dmmink’s posterous

Many of you may have read the recent post 15 ways stores trick you into spending money by MSN Money. If you have not, you should, it really is a great read. And if you can recognize the 15 tricks the article exposes you should be able to save a grip of money next time you visit the grocery store.  But, here is another secret (actually secret is a poor word choice  because I want you to tell everyone about it) you can use to save money every time you go to buy groceries - walk in with a budgeted amount of cash in an envelope.  Guess what, you are not allowed to spend any more money than the envelope contains.  This is a little budget help the envelope budgeting way!

I think the current mortgage crisis is evidence that money management ability is not on the list of "strengths" for most Americans. In other words, we all need a little help in cutting back on bad spending habits.  For decades, people have found that budget help with the envelope budget system.  Today's money management software allows you to ditch the physical envelopes in exchange for virtual envelopes, but the system has remained the same. 

You can find literally thousands of success stories from individuals who have lived by the envelope budgeting system.  Of course, there are dozens of other budget programs, so go out and find one that works for you.  Remember, the stores can get as tricky as they like, but it will have absolutely no effect on your spending habits if you live within a personal budget.  Good luck.

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I heard a great quote yesterday, which reads "both abundance and lack of exist simultaneously in our lives, as parallel realities.  It is always our conscious choice which secret garden we will tend... when we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are greatful for the abundance that's present - lov, health, family, friends, work, the joys of nature, and personal pursuits that bring us happiness - the wasteland of illusion falls away and we experience heaven on earth." - Thomas S. Monson.

I completely agree with the premise stated in this quote, namely that people have an unfortunate ability to concentrate more on what's missing than what is in place. I believe the reason people struggle with this tendency has to do with the intrinsic "problem solver" within most of us.  In other words, we have a hard time ignoring things that are amiss, even when most things are secure, because we have this buring desire to "fix"  whatever is wrong.

Across America people are complaining about financial woes.  Most people think they need more money. Unfortunately, that may not really be in their control.  Alternatively, they could focus on budget help which is something completely within each person's control.  People can also focus on taking better care of the possessions they already have.  We will all be much better off if we can individually figure out ways to extend the product life of both valuables and consumables. So here are just a few random suggestions:

• Use some type of household budget.
• Learn how to change your oil.
• Learn how to cut your kids hair.
• Backup all computer files, including blog back up .
• Eat more meals at home.
• Car pool when and where possible.
• Use a gas saver .

In sum, my advice for all of you folks stressing about the lack of money is to do a few simple things to save money so that your able to start focusing on the things of abundance in your life. 

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