7 Tips to Be Happier With Less Money

“You can’t always get what you want…but if you try sometimes – you just might find –  you get what you need…”

Who would have thought Mick Jagger was a brilliant financial advisor? Turns out though, he has it right.

Check out these great tips for getting what you need on a shoestring:

1) Learn conscious spending. Stop mindless spending. Start ranking all your discretionary spending on a “joy factor”. Only spend on high ranking items for greater satisfaction.

2) Enjoy a side benefit of less spending money: you’ll learn about the simple joys of life that give big pleasure. Think about what small things bring you delight. Fill your day with these.

3) Visit the beach or park in your town and enjoy as much nature as you can consume. All for free.

4) Learn the art and joys of creating and packing a perfect picnic. Invest in a good thermos or two for coffee and hot entrees.

5) Take a photography day trip. (Bring that picnic meal you made in tip #4) Everyone takes their digital cameras and takes as many great shots as possible. Take extra memory cards. Print them out and frame them for inexpensive yet invaluable art work for your home.

6) The most important investment of all is relationships. Staying home watching movies, day trips around town, cooking together and playing games all give you a chance to reconnect with your family.

7) Start a weekly or monthly potluck tradition with extended family and friends. Have theme nights like Italian or Mexican and watch the fun happen. Be sure to appreciate everyone’s offering to the meal.

These tips are just a few ideas to get you in the right mindset. The timeless truth is that you’re already rich in the most important things and everything you need – you already have.

10 Rules for a Fabulous Wardrobe on a Budget

Follow these 10 rules to create the wardrobe of your dreams on a shoestring. With a little bit of creative thinking combined with the excitement of the hunt – you’ll be stepping out in style without hurting your budget.

1) Find out where all the upscale second hand shops are in your town. Check Google Maps to make finding them easy and fast.

2) Look for consignment stores. These shops have the best name brands. Often they are very selective in the designer clothing they accept.

3) Check out vintage shops. This is where you will find clothes from days gone by – that have come back in style. Also look for vintage jewelry and other accessories.

4) Take some time to look around eBay. Many people sell beautiful clothes, shoes, handbags and jewelry that they no longer need. Often they just need the money and are willing to accept low offers. You may snag a designer item for a really low price.

5) Keep your eye on your local Craigslist for super bargains in clothing and other accessories. Once again these can often be quite a deal.

6) Let your family, friends and neighbors know you are looking for quality clothing that they don’t want anymore. If offered something accept it graciously – even if it’s not what you want. Let them know it would be great for a friend of yours or you can alway donate it – but you’ve avoided alienating them. Their next offer might be perfect for you. The danger in this suggestion is that the person may ask for the item back and you won’t have it. So do this at your own risk!

7) Local garage sales are always fun and if you look for sales in upscale neighborhoods you may come away with a fantastic steal! I once found a beautiful designer coat at a garage sale for $2.00! Many people have stopped me in public to comment on it. You may have to go to a few sales before you hit the jackpot – so don’t give up too soon.

8) Watch your local paper for estate sales. These are often entire wardrobes up for sale. Plan to arrive early to get the best selection.

9) Find out when the churches and schools in your area hold their annual fundraising sales. Many of the families donate beautiful items with inexpensive prices. And you will be helping a good cause while getting a bargain yourself.

10) Thrift stores often have a mix of clothes and accessories. These are not usually high quality because the thrift stores themselves take the best items and sell them on eBay or Craigslist instead of in the local store. But you might get lucky – who knows?

You don’t have to break your budget to look fabulous and fashionable. Take the plunge into alternative shopping and find those rare gems that will round out your wardrobe in style and elegance at an affordable price.