Saving money on ...

 Here are some practical tips to help you save money while managing your personal finances on a fixed income:

1. Upgrade Bank Savings Accounts: If your savings account still pays 1 percent or less, switch to a new one. Now you can find rates of 4 to 5 percent thanks to changes made by the Federal Reserve. Websites like Bankrate and NerdWallet can help you compare options. On a $10,000 balance, a 5 percent interest rate could earn you $400 in a year if you were making 1 percent before.

2. Set Reminders for Card Payments: Credit card companies make a lot of money from late fees, which can be as high as $41 per late payment. To avoid these fees, set a calendar reminder to pay your credit card bill on time.

3. Consider a Robo-Adviser: If you can’t afford a financial planner, a robo-adviser might help. These programs use algorithms to manage your money and usually charge annual fees of 0.25 to 0.50 percent of your portfolio value, that is less than the 1 percent charged by human advisers. Companies like Fidelity and Vanguard offer these services.

4. Cut Taxes for Your Heirs: Many adult children who inherit an IRA must empty the account within 10 years, often during their high-earning years, which means higher taxes. To help your heirs, convert traditional IRAs to Roth IRAs and pay taxes when your own tax rate is low, such as after retirement. Your kids won’t owe taxes on Roth withdrawals.

5. Tap Your 401(k) for Emergencies: The Secure 2.0 Act allows you to withdraw $1,000 from a 401(k) or IRA once a year without the usual 10 percent penalty if you are under 59.5 years old, as long as it’s for an emergency. This can be better than using high-interest-rate debt.

6. Know Your Credit Card Perks: Many credit cards offer perks like discounted or early access concert tickets, extended warranties, purchase protection against damage or theft, and rental car insurance. Find out what benefits your card offers and use them to save money.

7. Create a Budget: Track your income and expenses to see where you can cut back. Use free budgeting apps to help you stay organized. 

8. Use Cashback Programs: Sign up for cashback programs and rewards credit cards to earn money back on your purchases.

9. Shop Around for Services: Compare prices for services like banking, insurance, and utilities to find the best deals.

10. Emergency Fund: Set aside a small amount each month to build an emergency fund. This can help you avoid going into debt for unexpected expenses.

11. Reduce Debt: Pay off high-interest debt first. Consider consolidating debts to lower interest rates and simplify payments.

Saving money on ...

 Yard and garden

Consider taking on small yard and garden tasks yourself, such as mowing the lawn, pruning plants, or weeding. This can save you money on labor costs and help you develop new skills.

Thrift stores, garage sales, and online marketplaces often have gently used gardening tools, planters, and other supplies at a fraction of the cost of new items.

Collect rainwater in barrels or containers to use for watering plants, reducing your reliance on expensive municipal water supplies.

Mulch can help retain moisture in the soil, reduce weed growth, and regulate soil temperature. Use organic materials like leaves, grass clippings, or wood chips to create a natural mulch that's free or low-cost.

Instead of buying expensive seasonal decorations or plants, plan ahead and use items you already have or can repurpose. For example, use evergreen branches to create a winter wreath or use old pots to create a spring planter.

Go native. Plants indigenous to your region provide several cost-saving benefits: They thrive in local soil (so less need for fertilizers) and at local rain levels (so less watering). If they are grown at area nurseries, they may be less expensive than their more exotic cousins.

Partner with your neighbors. If all of you hire the same mowing or snow-removal crew, the business may be open to offering a discount since it can take care of all your homes at once.

Give your air conditioner space. Proper airflow around your outdoor condenser unit allows it to work more efficiently.

Make beds that last. Though mulch and flowering annuals look beautiful, you must pay to replace them. Using stones, perennial plants and other materials that last many years will lower your outdoor maintenance expenses.

By following these tips, you can save money on your yard and garden while still enjoying the beauty and benefits of the outdoors.

Saving Money on

 Home Improvements

1.      Try doing simple home improvement projects yourself. You can find tutorials online for tasks like painting, minor repairs, and gardening.

2.      Visit salvage yards or reuse centers for building materials and fixtures. You can often find good quality items for a fraction of the price.

3.      Buy materials and tools during sales events like Black Friday or end-of-season clearances.

4.      Attend free community workshops to learn new skills and techniques for home improvements.

5.      Invest in energy-efficient windows, doors, and insulation. These can reduce your energy bills in the long run. Observe the golden rule of insulation. If you can see the top of the floor joists in your attic, you’ll likely save energy dollars by ­adding insulation. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that homeowners can save an average of 15 percent by sealing their homes and adding insulation in attics, floors over crawl spaces, and basements.

