Suppose you're out of all purpose cleanser for the bathroom and kitchen and you have no money to buy another. You can make up one yourself. You got the cleaning ingredients like laundry detergent and anmoinia, just mix the two together with water in a spray bottle. Take a capful of anmoinia as a distinfectant and a half a cap full or a quarter cup of laundry detergent for cleansing and a 3/4 bottle full of water to stretch the solution. For sanitizing purposes use a half a cap full of bleach like Clorox instead of anmoinia (Never mix anmoina and bleach together, they're never the best of friends). For deodorizing, you can use scented anmoinia like lemon, pine, lavender, etc. or you could use scented fragrance oils. I used cherry vanilla oil (sometimes Autumn Harvest oil) to deodorize every time I clean the bathroom. People rave over the sweet, wonderful scent.
Once you gather the ingredients and mix them together, spray the surfaces, sinks the toilet, the bathtub, the shower walls, and the facets. Let the solution sit for a few minutes and then wipe clean. That's all.
You can use this solution to wipe down the walls, clean the refrigerator and cabinets.
This tip is easy to try. It can save you money and time to buy another cleanser.
Remember, you don't have to be rich and famous to be a diva, being yourself is what a diva is all about. Blessings!
Showing posts with label money savings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label money savings. Show all posts
Friday, February 8, 2013
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Diva tip: Accumulate your spare cash
Some of you might have some extra money laying around somewhere in your home, in your office or wherever you usually be at. You probably found your stash hidden somewhere deep where you might forget to look over the years. Perhaps, you found an unclaimed, unmarked dollar bill on the streets or someone just paid you back in full. It could be as little as $1, $5, $10, or $20 or huge as $100 and up. (I remember where I was a teen, I found a $20 bill on the commuter van on the way to school).
Now that you got extra money in your hands, what are you planning to do with it? I know some of you might say: Ooh, new shoes! This could buy me that new dress I saw at the window. I can get my nails done. I can get my hair done. Brand new makeup kit! New wigs!
SLOW DOWN! Think for a bit. In fact, think about your future. We are wasting money on things that doesn't generate a stable future. We're living too much for today and neglect thinking about tomorrow. What you're going to do if you blow that money in full right now? What are your plans for tomorrow? You might not be lucky to find another amount to replace it the next day. I'm just saying.
Instead of spending on the present moment, start investing in your future. Use that spare cash you got by tripling it. There is a financial program you can go to. It's called a Individual Development Account (IDA). It's a special savings account where you can triple your money. For example, if you put $5 into the IDA, the government will match $5 to you IDA, and a private group will also match $5 to your IDA, totaling $15 in you IDA. If you put $100, the government will put $100, and a private group will also add the same amount, it will total $300 in your IDA. Therefore, every time you add money to your IDA, your money will accumulate three times. This program is free to sign up and it makes a good investment to help generate more money for yourself and for your future.
Here's the link to Individual Development Account program. http://www.idanetwork.org
Remember, you don't have to be rich and famous to be a diva, being yourself is what a diva is all about. Blessings!
Now that you got extra money in your hands, what are you planning to do with it? I know some of you might say: Ooh, new shoes! This could buy me that new dress I saw at the window. I can get my nails done. I can get my hair done. Brand new makeup kit! New wigs!
SLOW DOWN! Think for a bit. In fact, think about your future. We are wasting money on things that doesn't generate a stable future. We're living too much for today and neglect thinking about tomorrow. What you're going to do if you blow that money in full right now? What are your plans for tomorrow? You might not be lucky to find another amount to replace it the next day. I'm just saying.
Instead of spending on the present moment, start investing in your future. Use that spare cash you got by tripling it. There is a financial program you can go to. It's called a Individual Development Account (IDA). It's a special savings account where you can triple your money. For example, if you put $5 into the IDA, the government will match $5 to you IDA, and a private group will also match $5 to your IDA, totaling $15 in you IDA. If you put $100, the government will put $100, and a private group will also add the same amount, it will total $300 in your IDA. Therefore, every time you add money to your IDA, your money will accumulate three times. This program is free to sign up and it makes a good investment to help generate more money for yourself and for your future.
