It's About the Money, Honey!

Money is a good servant and a bad master. But still nobody can deny the importance of money. However, people who made it big have always been real people like you and me. Let us find out what it takes to make it big. Regardless of geographical boundaries, it has been observed that some of the girls or women next door have made it, surprising many of us. These ordinary women are very normal and general people, leading very simple lives but they made it big with their personal expertise, perseverance and experiences. The thing I found interesting, which they have quoted in the show as well is- most of the women millionaires were teachers at one point of their lives. The author of “The Millionaire Woman Next Door” said that a teacher is more disciplined and calculative when it comes to money matters. Therefore, they have what it takes to be a millionaire or a crorepati. Oprah also quoted that it’s not about how much you spend, it’s about how much you keep! So true! If you cannot keep the money with you, you can never become a millionaire. Most of the millionaire people, especially millionaire women shop where there is discount. They do their shopping only after thinking what to buy and how much to buy.

Shopping lists always help, provided you made it at home and promise yourself to stick to it. Keeping a notepad and pen in the kitchen always help. Jotting down the things to be bought as and when they are finished help tremendously as 90% of the household shoppers tend to forget a few necessary things to buy and end up buying stuff that they can do without. Monthly shopping is a good idea for small families. This way they can keep tab on the monthly expenses and requirements. Moreover, it helps the fretting when guests come in as you have enough food as well as time to entertain them.

However, a bimonthly grocery shopping routine helps multiple or joint families. That way you can get rid of the pain of hoarding things in the kitchen closet. If you are serious about saving money you can follow these points and see how helpful it is.

In the kitchen:

• If time permits, cook everything keeping the gas in sim,
• Pressure cook as much as you can. This not only saves time but preserves the nutrition also.
• Use the kitchen exhaust fan only when necessary,
• Cut, peel, dice, grind the vegetables and meat and fish as required and keep them ready near the cooking area before you start cooking.
• Keep cooking water ready near the cooking area.
• Keep the casseroles ready to keep your cooked items.
• Switch off the gas cylinder first before switching off the burner knob,
• Recycle water as much as possible,
• Try to cook the exact amount required if not less.

@ home

• Keep all the electric switches off when not in use,
• Keep all the water taps tightly closed when not in use,
• Use daylight instead of electric lights whenever and wherever possible,
• While using electronic mosquito repellents, keep the doors and windows closed for maximum effect.
• Use a TV light while watching TV and switch off the lights in the rooms that are not being used.
• Use reading lamps while reading
• Wash clothes on alternate days and/or when there are enough dirty clothes to justify the capacity of the washing machine.
• If possible buy soaps, detergent and disinfectants in a sale or at a discount rate.
• Keep aside some money for buying perishable items like milk, vegetables, bread etc and stick to your budget.
• Pay your bills on time

@ work

• Go Dutch whenever it is possible. While communicating to and from the office offer/request colleagues to share the cab
• Avoid eating outside. Carry your lunch from home, its cheap, healthy and satisfying too
• Use 'office stationary' for office work
• Be organised when it comes to your personal, financial matters

A school principal, mother of three says, "saving money is an art. You need to learn and practice the art, to master it."

Saving money has become more convenient today with profitable and interesting savings schemes offered by different financial institutions. All you need is a little time to find out which scheme suits you the best. Wish us all, the best of luck!