6.      And batten down the hatch. Insulating your attic entry —­ often called the hatch —could save $150 a year in energy costs. The goal is to keep heat out of the attic. Since heat rises, an uninsulated hatch drains heat from your home. Home centers carry hatch insulation to fit most situations.

7.      Know when to prime. Painting over low-gloss and using a similar ­color? Skip the primer. But in ­other situations, primer will save you money. Use primer when painting porous surfaces, such as bare drywall or wood or surfaces with high-gloss paint.

8.      Wait for winter. Many people don’t want to start indoor projects during the winter due to the cold and holidays. But this means contractors are looking for work during those months and are more likely to give you a better deal as well as their full attention.

9.      Know how to improve home value. If you plan to sell your home down the road, check out Remodeling Magazine’s helpful annual Cost vs. Value survey at remodeling.hw.net. Most financially helpful in 2023 was converting a fossil-fuel furnace to an electric heat pump, averaging an $18,366 return on $17,747 in cost. By comparison, a $23,430 deck would return just $9,325.

10. Rehab your tub. Replacing a stained and worn bathtub can run you $10,000 or more because you’ll likely have to replace everything that surrounds it too. But for $150 or less, you can refinish it with an epoxy-based finish, such as Ekopel 2k or the Rust-Oleum Tub & Tile Refinishing Kit.

Fear of wealth?

 In a society where success and happiness are often equated with wealth, especially with the influence of social media distorting reality, many individuals, including seniors, can develop a condition known as wealth dysmorphia. This psychological state involves an unhealthy and distorted perception of one's financial situation, akin to body dysmorphia but focused on money.

It's crucial to understand that wealth dysmorphia affects people of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. Recent research from Credit Karma highlights its prevalence among younger generations, with a significant portion feeling behind financially despite being stable. However, this perception gap isn't limited to the young; it affects a substantial portion of the population, including Gen X and seniors.

Even those with substantial wealth can experience money dysmorphia, feeling anxious about losing their riches or engaging in excessive hoarding. This anxiety, particularly regarding retirement savings, can be considered a form of money dysphoria, highlighting the complexity of this issue.

To address wealth dysmorphia and improve financial well-being, individuals can take several steps:

1. Reflect on Attitudes: Examine your beliefs about money and whether they align with reality or are influenced by societal pressures or personal insecurities.

2. Take Control: Gain control over your finances to bridge the gap between perception and reality, enabling better decision-making and reduced anxiety.

3. Cultivate Gratitude: Embrace gratitude for what you have, fostering a sense of abundance and positivity that counters feelings of lack or inadequacy.

4. Set Meaningful Goals: Establish achievable financial goals based on your values and priorities, avoiding comparisons with others that can lead to dissatisfaction.

5. Limit Triggering Media: Be mindful of media promoting unrealistic standards of wealth and success, reducing exposure to such triggers to alleviate feelings of inadequacy.

By recognizing and addressing wealth dysmorphia, individuals can cultivate a healthier relationship with money, focusing on contentment and fulfillment derived from aligning with personal values rather than material possessions.

Don't buy if you don't need it

As we move toward the summer holiday, my final thoughts for a while on spending. The statement "the best way to not spend money is to not buy things you don’t really want or really need" is a great piece of advice to follow if you want to control your spending habits.

One of the biggest causes of financial stress is overspending, and a lot of overspending can come from impulse purchases or purchases that aren't really necessary. By focusing on buying only the things you truly need or want, you can avoid unnecessary expenses and keep more money in your pocket.

However, it's important to keep in mind that there are certain expenses that are necessary and can't be avoided. For example, rent or mortgage payments, utilities, food, and transportation costs are all necessary expenses that we need to pay to maintain our basic needs and lifestyle.

Moreover, there are times when we may want to buy things that are not necessarily needs, but that can add value to our lives. For example, buying a book or going to see a movie can be a source of entertainment and relaxation, even though it may not be a necessity.

In conclusion, while the statement "the best way to not spend money is to not buy things you don’t really want or really need" is a good reminder to be mindful of our spending habits, it's important to find a balance between our needs, wants, and financial goals. The idea of not buying name brands when there are generics available can be a good way to save money on everyday items. Generics or store-brand products are typically less expensive than their name-brand counterparts, and in many cases, they are just as good in terms of quality and effectiveness.

