I Am The Boss Now...And YOU Can Be TOO!

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How To Live Like A Millionaire Until You Make Your First Million!

Think Donald Trump pays retail for anything? Probably not. And what about all those stars who get free clothing, jewelry and other gifts that they can well afford? Actually, most rich people ask for, expect, and usually get, discounts on everything they buy. Rich people honor and respect money in ALL denominations, and do what they have to do to insure they're always getting the MOST for their money. So start acting like the rich person you're going to become. Here's my Top 10 Tips on how to cut corners comfortably and add to your financial empire:

1 - Never pay full price for anything! Take advantage of store coupons and sales, open new credit cards for one-day discounts at department stores (you can always close them later). Have fun shopping in discount stores and consignment shops -- you can find incredible bargains. Shop online to hunt for and compare the best prices on electronics, appliances and the like; if you're not comfortable buying on line, print out the page and bring to a local merchant -- more often than not they will meet the price. If they won't, go to another store. Check out thrift shops for special buys. Offer cash when possible in exchange for a lower price. ALWAYS ask for a discount on non-sale items; just say "can you do any better on that?". The worst they can do is say no. Be bargain-savvy. Know the values of what you want to buy and you'll be better armed to get the best prices.

2 - Cut corners. Really start to pay attention to where you're spending more than you have to during the course of your day. For me it was taking taxis and having dinners delivered. When I started using public transportation and going out to get food, I saved hundreds of dollars -- and got some extra exercise too. Here's a few places to look: Lunches out vs. bringing food from home. Expensive lattes. Name brand cleaning supplies. Branded rather than generic drugs. Send e-greeting cards rather than mailed ones for your less-than-best friends. Dry cleaning -- try bulk. Grocery shopping at expensive gourmet shops. Join a shopping club and buy household items in large quantities. And clip those coupons. You get the idea -- don't ever deny yourself something you want or need, but be aware of places to save.

3 - Dine out wisely. There are several services available that will save you up to 50% on restaurant tabs, plus offer substantial discounts on shopping and other services. Once of the best is Rewards Network; also check with your credit card companies and frequent flier programs. Don't give up eating out, just eat out for less.

4 - Protect the Environment. Analyze your heating and other utility costs to be sure you're cost and energy efficient. Recycle bottles and cans. Save money and conserve resources.

5 - Talk more for less. Stop throwing away all those offers for better, cheaper local and long distance services. Some of them will save you lots of money. Really scrutinize the bills and your offers and get yourself the best deals on phone services.

6 - Bank on your future.

a) Refinancing your home can lower your monthly payments and save you thousands of dollars over time. See if you qualify.

b) Make sure you're receiving the maximum interest you can on your savings and checking accounts, and that you're paying minimum fees. If you have to, change banks.

c) Pay less interest on your credit card bills. To start, simply call your credit card companies and ask for a rate reduction. If you ever get hit with a bank fee for something, ask to have it waived. Only pay an annual fee if you think you're getting something special for it -- most banks offer fee-free cards. Transfer all high-interest balances to lower-interest cards. Take advantage of zero percent offers on balance transfers if you can. And while you're on the phone with the bank, ask them to increase your line of credit. You might need it soon for a down-payment on your first investment property.

7 - Travel on the Cheap:

a) Whenever possible, make your own travel arrangements on line with Travelocity, Expedia, Orbitz or the like. These sites will compare several airlines, hotels and car rental companies so you can get exactly what you want at the lowest price possible.

b) Collect those miles. Try to fly on one or two airlines to consolidate your miles, and use code-sharing airline partnerships to up your balance. Examine the information that comes with your credit card or frequent flier balances -- they'll tell you about other ways to build up your mileage with car rentals, hotels and other loyalty partners. And make your shopping add up to free travel. Most airline Frequent Flyer programs have an associated credit card that gives you miles for every dollar you spend. I put everything on credit cards now -- great record keeping and free flights! Speaking of loyalty programs, sign up for them all -- stores and restaurants especially. You'll be rewarded with special offers, free meals, discounts and more.

8 - Get a library card. You can save a ton of money by borrowing the books you're only going to read once anyway. And most libraries have a great selection of videos, audios and DVDs, too -- at no cost.

9 -Shop on eBay. Auctions are exciting, and you can find some great stuff...or you may want to start an eBay business.

10 - Choose your indulgences. Never do without anything that you really want. Put aside a small percentage of every check that comes in to do something really special for yourself every once in a while. Treat yourself well -- after all, you are the boss now!