Making Ends Meet

Kids are heading back to school! Insurance costs are rising! Energy prices are soaring! Everything else, in turn, is getting more expensive! And, to top it all off, the holidays are just around the corner!

Many financial advisors roll out their "how to make a dollar stretch further" talks and articles in January to help you get started on your New Year resolutions. By developing a plan now, you'll have a head start on your New Year resolutions and may actually be able to enjoy the holidays because you planned for them and don't have a cloud of debt hanging over your head.

Spending less than you earn, throughout the year, is fundamental to a happy holiday season. Most of us feel we can't get by on a penny less but, if you apply yourself, you can find ways to cut corners painlessly. Some ways to save money include:

Clip coupons (and use them), buy only what is on sale, and shop at stores that offer double or triple coupons. You can save a hefty amount each week and still eat very well. While you're at it, cut out the junk food and eat healthier. You'll save money on both your grocery bills and your medical bills.

Cut down on convenience and fast foods and start cooking from scratch again. It doesn't take long if everyone helps and it's a fun way to involve the family. Growing or picking your own fruits or vegetables, farmers markets and food co-ops are other inexpenive ways to reduce prices and provide another opportunity for inexpensive family fun.

Give up that nightly dish of ice cream or other dessert and go for a walk instead. You may only save a few pennies, but they add up and your heart will thank you.

Consider taking on a second (or third) part-time job.

Are you eligible for assistance paying your fuel and utility bills, food stamps, etc.? Many people mistakenly think these services are for "other people" and not for them. If you are eligible, don't be too proud to use these services.

Many towns have set up food pantries for those having trouble making ends meet.

Renegotiate terms on credit cards. Try to eliminate using your cards and running up the balance. Contineue to pay the minimum on your outstanding cards and accounts, but use your grocery savings to pay more than the minimum each month on the card or account with the lowest balance. Once that card or account is paid off, apply the amount you were paying on it to the card or account with the next lowest balance. Continue like this and, before you know it, all those accounts wil be paid off or significantly reduced. Then you can start working on that mortgage ...

If you've been putting money aside throughout the year, holiday gifts wn't be such a budget-breaker and you won't still be paying for them in the new year. Consider setting a reduced limit on each person. You can be quite creativeon a budget of $25 or $50 per person. Keep your eye out for bargains and sales. A $75 sweater that you got on sale for$30 is going to keep the receiver just as warm and the recipient will be touched by your perceived generosity. Regift (just not to the original giver). Get crafty. It's not the price but the thought that counts. And shop yard sales, craigslist and ebay. You'd be amazed at what people are selling dirt cheap -- clothing with the tags still attached, games in their original shrinkwrap, cosmetics and perfumes (Mary Kay and Avon representatives -- as well as PartyLite, Tupperware and others -- often dispose of their excess inventory through these outlets).

Visit consignment shops when shopping for clothes. Many items still have tags.

Got a weakness for bookstores? Many book cafes encourage patrons to sit and read. The library now offers DVD's to borrow. Borrow a book from a friend (and don't forget to return it when you're done). If you absolutely must own a book, shop yard sales, discount tables at bookstores, and library sales.

Services that you just can't do without -- haircuts, manicures & pedicures -- can be less expensive (and just as professinally done) at trade and technical schools. Or, do it yourself -- well, maybe not ...

Pretend you didn't get that raise and, instead of spending it, use it to set up a savings account for unexpected expenses.

Pay yourself first. If you put just $10 a week in a savings account, at the end of a year you'll have more than %500. And, thanks to the magic of compound interest, your money will condinue to grow even if you don't put another cent toward savings. But, you're going to keep on saving --right?

Most of us have way too much "stuff". Clean out your closets, attics, cellars and garages once or twice ayear and have a yard sale. Or, put your "treasure" on craigslist or ebay. Put the money you earn into paying off some of those bills. Your home will be neater and your debt reduced!

Every town has an assortment of free and inexpensive events for every age and interest.

Instead of going out to the movies, rent a movie & pop some popcorn.

Institute a "game nigjht" and share those games you enjoyed as a kid with your own youngsters. Coupled with a pot-luck dinner, this is also an inexpensive, fun evening for adults.

Increase your insurance deductibles and lower your premiums.

Put off purchasing that new car. They lose half their value the minute you drive them off the lot anyway. By delaying that purchase for a few years and then purchasing a newer model used car (for cash of course), you can be saving a bundle.

If interest rates drop below what you are currently paying, consider refinancing. In today's market, though, it has become increasingly difficult to obtain financing even with stellar credit.

What ideas can you come up with?