Should you buy no-name or brand name products?

While name-brand products may have a certain appeal or reputation, it's important to consider whether the extra cost is truly worth it. In many cases, the only difference between name-brand and generic products is the label and packaging, and the quality and effectiveness of the product itself are the same.

There may be certain situations where name-brand products are worth the extra cost. For example, if you have specific dietary needs or preferences, you may prefer to buy a certain brand of food or supplements that you trust. Similarly, some people may be willing to pay more for certain types of clothing or electronics based on the quality or durability of the item.

Ultimately, the decision to buy name brands versus generics should be based on your individual needs, preferences, and budget. While generics can be a great way to save money, it's important to weigh the pros and cons and make informed decisions based on your individual circumstances.

Suppose you have a party, and someone peeks into your medicine cabinet and finds all generic items. Would you be embarrassed?

Most of us, at least if we’re being honest, would probably admit to at least a tinge of embarrassment. But why would we be ashamed of being smart? The answer is simple.

We’ve been conditioned to believe name brands are better than generic brands. Of course, some name brands are better than generic brands. But many times, they’re not. In fact, many generics are literally identical to their name-brand cousins. Pain relievers and other over-the-counter drugs, for example, often have the exact same ingredients. If you doubt it, next time you’re at the drugstore, read a few labels. Bayer aspirin and Walgreens aspirin aren’t similar, they’re identical.

We shouldn’t be embarrassed to have a medicine cabinet filled with generics. In fact, we should feel embarrassed if we don’t, because all we’re doing when we needlessly pay for a brand name is donating our hard-earned money to companies that already have plenty.

Should I buy used or new?

The idea of not buying anything new and opting to buy used items instead is commonly referred to as "buying second-hand" or "thrifting." This approach can be a great way to save money, reduce your environmental impact, and support sustainable consumption practices.

When you buy used items, you are giving them a new life and keeping them out of landfills. This can help to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in the environment, as well as the resources needed to produce new items. Additionally, buying used can be significantly cheaper than buying new, especially for items that are in good condition.

However, there are some considerations to keep in mind when buying used items. It's important to carefully inspect used items before purchasing them to ensure they are in good condition and will meet your needs. You may also need to be patient and persistent when shopping for used items, as you may not always find exactly what you're looking for right away.

Overall, the idea of not buying anything new and opting to buy used can be a great way to save money and reduce your environmental impact. However, it's important to weigh the pros and cons and make informed decisions based on your individual needs and circumstances.

Tracking savings and spending in a tough economy

 Savings fundamentals are the basic principles and practices that form the foundation for successful saving. You should have specific goals in mind for what you want to save for, whether it's a down payment on a house, an emergency fund, or retirement.

You should track your income and expenses to determine how much money you can realistically set aside each month for savings.

You should make saving a priority by setting up automatic transfers to your savings account and putting any extra money you receive, such as bonuses or tax refunds, directly into savings.

You should set aside at least three to six months' worth of living expenses in a separate account to cover unexpected expenses.

You should work to pay down high-interest debt, such as credit card balances, as quickly as possible to free up more money for savings.

You should consider investing your savings in assets that have the potential for growth, such as stocks or mutual funds, to help your money grow over time.

By following these fundamentals, you can develop good saving habits that will help you achieve your financial goals and build a secure financial future.

20 things seniors can do that are inexpensive

 When it comes to entertainment, imagination is often a great substitute for currency.  When was the last time you went on a picnic? Tried out the swings at the local park? Parked your car at a scenic overlook? Went to the zoo? Went hiking? Camping? Played card or board games?

I bet if we thought about it, there would be a million ways we can entertain ourselves that involve spending little or no money. We just forgot what they are. But when you think about the most memorable and happiest times of your life, I’ll bet that they didn’t include paying a huge bill in a fancy restaurant or staying in an expensive hotel. Here is my list of things we can do that are fun and low-cost.

Read books from the library or online

Start a new hobby like painting, knitting, or gardening

Take walks around the neighbourhood

Join a book club or other social club

Volunteer at a local organization

Attend free community events such as concerts or festivals

Watch classic movies or TV shows

Play board games with friends or family

Listen to music or podcasts

Write letters or emails to old friends and family members

Take up bird watching or stargazing

Visit local museums or historical sites on free admission days

Participate in online classes or workshops

Go on a picnic in a nearby park

Play card games or puzzles

Try new recipes and cook meals at home

Take up meditation or yoga

Attend free lectures or seminars at the library or community center

Create a scrapbook or photo album of old memories

Write in a journal or start a blog.

