Finding it hard to make that dollar stretch?

You're not alone. Many of us are feeling the pinch of inflation. With higher gas prices and housing costs reaching into the stratosphere, it's becoming harder and harder to save.

Wondering how you can squeeze more money out of your paycheck?

There's no doubt about it. The price of everything is going up.  In addition, we are constantly being bombarded with enticing ads that tempt us to buy all sorts   of things we don't need robbing us of the ability to save. We need to be more careful of how and where we spend our money. Start with saving money basics.

Worried you won't have enough money to retire?

In order to start saving all the money that you'll need for retirement, you need to take 3 steps to set you on the road to saving money big time. If you can't manage theses 3 steps, you will forever be playing catch-up.

If you're finding it hard to save money today, you've come to the right place. 

The Frugal Valentine

Money's tight these days, so being frugal about love is in this year. In the heyday of the last decade, big spending was the name of the game on Valentine's Day. Love seemed to be measured in how much you paid for a gift. No more. Here are 4 tips for being a loving but frugal Valentine.

1.  Find a baby sitter before you do anything. Valentine's Day is for lovers -- not for kids. . This, in itself is a gift of love. Whether you stay in or go out, time together, just the two of you, is priceless.

2.  Enjoy a romantic dinner for two at home. Cook if you enjoy it, or order take-out if you don't. Either way, you'll save. After all, 2 glasses of wine can easily cost $16 at a restaurant. You can buy 2 bottles for that price!

3.  Keep gifts small. A one-pound box of chocolates is more than enough calories if you really want to show how much you care. Take a shower together; you only have the cost of hot water and there's nothing that feels better than having someone scrub your back. Red chrysanthemums mean, "I love you" as much as roses do.

4.  Play hooky. Obviously you don't do this if your job is hanging in the balance, but if you've accumulated personal days or vacation days, you might want to turn Valentine's Day into a 3-day weekend. Do romantic things like walks in the park, along the beach, catch a matinee movie, or something that you've both wanted to do but just didn't have the time.

Happy Savings,
The Saving Lady

This Week's Saving Partners