Moneyning How To Save Money Ebook v1.4

How to Save Money on Everything v1.
4 By: MoneyNing
Updated: 7/8/11
Table of Contents
Introduction.......................................................................................................................................... 6 How to Save Money Every Month.................................................................................................... 7 Saving Money On Your Groceries................................................................................................. 10 Giving Gifts for the Holidays on a Budget................................................................................... 12 Saving Money on Air Travel........................................................................................................... 15 Saving Money on Childcare............................................................................................................. 17 College Tuition is Expensive; Planning Ahead Helps Save Money...................................... 22 Dont Overspend When Buying a Car.......................................................................................... 25 Saving Money on Credit Card Fees and APRs............................................................................ 27 Buying a New Computer Without Spending Too Much.......................................................... 29 Saving Money on Your Household Bills...................................................................................... 31 For Golfing Enthusiasts, Saving Money Can Be Tough............................................................ 33 Can You Save Money While Skiing?.............................................................................................. 35 How to Save Money When Going Out to Dinner....................................................................... 38 Cutting Costs on Cruises.................................................................................................................. 40 Having a Baby on a Budget............................................................................................................. 43 Dealing with Diapers and Baby Supplies on a Budget............................................................ 46 Purchasing School Supplies on the Cheap................................................................................. 48 Saving Money on Furniture............................................................................................................ 50 Save Money on your First Date and Dont Look Cheap Doing It.......................................... 53 Moving for Less.................................................................................................................................. 55 6 Tips to Save Money when Purchasing Appliances............................................................... 58 Cutting Costs on Cell Phone Contracts........................................................................................ 62 Dont Pay for Books and Magazines............................................................................................. 64
Presented by MONEYNING.COM
Saving Money on Electricity........................................................................................................... 66 Drop Pounds, not Dollars with your Gym Memberships....................................................... 68 Cutting Your Costs While in College............................................................................................. 70 Saving Money while Doing Laundry............................................................................................ 72 Budgeting to Save Money on Bills................................................................................................. 74 How to Cut Costs with Air Conditioning...................................................................................... 76 Dont Pour Your Money Away on Your Water Bill................................................................... 78 Get Frugal on Gas to Save Cash All Year Long........................................................................... 80 Two Months Salary? Not on Engagement Rings....................................................................... 82 Dont Spend the Farm on Entertainment................................................................................... 84 How to Save on Rental Cars ........................................................................................................... 86 How to Save Money on Tires.......................................................................................................... 88 How to Save Money on Filing Taxes............................................................................................. 90 Be Smart with Textbooks and Save Some Money.................................................................... 92 TV Service Doesnt Have to Be Expensive.................................................................................. 94 Wipe Out Excessive Spending On Toilet Paper......................................................................... 96 Save Some Money on Transportation......................................................................................... 98 Saving Money on Car Ownership.................................................................................................. 99 Finding the Best Deals When Buying Electronics................................................................. 101 Remodeling Your Home and Not Your Bank Account.......................................................... 103 Landscaping for Less...................................................................................................................... 105 Saving Money on Any Insurance................................................................................................. 107 Finding Ways to Save for Veterinary Care............................................................................... 109 Saving Money on Household Bills.............................................................................................. 111 Dont Drop a Bundle on Baby Products.................................................................................... 113 How much should you spend on Braces?................................................................................. 116
Decrease your Spending on Dry Cleaning............................................................................... 118 Make Organic Food Affordable................................................................................................... 120 Office Supplies on a Budget.......................................................................................................... 122 Saving Money on Prescription Drugs........................................................................................ 124 Enjoy your Pets and Save Money at the Same Time............................................................. 126 Spend Less on Baby Formula....................................................................................................... 129 Dont Dispose of your Money when Buying Diapers............................................................ 131 Shipping for Less - Saving Money Year Round....................................................................... 133 Slashing Spending on School Supplies...................................................................................... 135 Enjoying your Prom on a Budget................................................................................................ 137 Dont Pay Top Dollar on Video Games...................................................................................... 139 Planning Funerals Without Spending Too Much................................................................... 141 Buying Batteries without Busting the Budget........................................................................ 143 How to Reduce the Expense of Gasoline.................................................................................. 145 Save Money on Clothes for the Whole Family........................................................................ 147 Save Money on Beauty Products................................................................................................ 149 Cutting Costs on Car Rentals........................................................................................................ 151 Closing Costs Dont Have to Drain You of Cash....................................................................... 153 Save Money While Traveling to Business Meetings............................................................. 155 Work Lunches Dont have to Be Boring or Expensive.......................................................... 157 Get a Charge from Saving on Batteries..................................................................................... 159 4 Ways You Can Save with a Second Mortgage Application............................................... 161 Dont Get Taken for a Ride with Full Price Train Tickets................................................... 163 Cheap Computer Monitors are Just Fine.................................................................................. 165 Buy Jeans at Full Price? Never!.................................................................................................. 167 Now Makes for a Good Time to Save on Real Estate............................................................. 169
Pajamas on the Cheap 3 Ways to Save Money On Sleepwear.........................................171 Get Sports Tickets to the Big Game Without Spending a Fortune.................................... 173 Get your Concert Tickets for a Steal.......................................................................................... 175 Stock up on Fabric for Less than You Expect.......................................................................... 177 How Much Should You Spend on Cologne/Perfume?........................................................... 179 Attending Tradeshows and Conventions on a Livable Budget.......................................... 181 Saving on Breakfast; Starting the Day Right........................................................................... 184 Bargain Priced Massage Can be Good for your Body and Wallet.....................................186 Cheaper China for Your Home.................................................................................................... 188 Dont Allow Gas to Guzzle Up your Budget.............................................................................. 190 Expensive Yoga Isnt More Relaxing!........................................................................................ 192 Produce Portraits without Puncturing your Budget............................................................ 194 Buy Needed Bus Tickets for Less................................................................................................ 196 What Should You Know to Save on Gym Memberships?..................................................... 198 Finding a Way to Make Dance Lessons Affordable............................................................... 200 How Incorporating Can Save You Money................................................................................. 202 Getting Affordable Legal Advice is Possible............................................................................ 204 Can You Save Money Preparing Taxes?.................................................................................... 207 Save a Bundle on a Bundle of Pots and Pans........................................................................... 209 Can You Save on Pool Cleaning?................................................................................................. 211 See Your Way Clear to Savings on Windshield Wipers........................................................ 213 Car Detailing Without Cleaning Out the Bank Account....................................................... 215 Saving on Light Bulbs a Bright Idea........................................................................................ 218 Save Money Where the Rubber Meets the Road Car Tires.............................................. 220
Introduction
No matter what anyone says about the recession, many workers are still struggling to earn an honest living. I asked around for help in putting together this ebook, which focuses on saving money for the average Joe (thats you and me!). The aim is to end up with a huge collection of tips and tricks to save money on everyday activities that everyone can benefit from. Im tired of paying for everything and Im sure you are too. The digital version is free and it will always be that way. Note that this is a work in progress and far from finish. Look for my updates on new versions and let me know if you ever want to help write on a few topics. Hope this helps, David (MoneyNing)
How to Save Money Every Month

Click Here to Read This Online Its easy to stop pulling out the wallet every once in a while and declare triumph, but dont kid yourself we know its the recurring expenses that really drown us into debt. The monthly expenses are what most people neglect because they are subconsciously trained to ignore it after seeing the same line item month after month after month. Let me tell you the truth. Its the area thats most beneficial to look into because you work on eliminating it once and you are saving money every month. Want to know where to start? Heres the tip of the iceberg. The Usual and Important Bills to Cut Every Month
Cell Phone Remember me getting a few hundred dollars for switching cell phone carriers? What I didnt mention is that many people are starting to look into prepaid plans as well. The per minute cost may be high but if you never experienced having your ears burn because you talk too much on the phone, you probably can save some money by paying as you go. Home Phone I dont have a home phone and I have no idea why the business model still exists. Do you have one still? Thats so 1980s Internet Have you looked into the different technology (and thus, options) available to you? Could you actually buy an Internet capable phone and hook it up to a PC (a feature known as tethering) to get essentially the same service for a fraction of the cost? TV The case is made countless times but I bet many of you still pay way too much for your favorite shows. There are many legal ways to watch TV online like hulu.com and if you are a movie buff, theres always Netflix. Gym Membership Gym? Do you actually go? Most people are going after a healthy and fit body instead of becoming a muscle man (or lady). The fittest
people are always the ones who go out to jog every day. They run on the road, on the beach and in the parks. You dont need to smell other peoples sweat and pay a bunch of money just to stay fit right?
Clubs, Newsletters, Subscriptions Enough said. Unless they provide real value, stop paying for it! Electricity Many tricks we know, but in order to save money every month, we have to change our habits! Turn off the lights and electronics whenever its not needed, dial down the water heater to 112 degrees, open the windows instead of using A/C are all simple ways to not only save but to put less strain on the overall environment. Pills Its easy to switch your subscriptions to generic brands and best of all, its almost always cheaper. (Stole this tip from Frugal Dad. Check out his list at the bottom of the post) Cars Oil changes and regular maintenance may be out of your league but wash your own cars. Please! Insurance Companies Call the representatives regularly and see if there is a better deal (remember their competition as well). If everyone does this, it may even create more jobs!
Activities You Should Try
Stop Bringing Your Credit Card Out for a Month At first, you will feel very restricted but you will slowly realize where you are spending money on. Its amazing that we remember our purchases so much better when we pay in cash! Try Paying All Your Bills by Check for 3 Months Stop all the automation for 3 months and see what happens. When you have to spend time to handle payments, you will find a way to cut out the ones that arent absolutely necessary.
Pretend You are Broke for 2 Months The ramen days are over but that doesnt mean the hard earned money that we have should go to waste. Try it. Its quite fun (I lived with $34.01 a week once and learned a few things) Add Up All Your Monthly Recurring Subscription Cost for the Year Its amazing how pricing strategy works. $37 a month is actually closer to $450 a year. Its not that cheap after all. Check Your Credit Card Statements One of the worst money suckers are the ones that automatically charge our credit cards. Its no wonder why my credit card balance is 4 digits every month and I left the card in the freezer!
What Do You Do to Save Money Every Month? I know you have some great tips and tricks. Share with others!
Saving Money On Your Groceries

