Way to Save #11: Don't Shop Alone

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

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.

Dealing With Debt: Bankruptcy

This year, estimates are that nearly 500,000 Americans will file for bankruptcy. It’s one way to deal with debt, but who should file and how does it work?

Dealing With Debt: Credit Counseling

You see it advertised: cut your interest rates in half, get help paying off your debts. Can credit counseling help you deal with debt?

Way to Save #9: Always Use A List

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.

Manage Your 401(K) in 1 Minute

Millions of Americans are upside down in their 401(k) or other retirement plan. Are you ready for a one-minute lesson that’s going to make you a better investor?

Way to Save #8: Holiday Sales

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Facing Foreclosure? Turn The Tables On Your Bank

With more and more homeowners falling behind on their mortgages, many are seeking help in unconventional ways.

Way to Save #1: Carry a Memo Pad

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

Are Credit Card Protection Plans Worth It?

Protection plans will make your payments if you loose your job, but are they worth it?

Lower Your Cable Bill In 5 Minutes

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

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

New Credit Card Law May Be Costly

It’s safe to say that the credit card bill of rights represents a victory of consumers over banks. But the battle’s not over yet. Three ways the new law could cost you.

5 Great Free Software Programs

If you’re reading this post, then you’re using a computer. But a computer is nothing but a box without software. Fortunately, that software doesn’t have to be expensive. Here are our 5 favorite free software programs…

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