Saturday I attended a conference put on by the Idaho State Treasurers office called Smart Women, Smart Money. I actually went to watch my sister receive the Hall of Fame inspirational recipient award for 2008. (Congrats, Kerri!) But I ended up thoroughly enjoying the speakers and vendors displays, and went away EXTREMELY motivated to be smarter about my money!
One little pamphlet I picked up is titled 66 Ways to Save Money. Scanning the contents, my Realtor-eyes honed in on the brief Housing section. Tip #43 - "You can often negotiate a lower sale price by employing a buyer broker who works for you, not the seller..." Alrighty, instant credibility with me! I find very few people who realize they can save THOUSANDS by having their own buyers agent do the negotiating for them. Lots of good money saving tips, 66 of them to be exact Click here to access the guide online.
Next, I found a neat little newsletter, Debt-Proof Living. It's purpose is to provide hope, help and realistic solutions for individuals who are committed to financially responsible and debt-free living. Founder Mary Hart is actively looking for a couple or individual to coach through a year-long money makeover in 2009. You'll have to hurry though, the application period ends on October 31. Apply at Mary's Web Desk.
I'm not sure of the source of a nifty little slide rule thingie I picked up. If you set it at a certain amount per day, it will show you how much that daily amount accumulates to over the course of 1, 5, 10 or 20 years. When I set it at $1.50 I find that the amount I used to spend per day on Diet Coke will save me $548 each year. Wooohooo! (I haven't touched a drop since August 3.) How much dumb stuff do we spend money on that could be better allocated to something better? Not drinking soft drinks could pad my bank account by $30,000 in 20 years, not to mention how much healthier I will be by drinking water instead!
USbank handed out a little pamphlet, What's My Score? Another nifty little pamphlet geared for young adults I picked up for my daughter in college, I found the link to their website. It's an AWESOME resource for credit and financial matters and education, packed with cool stuff. FICO score estimator, money guides and downloads. How about a game of Financial Football, Road Trip to Savings or The Smart Money Quiz Show?
Like I said, I left motivated to be smarter about how I manage my money. Now I just need to DO IT!
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Janna Rankin Scharf provides a superior level of real estate services to home buyers and sellers in Coeur d'Alene and Kootenai County, Idaho. Visit www.JannaScharf.com to search for homes in the Coeur d'Alene MLS for anywhere in spectacular North Idaho.
No matter how grand or modest your real estate dreams may be, you can turn to me in confidence. Give me a call today and let me know what I can do to be of service to you!
Janna Rankin Scharf AB, GRI, CSP, CNS, CLHMS 208.651.9700
Sounds like a very good use of your time, even if Kerri wasn't receiving an award (Congratulations, Kerri!).
Jim - I discovered I used the wrong link to What's My Score and it went to a really boring place. I fixed it, in case you're interested. Thanks for stopping by.
That looks really cool, thanks for sharing. And thanks for the warm welcome to the community. I am sure you miss Fort Collilns CO, but I wouldn't mind living where you do. The KW merger has been smooth and it is a great bunch of people. Let me know if I can ever be of any help.
So Janna, if soft drinks can save that much I wonder how much Starbucks Grande Vanilla Latte will save?? Anyway how is your farming and establishing yourself going? You should post what you are doing. BTW Good luck I moved 12 years ago I feel your pain.
Thanks Jim! :)
Janna,
This is great. You know, I meet with some ladies once a month (we're called a "Money Club" - I will blog about that later -- thanks for the idea;) and we talk about all things financial - budgeting, investing, preparing for retirement, real estate, borrowing, etc.
I know we have been trying to get together for a while now, without success. Would you like to go with me? Our next meeting is this Tuesday, 11/11 from 5:30 until when ever, usually around 7:30 or 8. I'd love for you to go with me.
If you'd like to go, contact me off-line (via FB if you like) and we'll come up with a time and place to meet!!!
Have a great night and I'll chat with you later.
Maryellen
Now featured on "Spokane, Eastern Washington & North Idaho Real Estate Network"
janna, welcome aboard! signing off
Janna,
What great motivational money saving tips! I personally,...against my own will, gave up my daily Starbucks! This should save me more than $1,200.- a year. Sickening isn't it,... to think I was spending so much on coffee and the additional calories I'm avoiding is a plus too! Thanks for sharing!
Good links and good information! Saving money is a primary concern to lots of REALTORS now - at least getting the most out of the money we spend. Thanks!
Kent - No need for guilt, no right, no wrong, just some things to think about! ;-P