JIM “PAPPY” MOORE: Save Your Money


No matter your age, these are pointers which can help you make your money go further. Let’s start with weddings,. For the most part they are huge money wasters. They are a headache. They cost ridiculous sums of money. I beseech the parents and the young people getting married. Do not waste all that time and money on a huge, expensive wedding, or an expensive trip to celebrate. All of that money would be better spent as a down payment on a home, or a townhouse, or a condo. Get something tangible for your money. Start your marriage with sound use of the biggest chunk of money you will get if your parents are able.

No one is really impressed with fancy weddings. They’re tedious. They’re predictable. The cost of guests buying presents and parents buying food far exceeds the usefulness of same. And all those photos! Please think about it. A marriage that costs more than a couple thousand dollars is an extravagance most Americans cannot afford in these times. If you can’t help them buy a house, at least help them furnish it with stuff they actually need and can use.

Stop wasting so much money on things you cannot truly afford. Five dollars a day for coffee is over $1800 a year per person. For two of you, it’s $3600.

Then there’s take-out. Do you buy all your meals because cooking is such a hassle? If so, you’re spending far too much on food. Door Dash is a luxury. Stop overspending for fast food and you’ll save more and more money.

Shop bargains. Know what you need routinely and bargain shop by checking the sales fliers of your grocery store. You can save a bundle by stocking up during sales promotions.

Plan your outings so that you can maximize your trip efficiently, driving from stop to stop with a plan that minimizes unnecessary travel. Get gas, then H.E.B., then Walmart, then home if that works for you.

Don’t get a credit card unless they give you free money. Many have promotions. But if you get them, be sure you pay them in full every month. Otherwise, they cost you money you don’t have. You should make money with your credit cards or not use them at all.

Set your thermostat wisely at home. Don’t leave the heat or air conditioning running while you are gone. Set it reasonably for the season. When I leave home, I set mine at 78 degrees in warm weather and 70 degrees in cool weather. Then when you return, crank it up or down 2-4 degrees. I find 74 degrees a comfortable compromise for all seasons.

If you have a gas guzzler get rid of it. I get over 31 miles per gallon with a modest but nice mid-size car. Some credit cards give 2% cash back when you buy gas. That can mean a dollar or more savings per tank of gasoline.

Do these things and others that help you cut corners. My parents were masters of saving money, and they taught us to do likewise.