Money Minded Learning

The new year provides a fresh start and a great opportunity to create new years resolutions. Start 2013 off right by creating resolutions for saving and spending habits. Here are some of Money MindEd’s favorite easy ways to start saving money in the new year!

Save, Save, Save: Saving money doesn't just mean spending less, it also means setting money aside to save. This year start a resolution to save more money by opening a savings account. Placing $25 of each paycheck into a savings account will leave you with $650 at the end of the year. You can also try small savings techniques like creating a change jar for your loose coins or placing $5 dollars a week into a shoe box for a savings of $260 a year!

Smart shopping on Black Friday and Cyber Monday can help to cut back on the financial pressure of shopping for the holidays. Mark your calendar because Black Friday is November 23, 2012 and Cyber Monday is November 26, 2012. Save time and money by following these tips to stay ahead of the crowds and steal the best deals this year!

While it would be nice to be able to afford the luxuries in life without thinking about dropping a buck, for most of us, this is not an option.  In order to afford big purchases, it is necessary to diligently save.  Once great way to motivate saving is to set a goal for something you want, then work to accomplish this goal.  This is a great way to develop strong savings habits. As a first step, write down a few items you would like to have.  Each month, set aside a chunk of money in a savings account and once you reach a specific goal, take the plunge!  I recommend setting your goal higher than the amount of money you need to purchase the item in order to maintain your savings account.

Did you know that the Dollar Store is a fantastic resource for anyone looking to save some money?  It has so many of the items we see at other stores but for a guaranteed price of only one dollar.  Here are seven great buys that can be found at the Dollar Store. 

Holiday Decorations:  Seasonal décor is one of the largest displays you willAt most stores some of the smallest themed decorations can be quite pricey.  At the dollar store you can afford several decorations for the price of one at other stores.  It is a great resource to make your home festive for many of our favorite holidays.