Click Here to Read This Online Groceries are unavoidable because we all have to eat. There are many ways to save money while shopping for groceries, but some are more consistent than others. If you are feeding a large family, it is even more important to cut costs where you can, or this can easily become your largest monthly expense. Coupons Coupons are great, but only if they are for a product you already use. Many websites will offer you large numbers of coupons for filling out their questionnaires and agreeing to try several offers, but that, in the end, rarely does much for you. If you get a weekly newspaper, you should definitely take a look at the coupons, but only clip those for products that you use. Purchasing something you wont use because you have a coupon isnt helpful. The next trick with coupons is to try to match them up with sales at the supermarket. If you purchase an item for $1.50, originally selling for $2 and use a buy one, get one coupon, you drop the price to $0.75 a piece, which is considerable savings. If you can do the same thing on double coupon days, the price drops is even more significant. Stocking up and Planning When foods you commonly use go on sale, purchase in bulk. Recently, General Mills cereals were on sale at the local supermarket. $1.50 a box is cheaper than generic brands, so I went and picked up 10 boxes of each cereal my kids liked. Each 10 boxes qualified for an additional $5.00 off, so I ended up paying only a dollar a box for name brand cereals. They dont spoil and we will eat them for a couple of months.
10
Once you have the weekly circulars, plan your menu for the next week. Focus on the lower priced specials. If ground beef is on sale, you might plan hamburgers one night, chili another and spaghetti with meat sauce a third. You get three good meals for less. If you set aside leftovers as part of the meal plan for the week, then let your kids know; mine have a habit of eating anything they find in the fridge if not warned in advance. Warehouse Stores Check out the warehouse stores with an eye towards prices. Take the flyers from the supermarket with you because some things are cheaper at the warehouse. For example, tuna could be at $1 per can versus $1.69 at most markets, but others are more expensive. Also, you will be tempted to purchase more than you need, and if you dont use it, the waste adds to the cost. Warehouses are a great place to get discounts on prescriptions and meats. You have to be willing to portion out the meats on you own since they come in large quantities and most people dont need six pounds of hamburger at one time. Freeze things quickly to avoid spoilage. Some cheeses and milk will freeze well, too. Finally, when shopping for groceries, stick to seasonal produce. Cantaloupe may be a $1 a piece in the summer, but $4 in the winter. Local produce is also cheaper and if you eat a lot of it, you might want to look into a CSA farm where you can buy a share for the season. Groceries are one of the best areas in which to cut back if your family budget needs a bit of updating, so get working!
11
Giving Gifts for the Holidays on a Budget

Click Here to Read This Online Here they come again: the holidays. For some reason, even those of us who manage to keep a tight rein on the budget the other 11 months of the year lose control at the sound of a Christmas bell. The bills roll in come February and then the trouble really starts, but all is forgotten by November and the cycle starts again. If you still have at least a faint memory of those dreadful bills, here are some great ways to save a bit of green and still have a great holiday. Make things I know it sounds cliche, but there is no reason not to plan ahead and make some gifts this year. Everyone has some talent they can use, be it knitting, baking, or computer skills. Use these skills to create a unique gift for your loved ones and friends. Last year I started in August and made a pair of hand knit socks for each friend. I got the yarn at an outlet store and I had a lovely gift for less than $10 a person. My friend hit the fabric store and picked up fleece on sale with a coupon. She made tie blankets for everyone for about the same amount. These gifts are more personal and less expensive than any of the junk you can find at the mall. Form a Gift Exchange Group Do you have a number of common friends in your circle? Create a gift exchange circle. Set a price limit and have a random pot to see who purchases for whom. Plan a pot luck dinner at someones home a week before the holiday, so it doesnt conflict with family plans, and exchange the gifts. I, for one, would much rather spend $20 for a single decent gift than have to purchase eight $3 gifts. It strains my creativity less, not to mention my wallet.
12
Dealing with the Teacher Issue Come the holidays, kids are faced with a need to purchase something for each of their teachers. Thankfully, this ridiculous trend ends with elementary school. I have had years where each of my three children had between 6-13 teachers. Can you imagine what that would have cost? Instead of having a million little cheap gifts to present to the teachers, one parent coordinated a collection. With 30 students in the class we were able to give the main teacher a $50 gift certificate and then add a $30 gift certificate with a very small individual contribution. Yes, this takes a bit of coordination and time, but is well worth it. What about Work? Fortunately, many employers are placing a moratorium on gift giving for the holiday season. If you find that you have to give a gift, try to purchase an appropriate gift certificate when the store or restaurant is offering a special. Many places offer an additional $5-10 of gift money when you purchase $100. Split that total onto several cards. It isnt extravagant, but it is a nice gift that doesnt cost too much. Pre-shopping If you know well in advance who will be on your shopping list, you can always pick things up throughout the year to lessen the blow at years end. One of the catches is keeping the receipt to prevent problems with necessary exchanges. Others include not being able to estimate sizes that far in advance, remembering where you stored that gift, and opting not to exchange with those people by the time Christmas rolls around. The holidays are a stressful period and adding financial problems to them doesnt help. No matter what you do, set yourself an affordable budget and stick to it. You wont
13
regret leaving that porcelain Santa on the shelf nearly as much as you will paying 1826% interest in February.
14
Saving Money on Air Travel

Click Here to Read This Online In an age where every airline is cutting back and cutting corners, is it still possible to save money on airfare? The answer is a resounding YES! It just depends on your ability to plan ahead, follow a few basic rules, and show some flexibility. When you travel for business, it is much more difficult to save money than it is when you travel for pleasure. Business trips usually have a set itinerary, but vacations can be massaged a bit to get the best prices. If your trip involves a flight, wait to make hotel reservations until you have managed to find the flight prices you need, since they are often the most expensive part of a trip. Basic Strategies 1. Be flexible. If you insist on flying during peak hours on busy days, you will pay a lot more than if you are willing to fly mid week. Consider smaller airports since they often have better rates, although the planes are often smaller as well. Dont insist on direct flights; flights with connections can be less expensive. 2. Book early, but make sure you can get a better fare later. Many companies offer to match a fare if it goes down after your purchase. Keep an eye on the prices yourself, since no airline is likely to volunteer to refund you money. Booking early gives you the best options on seating, cheaper fares, and flexible scheduling the majority of the time, so don't always wait for last minute deals. 3. Comparison shop. There are multitudes of discount fare websites available, and while their prices are similar, they arent identical; one even gives you the option of stating your maximum price, which is a little strange. Once you have found the best price you can on a general search site, go to the specific airline site, as they may offer additional web based discounts that you cant get anywhere else.
15
4. Consider all the fees. Airlines are now trying to coax you into purchasing their "featured fare" over other fares that seem similar. Before you commit, check to see the final price after taxes, airport fees, and critically, baggage fees. One airline may offer a price that is $20 less per ticket, but then end up being more expensive by charging $25 a bag. Take two bags each and it really adds up. Other Strategies Look at package deals, especially if you are heading to a common vacation destination. You can often get a hotel and car included in your plans if you book ahead, saving yourself a nice amount of money. Some packages provide free room and board for children traveling with a parent. While it isnt a direct airfare savings, it does reduce the overall cost of a vacation. Consider traveling after the areas "season". Heading to big resorts even a week after the season is over can result in a 25% savings or more. If you have children who havent begun school or no children at all, waiting an extra week makes good sense. An additional benefit is that you will find fewer people at your destination, and a more relaxed environment overall. Air travel is a wonderful way to see distant places and enjoy new scenery. With a bit of work, some flexibility and an adventurous approach, you too can find some significant savings.
16
Saving Money on Childcare

Click Here to Read This Online Making ends meet is more difficult than ever. For families that need childcare, the expenses can be overwhelming. Good childcare is expensive, but it's not like bad childcare to save a few dollars is an option. Finding a solution can involve some creativity, but the good news is that it can be done. Family Options Clearly, the cheapest solution is to find a family member who is willing to lend a hand. Retired grandparents, if they are young enough and healthy, are a great resource. Offer to barter services like yard work or errands in return for their generosity. Other relatives, if they have young children at home, may be open to taking your children too, for a much more reasonable sum than a stranger. Best of all, I'm sure you'll feel much safer that your children is in the hands of someone you know. Share a Nanny If you have a good friend with young children who is also returning to work, you might be able to share a nanny. Go through the whole interview process together; determine how much each person pays, what happens if one of you run late, and figure out transportation arrangements, etc. Put everything in writing and make sure you do a criminal check on your prospective nanny. Arrange a Baby Sitting Cooperative Many mothers return to the work force part-time; at least at first. If you can get three or four such women in a group, each of you can take care of the kids one day a week and work the rest of the week knowing that someone who cares is watching your child. The children benefit from a different set of toys to play with each day. The best part is that this kind of arrangement is usually free.
17
Tax Savings If your employer participates in a child care flexible account, set aside the money you need for the year in advance. This way you avoid paying taxes on child care expenses. Sometimes family friendly employers have an agreement with a local day care center and their employees can get a discount for using the facility. Other such employers are also generally willing to work with you to set up a job sharing schedules or telecommuting part-time. Revamping the Schedule If you just cant find a child care situation that seems reasonable and affordable, you may find yourself making a difficult choice. Working different hours means that at least one parent is home at all times with the children. This kind of arrangement is difficult for both parents, since it really cuts into a couples time. Fortunately, this period in your childrens lives is relatively short, and many people find relief that they are doing this for the children that they love. Shop Around Finally, if you cant rearrange schedules and need to use a day care center; shop around. Some public schools offer cheap or free day care for neuro-typical kids enrolled in a Head Start program. This is a great environment and learning experience for all the kids. The YMCA or the local church is likely to be cheaper than a private corporation, even if the curriculum may be targeted. Older kids can attend a half day pre-k or kindergarten program and then join a half day daycare program, which will halve your costs. Finding a good environment for your children that is affordable can be challenging, but it is well worth the effort to know that your kids are safe, happy, and well cared for.
18
How to Save Money on Weddings

Click Here to Read This Online I still remember the first time I realized the true power of my wifes money saving skills. On our wedding, my wife probably saved us an amount in the five digits. As a result, we had a spectacular wedding that cost pennies on the dollar. Do you want to know how to save money on your wedding as well? This article is for you.
Picking the Venue for Your Wedding

