8 Tips to Grow Your Savings (from my mom, Elaine)
By Renee Leon
I was fortunate to be raised by a quietly clever mother. At the age of 10, my mom, Elaine, learned to love saving money and the thrill of reaching a financial goal. She started saving money for her Christmas Club. By saving a quarter every week for a year, she was able to buy Christmas presents for her 6 brothers and sisters! My mom is also a very organized person who, once she commits to a goal, keeps it in her sights until she’s met it, no matter what.
My sister, brother and I all were required to save a % of every paycheck as soon as we got jobs in high school. She started regularly investing a portion of our savings on our behalf and patiently explained where/how/why we needed to invest but I didn’t really grasp it. All I knew was that 1/3 of every paycheck was GONE and not accessible to me. Ever! Once I went to college and saw how much I’d “accidentally” saved and how it had grown… THEN I started to appreciate the power of a savings habit!
Our mom helped us to build a habit of saving that has served us well in adulthood. We are all so grateful for her providing such a strong example of financial intelligence.
“When you get a discount for a product or service, don't just spend that special savings! Put that amount into savings/an investment account. You were already going to spend the money! Pretend it’s gone but really… that money is WORKING TOWARDS your goals!” Elaine Hyde, retired small business owner and my mom
Here are 8 Savings Tips I’ve learned from my incredible mom:
#1 - Write up your monthly budget and live within your means. Get started here!
#2 - Pay yourself first! Set aside you savings first and keep your promise to yourself.
#3 – Be consistent by avoiding temptation. Window shopping/online scrolling can make it harder…
#4 - Find a trusted financial advisor asap. Start investing as EARLY AS POSSIBLE! When it comes to investments, TIME can be more important than how much you invest.
#5 – Be careful with credit cards! Be sure you only spend what you can afford to pay off at the end of the month. Paying interest means EVERYTHING costs more than the sticker price and blows your goals!
#6 - Take advantage of referral and discount programs (automotive, shopping sites, review perks, etc). Example: Aurora AutoPros customers get $50 credited to their account for EACH new customer they refer! You can then put those $50 into savings or somewhere fun! We know… automotive maintenance is necessary but not fun.
#7 - Cooking meals at home. This alone will save you SO MUCH MONEY and can be quality time with family and/or friends. AND its usually healthier – BONUS!
#8 - Reduce, reuse, and recycle where you can (plasticware, glass jars, and bread bags have many uses)! Go treasure hunting at local thrift shops!
Are we perfect? No. Do we have everything ready for kids/life/retirement? No but we have a plan and are continuously working on it while trying to teach these lessons to our daughters, too!
Happy Mother’s Day to all the great moms out there, especially mine!
What’s New at the Shop
While not new, it is likely a less-known fact that Aurora AutoPros ALSO has a blog! Our blog has information and tips about vehicles, maintenance, and general information that is of interest to those who drive and/or own a vehicle. You can find it on our website under the About Us drop-down! Check it out!
Specials
We want to see how many people ACTUALLY read this newsletter.
One FREE $25 Gas Card when you come for your next service.
You must mention this newsletter when you schedule your next service; then we’ll have your $25 Gas Card waiting for you at your appointment.
That’s it! No strings, no extra steps.
Offer good through June 30th! *One per customer.
Thanks for supporting our small business!
Community NEWS
Save the Date: Saturday, July 23rd!
Renee’ and Edgar are supporting the 7/20 Memorial Foundation and this very special event:
“To mark the passage of 10 years since the Aurora theater tragedy, we chose the theme Metamorphosis. Our selection comes to honor the transformation of our community and the lives forever changed. This year's event will be a unique version of our annual Reflection Garden on Tap Beer and Chalk art festival, with a special focus on the healing power of the arts. Our FREE family-friendly event will include art experiences, wellness booths, musical entertainment, and more, in addition to our signature beer garden features. Join us in support of one another as we all celebrate the resilience that we have discovered, cultivated, and earned over the past ten years.
This event will require support from the community, so if you're interested in volunteering to help click on this link.
All volunteers will receive goodies such as T-shirts and more!”
Click HERE To get involved and/or see the rundown of special events or https://www.7-20memorial.org/upcoming-events
Reviews
“Inevitably…an incredible service appointment with an “A+ for customer service”! Thanks Edgar and crew!” Marilee B.
“Thanks for the help, I really appreciate the honest and good work that you did. Thank you” Brent H.
Read all the reviews at https://auroraautopros.com/reviews
The Funnies
Friend:
What did the Mama tomato say to the baby tomato?
Me:
"Ketchup!"
Cooking with the Aurora Auto Pros
Strawberry Caprese Salad
https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/strawberry-caprese-salad
Ingredients
3 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
1 small garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
1 (8-oz.) tub fresh small mozzarella cheese balls
4 cups halved fresh strawberries
Garnish: thinly sliced fresh basil
Whisk together white balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, brown sugar, salt, and freshly ground pepper in a large bowl until sugar is dissolved. Add olive oil in a slow, steady stream, whisking constantly until smooth. Add 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil and mozzarella cheese balls; toss to coat. Cover and chill 2 hours. Stir in strawberries; let stand at room temperature 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve over fresh arugula or as an appetizer with toasted French bread baguette slices. Garnish with thinly sliced fresh basil.
Let’s Stay Connected!
Please click on the icons to follow our social media accounts and stay up to date with current specials, news, and videos!
Artists
Live theatre is a treat you may want to consider giving the Moms in your life, or possibly the graduates! The lovely thing about Aurora is we have LOTS of live theatre options right here. Check out the Aurora Fox Center and Vintage Theater for a dose of imagination and escape!