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One New Year's Resolution You Can Keep

By
Real Estate Agent with Surterre Properties

Many people are have set a New Year's resolution to cut back on spending in 2009. Here are some helpful ways to enjoy yourself in the New Year without making a dent in your pocketbook:

 

  • Cut back on eating out. Cooking at home is not only a less expensive option, but it is often healthier!
  • When shopping for home-cooked meal supplies, select store brand items rather than name brands.
  • As old-fashioned as it may seem, clip coupons from newspapers and advertisements. Sign up for store club cards as well.
  • Buy in bulk. If you're afraid of food spoiling, why not freeze what you will not eat before the expiration date for later use?
  • Scale back on vacations. Rather than elaborate getaways, consider package deals or utilize accumulated airline miles.

 

What New Year's resolutions did you make this year?

We'd love to hear your thoughts. Please send comments if you have a moment.

 

Thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.

Best regards.

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GRI

2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors

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And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.     

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Best regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker Associate ABR ABRM CLHMS CRB CRS GREEN GRI

Surterre Properties

Past President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 495-8600

 

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Dinah Lee Griffey
Windermere Peninsula Properties - Allyn, WA
Managing Broker Windermere Peninsula Properties

Great posts. I am checking out local attractions, then blogging about them. It is great for Localism, and fun!-Dinah Lee

Jan 09, 2009 09:31 AM
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

Great list.  I have to say I have been doing most of those things for months and months.  Although I will not eat store brand ketchup.  If I can't have Heinz I just don't want it.

My resolution for 2009 is simple.  I WILL NOT COMPLAIN ABOUT BEING BUSY! 

I was tested right away.  I had to get up from the Georgia game and go show property... I did not complain.

I have an agent out with a sick family member and am working with her clients as well as my own.  Again not complaining.

Showing property this weekend... not going to complain.

I'll let you know how I'm doing in a few weeks and hopefully I'll still be this busy.

Jan 09, 2009 09:37 AM
Georgie Hunter R(S) 58089
Hawai'i Life Real Estate Brokers - Haiku, HI
Maui Real Estate sales and lifestyle info

Instead of going out to a movie, just dust off a DVD you haven't seen in a while - it will be just like a new movie! 

Jan 09, 2009 09:43 AM
Lou Ludwig
Ludwig & Associates - Boca Raton, FL
Designations Earned CRB, CRS, CIPS, GRI, SRES, TRC

Hi Michael

Smart advise that will save you money.

Good Luck and success

Lou Ludwig

Jan 09, 2009 10:04 AM
Robert Schwabe
Herron Real Estate - Orange Park, FL
Orange Park Real Estate

Michael - I have definitely cut back no more Starbucks. I just make coffee at home now.  I can't believe how much I'm saving. Next is going to be cut back on going out to eat.

Jan 09, 2009 12:14 PM
Gail Robinson
William Raveis Real Estate - Southport, CT
CRS, GRI, e-PRO Fairfield County, CT

Michael - Hard to believe that I used to buy bottles of good quality wine by the case and not even think twice about it.  Now the wine rack is mostly empty and when I buy a bottle, it's usually a hostess gift as we are visiting with friends a lot more.  The good thing that come out of this downturn is the extra time we have to be with friends.  At the peak of the market, I was working night and day.

Jan 09, 2009 03:17 PM
New Construction Ocala Florida Real Estate
Pivotal Properties, LLC - Ocala, FL
Living and Loving Florida!

Thanks for the great post. These are some great ways to cut back spending. And by the way, I have also cut back my spending at the grocery store by purchasing store brand products. You would be surprised at how great they taste for half the price of name brand products!

Jan 10, 2009 03:49 AM
Ron Spanton
RE/MAX Real Estate Associates - Gilbertsville, KY
Kentucky Lake Area

Some folks feel like they have to take a trip to a far away place for a vacation and most of us have unexplored places close to home. Save money by staying locally and still away from it all.

Jan 10, 2009 04:36 AM
Michael A. Caruso
Surterre Properties - Laguna Niguel, CA

Thank you all for commenting! I am so pleased to hear about everyone's positive responses!

Jan 10, 2009 05:25 AM
April Hayden-Munson
Brookfield, WI
Brookfield Wisconsin Real Estate

Great ideas.  I don't have to worry about the vacation one, can't see that coming anytime soon!!  I tried a generic cereal that is just fabulous, normally I'd have stayed with the name brand - but at almost $4 that was out of the question!!

Jan 12, 2009 09:43 AM
Harrison K. Long
HomeSmart, Evergreen Realty - Irvine, CA
REALTOR , GRI, Broker associate, Attorney

Michael ... we agree that it's time to cook at home more and be happy.  Happy New Year to you also. Harrison

Jan 13, 2009 11:13 AM