Saving Money in 2024! Every Penny counts

High cost of living, groceries and everything else is problematic in 2024. Inflation, housing costs, taxes! UGH! People are feeling the pinch.

Saving money can be a challenge, however, there are many ways you can cut costs and save money on a daily basis. Here are some tips to help you save money:

1. Start by saying you are not buying anything new. Focus on using what you have! Look for substitutions,

• If you have cosmetics and face cream you don’t like, put it on your legs. Use it up.

• All that extra shampoo you don’t like under the sink - use it for washing your delicates.

• If you ran out of your favorite cleaner can you substitute vinegar and water

• Use the food that you have in your pantry and get creative with your recipes. Remember foods have a shelf life. Time to use things up.

• Evaluate what you have in your freezer, Start eating what you have.

Doing all these things helps you declutter and reduce. Once you have gone through most of the frozen foods and pantry, it’s a time shop the sales to restock.

2. Make a budget and stick to it. Knowing exactly how much money you have and where it's going can help you make smart financial decisions.

3. Cut down on unnecessary expenses. Take a look at your budget and see if there are any areas where you can cut back. For example, if you're spending a lot on dining out, try cooking more meals at home.

4. Cut out and evaluate subscription services. Keep only what you really need. Cut down on entertainment costs. Instead of going out to the movies or paying for expensive subscriptions, consider using free streaming services.

5. When you absolutely need something, shop around for the best prices. Don't just settle for the first price you see. Take the time to shop around and compare prices to make sure you're getting the best deal. Look for coupons and discounts when shopping to save money on everyday items.

6. Reduce your bills. Look for ways to lower your monthly bills, such as by negotiating with your cable company or switching to a lower-cost cell phone plan.

7. Use cash instead of credit. Using cash can help you stick to your budget and avoid overspending.

8. Save on groceries by meal planning and buying around the sales. Planning your meals in advance can help you save money on groceries, Have you ever tried the FLIPP app? It is an amazing way to see the sales and shop sales.

9. Cut out the daily coffee drive through. Get up 5 minutes earlier to brew your own,

Saving money takes effort and discipline, but it's worth it in the long run. By making smart financial decisions and cutting costs where you can, you can build up your savings and achieve your financial goals.

New Years Resolutions- Set them and how to follow through!

Happy, Healthy New Year to all !

New Year's resolutions can be a great way to set goals and make positive changes in your life. However, it's important to approach them with a clear plan and the right mindset to increase your chances of success. Here are some tips for making and sticking to your New Year's resolutions:

1. Make specific, achievable goals. Instead of resolving to "lose weight," set a specific goal, like "walk every day for half an hour." This will give you a clear target to work towards and help you track your progress.

2. Create a plan. Set specific steps and milestones to help you achieve your goals. For example, if your resolution is to exercise more, plan out which days you'll work out and what type of activity you'll do each day.

3. Be realistic. Don't set goals that are too ambitious or difficult to achieve. It's better to set smaller, achievable goals that you can consistently work towards.

4. Make it a habit. Instead of viewing your resolution as a one-time event, try to incorporate it into your daily routine. This will help you make lasting changes and turn your resolution into a habit.

5. Track your progress. Use a planner or a tracking app to keep track of your progress and make any necessary adjustments along the way.

6. Don't be too hard on yourself. It's okay if you have setbacks or slip-ups. Don't let them discourage you – just get back on track and keep working towards your goals.

Making New Year's resolutions can be a great way to start the year off on the right foot. With a clear plan and the right mindset, you can achieve your goals and make positive changes in your life. HAPPY HEALTHY 2024 to all.

5 clutter-free gift ideas for the holidays

Shopping for the holidays? Calm Order recommends giving a gift than can be experienced or consumed. This way, your loved ones can enjoy their gift without adding unnecessary clutter into their lives. If you’re having trouble thinking of gift ideas, don’t just buy something at random. Chances are, whoever gets the gift won’t be able to use it and will end up having to give it away or put it in storage and forget about it. Don’t be afraid to buy gift certificates or tickets for gifts that won’t turn into unwanted clutter.

 Enjoy dinner and a movie

This classic weekend activity is a great gift to give anyone on your gift list. It can easily be customized to everyone’s tastes and interests because you can be general movie passes that aren’t specific to a certain movie, theatre or time. This way, your gift recipient can make plans to use their gift whenever works best for them. Better yet, it can be a completely clutter-less gift! Consider buy the movie passes and restaurant gift certificate online and sending them over electronically. You can print out a certificate or card that can be opened the day of but doesn’t need to be saved (and most likely lost) when the recipient goes to use it. This idea also works well as a couple or group gift.

Give a night at the theatre

Calgary is home to many different theatres and performance groups that provide entertainment for all ages. From musicals to comedy shows and family-friendly performances, there are many different performance companies like Theatre Calgary, Pumphouse Theatre and StoryBook Theatre that can also make great gifts for family and friends. If there is a specific show you know your loved ones will love, then it might be a good idea to purchase specific tickets for them and other friends and family before they sell out. You can even consider purchasing general admission tickets, so they can see a show whenever they want. This gift can be a unique experience, and an activity they may not have thought to do on their own. If you have friends or family that really enjoy seeing performances, consider also buying them season passes to their favourite place.

Explore Calgary’s museums and galleries

For an even more engaging gift, consider giving friends and family passes to one of the many museums and galleries in Calgary and the surrounding area. From places like the Glenbow Museum, Heritage Park or even the Royal Tyrrell Museum, season passes, or one-time admission tickets make a great gift for any individual or group. Admission passes will allow recipients to make a visit at a time that works with their schedule and be a fun afternoon or day activity for them to experience by themselves or with other friends. If you’re looking for a bigger gift, you could buy multiple admission tickets to multiple places, and cut down on the number of physical items your loved ones will receive this holiday season. Give them a gift they can actually experience and remember!

Test culinary skills and taste buds

If you know anyone that likes to cook, bake, or eat food, find a cooking class or demonstration on a food type or cuisine they like, so they can enjoy an afternoon or evening learning about (and eating) something they love! Most classes can be group or partner activities, so this could be a great idea to do with your recipient, or to give them to do with someone else. There are classes available in Calgary from a variety of organizations like ATCO Blue Flame, The Cookbook Company Cooks, Sunterra, and more. If your recipient isn’t a fan of cooking, try a tasting or pairing event instead, which usually offers beverages and food samplings for guests to try. Restaurants and bakeries offer events like this that allow people to purchase tickets in advance, which makes for a great gift to enjoy after the holidays. Not only are they engaging activities, they can also be very educational!

Treat your loved ones

After a busy holiday season, nothing is better than getting a relaxing day at the spa! Whether it is a massage, pedicure, or full treatment, consider giving a gift certificate to a spa for your friend or loved one. It could be their regular treatment, or something new they wouldn’t normally get to do. There are also spa treatments available for couples or groups that you can also give. Some packages may also offer the option to get food or drinks to turn it into an even more engaging activity. A spa-day is the perfect gift for friends and family who may need rest and relaxation after spending a busy few days with family or travelling.

Give a gift that won’t just take up space in the homes of your friends and family. This year give them something they can actually experience and enjoy. Not only will it save you time and eliminate your gift-wrapping time, you can be assured that your recipients will actually use and appreciate their gift without adding more clutter to their lives.