It's no doubt that given the economic climate that this is going to be a challenging year. It's certainly the time when the rich get richer, the greedy get greedier and the poor get poorer. Honestly we all have to survive no matter our skin color or social standing. As a wedding planner and mother to four, frugality is the name of the game. But how determined are you to make some frugal choices? Some decisions may not be too easy, but others may be. It pays to prepare for an emergency before it actually hits you, so I would recommend the following steps to any family that already struggles with their monthly budget and any couples looking to tie the knot.
1-Gather the family and explain the situation to the kids. You’d be surprised how quickly they’ll rally around you. Make it a team effort to conserve your finances.
2-If you can, try to live with only one paycheck (if both spouses are working, of course), for at least one year and put the rest in protected financial instruments.
3-If you have two or more cars in the household, how about selling at least one? Can you get by with fewer vehicles? Not to sound radical, but you may consider unloading your car now (especially if it’s a gas guzzler), while people still have the cash to buy your SUV or truck at reasonable prices. You’ll save on gas if you keep the car that uses the least amount of fuel.
4-Try these grocery shopping tips. Make a list and don’t deviate. You’ll save a bundle and you’ll also help your children s health by no longer buying junk food and sweets.
5-Concentrate on necessary expenses and make a detailed budget every month.
6-Get rid of the credit cards as soon as you pay them off. The temptation to overspend is greatest for those who carry all that fancy plastic in their pockets.
7-This may come as a shocker for many young couples: but would you consider waiting to have a new baby for a couple of years? Aside from not spending many sleepless nights, you’ll be delaying a lot of expenses. This decision may not be for everyone, but it’s a practical one to make at this time.
8-Cancel subscriptions to magazines and newspapers. It may not be much, but it counts — much like many other smaller expenses that add up, especially over the longer term. Besides, you can get the news for free over the internet. You won’t have to look far for extra savings if you realize how much money drains can add up over a decade!
9-Check your phone bill’s extra features and eliminate them. Your extra phone lines: are they really necessary? Could you use a better, more affordable phone plan? Same goes with your cable or Direct TV bills.
10-Looking like a million dollars in your wedding dress is key, but instead of the costly gym spin classes, try the local school track and get your 30min power walk there instead.
11- Save money for your wedding by making my own centerpieces for the tables.
12-Sanojah's has always offered basic white trestle linen when you use our catering at our partner venues.
13- Take advantage of rental deals for your upcoming wedding. Sanojah's 25% off in stock Chair Covers; Chair Ties and Linen Napkins is extended until March 31st 2011.Check out our older blog post for details.
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