Since I am a full time freelance writer, a computer is vital to my job. The problem is I have a desktop and though I have not began to travel much for business I find myself writing a lot away from my desk in my composition notebook. It would be much easier if I had a Netbook to take with me for writing purposes. After reviewing what is on the market, I have decided to go with the Acer Aspire ONE D255-2509 with 1.66 GHz and 1 GB Ram ($239.00). It’s sleek, compact, and just enough to give me what I need. This is going to be my next tech purchase.
Of course money is tight and I did not ask for one for Christmas. I plan to save up for a Netbook on my own using these simple techniques:
Put all of my Christmas and birthday money into savings– My birthday is two days before Christmas so I’m expecting double the spending cash this holiday season. All of it will go straight into a savings account. That way, I cannot see it as spending cash and can go about my normal routine without feeling like I could splurge here and there. I would recommend putting all the cash you get from relatives during Christmas out of reach if you have no self control like yours truly.
Pet sitting for the holidays– Families will be traveling for the holidays and cannot take their pets with them. They often pay kennels high prices for their animals to stay in a cage all day long. I’m offering to care for their animals either in my own home or at theirs for a fraction of the price. I love animals anyway, why not get paid to care for them for a few weeks?
Pop my own popcorn and make that my snacking staple– Did you know that microwave popcorn has a 900% markup? Popping your own popcorn is so easy. If you do it yourself, popcorn is one of the cheapest snacks on the market. I’m trading in potato chips and cheese crackers for this high fiber alternative to save money on food. It’s so versatile that it can be sweet, savory, or both!
Use vinegar and baking soda instead of commercial cleaning products– I’ve been using this method for years and it has saved me hundreds of dollars. A two gallon jug of vinegar is about eighty five cents whereas a small bottle of disinfectant cleaner can run up to five dollars. The smell can be off-putting but vinegar cuts grease and dirt as well as any commercial product. Baking soda acts as a mild abrasive for tougher messes. It’s not rough enough to scratch and deodorizes in the process. Combine them to unclog drains and break up stuck on food.
I won’t need the Netbook for awhile, but it is best to start saving up as soon as possible. A little savings can go a very long way.