I used to have more than 5 savings accounts. After I began my debt reduction program, I decided to close 3 of them.

It is always better to open an account in no more than one or two banks. Getting a few more bank accounts is not recommended. This is because you may lose track of your finances. This takes place especially if you are in the habit of operating all the accounts simultaneously. As a result, the savings in each diminishes at the same time.

Tags: bank accounts, debt reduction program, finances, savings accounts

We love staying at home on weekends as we know that there are thongs and thongs of people in the shopping malls and the roads are heavily jammed. Why get ourselves stuck in stuffy and crowded shopping malls ?

To avoid stress on weekends, we would rather spend our time at home and go to the shopping malls only on weekdays.

I love doing meditation at home while my hubby does it occasionally. Meditation is amazing and has become a part of my daily routine, usually in the early mornings. By focusing on my own breathing and allowing my mind to drain of everything else makes me rejuvenated.

My hubby and I love exchanging massages. We are certified foot reflexologists and quite good at body massage. We give each other a half hour long massage. Sometimes, when I am tired blogging and writing blog posts, my hubby will give me a massage on my neck and shoulders which brings instant relief.

Tags: avoid stress, daily routine, foot reflexologists, instant relief, massage, shopping malls, weekdays, weekends

Staying within your budget when you buy clothing, food, gifts, household items, and computer supplies isn’t as difficult as you think. Here are some tips:

1. Save money on clothing, a huge expense for families. It makes no sense to spend a lot on children’s clothes and lucky parents have a hand-me-down source for occasionally worn good clothing.

Shop the sale seasons. The best clothing sales are in February and August. Buy high quality classic items at half price.

2. Save money on food with good shopping habits. Plan your weekly menu around the grocery store sale flyers. Make a list before going to the market and go through your coupons for further discounts.

3. Save money on toys, gifts, and home decor that sneak up on your well-planned budget.
Shop for next year’s Christmas supplies the week after Christmas. Toys go on sale in January. Stock up on birthday presents then by taking your regular birthday list with you.

4. Look for rebates and special offers when buying computer software, mobile router, peripherals, and supplies.

Tags: best clothing sale, children's clothes, Christmas supplies, computer software, computer supplies, coupons, discounts, family products, Gifts, good shopping habits, grocery store, household items, huge expense, quality classic items, sale flyers, sale seasons, special offers, well-planned budget, worn good clothing

We only started using checking account 3 years ago when we refinanced our home. The checking account came with the mortgage refinance loan package.

Initially, we thought it’s troublesome to issue checks. But, it has turned out to be very handy when it comes to deposit monthly income, and for paying expenses.

In addition to that, we have learned to read monthly checking account statements, manage and balance our checkbooks, and bank checkbook reconciliation.

Whether we have a debit card linked to our checking account or we write paper checks, checking account comes in handy.

Tags: bank check reconciliation, checkbooks, checking account, checking account statements, issue checks, monthly income, mortgage refinance loan, paper checks, paying expenses

Hubby and I had our weekly sumptuous lunch in Tanah Rata. After that, we went jungle-trekking for about an hour. We love to fork out some spare time enjoying our afternoon leisurely.

After jungle-trekking, we normally had tea time at one of the cafes there. As usual, I had my favorite soft buns while hubby had some scones.

A Caucasian opposite us nodded to us whenever our eyes met his eyes. Finally, hubby asked where he was from. From California. He has been in Cameron Highlands for more than 3 months ! The main purpose of his long stay in Cameron Highlands is that he is writing a book. Wow.. a writer, man.

From his conversation, we learned that he had got involved in an accident 2 years ago and is partially disabled. As he couldn’t work for others anymore and had to depend on his Structured Settlement for ongoing income, he tried his hand on writing articles for newspapers, magazines and online prints.

However, he found that the periodic payments received from the Structured Settlements were troublesome and sold them to get one lump sum cash. With this lump sum cash, he can now have a long stay in Cameron Highlands to finish his book.

A buddy of mine who just came back from his vacation applied for payday loans last night. And amazingly, his payday loans were approved last night as well.

I was kind of surprised when I was told that he is going to get the money to day. Huh ? I thought it would take at least a week’s time to get the loans approved and receive the money. Oh.. I am so outdated even I am online all the time…;D

According to him, Faxless Payday Loans are easy and fast to apply. No more faxing this document that document like I did last time ! Once the application for loans are submitted, the lenders will contact us and approve the loans. The money will then be deposited into our checking accounts.

No wonder my buddy can have his vacations overseas twice a year ! His motto, “Borrow today. Pay back, whenever.” But of course, he tries to pay back the payday loans by the next payday.

Hubby keeps reminding me to buy Christmas gifts as early as possible to avoid last minute purchases. Not only did we buy unsuitable gifts for family members last year, we also overspent on gifts. As a result, we had very tight budget for the entire December last year.

Since our debt reduction, we have learned to use our money wisely besides cutting down our expenses. Our credit cards have been cut down to $48,986 from $63,809 due to our punctual monthly repayments. We also save on interest rate charges after getting personal loans and balance transfers. Car loan and home mortgage repayments are also on time.

Over the months, we have learned to save money by using coupon codes. So, we are going to buy Christmas gifts using coupon codes. In addition to that, we will look for freebies that can be used as Christmas gifts…;D

Another great way of saving money is making Christmas gifts using available materials and resources that are free or cheap. It’s the thought that counts, right ?

Once in a while, we will be asked how we managed to cut down our credit card debts from $63,809 to $48,986. Honestly, time and perseverance play important roles.

After making up our minds to pay off our credit card debts, we took up some balance transfers and personal loans so that we can cut down our interest rate charges. We make sure that we make our payments on time. Otherwise, there will be unnecessary penalty charges by the banks.

So far, we are able to bring our credit card debts under control through determination. Exercising control on spending habits is easier said than done, especially during sales or promotions…;D

Some of my buddies whose spending habits have caused them fall back into the black hole, therefore they have to resort to Credit Card Consolidation to bundle all credit card debts and loans into one payment.

By getting Credit Card Consolidation , they can at least heave a sigh knowing that there won’t be stacks of credit card and loan bills pilling up at their doorsteps.

While shopping at the shopping mall last week, hubby and I were approached by a credit card sales representative. According to her, there was a promotion going on for airline credit cards. Airline credit cards ?

Out of curiosity, I asked what the cards offered. Apparently, points accumulated through purchases can be used to redeemed air tickets. My eyes rolled wide when I heard ‘air tickets‘….;D Why not ? If the air tickets are free, that means hubby and I just need to fork out money for hotel accommodation and food. Not a bad idea to have a holiday trip, right ?

I told her that hubby and I are loaded with credit card debts and have very bad credit score. She assured me that they offered to bad credit credit card holders too. Mmm…maybe hubby and I should have applied for the offers too.

Great buddy ! At last, he decided to hire a commercial collection agency to collect a substantial amount of money from his so-called good friend. At first, he was hesitant to hire the collection firm to pursue the past-due balance for fear that this would spoil the relationship with his friend.

Hello.. What kind of good friend his friend is ? He has the money to keep up-to-date on all current projects, but he doesn’t have the money to pay my buddy back ! This is ridiculous ! I won’t want to have such friend.