At a time like this when most parts of the world are still in financial crisis, people's attitudes and spending habits change. They tend to become more creative with how they manage their finances to stretch their paycheck and get the most value out of it. In doing so, they can set aside something for their savings and still afford the little luxuries in life, from giving presents to a bit of shopping.
Our custom at home is not to buy expensive presents for each other, always the simple and thoughtful presents top the marks especially if it came with a sweet card. Presents doesn't have to be expensive, there are lots of simple but thoughtful ideas to be had online. With a little bit of creativity and attentiveness, customized t-shirts make great gifts. You can have full control over your design, and yet save yourself from the technical details of printing it yourself. If the celebrant is a soccer enthusiast (hello South Africa, World Cup 2010!), this year is perfect for the coolest soccer t-shirts.
Another creative way of managing expenses is by shopping around for coupons and discounts. This is very common in the Dutch culture as well (korting, aanbieding), and we used to get loads of flyers of them in our mailbox in Amsterdam. I have to admit this has rubbed off on me, and I'm really proud of the huge savings I now make so effortlessly. Recently I got my set of crystal champagne flutes from the coupons I have collected in my local grocery. Sweet! For online shopping, check out Savings.com for free online coupons.
Share your spending and saving tips, I'd love to hear from you!
Hi, Odette! Sorry I've gone AWOL for a while, but it sure is lovely to read your posts again. :-)
ReplyDeleteI wish we had coupons here in the country but they rarely do. I guess that's why sales are so big here- it's the only time you can get some honest-to-goodness discounts. We especially like SM's 3-day sales because the savings are quite significant. If a purchase can wait, we try not to buy anything at regular prices.
It's hard to make the peso stretch but it can be done. Reusing and recycling things help. And we make a conscious effort to keep our things neat and tidy so they last longer. Now, if only Alphonse would stop kicking the rice cookers...