Where to "Find" Extra Money

I know it is hard to believe, but most of us have extra money. It is just a matter of figuring out where it is lurking. If you pay attention every day to what you are spending money on, you will quickly realize how much more you really spend. For example, I purchase a cup of coffee every single day on my way to work. At $1.25 this really adds up over time. Working 5 days a week, for 42 weeks means I spend $262.50 per year just on my daily coffee! My husband does the same thing, but he works about 48 weeks a year for a total of $300.00. Right there is more than $500 per year we could easily be saving if we just started making the coffee at home.  So lets take a look at where you might be able to 'find' a little extra money in your life!

Decrease or Eliminate Unnecessary Expenses
Here are a few ideas...

• Cancel Magazine, Newspaper, and other subscriptions - do you really need them?
• Cancel Club and Organization Memberships - for example, you might be able to exercise at home instead of the gym.
• Eat or Order Out Less - make a point of only ordering out once a week, or none!
• Decrease Your Cable TV to the Basics - no special channels or dvd's. Even better, get rid of it all together and just watch what you can on your computer, Netflix, Amazon, or another service.
• Decrease Your Cell Phone Service - do you really need to have unlimited data? Just using it smart (ha ha) can save a lot of money! We tracked our data use for several months and realized we were paying for way more than we really needed. Cutting back on the data saved us quite a bit of money every month!
• Take Care of Your Own Pool - use YouTube to learn how to do this. It's not hard!
• Mow Your Own Lawn - why pay someone weekly to do this? Especially during the summer when it barely grows anyway. Even better, get rid of the lawn and practice edible landscaping (The food you grow will save you money too!).
• Bike ride or walk instead of driving - if it's close, why not? And you will be healthier for it too!
• Utilize the Library instead of Buying Books or DVD's - there are even online libraries where you can borrow free books to read on your electronic devices! Check out openlibrary.com.
• Trade Babysitting With a Friend or Relative instead of paying for one!
• ​Do you have something to trade? Be it garden vegetables, or a service, try trading or bartering for what you need instead of paying for it. This is like money in your pocket!
• Make Gifts Instead of Buying Them - seeDo-It-Yourself at Home Crafts
• Stop Buying Stuff You Really DON'T Need - before you put it in your cart, consider if it is something you absolutely need, or just want. If it is a want, then choose to stop right there!
• See the Section on Shopping. You can learn how to stack store coupons, find sales, and more! But remember, only do this for things you really need.
• Cut your hair and your families hair instead of going to the salon. Check out how simple it is to cut and color your own hair.
• ​Stop getting your nails done. You can easily do them your self, or get together with a friend and do each others. This will save a lot of money!
• Learn how to change your own oil in your car - some cars are easier than others, but you tube has a video for just about everything!

Earn Extra Money
A few ways you might be able to do this...

• Work Overtime if Possible - if there is extra work offered at your job, then say yes!
• Get a Second Job at Night or on the Weekends
• Sell your stuff - it's so easy to post and sell on Facebook now. We just snap a picture, upload it to a page we are a member of, add a description and a price, and wait for someone who is interested! You won't believe the items that are sold and purchased every day! Take a look and then think about what you have around the house. Check out Selling to learn more (It's part of 'Minimizing our Home Life.')
• Sell yourself - I mean a skill you have! For example, I can tutor students in science. This is a great way to make some extra money on my skill. My husband can do basic home repairs and maintenance, and my daughter is a yoga instructor. Think of the things you can do....​

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Hopefully this helps you find a little extra money in your life!
Please share any ideas you have for coming up with extra money!
Sincerely,