Simple Ways to Spend Less on Food

Be Your Own Boss
Photo: Tax Credits

The following is a guest post. If interested in submitting a guest post, please read my guest posting policy and then contact me.

I have read the same blogs you have by those thrifty people that can live on two hundred dollars of groceries a month for a family of four. I have sincerely read them and thought about what advice they offered but most of the advice I was unable to process and perform. I just have to face the fact that I and my family are either a) too spoiled, b) too lackadaisical, c) just do not want to put that much effort into it, or d) all of the above. I think we fall somewhere in between both extremes but I do know there are many ways we could and should cut back.

I read pretty much all the blogs that I come across on ways to save money. I even follow one blog and am fascinated by this individual’s thrifty nature and the lengths to which they go. They certainly are to be commended and they can never be accused of being idle! It makes me tired just reading about all the wonderful things they do to save money. I do however glean some ideas from these special people in the hopes of saving some money for my family. Continue reading

How You Can Start Freelancing at the End of This Article

How You Can Start Freelancing
Photo: the UMF

The following is a guest post from Martin of Studenomics, a place where he tackles financial issues and simplifies them so that you don’t have to stress about your money. If interested in submitting a guest post, please read my guest posting policy and then contact me.

Are you sick of your job? Do you finally want to break free and do something that you enjoy? Are you ready for a lifestyle change?

All my friends tell me about how they want to get into freelancing. They all want to be self-employed and set their own schedules. They want to be in control. Yet nobody actually does anything. They just keep on reading marketing blogs and discussing various random strategies.

Today isn’t about waiting around and making excuses. I want you to start freelancing at the end of this article. Continue reading

Peer to Peer Lending for Frugal Investors

Peer to Peer Lending for Frugal Investors

The following is a guest post. If interested in submitting a guest post, please read my guest posting policy and then contact me.

I had been part of the online frugality movement for a few years before I ever encountered peer to peer lending. I was one of those guys who was thrilled by blogs that taught ways to create a budget, maximize in-store coupons, and get free flights with flier miles. Interestingly, within that entire scene, there really was not a frugal approach to investing. Those same people who taught me the importance of tracking my expenses down to the penny and establishing an emergency fund would then turn around and invest their 401k with Merrill Lynch.

Nothing against the major investment firms, but I was certain I could do better. Their hands-off approach to investing was what I was trying to avoid! Frugality, in contrast, had taught me how to make my finances a more involved process that valued study and patience. Surely there were investing avenues along a similar line. Continue reading

Want to Save Money? Haggle Like This…

Be Your Own Boss
Photo: clurr

The following is a guest post. If interested in submitting a guest post, please read my guest posting policy and then contact me.

I have a confession folks. I like saving money. Stop the presses I know. Wait, “stop the presses” is old school. The cool kids have no clue what I am writing about. Instead, now trending on Twitter: #MyOwnAdvisorlovessavingmoney. That’s better. I bet like you saving money too. Want some help? I suggest you haggle for a deal. Heck, just ask. Yet there’s a method to the madness. Here are my tips to haggle like a pro and save money on buying the things you want and love.

Do Your Homework

Asking for a deal is great but you need to know what you’re asking for. What I mean is a good negotiator does their homework. A good negotiator knows how much certain products or services are being sold for by other vendors and they definitely know how much they are willing to pay for something. Good negotiators just like good lawyers are prepared. Get your facts and figures top of mind before any deal making. Continue reading

5 Ways To Maximize Your Pension

The following is a guest post. If interested in submitting a guest post, please read my guest posting policy and then contact me.

What do you want to do with your retirement? Travel the world and see the sights, buy that dream home in the country, or simply enjoy the time you have with your loved ones. Whatever and however you plan on spending your retirement, none of it is possible if you don’t save the pennies.

Having a retirement and pension plan in place is a must to ensuring you can have a comfortable and care-free retirement. Many people are unsure as how to go about saving for a pension, how much they should be saving and how much they could be gaining.

By acquiring the services of an established financial planners, ideally who specialize in retirement and pension planning, you can receive trusted and knowledgeable advice. A personal financial planner will take the time to sit with you and outline your options, answering any questions you may have. Continue reading