2011~ THE YEAR OF CHANGE

  Everyone is probably setting their goals and listing their wants and needs for the upcoming new year. Being that the economy isn't back at it's best as of yet, we must plan wisely. Life on a budget can be quite annoying, but not impossible. Companies aren't the only ones doing cut backs and layoffs. We must learn to cut back on things that aren't a necessity. Going to get your nails and hair done every week is really not a need, it's a luxury. Maybe cut back to twice a month and try to get something done that doesn't cost to much. When you get a perm at the salon, they charge you about $50 to $60. Go to your local beauty supply store and purchase a perm and do it yourself. A hair relaxer runs about $6 to $10 at most. Look how much money you just saved by doing it yourself. Little changes like that make a BIG difference in your financial department. If you buy your lunch for work everyday from a fast food establishment, try brown bagging it sometimes. It will help your health and your wealth. There are even tricks for your treats! For instance, I am a true ice cream lover. I enjoy going out for ice cream at least twice a week. I enjoy Cold Stone Creamery immensely and I always look forward to my next visit before I even leave the store. (giggle) Great ice cream with a great friend is always a treat. Being that it would cost anywhere between $6 to $10 per visit, then you add on gas money there and back, things can get costly very quickly. In order to still have my ice cream treat without feeling deprived, I sometimes purchase ice cream at the grocery store. I can grab a gallon of slow churned vanilla ice cream and a pack of Oreo cookies from Shop Rite. The same price as my Cold Stone treat but not only can I have it that night, I can have it for a few nights. Plus, you may get a blessing and find that your particular ice cream and the Oreos may even be on sale, even better! Call over a friend and enjoy! :) Just learn to be more mindful of our spending habits in 2011. Take your savings and put it towards something really great. Maybe you have your eye on a certain new purse, a piece of jewelry, a spa day, or even a plane ticket to visit a friend. In any event, I wish you all the best in reaching your goals and dreams this upcoming new year! God bless!