Hollywood gossip

Magazines at the store cost quite a bit.  When I am checking out of line at the store I see many people who are reading magazines. The next thing they decide to buy the magazine which cost roughly $3-5 each.  Then you notice as they are reading it the little insert that is in there falls out and of course we all know what it is for – a subscription to the magazine.  If you look at them you can end up saving close to 50% of the cover to get your hot Hollywood gossip.  If you are going to buy magazines buy them in yearly subscriptions and avoid the impulse of paying the high prices of over the counter.

Give to those who are in need

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and to help make sure that everyone out there gets a great meal try and donate to your local food banks.  Just think if we all put aside $10-20 and dropped it off at the food bank we will defiantly be able to feed many people that are in need.  Have a great Thanksgiving and remember to be Thankful.

Two hours of entertainment

Movies are not cheap to go to anymore.  You have pay $9.50 per person and that does not include all the snacks as well.  It might be a better idea to wait for the movie to come out on video and rent them.  Just to go to a movie with you significant other can end up costing you a good $40.

Go to the movies 1 time a month:
Admission for 2 people: $19.00 
Large Popcorn: $5.00
Candy/ Chocolate: $5.00
2 Sodas: $10.00
Total: $39.00 over 12 months = $468.00 

What if you bring some kids and friends?  Two hours of entertainment can turn into a quick $100 spend! I think the theatres needs to start making it worth our while to go to movies.  They did come up with the stadium seating.  I think it is still better to relax and watch a movie at home and be comfortable and not getting taken to the cleaners for a movie and some popcorn.

5% back on grocery shopping

I just noticed on my Discover card that you can now sign up for 5% cash back on all grocery shopping until the end of the year. With Thanksgiving around the corner and all the holiday parties this should be a pretty easy ways to save some coin. If you are responsible with credit cards please sign up and save more money.  So for the rest of the 2007 that now means the card is good for 5% cash back on all eating out and grocery shopping. 

A minute a day

I challenge you for one month to write down everything you spend money on and very quickly you will be able to see where all your money goes.  From just doing that for the month you will be able to make changes to your finances that could benefit you in the long run.  At night when you are brushing your teeth going to bed write down your daily spend.  It will not take much time to do and the results might surprise you.