Saving Money to Save

Most of the personal finance books and blogs talk of saving money by being a smart and frugal shopper by using coupons, buying one get one free, perusing sales circulars or checking in to the merchants phone apps; but I have yet to read any advice on what to actually do with the amount of money that you save.

If I just merely acknowledged that I saved half-off retail price on a pair of sneakers which is about a $40 savings then that's one thing, but that just keeps the balance on my checking account higher by $40. I would probably just find another item to spend that $40 on since it is technically free right? Get more retail bang for my buck so to speak.

Instead my hack strategy recommendation is to discipline yourself to sweep that $40 you save into your savings account.

Here is an example, I just saved close to $23 on my last trip to the grocery store via coupons, store sales and using the grocery stores club card. The amount that I saved is right on my receipt $22.84. I use my rewards credit card to capitalize on getting some travelers miles which I will pay off as soon as possible when I get home. But while at the grocery store I use my phone to transfer that $22.84 that I would have spent had I paid full retail and that goes fright from my checking account to my savings account.

I make it a habit to earmark these savings whether I save $2.25 or $100+ when it comes to money and savings, small amounts no matter how small you may think will eventually add up to tangible results. This strategy has enabled me to really "beef up" my savings account and it is a painless way to save as well.

To be able to do this you will need

1. A checking account as well as a linked savings account preferably from the same bank or credit union

2. Your bank or credit union must have online banking so you may transfer money from your checking to your savings. Ideally if your bank has a phone app that allows transfers then that is even better. You do not want to wait that long to make your savings transfer; do it while the feeling of victory of saving money is still fresh.

Think of it as a score-card for showing how much you save on purchases.

How to Turn a Website Into a Money Machine

Making money online requires four major elements.

1) A product or service that people are willing to pay for.

2) The technology infrastructure to enable prospects to find and interact with your business online.

3) Traffic bringing prospects to your site.

4) Converting those prospects into customers and collecting their money.

While all four elements need to be in place and working together in order to make money, the technology infrastructure is the most critical element because it supports the other three and creates the leverage that enables individuals to make five, six and even seven figure imports from their home based businesses.

The biggest misconception about the technology needed to make money is that having a website is enough. Nothing could be further from the truth.

A website is simply the first, albeit the most important, element required to make money. Typically a website consists of a hosting account (where one leases space on a web server), a URL or web address, and a few pages of information or sales copy about the product or service being offered.

However, to turn a website into a real online business requires the addition of a number of software applications to manage the various business functions required including: autoresponders for building a list, multimedia to improve sales and conversions, split-testing to measure and improve conversions , traffic tracking to optimize advertising and traffic strategies, credit card processing, and monitoring and reporting of critical business metrics.

Generally these are purchased as stand alone applications and added to a basic website in order to create a real online business. The total cost of all the additional technologies required is in the range of $ 2,000 to $ 4,000.

The major drawback to this approach is the time it takes to operate the online business, as it takes a great deal of time to jump from application to application to gather the operating data required to make operating decisions.

The solution to this problem is to retain a software engineer to connect, integrate and develop displays for the most important operating information. This can easily cost an additional $ 20,000 to $ 30,000.

The objective being to reduce the amount of time spent dealing with the technologies so more of your limited time can be invested in driving traffic and learning the important conversions skills required to convert prospects into customers.

Alex Mandossian, the uber successful Internet marketer said it best.

"The secret to making money online is Simple.

Do not spend any more than 10% of your time dealing with the technologies so you can spend 90% on traffic and conversion because that's where the money is made online. "

Then he finished with most important point.

"There's no money in learning and managing the technologies, unless you want to be a webmaster."

This means that you either need to hire a professional webmaster to set up and manage the technologies required to operate your online business (so you can focus on getting traffic and converting it into customers) ... OR you need to get one of the integrated applications that provide all the technologies ready to go.

Not only do these applications combine all the technologies into one easy to use application that let's you focus on traffic and conversion, but they cost 80% to 90% less than purchasing all the technologies separately.

Bottom line, the best way to turn your website into a money machine is to purchase one off the shelf. It's far faster, much cheaper and will make you a lot more money.

Please visit www.YourFirst50K.com [http://www.yourfirst50k.com] for more information & to receive your FREE copy of my ebook titled "How to Make Your First $ 50,000 Online"

A Checklist For Your Auto Maintenance

Auto maintenance is the most important duty that a vehicle owner has. Any proud car owner can tell you that. If you want your car to live a long life and perform well, then you want to ensconcing regular maintenance checks are key. Other than ensuring a lasting life for your vehicle there are also many other reasons to do timely car maintenance. Keep reading to understand why auto maintenance is important. You can also find below a list of the things that go on your checklist to make better keep tabs on this process.

