The Increase Your Income Method

This is a classic move that will add bills to your wallet in no time; however it’s a much more challenging technique when compared to previous methods. What we’re talking about is a second income. I recommend revenue generators such as donating plasma, completing surveys in the mall, or becoming a lab rat and test new products. I’ve done all of these and found them easy to conceal. You may have difficulty finding these services in your area, so you might have to just get another job. An early morning paper route might be an option, but your wife might notice the new ink smudges all over the house. You could try a lunch job at a restaurant if your work is flexible. Many restaurants would love some help for an hour or 2. Work it out with your boss and start cooking! You might even get a free meal. There are several other options out there. Perhaps you have some ideas for a secondary income?

The Return And Reward Yourself Method

I love book buyback because it is always seems like free money. Plus, no one really knows how much you got back. You can take this a step further and apply it to other purchases you make on things like clothes or groceries. Next time you are at the store, throw a pair of socks into the cart. Go to the store a few days later and return the socks. You now have a little more to spend on your wants. Note: you must make the original purchase in cash or you will be refunded back onto your card. This is a rookie mistake, so be warned.

The Add To The Bill Method
This method is quite easy, and only requires you to stop being lazy and to walk inside the store. Here’s how it works: When you go to the gas station next time, don’t choose to pay at the pump. Instead, opt to pay inside. Fill up the vehicle with gas, and then go inside and grab a candy bar, sandwich, and/or soda. Bring the item(s) to the counter and add to the gas bill. You will then enjoy a full tank—both in the car and in your belly!

There was some confusion with the last tip, so let me reiterate here: You can’t go crazy and buy a bunch of stuff. The amount added should be proportional to the amount you spend on gas. I recommend adding 7-10% of your gas purchase; this should keep you under the radar. Be careful not to try this at gas stations that itemize the bill, or your wife may see the snacks you bought.

Where else might you add to the bill?

Photo by: ninjapoodles 

The Pay & Collect Method
In this method you offer to pay for other people’s expenses on your credit card, and request that they repay you in cash. This works best when you are at a restaurant with your kids and your friend and his kids. Pay the entire bill and then collect the cash. This can be an overt operation if your friend knows your plight. This also works well if you and your friend go to the store to make some purchases. Buy his stuff on your card and then collect cash later. You will now have an extra $5-$15 to spend. Typically your wife will not scrutinize the receipt if the collection amount is small enough. If you get greedy though, you will blow your cover and get busted. It’s all about balance.

My wife keeps a pretty tight hold on the purse strings. Many marriages fail because of money problems, so I’m all for a budget. However, my weekly allowance has steadily decreased over the years, despite the fact that my salary has increased. Currently, I receive a $10/week allowance. This allowance applies to anything I want to buy that is an “extra” (music, eating out, a magazine…) but would not include budgeted expenditures (clothing, haircuts, school supplies…). Every month, I receive a report from my wife outlining my expenses. To avoid an issue, I try to keep my spending within the $10 limit, but sometimes that is difficult.

One day I was in the car and realized the console had about $5 in change. I began to think about this change and thought, “How is this change accounted for?”

We use computer software to track all of our expenses–every bit of money that is spent, whether it’s credit, debit, or cash. When we record the cash, we always round up. So if I use cash to buy Slurpees for the kids, instead of entering it as $2.51, we just record that I spent $3. Since the loose change is not recorded in our system, it is in effect “free money.” When I discovered this fact, I immediately began to hoard all the change I could find: from the car, from my wife’s purse, my family members’ couch cushions–everywhere I could find it. I stockpiled all of this change in a box at work and began using that to supplement my $10. This free money has enabled me to eat out with the guys more often and even purchase a few extras.

So, do I support doing away with coinage? No Way! It’s a necessity required for my survival.

Note: Unfortunately I have been relying too much on the loose change and have only been spending about $6/week of reportable money! This has caused my wife to reevaluate my allowance, which may lead to further allowance reductions. Luckily, I know a few tricks for skimming money; I have dubbed October “Money Skimming Month.” Look forward to some helpful tips!