According to Coinstar - the average household has $90 in loose change. That's a lot of unclaimed wealth.
You've got a ton of change, now what? Head to any Coinstar machine to put that money to good use.
Not interested in paying the 8% redemption fee? Coinstar will now waive the fee if your change is converted into a gift card. Sweet!
Not interested in a gift card? How about giving that change to charity? There's also a "donate" button that you can select and - presto - your change is helping another person instead of weighing down your couch.
How can your change (both literally and figuratively) make a difference? What's one thing you're willing to change in order to support yourself to move forward?
By paying attention to the day and time - you might save some money.
For instance - the car wash place near me offers an early bird special Monday-Thursday before 10:30am. The special is $8.95 for the regular $10.95 car wash. Plus, the place also offers a punch card that will give you your tenth car wash for free.
Some restaurants will offer a "happy hour" menu on certain days or at particular times. If you're willing to eat a late lunch or early dinner, then you might save some quick cash that can be used on future outings.
Spas often get into the action on off days and times - yet they might not post their specials - you may have to ask.
It never hurts to ask if there are discounts on particular days or at particular times. Even if you are told - no - then you still might be able to score a better deal.
If you happen to walk into an empty spa on a Wednesday morning, then you could be in a position to ask for a deal - since they obviously don't have any other offers for business at that moment.
Be kind and gracious and you might be surprised at the outcome.
What does it feel like to ask for a discount? What's the most important thing you need to do in order for you to ask for a discount from a place of freedom.
I don't mean from the government - what I'm talking about is hiding your financial information that your bank might want to share with third parties.
Your bank can share your spending and saving habits with marketers and other banks and businesses (and I'm sure they're getting some kind of financial kick back for this as well).
Having your information shared make you more vulnerable to solicitation and fraud.
Even though your bank may have told you think in some fine print insert with your statement, you might not have known what to do.
If you have accounts with any of the following, then here's how to say no:
I realize that some of these institutions have changed hands, so I'd suggest calling the new "name" or going with the old number to see where that leads you.
Keeping your information and finances to yourself - priceless!
How do you feel if you find out that you've been "exposed?" What does "being exposed" mean to you?
It might be a good idea to run quotes on both sites to see what you get...and there's always the real-live human way of calling someone and speaking to an agent (if you live in California, I know several kick-butt agents that are helpful and can save you money).
What kind of insurance do you need in your life? What part of you is most important...important enough to insure?
I've been pondering this very question lately: How valuable is my time?
If you, like me, feel that you're capable of doing a lot without outside help, then you might want to ponder this question.
Am I artistic? Yes. Is it possible for me to design my own logo for my new web site? Yes. Is it driving me nuts? Yes.
After I added up the hours of logo pondering and peered into the future of "will I be happy with my own design," I came to my senses and asked for some help.
The weight melted from my shoulders and I'm excited to have someone in my corner that can support me in creating a fab logo for my new site.
The amount of money I will be paying for this support is teeny-tiny compared to the hours, days and months I would have subtracted from my life to accomplish the same thing.
How valuable is your time? Where could you ask for support when it come to you time-spending habits?
Do you own something you can't stand to part with yet use it every once-in-a-while? Why not make money on that item without selling it?
Enter zilok.com - a place where you can rent your stuff or rent from others.
Only ski once a year? You might consider renting your skis when you're not using them so they can actively bring you income instead of collecting dust in the garage.
What a great idea - a site that allows you to rent from others - as well as - allows you to rent out your stuff for a profit.
Of course you always run the risk of the other person damaging your item - both parties sign a contract outliningg the details of the rental item. It's a great place to find items that might be a bit more challenging to purchase or rent.
Check it out - who knows - you might find what you're looking for.
How could you utilize zilok.com? What item would you like to rent (that you own) or rent to use (someone else owns)?
The tag line to the above sites reads: "No risk. No spam. No advertising. No gimmicks. No gotchas. No kidding." The sender pays the shipping costs and can send by any method he chooses.
The swapping currency is simple: one book, CD, or DVD equals one credit, but you'll need to list 10 items before you can earn credit.
I know I've talked about this before - HOWEVER - I wanted to talk about it again - just so everyone knows how to save more on online orders - coupon codes.
Out of curiosity, I Googled "vitacost coupon code" before I completed my order (the coupon code box at check out reminded me) and found a code that saved me 10% extra on my order...and it worked!
I also Googled "Abe's of Maine coupon code" before I purchased my camera card and I saved $10 on my order (really $30 because my purchase also had a $20 rebate).
Now I'm a coupon code believer. Here's a few sites to check out to save more on online orders:
retailmenot.com - both coupon codes I used came from this site
If you'd like support, information and inspiration for your new year's resolutions (money, spirituality, weight, sex & health), then Oprah's Best Life Series might be you first step.
All new shows starting today - Monday, January 5, 2009 - The Oprah Winfrey Show and Oprah & Friends (XM radio) will help you get your 2009 off to a great start followed by a week of exclusive live webcasts on Oprah.com.
Here's the schedule for the next two weeks:
Oprah's Best Life Series Schedule:
YOUR WEIGHT The Oprah Winfrey Show: January 5 Oprah & Friends Radio: January 5 (View hourly schedule) Oprah.com Live Webcast: January 12, 9 p.m./8c Have you fallen off the fitness wagon? Bob Greene will help you get back on it.
YOUR HEALTH The Oprah Winfrey Show: January 6 Oprah & Friends Radio: January 6 (View hourly schedule) Oprah.com Live Webcast: January 13, 9 p.m./8c Dr. Oz has a smart and easy wellness plan to take care of your one and only body.
YOUR MONEY The Oprah Winfrey Show: January 8 Oprah & Friends Radio: January 8 (View hourly schedule) Oprah.com Live Webcast: January 15, 9 p.m./8c Suze Orman shows you how to get a fresh start on your finances.
Your SEX LIFE The Oprah Winfrey Show: January 9 Oprah & Friends Radio: January 9 (View hourly schedule) Oprah.com Live Webcast: January 16, 9 p.m./8c Dr. Laura Berman offers advice about increasing intimacy and passion.
Best of all this is FREE. Make sure you have a seat for the live webcasts - click here to register.
Want more support? Start an Oprah "Best Life" group in your area or create an online message board. The possibilities are endless.
Not interested in these topics? Then start your own group. Make 2009 your year to shine.
How does coming together as a group for a similar goal support you? What does it look like to move toward a goal alone verses a group? How do you determine if a group verses working by yourself support you best?
YOUR WEIGHT
YOUR HEALTH
YOUR SPIRITUALITY
YOUR MONEY
Your SEX LIFE
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