The first and most important reason is safety. Any fault in the car such as worn out tires, faulty brakes or engine issues may not be obvious to the owner until it is too late. Regular maintenance helps get this out of the way and ensures your safety. A well-maintained vehicle also gives better performance and reliability. With regular check-ins at the auto shop, your visit for repairs will reduce. This makes things easier and more cost-effective. ESPecially because of preventive maintenance costs less than actual repairs.

As the old saying goes, "An once of prevention, is worth a pound of cure." In other words, take care of your vehicle and it will cost you much less to own in the long run. Also, it is much easier to plan and budget for maintenance than it is for when a breakdown occurs at the worst time and causing you to be very inconvenienced. Not to mention the expense that was not planned and usually at a much higher expense.

Regular maintenance also keeps the car looking fresh and stainless. Dents, scratches, faded paint are also things that can be taken care of during a regular maintenance routine. A well-maintained car is indeed much easier to sell. If you would like the option of being able to sell your car at a good price to be open, then auto maintenance will do that for you.

And finally, all of us are aware that vehicles can emit harmful gasses. A car that has its engines, automotive fluids, and emissions checked regularly causes less harm to the environment. Of course, there is always the option of purchasing hybrid automobiles that are environmentally friendly. Few automobile companies such as Tesla, Ford, and Toyota offer this.

Below is a basic checklist for your auto or car maintenance. The table below may not be an exhaustive list. The list can be printed out and used to check with at the auto maintenance workshop before picking up your vehicle. Remember, a well-maintained vehicle means a happier and safer driver behind its wheels.

Items on your checklist

Mark as done / not done

Engine lights

Lights

Tire pressure and condition

Windshield washer fluid

Air filter

Transmission fluid

Battery and cables

Belts

Exhaust

Fuel filter

Hoses

Oil filter

Power steering fluid

Chassis lubrication

Wiper blades

Polish

Antifreeze

Spark plugs

Steering and Suspension

How Can You Change the Way You Drive to Save Money on Gas?

Most people would say that a dime is not worth very much. That is, a dime does not look like much, except when you apply it to the rising cost of filling your car with gas. Increasing the price per gallon by a dime multiple times in a month has quickly added up over the last year or two. Everyone has been feeling the strain of that increase. Every person is looking for ways to save on the cost of gas, but you can make significant savings simply by changing the way you drive on a daily basis.

Change how you drive

Many people do not know that how they drive can save them money on gas. Most of the time, we're just worried about not being late to work or getting the kids to practice when they need to be. Everyone knows that city driving results in lower gas mileage than highway driving. Why is that? Stopping for red lights often uses up gas because it means increasing acceleration to get going again, therefore, using more gas. The faster you try to get your car to go after stopping at a red light, the faster you will use up your gasoline. If you consciously make an effort to accelerate slowly after being stopped, you'll save yourself a bit of gas and probably will not get to where you need to be any later.

Some people are better than others at anticipating what the car in front of them is about to do, especially if they're used to driving in heavy traffic. Many people who work in the city but live outside of it become accustomed to the changes in traffic patterns, including going faster as traffic becomes thinner or braking suddenly when it gets heavier. By anticipating what is going on ahead of you, you will be able to be able to avoid sudden stops and starts. You can simply lift your foot off the gas pedal to decrease your speed. A gradual slowing as well as starting will help you to save on your gas.

Getting passed on the highway can be frustrating to a lot of people, but it can be an economic decision for saving gas. By constantly keeping your foot pressed on the accelerator, you are forcing your car to go faster. Yes, that will allow you to pass someone, but you are burning up gas more quickly than you need to do. Most likely, you will not get to where you're going more than a few seconds faster anyway. You do not need to overtake other vehicles on your way to work each day. You'll still make it there in about the same amount of time.

Change how you fill up

When you stop at a gas station, there are things you can do as well to save a little money here and there. For example, choosing your filling station wisely will help you to save money. Do not go to a place simply because it's on the right side of the highway as you're going home, but choose the place that offers the cheapest prices for gas. Yes, you may have to use a little extra gas to get there, but in the long run, you'll come out on top by making the most economic choice. A few cents does help when it comes to buying gas.

The time of day you stop for gas will also make a difference in the gas that you pump. Just like your fingers on a hot summer day after a jog, gas expands in warmer temperatures. So by filling up your tank early in the morning, you are actually getting a bit more gas for the same amount of money. Also, by filling up the tank slowly, you are preventing air from getting mixed in with your gasoline. Try to take your time as you fill up the tank and you may just see an improvement in your gas mileage.

Although alternative sources for fuel will probably be the best bet in the long run for our environment and on our wallets, for now we must do what we can to make wise decisions at the gas pump. By being conscious of the way you drive and fill up your car, you can do what you can to save your money and have your day be less affected by the price of gas going up another dime.

Making Money From Your Computer

Making money from your computer may be one of the best jobs because you can do it anywhere there is a Wi-Fi connection. When you go to the beach and you notice people with laptops you can be pretty sure that they are the ones making money from their computers. You shouldn't feel sorry for them because they are working instead of enjoying the sea and the sun, because unlike most people, they can practically afford to live there. This can be you too because working from your computer does not require you to have excellent computer knowledge.