How to save money on entertainment TRANSFERRED

Times are tough, so if you are looking to save some money on your entertainment, here are some ideas:

Many cities offer free events such as concerts, festivals, and lectures. Look for them in your local newspaper or online.

Attend matinee showings at the movies to save money.

Use streaming services such as Netflix or Hulu instead of paying for cable or movie rentals.

Look for discounts for students, senior citizens, or military members when attending events or movies.

Use your library card to borrow books, movies, and music instead of buying them.

Reading eBooks can be cheaper than buying hard copies.

Attend community events such as festivals, fairs, and street fairs. They are often free or low-cost.

Take a hike or go for a picnic in nature as an inexpensive form of entertainment.

Groupon or LivingSocial for discounted tickets to events and attractions.

Look for free outdoor activities such as disc golf, swimming, or fishing in your local area.

Try a new hobby such as painting, drawing, or writing. It's a form of entertainment, and you might find it satisfying.

Play free online games instead of buying expensive video games.

Have a game night at home with family or friends. It's free and fun.

Get a membership to a museum. This can save you money on entrance fees.

Listen to free music on streaming services like Spotify or Pandora. 

Tips to save money around the home

• Shop around for the best deals on home and auto insurance.
• Use energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs to reduce energy costs.
• Sign up for budget billing to level out your utility costs.
• Use a programmable thermostat to control heating and cooling costs and lower your thermostat to reduce heating and cooling costs
• Seal leaks and insulate your home to improve energy efficiency.
• Shop around for the best rates on the internet, television and phone service.
• Use a water-saving shower head and low-flow toilet to reduce water costs.
• Plant trees or install shading devices to block the sun and reduce cooling costs.
• Cut back on unnecessary subscriptions and services.
• Use a power strip to turn off appliances when not in use.
• Unplug chargers and other devices when they are not in use.
• Take advantage of government programs that help low-income households with utility costs.
• Use a home security system to help lower your home insurance rates and shop for home insurance from multiple providers and compare rates.
•  Look into benefits and discounts that may be available to seniors through your utility company.
• Check with your local government for any home-improvement grants or tax breaks.
• Unplug electronics when not in use.
• Install low-flow showerheads and faucets to save water.
• Fix leaks in faucets and pipes.
• Insulate your attic and walls to reduce heat loss.
• Use a clothesline or drying rack instead of a dryer.
• Turn off lights and appliances when not in use.
• Use a water heater blanket to reduce heat loss.
• Set your water heater to a lower temperature.
• Use a water filter instead of buying bottled water.
• Rent out your extra space.
• Conduct regular home maintenance to prevent costly repairs.
• Use energy-saving power strips to turn off appliances when not in use
• Reduce your air conditioning costs by closing shades or curtains during the day to block out the sun
• Consider a home warranty to save on home repairs. 

