More Money-Saving Tips Around The House

If you don’t have it, you can’t spend it:

• Open a checking account that automatically places a certain amount of money in your savings account each month.  Knowing that you have $75 or $100 less to spend a month makes you watch your spending much more closely.
• Leave the credit cards at home and pay cash.  While you are paying down your balances, closely monitor the rate your credit cards companies are charging.  If asked, a customer service agent will ordinarily lower the percentage charged if a customer always pays on time and typically pays more than the minimum fee.  Never, but never, pay only the minimum fee if you want to bring down your credit card balance.
• If you pay for your own health insurance and have a high deductible, let your doctor’s office know. It may bill you less than it would otherwise.

Plan ahead:

• Make a list and stick to it when going to the grocery store or big-box discounters.  Don’t shop for groceries when hungry. 
• Comparison shop over the Internet for big ticket items like dishwashers and heating/air-conditioning units.  Check with the Better Business Bureau and Angie’s List to make sure the firm selling you these products is trustworthy.
• Set a weekly food and sundries budget and stick to it, each family member writing down the amount paid for groceries, at vending machines, and for meals and beverages purchased at restaurants. 
• Don’t clip coupons for something you wouldn’t buy anyway.  Buy generic and house brands and over-the-counter medicines, always reading labels listing ingredients and comparing prices. When grocery shopping, look at goods placed on shelves above and below eye level. 

Conserve energy:

• Unplug cell phone chargers and all small appliances when not in use.
• During the summer, make sure the attic fan keeps turning.  It doesn’t take as much energy to cool a home when the air is already circulating.  Of course, if possible, only heat or air-condition a portion of the home as necessary.
• Check tire pressure and oil periodically since they affect gas mileage.
• If you have radically changed your driving habits and are driving less, let your auto insurance agent know since this will lower your rates.

Socialize:

• When eating out bring a friend: split the entree and share the dessert.
• Senior citizens (and in some cases, this means anyone over 50) don’t be shy about asking for discounts when dining out and travelling.  Some retailers have senior discounts days during the week.
• Friends tell friends about sales and other bargains.  It pays to network!