work at home! Do it if you can!

Farmer's Daughter

I grew up on on a farm with parents who could seemingly fix anything,  so I try to do the same. I've discovered that most repairs simply require duct tape. If that doesn't work, I have a pink girlie toolbox for the bigger jobs. If that doesn’t work, I bring broken things to “Fixit Clinics” at my library. I bring in broken things (e.g. a lamp) and a volunteer helps me fix them for free. Rather than paying for many services, farmer's daughters always do them themselves, like cleaning the car, and doing my own manicure I need because I cleaned my car.).  We also buy used cars and drive them 'til they die. (Besides, I've heard the "new car smell" is highly over-rated and may even pose health risks.)

Maintaining focus on the dream

“In order to seek one’s own direction, one must simplify the mechanics of everyday life.” –Plato

Keeping up with the everyday tasks can be distracting and time-consuming. My goal is to manage the mechanics of life in only 10-15 minutes each day. 

First, I try to take advantage of as many automated things as possible  - direct deposit, bill pay, managing my accounts online, etc.

And I use FlyLady to streamline housecleaning and organizing. 

Life's Too Short

 . . . to get stuck in phone menus!

Disorganization fragments focus

For years, "Declutter" has been at the top of my New Year's resolution list. This year I found the help I need in two books.

10-Minute Declutter    by S.J. Scott and Barrie Davenport is for those who like to declutter a little at a time - 10 minutes a day.  The authors have a great list of 15 questions to ask to help you decide what to keep and what to get rid of.  You can get an audible version of both this book and the one I mention below for only $2 on Swagbucks. (Click on "Discover", then "SuperRewards" and scroll down until you reach "Audible Books". Be sure to check on other offers as you scroll down.)

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo, a Japanese cleaning consultant.  Her method teaches how to simplify and declutter your home once and  never have to do it again!! Then you'll "enjoy the unique magic of a tidy home--and the calm, motivated mindset it can inspire." 

TRavel the world on a part-time salary

"If saving money is wrong, I don't wanna be right" (Surprisingly, this quote came from William Shatner)

In order to earn money to pursue their dreams, some people work more. Call me lazy but I'd rather save the money I have. After paycheck deductions (insurance, taxes, etc.) my take-home pay is about half what I earn, which means I need to earn $2 for every $1 spent. It also means the more money I save, the fewer hours I have to work. That's how I can do this working 25-30 hours a week. 

One simple way to save money is by asking the question, "How many hours will I have to work to pay for this?" That question alone nearly eliminates impulse buys, like this $25 goofy frog oven mitt that thought was so cute. I reminded myself I'd have to earn $50 to pay for it.

my money mentor

I learned everything I know about saving money from my mom, Barbara Bushee Shively. Like a mother bear teaching her cub, she'd take me sales shopping when I was a child. We had this ritual afterwards where we’d line up all our purchases, add up how much money we saved, and maybe add it up again just for fun. Then we’d just sit with our smug satisfaction.

 Mom also saved money by gardening, canning, making soap and sewing clothes. She even sewed a complete wardrobe for Ken and Barbie (including the wedding dress). 

 Tragically, Mom died suddenly the day after her 65th birthday. I miss her.

11 ways to earn & Save money 

by Esperanza 

Swagbucks 

In the past 4 years, I’ve earned $925 in gift cards to places like Amazon, Target, Macy's - even gift cards for flights, hotels and cruises - just by taking surveys, watching videos, shopping, and other activities on Swagbucks.

Check it out. When you create an account, you'll need to enter a valid email address. I did like most people and created a second email specifically for this purpose. That way I avoid spam and clutter in my main email.  

3 unique ways to earn extra money

1. Sell your body (No, not in the way you’re thinking) Become a research subject.

• Radiant Research pays for medical research. This year, I earned $400 in a flu shot study.

• Comprehensive Research Group has some of the most lucrative studies ($150 to $1200 per study) on hair and skin products. Recently I earned $500 for a shampoo study.

2. Taste tests

• FPI Testers Want to earn $45 for evaluating things like fresh-out-of-the-oven chocolate chip cookies?

3.  Focus Groups

• Fieldwork has some interesting opportunities. I earned $150 for participating in a mock jury trial.

• Leede Research - I recently earned $85 for a 20-minute interview about banking.

• FocusGroup - Earn from $60 to $600 dollars. Follow them on Twitter to get notified immediately about opportunities.

Register on these databases and they'll periodically contact you for studies. Also, if you "Like" them on Facebook, you'll receive immediate notification of new studies. 

WHAT'S IN YOUR WALLET?

Earn tons of free airfare and lodging with Rewards Credit Cards (I've earned $3050 so far!)

If you have a good credit rating, you could receive offers of $150 - $800 cash back when you charge a certain amount of money within the first three months - anywhere from $500 to $5000. In addition, some offer 0% interest for a period between 9-16 months.

