Have you thought about packing a lunch?

Having to stretch out the paycheck between paydays? Looking for an easy way to save cash? Try packing a lunch! So many people eat out everyday when they’re at work. The average cost for this is between $5-10 a day. If you start bringing your lunch Monday thru Thursday (we’ll let you eat out on Friday), then you can save $20 to $40 a week. This adds up to $80 to $120 a month and $960 to $1,440 a year!

If you want to be real strict with yourself, then bring lunch on Fridays as well. Of course, the amount of money saved will be reduced a bit by the amount you spend to buy your lunch supplies. But compared to the amount you save, this is a really low amount.

So start thinking about what’s easy to make at home and what you like to eat. Then hit the grocery store this weekend and pick-up some supplies. Good luck and great eating!

Step 1: Reducing Monthly Expenses

Are you finding yourself not being able to get ahead with your bills? Maybe it’s time to re-evaluate your expenses. Over the next few weeks, Budget Brilliant will be highlighting some areas of your budget that can easily be reduced.

* Today’s Budget Cut: Cable Television
Subscriptions to an expanded cable package can be really expensive, reaching $100 in some areas. Reducing your cable package to at least the basic channels or eliminating it all together will save you around $50 a month and make you $600 wealthier at the end of the year.

Some things you can do instead of watching television include:

· Read more. It’s easy to find deals on magazine subscriptions or if you don’t want to spend any money – try swapping with friends.
· Spend time with your friends, kids or spouse. Organize a game night or head outside.
· Watch movies at home. Instead of buying new DVDs or renting them, check out your local library to check out various selections of movies, music, audiotapes, books and other types of media. This will also keep you from getting bored and keep a steady stream of entertainment going.

Saving For College

If you’re a parent wondering about how you’ll pay for your child’s future college bills, your best source for a college savings plan is a 529 Plan. Below are some different saving plans that are available.

1. Direct Sold Savings Program. As with many 529s, this plan will vary according to the state that in which you are located. This type of plan is managed by investment firms where investors will purchase directly from the plan manager.
2. Broker Sold Saving Program. These 529s are sold through a financial advisor, which means that you’ll get the benefit of advice and expertise of an investment professional.
3. Prepaid Contract. This plan allows you to purchase a contract covering from 1 to 5 years, in a lump sum or in installments.
4. Prepaid Unit/ Guaranteed Savings. This plan allows you to buy units toward tuition, which will equal credit hours once your child enters a college.

Source: www.savingforcollege.com

Ways to Keep Giving Back, Even in a Slumping Economy

I know what you’re probably thinking… I can barely make ends meet now, how can I even think about giving to my favorite charities? Still, for those of us who would like to continue giving back to others who are less fortunate, there are ways to do just that… and without completely emptying the bank account.

1. Treat the family to a night out and give back at the same time. Restaurants often have special nights when you can eat there and a portion of the sales will go to a specific charity.

2. Many online lenders offer referral programs with high pay outs (anywhere from $20 to $100) for each referred borrower. This provides extra cash for things like giving to charities just for referring friends and family to loan sites!

3. Donate used items. Do some spring cleaning and search through your closets for items that you haven’t used in a while. Take a trip to Goodwill or any other charitable thrift store to donate all of your used gear.

4. Look for companies who have contribution opportunities available. Some companies will agree to “match” community donations earned for schools and other charitable organizations.