All Posts By

Tarra Jackson

Nov 24
Love0

101 Ways to Save a Dollar a Day

By Money Management, Saving One Comment

Finding it hard to stash away money to build up your savings? Saving money is not always about putting money away. It is also finding ways to spend less so you can keep more of your money. Katie Femia of PremeditatedLeftovers.com shares 101 ways to save a dollar a day.

Are you one of those people who thinks it is impossible to save money? Perhaps no matter how hard you try, you feel like you can just never get ahead. Well saving money does not always mean stashing away twenty or fifty dollars at a time. Most of the time, the best financial safety nets are built just one dollar at a time. There are hundreds of ways to save a buck and over time, those dollars can really add up. Still not convinced? Below, you will find 101 ways to save $1.00 a day. In many cases, these tips and tricks will save you much more than $1.00 a day. But in each case, if you can set $1.00 aside for savings you can easily save $30 a month, or $360 a year. Now that is some easy and significant savings! If you are ready to start setting some money aside for a rainy day, take a look below at 101 ways to save $1.00 a day. You may just be inspired to start today.

101 Ways to Save $1.00 a Day

1. Find a free RedBox rental code online and rent a flick for free.

2. Bring your own soda to work and skip the vending machine.

3. Pour some homemade coffee in a thermos and skip the drive thru tall latte.

4. Pack your lunch instead of eating out.

5. Make a point to redeem at least one $1.00 off coupon per day.

6. Make your own greeting card instead of buying one.

7. Spend a few minutes calling your insurance company requesting a new quote.

8. Shop the manager mark downs at your local grocer. Substitute as many items in on your list that you can with mark down items.

9. Skip the retail store and make a purchase from your local thrift store instead.

10. Re-gift an item you have not opened yet but is still in great shape.

11. Spend a few minutes calling your credit card companies to get your interest rates lowered.

12. Replace one beverage a day with water.

13. Try fixing something yourself instead of hiring help. Watch a youtube.com video if you need some help.

14. Barter with a friend for services instead of paying cash.

15. Replace one household cleaner with a simple yet effective vinegar and water mixture.

16. Hit up a matinee flick instead of an evening flick.

17. Replace one of your regular grocery items with generic.

18. Wash your car yourself instead of taking it through a car wash.

19. Skip the dry cleaners and get out your iron to do the job.

20. Hit golf balls at a local park for free instead of the driving range.

21. Omit running errands one day a week to save on gas.

22. Find a free book download on Amazon instead of paying for one.

23. Buy printer ink refills instead of buying new ones.

24. Carpool one day a week to save even more on gas.

25. Use generic shampoo instead of your salon brand shampoo one day a week.

26. Enjoy a meatless dinner one day a week.

27. Spend a few minutes calling your cable company to renegotiate your bill.

28. Learn to groom your own dog. A youtube.com video can help you with this.

29. Use cash instead of a credit card and you are already saving by not having to pay interest.

30. Take one survey a day on sites such as Swagbucks to earn gift cards you can use on future retail store purchases, thus saving you money you would spend out of pocket.

31. Buy some of your most commonly used household items in bulk.

32. Trade clothing with a friend to expand your wardrobe.

33. Cook something from scratch.

34. Play a board game instead of going out for the evening.

35. Dry your own fruit and veggies with a dehydrator and avoid pricey grocery store snacks.

36. Start your own window herb garden and avoid costly grocery store herbs.

37. Do your own manicure instead of heading to the salon.

38. Use a self tanner instead of buying a tanning bed package.

39. Rent a carpet cleaning machine instead of paying a crew to do it.

40. Hang a load of clothes … (click here to read more of Katie Femia’s 101 Ways to Save a Dollar a Day)

 

Originally Published November 9, 2014

Oct 22
Love0

3 Things To Do When You Win The Lottery

By Money Management No Comments

The Mega Millions and Powerball are at an all-time high! And YES, I bought my ticket. It only takes one ticket to win, right?

Should you win one or both of these lotteries, here are 3 things you should do.

STFU (Shut the F#¢k Up!)

If you are one of the lucky ones to win the lottery, keep it to yourself for as long as possible.

However, if you are a narcissistic winner and want the attention, distant cousins, long lost daddies, ex-spouses or creditors will find their way back into your life, whether you like it or not.

So, try to maintain your anonymity and don’t tell anyone, not even your favorite cousin or BFF.

