May 15, 2009
TNC Newsletter May.15/09 Issue No.3
Money Saving Techniques
Editors Notes
Welcome to our third addition of Travel Nurse Coach Newsletter. We are proud to announce our website has been voted one of the top 101 travel nurse websites and No.3 website in a Nursing Resource category.The survey was done by inwardhealthgroup and health care workers made the selection.Thank you to everyone.
We will be discussing “Money Saving Techniques'” in this addition. If you are having problems staying on budget or need some tips to fine tune your budget this newsletter is for you.
Use this newsletter to set a side some time to review your finances.
If you like this Newsletter please send it along to friends and family members. Email them our url http://www.travel-nurse-coach.com/newsletter.html
Table of Contents
Money Saving TechniquesFeature Housing Arizona
Missing Children and Travelers (May 25th Special Day)
Healthy Recipe (Macaroni Frittata)
Money Saving Techniques
Last month we discussed "Your Travel Nurse Budget". If you would like a free copy of the excel spreadsheet that Janet and I use Click here and request a excel budget template.It is not uncommon to discover you are spending more than you are making.
Money Saving Techniques will save you money during your travel nurse careers. Get monthly updates from our Travel Nurse Coach Newsletter . Each month we will choose one of these ten techniques and discuss it in detail. For example next month we will discuss "Secrets Credit Companies Don't want you to know about".
Ten Money Saving Tips.
1. Take control of your bills
Most of your expenses are paid with invisible money (credit cards). Credit cards are the hub of a good financial plan. These cards demand late fees and high interest rates if not paid on time. To avoid late fees set up a line of credit so you can pay off your card before the due date. If you need time to pay off your line of credit the interest rate is lower with your line of credit.We mark our calendar to review our bills three days before the due date on our credit card. The payoff is no late fees.
2. Shopping Online Online shopping is an easy and convenient way to shop. Make sure the site has been referred by a reputable source. Always check on shipping charges. We have saved money and benefited from online shopping. We have purchased everything from gifts to quality nurse shoes.We are compiling a list of sites we have used and recommend. Sign up for our Free Newsletter, for more online shopping tips.
3. Purchasing Technology (Computers Etc.)
Hand in warranties and rebates. Do not procrastinate. Warranties on high-ticket items like a laptop are a good idea. On small items the shipping charges for returning the item can be more than just tossing it and buying a new one.Technology is changing fast. It pays not to be the first one to buy a new technology items.
4. Grocery Shopping,Money Saving Techniques
Travelers cannot take advantage of bulk buying. Or can we? Freeze meat and frozen vegetables when on sale. Once every couple of weeks John and I would cook several healthy dishes and freeze them for future use. We always carry a good set of food storage containers that can be microwaved or frozen. These are also great when packing up to store small items you want to take with you. Check receipts before leaving store. We have caught many items double billed and other human errors (what a difference a zero can make).Carry a map of where the main stores are with your grocery list and make notes when you find a good buy.
5. Purchasing a Vehicle, Money Saving Techniques
This takes some planning.Our friend June is a nurse practitioner and she purchased a monthly (bond investment) and paid for it over three years.
Once she paid off the investment she had the cash for a new car. Now you are receiving interest and not paying interest on a vehicle. Her saving on a $20000. vehicle was over $8000.
6. Operating and Maintaining a Vehicle
If you have a used car that needs expensive repairs, check to see if there is a technical school close by that you could access. Usually the repairs will be done for the cost of the parts and a minimum labor fee.
If you are using a garage, free estimates are good. Make sure you get more than one estimate. We always travel with an AAA travel package and our cell phone working.Use cruise control whenever possible. A steady driving speed will improve gas consumption.Gas should be purchased in either early morning or late in the day when it is cool. Gas expands in heat so you will get more when you purchase at a cooler time of day.
7. Health and Wellness,Money Saving Techniques
If you enjoy a massage, reflexology, aromatherapy or manicure or just want a haircut check to see if there is a school in the area.You can save 50%.
