Abbotsford News Thursday, March 15, 2012
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Life’s a beach in the travel industry
The good life on a budget W
ith the internet becoming more accessible than ever before, household budgets are being both challenged and assisted. The Internet has yielded myriad opportunities for Canadians to spend in new and ultra-convenient ways: sale notiďŹ cations straight to your inbox, daily deals that offer amazing experiences at half the price, and blogs infusing your personal style with creations and ideas from around the world. Paypal has simpliďŹ ed shopping, the only
requirement a password and the click of the mouse. With all this temptation is it possible to stick to a budget? You may be surprised to learn these conveniences can actually help you! The challenge to exercise selective spending to use new technologies to your budget’s advantage. Don’t know where to start? While Excel is a handy budgeting tool, user-centric apps like Mint, iReconcile, Expenditure or MoneyBook for iPhone and Android provide quick, easy-to-read visuals with the data you input. It can be extremely enlightening to see your spending habits in pie chart form or watch your savings diminish as you walk away from the mall. Plus, they are portable, increasing the likelihood of you actually tracking
your spending. As ďŹ nancial apps vary in purpose, be sure to read reviews to make sure the product does what you require. Once you have a clear idea of your spending patterns on day-to-day necessities, and how much is left over for luxuries, the fun begins. Sign up for free social buying sites. A restaurant or experience you have been looking forward to trying might pop up one day at a fraction of the usual cost. They also make great gifts. If it’s time for a bit of a homeover, check out design blogs like Poppytalk, Apartment Therapy and Design Sponge. Do it yourself (DIY) decorating has never been easier; step-by-step guides for everything from old furniture makeovers to continued on next page
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