Family Budgeting - 8 Ways To Look Good For Less
When things are great, who doesn't like to spend plenty of dough on salons, spas, personal trainers and all the associated luxuries that make you look and feel great? But if you are operating under a tight budget right now, these are some of the first luxuries that will have to go, or have gone long ago.
That certainly doesn't mean you can't look and feel your best though! You'll just need to do so in a more frugal way now.
Here are 8 tips that will help you look good while saving some money and coming in on budget.
1. Do Your Own Manicures
Or, better yet, have a girlfriend come over and do them for each other.
2. Cut & Color Your Own Hair
OK, you may be saying this is out of the question! But when you think about it, you can save a bundle by doing this. Of course, another way to save on hair costs would be to visit your local beauty school where many will either offer low cost or free cuts and coloring. It's a win win. The students get the experience and you get a free cut and coloring.
3. Cut Your Family's Hair
If you've got kids, imagine the money you'll save! Just stay away from the Flo-Bee if you want your kids to continue to have a social life!
4. Massages Are Not Out!
Just go to a local massage school in your area. As with the beautician schools, massage schools will often offer free or discounted massages. If you can't locate a massage school, visit naturalhealers dot com.
5. Cut Out Expensive Cosmetics, Lotions and Creams
No, I'm not suggesting cutting all of these things out - just eliminate the high cost options. While the packaging may not look as nice, there is nothing wrong with most drug store cosmetics, lotions and creams.
6. Cut Back On Dry Cleaning
Wash & Iron your own shirts, blouses and pants. If you aren't big on ironing, do it while you are watching TV - it'll make the process a whole lot easier to deal with. For clothes that have to be dry cleaned, shop around - and look for the coupons that come in the mail from time to time. They will generally contain a coupon or two from the local dry cleaner.
7. Cancel Your Health Club Membership
Or should I say, don't renew it if it's coming up for renewal soon. Most health clubs will assess a stiff penalty if you cancel your membership early, so you may have to wait for it to expire. Consider going to the YMCA or a local community center instead. I know this can be a killer if you go all the time, but unless you are spending $10 a month - as some actually charge - you really should save the money.
8. Vices
Give up your nightly beer or mixed drink or cigar. Not only do these things cost big bucks over time, they can do a job on your health, which will lead to other more expensive issues down the road. If you find you simply can't do this, you may want to visit an AA meeting for assistance on how to do so.
That certainly doesn't mean you can't look and feel your best though! You'll just need to do so in a more frugal way now.
Here are 8 tips that will help you look good while saving some money and coming in on budget.
1. Do Your Own Manicures
Or, better yet, have a girlfriend come over and do them for each other.
2. Cut & Color Your Own Hair
OK, you may be saying this is out of the question! But when you think about it, you can save a bundle by doing this. Of course, another way to save on hair costs would be to visit your local beauty school where many will either offer low cost or free cuts and coloring. It's a win win. The students get the experience and you get a free cut and coloring.
3. Cut Your Family's Hair
If you've got kids, imagine the money you'll save! Just stay away from the Flo-Bee if you want your kids to continue to have a social life!
4. Massages Are Not Out!
Just go to a local massage school in your area. As with the beautician schools, massage schools will often offer free or discounted massages. If you can't locate a massage school, visit naturalhealers dot com.
5. Cut Out Expensive Cosmetics, Lotions and Creams
No, I'm not suggesting cutting all of these things out - just eliminate the high cost options. While the packaging may not look as nice, there is nothing wrong with most drug store cosmetics, lotions and creams.
6. Cut Back On Dry Cleaning
Wash & Iron your own shirts, blouses and pants. If you aren't big on ironing, do it while you are watching TV - it'll make the process a whole lot easier to deal with. For clothes that have to be dry cleaned, shop around - and look for the coupons that come in the mail from time to time. They will generally contain a coupon or two from the local dry cleaner.
7. Cancel Your Health Club Membership
Or should I say, don't renew it if it's coming up for renewal soon. Most health clubs will assess a stiff penalty if you cancel your membership early, so you may have to wait for it to expire. Consider going to the YMCA or a local community center instead. I know this can be a killer if you go all the time, but unless you are spending $10 a month - as some actually charge - you really should save the money.
8. Vices
Give up your nightly beer or mixed drink or cigar. Not only do these things cost big bucks over time, they can do a job on your health, which will lead to other more expensive issues down the road. If you find you simply can't do this, you may want to visit an AA meeting for assistance on how to do so.
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