Monthly Archives: January 2015

4 Creative Ways to Avoid Spending

If you are trying to cut back on spending but don't know how, it is time to try some fresh ideas.

If you are trying to cut back on spending but don’t know how, it is time to try some fresh ideas.

Realizing you have a spending addiction is a good first step. But what really matters is what you do about it. Cutting back on spending can be easier said than done. Try one of these creative tips to keep yourself from overspending in 2015.

Freeze Your Credit Cards

We have all been warned of the dangers of credit card debt. The best way to rid yourself of a plastic swiping habit is to stop carrying cards around with you. You can make credit cards as inaccessible as possible by freezing them. Literally! Fill a bowl halfway with water and let it freeze. Place your cards in the bowl of ice, add more water, and freeze again.

Pay Your Bills Before You Go

If you are heading out with friends for the night, pay bills or balance your checkbook before you leave. Seeing the reality of your finances right before you leave can help motivate you to spend less or nothing at all.

Cancel Emails and Catalogs

Email blasts from your favorite retailers offering exclusive deals and sales are designed to tempt you into browsing their website. Unsubscribe to emails from retailers and ask to be taken off their catalog mailing lists. You will never miss a sale that you don’t know about.

Focus on Your Goals

If you are trying to cut spending to save up for a house, pay off debt, or just to save more in 2015, stay focused. Whenever you are tempted to reach for your wallet, reflect on your goals and how happy you will be when you reach them. Don’t let instant gratification throw off your plans!

Milledgeville State Bank wants to hear about the creative ways you keep yourself from overspending! Stop by our office to talk with our friendly staff today. If you can’t make it in, fill out our contact form online!

Dating on your Dime

Love doesn't have to come with a big price tag. There are plenty of unique date ideas that work for any budget.

Love doesn’t have to come with a big price tag. There are plenty of unique date ideas that work for any budget.

Did you find someone under the mistletoe this year? If so, your budget might need to be adjusted a little bit in the coming year. Dating can be expensive, especially for men. It may seem old fashioned, but a NerdWallet survey found that 77 percent of people believe men should pick up the tab on a first date. As a relationship develops, the costs generally split more evenly. Check out some of these ideas to keep the cost of romance low.

Skip the dinner and movie date

Although a dinner followed by a movie is a traditional first date idea, there are more creative options that are easier on your wallet. There are other ways to get to know someone such as an outdoor concert, community event, or free museum trip. Check out the local paper to find some new ideas!

Stay in

While this may not be appropriate for the first date, staying home to cook together is a nice way to spend time together and get to know each other better in a natural setting. Staying in and renting a movie rather than going on the traditional restaurant and movie date will save your wallet.

 Get Active

One of the best dates to get to know someone can cost as little as $5. Take a walk around a local fair or scenic part of town with coffee or juice. This allows you to have uninterrupted conversation to get to know each other while getting some exercise. If you head to a park, you can pack a picnic lunch as well!

If you have found someone you care for, it is important to keep talking after you get past those initial few dates. Spending, saving and long-term financial goals often cause turmoil in otherwise happy relationships. Having an open dialogue about these issues is important to make sure you stay on the same page.

Dating isn’t always cheap, but it can be!  While we may not be able to offer much love advice, Milledgeville State Bank can help you find ways to save. Stop by our office or contact us online today!