Here's the link to Individual Development Account program. http://www.idanetwork.org
Remember, you don't have to be rich and famous to be a diva, being yourself is what a diva is all about. Blessings!
Monday, December 10, 2012
THIS WEEK'S ASSIGNMENT: Set up diva funds and accounts
O.K. fellow divas. This is where you really need to use some self discipline to avoid the temptation of overspending on petty material things only. If you're working or just got hired, I suggest you save at least two weeks worth of your earnings. Don't not spend those earnings on anything yet, just save them for the second month. The main idea is that you will use these earnings to split the money multiple ways into individual funds, so you'll know where the money goes and which fund would you the money for.
Let's say for example, you make $250 a week after taxes. That's $500 total for two weeks. You have 10 funds you want to put your money in, so let's divide $500 by 10. We come up with the answer $50 for each fund per month. Now let's multiply that $50 by 6 months. You will raise a total of $300 per fund after six months of stashing your hard earned money. And during that you have some to pay some bills, rent, food, and commute to work or school.
First, collect at least 10 to 15 empty containers (I suggest you use empty Pringles containers, but any containers will do) to store some of your funds and label them at the bottom so you you will know which fund is which. Then pick a spot that nobody knows and goes to but you to hide your funds. Now, let's dig deep into what each individual fund is for.
Personal fund
Use this fund to pay bills such as rent, utilities, taxes, gasoline and car insurance, carfare for taxis, buses or trains, credit cards, anything that deals with neccesities only.
Petty cash
This is a little extra for neccesities like grocercies, lunch, over the counter medications, vitamins and herbal supplements, personal hygiene products such as soap, toothpaste, mouthwash, deordorant, feminine hygiene products, personal care products for hair care, skin care, and nail care.
Fun fund
Use this fund for fun activities, like amusement parks, entertainment, concerts, party boat rides, recreation centers, carnivals, festivals, theater plays such as Broadway plays, night clubs, movies, etc.
Miscellaneous fund
This fund can be used for whatever you want to buy. This will be your spending money officially. Rule of thumb: spend this money wisely.
Investment fund
This fund you can only use for stock investing or real estate investing
Emergency fund
For emergencies only. Don't use it for anything petty.
Checking
Continue adding money to this fund until your ready to open a bank account. If you already got a checking account with a bank, you can add money and save it for at least three months until you have enough to pay for anything by check.
Savings
This one you cannot touch. It will just make the fund grow into a comfortable nest egg as long as you keep adding money to it.
Retirement fund
This is something you cannot touch until you reach age 65. Keep adding money to it.
Education fund
Use this fund to help set up a college fund. Suppose you want to continue your education after college or just want to take a few classes to learn new skills, this fund will be useful.
Vacation fund
Use this fund only if you're planning vacations, book hotels or motels, car or van rental services, traveler's checks, resort services such as dining, entertainment, recreation, spa, health and fitness, etc.
Shopping fund
(Shopaholics would like this one). Use this fund for shopping only. You can use to purchase discount store cards and gift cards such Walmart, Besy Buy, Target, Macy's to name a few. You can also use this fund for holiday shopping or buying some gifts for your loved one's birthdays or any occassions.
Charity fund
Use this fund only to donate to your favorite charitable organizations
I would advised that you try to save two weeks worth of your income every month. Start with a total of six months. By then you have enough money to use as disposal income and still have enough to pay your bills. If successful, you may continue on. This is a good learning experience for young divas under age 18.
Try this exercise and you still have some money left over in no time and you will not fall into financial debt.
Remember, you don't have to be rich and famous to be a diva, being yourself is what a diva is all about. Blessings!
Let's say for example, you make $250 a week after taxes. That's $500 total for two weeks. You have 10 funds you want to put your money in, so let's divide $500 by 10. We come up with the answer $50 for each fund per month. Now let's multiply that $50 by 6 months. You will raise a total of $300 per fund after six months of stashing your hard earned money. And during that you have some to pay some bills, rent, food, and commute to work or school.
First, collect at least 10 to 15 empty containers (I suggest you use empty Pringles containers, but any containers will do) to store some of your funds and label them at the bottom so you you will know which fund is which. Then pick a spot that nobody knows and goes to but you to hide your funds. Now, let's dig deep into what each individual fund is for.