Ideas on how to save money when you travel

• Plan ahead and book your travel in advance to get the best deals.
• Look for deals and discounts on travel websites, such as Expedia or Kayak.
• Use travel rewards credit cards to earn points or miles that can be used for flights, hotels, or rental cars.
• Use budget airlines to save money on flights.
• Use public transportation or car rental instead of taking a taxi.
• Stay in hostels or Airbnb instead of hotels.
• Cook your own meals instead of eating out at restaurants.
• Use discount apps and coupons when shopping for souvenirs.
• Use a travel rewards program to earn points for future trips.
• Use apps like Google Maps to find the cheapest gas stations.
• Look for free activities and events in the area.
• Travel during off-peak seasons to save money on airfare and accommodations.
• Bring your own snacks and water bottle to save money on food and drinks.
• Use a travel money card to avoid foreign transaction fees.
• Compare prices and book travel insurance.
• Use travel apps to find the cheapest exchange rates.
• Use a VPN to access lower prices on hotel and flight bookings.
• Look for discounts for seniors, students or military personnel.
• Use a travel budgeting app to keep track of your expenses.
• Search for deals on Groupon or LivingSocial for activities and attractions.
• Consider off-season travel: You will find lower rates and fewer crowds during off-peak times.
• Look for package deals: Look for package deals that include airfare, lodging, and rental cars.
• Use home-sharing services: Consider using home-sharing services like Airbnb to save on lodging costs.
• Book directly with hotels or airlines: Booking directly with hotels or airlines can save you money compared to booking through a travel agency.
• Avoid peak travel times: Try to avoid peak travel times, such as holidays and summer, to save money.
• Look for free activities: Look for free activities or cultural events to do while travelling.
• Cook your own meals: Cooking your own meals can save money on dining out.
• Take advantage of credit card rewards: Many credit card companies offer rewards or cash back for travel expenses. Use these to save money.
• Travel with a group: Traveling with a group can save money on transportation, lodging, and activities.
• Use a travel rewards program: Many airlines, hotels, and rental car companies offer rewards programs that can help you save money on future trips.
• Look for free parking or shuttle service: Many hotels offer free parking or shuttle service, which can save you money.
• Avoid renting cars: Renting a car can significantly add to your travel expenses. Consider using public transportation or walking instead.
• Stay in vacation rentals: Vacation rentals can be more cost-effective than hotels and provide more space and amenities.
• Use a budget-friendly airline: Low-cost airlines often offer cheaper fares than traditional airlines.
• Use a travel agent: A travel agent can help you find the best deals and save money on your trip.
• Use a local SIM card: Use a local SIM card when traveling internationally to avoid high roaming charges.
• Avoid peak travel days: Look for flights or train tickets on less popular days, such as mid-week, to save money.
• Take advantage of loyalty programs: Look for loyalty programs or frequent-flier programs that can help you save money on future trips.
• Avoid baggage fees: Pack light and carry on your luggage to avoid baggage fees.
• Choose budget-friendly destinations: Look for budget-friendly destinations, such as smaller towns or off-the-beaten-path locations, to save money on your trip.

Plan Your Trips Ahead To Avoid Wasting Gas

It is unfortunate but true that most of us have no direct effect on the substantially high cost of gas. After all, gas prices are set by forces that are far beyond our control, and there is nothing we can do about the expenses we incur while driving, right? Well, that is only partially correct. See, while we may not be able to control the price per gallon of gas, we certainly can control how much gasoline we use, and therefore, how often we have to fill up our automobiles! Doing so is not as difficult as you may think!

When most people think about conserving gas, they figure that it must be an annoying and inconvenient process. However, learning to conserve gas can actually be a very easy thing to do, and may lead you to develop better overall habits as well. For instance, planning your trips ahead of time is a great way to use less gas, and it is also a good idea anyway, as it is a skill that helps you to remain more organized in your daily life.

Many people today live outside of city areas, sometimes up to dozens of miles away in rural towns or other areas. For these folks, it is absolutely vital to plan ahead when considering trips that have to be made, at least if they want to save money on gas! 

I use google maps to help plan my trip. This app has added the most economical route option. This is a great way to save money as the app will provide you with the best options.

Since these people have to drive many highway miles per week as it is, it is not advisable for them to make extra trips into town, especially when they could have consolidated all their shopping needs or errand running into one trip.

Another aspect of trip planning is being smart about where you will go and when. If you know that you can wait to drive around the city and get done whatever you need to get done, then try to avoid doing so during peak driving hours. Nothing kills your gas mileage more than sitting in a traffic jam or stuck a hundred feet from a stopped traffic light, waiting for everyone to take turns accelerating once the light turns green. If you can avoid these frustrating and gas guzzling driving situations, you will be one step closer to your goal of limiting your fuel consumption.

Finally, make sure that you are organized when you go to the store or out shopping. It is a good idea to make a list before you leave, even if you believe that you will not forget anything. It is easy to forget to buy an important item at the grocery store, especially if you are in a hurry or have a lot of other items to remember. This means that when you return home, you will have to go back to the store to get the forgotten item(s) or simply make do without them until your next trip to the store. Alas, neither of these options are very attractive ones, so try to be organized when you head out to the store.

As you have probably realized, it is not difficult to make proper trip planning a part of your regular daily life. If you do so, you will easily be able to minimize your driving, and you will find yourself having to fuel your vehicle up far less often as a result.

