Ways to 'find' money

I'm sure you've already heard of the 'latte factor'. Some don't believe in it but I sure do. Little things add up fast. I have been trying to teach my kids about saving money lately. Well, actually I started way back when Randy was off work hurt. My kids had no clue about saving money, or needs vs. wants. That is my fault, I love to shop. :) I have explained to them that if we want a fantastic Disney trip this summer we will have to save, save , save! I then began to ask myself.........."how do you save money, when you don't have any extra to save?". You find money that you already have. For example, I take my car to the car wash about once a week, maybe every other. At $6.00 a wash, X 4 weeks, that's $24.00 a month. In one year, that would be $312.00! OK, so your thinking that's not that much. (BTW, I wash my car now) :)
What if you add the lattes at $3.50 each. If you get one everyday that would be $1,277.50 a year!!! Think about the little things that you don't really need and add up the cost, it might surprise you. I don't get lattes, I make coffee at home. If I did however, that $1,277.50 would pay for our trip to Disneyland. I toss money out the window on a daily basis. For instance, I have a membership at a gym. It's only $48.00 a month. Well............that's $576.00 a year. Don't forget the gas I use to drive to the gym and back.


Let's recap what we've spent so far:

$312.00 car wash

$1,277.50 Lattes

$576.00 gym
____________
$2,165.50


WOW, that's only 3 things. Think about what else you can add to the list. I'm saving a lot on gas just by having my kids take the bus. I used to have to fill up weekly, now I can make a tank last 2, sometimes 3 weeks. :) (watch the little trips)


I'm teaching my kids this and guess what? They are getting it! :) (they really want to go to Disneyland. LOL)


I hope this helps you in some way. It is possible to 'find' money, you just have to look.
Diane

:)