One of the most important decisions you will make for the big day is the location of your banquet. Are you looking for a venue that has great views, or are you more of an indoor person? Before you look at go to each location to ask for pricing, figure out your preference so you can rate it against the prices you are quoted. One of the tricks that people seem to use is to give you an ultra low price to grab your attention. As you inquire further, everything will seem to cost extra. Forks? Add X to the total. Want fish instead of beef? $$$. Thats why it makes sense to go to the venues several different times. On the first visit, let them give you the sales talk so you get a feel for whats available and to get a quote. Then gather all the information and figure out what youd like in your wedding. Once you have a general idea, make a list with everything youd like for the wedding and go back and ask for a price. Otherwise, you will never be able to compare apples to apples. Wedding Planners vs Wedding Coordinators There are wedding planners and there are wedding coordinators. The planners help you plan the wedding before the wedding, while the coordinator will help you organize what happens on the day of the wedding. Most wedding planners will do both, so make sure you know what exactly you are paying for. For those who have budget concerns, do not use a wedding planner because everything can be done yourself. However, coordinators are money well spent because he/she will help make sure all details are executed on the
19
day of the wedding. Do you really want to be worrying about whether the flowers arrived or the tables are setup? Furthermore, paying for a wedding coordinator means you can bounce ideas off of the person, which means more help on the planning side. Saving on Wedding Dresses Vera Wang dresses are amazing but not everyone can afford owning one. For those that dont mind, renting wedding dresses may be for you. Before you commit, make sure to ask around to find a reputable company to rent from to avoid hassle. Also, rentals should be available to be picked up a few days before and they should also be adjusted (to a limited degree) to fit you. Also, make sure you understand the terms (if it gets damaged for example) and see what your liabilities are. If at any point you arent comfortable with the company you are dealing with, go somewhere else. Photographers and Videographers There are people who will take photographs for free and there are ones who you can spend the rest of your life working for because they charge an arm and a leg. Look, good photography is worth every penny as you will be looking at your wedding pictures for years so find a person who can take those types of pictures. Anything more than that is probably too much for you if budget is a concern. Video is another story and it all depends on how many times you are going to actually watch the show. Once? Twice? Maybe even ten times in your life. Balance your budget accordingly. How to be Cheap on Flowers without Getting Caught Flowers make everything look better and vendors know this. Thats why they will charge you extra if you tell them its for a wedding. Instead, talk to your wedding coordinator and your married friends to see if they know of wholesale flower markets where the vendors themselves go. If there are ones around your area, you can just go there and
20
buy them yourself. They usually look like the Costco for flowers, and everything is so much cheaper. Makeup Specialist Some brides like to change clothes during the wedding, which means different makeups. On our wedding, we actually flew someone from Taiwan over here to help us and it still turned out cheaper than hiring one in the states. Why? The artist in Taiwan charged for the entire trip while everyone here wanted to be paid every time he/she picks up the brush. On the big day, we didnt have to worry about being nickle and dimed, not to mention that she followed my wife the entire day was fixing my wifes look. Obviously, not everyone have access to people in a different country but do you have a friend who is in the industry? Try asking around (like your hair stylist for example) to see if there are anyone who can help. Chairs, Ribbons and Others Where do you get deals? Forget wedding places. Look for party shops for ribbons, furniture rental places for chairs and everything that has nothing to do with getting married. Be creative. Any vendor that tailors their business to that big day will overcharge, guaranteed. Save Money on Wedding Favors The most creative and cheapest wedding favors are actually ones that you make yourself. Rev up your creativity and dont be lazy. Anything Else Off the top of my head, these are some of the ways you can save money on your wedding. Are there anything else you are wondering about? Comment below and I will add to the article.
21
College Tuition is Expensive; Planning Ahead Helps Save Money

Click Here to Read This Online The price of a college education is going up so fast it is hard to keep track of the expenses. Between tuition, room, board, supplies, texts, and other activities, the final price tag can overwhelm most families. If you have more than one child, you really need to find the best money management strategies and ways to reduce costs. Here are a few suggestions that will give you a good start. State Schools vs. Private Universities Princeton University, a prestigious private university charged over $34,000 in tuition alone this year. Compare that to University of California at Berkley which only charged $9,000 for the same quality education for in-state residents. This isnt to say that private universities dont provide a top notch education for their exorbitant price; it just means that you can get an excellent education at a state school, too, and save a lot of money. Another good option for students struggling financially is to start out at a junior college. Take two years of classes there before you transfer your credits to a state school. Credits cost much less, you can live at home and work at the same time. You are also less likely to waste huge sums of money drinking and partying: favorite student pastimes at traditional four year colleges. Tax Free Savings If you know you want to help someone go to college, start saving right away in a 529 savings plan. These funds are tax free and you can save between $100,000 and $270,000 per recipient. With no limitations on age or income levels, you can begin this savings account at any point, no matter how much you earn.
22
Loans, Scholarships, Grants, Oh My! The rules for getting college loans have eased up considerably in the last decade or so. It is now possible for just about anyone accepted to a college program to qualify for a student loan of some sort. Grants are often given on a per-needs basis and scholarships are available for everything under the sun. If you are serious about attending college, you generally know this by the time you enter high school. Apply for every scholarship you can qualify for to accumulate funds in advance, and keep those grades up and activities current. Getting in is the first part of the battle. Once you get to college, you need to continue saving money if you want your stash to last through four years. Textbooks One of the biggest unavoidable expenses is textbooks. It isnt unusual to find yourself assigned several books each running $100 or more per semester. Dont buy new if at all possible; there is a thriving used book market online. If you cant purchase the book you need, or it is still too expensive, see if someone else just finished up that class last term and if you can borrow their book. If that doesnt work, most teachers leave at least a few copies of the text at the library. You may not be able to take it out, but you can read it there. Food Many universities require freshmen to take a meal plan as part of their first year experience. After that you have more options. If you still want a meal plan, choose one that matches your eating style best. If you are content with a few meals a week and then snack in your room the rest of the time, a punch card is more sensible than a full meal plan. If you live in an apartment setting, bulk cooking save a lot of money, especially if you take the food you cooked along for lunch rather than buying each day.
23
In the end, saving money both on getting into college and at college takes some preparation. It can be done, and a quality education doesnt have to put you in the poor house or in debt for years.
24
Dont Overspend When Buying a Car

Click Here to Read This Online Buying a car is a huge purchase and an investment meant to last for years. Dont let yourself get talked into spending more than you can afford. There are some basic strategies that will help you make good choices and get the best deal you can. The Biggest Markup The easiest place to save the most money has nothing to do with the car itself. Financing is where most car dealerships make their biggest payoffs. It cant be stressed enough that when you go to purchase a car, optimally, you will have the money in hand. Taking a loan is a tremendous waste of money, no matter what the terms are. Of course, if you have to take a loan, fight for the lowest interest rate, and shortest term you can afford. Shop around for the loan, check your bank, other banks, credit unions, your job, family, and the dealership before you commit to anything. Shop Mid-month, Buy End-month It is always a good idea to wait until the end of the month or the end of the model year to purchase your new car, but do your shopping earlier. At the end of the month salespeople are eager to unload cars to make their quotas, and you may get pushed to purchase more than you intended. The same holds true for the end of the model year. On the other hand, if you do your research early in the month you have plenty of time to comparison shop, take test rides and go online to find out just what the car you are considering is worth. Some consumer groups will provide you, for a fee, a complete list of just how much each feature costs the dealership. Start negotiating from that price, not the MSRP.
25
Consider Used Cars Most cars depreciate 30-40% the first two years a car is off the lot. Barring unusual driving conditions, a car that is two years old is usually in great shape. Today, many car companies will allow you to carry over the warranties that came with the car for a nominal fee, if you really want to do so. In general, extended warranties are a waste of money, so dont spend extra for them. Also consider buying used cars from the dealership, as many have started offering their certified pre-own program. These cars also come with its own multi-year warranties as if it were purchased brand new Write Everything Down and Use the Competition When you go to negotiate for a car, take along a pad and be prepared to write down everything the salesperson offers. Aside from the advantage of rattling the inexperienced, this will ensure that everyone stays honest with you. If you get to the point of negotiating a number, get a good faith contract written with a 24-hour guarantee. Take that contract to another dealership or two and try to get a better price. Remember that a car is one of the biggest purchases you are going to make. Investigate the company you will be using with the local Better Business Bureau. Also, ask your friends where they got their cars and if the experience was a good one. In the end, figure out how much you are willing to spend and walk away if the deal isnt the one you want.
26
Saving Money on Credit Card Fees and APRs

Click Here to Read This Online The best advice anyone can give you on credit card fees and APRs is that the easiest way to save money is not to owe money. The conditions in todays market also mean that you can find a credit card that matches the way you spend. If you maintain a balance constantly, it makes more sense to find a card with a low APR, whereas if you pay your balance off monthly, a higher APR with fewer holding fees is a better choice. If You Hold a Balance No one needs to tell you that holding a balance on a credit card is poor money management. Still, most Americans do so regularly. For those, the best credit cards are those that have the lowest APR. If you have a good credit rating you should be able to contact your credit card company and ask for a decrease in rate. Dropping even a few points saves you a great deal of money over the course of the years. It is also advisable that if you have any savings accounts to use them to pay off any credit card debt. Even the best savings accounts are only paying between 1-2% in interest currently. When compared to paying 9-22% interest on a credit card you can clearly see why you would want to pay off debt first. Another option is to take a home equity loan, if you own your home. The catch here is that you are putting your home at risk if you cant repay the loan. The additional benefit is that you can deduct the interest you are paying on a home equity loan from your taxes, something you cant do with credit card interest. If You Pay Your Balance Each Month
27
In this case the interest rate is irrelevant. You pay your balance monthly and you dont accrue any interest charges. Here it makes the best sense to search for a card that offers a no fee option. Some cards want you to pay them for usage, usually annually. These are the charges you want eliminated. Even so, ask for a better rate, if you do end up carrying a balance from time to time on an especially expensive item, it will cost less in interest. Other Strategies Never pay late. With some cards, even one late payment moves you out of the prime interest rates and into higher ones. If you are going to miss your cut off date, call the company and let them know that the money is on the way; often that will forestall changes in interest rates. Avoid fees. Over limit fees, late payment fees, transfer fees and cash advance fees are exorbitant and they add up quickly. If you have ever accidentally overdrawn at the bank, you know what I mean. A simple overdraft of a few dollars suddenly balloons into several hundred. The same situation can apply here. Cash advances usually come with exceptionally high interest rates in addition, a double whammy! Read the Terms and Shop Around The credit card business is just that, a business. They want you to do business with them and prefer that you are the kind of client that carries a balance. Shop around to find the best terms for your needs. Most contracts are only a page or so, so make sure you read them. While most people need to have a credit card for emergency purposes, it still pays to evaluate those credit card fees and APRs before signing on the little line.
28
Buying a New Computer Without Spending Too Much