Personal fund
Use this fund to pay bills such as rent, utilities, taxes, gasoline and car insurance, carfare for taxis, buses or trains, credit cards, anything that deals with neccesities only.
Petty cash
This is a little extra for neccesities like grocercies, lunch, over the counter medications, vitamins and herbal supplements, personal hygiene products such as soap, toothpaste, mouthwash, deordorant, feminine hygiene products, personal care products for hair care, skin care, and nail care.
Fun fund
Use this fund for fun activities, like amusement parks, entertainment, concerts, party boat rides, recreation centers, carnivals, festivals, theater plays such as Broadway plays, night clubs, movies, etc.
Miscellaneous fund
This fund can be used for whatever you want to buy. This will be your spending money officially. Rule of thumb: spend this money wisely.
Investment fund
This fund you can only use for stock investing or real estate investing
Emergency fund
For emergencies only. Don't use it for anything petty.
Checking
Continue adding money to this fund until your ready to open a bank account. If you already got a checking account with a bank, you can add money and save it for at least three months until you have enough to pay for anything by check.
Savings
This one you cannot touch. It will just make the fund grow into a comfortable nest egg as long as you keep adding money to it.
Retirement fund
This is something you cannot touch until you reach age 65. Keep adding money to it.
Education fund
Use this fund to help set up a college fund. Suppose you want to continue your education after college or just want to take a few classes to learn new skills, this fund will be useful.
Vacation fund
Use this fund only if you're planning vacations, book hotels or motels, car or van rental services, traveler's checks, resort services such as dining, entertainment, recreation, spa, health and fitness, etc.
Shopping fund
(Shopaholics would like this one). Use this fund for shopping only. You can use to purchase discount store cards and gift cards such Walmart, Besy Buy, Target, Macy's to name a few. You can also use this fund for holiday shopping or buying some gifts for your loved one's birthdays or any occassions.
Charity fund
Use this fund only to donate to your favorite charitable organizations
I would advised that you try to save two weeks worth of your income every month. Start with a total of six months. By then you have enough money to use as disposal income and still have enough to pay your bills. If successful, you may continue on. This is a good learning experience for young divas under age 18.
Try this exercise and you still have some money left over in no time and you will not fall into financial debt.
Remember, you don't have to be rich and famous to be a diva, being yourself is what a diva is all about. Blessings!
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Basic necessities for a diva
What a diva needs for daily life:
1. Get a job:
You need a job to support your divaism among other things that are important like paying rent and putting food on the table. Even if you already got a job, it will not be enough at a time like this. You can add a part time job to earn extra money. Evening jobs and weekend jobs are acceptable. For divas under 18, you can get a summer job while school is out, you can also take an after school job or weekend job as well. You can also check with you school advisor or counselor about any youth employement programs that are available. This step is about building self worth and independence, that way you don't have to depend on anybody to pay your way all the time.
2. Get a financial advisor
It doesn't have to be a professional advisor. If you cannot afford one, that's o.k. Just pick someone you trust with money, who has lots of financial sense, knows the ecomonics like the back of their hand, and gives wise adice that are legitimate. This person can help you set up a budget planner, teach you how to balance the the budget, how to save the money you earn, make wise investment decisions, what is the best credit card to use, and how to build good credit or repair bad credit. It will help you learn self discipline when it comes to personal money management.
3. Apply for a bank account
Your income has to go somewhere to pay bills. Open savings account and checking account at the bank of your choice. Shop around first to find the best benefits and the requirements that are easy for you to apply. You must have a clean credit history before applying. It's also essential to set up an emergency fund for only emergencies, and a retirement fund which you will live on when you reach your golden years (age 65 and over) It's also a good idea to set up an investment account if you want to build a stock profolio for stock options. You can also get into real estate investing, which is much less riskier than stock investing. It's best that you do read books and do research on real estate or stock markets before taking part in them. One of the best books regarding real estate investing is Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki.
4. Use prepaid debit cards.
Start with debit cards that are prepaid first. You can add some of your earnings into your card by phone or online by purchasing a MoneyPak from stores like Rite Aid. Look up the MoneyPak website to find a store location near you that sells the MoneyPak card. It's only $4.95 for the processing fee. You can also load your paycheck and tax returns into your prepaid card directly. Check the annual percentage rate (APR) and the monthly fees before applying for a prepaid card. Zero APRs are best to start with.
