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For many reasons, we all need to save and scimp on things once in a while just to get through a tough time or for investment purposes. Whatever the reason you have, I was noticing some folks wondering if they could make it to a meet because of long distance travel costs and such.It just made me think there might be ideas that are unique to each of us to share. Would anyone be interested in posting an idea (ideas) of how to save a dime? I don't know about clipping coupons, but I was thinking of some new fangled or old fangled ideas to share on the board. Simple or ingenious, bland or wild. What do you think? DEB
------------------ Deb Creative Signs "All the gold in the world cannot buy a dying man one more breath. So what does that make today worth?" Og Mandino
[This message has been edited by Deb Fowler (edited February 03, 2001).]
Posts: 5373 | From: Loves Park, Illinois | Registered: Aug 1999
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posted
Good Idea Deb. If you purchase all of your shop supplies using a credit card, and pay off the balance ...completely...within 30 days, there are No interest or carrying charges.If you use an "Air Miles" type of card however, you can be accumulating credits toward flights or hotel accomodations. Since you're spending the money anyway, why not get a little something back in return? You might be pleasantly surprised at how quickly your credits will add up, and perhaps you can then redeem those points for travel to the next meet you wish to attend.
------------------ Ken Henry Henry & Henry Signs London, Ontario Canada (519) 439-1881 e-mail kjmlhenry@home.
Some days you get to be the dog....other days, you get to be the fire hydrant.
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Hi ya Deb, I have a few piggy banks place around the house,,, when the mood hits I dig for change in my pockets, at the end of the year I walk one of these Onkers to Childerns hosp., one to the Home for Battered women,, and one to County Mental Health,,,,, the Latter being totaly selfish.... figure I will need there services someday.. and then there is always THE WORMS,,,Twain,TBuk..
When you figure a quote, or shoot a bid off to that guy that needs a sign, do this:
When you arrive at the figure you are going to charge...before you open your mouth and quote the price...add $10.00 to the job. ( I don't think anybody is going miss a ten dollar bill....it certainly won't cause a hardship on any of your customers!
When he pays, take that $10 bucks out and put it where you wont spend it!
How many customers do you have in a year? 100, 200, 300? That $10 adds up fast!
------------------ Draper The Signmaker Bloomington Illinois USA Stop in and visit a while! 309-828-7110 signman@davesworld.net Raptorman or Draper_Dave on mIRC chat
[This message has been edited by Dave Draper (edited February 04, 2001).]
Posts: 2883 | From: Bloomington Illinois USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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I noticed that eating three meals a day was costly and I was getting fat, so I decided to cut back to 1 1/2 meals a day and save 50% of my money and 50% less fat off my ass. So today I've got more money and I look better at the stores spending it. Send me $19.95 and I will send you my book "More Cash Less Ass" I've already sold 3 copies it's a mover so you better hurry and get yours while supplies last!
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(I deleted since it took up too much room.)
I found that asking suppliers for closeout specials helps to have some materials around for emergency temp jobs, (such as friend's athletic music booster signs, or charity work that would not otherwise get done.)
[This message has been edited by Deb Fowler (edited February 05, 2001).]
Posts: 5373 | From: Loves Park, Illinois | Registered: Aug 1999
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posted
Hi there. When I first got divorced, three years ago, things were kind of tough. It was winter when we moved.(my worst sign business time) The kids hated this tiny little house we bought. (we used to live in a big house). But we made it fine! We learned the Safeway brand of potato chips is just as good as Nalleys (well almost). You can rent movies instead of going to one every weekend. The free internet works just as good as the dial up you pay for. (we have cable now) I didn't get to buy them all that many Christmas presents that year either. But every little one I did get them, there was a note attached that told them why I loved them. One thing I have learned about skimping is Don't buy the cheap Toilet paper! It is better to buy the Double roll expensive stuff. yep...squeeze it. If it feels firm....it will last lots longer. I save my change. And then on Sunday when McDonalds has the .49 cent cheeseburger.....we get a few. I have always known how to save a buck or two. Probably because I have been self employed for 25 years. It just takes a little creativity. And don't loose your sense of humor! You must learn how to fix your own pipes, toilet, leaky faucets etc.(remember that sense of humor now) I could tell you stories....but I'm already ramblin'. Be happy! Life is an adventure. Things you really want to do.....you will find a way to do them!
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I save alot of money by living in southern oregon, no more spending big dollars on my classic car which spends most of its time garaged, unfinished. No more eating lobster and even buying clothes has slowed down. And like Cheryl instead of going to the theater, I find myself shopping and the local pawn shops for movies at three dollars a clip. As far as buying hydrogenated soybean oils as found in potato chips and what some call peanut butter, I make my own as it will save on doctor bills in the future.
But Deb, after reading your fathers unlawful boiler room operation I mean telephone gig, I'd say he had the right idea btw, whens he getting out? Dave, I think charging an extra $10 bucks on all jobs is a fantastic idea as it can go to finding a stronger crowbar in which to use to separate those persons who want your work in the first place from their money. I save money by not accepting checks and this way I can keep two sets of books and convert the cash to Mexican pecos for future vacations.
BTW, I almost forgot, on the lighter side I take time to formulate all my paint colors from time to time and this way I don't have to spend the extra cash for purple, magenta and all those colors which are up in price. Guess ya can't do that with vinyl though...
One more tip, I buy phone cards to make in state and long distance calls at five cents per minute, and only have local service on the phones, this way the phone company cannot charge those bumped up prices and taxes we all get crazy over and your friends can't make long distance and 900 calls.
posted
To add to Ken's idea of using a credit card to buy supplies......make a note of the closing date on your credit card statement so you can then purchase your supplies the day after that.....thereby giving you fifty or so days before having to pay the bill.
The extra "grace period" allows time for the materials to be recieved and sign to be made and collected for without putting your money up for the materials.
As Ken said...it is VERY important to pay the bills when they come in and leave no balances that will incur interest as credit cards can be a great asset or a great liability.
Not necessarily a money saver but it can help with cash flow problems.
Ricky
------------------ Ricky Simpson Simpson Signs South Central VA, USA "railroader aspiring to be fulltime SignArtist."
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