Click Here to Read This Online As is usually the case in big ticket purchases, the best way to save money buying a new computer is not to buy one. The statement is obvious but it's worth mentioning. If your current computer works fine, it can be much cheaper to spend money on upgrades than on a completely new machine. If you are still determined to purchase a new machine though, here are some things to help you minimize the impact on your budget. Figure Out What You Need Laptops and desktops are available with all the bells and whistles imaginable. A serious online gamer may need the memory and graphics from the high end of the available spectrum. For most users, a much simpler machine can accommodate all our needs and still provide excellent usability. Assess your needs before you go to the store where all those pretty computers will tempt you towards making a purchase that exceeds your parameters. Part of this process is also figuring out what you dont need. Unless you plan to use a webcam constantly, you dont need one as part of your package. Printers are nice, but you can get cheaper ones if you buy them alone. Biometric security features? Fancy but scarcely necessary unless you are a spy or corporate big shot. Minimize as much as possible. Use Rebates and Sales Because computers are a technology that is constantly changing, you can usually find great deals on slightly older models. Whether it is an older version of an operating system, a slower drive or less refined screen, most of us arent going to notice the difference. On the other hand, these are the models that offer the best rebates and are
29
most frequently on sale as stores try to deplete their inventory. Do keep an eye out for computers with rebates that are more than a similar unit without one, though. Refurbished Or Out of the Box There is a growing market for computers that have been returned to the manufacturer for one reason or another. If there is a defect, the manufacturer will repair the unit and return it to the owner. Other computers simply didnt meet their new owners desires and they returned them within the warranty period. Either way, there are some serious savings available on these units. When you buy these, they generally work just like new so it is definitely worth looking at these models. Avoid Extras If you are looking at a desktop, you can avoid a lot of pricey extras. Your current monitor, keyboard and mouse should work just fine with your new CPU, so dont purchase new ones. Extra software added to a standard machine may not be necessary for you, so ask that it not be loaded. Avoid Vista optimization add ons; frankly, I suggest you avoid Vista altogether. Even with a free upgrade, your computer will be faster Windows 7 was freshly installed. Buying a new computer doesnt have to break the bank. Personally, I just got my kids a really nice desktop with a monitor, speakers, and wireless internet for $300, so I know you can do it, too.
30
Saving Money on Your Household Bills

Click Here to Read This Online If you have dealt with a recent shock caused by your water, gas, and electric bills, you understand just how important it is to save on household bills. The rates are going through the roof and winter is around the corner. Finding good ways to cut back without freezing is helpful for just about everyone, so here are some simple ways to save. Electricity Do you remember your parents telling you to turn off lights when you leave a room? Its great advice. Also, turn off other appliances. Your printer, computer, radio, television and coffeemaker all take small amounts of energy to keep running, even in "energy saving" mode. Its a minor detail, but it adds up. For all the controversy about compact florescent bulbs, they do save a lot of energy while still providing the same amount of light. Start by using them in conjunction with standard incandescent bulbs and you wont have such a hard time switching over. You will appreciate not having to change bulbs as often and save money at the same time. When you need to purchase new appliances, look for those with the best energy star ratings. Those appliances are designed to save you energy, and by extension, money. Gas Most new homes are heated with natural gas, and this is a place where prices have risen dramatically in the last few years. There is no other choice, drop your temperature. You really dont need to heat the house any higher than 65 degrees, unless you have
31
very young children or elderly people in your home. You can drop that to 60 degrees at night and pile on the blankets. Another great way to save money is to ask your utility company to come out and do an energy audit of your home. This service is generally free and can give you a great heads up on areas you can improve for reduced costs. Adding insulation pays for itself in a season or two. Shutting the vents in rooms you dont use cuts energy use. Using a programmable thermostat and wrapping your hot water heater all help you save money. Water There are some basic strategies that we all know. Shorten your shower time, dont run the water when brushing your teeth or getting a glass of water and use low flow showerheads and toilets. Other easy fixes include repairing leaking faucets and replacing toilet valves that are leaking. Still, most water in a home is used on watering the lawn during the summer months. If you have a lawn, your best bet is to reduce it significantly and plant things that are more drought tolerant. You can find whole websites dedicated to xeriscaping, the practice of low and no water gardening. This practice is particularly common in the high desert area of Colorado and other mountain states. If you must water, do so early in the morning to reduce evaporation, use drip irrigation where possible, and opt to water less often but for longer, letting water get to the roots. Saving money on your household utilities doesnt have to mean sacrificing your shower time or working with candles. You just have to make small changes to see a big difference in those bills.
32
For Golfing Enthusiasts, Saving Money Can Be Tough

Click Here to Read This Online Golf, for the most part, is an expensive game. Between clubs, balls, green fees, and lessons, the total adds up quickly. Over the years, I've found many ways to save on this ridiculously frustrating, yet addicting game. Equipment You dont need to spend top dollar on clubs to get great equipment. For example, a Big Bertha graphite set will cost you $700 new, but if you purchase them used, you can get them for less than $100 for the same set. Many people believe that it's important to use the same ball, but that says nothing about the need to get them new. If you get cosmetically imperfect balls that work just as well, you can knock 30% off the price. Even better, purchase balls that are logo overruns and get high quality balls for a fraction of their retail price. No boxes with those, but you won't need them anyway. Another great way to save money on equipment is to shop at discount sporting goods stores. Equipment from the previous season often ends up here and you can save 50% and more. Shoes, clubs, bags, and balls all appear on these shelves for a fraction of the price you would pay at the big chain stores. Green Fees and Rentals The most expensive time to golf is in the early part of the day, weekends and holidays. At these hours people swarm the golf course and the rates shoot up. Opt for later hours during the week, which courses often call twilight and super twilight hours. You may not finish 18 holes, but you will get the twilight discount, which could sometimes be as little as 20% of the full price. Weekday tee times are cheaper as well, and if you can get out of work for a few hours, a round of golf is much more reasonably priced.
33
Skip the golf cart and hoof it for even bigger savings. Part of the reason you are golfing is, presumably, to enjoy being outside. Walking gives you time to shake off that bad drive, chat with your friends, and get some exercise as well. If you play a lot, consider getting a membership. The savings in green fees will likely pay off, so do the calculations. Additionally, you dont have to play at the fancy clubs. Many townships have a local course that is just fine for regular play. Improve your skills at a less expensive course and ask for gift certificates for the high priced clubs for your birthday. And speaking of birthdays, some clubs offer birthday discounts, so ask around (I know at least one club near where I live where I can play on my birthday for free). Golf Vacations Golfing vacations are increasingly popular. Some of these trips hit the best courses in the country; others travel to great golfing locations around the world. Go off season. The savings are tremendous when the season ends and resorts are trying to fill rooms. They offer great bonuses, like massages and carts free of charge just to get you to come. Search the internet and you can find some terrific deals and packages. An even better idea is to coax a few of your golfing buddies to come along on the trip. Sharing a room reduces costs for everyone, and you all get a break from work while enjoying something you really like. Just because golf has long been associate with the rich doesnt mean you have to be wealthy to enjoy it. Shop around, use your money wisely, and get out there while still saving money.
34
Can You Save Money While Skiing?

Click Here to Read This Online Skiing is one of the most expensive winter sports available. It may seem like there would be no way to save money and still enjoy a seasons skiing, but believe it or not, with a little planning you can hit the slopes in style and still save yourself some serious dough. Saving on Equipment Costs If you ski more than a couple of times a season, you will definitely want to invest in your own skis and boots. The best time to purchase these is in the early spring, March and April, when stores are trying to get rid of their stock to make room for the summer sporting goods. You can get fantastic deals, sometimes in excess of 50% off if you shop at the right time and are flexible about what you want. It makes sense to shop for boots at night when your feet are at their most swollen. The same applies to purchasing jackets, pants, goggles and all the rest of your equipment. Try to stick with basics. You dont need the newest and hottest colors to ski well, you need warm, comfortable clothes that wick well and keep you protected from the elements. Avoid replacing the whole outfit at one time; space out your purchases, one major item each year, to prevent over spending. Remember to maintain your equipment methodically. Dont put skis away wet, have them tuned regularly and air out your boots. Taking care of equipment means fewer replacements as the years pass. Lift Tickets
35
Lift tickets are one of the biggest expenses you will encounter once you have your equipment. Your best bet if you are going to ski for more than seven days total is almost always the season pass. Many passes are available in October or November and last through the very end of the season, usually early April. For example, at Monarch Mountain, a day ticket costs $54, but a season pass, purchased early is $319. It pays off in just six visits. Another great way to save is to go to less popular destinations like Monarch as opposed to Aspen. At Aspen a one day lift ticket costs $96. Since the resort is better known it draws bigger crowds and you will get fewer runs over the course of the day. Another good way to save money is through the use of coupons. Many coupon books run 2-for-1 specials or offer discounts, so make use of them wherever possible. Bring Your Own Food If you have ever fed a family at a ski lodge, you know that you can spend $10-15 per person on a mediocre lunch. Add in a few hot drinks and you are easily increasing your costs by $100 for a day. Pack your lunch and snacks and purchase your hot chocolate there. You will save a lot of money and still enjoy sipping a hot drink while watching the other skiers when you take a break. Timing If you are going to ski on a per day basis, stick to midweek and early or late season skiing. Out west the ski season usually starts by late October or early November, depending upon snow fall and conditions. It can last well into March or April. The prices for mid-week skiing or non-prime ski season can be as much as 30% less than weekends, holidays and prime season. Even better, the crowds are usually thin so you get in more skiing each day.
36
The fact remains that skiing isnt a cheap hobby. Keeping your expenses down and saving money while enjoying skiing is certainly possible, it just takes some practice.
37
How to Save Money When Going Out to Dinner

Click Here to Read This Online When trying to save money, going out to dinner becomes a real treat. This one is about going out for a great meal, having some fun while keeping your wallet in mind. It takes a little planning and a bit of work, but with some clever strategies, you can still enjoy a good night out. Family Fun Tons of restaurants offer free kids meals with the purchase of adult entrees. There are websites dedicated to helping you find these restaurants in your area. Check around online and keep a list of those restaurants your family likes and when they offer free kids meals. Some restaurants require an adult meal per kid meal; others offer two kids meals for each adult meal. Pick which one suits your families needs best. You can easily spend $20-30 for a family of four at that restaurant with the arches these days, but the same amount of money can mean a good BBQ joint with free meals for the kids and something tastier for the grown ups. Coupons, Coupons, Coupons Whether you find them in the Entertainment Book, the newspaper, or local savings magazines; use them. I recently discovered a great coupon that turns up monthly in our local circulars. A family meal for four, including salad, breadsticks, drinks, and two family sized entrees at a great Italian place for $19.99. Even with a tip, the four of us were full for $25 and have enough leftovers for the three kids to enjoy the food again for lunch. If I take them to another Italian place, I could easily spend three times that for the same amount of food.
38
Many places offer buy one get one free coupons. You need to plan a bit with these, since you are stuck with two people eating the same thing. Though if you can make this work for you, it is a great deal. An extension of the coupon phenomenon is purchasing gift certificates for specific restaurants on discount websites. You can usually pick up the certificate for less than half price, and if you have a promotional code, the deals are even sweeter. With a little luck, I have picked up $25 certificates for $3. Discount Dining If you are going out to eat and cant find a coupon or a deal, avoid the extras. Drinks are marked up a tremendous amount; up to 400% in some cases. Have water or seltzer if it is free, and save your money for the meal. Skip appetizers and desert. That $5.00 piece will buy you a whole cheesecake to eat when you get home. Another option is to make a meal out of appetizers. Truly, the portion of most appetizers is more than enough to fill you, especially for lunch. Share two appetizers with your dining companion and you get variety and a smaller check. Personally, I hate to eat alone and dining out makes it easier. Still, I live on a limited budget and cant waste money on eating out. Seeking out the best deals while still going out to dinner translates to having my cake and eating it too.
39
Cutting Costs on Cruises