Unfortunately, not all states allow you to remain anonymous. However, it definitely helps to keep your Mega Million or Powerball secret if you are lucky enough to win and live in the following six U.S. states: Delaware, Kansas, Maryland, North Dakota, Ohio, and South Carolina.

However, it definitely helps to keep your Mega Million or Powerball secret if you are lucky enough to win and live in the following six U.S. states: Delaware, Kansas, Maryland, North Dakota, Ohio, and South Carolina.

The other U.S. states, including Washington DC, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico require Powerball winners to publicly disclose their identity, including names, city, and prize amount. If you live in those states, do not disclose your whereabouts, at least until you hire security.

Don’t Quit Your Job Immediately

Ok, seriously! We know that you will never go back to your job. However, quitting abruptly right after a Lotter winner is announced in your state, city, town, etc. may be a dead giveaway and will go against step #1.

Call out sick and handle what is necessary to confirm and receive the lottery winning. Once the check clears and you are officially a Millionaire or Billionaire, then tell your job, “Ki$$ My A$$!”

Hire A Money Team

Statistics show that …

70% of people go bankrupt within three to five years of winning the lottery.

Don’t let this be you!

Hire a team that can consult you on the best way to enjoy and keep your millions or billions. Your team will make sure you don’t spend all of your money on stuff or funding your entourage with no ROI (return on investment). To start out, your team should include:

  • An Attorney (General Practice, Estate, Business),

  • An Accountant (CPA, Tax & Bookkeeper),

  • A Wealth Manager (for Investments),

  • A Business Manager (manage Accounts and team),

  • A Real Estate Agent, and

  • Security (for your safety).

I know what you’re thinking … why do I need a business attorney or business manager?

The business attorney and accountant will consult you on the best way to manage or minimize your tax obligation, and your business manager will be the liaison between you and your Money Team.

If you don’t know or have access to any of these professionals, hire ME, Madam Money, as your Business Manager! Seriously!

Good Luck to you on winning the Big One!

Oct 10
Love0

5 Scary Money Myths: Things that Make You Go … BOO!

By Money Management, Saving No Comments

Talking about some money matters can be very scary. It’s even more frightening when those money matters are filled with myths. Don’t let these scary money myths keep you from discussing, addressing and improving your financial situation.

MYTH #1: I HAVE TIME TO PLAN MY FINANCIAL FUTURE!

Time flies, not only when you’re having fun, but in general too and cannot be replaced, replenished or restored. Most people, especially when they are younger, believe that they have enough time and can wait on planning for retirement. Unfortunately, the importance of future financial planning (retirement planning) is sometimes realized after several precious years of savings and earning compound interest have been lost. The scariest part about late retirement planning is that there may not be time or disposable income to save up enough money at the desired retirement age, which means working longer. Instead of retiring at age 62, you may have to entertain working until age 70 or older. SCARY!

To ensure that Time is on your side, be sure to Save Something Sooner and maximize the time you have.

MYTH #2: I’M TOO OLD TO GET STARTED

It gets easier to fall for the fear factor of “getting started” when get more mature in age. Whether it is starting a business, creating a spending plan, or going back to school to get your degree; it’s never too late to start. Yes, it is scary and may be completely out of your comfort zone, but it will be totally worth it.

So, “Do It Scared!!!” – Tarra Jackson

Just remember that doing it scared doesn’t mean you have to do it alone. Connect with entrepreneurs, mentors, or professionals to help you through the process. Just get started.

MYTH #3: MORE MONEY LESS PROBLEMS

It is easy to believe that more money will solve money problems. However, the rapper Biggie Smalls said it best, Sometimes …

“More Money More Problems.”

Adding more money to a financial fiasco may just magnify the money massacre. Often it is not about how much we make; rather it is about how much we spend.

So, before wishing upon a star for more money, make sure you monitor your spending behaviors and create or modify your budget to avoid creepy cash flow issues.


MYTH #4: I CAN’T AFFORD LIFE INSURANCE

One of the scariest myths is that life insurance is too expensive. In most cases, this scary story is a fallacy that keeps people from protecting their family from financial fright during the most difficult time of their life.

“According to a Life Happens and LIMRA study from this year, 65% of households have not purchased life insurance because they think it’s too costly.” – LifeHappens.org

For example, a $250,000 10 year term life insurance policy for a healthy 30-year-old male could cost about $160 a year or about $13 a month. But, one in four people polled in that study thought it would cost more than $1,000 a year. The cost of life insurance is mainly based on a person’s age, gender, health and possibly other factors like driving record. The younger and healthier the person is, the cheaper the cost of life insurance.

