Latest Posts
Way to Save #89: Use Florescent Bulbs
Here’s a bright idea. Florescent bulbs use 75% less energy than incandescent and last up to 10 times longer. Use as many as you can. And for non-reading lights, lower the wattage of your bulbs.
Way to Save #88: Get A Free Energy Audit
Many utility companies will come out to your house for free or at a nominal cost and tell you how to save money. If yours will, let em. And while they’re there, ask if they have any off-peak, load-management or other savings programs.
Way to Save #87: Negotiate Rent
For some reason, everybody knows they’re supposed to negotiate house purchases, but almost nobody thinks of negotiating rent. Why should you pay the same rent as the punk rockers upstairs? You’re a quiet, high quality, self-sufficient tenant who will be less hassle than other people. Therefore you should pay less rent. (Trust me, as a … Continued
Halloween On A Budget
A scary economy doesn’t have to frighten away your fun this Halloween. Here are 3 do-it-yourself tips to sweeten your Halloween without spooking your bank account.
Way to Save #86: Inspect A House Before You Buy
Don’t even think of buying a house until you’ve had it thoroughly inspected. Not only will you be more comfortable with the purchase, but you can use the report as leverage to get the price lowered. (The inspector will ALWAYS find something wrong.)
Flashback To 1997 Investing In Internet Stocks
Jump into the Money Talks News “wayback machine” for a vintage story. I did this story about investing in Internet stocks 12 years ago. How did my picks work out?
Way to Save #85: Buy Homes Direct
People who sell their house themselves are saving money on real estate commissions. They should be able to sell for less. But doing things without realtors also means more education for you. So be knowledgeable before you try bringing home the savings.
States Want Tax on Web Purchases
Some states are beginning to charge sales tax on internet purchases.
Way to Save #84: Sell Your Own Home
Real estate commissions are among the costliest of fees, especially considering the value you get in return. If you’re in a lousy housing market, you may not have a choice: realtors will expose your home to the maximum number of potential buyers. But if the market’s popping, try selling it yourself, after reading a book … Continued
Way to Save #83: Time Your Home Purchase
October, November and December are the hardest months to sell a house, making them the best months to buy one.
3 Tips to Lower Your Rent
As the foreclosure wave crests in many parts of the country, many people who used to own homes are joining the ranks of renters. But whether you’re new or experienced to renting, it pays to know some tips that can help you with the cost.
Way to Save #82: Buy Stocks Direct
You can buy nearly 1,000 different stocks by going direct to the company that issues them. While the fees charged for doing this vary from company to company, they are often much less than the fees you’d pay by going through a broker. DRIP refers to dividend reinvestment plans that allow you to reinvest quarterly … Continued
Lessons For Landlords
According to the National Association of Realtors, last year Americans bought nearly 2 million homes not to live in, but for investment. Which means many of those homes will become rental properties. Will all the new landlords be ready?
Way to Save #81: Don't Buy "Load" Mutual Funds
A “load” refers to a commission, and there’s no reason for you to ever pay one. If you’re buying a mutual fund through a financial advisor of any kind (except ones you pay by the hour), you’re undoubtedly going to pay a load. Do your own research, buy your own funds, and don’t pay a … Continued
Way to Save #80: Get A Retirement Plan
Join your employer’s voluntary retirement plan, especially if it offers a match. After your debts are paid off, saving through a retirement plan has some great advantages, like investing automatically and being able to defer the taxes on the money you make. Even before you pay off your debts, you should enroll in a plan … Continued
It’s Time to Purchase Like It’s 1999
With prices falling on everything from houses to boats, if you’re lucky enough to have money in the bank, there are definitely bargains to be had.
Way to Save #79: Know The Lingo
When we shop for credit cards, or any loans for that matter, the focus is always on the interest rate you’re being charged. While that’s obviously the main thing, it’s not the only thing. In the case of credit cards, you also need to inquire about “grace period.” That’s the period of time you have … Continued
Way to Save #78: Check For "Stealth" Fees
Hidden fees abound in credit cards. They include fees for going over your credit limit, transferring your balance to another company and paying late. The only way you have of finding out about these fees is to call the issuer or read the microscopic print found on the original disclosure paperwork or monthly statements. You … Continued
Way to Save #77: Give Yourself Credit
If you’re going to have credit cards, get the best possible deals. If you pay off your balance every month, get a card with no fee. If you don’t, get the lowest possible interest rate, but don’t forget to include any annual fees in the interest price you’re paying. You can find good credit card … Continued
Way to Save #76: Balance Your Checking Account
Estimates of people who don’t bother to reconcile their checking accounts range from 6% to 20%. If you don’t keep track of what’s in your account, you should just carry cash. Because sooner or later, you’re going to be paying giant fees for bounced checks!
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