Little Known Ways to Improve Fuel Economy

Gas prices are high and going higher. Those of us who were around in the 70's know the pain of high prices at the pumps. There is not a single driver among us who would not prefer to spend less of their hard-earned cash at the fuel pump.  That is why people are becoming more and more aware of the many simple and cost effective ways that they can improve their fuel economy.  However, what do you say to people who are already familiar with the basics?  Fortunately, there are many little known ways that you can improve your gas mileage.

Just about everyone knows that if you want to save gas, you need to drive slower.  After all, that is common sense.  Even though you can save a lot of gas by going slower on the highway, many people are unwilling to do so, for instance.  The trick is to find ways to increase gas mileage without having to do things that you are not willing to do in the long term.  That is what these tips will help you do.

First of all, stop neglecting the regular maintenance that your car needs!  According to studies, a dirty air filter can cost you up to 20% of the gas mileage you should be receiving.  A quick change of spark plugs can increase your fuel economy by over 10%!  Also, many people are not aware that they can increase their gas mileage simply by keeping their tires properly inflated!

Similarly, too many drivers are carting around a vehicle full of unnecessary things that are robbing them of valuable gas mileage.  For every 250 pounds of excess gear in your car, you can count on around one mile per gallon lost!  Also, make sure that you take bike racks and other items off of your vehicle when it is not the proper season.  It may take a few minutes, but such items produce extra wind resistance, which makes your vehicle work harder to accelerate or maintain speed.

You can even save some money on gas while you’re spending money- at the gas pump, that is.  For example, when the auto shut off kicks in, do not squeeze in a couple of extra cents to make the dollar amount even.  This is one of the ways in which people waste money, since most of that extra gas will not end up properly going in the tank.  Also, most drivers are unaware that a loose gas cap can not only cause your “service engine” light to go on, but can also result in lost gasoline, which escapes as vapor out of the tank!

Finally, make sure that you use your car’s features to their maximum effect.  You can save a little money on gas by using your cruise control often, since your engine will not be working to match the fluctuations in pressure that you are putting on the gas pedal.  Also, make sure that you use the overdrive function when possible, since it allows your engine to avoid overworking itself.

Driving and maintaining your vehicle in a way that allows for increased fuel economy is mostly a matter of having the proper knowledge, then putting that information to work.  It is vital that you not only know the methods for increasing gas mileage, but that you are consistent in their implementation, unless you want to keep visiting the gas station regularly!

  

Can money buy happiness

 It’s a tough question, an easier one might be how much do happy people earn? This is an interesting question and one that the United Nations has examined.

The World Happiness Report is an annual survey by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network for the United Nations. This report examines global happiness in 156 countries, ranking countries using the Gallup World Poll according to six factors: levels of GDP, life expectancy, generosity, social support, freedom and corruption income. The World Happiness Report was first launched in 2012.

Another study looked at the relationship between salary and worldwide location, with judgements based on self-reported happiness around the world.

The world’s 25 happiest countries, in order of happiness, are Finland, Denmark, Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, Netherlands, Sweden, New Zealand, Austria, Luxembourg, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, Israel, Costa Rica, Ireland, Germany, United States, Czech Republic and Belgium.

The happiest country in the world is Finland and in Helsinki, its capital, the average salary is £27,936 (about $36,000). Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, the second happiest country in the world, has a much higher salary of £34,342 ($44,255). The U.K. was the 15th happiest city, where people earn an average of £33,396 ($43,023).

People in the ten happiest U.S. states earn, on average, $44,903. The top ten happiest states in the U.S. in order are currently Hawaii, Utah, Minnesota, North Dakota, California, Idaho, Maryland, Iowa, South Dakota and Nebraska. (Amongst these states, 63 is the average retirement age and 80 is the average life expectancy).

The average salary across these ten states is $44,903, although it was markedly less in the happiest state, Hawaii, where the average annual salary is $38,604 and life expectancy is the highest of any U.S. state at 82.3 years. Utah was second with an annual salary of $45,563 and Minnesota was third with $51,339.

I should note that these figures are based on self-reported happiness. However, it is impossible to assume causal relationships between happiness and money earned—there are always other factors to take into consideration. For instance, there is a lot of research to show that globally, societies are happier where there is less inequality.

Food Prices are getting higher what can we do?

One of the things that takes some getting used to is living on a fixed income.  And even if you have a healthy retirement, investments, and government benefits, when you stop working, your income comes out of that pile of money which is except for the government benefit, a diminishing bucket of funds.  So, anything you can do to protect your money and economize means your money will last longer, be there for you when you have an emergency or be available for fun things which is what retirement is all about.