One thing that you should keep in mind about making money from your computer is that it will take some time for you to begin earning a lot, and you should be patient. If you quit, instead of moving forward, you will not make even a single cent. So actually, the most important quality that you need to posses if you want to be successful in making money online is patience.

The internet is getting more and more important. You can even buy your next home online or at least find it there, you can play games, shop, order food, study, and basically almost anything you can think of. Buying airline tickets and registering at hotels that are on the other side of the globe has never been easier. You should take advantage of the fact that people spend their money online all the time and start making money from your computer as well.

Android 4 Tablets

Android 4 is the latest version of Google's Android Operating System. It has been code-named as the 'Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS)'. The Android 4 OS has been designed by Google to be used in both cell phones and PC tablets. Google has mentioned that Android 4 brings together the best of both Gingerbread and Honeycomb, the previous two versions of Android, but also has new features that will make using cell phones or tablet a much richer experience.

The animations have been refined and enhanced to offer you a better experience. The most noticeable change with Ice Cream Sandwich is the interface. In the new Android 4 OS, Google has tried to make the common functions more accessible which allow more natural and flowing navigation around the operating system. It might follow the same principles as the previous Android version, but the way it is used is radically different in a number of ways. The Android 4 is designed to work with buttons. Now to navigate around you will be offered three soft-keys: Back, Home and Multitasking. Multitasking has been made easier and more seamless, with the bonus of re-sizable widgets and customized home screens.

It even offers the favorite tray feature which can be seen on all screens. If you will be using an Android 4 tablet that may at any point of time have many screens to flip through so if you have your favorites lined up to flip through will be a nice feature. An Android 4 tablet will now have better Wi-Fi and network connectivity and will highlight which applications are using what data. This feature will be of great help for the people who have a tendency of going beyond their network usage every month so that they come to know which application is causing the most data usage and can keep a check on it.

The security has been enhanced a lot in this latest version as it will have the face unlock feature. Android 4 Tablets will take a giant leap, much ahead of the previous versions once launched. Well nothing has been decided or disclosed yet, as in when is Android 4 OS being launched because it was only some time back that the Android 3 honeycomb operating system was releases. So the Ice Cream Sandwich operating system may take some time from now. But at this stage it seems that it is going to deliver on its promise.

Personal Budget - 7 Guidelines That Will Help You Plan a Working Budget

Setting up your personal budget requires a hands-on approach. The following guidelines will help you plan a working budget to undertake this journey.

1. Gather all your financial details. That will include all of your bank accounts, credit cards and insurances papers - anything to do with your personal finances. These details will be needed to start your budget.

2. List all sources of income. This includes salary, rental income and regular disputes and interest.

3. Categorize your expenses starting with your commitments - list each item under headings such as:

• Home: mortgage or rent.
• Association and professional fees.
• Insurance: health, motor vehicle, home, contents and life
• Education costs
• Day care and child care
• Loans: car loan, student loan, bank fees and interest
• Land tax or rates.
• Other payments required as a commitment: motor vehicle licensing.
• Investment - yes commit to your future and pay yourself!

4. List necessities - again list each item under headings:

• Food, groceries, gas (petrol), home maintenance, security.
• Utilities: gas, water, electricity, rubbish disposal, phone costs
• School lunches, household supplies, car maintenance, internet service, dry cleaning, monthly parking.

5. Other expenses. Personal everyday expenses covering: lunch at work, snacks, coffee, drinks, newspapers, magazines, batteries, postage. Family and personal allowances: parties, entertainment, weekend outings, movies, concerts, other entertainment and events, home improvements and decorating, magazine and other subscriptions, dining out and fast food. Also include: clothing, hobbies, personal recreation, books, CD's, manicures, hair care, alterations, shoe repair, personal and family gifts, gardening, film processing, video rentals, sports and gym, donations, computer software and other related items.

6. Once you have all your expenses listed add the total expenses and deduct these from your income. You will need to convert everything to monthly or weekly. This means that bills that are paid once a year must be divided by 12 to get the monthly figure. Convert quarterly payments to an annual figure then convert this to monthly. It is important that you include bills that are paid other than monthly to ensure that the money is available when the bill is due. Place the money in an interest bearing account.

7. Do you need to tweak your budget? When you deducted the expenses from your income was there any money left or did you find your expenses were more than your income? If your situation is the latter you will need to do some tweaking. The commitments can not change. As for necessities you may be able to cut down on food expenses and find cheaper providers of utilities or try to save costs by being conscious of switching off lights etc. But it is the other expenses category that has the most capacity for tweaking as many of them are not needed and can be reduced or cut out. Review your budget regularly to make sure it is still working for you.

The time to start a personal budget is now and these guidelines are designed to make sure that your budget is really a working budget - one that works for you!