Everybody wants to save money, right?  But it's like the immortal words of Mark Twain on the topic of meteorology:  "Everyone talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it."  Who, in this modern age of bank takeovers and tumbling quaity of life in the Motor City, is actually bothering to touch the pulse of their own money lifeline?  The thought can be pretty scary for some folks or even just a big bother.  There is a simple money saving exercise that everybody should do at least once in their lives. It is ultimately one of the best ways to save money, because it is not about pinching pennies, but about discovering what you really want and getting it. It is so simple you may hesitate to try it. Just try it. Here it is:

Step 1) List everything that you have spent money on, are currently spending money on, or might spend money on.

 I see you now.  You may not believe me, but I can see the gears turning in your head.  Don't just read this and think of a few things. Take the time to actually write it all down. Review your bank statements if you have to, in order to remember and include everything.

Step 2) Now go through the list, and carefully consider each item. Take the most time on the big items - past, present and future possibilities. If your timeshare on the beach is worth half what you paid, costs $1,000 per year in expenses, and is rarely used, you need to learn from that - not to punish yourself, but to have a richer life.

Think honestly about the number of times you will use that Recreational Vehicle, and the cost of owning it.  Let's say it's $250 for each day of use. That's okay if it's worth it to you, but maybe you really would enjoy $100 hotels more. Or maybe you can rent an RV for less overall cost, thus freeing up money for other important projects.

No Pain... No Pain!

You see, saving money isn't about sacrifice. That's what I've been saying all along.  We all are aware of the scrooges in life that pinch their pennies, bank the savings, and then do nothing with it. The point should be to save money in one area of life so you can use it in ways that make your whole life richer - whether it's investing, moving your goals forward, or simply improving your overal quality of life.

Suppose you notice you're spending $8 per month on subscriptions to magazines you don't read, or on insurance for a motorcycle you almost never ride? Well, genius, cancel the subscriptions or sell the bike, and what have you lost? Is it a big deal? Here's what you can get with that $8 instead.

• Bank it for ten years, and use the $1200 to take a second honeymoon.
• Use it to pay for a day off work once a year, to spend with the kids.
• Invest it, to have an extra $50 per month during your retirement years.
• Buy six good books a year, to learn something new.
• Make banana splits for the family once a month.
• Give $100 per year to a worthy cause.

 A humble $8 per month can do a lot if used wisely. Imagine what you could do if you stopped wasting $200 per month. That's why it is so important to discover what you really want - and what you don't want. This is one of the most intelligent ways to save money.   Yeah, like that.

For more great ideas on what to do with your money, head on over to SectorMatic Money Site. With literally THOUSANDS OF ARTICLES and A WORLD OF PRODUCTS, your chances for genuine happiness are rapidly approaching the infinite. Hey, we aim to please. SectorMatic - it's for you!

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Until next time,
Jack Schmidt
Spokesman

SectorMatic Money Site
Everything for the Big Spender on a Budget

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