Even though one size does not fit all when it comes to the cost of life insurance, connect with a licensed life insurance agent to learn how affordable it is for you or your loved ones.

MYTH #5: BUYING NEW IS BETTER

Of course the Bling of buying New is Beautiful, but it doesn’t always mean it is Better. Especially when it relates to purchasing a car.

“On average, a new car will lose as much as 19 percent of its value in its first year of ownership. That means that your $20,000 new car will be worth about $16,200 after just one year,” reports Trustedchoice.com.

The rate of depreciation, however, does not continue at this rate after year one; it actually slows down. Therefore, a used car value may be more or at least closer to it’s cost.

Instead of buying new when car shopping, consider buying pre-owned (used) with a warranty and low mileage to avoid the possible doomed depreciation of buying new.


Oct 06
Love0

7 Fourth Quarter BOSS Investments for Business Owners

By Business, Money Management No Comments




We are in the 4th quarter, known as the last stretch of the year! Can you believe it? If you haven’t started already, this is the time to put things in place for your business success next year. So, here a some BOSS Investments that you should make in the fourth quarter.

creating-a-planInvest Time in Creating Your Plan

Image you want to go on vacation. After you determine where you want to go and taking into consideration of your current location, you probably create a plan of how to get to your destination successfully. This planning process is the same when creating a plan for your business success for the new year. Also, writing down your goals and action plan increases your chances of execution and accomplishment. Invest time in writing down your business goals and action plans, including resources required to be successful. Think about the following:

  • How much revenue do you want to make next year?
  • What products or services do you want to introduce, update or sell?
  • What is your business mission for the new year?
  • What do you need to reach your business goals and execute your plan of action?
  • Who do you need to reach out to as a center of influence or ambassadors for your business?

These are just a few questions to ask yourself to get started on creating your plan for the new year.

Invest in Your Professional Development

Profitable business owners never stop learning. Professional development is essential to being a successful business owner. Invest in professional development events like, webinars, seminars, certifications, coaching, conferences like Women Entrepreneurs Rock in November or networking events like BOSS Brunch. Attending these types of events will be the best investment in your professional development, which will yield the highest return as a business owner.

Invest in Your Self Care

self-careBusiness owners spend so much time building their business and taking care of their families that they forget or neglect to take care of themselves. As stated in article, “5 Kick A$$ Biz Tips I Learn from the Women and Money Event at #FinCon16,” there is a reason why the first instruction when we fly a plane is to “put your oxygen mask on first.” Taking care of yourself is crucial to your business and personal success. Make sure to invest in your self-care so that you can rejuvenate, repair and replenish our mind, body, and soul so you can reach your business goals.

Invest in Your Business

invest_businessIt’s time to step up your game for the new year! Invest or reinvest a portion of your earnings back into your business. Whether it is to create or update your website and marketing materials or to revamp your brand or build your business reverses (savings), investing in your business is the key to business longevity.

 

Invest in Building Relationships

It’s not only about prospecting and finding customers or clients. It is about building relationships with people that will refer your products or services to people they know. These awesome people are called “Centers of Influence.” These people may never buy your products or services, but they like, know and trust you enough to refer you to their family, friends, colleagues or customers. Begin the process of building relationships with centers of influence so that you can create an endless stream of referrals.

Invest in Your Future

Most business owners spend most if not all of their business income in building their business that they forget to create an exit strategy. During the next ninety days, speak with a financial professional to discuss how to invest in your future and plan for the longest vacation of your life, retirement. Putting a little something away for your future will put you in a better position than doing nothing at all.

Invest in Your Family

images-8Motivational Speaker and Business Owner, Cheryl Wood, shares her story about how she spent all day giving her job and customers the best of her, but when she got home, she gave her family the worst of her. They got the tired, irritable, impatient, grumpy, hate-my-job, miserable side of her. I’m sure that most of us can relate to what Cheryl was going through because we are probably doing the same thing. We love our families, but sometimes they get the worst part of us. Make time for and spend time with your family. Schedule a family game or movie night, picnic in the park, mini staycation or just dinner together at the dinner table. It’s all about quality! Invest in your family because they are your support system and your biggest cheerleaders. And in this business owner game, we need all of the cheerleaders we can get.

What are some other BOSS Investments we should execute in 4th quarter? Comment below.

This post was proofread by Grammarly


Get Peace of Mind with Business Credit Monitoring!