TOP DRAWER ARTICLE

Green is 'Mean'
by
HL Carpenter

Wow! That trip to the celebration of St. Paddy’s Day in Dublin really spins your shamrock. You’d love to treat yourself. Unfortunately, funds are low. So how can you pay for a plane ticket without taking on debt?

Start thinking fast and green. Here are four short-term, one-time savings measures:

• Sort, count and roll the nickels, dimes and quarters you’ve tossed into that jar.

• Empty your closets and garage and hold a yard sale.

• E-file your tax return and have the refund deposited directly into your account.

• Plan a ‘no grocery’ week. Instead of going to the store, prepare and eat whatever’s in the cupboard, refrigerator and freezer.

Longer term measures for saving the green can help prevent short-term scrambling. Here are four ways to save for next year’s vacation:

• Curb impulse buying. Consider every purchase three times before you lay out the money.

• When you’re sure you want an item, watch for sales and haunt the thrift shops.

• Clip coupons. Then use them.

• Take your lunch to work a couple of times each week.

Being aware of how you spend your money can keep the green in your life. In today’s jargon, green is ‘mean’ – that is, it’s a great color, not only on St. Paddy’s Day, but all year long.

Originally published March 2004.

Last update: January 8, 2011