5. Do a 30 minute beauty regimine
Take some time to do a little self spucing like facials or manicures. It's important to keep your beauty in tip - top shape
6. Assemble aparrel that are in season
Light and bright colors are for summer, dark colors and neutral colors are for winter. Spring and autumn, you can mix and match.
7. No smoking
I don't care it this sick habit calms you down when under stressful pressure. I don't care if it keeps you from overeating. Any kind of excuses you have don't really matter, your health does and so are the people around you, especially children. So, think twice before putting it to your mouth. For non-smokers, be aware of your indoor surroundings regarding second hand smoke.
8. No alcohol
It's O.K. only if you're a social drinker, but you must watch your intake. Too much alcohol can impair your judgement and your clear sight temporarily and it can mess up your health. So, you must pick a designative driver if you're planning to go out for drinks. Never ride in a car with a drunk driver. And under any circumstances, never take perscription pills with liquor. Young divas, I strongly recommend that you wait until you are the age of 21 and never attend parties that involved underaged.
9. No drugs
Whether it's illegal or legal drugs, you really need to stay clear from. Doing too much can not only mess up your health, but can also be fatal. If you're prescribed medication, use them only as directed. Stay clear from your peers who do drugs or sell them. They might manipulate into doing drugs as well.
10. Buy what you can afford
I know it's a deal breaker for the materialistic type of women, those who only want the finer things in life. But that's only for women who have wealth and not debt. In other words, if you only living on fixed income, then you cannot afford the finer things like diamonds, furs, cars and expensive clothes and shoes. YOU MUST STAY WITHIN YOUR BUDGET AT ALL TIMES. You must not waste your hard earned money on items that are of petty use. Remember, bills, rent, and food comes first before anything.
11. Check for deals and sales when shopping
The lower the prices the better. Sign up for store cards for huge discounts on merchandise. Read their current flyers before shopping. Always keep current coupons handy.
12. Exercise on a daily basis
You need to do that to stay healthy and fit. One total hour of exercise a day. Sport activities are also great to keep active.
13. Add raw fruits and vegetables to your daily diet.
Remember, you're eating to live, not living to eat. So, get into the habit of eating fresh raw vegan foods besides cooked foods. Watch your intake on salty, sugary, starchy, and oily fried foods.
14. Set aside money for charities
When you give a lot, you'll receive much in return. So, save some of your money to donate and support your favorite non-profit organizations for worthy causes.
15. Set aside time to volunteer
You'll be doing a great deal of service when you help out those in need by volunteering. Plus, you might build some job skills.
14. Every season, purchase three sets of business outfits, five sets of cusual outfits (for divas under 18 years old ten sets of causual, two sets of bed clothes, and two sets of formal attire.
Do this every year to keep up with the latest trends
15. Meditate daily
One of biggest stress busters. You can meditate indoors in a nice quite spot or outdoors if you prefer to be in tuned with nature. Start with 15 minutes a day if you're very busy and work you way up to at least an hour depending your schedule. Any time of day is good as long as it's quiet.
Remember, you don't need to be rich and famous to be a diva, bein yourself is what a diva is all about. Blessings!
1. Get a job:
You need a job to support your divaism among other things that are important like paying rent and putting food on the table. Even if you already got a job, it will not be enough at a time like this. You can add a part time job to earn extra money. Evening jobs and weekend jobs are acceptable. For divas under 18, you can get a summer job while school is out, you can also take an after school job or weekend job as well. You can also check with you school advisor or counselor about any youth employement programs that are available. This step is about building self worth and independence, that way you don't have to depend on anybody to pay your way all the time.
2. Get a financial advisor
It doesn't have to be a professional advisor. If you cannot afford one, that's o.k. Just pick someone you trust with money, who has lots of financial sense, knows the ecomonics like the back of their hand, and gives wise adice that are legitimate. This person can help you set up a budget planner, teach you how to balance the the budget, how to save the money you earn, make wise investment decisions, what is the best credit card to use, and how to build good credit or repair bad credit. It will help you learn self discipline when it comes to personal money management.
