Ways to Save 2013 Goals

Not that long ago I used to be broke all the time. I was always out spending money and I had nothing to show for it. I couldn't wait till my next pay check so I could just spend it on something silly. After my deployment to Afghanistan, a lot of things were put into perspective for me. One of those being saving my money and to stop being so wasteful. Especially after getting to know some of the Afghans I got to work with downrange. With that being said let me share some of the ways that I save money.
These are not in any particular order.

1. Always make a list of what you NEED and what you WANT. I am not saying that I never by things I want, but I am more selective and I take my want list and put them in order of preference of what I want to get first.

2. Try to DIY. Instead of buying lotions and hair products, if at all possible I will make it myself and I then I am able to use the same product for both and I am saving myself a little money.

3. Stock up on your staple products when they are on sale. For me, staple products would be perfume and smelly lotions and cremes. Two times a year (Christmas time and June/July time) I will stock up on lotions and perfumes so that I wont need to buy them for another six months when they go on sale again. I don't know about you, but I would much rather pay 75% off than full price =) I am cheap like that, I know lol.

4. Buy foods you like to eat and make it at home. Sure, its convenient to go out to eat, but think about how much money you would be saving if you just ate at home. I LOVE thai soups and my favorite spot charges $12 for a large bowl. At one point in time I was going 3-4 times a week (ouch). I went to the asian grocery store and found that they have the base for $3 there and I could put whatever I wanted in it and now I eat it all the time for much less. Can we say winning?

5. Save your coins. I always take my loose change and put it in a empty container. Whenever I take a trip (usually at least once a year) I always have $200-300 in change. That is additional spending money right there =)

6. Save money from every check. During my deployment I paid off my car. Even though I really want a new one I don't need it so I still got my old one (not really old, its a 2008). The money I save from not having a car payment and reduction in my insurance for owning my car goes to my savings. Half to a money market account and half to a regular savings.

7. Craigslist. I am queen of keeping stuff I don't need (trying to break that habit though). If you don't need it, get rid of it! Put it on CL and make some cash.

8. Cancel subscriptions you don't need. I was subscribed to Julep and the Curlbox. Each of those cost me $20 each. While it was nice getting presents in the mail every month, I didn't really like all the stuff they sent me. To this day its sitting up in the closet not being used (I will use it!!! Or do a giveaway soon).

9. Have a goal. If you want to save for a rainy day, do it. If you want to go on a 10 day cruise, by all means go for it. You have to have a goal and you need to start somewhere. I know saving isn't easy and I won't say its fun, but it is nice to be able to do nice things for yourself because you tucked a little money away here and there.

Finally got the Coach chelsea bag I wanted!

I am so happy with her too!!! I am know to those around me as being cheap so this bag for me is an investment. I have to admit I am pretty happy with my choice though, doesn't pay to be cheap all the time right? =) I didn't get it in the brown that I saw at the PX...instead I got her in black--I figured you could never go wrong with that color.

PS-her name is Chelsea!