If you are able to continue to prepare your own food, you are already well ahead of the game because one big expense for any budget is the food budget.  And if you are buying food for a spouse, older children still at home or you are helping to raise the grandkids, you can see a food budget that can get out of control.  So, it pays to come up with some tips for how to slash that food budget but do so in a way that does not hurt the quality of food you eat or feed your family.

Economy begins at home so you can do a lot before you even go to the grocery store by learning to use everything you buy.  An investment in some quality storage units so you can keep leftovers fresh or keep fresh vegetables or fruits on hand will help you eat everything you buy and cut down on waste.  In fact, if you like to garden, you can even take the organic waste such as coffee grounds and apple cores and make your own compost which can go into your garden to grow your own food next spring. 

The key to saving money at the grocery store is to be a smart shopper.  Remember that grocery stores stock lots of items that are made to appeal to people who want convenience over low prices.  You can save a lot of money by avoiding fast foods, frozen foods and buying the ingredients to make your own meals every day.

Being a smart shopper also means knowing when and where to shop and how to find the good values in food and grocery supplies at the store.  Some core principles of smart shopping are…

·   If you can buy in bulk – do it.  Most items are cheaper at the unit cost level if you buy larger quantities.  If you can buy and store more food at once, you can take advantage of those savings.

·   Avoid impulse purchases.  Stores carefully place items that are appealing so you will buy higher-priced items.  Work from a list and stick to your list.

·   Slice your own cheese.  Pre-sliced cheese comes at a higher price.  Buy a good cheese knife and buy cheese in blocks and slice it yourself.

·   Buy fresh produce.  Fresh foods are not only better for you, and they are cheaper than frozen. 

·   Know your town.  Each grocery store has certain categories they do best at outselling the others.  Know what stores are good with produce, with meat and with everyday savings and create your shopping lists accordingly.

·   Know your store.  Each week, your store marks down certain items in preparation for the weekend.  Routinely they will slash the prices of fresh meat to get rid of last week’s supply in preparation for the higher-priced specials for this week. If you know when that stuff hits the shelves, you can score big savings and freeze what you buy to use over the next few weeks.

·   Know your items.  Learn your price points of what is a good price for each item on your list.  Try to buy under those price points so your budget is controlled.

·   Buy store brands.

·   Use coupons.

·   Leave the grandkids home.  Children will add dozens of items to your shopping cart and slow you down.  Leave them out of the picture and you won’t have to buy their impulse items and the trip will go faster too.

By being a smart shopper, you can stretch your food budget and see an impressive savings on what you spend on groceries.  And that helps you stretch your retirement savings which means a longer more prosperous retirement and one that is more worry free as well.  And that is worth the extra effort.

Money, money money

"Money does not buy happiness", or Money is the root of all evil". Our attitude toward money is important, it shapes our attitude toward life and where we think we fit in society. 

Money is a form of exchange, we exchange our money for what we need or want. Have you thought about this idea:

When you spend money, whether a little or a lot, wisely or not, do you celebrate that you're creating opportunities, dancing with life, exchanging energy, supporting economies, feeding families, lessening
poverty consciousness, demonstrating courage, validating life, eradicating fear, inviting magic into your life, and lifting humanity higher into the light? 
Well, maybe you should!

Grocery Shopping has changed.

I noticed the other day when I was out getting a few groceries that the isles were full of staff members filling up bags. The bags were in a large cart and there were three levels. I noticed but did not think about it until today. I was in the grocery store and as I turned the corner I was almost hit by one of the carts. Lucky for me that the lady steering the cart was quick and she stopped. I apologized as I was the one not paying attention. 

I then said that it looked like the store was getting a lot of online shoppers. She said yes, and went on to explain that her store did not charge for the pickup, whereas all of the other competitors charged for the picking. She said, "Phone us, give us your list, your brand preferences if any, and then we pick it up and you come to the store and pick it up." She added, "If you wanted it delivered there was a nominal  charge." 

I asked if this was new and she said, "This area of shopping has picked up in the last few months, and she was glad as it kept her working and out of trouble." I laughed and continued my shopping. But I got to thinking that grocery shopping has changed for many.

One of the concerns that many seniors have is losing the ability to stay in your own home because they cannot get out to do the chores, see the doctor, or shop for groceries. Modern businesses are meeting the need of people who cannot get out, or who do not have the time to spend shopping.  It appears the millennials and Gen Xers are leading the charge in the use of this convenience, but I think Boomers will start to use this to help them.