3. Apply for a bank account
Your income has to go somewhere to pay bills. Open savings account and checking account at the bank of your choice. Shop around first to find the best benefits and the requirements that are easy for you to apply. You must have a clean credit history before applying. It's also essential to set up an emergency fund for only emergencies, and a retirement fund which you will live on when you reach your golden years (age 65 and over) It's also a good idea to set up an investment account if you want to build a stock profolio for stock options. You can also get into real estate investing, which is much less riskier than stock investing. It's best that you do read books and do research on real estate or stock markets before taking part in them. One of the best books regarding real estate investing is Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki.
4. Use prepaid debit cards.
Start with debit cards that are prepaid first. You can add some of your earnings into your card by phone or online by purchasing a MoneyPak from stores like Rite Aid. Look up the MoneyPak website to find a store location near you that sells the MoneyPak card. It's only $4.95 for the processing fee. You can also load your paycheck and tax returns into your prepaid card directly. Check the annual percentage rate (APR) and the monthly fees before applying for a prepaid card. Zero APRs are best to start with.
5. Do a 30 minute beauty regimine
Take some time to do a little self spucing like facials or manicures. It's important to keep your beauty in tip - top shape
6. Assemble aparrel that are in season
Light and bright colors are for summer, dark colors and neutral colors are for winter. Spring and autumn, you can mix and match.
7. No smoking
I don't care it this sick habit calms you down when under stressful pressure. I don't care if it keeps you from overeating. Any kind of excuses you have don't really matter, your health does and so are the people around you, especially children. So, think twice before putting it to your mouth. For non-smokers, be aware of your indoor surroundings regarding second hand smoke.
8. No alcohol
It's O.K. only if you're a social drinker, but you must watch your intake. Too much alcohol can impair your judgement and your clear sight temporarily and it can mess up your health. So, you must pick a designative driver if you're planning to go out for drinks. Never ride in a car with a drunk driver. And under any circumstances, never take perscription pills with liquor. Young divas, I strongly recommend that you wait until you are the age of 21 and never attend parties that involved underaged.
9. No drugs
Whether it's illegal or legal drugs, you really need to stay clear from. Doing too much can not only mess up your health, but can also be fatal. If you're prescribed medication, use them only as directed. Stay clear from your peers who do drugs or sell them. They might manipulate into doing drugs as well.
10. Buy what you can afford
I know it's a deal breaker for the materialistic type of women, those who only want the finer things in life. But that's only for women who have wealth and not debt. In other words, if you only living on fixed income, then you cannot afford the finer things like diamonds, furs, cars and expensive clothes and shoes. YOU MUST STAY WITHIN YOUR BUDGET AT ALL TIMES. You must not waste your hard earned money on items that are of petty use. Remember, bills, rent, and food comes first before anything.
11. Check for deals and sales when shopping
The lower the prices the better. Sign up for store cards for huge discounts on merchandise. Read their current flyers before shopping. Always keep current coupons handy.
12. Exercise on a daily basis
You need to do that to stay healthy and fit. One total hour of exercise a day. Sport activities are also great to keep active.
13. Add raw fruits and vegetables to your daily diet.
Remember, you're eating to live, not living to eat. So, get into the habit of eating fresh raw vegan foods besides cooked foods. Watch your intake on salty, sugary, starchy, and oily fried foods.
14. Set aside money for charities
When you give a lot, you'll receive much in return. So, save some of your money to donate and support your favorite non-profit organizations for worthy causes.
15. Set aside time to volunteer
You'll be doing a great deal of service when you help out those in need by volunteering. Plus, you might build some job skills.
14. Every season, purchase three sets of business outfits, five sets of cusual outfits (for divas under 18 years old ten sets of causual, two sets of bed clothes, and two sets of formal attire.
Do this every year to keep up with the latest trends
15. Meditate daily
One of biggest stress busters. You can meditate indoors in a nice quite spot or outdoors if you prefer to be in tuned with nature. Start with 15 minutes a day if you're very busy and work you way up to at least an hour depending your schedule. Any time of day is good as long as it's quiet.
Remember, you don't need to be rich and famous to be a diva, bein yourself is what a diva is all about. Blessings!
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Money Saving Tips with the Coupon Diva
Here are some interesting tips form the Coupon Diva. You got to try them.
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