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Avoid Stress Shopping

It may be a bit of a lift to go to the mall and max out the credit card when you’ve had a bad day at work, or the kids have stressed you to your limit.  However, shopping to relieve stress is a paradox.  Sure, you might feel good when you make the purchase and take it home..but the amount of money you’re spending will come back to haunt you..and cause you even more stress.

Rather than going shopping when you are having a bad day…try taking a walk in the park.  Look at the leaves just coming out on the trees if it is springtime..or the many colors they change to in the fall.

If it is inclement weather, try going to the library.  It’s free, and there are many books, DVD’s and CD’s that are available for absolutely no charge (as long as you bring it back on time!)

If you enjoy doing things outdoors, I have found that a day of fishing brings me back to nature..and out of the stress-filled world of every day.  If fishing isn’t your thing, try a nature walk.  You would be amazed at the things you will see and hear that will take your mind off of what is going on to cause your stress.

Planting some flowers or growing a vegetable garden is another great way to relieve stress..and is practical as well, adding beauty and sustenance to your home.  If you aren’t able to do this, consider scrapbooking or finally organizing that photo album you’ve been putting off.

Shopping will only make you feel better until the credit card bill comes..and then you’ve got twice the stress you had before.  Appreciating some simpler pleasures will not only give you joy…it will give you peace when the bank statement arrives!.

By Angela Sangster, copyright SaveMoneySpot 2010?

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• Hold The Soda!

Hold The Soda!

Even in today’s economy, we all need to stop and grab a bite to eat out with the family now and then.  While high priced restaurants might be out of the question, a trip to a fast food drive-thru can be quick and convenient.  It can also be pretty expensive.

However, one way to save a few dollars on that next trip to a hamburger spot is to bring your own soda.  If you are not going to be going inside (since most restaurants don’t allow you to bring in your own drinks) simply bring some cold cans of soda to have with your meal.

Most fast food places sell fountain drinks with their meals.  These drinks are a mixture of the soda syrup and carbonated water..emphasis on the water.  On top of that, lots of ice is added.   Sure, when you first get it…it’s a nice refreshing treat.  However, let it sit for longer than a few minutes, and you have a cup of melted ice and slightly flavored water.

Considering the price of a soda fountain drink in these places..you would be doing much better to just bring your own.  That way, you are actually spending the money on the food that you will enjoy.  You can either stop by a pop machine on the way there or better yet…have some from home that you bought in a grocery store.  Those are even less expensive than the pop machines, and will add more money to your family outing.

Grab some sodas and head to that drive thru!  While you’re telling them to add pickles to Jimmy’s sandwich or take the onions off of Susie’s…be sure and tell them to “Hold the soda!”

By Angela Sangster Copyright SaveMoneySpot 2010

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• Avoid Stress Shopping