Simple Ways to Save Money in this Economy

With the economy being what it is today everyone is looking to save money and why not? Better in your pocket than someone else’s right?

Here are some of the best money saving tips that I use and that have worked for me:

1) USE COUPONS: This is pretty self explanatory. With the evolution of the internet coupons are even easier to come by than they were in the past. Some people say they aren’t worth it because they only save you pennies, however there are some high value coupons out there that will get you products for free or nearly free. The best way to use coupons is in conjunction with sales so you get the items for even less. Another great thing is using them on double coupon days so that they are worth double their face value. Check with your local stores to see if they do this. I save $250 on average a month using coupons and that amount has increased with every month that I get more educated in using coupons.

2) USE ENERGY EFFIECENT LIGHBULBS AND UNPLUG APPLIENCES THAT ARE NOT IN USE: Once again pretty self explanatory. There is a cost involved with energy efficient bulbs but they more than pay for themselves on your energy bill and they last forever. Second on this point, even when an item isn’t in use it still slowly sucks electricity if it is left plugged in. I have started to save about $40 a month on my energy bill since I started doing these two things.

3) TURN DOWN YOUR THERMONSTAT AT NIGHT AND WHEN YOU ARE AWAY FROM HOME: An obvious way to save some money but I always forgot to do it when I was leaving the house for a few days. Now that I remember I’m saving at least an extra $50 a month with just turning it down the weekends I’m not at home. I had already been turning it down at night. This is an easy way to save a lot of money.

4) USE YOUR LIBRARY: A lot of people don’t know that you can get movies at your local library for free. Save that rental cost and go to the library. It’s also the best way to save money on books that I know of.

5) WALK WHEN YOU CAN: Some people don’t have the luxury of being able to walk to work and on small errands but I live in a smallish town and find this easy to do. Riding your bike will also be a good alternative to driving. I only spend about $40 a month on gas because of this.

6) BE CAREFUL WITH CREDIT CARDS: Always pay your bills on time to avoid those nasty charges. When possible pay off the full balance of your card so you don’t get charged interest. Be sure to call your credit card companies and get them to lower your interest rate. They will do this if you speak to the right person. Sometimes telling them that you will have to cancel your card otherwise will get them to lower it quickly.

I hope these tips help you save some of your money. They’ve been invaluable to me and have saved me thousands in the past year alone. Happy Saving Everyone!!

(Bukisa ID #100407)

Content Source: Simple Ways to Save Money in this Economy - Bukisa.com

10 Easy Ways To Save Money

Saving money is a hot topic these days. I haven't always been a frugal person but once I learned the art of it I realized how easy it is to save those pennies and dimes. Living a frugal lifestyle has allowed me to pay off my debts, buy a condo with cash and have a decent savings. These tips won't change your life overnight, it’s an ongoing process. Also, not all tips work for everyone so you need to access your own needs.

Step1

Assess the services and memberships you are paying for. Are there any that you don't use or could live without? Do you really use that gym membership? If cancelling the cable television is not an option how about downgrading from the premium package? Same with Netflix - do you really need 6 DVDs at one time? Cancel or downgrade all the extra services you can. You'll be surprised at what you won't miss.

Step2

Cancel the optional features and services from your home phone. There is a lot of discussion about getting rid of landlines in order to save money . I like having a landline phone but I don't see a point to all these extras. I don't think I've ever once made a three-way call. I have a trick to see who is calling me and it doesn't cost a dime. I merely pick up the receiver and say "hello."

Step3

Let your fingers do the walking. If you need a telephone number use a phone book or online directory. Avoid calling Information as you will be charged for the calls.

Step4

Make sure your cell phone plan meets your needs. If you go over your minutes every month you'll save money by increasing your plan. Although, changing your calling habits will save you even more money. Downgrade your plan if you find you never use all of your minutes.

Step5

Pay your bills on time. Why add to your expenses by paying late fees? Most people set aside a day each month to pay bills but it’s too easy to miss due dates this way. Try to pay bills as they arrive. If that doesn't work for you at least set a day aside each week.

If you are comfortable with automatic withdraws from your bank account you may find that a convenient way to assure timely payments. Plus you'll save on stamps.

Step6

Buy the least expensive checks. Apparently you can save money by ordering checks from an independent printer. If you're like me you prefer to order checks from your financial institution. When its time to reorder, tell the clerk you would like the least expensive design available. The bank will do the rest. Some people argue that the puppies or mountain scenes say something about their personality. Your plain checks will say that you're too smart to waste your money.

Step7

Account for all withdraws you make using checks, debit cards and ATM transactions. Otherwise you may wind up with an unpleasant surprise at the end of the month. Also, be aware of charges for using an ATM not associated with your bank.

Step8

Save money on your insurance by raising your deductibles. Since you'll be working on saving money you will have the finances to pay for the higher deductible.

Using the same company for all your insurance needs will result in a multi-policy discount.

Step9

Call companies and ask for incentives to keep you as a customer. It is my pet peeve when businesses give great deals to new customers while ignoring their long-term, loyal customers. Ask for those introductionary rates. The companies most likely to work with you are: credit cards, internet, cable , trash and cell phones.

Step10

Adjust your thermostat and weather strip your doors and windows. By lowering you thermostat a few degrees you can save approximately 10% on your bills. Lower your heat even a little more when you go to bed or will be gone from the house. Investing in a programmable thermostat makes this task a little easier and allows for the house to heat up a bit before waking or coming home.

Step11

Give yourself a pat on the back for taking control of your finances.

(Bukisa ID #29254)

Content Source: 10 Easy Ways To Save Money - Bukisa.com