Ten Second Rule.

One of the best ways to curb wasteful spending is known as the "ten-second rule." When you are in a store and pick up something that is a non-essential (and remind yourself what is actually "essential" and "non-essential"), hold it in your hand for ten seconds and think about if the item is actually a necessary purchase. More often than not, you will decide that it is truly not that important and put it back, allowing you to leave with money in your pocket and a sense of pride for your frugal evaluation.

When it comes to big purchases, which can be amazingly easy to justify, apply the same method but use a thirty-day rule.

These tips and more from a fantastic book called "365 Ways to Live Cheap" by Trent Hamm, currently on Amazon for about $8.

Coinstar Update

My friend Walter showed me this Coinstar Locater . And....my friend Matt told me that the Coinstar machine in Levittown NY in Waldbaum's grocery store is broken, so when you go to purchase a Borders giftcard with your coins, a voucher prints out without the normal Coinstar deductions. Woot!

Healthy Fast Food Part 1

Burger King now has a Side Salad on the Value Menu for $1.00. It comes with dressing and croutons and isn't bad for a buck! Add a side of Apple Fries for $1.49 and you've got a quick and healthy meal on-the-go.

Free Iced Coffee! (Sorta...)

Ok, so many gas stations are offering promotions if free cup of coffee with a fill-up between 4-8pm. If the gas prices are comparable, get your coffee! Add the sugar/sweetener, but not the milk (unless its non-dairy creamer.) Then stick it in the fridge when you get home. Before work/school/etc., grab the coffee, add milk and enjoy during the morning drive.