Click Here to Read This Online Cruising has become an immensely popular way to get away and see a little bit of somewhere new. Cruises provide food, lodging and entertainment all in one place while taking you out into the ocean; a perfect vacation if it werent for the price. Luckily, there are some easy ways to cut your costs if you plan ahead and know what to look for. Book Early If you book before the season really begins, you will get better prices. The cruise lines want to make sure that their boats are at least partially filled, and will offer discounts to those who book early. Although you can get discounted rates once the cruising season has begun, they are usually not as good as those offered early. Avoid Airfare The worst package you can get is one that combines airfare and the cruise itsel because rarely do you get anything close to a good flight fare. It is common to get multiple connections on your flight, and the times are rarely convenient. Since your cruise wont wait for you no matter when you arrive, pick your own flights, arrive in plenty of time, and save the premium. Shoulder Season Shoulder season refers to the weeks immediately before or after the high season in cruising circles. You are still going to experience wonderful weather and sights, but you avoid the huge crowds that accumulate at favored destinations and you get some killer discounts. Room to Breathe
40
Unless there is something seriously wrong with you, the amount of time you spend in your room is minimal. Basically, the room is the place you leave your clothes and retire to at the end of a day of swimming, playing and socializing. There is simply no reason to spend extra money for a larger room. Get an inside room, since there is a premium for a view, and pick the smallest room you consider reasonable, then get out on deck and enjoy yourself. Bust the Bus Tour companies at your destinations work out deals with the cruise company to provide day trips to various locations. Not only do these options usually cost more, they are quite likely to take you right to their selected gift shop to purchase mass produced junk while they get a kick back. Walk a couple of blocks away from the dock and find local transportation instead. Many locations now have set fares posted by taxi stands. If you go anywhere else, negotiate up front for a price and dont pay until you arrive at your destination. Just remember, the ship wont wait for you and it can be very expensive to try and catch the boat, either on the water or at the next stop, so plan to be back with plenty of time to spare. Additional Advice Drinks are rarely included in your price and they can add up quickly. If your cruise line offers a "soda sticker" and you drink soda often, take advantage of the deal. In fact, bring along your own cup, because it is bound to be larger then anything they offer. If you prefer wine and liquor, consider bringing some of your own along. A corking fee is still cheaper than purchasing from the ship and the wine will be better. Budget yourself, and use cash if you must to stay within your limits.
41
Cruising can be lots of fun and with a little caution your cruise wont result in months of debt. Remember, cruises are fun but not everything on board is included. Stay alert and don't spend a bundle because of ignorance.
42
Having a Baby on a Budget

Click Here to Read This Online There comes a time in your life when having a baby seems like a great idea. Never mind the cost, the sleepless nights and all the other anticipated difficulties, babies are incredible. Still, eventually the reality of the financial impact will rear its ugly head. There are some ways you can save tons of money while still providing everything your little one needs though, so read ahead. Prenatal Purchases While it is really nice to have one or two sets of prenatal jeans, you can usually get by for quite a while in your regular clothes. If you are handy with a sewing machine, get it out and install a pregnancy panel in a couple more of your pants and you should be able to make it through the pregnancy. Goodwill stores are a great place to find gently used pregnancy clothing, as are friends, relatives, and coworkers. For some reason people are very eager to get rid of these clothes, so advertise your condition and watch the donations roll in. Baby Essentials Before they let you take the baby home, the hospital will insist on seeing a car seat. That doesnt mean you have to stand in the lobby and open a brand new box though. Ask around. Friends with toddlers probably still have that infant seat in the garage. I shared my seat with my brother and between us we used it for six kids. We just took turns having babies. Note though that many experts will not recommend a used car seat because of safety reasons. I totally agree that safety is very important. Much more important than saving
43
a few dollars, but like EVERYTHING ELSE used, there are good, and there are bad. Just because something is dated doesn't mean it's not safe. I have a new born too, so I'm well aware of our instinct as a parent to be extra cautious for our children but whether it's my daughter, myself, my wife or parents, safety is JUST AS important. Newer cars are safer than older ones too, but you don't hear about the same advice about safety versus cost there. It all comes down to the specific piece you are buying and whether you can see the difference of what's good versus bad. This is all opinion of course. Obviously new is always better. But you can find some good used car seats that's made in the past year or two (just imagine all these parents who need to throw away their infant car seat before their child turns one) and were made from the exact same safety standards as the new ones currently on store selves. Another biggie, clothing, is about the easiest to get for free or cheaply. Borrowing or accepting hand-me-downs is a great technique, but if you must get something new, try the thrift shops first. Little babies outgrow things so quickly that there is rarely any wear and tear. If you have your own washer and dryer, ten onesies, socks, and sleepers are all you need at first. Feeding and Diapering The hands down cheapest form of feeding is breast feeding, a slight increase in what Mom eats and you are done. For those who opt for bottle feeding, the best place to get formula is a grocery warehouse. Nursing bras are great, but expensive. Wait until you are certain you will be doing this for a while before you invest. The first few weeks you will probably stay home so use a sports bra for convenience and comfort.
44
There is no way around the expense of diapers. Cloth diapers are cheaper, but only if you purchase your own and wash them yourself. The best options are wool wraps and cotton diapers purchased in bulk. The wraps are more expensive than some other options, but mine have lasted through three kids and are still in great shape. A diaper service is expensive, but you avoid the washing process. Disposable diapers are pricey and environmentally unsound, but boy are they convenient. You go through a lot of diapers with each child, so buy the cheapest ones that work. By work I mean they hold a nights worth of fluid without leaking and bowel movements dont creep out the sides and back when you arent looking. The only way to find out which works best for your baby is to try out several brands until you find one that does. There are plenty of websites dedicated to saving money while raising your bundle of joy. Coupon Shoebox, for example, has quite a few coupons for items sold at Diapers.com. Get online, join parenting groups in your area, and ask a lot of questions. It is possible to stick to a budget and still give your child all they need.
45
Dealing with Diapers and Baby Supplies on a Budget

Click Here to Read This Online If there is anything more beautiful than the sight of a mother holding her newborn, I dont know what it is. For many years I worked as a labor and delivery coach, and one thing I heard all the time was "How do I manage all the diapers and baby supplies without spending a fortune?" When couples make a decision to have a baby, they rarely realize just how expensive this kind of stuff will be. As the pregnancy progresses, they start stocking up on some items and the sticker shock is palpable. Luckily, there are ways to get everything you need and not spend a fortune. Free, Nearly Free, and Cheap Thank goodness for the environmental movement, since it has lead to wonderful resources like Freecyle.org. This is a website where you can acquire just about anything for free, as long as you are willing to go get it. You can get whole bagfuls of baby clothes someone else no longer needs without spending a dime. Garage sales are a great place to pick up things like onesies for a few cents a piece. While it may offend your sensibilities at first, realize that those faint stains are no big deal, as your child will add to them very soon. Why pay a dollar a piece or more at the store when you can get six for a dollar elsewhere? Avoid picking up a car seat at a garage sale though; you dont know what it has been through. Cheap options exist for things like cribs, changing tables, and other big ticket items if you head to thrift shops. Give them a good going over with some diluted bleach and
46
you are ready to welcome baby home. You can also beg, borrow, or steal some of these items, like a swing, from friends who have toddlers. Diapers How is it that a container for waste has become such a controversial topic? We have all heard the arguments; disposable diapers are environmentally unsound, cloth diapers are a nuisance. The fact is both are expensive, it is just a matter of degree. With cloth diapers you will spend more up front, but if you have your own washing machine, the overall cost is much lower, even more so if you have several children. This is one thing worth investing in; good wraps make all the difference. Wool wraps are generally regarded as the best for both baby and clothing. Finding then second hand is easy on auction sites. You wont need more than half a dozen per size. Using a diaper service is convenient, but generally expensive, ask a relative to give you this as a gift for the first few months if you want to try it out. Disposable diapers are the most expensive option over the two to four years it takes to get a child toilet trained. The best place to purchase these is at a grocery warehouse. Name brands mean nothing; get the cheapest diaper you can find that works for your child. Working means they dont leak material out the back or leg openings and can hold a nights worth of urine without soaking the bedding. No matter what, try to remember that in comparison to the total expense of raising a child and getting them through college, these expenses are petty cash. Enjoy your baby, save where you can, and expect the unexpected.
47
Purchasing School Supplies on the Cheap

Click Here to Read This Online When I was a kid, purchasing school supplies meant getting a new notebook, a couple of pencils and pens, and a back pack. Today, you get a huge list of supplies the school expects you to buy for each child a few weeks before school begins. Have several kids, and it can be rather expensive. Here are a few ways that I've come up with to save money on buying school supplies. Get Organized Since the schools are now demanding everything from pencils to tissues, stuff comes home at the end of every year. Although they want new crayons, pencils, and notebooks when the school year begins again, you can reduce your purchases by putting away scissors, pens, markers, and highlighters when they are returned in the summer. Calculators can be passed from child to child or reused too, so don't throw them away. You also want to compile a complete list of all requested supplies. Then combine things. One teacher wants two dozen pencils and the other wants a dozen, you may be able to find larger packages of materials for less. Unless they specifically say not to purchase a particular brand, you can usually get away with picking generics. Recycle binders each year. Know exactly what you need before you head out the door. You can split up large packages when you get home. Circulars Getting the best prices involves checking circulars and going to several stores. One store may have notebooks for a penny, while another will have a box of crayons for a dime. Compare prices in circulars or online before you go to the store. Set up your shopping list so you know what to purchase at each store and plan your trip logically.
48
Go It Alone Dont take your kids with you when you shop. It is much easier to hand out those ten cent WalMart notebooks to everyone when you return than to argue in the aisles with a child who wants the fancy Barbie or Transformers notebooks that cost ten times as much. You wont be tempted to purchase more expensive supplies for their "cool" factor, and without a child to argue with the whole process is faster. Shop Early or Late Stores are trying to get you in as soon as possible to purchase those supplies. You can find some really good prices on loss leaders a month before school starts. The same is true if you wait a couple of weeks after the school year starts. Stores are eager to sell off whatever remains on their shelves and you can get some pretty good bargains. Keep extras around for stocking stuffers and refills later in the year. Spend a Little More, Save a Lot Now, I know that backpacks change each year and you can easily spend $15-30 for a pack every fall. The cheap backpacks dont last and often need replacing before the school year is even over. This is one of those places where you should spend a bit more and get something classic. A high quality backpack like a Jansport or LLBean may cost $40, but they will last for several years; Ive had a Jansport for more than 20 years without any rips or holes. While we all need to get school supplies for our kids these days, there is no reason to break the bank in the process. Shop around, invest in quality where it is worth while and remember, they will graduate at some point so try not to be too stressed out about this.
49
Saving Money on Furniture

