Secrets of the Debt-Buster
Our grandparents knew how to stretch a
dollar. In those days, a chicken would
last an entire week and would feed an
entire family of four. By learning to be a
creative money saver, you'll discover
what they've always known: You don't
have to spend a lot to be happy.
While some of the following suggestions might sound a
bit extreme, these ideas reflect wisdom from years gone
by. Here are some ways your grandparents (or greatgrandparents!)
learned to save money — with a modern
twist here and there.
- Eat less food. By eating smaller meals, not only will
you be healthier, you'll also save money.
- Go vegetarian — even just twice a week. Pasta, rice,
potatoes, and beans are some of the lowest-priced
foods on the market.
- Never pay full price. Wait until you can get some kind
of discount and then stock up.
- Never throw anything away that can be reused or recycled.
Cash in your aluminum cans and plastic bottles.
Use old sauce jars to freeze leftovers. Be creative!
- Use a thermos to keep coffee warm instead of leaving
the burner on. You can really taste the difference!
- Turn off the lights. By remembering to turn off appliances
and change light bulbs to lower wattage, you'll
be saving money and the environment.
- Open drapes to let in the heat. Close them to keep it
cooler.
- Feeling cold? Put on a sweater rather than turn on the
heater. Better yet, go outside for a nice brisk walk or jog.
You'll use your body's thermostat instead of your home's.
- Turn off the TV if you're not watching it. TV sound is
expensive company. Listening to the radio uses a lot
less electricity.
- Wash your own car. Check your own tire pressure.
Change your own oil if you can.
- Re-evaluate your telephone needs. Cell phones can be
expensive, especially if you are paying for a household
of users. Get rid of the phones that aren't
absolutely necessary. Look for cheaper plans.
Getting rid of just one cell phone can save you $50 or
more a month!
The "Debt-Buster" is John Cummuta, renowned speaker and
seminar leader, and bestselling author of Transforming Debt
Into Wealth and The Wealth Machine. He has helped more
than half a million people quickly and completely eliminate
their debt and get on the road to lifelong financial freedom.