There are good yoga and exercise programs on DVD. How about breathing exercise tapes to reduce stress. We have more recommendations in our Free Newsletter
8. Entertainment and Entertaining
Volunteering is a great way to get free tickets to special concerts and events. This is also a great way to socialize.We have enjoyed concerts, golfing, movies, art events and our favorite whining and dining on a evening boat cruise,all benefits of volunteering.
If volunteering is not for you, the entertainment book is a great investment.Good value for eating out and activities even if you are traveling alone. Take a friend to lunch and only pay for one.
You can transfer the book to different states when you take on a new travel nurse assignment.
9. Self Development,Money Saving Techniques Are you concerned about not being in one place long enough to work on self-development? Let me introduce you to the best communication program in the world. TOASTMASTERS.
Affordable, (less than twenty dollars a month) fun and a great social network while pursing your travel nurse career. You do not have to show up for every meeting.
My husband John would be glad to talk to you about Toastmasters and he has been thinking about starting an online Toastmaster club for Travel Nurses. If you are interested contact us. Also check Toastmasters
We will be adding topics like learning a new language and using sound bytes as part of your travel nurse career development. Sign up for our Free Newsletter.
10. Money Saving Techniques
The last Money Saving Technique is to Wish For The Best and Plan For The Worst.
Consulting with a tax consultant can reduce Travel Nurse Taxes. Always pay your fare share of taxes and deal immediately with any discrepancies with the government.You can always ask for a review after you pay but do not ignore the tax people.Do not travel without proper health and car insurance.
A good old fashion way of checking bills is using a day timer or a calendar.No matter what system you use keep it simple.
Enjoy your travel nurse adventure.
Sign up for our Free Newsletter!!!
Feature Housing
1 FOR LEASE: One Bedroom Home 04/19/2009 — Details 3bd/2bth single family home, currently furnished. Easy access to highway 10 and 101, shopping, dinning, and daily essentials. Area is safe with extremely nice neighbors. Very clean and private with excellent opportunity to a quiet environment
Phoenix Arizona contact zahidasamat@cs.com
Missing Kids
May 25th is National Missing Children's Day This May, and throughout the year, make child safety a priority by participating in the Take 25 Campaign. A program of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children®, the goal of Take 25 is to heighten awareness about children’s safety issues. With a focus on prevention, the campaign encourages parents, guardians, and other trusted-adult role models to spend time talking to kids and teaching them ways to be safer.Take 25 was started to commemorate National Missing Children’s Day on May 25th. First proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan in 1983, the day serves as an annual reminder to the nation to renew efforts to reunite missing children with their families, remember those who are still missing, and make child protection a national priority. It’s a time of reflection and renewed hope for millions of families in communities across the country.
Get involved with the Take 25 campaign by hosting an event in your area or distributing Take 25 child safety materials in your community.
Make time to talk about child safety. About Take 25
Be Informed
Travel-Nurse-Coach encourages everyone to get involved with this excellent organization.
We keep an amber alert with missing children on our blog and it can be viewed on
Healthy Recipe
Macaroni Frittata
Use up leftover macaroni or makeup several meals to eat during the week.
2 tsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 zucchini, thinly sliced
4oz. mushrooms sliced
1.5 cups liquid egg
1.5 cups cooked whole wheat macaroni
1.5 cups frozen peas
1.5 cups skim milk
Pinch each salt and freshly ground peppers
1.5 cup shredded light-style Swiss cheese
1.Heat a large non-stick frying pan. Heat oil over medium heat; add onion, garlic, zucchini and mushroom. Cook, stirring for about 5 minutes or until softened. I like to ad a few shakes of Worcestershire sauce but that is optional.
2.In a bowl whisk together egg, macaroni,peas,milk,salt and pepper. Pour into frying pan,stirring to combine. Sprinkle with cheese and cook for about 10 minutes( should be firm but top is still slightly runny).Place under broiler (oven) for about 3 minutes or until frittata is golden brown. Slice into wedges.
Makes 4 servings
Next Months Newsletter
Secrets the Credit Card Companies don't want you to knowHousing
Update on the Classifieds
Missing Children
Hobby Income
Please send us your comments and suggestions
Until next month- All the best and enjoy your assignment.