In the 2009 post-credit crunch economy everyone is concerned about their financial future. This means more and more people are paying close attention to their spending habits. Spending on novelty entertainment items, home improvements, investments, vacations and other money-dependent past times and items has been shelved. In the past when someone wanted to expand their horizons and shake up their work and career, they would simply find a new job or quit, take a little time off, and then find new work. These days the news reports that a lot of industries are laying off workers. As a result, people are hanging on to what jobs they have, while worrying that the job they have may not last.

Fortunately, in many areas health care workers are still in demand. According to the 2008-2009 Edition of the Occupational Outlook Handbook, from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses make up the largest group of health care workers, with at least 2.5 million jobs. At least 50% of these jobs are in hospitals. Between 2006 and 2016, there are expected to be approximately 587,000 new jobs for registered nurses, an increase of 23%.

The reason for the increased demand for nurses is really no surprise. As baby boomers grow older and people live longer, there is a natural increase in the demand for health care. The skill set of trained nurses is never out of date. While technology changes and methods improve, the facts remain the same; nursing is one of the most secure career fields today. The difference may be that finding work in the location of choice may be more difficult. As the recession continues and some spouses are laid off, those in the nursing field are taking on extra shifts, supporting their families, and even nurses who have been out of the work force are starting to return to the work force. This makes open positions a little harder to find. The other challenge ahead lies in the reality that many hospitals are cutting back on spending, which includes the training of new nurses. Those nurses who are already trained are finding it easier to find work than some new nurses. Still, the statistics speak volumes for the health of the nursing industry. The number of new nursing jobs continues to rise year after year, in hospitals, clinics, corporations such as insurance companies and more.

Whether or not your nursing job is changing or your financial situation is in jeopardy, it's always a good idea to keep an eye on your pennies. Here are some additional tips to help you maximize your savings and save for those rainy days. Another article here to save 7510 a year in and around your home--an odd number but great ideas!

Prioritize Needs and Wants

While you may want that new car or that extra hot latte at the coffee shop, are they really things you need or are they things you want? Prioritizing your spending means listing all of the items you normally spend money on and deciding what you really need and what you can do without.

Ride-Share and Carpool

If you are like many nurses, you start and end shifts at the same time as several of your coworkers. Carpooling can help save on gas expenses. In addition, for nurses starting work at midnight or late in the evening, the added sense of security that comes with being with someone as you pull into the parking lot is a bonus.

Curb Your Shopping Habits

If you find you can't resist buying new clothes or other items you really don't need when you head to the mall, leave your credit card at home and only bring the money you can afford to spend. And don't forget, if you really don't need it, don't buy it.

Eat at Home

Lunches and snacks in the hospital cafeteria can certainly add up over the course of a month. As a money saving alternative, consider bringing lunch with you from home. Not only will it save some money, it'll probably help you make healthier choices for your waistline, too. After work, cut back on the amount of take-out you buy and the amount of eating out you does. If you can challenge yourself to do this for just two weeks, you will see just how much money you can save.

Consider a Staycation!

A "staycation" is a vacation at home! Take time to relax, garden, rent movies you've been meaning to see, and spend time as a tourist in your own city this summer. Check out your city's own webpage to see if there are any local festivals or expositions going on. You can also visit local museums and galleries, coffee houses with great entertainment, and spend some time with friends you haven't seen in ages. The goal of a vacation is to relax, unwind, and have fun. Just doing this at home for one summer can save you a lot of money that could be used on more important expenses.

Negotiate Your Credit Card Rates

You never know until you try! Pick up the phone and call your credit card company to see what you can do to negotiate a lower credit card rate. You should also work hard to cancel unnesscessary credit cards, reduce existing credit card debt, and try to move your credit card balance to a lower interest rate card ASAP.

Be Coupon Savvy

Everywhere you look in grocery stores, newspapers and magazines, you will find coupons for saving money on everything from beverages to bulk items. While a five cent coupon may not seem like a major savings, you will be surprised how much these little savings can add up to over the course of a year. Be warned: just because you have a coupon for something doesn't mean you should buy it. Use the "need vs. want" rule! If you didn't buy that product in the past, you don't have to buy it now just because you have a coupon.

These are just a few simple money saving tips you can use to start saving money today! While the nursing profession is going strong, the economic forecast can still make you feel like you're on shaky financial footing. Taking steps to save money and protect your future is always a good idea.

Article © 2009 My Nursing Uniforms.com / Young Lion Incorporated
Image courtesy of DiscussEconomics