SHOPPING SAVINGS...more tips
Clothes Shopping - When it comes to clothes, buying items that you can mix and match
and that are dual-purpose will stretch your budget further. For instance, instead
of buying four total outfits, try buying eight separate pieces that can all be mixed
and matched. Stay with neutral colors and add additional color with accessories.
Instead of four different outfits you will have well in excess of ten. And resist
buying the latest trend or fad. Trends and fads are just that: “Short-lived ideas
that will not get long-term use.” Most trends will be out-of-fashion well before
you get your money’s worth out of your purchase. If your purchase is unlikely to
get used over the long-term, it is probably something your budget cannot afford.
Online Shopping - Online shopping provides anyone with Internet access the possibility
of finding almost any item or service they could imagine (including many that are
not available locally), at the best price, at any time day or night, right from the
comfort of your home. You can literally buy anything. In addition to purchasing
goods and services over the Internet, a great way to save with online shopping is
searching for promo-codes and other savings for additional deals both on the Internet
and at local stores. The problem is, since the Internet is so massive, diverse and
often confusing, how does someone actually find online shopping sites that can meet
their shopping needs that are competitive, reliable and safe to use. It can be a
daunting task, even for the most adventurous. Savingsnut.com provides many ideas
on how to get started on being a successful and secure online shopper.
HOUSEHOLD SAVINGS...more tips
Cooking on a Budget - When making a favorite meal, make a large batch and create
“frozen dinners” for you and your family. Since you are already cooking, the amount
of extra work and energy cost is minimal. Or if you like, set aside a “cooking day”
once a month and prepare many kinds of meals for future use. All you need are some
freezer containers for the types of portions you prefer, enough freezer capacity
and a little organization. Most any kind of meal will freeze well, even breakfast
items.
AUTO SAVINGS...more tips
Vehicle Financing - Knowing what financing/leasing options are available is just
as important as knowing the cost of the vehicle to the dealer. Remember, how the
vehicle is financed, and on what terms, is a major determinant of the overall cost
of the vehicle to you, as well as the amount of profit the dealer makes from the
transaction. If you can get pre-approved for financing or leasing, this will put
you in the strongest possible position to negotiate either a cash price with the
dealer (cash to the dealer from your financing company), or dealer financing/leasing
that is better than available elsewhere. If the dealer knows you have the cash available
to purchase the vehicle, they will be more likely to lower their price in order to
secure a deal right then. And if they know you do not need to rely on them for financing,
they are more likely to offer an attractive financing/leasing package. But remember,
just because the dealer’s monthly lease payment or finance payment is smaller than
what you found elsewhere, does not mean it is cheaper. You need to compare interest
rates and the number of monthly payments that are required, as well as the amount
of any down payment and fees required. The primary objective in negotiating financing
is to lower your overall cost of financing, not just achieve the lowest monthly payment.
ENERGY & UTILITIES SAVINGS...more tips
Heating & Cooling - Do not try to heat or cool your house faster by setting the thermostat
to a higher or lower temperature than desired. The house won’t heat up or cool down
any faster, and chances are you won’t turn the thermostat back to the desired temperature
until the house has gotten too warm or cool, resulting in excess energy consumption.
If you are using a heat pump, avoid large changes in thermostat settings (usually
over two degrees), to avoid having the costly supplemental heat strip activate.
TRAVEL SAVINGS...more tips
Hotels - Even if you have a reservation, you may want to consider, before disclosing
your reservation to the desk clerk, asking what rooms they have available and the
price. If plenty of rooms are available, you may be quoted a rate lower than your
reservation rate for the same type of room. If so, mention to the clerk that the
rate is lower and ask that they honor the lower rate. They should be more than willing
to do this.
HEALTH & LEISURE SAVINGS...more tips
Hospital Charges - Before you are admitted to the hospital, make sure you know how
long the hospital stay is expected to be. When in the hospital, if you are progressing
well, ask if you can go home early. Sometimes you can easily save an extra day’s
hospital stay just by asking to be released. And make sure you know what time of
the day to be released in order to avoid an extra day’s charges.
LIFE’S MAJOR EVENTS SAVINGS...more tips
College Scholarships - Scholarships and grants are the most affordable way to partially
or fully pay for college. Funds received do not have to be repaid and are not dependent
on fulfilling work requirements. Scholarships and grants are available for all types
of students going to all types of colleges, and may be granted to incoming freshman
or at any time during the college stay. Scholarships and grants are not just for
academically or athletically gifted students, or students with low incomes. Students
who have not achieved high academic records or athletic accomplishments should not
be discouraged from searching out scholarships or grants. Many are awarded for a
particular talent, ethnicity, religious affiliation, or even just where you live.
It’s just a matter of matching scholarship or grant requirements with student qualifications.
It may require a lot of effort, but funds are available.
Wedding Timing - When you have your wedding, and where you have your wedding, will
affect the overall cost of the wedding and reception considerably. Periods of high
demand for weddings or other social occasions, and venues that are in high demand,
will be more costly. If you can be flexible you can reduce cost considerably. Remember,
there are many great places to hold your wedding and reception, and there are also
many times of the year (and times of the day and week) that should be able to fit
your schedule and provide a memorable occasion.
HOME FINANCE SAVINGS...more tips
Credit Card Benefits - Many credit cards (and often debit cards) provide extended
warranty protection for your purchases bought with the credit card. This protection
will usually double the initial warranty on the item purchased up to an additional
one year of warranty protection. Credit cards often will also provide coverage for
theft or damage to any purchases you made with the card, for up to ninety days under
certain conditions. If covered, they will either repair or replace the item free
of charge. Most credit cards offer coverage in case a rental car you are driving
(and was rented using your credit card) is damaged or stolen. This coverage is effective
if you do not purchase the collision damage waiver from the auto rental company,
and is secondary to any other coverage you may have. There is generally no deductible,
so even if your own insurance policy covers any damage sustained, the credit card
coverage will pay for your deductible. In addition to paying claims for damage to
the vehicle, the availability of this coverage saves the cost of buying the collision
damage waiver from the auto rental company. Check with your credit card company.
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