How to Earn and Save Money

Earning money is earning money regardless of which new toy you wish to purchase. Cashflow is the key. Here are some ways to get more flow towards you and eliminate cashflow away from you when it makes sense financially.

Find a job, start a business, negotiate extra chores that someone will pay you to complete, or find contract work. Do something that is legal and pays. It's even better if you get something that pays and that you enjoy doing, but don't let enjoyment stand in the way of earning a living. To apply at a job, the easiest way is to look up a local store or resturant on the internet and do an online application. They will need your social security number and other information. Do about one a week at different places until someone calls to schedule an interview. Your parents should know about this whole process (if you are a teenager) and they should also help you with it. Make sure that that you have a car or some way to get there. Of course if it is close enough, just walk.

Look for ways to save and budget for your toy purchases. Or, find ways to get a raise, or pick up a second income. A quick way to save is to eliminate lunches and dinners out and also eliminate "designer" coffee and soda from restaurants, fast food joints and convenience stores. Most people, this author included, can find many ways to save if we take a close look at our cashflow. There are probably lots of current expenses you can eliminate.

Once you receive positive cash from one of the above sources, set aside a portion of your earnings, and or new found savings, each pay period until you have saved for your new toy. This may be one pay period or many pay periods.

Avoid paying "convenience" fees whenever possible. An example of a convenience fee would be purchasing a soda at an event or restaurant for one or two dollars more than the same soda would cost at a grocery store, or taking money out of an ATM that is not your bank (this usually constitutes an additional charge). If you track your money closely you may find many "convenience fees" that can be avoided daily.

Warnings

• There are expenses in starting a business and not every business is successful. That being said, a successful business can be very lucrative if handled correctly.