Get Back on the Budgeting Wagon: Celebrate National Creative Frugality Week, January 21st - 27th

Contact: Nancy Twigg
Phone: (865) 531-3947
E-mail: nancy@countingthecost.com

For many, the best part of the festive yuletide season is all the fun that comes with giving and receiving holiday gifts. For many of these same people, the worst part of the holiday season is what happens in mid-January. By that time, the credit card bills arrive along with these haunting questions: Did I really spend that much?" and How will I ever pay all these bills?"

For those asking themselves these questions, there is help. The third annual National Creative Frugality Week, January 21st-27th, is especially for people who fell off the wagon" financially during the holidays. Occurring one month after the week of Christmas, this event encourages the debt-weary to have fun as they experiment with new ways to save money by being resourceful.

National Creative Frugality Week founder Nancy Twigg of Knoxville, TN, says that January is a perfect time to renew your commitment to living within your means. With the brand new year, why not adopt a brand new plan of attack on any debt thats weighing you down?" Nancy asks.

Mrs. Twiggs own commitment to simple and debt-free living began almost four years ago, after she and her husband both left comfortable jobs to start a home-based business. Frugality became a necessity," she states. We had to be resourceful so we could live on much less without feeling deprived."

Although Nancy and her husband, Michael live on one income, they contend that they lead much happier, less stressful lives than when they were both working out of the home. Our creative frugality allows us to live happily while continuing to save for retirement and support causes we believe in," says Nancy.

To share this message of creatively getting more out of life for less, Nancy publishes a free e-mail newsletter called Counting the Cost. The focus of our newsletter is abundant living without abundant spending," Nancy explains. The idea is to enjoy life to the fullest by living simply, meaningfully and responsibly."

For more money-saving ideas or to subscribe to Nancys free newsletter, visit www.countingthecost.com.
            

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A WEEKS WORTH OF IDEAS FOR CELEBRATING    NATIONAL CREATIVE FRUGALITY WEEK

SUNDAY - Rather than spending money on entertainment this week, challenge yourself to find fun things to do that are completely free such as hiking in a state park or browsing through an indoor flea market.

MONDAY - Voluntarily give up a few hours of TV this week. Spend that time learning and working on a new money-saving skill such as sewing, home repairs, or cooking from scratch.

TUESDAY - Go to the library this week and check out a book on saving money. As you read, challenge yourself to learn five new money-saving ideas.

WEDNESDAY - Commit to keeping waste to a minimum this week. Watch for those little wastes such as leaving the water running while brushing your teeth or throwing out forgotten leftovers.

THURSDAY - Try not to purchase anything this week at full price. Use coupons, buy on sale, or simply delay your purchase until you can get the item at a discount.

FRIDAY - Save time and electricity by cooking in large quantities. As you cook dinner this week, double at least one recipe and freeze the extra portion for later.

SATURDAY - Perform leftover magic". Save money by using your imagination to creatively transform leftovers and whatever else you have on hand into another tasty and appealing meal.

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