A Day in the Life...

Ok, this might get a little embarrassing. I have decided to walk through one particular day in Dr. Doug's life to show how I am saving money. Once again, it's not necesarily what I am doing, but the consciousness of savings and energy I am created through my money-saving activities. Remember, saving money can set you free to do more things in your life.

8am: Espresso machine at home.

Espresso machines are not cheap. They can cost up to a couple of hundred dollars. However, if you are a robust coffee drinker, buying coffee and making espresso's at home is cheaper than starbucks.

9am; make calls on VOIP phone at home. Unlimited service with ATT is $27 per month, but I also pay for broadband cable.

10 am; return online movie to Blockbuster and pick in store rental. I pay for the $5.99 two movies delivered to home per month. Every movie returned in store gets you another store movie. Plus one e-coupon a month. That is 5 movies for $6.29 with tax per month.

11 am: Trip to Costco.

Costco can be a great store, but be careful. Mega-sizes that go to waste and ridiculous purchases are not money savings. I'm buying a box of organic salad; 18 organic, cage-free, Omega-3 eggs; frozen shrimp; veggie burers; Ibuprofen (generic advil); and razors. I'm also going to get some film developed. I may or may not buy gas as Costco gas prices have increased. Try cash prices at your area's cheapest Arco.

12pm; workout at home. I have a weight bench, jump rope, medicine ball, and dumbells. No need for an expensive gym membership. If you do join a gym never give them your credit card or sign-up for a contract. Gyms make money by hooking customers that never show up. Try the YMCA if you need a gym and a month to month contract.

2pm; do work at Starbucks. I know I already had coffee... but I keep this as a guilty pleasure, plus, working or studying in different environments improves your retention. I have money on my Starbuck's gift card from change brought into the Coin Counting machine at Albertson's. If you take a gift card the change counting is free instead of 8.9 cents per 10 cents deposited. Now to be a little frugal, bring your own cup. Order the Small size of coffee and they will knock off 10 cents ($1.45) where I live. Plus, my cup is extra large and they usually pour a large size for the price of a small.

5pm; pick up dinner for family tonight. We do go out, but I often use a coupon. Tonight it's a $10 off $30 from Boca di Bepo.

5:30pm; check in with wife on T-mobile cell phones. Two phones, with family plan 1000 minutes and unlimited texting less than $60 dollars per month. I've considered dropping these and going for emergency use only pay as you go phones or switching to long-distance radios, but wife won't do without. I could also drop the land lines and go for cell-phone only, but call quality is poor in hilly area around my house.

6pm: check mail and immediately pay bills through online bill pay. Bill pay is quick and easy and saves you the price of a stamp.

9pm; yoga and meditation prior to sleep. It's worth it to pay for a few yoga classes every month. Tapes are good, but you will need some personal instruction. Once you have some training, you can do most of your yoga and meditation at home with an occasional class from your Teacher to keep yourself on track. Try purchasing a package of ten classes with a long expiration date to save a little money.

Of course, this was not a traditional work-day. If you are going to work that day try bringing a lunch made the night before in a small ice-chest to protect any perishable foods. Also bring a small thermos of home-made coffee if you are a coffee drinker. Individual tea-bags are good, you can't drink enough green tea during the day. Don't forget snacks such as an apple or healthy bar. Leave for work a little early to get your cheap gas and try to go on a walk at lunch or bring rubber work-out bands to use during the day.