| Is Saving a Struggle? |
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By Melissa Tosetti
Are you still struggling trying to regularly save money without having to tap into it?
This often happens when we set the goal to save money. We decide to start saving 15% of our income right away. We are usually good for a week, maybe a month, but then find ourselves having to dip into that 15% that was put away. A savings account that you tap into on a regular basis is not a savings account. It’s a holding account! Instead of striving to be an overachiever, make small goals. As suggested by Robert Kiyosaki, the author of Rich Dad Poor Dad, start by being an underachiever. Begin with a small goal that you know you will be able to attain. For example, if you really want to start saving an extra $50 per paycheck:
Remember, only save what you know you can save. If you are pulling money from your savings account on a regular basis, you're not saving. If you find that you are dipping into your account, cut back the amount you are saving by a few dollars and when you are ready, you can increase the amount again.
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| Proactive Shopping |
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By Melissa Tosetti
At the beginning of each month take a look at your calendar for that month and the following one. Are there any events that require an out of the ordinary purchase?
* Do you need a new comforter for the coming winter months? * Do you need a dress for your cousin’s wedding? * Do you need a bathing suit for your vacation to Hawaii? If so, start shopping now! Don't wait until the last minute. Remember, this type of planning allows you the time you need to find what you want and often at the price you want to pay. It also greatly reduces the stress associated with trying to find what you need at the last minute. It’s a simple, yet powerful habit to adopt. Excerpt from The Savvy Life Newsletter
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| 10 Best Values in Used Cars |
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Most people I know would rather poke their eye out with a fork than walk onto a used car lot. However, buying used is a savvy move. The following quote from CarsDirect demonstrates why. A new car depreciates or loses value almost immediately after you drive it off a dealer's lot. As a quick rule of thumb, a car will lose between 15% and 20% of its value each year according to Bankrate.com. A car in its second year will be worth 80% to 85% of its first year value and a car in it's third year will be worth 80% to 85% of its second year value. One of the reasons we hate used car shopping is because frankly, used car salesmen don't have the best reputation. Also, the process is overwhelming. There are so many cars to choose from and we're afraid we're going to get screwed. As with any major purchase, research is key to savvy shopping. Kiplinger magazine recently came out with their list of the 10 Best Values in Used Cars for 2012. The article is an excellent starting place. As for those used car salesmen - there are plenty of reputable sales people out there. The best way to find them is by word of mouth. Ask your friends and family members for recommendations. If you have a good mechanic, ask them for a referral. That's how I found Bob Kay of BK Motors in Half Moon Bay. He sold me my beloved Nissan Maxima five years and 100,000 miles ago.
2009 Nissan Rogue S |
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