According to the latest data from Prosper Insights & Analytics’ November 2016 survey, 7.7% of U.S. consumers shopped for groceries online in the past 30 days, up from 5.7% two years ago. Not surprisingly, younger generations are driving the uptick. One in ten millennials and Gen Xers did online grocery shopping in 2016, up from 8.4% and 6.8% respectively in 2014.

The “convenience” of online shopping and grocery delivery means different things to different people. For some in crowded urban areas, getting to and from the grocery store may be a transportation issue. For busy working parents, grocery shopping may be a time issue. Others may just dislike grocery shopping and do anything to avoid the store.

While Wal-Mart and Amazon will continue to fight it out on the national level, the store I was in was a large regional supermarket. The management of this chain clearly see the trend and are starting to make their mark in the areas they are competitive. the frontrunners and will continue battling it out in the online space.

It is nice to see a Regional competitor that is local to my area not sit idly on the sidelines and developing an integrated and seamless multi-channel shopping experience that will benefit the store, and the consumers in my area.

The Exchange

I am a member of a Credit Union, and I use ATM's a great deal for their convenience, but I don't like the fees, so I was delighted to hear about the exchange. So if you are a member of one the participating banks or credit unions, you will save money by using this service. Great idea.

The Exchange is a network of ATMs for about 184 small banks and credit unions across Canada — announced in June that it was growing its network by over 30 per cent. The move brings The Exchange’s number of ATMs to 3,300, second only to the Royal Bank of Canada. According to the press release, 2,607 postal code areas will now be serviced by Exchange machines, which don’t charge clients of its member banks and credit unions any surcharges.

Participating financial institutions include Alterna Bank, HSBC Bank Canada, ICICI Bank Canada and Manulife Bank, which is adding 800 of the 830 new ATMs. Those 800 machines will be branded with Manulife Bank logo and will be installed in various Mac’s, Couche-Tard and Circle K stores across the country. The rollout began this month and set to be completed in September

Frugal Christmas: Gift Giving Strategies

Posted by  Miranda Marquit in the  Coupon Shoebox

One of the most difficult parts of the holiday season is all the extra spending that seems to happen. Buying Christmas gifts for everyone on your list can start to add up. The good news, though, is that things don’t have to get out of hand. After all, the amount you spend on a gift isn’t a true reflection of your love. You can have a frugal holiday season and still give thoughtful gifts. Here are some gift-giving strategies for the frugal minded.


One of the best ways to help everyone save money on Christmas gifts is to have a gift exchange. You draw someone else’s name out of a hat, and get that person a gift. You can put a dollar limit on it as well, depending on what is affordable to most family members. This can be an especially helpful idea for large families, or those who exchange gifts with extended family members.


One tenet of frugal living is to make things yourself. This can include Christmas gifts. My husband’s sister is quite artistic, and painted a large sand dollar with a cool picture of a dragon for me. It’s an awesome gift that I enjoy every day. Other homemade gifts can include baked goods, a memory book, and craft items. Write a note to go with the gift to add an even more personal touch.


My mother’s brother’s family always gave us a family gift for Christmas, and we sent them one. This is a way to save, since you can buy a gift meant for everyone, rather than buying individual gifts. A board game that the family can play together is one great idea. You can also create a gift basket for the whole family. Movie night baskets are fairly inexpensive to put together, as are gift baskets with assorted cookies. This principle also works for couples.


Gift cards are generally a bad idea, since many people don’t like giving low dollar amounts, such as $5. This can mean buying several gift cards worth more than you would like. However, you can get a larger denomination gift card for a couple or family. Another thing you can do is use sites like CityDeals.com and Gift Card Granny to purchase discount gift cards. You can find $25 gift cards for between $10 and $20. It’s a great way to give a great gift while retaining your frugality.


It is fairly easy to stuff a stocking with frugality. You can visit dollar stores for great stocking stuffers, and even look at the clearance sections of major retailers. Stores like WalMart and Target often have small clearance items for $2 or less. You can use these as great stocking stuffers.

In the end, it’s possible to plan a frugal Christmas and stick to a gift budget. You may need to think ahead, and consider some alternative strategies, but there is no reason why you can’t give thoughtful and appreciated gifts and while maintaining a frugal lifestyle.