Click Here to Read This Online Sooner or later, even if you start out with hand me downs from your family, you are going to want to buy some of your own furniture. The first thing you must do when saving money on furniture is to determine what you actually need. There is no need to buy a sofa if a love seat will do, and frankly, most people never use a coffee table, so dont get one if you have no use for it. Also, remember that there is no rule stating that you have to purchase matching pieces; eclectic is in. Next, make sure you have accurate measurements. If you have something delivered and it doesnt fit, you will end up paying to have it returned plus re-stocking fees. It's also worth noting that big doesn't always mean better. If your rooms aren't huge, buying smaller furniture will look nicer and save you a few bucks too. Also, evaluate your doorways. You may have room for a sectional sofa with nine pieces, but it wont be quite as satisfying in your garage when you cant get it through your doors. New or Used? Purchasing used furniture can save you a great deal of money. Your best options are to search online sites like Craigslist where people post things they wish to sell. You can narrow your search down by location, eliminating the need to travel far to pickup the piece you wish to purchase.
50
When dealing with furniture you see online or a thrift shops, find something in good condition that doesnt smell of smoke or animals. Remember, that smell will fill your home once you bring the piece inside, so it's better to be safe than sorry later. Dont settle for a visual inspection of the top of the item. Turn over sofas, chairs or tables and look at them from underneath. You can see if repairs have been made or breaks have occurred better from the bottom because no one really cares if the glue line is showing there. On tables, give the legs a little tug, nothing rough, but just enough to see if the legs are stable. Check sofas and chairs to see if the fabric underneath has been moved and restapled. If the item passes the "smell" test, and appears to be in good condition, see if you can negotiate a better price. New furniture offers fewer negotiation options. Your best bet is to find what you like and wait for a sale. As the year ends, many stores are tying to get back into the black so you will start to see great deals. 0% financing over a period of time is a great solution if you cant afford to pay for an item outright. The savings on financing can really add up if you purchase more than one item at a time. Since penalties for late payment are usually fairly stiff, be sure not to overextend yourself. Another way to save money is to borrow your friends truck and labor. Stores charge for delivery, and if you can manage it yourself, you can save the fees. For a pizza and a couple of beers, you may be able to move in all your new furniture. Finally, regarding new furniture, quality pays; cheaply made furniture wont last and isnt worth investing in. Online Sources
51
If you really like a particular brand, check the Internet before you buy it at a store. Outlets and factories may sell the item for less, or offer free shipping. You can also spend some time online comparison-shopping without even stepping out your door, that way you know what to expect when you arrive at the stores. Furniture is a big investment. Purchase classic designs, shop around and take your time. In the end, you will find something that fits your budget and your style.
52
Save Money on your First Date and Dont Look Cheap Doing It
Click Here to Read This Online Contrary to what you hear on the Internet, women arent really looking for men who are willing to shell out huge sums of money on a date. Sure, its nice to get treated now and again, but most young women realize that the men they date are trying to make ends meet too. That means that with a little creativity you can really impress, and money doesnt need to enter the equation. Find out about your date in advance. Ask mutual friends, if you can, to discover what kind of things interest her. Plan a date around that topic. If your date likes football, a college game is more fun than a professional game at a fraction of the price. Does your date like hiking? Pack a picnic and head out on a trail you researched in advance. Consider seasonal activities for a first date. Taking a hayride to pick pumpkins or apples in the fall is great fun. Walking along flower-laden paths in spring is very romantic, and costs nothing. Heading to a beach for a walk or dip and wrapping up the day with a lobster roll from a local snack hut is relaxing and enjoyable. Remember, creativity shows your fun side and implies you planned a bit. Eating Out If you really want to go out for a meal, opt for lunch, not dinner. Yes, your date will realize that lunch is less expensive, but she isnt likely to care. First dates are supposed to be less emotionally charged, and lunch is more casual than dinner.
53
Look online and try to purchase a gift card at a discount for the restaurant you intend to use. Many gift cards are available at half price, saving you a significant amount. Just bring some cash for the tip. Consider Appearances The absolute worst date I had was actually the second date. The fellow invited me to join him for lunch at a restaurant of his choice. When we sat down, he asked if I minded that he used a coupon. Of course, I didnt. We all need to save money. What I didnt anticipate was him pulling out a buy one entre, get a second entre free coupon and then expecting me to pay for my meal and the tip. He handed me cash for his soda and left the table immediately. I was stunned! There was no third date. Frugality is a great thing, and in this economy, we all need to tighten our belts, but think about how your date will perceive your actions. A coupon or gift certificate is fine and shows you are planning ahead. Insisting on sharing a bill after you invite someone is tacky. Leaving them to pay without any notice will pretty much guarantee you will never see them again. Focus on your company No matter what activity you choose, remember you are there to learn more about the individual with you. Dont gripe about slow service, tap your fingers or discuss work problems. Ask questions, listen intently and dont over share. If your date perceives that you are truly interested in her, she will be much more receptive to a second date. Dating is an activity that is fraught with enough emotional nuances without getting caught up in finances. Planning ahead for a fun and inexpensive first date makes good sense and will certainly impress the girl.
54
Moving for Less

Click Here to Read This Online When you finally make the decision to move, the process can seem overwhelming. Packing up an entire household with furniture, clothes, toys and everything that goes with it is daunting, but turning the job over to the professionals is painfully expensive. There are some relatively simple ways to cut costs and still get the job done right. Know where you are going This sounds simple, right? If possible, measure out your new floor plan. The sofa that fit in this home may not fit in the next, so why move it? Get your floor plan, figure out what fits and what doesnt, and sell, give away or donate anything you wont need in the new house. Once you know where everything is going, put a big numbered sign in each room in the new house. Label all your boxes and furniture with the same number and you wont have to haul things around the house when the movers leave. Get Rid of It I admit Im a bad wife. Before my family moved cross-country, I started a surreptitious plan to get rid of my pack-rat husbands collection of "we might need it someday" junk. We got rid of anything we hadnt touched for more than a year and donated or sold about a third of our stuff. The cash paid for moving the big items we didnt want to handle. Books, toys, exercise equipment, planters and clothes all add weight very quickly. If you are paying movers, the less you move the cheaper it is. Even if you pack yourself and just pay for the shipping, every box adds to your cost.
55
There are things you need to get rid of because moving them costs more than buying new. Toiletries, swing sets, pianos, rugs, pantry staples and plants are expensive to move and are just as available in your new home. If you are moving locally they may be worth moving, but with a long distance move everything should be considered with an eye to replacement. The Nitty Gritty Many moving companies will sell you used boxes for a lot less than new ones, so call around first. Dont use liquor store boxes and grocery store boxes if you can avoid them. They come in odd sizes that dont pack well into a truck. Purchase some newssheets from the moving company since regular newspaper is dirty, and some bubble wrap from your local office supply warehouse for fragile items. Use your linens and towels to wrap fragile items, that way you dont have to pack them on their own, and you provide additional protection to special things. Pack heavy items like books in small boxes and light items in larger ones. Label every box. Take out the trash! Friends of mine moved from New Jersey to California and took 3 weeks to travel during the move. Imagine their surprise when they started opening boxes and found month old trash inside. The moving company was told to move everything and they did. Trucking Along If you are renting a truck make sure you reserve it for enough time to pack up, move and unpack. Shop around for deals on one-way fees and mileage, but always check out the company with the Better Business Bureau before you sign a contract.
56
If you are hiring movers, packing on your own saves a lot of money. Only work with reliable companies and insist upon a weigh in before and after they load your stuff. That way you only pay for what you put on, not an estimate. Hit the Road Nothing is left to do once everything is packed up but hit the road. Make sure you arrive first and are there to let the movers in. In a long distance move they will just leave after a certain amount of time and store your stuff, yours is not the only house packed on that truck and they have a schedule to keep. You dont want the extra fees. Make sure you have an old phone book with you in case you need those numbers, and drive safely.
57
6 Tips to Save Money when Purchasing Appliances

Click Here to Read This Online You can save money on appliances both before and after the purchase. The first thing to do is assess if you really need a new one in the first place. Repairs on machines that are less than five years old are generally worthwhile, so as long as the total cost is less than half the price of a new machine, go ahead and make the repairs. If done properly, the machine should last for several more years. Get only what you need If you determine that you really need to get a new appliance, there are things you can do to save money on the purchase. First figure out what you need. An extra large washer or fridge are tempting and exciting, but if you live alone or have a small household, the money spent is pointless. Get appliances that fit your lifestyle. If you have several children, a larger machine makes sense. Otherwise, there is no need for a giant washing system even if they look awesome. Check Consumer Reviews Check out the consumer reviews before you head to the stores. Purchasing something that costs a few dollars less, but has a much higher incidence of problems will cost you in the end. Energy Star ratings are helpful in determining how much energy an appliance will use, but each category is graded individually, so it isnt as helpful as you might think. Scratches Save Money If you are looking for new appliances but dont mind a little scratch or damage, you can often save quite a lot of money purchasing from the scratch and dent section of a store. The damage is only cosmetic, and it wont affect the way the appliance works.
58
Another option is to request the floor model; this technique works best at the end of a model year. Make sure that all warranties still apply to either type of purchase. Holidays Means Discounts for Consumers If you must purchase a truly new appliance then it is time to start checking out sales and incentives. Appliances often go on sale in late fall, just before Thanksgiving. Stores feel that people are ready to purchase just before the holidays in order to display a spruced up home to anticipated guests. New models start turning up and there is more incentive for stores to get rid of their old inventory. Compare Store Ads It pays to get the Sunday papers at this point of the year if you are looking for new appliances. You can compare prices at different stores before you head out the door. Know how much you are able to spend and have several different, but comparable models in mind. Lower end appliances often work just as well as higher end models, but for a fraction of the cost. You really dont need the fanciest washer on the block to get your clothes clean. Don't Forget Delivery If you are able to pay cash, and you avoid the big super stores, you may be able to negotiate on price a bit. Outlets and single stores are much more flexible in pricing than chains. Unless you have several strong and willing friends, make sure you arrange for delivery and set up as well. If you have ever had to haul a new front loading washing machine up the stairs, you will completely understand why. My wall and back will never be the same. There is no need to purchase appliances of any kind for full price. Do your homework, budget yourself and strike when you see the price you want for the appliance you need.
59
Pay Less for Books and Magazines

Click Here to Read This Online Most people in this country have at least one subscription that they pay for regularly, be it a magazine or newspaper. Frankly, its a waste of money to pay for a newspaper under the best of circumstances the news is fresher online. Even small, local papers have an online edition. If you really read magazines, then you can still get them without spending a cent. Gifting I only get one magazine myself, but each of my three kids gets one too. We have the grandparents pay for them. Each of us gets a magazine we want and I dont pay anything. People always ask you what you want as your birthday grows near, or the holidays approach. Ask for subscriptions you want. Heck, even give them the subscription card you pulled out of a magazine to make life easy. When it comes to books, and I admit I dont purchase many, I ask for gift cards to my favorite bookstore or the big A online. There are many times throughout the year when this company doesnt charge for shipping or upgrades to a faster shipping method free. That is when I order what I want. Libraries Believe it or not, libraries are a great place to get books. As long as you return them on time, they are free. Many libraries run small bookshops as well to sell off older editions and extra copies. When a popular author puts out a new book, a library system will order perhaps 100 copies, but as the book is read, they only need 30, so they sell off the rest, dirt-cheap.
60
You can also find hundreds of magazines in most libraries. While you cant take out the latest edition, you can check out any older versions. Face it, National Geographic or People can wait a month if it saves you money; the stories are just as fascinating. Sharing I love this one because you can get two magazines for the price of one and do something good for the environment. I share my magazine with a friend and I know she passes it on as well. The deal is that each of you pays for one subscription, of course I cheat because my parents get me mine for my birthday, but the idea is still valid. Then, once you have read the magazine, you trade. Viola, half priced subscriptions. This works well for books too. I am part of a book-sharing circle. I dont think I have spent more than $50 on books in years. We just keep passing books between us. I know someone must be purchasing a bunch of them, but think about it, if 10 people are each purchasing five books a year, we get to read 50 books at a fraction of the price. If you really like a book and want to keep it, no one minds. The nicest thing about this arrangement is that I have read things I would never have thought to get myself because someone else was drawn in by it. So many things demand your money from day to day. Books, newspapers and magazines just shouldnt be a big-ticket item.
61
Cutting Costs on Cell Phone Contracts

Click Here to Read This Online The have become as ubiquitous as oversized jeans and MP3 players, but cell phones usually require a long term contract. Those contracts can add up to some very big bucks if you dont shop carefully. Before you sign on the dotted line, you should consider some things so you can pick the plan that meets your needs. How do you use your phone? Do you use your phone only in emergencies? Then paying for a monthly contract is foolish; a pay as you go plan makes more sense. Do you use your phone as your business line, and need to be constantly available? Then you need a plan with a lot of minutes and the freedom to use it anywhere at any time. Is the phone for a teen? They need a lot of texting but generally, not a lot of minutes. Figuring out the Features you need Before you even look at available plans, take some time to assess how the phone will be used. If you are considering a plan for several users, than make sure you can vary the features by line. For example, I rarely text, but my teen-ager texts about 10,000 messages a month. I use the internet on my phone constantly, but he doesnt use it at all. In our case my phone has a data plan and his unlimited texting; the carrier worked with us to create the plan we needed. Data, texting and minutes are all available in specific increments. Assess your normal use and add 25% to ensure that you dont exceed your limits. If you have ever received a bill after using too many minutes or texts you know how expensive it becomes. If you can find a plan that allows you to roll over unused texts or minutes that is a great feature.
62
Price things out Every company wants your money, and many of the large carriers will try to lock you in for two years in exchange for providing you with a cheap or free phone. Run the numbers; saving $200 on a phone sounds great until you realize you are paying $20 more a month for the same plan you could have gotten elsewhere. To avoid overlap and competition many large carriers stock different phones intentionally; if you want a particular phone you may have to do business with a specific company. Look at monthly fees, taxes and the price of the phone. Consider overage charges, phone replacement fees and roaming expenses. Is Pay as You Go an Option? For kids with their first phone or people who just dont use the phone often, pay as you go is a great option. You get the security of a cell phone, but you only pay for what you use. Frequently usage is a bit more than if you purchased a complete cell phone plan, but you gain the convenience of staying within a budge and the freedom of not being locked into a contract. The phones are relatively inexpensive and do just fine as basic cellular telephones. In the end remember that they want your business, you dont have to convince them to take your money. Find the plan that best suits your needs and consider paying for part of the phone to shorten the contractual length by a year.
63
Dont Pay for Books and Magazines

Click Here to Read This Online Most people in this country have at least one subscription that they pay for regularly, be it a magazine or newspaper. For newspapers, Its a waste of money under the best of circumstances because news is fresher online. I mean, even small, local papers have an online edition. For magazines, even if you really read them, can still be bought using creative ways for a cheaper cost. Gifting I only get one magazine myself, but each of my three kids get one too. We have the grandparents pay for them. Each of us get a magazine we want and its a good way to kill two birds with one stone since grandparents always want to buy our kids gifts. People always asks what you want as your birthday grows near, or the holidays approach. Ask for subscriptions you want. Heck, even give them the subscription card you pulled out of a magazine to make life easier for them. When it comes to books, and I admit I dont purchase many, I ask for gift cards to my favorite bookstore or from Amazon.com. There are many times throughout the year when this company doesnt charge for shipping or upgrades to a faster shipping method. That is when I order what I want. Libraries Believe it or not, libraries are a great place to get books. As long as you return them on time, they are free. Many libraries run small bookshops as well to sell off older editions and extra copies. When a popular author puts out a new book, a library system will order perhaps 100 copies, but as the book is read, they only need 30, so they sell off the rest, dirt-cheap.
64
You can also find hundreds of magazines in most libraries. While you cant take out the latest edition, you can check out any older versions. Face it, National Geographic or People can wait a month if it saves you money; the stories are just as fascinating. Sharing I love this one because you can get two magazines for the price of one and do something good for the environment. I share my magazine with a friend and I know she passes it on as well. The deal is that each of you pays for one subscription. Of course I cheat because my parents get me mine for my birthday, but the idea is still valid. Then, once you have read the magazine, you trade. Viola, half priced subscriptions. This works well for books too. I am part of a book-sharing circle. I dont think I have spent more than $50 on books in years. We just keep passing books between us. I know someone must be purchasing a bunch of them, but think about it, if 10 people are each purchasing five books a year, we get to read 50 books at a fraction of the price. If you really like a book and want to keep it, no one minds. The nicest thing about this arrangement is that I have read things I would never have thought to get myself because someone else was drawn in by it. So many things demand your money daily. Books, newspapers and magazines just shouldnt be among them.
65
Saving Money on Electricity

Click Here to Read This Online Winter is when utility bills head up for most people. For those using electric heat, saving on electricity will be critical, as the weather gets colder. There are several easy ways to trim those sky-high electric bills of course, and this article will lay them out for you. Use Local Resources Almost every utility company runs an energy savings program. They will send someone out to evaluate your energy usage and wastage and help you design a plan that will reduce your energy needs. With this plan, you might have to invest some money, but the final expenses will be lower since you will be using less electricity over time. Cutting Costs There are numerous ways you can cut costs with simple day-to-day actions too. 1. Dry your clothes on the line. This is how generations of people dried their clothes before dryers were so popular. A dryer takes a ton of electricity to run, and not using it may mean less shrinkage at the same time. 2. Wash clothes and dishes with cold water. Many dishwashers electrically heat water internally to a higher temperature and most dishes just dont need it. The same is true for most of your clothes. Save the hot water for sheets and towels. 3. Start replacing your incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. While these bulbs cost more up front, they save a great deal of electricity. If changing them all seem like a huge cost, make the switch gradually so it wont feel so overwhelming. 4. Used appliances may seem cheaper, but remember to replace them with ones that are at least semi-recent that is Energy Star qualified.
66
5. Turn off and unplug computer equipment and accessories. Many such things drain power constantly, even while off. Removing them from the plug keeps them from drawing power. 6. Clean the filters and keep up with maintenance. Heaters and air conditioners, even window units, have filters that keep the circulating air clean. When these filters are filled, the unit has to work harder to pump air, resulting in a greater energy drain. Filters should be cleaned monthly. 7. Use passive solar energy. Open those curtains on the sunny side of your home and let the sun shine in. The sun can warm up an entire room very effectively without using a drop of electricity. During the summer, you can close the same drapes and reduce the load on your air conditioner. 8. Consider using space heaters and only heat the room where people are. Drop the temperature at night and add a blanket or two to the bed, and keep the daytime temperature lower while wearing a sweater. Shop Around If you are fortunate enough to live in an area where the utilities have been deregulated then call all the local companies and compare the rates. Be wary of introductory rates that will change in a few months, once you have signed on. It isnt unusual to have some up front costs when changing utility companies, so you want to avoid frequent changes. Finally, if you cant avoid the expense, at least ask your utilities company about a budget plan. Many will anticipate your usage for the year and have you pay a set amount each month, so at least you can plan your budget more easily.
67
Drop Pounds, not Dollars with your Gym Memberships

