$5 budgeting

Five Dollars

Doesn't seem like much but consider for a moment the 8th wonder of the world-compounding.

Save just $5 a day, or $150 a month, for 30 years — earn 10 percent on it — and you'll end up with a nest egg of more than $340,000. Would that make a difference in your life? (By the way, if you're wondering how the heck you can make 10% on your savings, you can't — at least without risk.)
The tricky part is saving that $5 without sacrificing your quality of life. As of today $5 buys a #1 meal at McD's, 1 pack of cigs, 1 happy hour drink inc tip, 1 appetizer or tapas. Oh, here's one; 1 Venti Caramel foo-foo drink..Ouch. But if you chose to sacrifice just a little, $5 makes a world of difference to kids and families in a third world country, if you chose to help them.

One of many ways of doing that is to pay for name brands only when name brands make a difference. Sound obvious? Take a quick stroll around any grocery store and you'll see that it must not be at all obvious, because the shelves are stuffed with products that cost extra — sometimes a whole lot extra — in exchange for nothing more than a name.

So if you're struggling with finances, want a little retirement, or want to leave a legacy for others, consider Abe.