8 Ways to Keep Safe When Out Shopping

Shoppers this one is for you, here are tips to avoid losing money or important possessions when shopping in malls and other public places. 

1. Bring only the exact amount of money you need.
2. Bring only a limited number of credit cards.
3. Keep your bag close to you at all times. When dining, avoid placing your bag on the chair beside you. Place it on your lap instead.
4. Avoid keeping all your money in your bag. Put some of your money in your pockets.
5. Move away from dark places and avoid using isolated comfort rooms.
6. When inside an elevator, make sure that suspicious looking strangers don;t try to sandwich you.
7. Position yourself sideways on the escalator so you can see the person in front and behind you.
8. When you suspect that someone is stalking you, immediately report it to a security officer.

Simple Steps in Saving Money

Saving money doesn't have to be an unreachable dream. Check out some practical steps to help you stop living from paycheck to paycheck.

• Set saving goals. Figure out what you need to save for, how much and how long you need to save ( could be short term or long term). Set an attainable time frame or you might get discouraged.

• Figure out how much you'll have to save per paycheck or per month. Total your savings goals. Can you afford to save that much for each period? Make sure your saving is your priority and not a leftover consideration.

• Keep a record of your expenses. Write down all your expenses on a given period and assess them. Think about your priorities, and make cuts that you can live with.

• Reassess your savings goals. If you really can't fit in your savings goals into your budget, check the goals and cut out the less important goals or adjust the time frame.

• Make a budget and stick to it. Now that you've managed your income with your savings goals and your spending, write down a budget you can live with. try to leave room for unexpected expenses.

Save Money by Using Passive Barriers in your Personal Finance

A passive barrier is something that makes the normal activity more difficult. You can use passive barriers in your personal finance to prevent yourself from spending money.

• Not having your credit cards in your wallet. If you are prone to impulse buying through your credit card, take those cards out of your wallet and leave them at home. When you find yourself at the mall, it becomes easier to walk away from the impulse. You could also delete your card from any online service you use.

• Not passing by the mall. If you don't see the latest in thing or the sale, then you won't know what you're missing. And you won't be tempted to spend.

• Not buying piecemeal. You save money by buying your groceries every salary period instead of at the corner grocery store every time you need to buy something. Bulk items are cheaper and you avoid the temptation of buying whatever takes your fancy when you visit the store.