The recession is not over yet. Finances are still tight and many families are looking for ways to manage and cut down their household budgets. Ultimately, there are two types of expenses – fixed and variable expenses. Fixed expenses such as mortgages, car payments, etc. are things you cannot do anything about. However, you can make changes when it comes to variable expenses such as groceries, food, clothing, shopping and entertainment. Below are a few quick tips from ChicagoHealers.com Practitioner Julie Murphy Casserly, CLU, ChFC, CFP.

Plan and Shop Smart for Food 

The key here is to plan ahead. Plan menus for the week around sales of fresh poultry, fish, meat, dairy, and produce, and make use of leftovers. By planning ahead, you are minimizing your trips to the grocery store and using only what you eat. Utilize online menu planning services like The Six O’Clock Scramble for help. (http://www.thescramble.com)

Find Cheaper Auto Insurance

According to Consumer Reports, many Americans have stayed with the same auto insurer for 15 years. Depending on your profile and where you live, you might be able to save hundreds of dollars a month by shopping around. Or, talk to your insurance company about increasing your deductable to lower your premium.

Shopping and Entertainment 

Decide what you want to spend BEFORE you go to the store and are emotionally sucked into paying more than you desire. In addition, go out with a predetermined amount of cash. When the cash is gone, stop spending. Prioritize your social calendar and limit some of the higher priced activities.

Pay Down Debt

Most consumers with credit card debt spend hundreds of dollars a month just in interest charges. Stop charging and do everything possible to pay more than the minimum balance owed each month. Visit http://www.creditcard.comand transfer debt to a card with zero percent interest for 12 months. Do your best to pay down your debt in this allotted time. Dig up cash from tax returns, work a part-time job, clean out your house and host a garage sale.

Please contact me if you would like an interview with ChicagoHealers.com Practitioner Julie Murphy Casserly, CLU, ChFC, CFP. For more information go to www.ChicagoHealers.com.

About ChicagoHealers.com 

Julie Murphy Casserly, CLU, ChFC, CFP® is a 14-year veteran of the financial services industry and founder of JMC Wealth Management in Chicago. Julie helps people understand how their emotional attitudes and behaviors affect how they earn, spend and save. To purchase her award winning the book, “The Emotion Behind Money,” also now available in an e-book format, please visit www.emotionbehindmoney.com.

Everyone seems to have many questions about what’s important when choosing kitchen appliances. This month, IKEA presents useful tips on how to choose appliances that don’t just work, but work smarter.

Tips for choosing appliances:

OVENS AND RANGES

Gas vs. electric: This is one of the first decisions to make when choosing an oven or range. Gas provides instant response, precise controllability and lower operating costs, while electric provides even heat and a lower appliance cost. Consider the types of food cooked and your budget.

Features: Consider daily use to determine the features needed, from self-cleaning functions, to basting and grilling functions, and automatic timers.

Layout: Double-stacked ovens provide plenty of capacity for baking and cooking while freeing up floor space. A separate range can create an additional cooking area on a central island.

REFRIGERATORS

Efficiency: Refrigerator energy standards have changed drastically since being mandated in 1993 and 1998. Look for a refrigerator that is Energy Star® qualified to save on energy and operating costs.

Capacity: Plan on 12 cubic feet of refrigerator space for two people and add 2 more cubic feet for each additional person. Space-saving features like pull-out and transparent drawers and bins make it easier to find and organize food.

Features: Look for features like built-in water and ice dispensers, adjustable shelves and separate temperature controls to make life easier.

DISHWASHERS

Practicality: Like refrigerators, dishwashers should be Energy Star® qualified. Besides being more hygienic than hand-washing, a dishwasher also saves water and time.

Features: Consider family size when determining necessary dishwasher capacity. Standard models accommodate up to ten place settings, tall tub models up to 14. Other options include energy-saving air-drying, delay timers for “off peak” energy hours and sani-rinse options which kill most germs and bacteria.

Other Featured Appliances

NUTID built-in microwave oven $699

Stainless steel. 10 power levels. Auto cook, reheat and defrost functions. This feature-rich microwave has an auto-cook function with seven preset categories. Installation in a high cabinet provides a comfortable work height and clears countertop work space.

MUMSIG built-in double oven $1499

This convection oven features two ovens for top and bottom heating and includes functions for grilling, pastries and self-cleaning, plus an automatic timer.