Discover - Although not technically a “travel” card, "Discover Deals" sometimes offers 1% to 20% cash back on the already great travel deals at Groupon Getaways or LivingSocial. (I use TripAdvisor to research hotels and all-inclusives before booking.) I like this card because it offers 5% cash back on different categories (gas, groceries, Amazon, etc.) every three months, which really earns me a lot of money.

Bank of America - I recently signed up for their card and got $300 cash back when I spent $3000 within the first three months. (I charge everything, so it’s not hard to do.) They also gave me 0% interest for 16 months.

Chase Sapphire Preferred is a good travel credit card that I’ve used. When you charge $4000 within the first three months, you’ll get 60,000 bonus points, which amounts to $750 toward travel when you redeem it through Chase Ultimate Rewards. It has an annual fee of $95, but as you can see, it pays for itself. You can try to get the annual fee waived - https://creditcards.usnews.com/articles/how-to-get-your-credit-card-annual-fee-waived

*For side-by-side credit card comparisons, check out www.bankrate.com.*

Online Banking

My financial advisor recommends having an emergency cash reserve equivalent to three months' living expenses. He suggested keeping the cash in an online bank because of the higher interest rates they offer. Some online banks offer higher interest rates, but usually you have keep a minimum balance to earn them. I like Capital One 360 because there’s no minimum balance.

Capital One 360 offers savings account with 0.75% interest rate. Click on this link to get $25 for opening a savings account and $25  for opening a checking account. 

consignment stores

True Religion Jeans $40; Coach Bags $22; Ralph Lauren Tops $15; Designer shoes for every outfit for $25 or less

A wardrobe planner and former model introduced me to consignment stores. The stores look like any other retail shop but they sell used, like-new, designer clothes, shoes, bags, and jewelry at 70% to 90% below retail costs. People bring clothes to consign and receive a percentage of the price when they sell. This is where I buy almost all my clothes. Then if I get tired of something and it's still in like-new condition I re-consign it. 

Before I buy any clothes, shoes, or purses they must pass the "4 F's"

• Does it Fit?

• Is it Fabulous?

• Is it Flattering?

• Is it Functional?

(If something doesn't meet the criteria, I move on to the next store because the variety at consignment stores is endless.)

Elite Repeat  This is my go-to place for jeans. (Recently I spent $30 on a new pair of Not Your Daughter's Jeans, typically $100 to $130 retail.) 

Turnstyle   is the only consignment store that accepts spring/summer and fall/winter clothes all year long, making it easy to clean out your closet all at once. They also consign home furnishings.

Second Debut  I believe this is the only consignment store that allows 7-day cash back returns. They even offer free stylist sessions. It feels good to shop there because their revenue is used for workforce development and job opportunities for disabled individuals. 

Clothes Mentor   Instead of consigning clothes, Clothes Mentor buys them outright. You won't earn as much money there but you'll get some great deals.

Loyalty Programs

You can save hundreds of dollars by scanning loyalty cards at checkout

SuperAmerica Speedy Rewards saves me  . . . 

• Between $60-$100 a year with their"Buy 6 and get the 7th free" clubs for milk, coffee, car washes, etc.

Walgreens - gives "Balance Rewards" for all purchases. You can even earn Rewards for exercising. Link your AARP or AAA account and you'll receive extra points. 

CVS - gives "ExtraBucks" for purchases and for filling prescriptions. Periodically they'll send emails with coupons like $5 of $15 purchase. My latest deal was four 12-packs of Diet Coke for $4.88 (without clipping coupons).

Panera Bread - After about six purchases, you'll get something free. This is where I write my blog. My "office" is the lounge chair on the right  (NOT the one on the left) in front of the fireplace. The staff is so friendly that it's like the bar on "Cheers". "Everybody knows my name".

Buy Discounted Gift Cards

In the past 4 months, I've saved $150!

Raise  If you have gift cards that you don't want, you can sell them to Raise. They'll verify that the balance stated is correct and then sell them at a discounted rate - up to 30% off.  I buy these for my everyday expenses (i.e. Panera, TJMaxx, etc.). They have gift cards for hundreds of places - even airfare and hotels. You'll receive $5 when you make your first purchase.  If you buy your Raise cards through Swagbucks, you'll earn an extra 1% to 4% if you buy them through Swagbucks.

Become a Driver for uber or lyft

This is a fantastic way to earn extra money for travel or dance or to pay off your car - whatever! Work anytime you want. Have an extra hour to spare? Hop in your car and drive. Use the links below to see what you'll earn. 

Uber  - You'll also receive a $20 credit on your first trip when you use this link and go to the bottom of the page where it says "promo/invite"; then enter this code karenb14101ue.

Lyft -  You'll also receive (10) $5 coupons to use on your first rides when you use this link.