Author: Life or Debt
Way to Save #12: Keep Receipts & Mail Rebates
Life or Debt on July 31, 2009
Keep receipts and send in rebate slips. Very few consumers actually return rebate coupons. Which is, of course, exactly what the manufacturers are hoping for. Don’t be a sap… get what you’ve got coming. Keep your receipts and don’t hesitate to return anything that disappoints you in even the slightest way. Keep in mind that … Continued
Way to Save #11: Don't Shop Alone
Life or Debt on July 30, 2009
Shop alone. Kids and spouses that act like kids will often whine, cajole or otherwise try to influence you into impulse buys. Leave ‘em at home.
Way to Save #10: Don't Shop Hungry
Life or Debt on July 29, 2009
Don’t shop hungry. If you’re shopping for food, it’ll make you buy more. If you’re shopping for anything else, it’ll make you hurry. Also avoid shopping depressed. Buying stuff you don’t need won’t make you feel better, but if you’re not careful you’ll do it anyway.
Way to Save #9: Always Use A List
Life or Debt on July 28, 2009
Always use a list. And don’t buy anything that isn’t on it. Depending on what you’re shopping for, you can easily save 10% to 15% with this tip alone.
Way to Save #8: Holiday Sales
Life or Debt on July 27, 2009
The calendar is your friend. Consider the times of the year that retailers love most: holidays! Halloween, Valentines Day, Christmas and Thanksgiving are all great times to save money… if you’re willing to wait a bit. You’ll often see big pre-holiday sales that happen prior to these holiday times, but those savings pale compared to … Continued
Way to Save #7: Shop Early
Life or Debt on July 26, 2009
Don’t wait till the last minute to shop. Obviously, less time gives you less flexibility. The seasons, the start of school, birthdays, Christmas: nearly everything we shop for is pretty darn predictable, so buy things “out of season” when they’re on sale.
Way to Save #6: Stop Buying Extended Warranties
Life or Debt on July 25, 2009
Don’t buy extended warrantees. Eighty percent are never used, and they’re a major profit item for the vendor. That’s why they push you so hard to buy them!
Way to Save #5: Cash Is King
Life or Debt on July 24, 2009
Cash is king. Again, if you’re buying something expensive, ask for a discount for using cash. Did you know that when you use a credit card, the merchant has to pay two to four percent to the bank? Therefore, when you pay cash (or write a check) you’re saving them that money. Ask for it!
Way to Save #4: Be A Bargainer
Life or Debt on July 23, 2009
Be a bargainer. When you’re buying something expensive, or buying a service, always bargain on price. It never hurts to ask, and if you’re buying something big, like a TV, a refrigerator or a computer, you might save yourself 10 to 20%.
Way to Save #3: Get Your Family On Board
Life or Debt on July 22, 2009
Make sure everybody’s on the bus. Changing your spending habits is hard to do if everyone else in your life isn’t reading from the same page. Make sure everyone in the family is committed to the trip before you leave the curb.
Way to Save #2: Make a Spending Plan
Life or Debt on July 21, 2009
Make a simple spending plan. You wouldn’t think of setting off on a long trip without a map. A spending plan is simply a map to help guide you to where you’re going financially. It allows you to set goals and evaluate your progress. There’s no successful company that doesn’t plan their cash outlays. Why … Continued
Way to Save #1: Carry a Memo Pad
Life or Debt on July 20, 2009
Pay attention to where your money is going. Carry a little memo pad around and keep track of everything you spend. Like magic, the simple act of writing stuff down will often keep you from spending money. It also helps you to look at where your money is going and allows you to make informed … Continued
Lower Your Cable Bill In 5 Minutes
Life or Debt on July 17, 2009
Here’s one that we’ve tried, and it works. If you’ve got cable, look around on the Internet for a deal offered by a satellite TV provider. If you’ve got satellite, do the same thing for a cable provider. Then, call your company and tell them you just found a great deal with someone else and … Continued
Saving Money On Pet Expenses
Life or Debt on July 16, 2009
We like our pets. In fact, it’s been estimated that Americans spend $41 billion a year on them, so it makes sense that many are looking for creative ways to cut down on their pet bills. Fortunately, it’s mostly common sense. Prioritize your pets needs; food is more important than toys. Besides, I know my … Continued
5 Easy Home Repairs That Will Save You Money
Life or Debt on July 14, 2009
So you’ve decided you want to save a little money, but don’t feel like leaving your house… simple! There are 5 easy home repairs you can do today that will definitely save you money. Clean/Replace Your Air Filters – According to Angie’s List, almost 60% of all service calls are because of dirty air filters. … Continued
Help Finding Discounted or Free Prescription Drugs
Life or Debt on July 13, 2009
If the high cost of health care is making you sick, don’t worry… there are literally dozens of government, non-profit and industry backed programs that can get you your meds for little or no cost.
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