The first month of 2012 is history, and many folks are still trying to stick to their New Year’s resolutions (although maybe not as successfully as they wish!). The two on the top of most folks’ lists are pretty much the same year after year: Lose weight and save money.
I’m not an expert on the first, but I do know a little bit about saving and investing. And right now, you can’t pick up a newspaper or turn on the TV without finding some money saving tips.
The problem with most of those tips is that they often require what people might consider “sacrifice”, and therefore, become more difficult to sustain. For instance, I bet you’ve heard at least a hundred times, “Forget Starbucks’ $4 coffees and make your morning pick-me-up at home”; or “take your lunch to work, instead of eating out every day”. There’s nothing wrong with those behavioral changes, but because they are often associated with socializing with your friends, folks have a difficult time sticking to them. And, truthfully, while the savings from them do add up, there are plenty of other—and easier—changes that will put a whole lot more money in your pocket.
I’m going to give you my top ten, and I bet you haven’t even thought of some of them.