Life has gotten so expensive these days. The cost of groceries, gas and everything else is absolutely eating up our bank accounts.
Many of these expenses are unavoidable. You’ve got to eat, right? You have to be able to drive and get around, too.
But wait – not all of these costs are inevitable. At the very least, you could be plugging the leaks in your budget by spending a lot less on certain annoying bills. We found a handful of budget drainers, along with specific strategies for slashing their costs.
How many of these apply to you? Read them all and see – and get ready to save some money.
1. Save 10% to 30% on everything you buy
With the kind of inflation we’ve all seen over the past two years, everything is more expensive now. You’ve noticed this, right?
Let’s face it, shopping online is more convenient than going to a store. Plus, you’re more likely to find a deal, promotion or coupon code and quickly cross-reference prices at several different retailers to save money.
Want to make that process even easier? Try Capital One Shopping. This handy-dandy tool alerts you when a deal on an item you’re buying is available. Talk about effortless. All you have to do is add it as a browser extension, and it’ll search the internet for coupon codes to apply during checkout.
That’s not all. It also compares prices across the internet and will notify you when the item you’re purchasing is cheaper elsewhere. It’s free, and you don’t need to be a Capital One customer to use it. It’s just a friendly tool trying to save you money online. Find better bargains now.
2. Home repairs can wreck your budget
Home repairs aren’t cheap. Whether it’s a leaky roof or a broken appliance, your home can quickly become a nightmare and cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars to keep up.
But you don’t have to worry. Luckily, with a home warranty company called American Home Shield, you can safeguard yourself against giant repair bills. From home appliances to electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling systems, it can all be protected.
AHS protects your stuff no matter the age. Their plans cover up to 23 appliances and systems, and if they can’t repair it, they’ll replace it. That’s why American Home Shield is America’s top home warranty company with more than 17,000 contractors and 2 million members.
All over America, homeowners are choosing AHS for the savings, service and peace of mind that it delivers.
3. You’re vulnerable to high vet bills
But what about your pets? They’re a member of your family, too. And just as with human healthcare, vet costs are also skyrocketing.
Why gamble your savings on your pet’s health? Click here right now and see if there’s an affordable solution for your four-legged family members.
4. You’re paying an extra $610 for car insurance
If you’re like most Americans, you’re probably paying too much for car insurance. But shopping around for a better deal is such a hassle.
Well, it used to be.
Now you can just check out Provide Insurance, the largest online marketplace for insurance in the U.S. Provide Insurance lets you compare quotes from more than 175 different carriers in minutes.
All you have to do is answer a few questions about yourself and your driving history. Then Provide will show you the best options for your needs and budget.
You could save up to $610 a year on car insurance by using Provide Insurance. That’s money you could use for other things, like investing, saving or paying off debt.
Don’t let your current insurer overcharge you. Try Provide Insurance today and see how much you can save on car insurance.
5. Stop paying for car repairs
The cost of car repairs is skyrocketing. One shop told Consumer Reports that a decade ago their average repair was $1,600. These days, the average bill is $4,000.
Typically, a vehicle manufacturer warranty lasts three years. Yet the average driver will hang on to a car for about a dozen years. If you’re concerned about coming up with thousands of dollars for a repair bill, protect your investment with Endurance.
The company provides extended warranty plans of up to 36 months. Choose from among six different plans, to get only the coverage you actually need, for cars up to 20 years old.
All their warranties include 24/7 roadside assistance plus rental car benefits while your vehicle is being repaired. For the first year, you’ll get the Elite Benefits program for free; this includes complete tire coverage, key fob replacement, a collision discount and a $1,000 payment if your car is determined to be a total loss.
Endurance has a network of more than 350,000 ASE-certified repair shops. More important: Endurance Warranty pays the repair bill upfront. All you need to cover is the deductible.
The company has a 4.4-star rating with Trustpilot. ConsumerAffairs.com calls it “a solid choice” for drivers of any age, and “particularly appealing” for those with older vehicles.
6. Slash your interest bill by $500 (or more)
Credit card interest rates have risen to record highs. One way to slash that sky-high credit card interest you’re paying is to get a lower-interest personal loan and use the proceeds to pay off all your debt in one fell swoop.
And finding one couldn’t be easier.
Whether you’re consolidating high-interest debt, financing your next home renovation project or covering unexpected expenses, NerdWallet's loan marketplace makes finding the right loan quick and easy.
It only takes a few minutes to apply — without affecting your credit score — and if approved, you’ll have money in your account in no time.
NerdWallet has rated and reviewed loans from more than 35 financial institutions, with loan amounts ranging from $2,000 to $50,000 and APRs as low as 5.99%.
Their marketplace also offers a range of helpful resources and tools, so you’ll feel confident and informed throughout the process. It’s never been this easy to find and compare personal loans.
Bonus: Get free, expert advice on everything money-related
What’s free and gives you tips to spend less, make more and avoid rip-offs? The Money Talks Newsletter. Every day we provide free tips and tricks that will make you richer. And it doesn’t cost a dime.
Our more than one million subscribers report saving an average of $941 with our simple, direct advice.
Click here to sign up. It only takes two seconds. And if you don’t like it, it only takes two seconds to unsubscribe. Don’t worry about spam: We never share your email address.
Try it. You’ll be glad you did!
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