DIY Series: Save Money on Invitations

There comes a time when a woman, regardless of age, is assigned to do the invitation.  No matter how simple and trivial it may seem, we all seemed to panic at the thought.  What do we do?  Who do we ask?  Where should we print?  What paper to use?  What are we going to write?

As much as there are templates of several invitation samples out there, not all were appropriate.  Not all were what you would like it to look.

 

If you are like me, kind of OCD, nothing is ever good enough for me.  And sadly, the more revision I make, the more expensive it becomes.  So unless you are good in graphics designing, there's really not much you can do but go for the cheapest and simplest design.

You can however, look for something alternative.  You can still put your input on it, but still make it look professional... and most of it are free.

Saving Tip #3: Stay out of debt

Although, some millionaires or billionaires have debts, it doesn’t mean all of their assets come from there.  Debts may be necessary some times.  Rich people however, try not to have any.  They don’t like debt and they don't live by it.

When you do get in debt, try to minimize it or get out of debt as soon as possible.  It will be easier for you to budget your income.  You get to spend your money on stuff that are necessary and not think about how you’ll pay it eventually.

So before you swipe your card for that beautiful red dress, ask yourself "do you need it?"  If not, it’s not worth having debt.

Things To Do Instead of Spending Money

Money can't buy happiness... and according to Mind, Body, Green, there are 35 things you can do instead of spending money.  I can't really enumerate them all, as some of it aren't applicable to me.  

So I'll be doing my version of things to do instead of spending money.  Like what the Money Saving Mom did.


Here's mine:

• Walk around.  I like walking inside mall.  Others think its depressing but I am one of those who aren't an impulse buyer.  It's not the same as spontaneous buyer.. hahaha!  If you don't like in the mall, walk in the park or within the suburbs.  Just walk.  It's therapeutic - increases endorphins - and helps you lose weight.
• Chat with friends.  I would prefer face-to-face conversations but if it's not possible, chatting with friends is okay. 
• Drinking coffee.  Three-in-one is fine with me.  It doesn't have to be expensive.
• Movie Marathon / TV Series Marathon.  I am addicted to TV.  I am glued to the couch when watching something I love.  Helps me relax.
• Organize your clutter / drawer / closet.  Clutter can be everything.  I like arranging my accessories.  It's not cluttered but I like to rearrange them.
• Watch harmless pranks in YouTube.  If I feel down and I need an immediate boost, I look for a good laugh.  You can look at the "No laughing Series" or "Gaki No Tsukai" Videos.  It's a Japanese sitcom with a twist.  Participants can't laugh, at anything.  Just hilarious!
• Read a Book.  I get lost in space whenever I read a really really good book, particularly romance.
• Cook.  Not eat.  
• Take a Shower.  Sometimes, having a shower is all it takes to ease your day.  :)
• Get your hands dirty.  You can either plant in your garden or in a pot, make your own jewelry, make your own bracelets, etc.  Just keep your hands moving.
• Listen to music.  Apparently, people are more productive when they listen to music while working.  I guess that's true.  I feel something missing when I don't hear music in the office.

There are more, and I can't write all of them.  These are just some of what I can think of that are free and very easy.  I just hope it helps you relax too and stop thinking about spending.

Share with us your thoughts.




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Sources:

• Wise Bread (http://www.wisebread.com/100-small-things-that-can-bring-you-joy)
• Money Saving Mom (http://moneysavingmom.com/2014/05/35-things-instead-spending-money.html
• Mind, Body, Green (http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-13538/35-things-to-do-instead-of-spending-money.html)

Learn, Earn and Travel - Australia

Note:  I am not endorsing any companies.  Simply curious about their program and am taking it into consideration for future plans.

I have always wanted to experience traveling.  Am not really that adventurous but it doesn't hurt to try, explore new place, culture, food, and meet new friends.

But when I travel, I need to have a purpose.  I don't just want to explore, I want to learn and gain experience.  I am actually looking for a paid vacation.

One of the things that made me interested is the Work and Study program available in Australia.  Being a Filipino, there are a lot of restrictions for us to travel especially applying for Visa.  But with a guided application, there are minimal or no rejection - when the purpose is to study.  

Save more by doing it yourself - Pencil Case / Make up Kit

Isn't it amazing when you have accomplished something?  What more when you finished a DIY project?

I have always been fond of DIYs.  I may not be able to make all of them, but there are advantages in knowing a bit of everything.

I have been very open about my love for pretty things and all things girly.  (I am a girl).  It isn't a surprise when I say I love pouches.  I don't need to buy them - although, there are low cost - but I would treasure it more, if I make them myself.

As a DIY series, I am going to look for ways and guides on how to make stuff... from the planter, to balloons, to cakes, to etc.  I prefer to use stuff that readily available to us.  It can be a video or a step-by-step guide.

I found a really cool, easy-to-do pencil case.  Perfect for Back-to-School.  So without further ado, I would like to share how to make (DIY) pencil cases and make up kits -  sewing optional.

Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.  It will be perfect gift and personal use, especially for students.

The Science of Laziness

This probably has nothing to do with money (or everything to do with it) I don't really know.  But I read somewhere (forgot where), that when you want something done soon, give the work to the lazy people.

I remembered a post in Facebook, written, Bill Gates giving the work to lazy people, because they think of ways to get the work done soon, and be lazy again. - I'm paraphrasing.

Now, of course, you wouldn't expect such a great outcome, but at least the work is done.  There are obviously a lot of misinterpretations or connotations about laziness. 

I consider myself lazy - don't like working (or at least the idea of it), don't like chores, don't like cleaning, and the list goes on.  But at the end of the day, someone has to do it.

I remembered telling my dad, that I would never let myself be laid off or be out of work, so I can hire someone to get things done.  Of course, that didn't help me at all.