Saving Money--Easy!

[pen_grunt]

I kind of (okay, really) hate articles like this that report how easy it is to save an extra $450 a month.

It's good in theory. People need to be reminded of "simple" ways to tighten the belt, I think. But articles like this always assume frivolity. What if I already take my lunch to work everyday and don't spend $3 a day on fancy coffee? What if we already don't go out to eat in a month (really, ever), and we don't see movies in the theater? What if you're already getting the most out of your tax cuts (a big chunk of the $450 "saved").

Another one that periodically shows up on these lists? Stop smoking. It kind of makes me wish I had started--think of all that theoretical money I would save by quitting!

I read it, naturally, because who doesn't want to save more money?

I guess, of course, this also assumes that one is saving nothing already. With a husband as a financial guru, that's not an option for us. We have to practice what he preaches, after all.

Comments

[pen-grunt.livejournal.com]

It seems horribly elitist and judgmental, doesn't it, to assume that those that don't save money (or can't save money) are spending money on stupid things they don't need (Starbucks and cigarettes).

[grenacia.livejournal.com]

Aside from some eating out, I usually don't have many things to cut in the first place.

The thing about raising your car insurance deductible bugged me. Sure, it might be a good option for some, but often you don't save very much money doing that, and if you do have a claim, that savings can be reversed quickly. I was an oversimplification. Really, the whole article was full of oversimplifications.

[liquid-siftings.livejournal.com]

Maybe if you stopped collecting rare 18th century left-handed corkscrews made from narwhal tusk, you could save a little money. But then, where would you find joy in your life?


...or is that just me?

[pointedthings.livejournal.com]

Ugh, I also hate these types of articles. Not only are they decidedly unhelpful, but they remind me of what I can't have already. I do love how some of my friends complain about having no money, while telling me about the latest handbag they bought.

[starsechos.livejournal.com]

Sometimes I think some writers need a proverbiel kick to the nuts! Or maybe a real one. Who knows.