We are all still trying to save.  Part of the Live Solid initiative, the “Now I Know” contest recognizes this forward momentum and encourages people to continue to grow their financial knowledge through sharing of financial tips and strategies. Contest participation is simple. First, visit the Live Solid fan page and click on the “Contests” tab. Then, enter the contest by submitting your favorite money-saving tip or strategy and share the contest with friends. Submissions will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. EDT, March 3, 2011

Sun Trust Bank has gone back to the tradition of helping consumers save money with their Live Solid concept.  They know that even a small lifestyle change helps you put money into the bank.  This is how we used to live.  Yes, we bought things after we could afford them not before. This allowed you to sleep at night and divas need their beauty sleep.

Frugality does not mean deprivation. It means creativity.  It involves finding what you need at the best price.  Going to the museum on free days.  Having friends over for a book club. Or how about a movie club where you rent a movie and discuss it afterwards over a pot luck dinner.  Knowing that everything goes on sale eventually. And maybe you don’t need it anyway. Live Solid has apps for budgeting, swapping items, and figuring out how to trim the fat from your budget.  And guess what by not having so many snacks out, walking places, and being active fat gets trimmed in other places.  That’s a win-win for every diva.

They now have a website Live Solid Network with good advice  about health costs, relationship money issues, college tuition, financial tools, and all manner of money issues.

There is one thing that makes anyone feel truly rich-doing an act of kindness. Now I’m not going to get all preachy on you. Just think when someone asks you for directions how good you feel helping them out.  When someone drops a package and you help them pick it up.  When you give a few canned goods to the local food drive.

I know we all want bright and shiny new things for the holidays. Maybe what we really want is to feel part of the community that we live in, maybe we want to help out the local hospital, maybe we want to volunteer to ladle out a meal at the local shelter, or maybe we want to organize an activity at the senior center.

Add up all the time you would have spent looking for parking, pushing your way through a mall, fighting long lines, and returning unwanted gifts. Now divide that time into two sections.  Use a portion to perform any volunteering that you would find satisfying. Use the other portion for a hot bath, tea with a friend, reorganizing pictures, or whatever activity makes you feel pampered.  If you need some gifts, go early with a strict list, and leave early before it becomes a madhouse.

Laugh when you see the news stories about everyone else heading to the mall for last minute Holiday shopping. 

You will also be heading there – after the Holidays when everything is on sale.