There are many ways to save money. Here are just a few for you
to consider:
1. Use the library. You can borrow not only books but also videos,
audiotapes and CDs.
2. Ask your credit card company to waive your
annual fee, or change your credit card to one that doesn't charge
an annual fee. 3. Find a credit card with the lowest interest
rate through CreditUnionRate.com 4.Pay your entire credit card balance monthly.
5. If you use a cellular phone, shop around
and get the best plan for the calls you actually make and receive.
Don't pay for time and features you don't use. 6. Ask your telephone long-distance carrier
to give you its best rate or else change carriers. If you get
a six-month introductory rate, call the carrier after six months
to ask that it be continued.
7. Use the ATM machine at your own credit union
to avoid paying a service charge. Or find out where the shared
service credit unions are located. 8. Buy generic brands at the supermarket and
clip coupons if you have the time. 9. Don't buy a higher grade of gasoline than
your car's manufacturer recommends, and rotate your tires as
recommended. 10. Use public transportation. 11. Turn the heat down when you're out of the
house all day. 12. Don't pay for cable TV if you can rent movies
for less than your monthly cable bill 13. Buy a used car instead of a brand-new one.
A car depreciates in value most during the first year or two.
14. Shop around periodically to check comparable rates on your
auto and home insurance. 15. You can probably save $1,000 a year by taking
your lunch to work. 16. Pay all your bills the first day of the
month to avoid late charges. 17. Don't buy life insurance unless you need
it (that is, if you have dependents). 18. The IRS doesn't pay interest on your money,
so don't use big refunds as a way to 'save.' 19. If you itemize deductions on your tax return,
be very diligent about saving receipts on everything that may
be tax-deductible. Even little expenses add up to a savings
on your tax bill. 20. Buy items out of season, when they are on
sale. 21. Take the good clothes you are just tired
of wearing to a consignment shop and shop for something that's
new to you while you're there. 22. Use a debit card from your credit union
if you have a problem controlling your urge to overspend on
your credit card. It's the same as if you were writing a check,
so be sure to enter each use in your check register in order
to keep track of your balance. 23. See if there is a credit union you can join.
Credit unions often have free checking and better interest rates
for car loans, and they may even give you some interest on your
checking account. If your job doesn't offer a credit union,
check your academic or religious affiliations; family members
are also often eligible. 24. Find the lowest airfare and hotel prices
by doing research online. 25. Always ask hotels for their best rate when
you make a reservation. You may be pleasantly surprised. |
