Resisting The Urge To Punch Old Man Winter In The Head

Barely.  I’m so mad I could kick a reality contestant.  Heck, those people deserve a sound beating.

So.  This morning I grabbed my winter gear and hit the road at 8:03 AM, thinking the following thoughts:

1.  This traffic is truly awful by golly.  However, I’m sure in no time I’ll be able to go faster than 5 mph.  But I’ll probably top out at 40 mph, to be on the safe side.  (Reality – the fastest I ever got to go was 10 mph.)

2.  Even if I’m late for the start of the show, I still have 1 1/2 hours to get to the Fox 9 before my segment.  It can’t take THAT long to drive from one side of the TC to the other.  Besides, rush hour usually ends by 8:30.  (Reality – yes it can and no it doesn’t.)

3.  I really, really, REALLY want to be on the show this week.  I miss Jason.  And I look particularly cute today, thanks to the fashion influences of my BFF HaC and my new favorite website.  (Reality – you’re going to wish you dressed more for warmth and less for cuteness.)

Guess what?  It can and will take longer than 1 1/2 hours to get from the Northeast side of Minneapolis to the Southwest side.  WHO KNEW?  Ergo, I missed being on Fox 9’s Morning Buzz.  Ergo, today’s companion post to my aforementioned TV segment seems pointless.  Ergo, I’M REALLY ANNOYED.  Driving for over 2 hours and achieving nothing chaps my hide.  As well as wastes my gas.

However, my imaginary show must go on.  Therefore, I’m posting the deets on what would have been an AWESOME TV segment.  I asked (via Facebook) if you guys had made any frugal resolutions – Frugalutions, I called them.  Then I researched the Interwebs to see if other folks had posted their Frugalutions.  The following list is the cream of the crop:

Frugalutions For 2010

1.  Exercise more and eat right, for two reasons.  One, so you’ll feel better and be healthier, meaning fewer trips to the doctor (which can add up, even with health insurance).  Two, to fit back into clothes you already own – buying new ones isn’t thrifty!

2.  Make, and then stick to, a household budget.  In addition, track your household spending, to see where your money is going.  This helps you target trouble areas and pinpoint where you need to cut back.  (Note:  I particularly love this Frugalution, as I already track my weekly discretionary spending, much like keeping a food journal.)

3.  Instead of buying new, take advantage of Craigslist, Freecycle and online swap-meets for low cost or free items – such as furniture, tools, outdoor equipment, even clothing.

4.  Use more coupons.  Start using the coupons that come on store receipts, in mailers, and the ones on line.  Personally, I recommend www.cozywallet.com for great deals.

5.  Plan out your family’s menu and shop accordingly.  Buy only what you need, and not what sounds good when you’re hungry.

6.  Pack and eat bagged lunches and snacks instead of dining out during or right after work.

7.  Stop stockpiling.  Use up all your hair care, skin care, makeup and fragrance products before buying new ones.

8.  Cancel unused gym membership and work out at home with DVDs.  (Note:  You can find cools ones on Netflicks, Amazon, and your local library.)

9.  Learn a frugal, DIY skill such as bread-making, sewing, knitting, even beer-making or foraging.  There are tons of how-to guides online, including free instructional videos on YouTube.

10. Look into lower rates.  It will take some research, but see if you can lower your credit card interest, mortgage interest, phone plan, car insurance, etc.

I’m sure there are more great Frugalutions out there.  If you have a money-saving resolution for 2010, please share it with the group.  And for all my readers who live in and around the Twin Cities?  Pack a snack – you’re going to be on the road for a LONG while.