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)

Saving Tip#2: Set Goals

Before you save, figure out what you are saving it for.  When you save just for the sake of saving, you get easily disheartened and bored, and eventually stop altogether because you’re not motivated anymore.  No matter how trivial, small, or probably insignificant your goal is, write it down.  Put the amount, much better.  Itemize it or label the jars or envelopes, even accounts, you are saving it for.  It can be as big as retirement fund, college fund, home downpayments, or as small as ice cream for the weekend.  Do it until a habit forms.  Your goal is what will keep motivated.  So if you feel like spending over your budget, think about your goals first.

Saving Tip #1: Don't Ignore the coins

Don't ignore the coins.

Keep them in jars, empty coin purses, or pretty much any container.  Before you know it (or at least within a month), you have few hundreds of pesos which you can use to pay your water bill, gasoline for your motorcycle, even to minimize your electric bills.  It also helps when you have unexpected expenses, like buying LPG, unexpected guest food.  You can also use it for jeepney fare especially in the morning to avoid the rants, as MRT / LRT fare payment – in the exact fare booth or stored value ticket (am I correct? You know what I mean.)

Ways to Save Money NOW

I know that most of you have already heard this and I don't think there's much to add.  Although, should a financial need arise, wouldn't it be enjoyable not to have any worries?

Unfortunately, not everyone is prepared nor have a 6-month salary equivalent saved up as an emergency fund.  We should all be prepared.  Expenditures come when you least expect it.

Here are some of what I have compiled as ways to save money NOW: