ARE YOU THROWING AWAY MONEY?

Are you throwing money away that you could be saving?

Have you ever really sat down and looked at your expenses? Are you paying for services and products that you don’t use or are you simply paying for a service that you forgot you had?

For months, I was throwing away money with a gym membership that I wasn't using, simply because I forgot I was paying for it. My membership was set on automatic withdrawal and each month, I overlooked the charges.

Use it or lose it!

There are many items that we pay for that we simply don’t need. It’s time to evaluate your bills and cut where you can. Check out the following items that you might be paying for but don’t need.

Gym Membership:

Each New Year, we set out to get in shape and get healthy. And the gyms see us coming. Instead of buying a month to month membership or a basic membership, we buy the year-long membership that includes a personal trainer, the juice bar and many services we won’t be using. And how many times do you really go? A handful?

Instead, use your house as your personal gym, there are many free workouts that you can find via the internet and sites that help you build your own personal gym. Of if you have a neighborhood gym, use those facilities. They may not be the fanciest but they will get the job done.

Unused gift cards:
Gift cards are one of the easiest ways to throw money away! I always look at gift cards as a hassle. They sit in my wallet for months and months unused.  So use them! One of my friends actually uses her gift cards to buy gifts for others. It’s a great way to shop for the holidays and to use those unused gift cards too.

Entertainment:
Do you subscribe to Netflix, Hulu, the latest magazines or those premium movie channels? Are you using all of those sources of entertainment? Maybe you should think about canceling a few of those subscriptions. I easily get caught up in the $2 magazine offers, but I find that I never read the magazines. While it might only be $2, its $2 more I could have used for something else. Are you really using your entertainment expenses to the max?

Time to Evaluate!

Now it’s time to sit down. Look over your financial statements and work to eliminate those unnecessary fees. Maybe you found a service you pay for and don’t use, maybe you've realized there are services you don’t need. Whatever the case might be, now’s the time to sort through your finances and work at saving yourself money!

^Alysha 

ARE YOU PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM IDENTITY THEFT?

The holiday season may have come to an end but that doesn't mean your risk for identity theft has come to an end. In fact, Identity theft is the fastest-growing non-violent crime in North America. That’s pretty scary if you ask me. The good thing is there are ways to protect yourself from becoming the next victim of identity theft.

Protect yourself!

When it comes to protecting your password, change is key.  Be sure to change it often and don’t use the same password for all your stuff.  For example, your phone password should not be the same as your ATM PIN. It’s smart to use password-protection but be sure that it’s a password you can remember but is hard for others to guess.

Social media has become our lives. But are you posting more than you should be? When you go on family vacations are you posting real time photos? DON’T! Wait until you come home and post the photos. Letting people know you are out of town is like sending an invitation to burglars and identity thieves waiting for the opportunity to tamper with your mail or rob you.

Also, watch what you say… and who is around! Don’t talk about your finances in public. You never know who is listening to your conversations.   And never share you passwords or PIN numbers with anyone!

When it comes to your identity you can never be too careful. Be sure to check your credit card and account statements on a regular basis for any unauthorized purchases or activity. Also, be sure to check your credit once a year to be sure you no one is opening accounts using your identity.  No one likes surprises when it comes to our identity and our finances.

^Alysha

HAPPINESS IN A JAR

Each year when we think about the New Year, we think about resolutions, something that we want to achieve in the coming year. Sometimes they are family driven, sometimes they are career goals and often times they are personal achievements.

For 2014 year, I decided to change up my New Year’s resolutions. Instead of doing the usual get healthy, eat better resolutions, I made my resolution financial. I love to travel and I thought what better resolution than to save up for a trip. So, I found a trip, booked it and then set up a savings plan that had me saving up for my trip throughout the year. To get started on a financial resolution, check out last week’s 53- Week Savings Challenge.  

I think it’s important to create goals with timelines including end dates when setting New Year’s Resolutions. For instance, if you are setting a fitness goal, have the end date be a school reunion, wedding or even a next year’s company holiday party. This way you have a clear date in mind, a clear vision to follow and a timeline to work with.

“Whatever you decide to do, make sure it makes you happy” Paulo Coelho

When it comes to bringing in 2015 and setting resolutions, be sure that whatever resolutions you set for yourself, they bring you lots of happiness. With that being said, our marketing department decided we wanted to fill 2015 with happiness so, we are putting our happiness in a jar.

Our Jar of Happiness

We are starting the year off on a positive note. Literally. For 2015 each of us will keep a happiness jar.

All that is needed is: A jar, fish bowl or any container that can hold paper. You will need paper and a pen or pencil.

Now, in 2015 anytime something happens that makes you smile or happy, write it down, date it, fold it up and place it in the jar. Do this every time something positive happens in your life. Don’t forget to date it.

Then, on New Year’s Eve of 2015, read through all the happiness that you encounter in the year. Open each folded paper and see what joy 2015 has brought you. You might be surprised to think back on some of the happier times in the start of the year.

Not only is this a great way to reflect on the year, but who doesn't want to relive good moments in their lives!

^Alysha