Spend Less - Save More
Think you’re a pretty savvy saver? Good for you. For pros and novices alike, here
is a laundry list of ways to save, every day.
Travel
For air travel, be flexible with dates and travel on non-business, off-peak days
like Saturdays and Thursdays—you’ll probably find cheaper fares. Search budget travel
sites on the Web for low fares, but check individual carriers’ sites before you
buy. You might find a better deal. Need a rental car? Shop around via phone and
the Internet—rates can be very competitive. And don’t pay for extra insurance—check
with your auto insurance carrier first.
Repairs and Gasoline
Don’t skip routine maintenance service. Well-maintained engines and tires equal
lower fuel costs. Watch your mileage. Plan car trips wisely to avoid unnecessary
driving, and drive the economy car for longer treks, not the gas-guzzling SUV. Find
the cheapest gasoline station in your area and make it your regular pit stop.
Banking
Still paying for checking? You don’t have to. Find a bank that offers free checking
and free online bill paying. More and more banks are adding these benefits to stay
competitive, so shop around and save money (not to mention time and stamps!) And
never pay ATM fees. Always use your bank’s machines or the cash-back option at retailers
that don’t add a fee, like grocery stores. Consider this: If you pay a $1.50 ATM
fee, twice a week, for a year, you’ll throw away $156. Ouch!
Movies
Hit the matinee, not the nighttime showing. Bring your own snacks (no one will care
so long as you’re neat and tidy.) Better yet, watch first run movies for free! Check
with local radio stations and newspapers—they often have tickets to free sneak previews
to use as giveaways. Ask how you can score them.
Energy
Install a programmable thermostat or simply adjust the setting manually before you
leave for long periods of time. Call your local utility company and ask if they
give free home energy inspections. Many do, and will also install additional insulation
for you. They’ll even add the cost to your monthly bill, bit by bit, so you don’t
have to pay for it all at once, up front. The money you save will pay for the service
in no time.
Food
You know the culprit—eating out. Enjoy special nights out occasionally, but eat
most meals at home. And bring lunches to work. Make a meal plan and a list to use
at the supermarket— it will stop you from buying things you don’t need. Use coupons
to give you meal ideas and save money.
Insurance
Think about raising your deductibles on home and car insurance, and consider dropping
collision if your vehicle is paid for. But don’t drop disability insurance—should
you get hurt, it could be the only way to avoid financial catastrophe. Shop around
to make sure you’re getting the lowest rates.
Clothing
Plan your shopping needs. The last thing you want to do is impulse buy. List your
clothing needs and wants, then stick to them. Buy for quality, not fads. And buy
things that will coordinate with what you already have.