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Blog: Financial Organizing Made Easy & Fun
 Money Savings Lessons from the Salad Bar
I never thought we'd talk about salad bars here. Did you? Well, I'm in the mood to mix things up today! Sorry to interrupt our tax preparation adventure on out Financial Organizing Made Fun & Easy blog but something caught my interest and it has gotten me rethinking today's subject.
Very, very early this morning I found myself at the airport well ahead of schedule. With plenty of time I found myself pulled to the shiny stacks of magazines. Soon I found myself picking up the November edition of Smart Money magazine. 'Hmmm this looks interesting' I think to myself. It is 6:30am, its looks work related, and so I decide to give it my airplane test.
Over my years of airplane travel I've discovered there is quiet time on an airplane that's perfect for reading a magazine start to finish; something I rarely do at home. As I settled into my middle seat I begin to flip pages and I stumbled upon, Salad Daze by Barry Petchesky author of an article that catches both my eyes and stomach by surprise.
Ok, so maybe it is my growling stomach that's driving me. As I start reading it hits me. I found something that talks about two of my favorite things: saving money and eating food. Good for your wallet and waistline, I like that! Barry Petchesky highlights three valuable pointers to help make the most of your next trip through the salad bar line!
First, begin eating well by getting more nutrition for the lowest price. As Barry puts it, "brandish those tongs wisely" and you have a better chance of selecting better choices for both your wallet and waistline. Trying selecting more exotic fruits and veggies. They add nutritional value and variety. Maybe I'll take his advice and shift from plain old iceberg lettuce to arugula on my next visit.
Next suggestion, fill up your bowl with items that give you the perception of being full. Good food choices here include fruits with high liquid content. Want to make the most of your dollar? The author suggests staying away from starchy staples like rice and potatoes that are "heavy and cheap" for seller's bottom line. So think twice, next time you grab for the jumbo size scope of potato salad. Your wallet will thank you. Sorry Barry, I'm still going to I skip the tomatoes. Yuck!
Finally, get your best dollar value by becoming the store's worst nightmare. I think what he intended to say was this. Take your time selecting a variety of well selected items, not just those items presented first in line. When it comes to visiting a nearly mile long salad bar, don't be fooled by stores placement of items. There is a reason that certain items are placed at the end of the line. If you want the good stuff for your wallet and waistline you are going to have to work for it. This means reaching a few more inches under the dreaded 'sneeze shield' that otherwise keeps us from to reach the good stuff like seafood or other premium goodies.
So, the next time you make a dash through your local salad bar line, we all have got some new 'know now' to get the most value of our lunchtime dollars. Armed with a little knowledge and a well organized strategy you and your wallet can be a bit fuller! Happy dining.
posted on: 11/6/2007 11:30:00 AM by Nanette Duffey
category: Finances
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Financial Organizing Made Easy & Fun
by Nanette Duffey
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About Nanette:
Nanette Duffey, owner of Organized Instincts, LLC provides professional organizing and money manager services to individuals, families, and small businesses. Before founding Organized Instincts in 2005, she held several finance roles at GE and earned a B.S., Financial Management, from Clemson University. Nanette has appeared in the media and regularly presents to a variety of civic and community organizations. Nanette currently serves as the Treasurer for the NAPO Georgia (National Association of Professional Organizers) chapter. Nanette loves to travel, football, photography, ballet, and learning to cook.
Nanette's Website:
www.OrganizedInstincts.com
Pastime Passions
- Everyday Food with Rachel Ray
Long before she was Oprah cool she was just Rachel Ray. Thanks to her easy going style, and speedy recipes I now consider myself a comfortable in the kitchen.
- Professional Lego Artist
Self described as 'His work is obsessively and painstakingly crafted and is both beautiful and playful.' Nathan Sawaya transforms my favorite childood toy, LEGO's into an art form that will amaze you.
- Kiplinger Magazine - It's for everyday people
One the few magazines that I renew year after year. For about $20 per year it's full of straightforward, easy-to- read articles on personal finance topcis like investing, saving for college & retirement and all things money for today's household. Give yourself the gift of knowledge.
- Atlanta Ballet
Fine Art at it's finest for those of us how learned to dance only after we became adults.
- "When I Was Younger" Commercial
Thanks to the healthcard giant, KP, I get a healthy dose of the giggles each time this commercial appears. See for yourself.
Organizer's Favorites
- Mozy.com - Online Data Back-up Service
When is the last time you backed up your vital electronic files? Mozy offers a online back-up of your files, including no and low-cost options. Check them out online.
- Quicken - Personal Financial Software
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