I watched an episode of Oprah the other day (this is the good thing about having the mornings to yourself) that features how to cut waste and live simply. It's amazing how wasteful the average family is. We leave the TV on as we fall asleep or do other things while the TV/computer is on, abuse plastic utensils, buy tons of clothes which we never wear, etc.
It got me thinking about my own spending habits. After admonishing a colleague for buying more sweaters/cardigans, I did an inventory of my own cardigan collection and was amazed that I have 16 cardigans. Just cardigans, not including sweaters and other long-sleeve shirts. I also did a check of clothes that I had bought but not worn. There are quite a few of them. So I told myself, 'Ok, no more buying of clothes unless the damn piece of fabric totally blows me away or it's a darn shame not to buy it cos it's so cheap and good.' I hope I can hold on to my promise cos I have been known to make such a promise and broke it like the very next day. Anyways, times are tough and although I'm lucky to still have a stable job, bonuses are going to be lean. So now is as good as any time to start reining in the spending monster and live a simpler life.
Here are some tips which I found on MSN Money on how to start using our resources wisely. I have also added my own:
1. Eliminate premium channels from our cable TV service.
2. Reduce phone extras such as call forwarding or waiting. I save $5 per month on caller ID.
3. Investigate whether bundled service (phone, high-speed Internet and cable television) might save us money.
4. Wash only full loads of dishes or clothes.
5. Use a clothesline and use dryer just to soften air-dried clothes.
6. Switch to compact-fluorescent bulbs, and turn them off when not needed. Turn off TVs, computers and other electronics when not in use.
7. Bring lunches and snacks to work.
8. Cook once, eat twice: Double whatever you're making and freeze the excess for a later meal.
9. Avoid overpackaged, overprocessed and highly advertised foods. The closer a food is to its natural state, the less it tends to cost.
10. Buy fruits and vegetables in season.
11. Cruise through the fridge daily to use items before they go bad.
12. Give up a vice (smoking, drinking, soda, salty snack foods).
13. Shop on Thursdays when NTUC has its weekly specials and plan meals accordingly.
14. Find out what looks good on us and stick to classic styles that won't look weird next season.
15. Inventory our wardrobe and buy pieces that work with what we already own.
16. Avoid dry-clean-only clothing.
17. Make hair appointments at beauty schools or neighbourhood salons.
18. Drop the health club and form a walking or jogging group with friends.
19. Hold a clothing swap with friends.
20. Ask friends and relatives for hand-me-downs for kids.
21. Check out consignment and thrift stores for lightly used items.
It got me thinking about my own spending habits. After admonishing a colleague for buying more sweaters/cardigans, I did an inventory of my own cardigan collection and was amazed that I have 16 cardigans. Just cardigans, not including sweaters and other long-sleeve shirts. I also did a check of clothes that I had bought but not worn. There are quite a few of them. So I told myself, 'Ok, no more buying of clothes unless the damn piece of fabric totally blows me away or it's a darn shame not to buy it cos it's so cheap and good.' I hope I can hold on to my promise cos I have been known to make such a promise and broke it like the very next day. Anyways, times are tough and although I'm lucky to still have a stable job, bonuses are going to be lean. So now is as good as any time to start reining in the spending monster and live a simpler life.
Here are some tips which I found on MSN Money on how to start using our resources wisely. I have also added my own:
1. Eliminate premium channels from our cable TV service.
2. Reduce phone extras such as call forwarding or waiting. I save $5 per month on caller ID.
3. Investigate whether bundled service (phone, high-speed Internet and cable television) might save us money.
4. Wash only full loads of dishes or clothes.
5. Use a clothesline and use dryer just to soften air-dried clothes.
6. Switch to compact-fluorescent bulbs, and turn them off when not needed. Turn off TVs, computers and other electronics when not in use.
7. Bring lunches and snacks to work.
8. Cook once, eat twice: Double whatever you're making and freeze the excess for a later meal.
9. Avoid overpackaged, overprocessed and highly advertised foods. The closer a food is to its natural state, the less it tends to cost.
10. Buy fruits and vegetables in season.
11. Cruise through the fridge daily to use items before they go bad.
12. Give up a vice (smoking, drinking, soda, salty snack foods).
13. Shop on Thursdays when NTUC has its weekly specials and plan meals accordingly.
14. Find out what looks good on us and stick to classic styles that won't look weird next season.
15. Inventory our wardrobe and buy pieces that work with what we already own.
16. Avoid dry-clean-only clothing.
17. Make hair appointments at beauty schools or neighbourhood salons.
18. Drop the health club and form a walking or jogging group with friends.
19. Hold a clothing swap with friends.
20. Ask friends and relatives for hand-me-downs for kids.
21. Check out consignment and thrift stores for lightly used items.
22. Don't buy magazines and books. Borrow from the library.
