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Way to Save #133: Local Scholarships
You can look at all the scholarship search websites and library books in the world and still miss college cash. Why? Because the $300 scholarship offered by your local Rotary Club isn’t in there. Neither is the local Elks club $250 essay contest or any number of other awards local civic, cultural and religious groups … Continued
Saving on Holiday Shopping
The average couple will spend $1500 on gifts this holiday season, but a smart shopper can lower that number.
Way to Save #132: FAFSA First
FAFSA stands for “free application for federal student aid,” and it’s basically a standardized form that will help you find out what kind and how much aid will be available to your student. Colleges and universities use it as a basis for the tuition packages they offer, and nearly every scholarship, work-study and other dispenser … Continued
Way to Save #131: Get Money For Nothing
Billions of dollars of grants, scholarships, work-study programs and low cost loans are available every year. Don’t pay a company to find them for you, because there are places you can search for free. The Internet is a great resource for this. Websites to check out include www.fastweb.com and www.finaid.org, but there are many others. … Continued
Way to Save #130: Free Cell Phones Aren't Free
Normally you’re better off getting a cheaper plan and buying your own cellular phone. Plans that include “free” phones often also come with long contracts and higher monthly costs.
Five Really Stupid Gift Ideas
Five of the stupidest gifts we’ve ever seen.
Way to Save #129: Save On Cellular
Cellular phones are convenient, but they can really fracture family finances. If you keep one for emergencies, consider a much less expensive pager instead. If you really need cellular, understand what you need it for before you buy it. For example, why pay for an unlimited national calling plan if you rarely leave your state? … Continued
Way to Save #128: Use Calling Cards
If you travel, calling cards are important because they allow you to get the same rates from the road that you’re used to paying at home, at least theoretically. But the big three long distance carriers often have ridiculously high rates and fees for their cards. Before you enroll in any plan, be sure to … Continued
Tips for Outlet Mall Shopping
A few things to know before any trip to the outlets.
Way to Save #126: Know The Phone Lingo
It’s hard to shop smart for something when you don’t know what questions to ask. In long-distance land, there are three major ones. First, “What is your cost per minute?” Second, “What is your billing increment?” Billing increment is crucial if you make lots of calls, and especially lots of short calls. Billing increments for … Continued
Way to Save #125: Shop Your Long Distance
Internet sites like www.trac.org and www.abelltolls.com can help you find the best long distance calling plan for your needs. If you don’t have Internet access, go to the library. Remember: part of your monthly phone bill goes to pay for library Internet access, so use it! Even if you aren’t willing to go to the … Continued
Way to Save #124: Turn The Tables On Telemarketers
One of the most popular TV news stories I’ve ever done involves changing from victim to predator in the cold-calling jungle. Here’s how it works. Federal law requires that almost anyone who solicits you by phone give you their name and either address or phone number (which they virtually never do.) The law also requires … Continued
A Bleak Holiday for Credit Card Issuers?
Studies show that consumers typically spend 12-18% less when we use cash for payment. Counting out and handing over cash is a sobering reminder of how much items really cost.
Way to Save #123: Hang Up On Frills
The phone company is a master at getting us to buy services. They sell your phone number to telemarketers, then sell you caller ID to thwart them. In round two, they sell services that block caller ID to telemarketers, then sell you a gadget that won’t allow blocked calls to ring through. Don’t play this … Continued
Cash for Applicance Clunkers
Got a clunker refrigerator? You can get a rebate on that, too.
Viewer Question: Emergency Savings: Bank Account or Savings Bonds?
In an emergency, should you use the money in your savings account or cash in your savings bonds?
Way to Save #122: Don't Lease Phones
Stop leasing. You’ll usually save money by buying your own phones.
The CARD Act: What Congress Forgot To Fix
When Congress passed the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act (CARD), they forgot to fix a few things.
Way to Save #121: Use The Internet
Email is free. Long distance calling isn’t (unless you also do that on the Internet!) The Internet is also a great free way to find numbers instead of using directory assistance. But if you are going to use directory assistance, your local one (411) is almost always cheaper than the national ones you see advertised … Continued
Way to Save #120: Oven Etiquette
Use energy saving appliances like microwaves, pressure cookers and toaster ovens instead of always using the oven or stove. You can buy ‘em cheap at yard sales. Turn off your electric burner three minutes before the rice or pasta recipe calls for: it’ll stay hot that long. Same with your oven. And if you are … Continued
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