen appliance that will impress your friends and family? The choice is yours…

Live well. Spend wisely.

Movie night.

July 30th, 2009 by Catherine

With the weekend just around the corner and a slew of new releases slated for tomorrow, I’m itching to escape summer’s sultry nights with a good flick. One of the best ways to save a buck on crazy movie prices? Bring your own snacks! Would you pay $8 for a soda at the grocery store? Probably not. And who really wants to have slimy fingers from movie theater popcorn? Is it wrong? Eh, maybe. Am I saving my hard-earned money? Absolutely, therefore totally worth it.

Live well. Spend wisely.

Nail it.

July 30th, 2009 by Catherine

Can’t live without your weekly mani/pedi? That little indulgence can really add up over the course of a year, so why not try skipping one professional treatment with an at-home touch up? Your savings will quickly mount, and I’m willing to bet few people will even notice the difference. If you simply can’t bear facing the world with a chipped manicure, consider salons that offer clients a “frequent flyer” program, with offers for free services when you amass a certain number of visits. 

Live well. Spend wisely.

Take note.

July 30th, 2009 by Catherine

If you’re anything like me, you love savoring a good book. But is the $20-some worth something you’ll probably read just once? Probably not. With libraries offering the very same bookstore options for free, it’s a wonder we tend to skip them in favor of purchasing the exact same item. I’ve always found that bookstores tend to display their goods much more prominently, so whenever I’m looking for a new novel, I’ll pop by and make a note of books that appeal to me before heading to my local library. That way, I save the cash and assure myself I’m not missing out on anything new and noteworthy!

Live well. Spend wisely.

Did you know…?

July 30th, 2009 by Catherine

According to GlobalWatch, half the world lives on less than $2 a day? Just a little something to think about as your day goes on…

Live well. Spend wisely.

Kick bad energy habits to the curb.

July 29th, 2009 by Catherine

Love long, hot showers? Your bank account doesn’t. By simply shaving off two minutes from each shower, you’ll bank over $100 in the course of a year, according to a study conducted by Energy Australia. Saving money and the environment? It doesn’t get any chic-er than that.

Live well. Spend wisely.

A free gym, right outside your door.

July 29th, 2009 by Catherine

Did you know the average American only visits his or her gym four times a month? And with the average gym membership costing $60 each month, the investment doesn’t really add up. Do you really need to spend money on a gym membership? If your motivation is high enough, try opting out for a month or two and exploring outdoor options to see if it’s for you. Running, walking, biking and hiking are all fantastic cardiovascular workouts and with a small initial investment in equipment, you’ll be working on your fitness in the great outdoors. The best part? No matter where you are in the world, you can get down to business without your gym! And with the money you save, you’ll have enough left over for more world travels!

Live well. Spend wisely.