Money Saving TechniquesMoney Saving Techniques will save you money during your travel nurse careers. Get monthly updates from our Travel Nurse Coach Newsletter .
1. Take control of your billsMost 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 OnlineOnline 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 TechniquesTravelers 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 TechniquesThis 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 VehicleIf 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 TechniquesIf 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 EntertainingVolunteering 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 wining 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 TechniquesAre 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
10. Money Saving TechniquesThe 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.
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