Beverly East, Contributor

It is October already. At the beginning of the year my theme was 'Raising the Bar.' I would like to think that so far, I have raised the bar in the columns I have produced. Some have even stirred readers to write and complain or voice their disagreement on my advice. If you have made promises to yourself at the beginning of the year, you still have this final quarter to achieve them. My personal goal this year is to complete my book. So write to me and let me know what you have achieved this year and how you got there.

Dear Beverley:

I just cannot get enough of the visions, knowledge and wisdom you give. I would like to share a few words on some experiences in my life. I just started my new job at a well-known firm in the St. Catherine area. I live within walking distance of work so transportation is not a problem. I make $12,500 per week and my wife makes $17,000 per week. We have a son who is eight months old and we are happy, but to be honest with you we are unable to save!! We pay our bills, we shop for groceries, etc., but we are not seeing a dime difference. Can you please provide me with some tips and ideas on how to make my finances work? I would appreciate your advice.

Dear Reader:

Thank you for the kudos. I'm not sure if I am the right person you should be getting advice from about money because I'm not very good with it. I'm extravagant and I spend everything I earn, so when I die, there will be nothing to fight over.

But on a serious note, money is not just about earning and spending, it's about the energy you give to it. The more emphasis you place on money, the less it seems to come to you. When you are starting a life with a family, there never seems to be any money left over to do anything but I truly believe that saving money is a lifestyle change. The energy of money can trap you so first, begin by feeling blessed regardless of how little you think you have.

Become more frugal: In order to save, you must stop spending money. The bare basics is what you have to live on. Become more frugal, and don't spend it unless you really have to. You will be surprised about just the little things you can change.

The wealthy don't spend money, they invest, they look for deals they buy less clothes. It's us the consumers that make them rich.

Cut costs: You have to look at what you can cut on groceries, utilities, accessories you can give up temporarily, gifts for family members, etc.

Get more pay: You have to consider how both of you can make a plan over the next few years to change your jobs, or be promoted or receive an increase. This is not an instant change but a process. One of you has to decide to take a second job - just for a temporary time, six months to a year. You have to decide how badly you want to save and how many sacrifices you are prepared to make. What exactly are you saving for? That will motivate you when you know what your goal is.

Give away: Give away everything in your house that you do not use. Anything that you have not used for the past six months that is collecting dust give it away. The universe is powerful and when you begin to give away, you get back in another way. Whenever you see someone homeless, give to them your small change and your blessings will come in another way.

Second income: If you own your own house or have space to take in a student, you can earn money that can be a second income. Rather than spend it save it.

Put off children: You have to make a decision not to have any more children (for at least two to three years) until your situation changes.

Save small: Even if you think you don't have any money to save, just begin by saving small. Putting aside $500 here and there does not build up as quickly as you would want, but slowly it amounts to something. Take away one thing out of your groceries cart and put the cost of it in the bank instead. Eat in more and cook more. Take lunch to work rather than buy lunch.

Energy-saving: You have to cut down on your utilities. Turn off lights one hour earlier each night, go to bed earlier or just reconnect by talking by candlelight. If every night is too drastic, make it one night a week, or twice a week. Both of you have to be prepared to do this. It's no point one person going to bed and the other person is up. One hour a day 365 hours a year, there is a huge saving in your bill just there.

Change diet: Be prepared to change your diet. Eat less meat and more vegetables.

Natural care: Babies are expensive. Don't buy baby food. Rather, give your baby crushed vegetables. Potty train early. It takes two weeks of consistent training if you want to save on disposable diapers. Don't buy brand names. When you go to the supermarket, have a budget and stick to it. No matter what you see on sale, don't stray from your plan.

We can all live on a lot less if we are prepared to make a lifestyle changes.

Contact me at the end of year and let me know how you are doing.

I welcome your emails at writefully_yours@hotmail.com