Your Money
Planning for Life's Surprises:
Saving for the unexpected

By Julie McMurchie

Surprises. Isn't that the way life goes? You
think you've got it all figured out. You've
budgeted every penny, and then, surprise! The
car gets a flat, one of the kids gets sick and
the dryer breaks. There goes all of your careful
planning and out comes the credit card.

Saving for unexpected expenses should be a
part of your budget. Here are a few tips to help
you get started:

Come up with a set amount of money to set
aside each month for each of the following:

  1. One trip to the doctor and one
    prescription.
  2. At least $25 for home maintenance
  3. At least $25 for auto repair.
  4. At least $25 for school related
    expenses, like special projects,
    dances and field trips.

You've probably come up with an amount
somewhere close to $100. I know that seems
like a lot of money, but think of it as an
insurance policy. If you pay your premiums
(save that money)  each month, when
something comes up, hopefully, you'll be able
to pay cash for it, without putting a strain on
your budget.
Copyright 2009, Julie McMurchie. All rights reserved.
The Top 20 Ways People are
Spending Less on Food and
Household Expenses

Feeding a family, large or small, is expensive.
Here's what American women are doing to
spend less.

  1. Setting a household budget and sticking
    to it.
  2. Shopping sales.
  3. Buying items discounted for quick sale
    (for expiration dates)
  4. Changing stores/finding a more
    affordable store.
  5. Buying fresh vegetable on sale and
    freezing them.
  6. Eating more beans and rice.
  7. Eating less meat or less expensive meats
  8. Buying large cuts of meat, cutting into
    smaller portions and freezing
  9. Using coupons
  10. Reducing/eliminating waste. (Actually
    eating those leftovers)
  11. Reducing portion sizes.
  12. Growing vegetables and herbs.
  13. Eliminating junk foods
  14. Cooking homemade
  15. Using homemade cleaners
  16. Using homemade skin and hair care
    products
  17. Big buys for laundry detergent, etc.
  18. Controlling impulse buying (ouch)
  19. Shopping dollar stores
  20. Using fewer disposable items (mop
    pads, toilet cleaners, plastic bags)

(Information is based on a survey of questions
and comments of real women on several social
networking sites and communities.)
From:   consignmentchic
a  mother of 2 children who runs
a consignment boutique with my
mom

"Ever wondered about selling
your used clothing for cash?
Check out consignment and
read on how to consign ladies
clothing and accessories"
Did you donate used clothes to
a charity organization this
year? You may be able to
receive tax credits. Read these
tips from consignment chic.