How to… Save money

Forget dieting and exercise – the top New Year’s resolution in 2013 was all about saving money. In these difficult economic times, we all have to tighten our belts and try to reduce our spending where we can. With redundancies and unemployment on the rise, it’s always wise to stash away some savings for those unplanned emergencies. There are lots of easy ways to spend less and save more, without losing out on quality of life.

Shop around

Many items, particularly electrical goods, are cheaper to buy online than in stores. But don’t leap in to click ‘Buy’ too soon – there are heaps of discount code websites that regularly advertise free promotion codes that can be used for major retailers. It’s always worth taking a quick look – you might end up with 50% off, or free delivery.

Buy in bulk

Household goods, such as cleaning products and toiletries, can be ordered online in large quantities to save money. You can take advantage of some great deals this way, as well as saving gas money from multiple shopping trips.

Make do and mend

Before you chuck something out, see if it can be fixed. Sometimes all it takes is a drop of multi-purpose oil or household glue to breathe new life back into an object. Furniture can be spruced up with a coat of paint or freshening spray. Carry a spare can of Fix-a-Flat in the trunk for those flat-tire emergencies and save on costly call-out charges.

Picnic time

Save money on eating out by getting your friends and family together for a fun picnic. Drive out to a scenic spot with a portable grill and enjoy delicious barbecue food without restaurant prices. Wrap leftovers in aluminum foil so nothing gets wasted – cold meats make a great sandwich the next day. For all those half-full soda cans at the end of the day, invest in some soda can bottle tops – a great little invention that makes an open can easier to transport or store in the refrigerator.

Get crafty!

The recent craft revolution means it’s fashionable to make hand-made gifts for your friends and family, instead of spending a fortune at the department store. Get the whole family involved in making fun crafty cards, painted pots, customized bags or home-made cupcakes. The results will not only save money but will also be a truly unique and special gift!

Be offer-savvy

Always look out for money-saving offers all year round. Buy summer holiday staples when they’re being sold off for half price during winter – they’ll keep for next year! Picking up gifts throughout the year is also a great way to spread the cost of Christmas and prevent a whopping credit card bill in January!

Pack your lunch!

Bringing your own packed lunch to work can save hundreds of dollars a year. Instead of buying your morning coffee from that trendy deli, buy a portable coffee cup and take your own – these savings will really add up!

Here’s another way to save money.. use the Discount Code: MADNESS on your next Stockn’Go purchase!

What does it mean to be disorganized? Well according to Thesaurus.com the synonyms of disorganized are  to be “all over the place, not properly planned, chaotic, cluttered, dislocated, disordered, messed up, messy, scattered, scrambled, sloppy, unarranged, unkempt, unsystematic, untidy” and the list goes on.

Hectic, cluttered, confused, not properly planned.  Is that what you want to be? Most likely not.  ”Getting Organized” is the #3 New Years Resolution for a reason.  It can decrease stress levels, make you more efficient in personal and work life, and offer a happy and healthy environment overall.  So where do you start? In the words of Jenny Craig “It’s not what you do once in a while; it’s what you do day in and day out that makes the difference.”

Everything should have its place – Bins, Bags and Boxes will become your best friend! As well as LABELS.

1. Keys, purse, coat, gloves, mail should all have a place (not thrown on the counter) as soon as you walk in the door.

2. Organize your cabinets and create labeled bins or designated drawers for things such as:

• medications, vitamins and supplements
• to go cups, coffee mugs and water bottles
• makeup, hair and nail products
• kids crayons, markers, crafts
• batteries, tape, tools, etc.
• spices

3.  Make your bed as soon as you crawl out of it and pick up your room on your way out.

4.  Wipe down the counters and do this dishes as soon as you are done cooking.

5.  Stop hoarding – get rid of the stuff you don’t use its only causing clutter! At the beginning of every season your should go through your clothes and get rid of the ones you haven’t worn for years.  You should go through your pantry and cabinets and get rid of the food that is collecting dust on your shelves or the junk food that isn’t doing you any favors by being in your house.  Clean out the garage, if its junk then get rid of it.

6.  Do you work from home? Check out these great ideas to organize your at home office space from Destination Design.

7. Lastly – store things where you need them.

• Bedding and sheets in a bin: under the bed
• Keys, coat hangers and kids bins: by the door
• Dust pan and broom: in bathroom, kitchen and anywhere there is a hard wood floor
• Cleaning supplies: under the kitchen and bathroom sinks
• Remote controls in a basket: by the TV
• Extra Blankets: under the beds or in a storage ottoman by the couch

Shop Stockn’Go.com today to get 20% off your first order of $25 or more!

A weekly chore list helps you keep your home organized and clean, if you wait until you can actually see the dirt the task at hand could take you days rather than a few hours.  Do yourself a favor and keep on top of your household chores.   Below is this weeks checklist that may serve as a great reminder for household chores that you may conveniently forget!