Click Here to Read This Online Everyone seems to have a gym membership these days. Whether you stick with the same place year after year or hop around, a gym membership can be expensive, especially if you opt for a full service institution. When you are single, you might be able to justify spending $50 or even $100 per month on your membership, but once those kids start coming along, you find yourself rethinking that sum of money. There are many ways you can cut back and still find a good gym for your workouts, and here are a few suggestions. Levels of Membership Before you sign on that dotted line, think seriously about whether or not you need that level of service. There are many factors here. First, will you use the gym enough to justify the expense? For example, a YMCA membership for a single individual in my neighborhood is $46, whereas the city recreation centers are only $38.50 per month. If you drop the pool privileges, you drop to $30 per month. One local gym costs $9 per month if you only use the weights and cardio equipment. Even if you do pick a full service gym, find out if they offer different packages. If the gym you choose has a pool, you will pay for it even if you dont use it. Other gyms have racquet sports that require an additional fee too. It goes without saying that if you don't play, don't pay. Some gyms charge for specific classes separately, while others charge a single fee for access to all classes. Only pay for what you need.
68
When NOT to Buy Never buy a membership the first time you walk into a gym. You may be tempted by all the shiny equipment and good intentions, but you dont have an accurate perception of the gym the second you walk in. Ask for a free pass and try it out for a couple of weeks. Remember to visit at the times you would usually plan to attend to see how busy the facility gets. Check the crowds on the weekends and during the evening hours. This will give you a better idea of how the place operates. You dont want to have to fight for a treadmill to use or wrestle over the weights. Dont fall for New Year resolutions and purchase a membership in the first couple of months of the year. The first few weeks of the year are when gyms are packed with people determined to live right. By March, few people are left and the gyms are much more interested in bargaining with you to boost their membership numbers. For the same reason, avoid the early summer since people are trying to get back into shape before the season starts. Gyms have little incentive to negotiate when the crowds are at the doors. One More Tip If you have any skills in teaching and exercise, you can sometimes translate them into free memberships. For example, getting a certificate as a spinning teacher or personal trainer makes you a potential employee. Employees dont pay to work out at the gym and they can often include a spouse or partner in their privilege. Are Gym Memberships for Me? Though gym memberships are expensive, they are not always a bad investment. The added benefits of improved fitness and a lower rate of health risks translate into even
69
bigger savings down the road. But if you choose to pay for it, make sure you enjoy it too!
Cutting Your Costs While in College

Click Here to Read This Online College is one of the most expensive periods of your life. While there are obvious ways to save on costs while in college, there are many people dont even think about. Most publications aren't really helping either. We talk about better ways to find financial aids, but what about good old fashion frugality? We all know that state schools are cheaper than private colleges and that starting with a two-year degree at a good community college is a great way to save, but here are some other areas where you can trim the bill. Book Bargains Never, ever purchase a new book before you consider other options. If the class you are taking is a repeating, common class, someone took it last term. See if you can borrow the book from them. Check to see if the library keeps a few copies of the book on the shelves. You may not be able to take them out, but you can read there. Consider online vendors before you look at full service vendors or campus stores. You can usually get incredible discounts because other students need money to buy books for their next term. If you run out of time or cant find any other options, ask the college bookstore if they have a used book section. The savings arent as large, but it is still better than buying new. Frugal Food If your college doesnt demand that you purchase a food plan, you have it made. Ramen soup, peanut butter, oatmeal and coupons are your friends. Avoid eating out and shop the circulars. Make your own coffee, as that $5 drink at the coffeehouse can be
70
duplicated at home for mere pennies. Make sure you do get some fruits and veggies in that diet though. Saving money is important, but staying healthy is a must! If you do have to get a food plan, USE IT. Take food back to your dorm room with you if you can to save on meals that arent covered. Get a meal plan that suits your eating style. If you eat three square meals a day at the table, a full meal plan is great, but if you are a grab and go eater, then a cash card that lets you pick what you want is better. Entertainment on a budget College isnt all about education after all. Cable television and high end TVs arent likely to be in your budget. Before you shell out $50 or more a month, consider that you can catch most programs on your computer and the big game is showing at the sports bar down the road. For the price of a beer, you can watch your game with a bunch of other sports-crazed patrons. Stick to your budget, and remember that you don't need EVERYTHING. Movie rental services are nice and cheap and again you can use your computer. If you want a bigger party, have everyone chip in. The price of feeding and providing beer to a large crowd is more than any college student should spend. Go pot luck and BYOB. You provide the space and paper goods, and everyone else can share the burden. Saving money where you can while college is just plain smart. Dont start your adult life in debt, and you will be surprised how much easier life could be.
71
Saving Money while Doing Laundry

Click Here to Read This Online Some people have a love hate relationship with Laundry. On the one hand there is something very satisfying about looking at a pile of sweet smelling clothing all folded up and put away; on the other hand, it never seems to end. Doing laundry is a regular endeavor for most people, teenagers aside, but the expense can eat into your budget. Here are some simple suggestions to help you cut costs, but still get the job done right. Sort, Fill and Chill Just because you wore something doesnt necessarily mean it needs washing, so sort the clean from the dirty. When I grew up, we had school clothes and play clothes, and school clothes didnt get washed much. Today, with the convenience of a washing machine in every home we think we need to wash something just because it was worn. Jeans and blouses, barring hot weather or food stains, can surely be worn twice. Sweatshirts are usually worn over something else; they dont need a trip through the machine each time. Things like socks and underwear should be washed after every wear, but bras can usually go a couple of days. Fill you machine each time you use it. Front loading machines use less water and power, but even they should be truly full before run. While many people prefer to spend less money on detergent by purchasing store brands, some brands do a much better job than others. Check out the consumer rankings and pick one of the better soaps. Better soaps translate into fewer re-washings. Any brand of bleach is fine. Use cold water whenever possible. I only use hot when I am washing sheets and towels. Pre-treat stains at least 30 minutes in advance of washing. These solutions help break
72
down oils so they wash out better. You can also try adding half a cup of white vinegar to your wash for improved softness. Drying Out Expenses Running an electric dryer is expensive and uses a lot of energy. The sun and air are free. Spend a few dollars to purchase a drying rack and hang dry most of your clothes. Keep the dryer for large items like sheets and towels, and, if you really cant stand the feel of air dried undies, toss them in as well. You can also try adding half a cup of white vinegar to your wash for improved softness. If you can, incorporate a standard hanging pole in your laundry area. Use plastic hangers to avoid rust and wood stains and hang up your shirts and pants. This makes for less ironing, if you are the ironing type. Dryer sheets are pricey and you can make your own. Pour liquid fabric softener into a spray bottle and spray 4-5 times on a damp piece of flannel or washcloth and toss it in with your clothes; much cheaper and still effective. The best thing about cold washing and air drying your clothes, by the way, is the fact that they stay new looking for much longer. The heat and abuse clothing takes in the process of being laundered accounts for a significant portion of their wear and tear. By saving money while doing laundry, you also reduce the quantity of clothing you need to replace.
73
Budgeting to Save Money on Bills

Click Here to Read This Online They turn up in the mailbox every month, demanding your attention and your money. If you want to save money on bills you need to approach the problem in two ways. The first thing is to cut services you dont need and the second is to find ways to get the things you need, cheaply. How to Trim Essentials Bills Food, power and shelter are all essentials. Each can be trimmed, but that ability is heavily dependant upon some factors. For example, to trim shelter costs you can move from a large home to a smaller home, or even to an apartment. This may or may not be realistic. Taking in a college student as a tenant can help defray housing costs as well, but carries some risks. Power costs relate to what you pay on gas and electricity and in some areas water as well. Weatherproofing helps reduce waste and energy lost from the windows and doors. Redoing your landscaping with a focus on drought resistant plants and smaller plots of grass will save on money. Changing to compact florescent bulbs and setting the thermostat lower in winter will save on gas and electricity. A sweatshirt is cheaper than heating a whole house to 67. Food is one of those areas where relatively large cuts can be made with little effort. You dont have to survive on Ramen noodles either. Ground turkey and beef provide plenty of good protein, as do eggs, and they cost a lot less than large cuts of meat.
74
Luxuries
Plan your menu around the circulars for the week and cash in on the discounts. Clip coupons from your paper and find them online to save the most possible.
I know that we dont really think of cable and Internet as luxuries any more, but they really are. Do you really need the level of service you currently have? I shut off my cable service nearly two years ago and we havent really missed it. I dont use the highest level of DSL, rather I settle for a slower speed that is still plenty fast since I dont game online. Between the two items I save nearly $100 a month. Pedicures, manicures, fancy haircuts and gym memberships are all luxuries too. If you are in the professional world and feel that you must have the manicure and haircut, check out a local esthetician school; you can get the same services performed by supervised students at a fraction of the cost. Cell phones are also luxuries, believe it or not. If you carry it for anything other than emergency calls, you are spending more than needed. Now, some of us use a cell phone exclusively, having abandoned the land line. In that case you need more than basic service, but shop around and find a plan that meets your usage profile, dont try to fit your profile into a specific package. Saving money on your bills is all a matter of viewing them in a new light. Be creative, reprioritize your spending and watch your bank balance grow.
75
How to Cut Costs with Air Conditioning

Click Here to Read This Online Having an air conditioner can significantly increase your utility costs during the summer. Gone are the days of opening windows and putting up with the heat. Homes are usually built with central air incorporated unless you are fortunate enough to live in a cool and dry climate year round. If you want to save some money and still enjoy your air conditioner, here are some ideas. Window Mounted Units Contrary to popular opinion, bigger is not always better when it comes to air conditioning. Figure out the square footage of the room before you purchase, but take into consideration higher than normal ceilings and the amount of sunlight that enters from windows. A larger unit takes more energy to power. If you have a fan in the room, use it even when the air conditioner is on. The fan helps circulate air in the room, cooling it more efficiently. Additionally, moving air feels cooler than still air, so you can get away with a higher temperature and still feel comfortable. How to Save with a Central Air Conditioning Unit These big units are generally mounted outside on a concrete pad and are hooked up to the same duct work used by your heating system. If you are purchasing a new unit, look for one that has a high seasonal energy efficiency rating (SEER) for maximum savings. The slight increases in cost will more than pay for itself over a couple of years. Keep debris and greenery away from the unit. This keeps the outside fans running smoothly, reducing wear and tear as well as optimizing efficiency. Cover the unit during the cold months to keep it free of leaves, snow and other materials.
76
General Suggestions to Save on Air Conditioning Costs Getting good equipment that is the right size for your room or home is the first step towards savings. For either type of unit, cleanliness is critical for maximum efficiency. Filters can be found either at the front of a window unit or in the duct work of a central unit. Clean them regularly to ensure good air flow. Close Doors If you have a window-based unit, it is only meant to cool a certain room so close the door to prevent overworking the air conditioner. With central air, consider shutting vents and closing doors to rooms that dont need cooling regularly. The less the unit needs to cool the less energy used. Use Foliage to Keep Heat Out Use drapes and greenery to reduce the amount of passive solar energy you need to combat. Trees and bushes outside help keep the outside of the house cool, reducing the heat inside. Drapes shut out sunlight during the hot months and can be opened in the cold months to reduce heating costs as well. Install a Whole House Fan Consider installing a whole house fan. These fans do a terrific job of moving air through the house. In my home, I use the fan all summer long, pulling cooler air up from the basement and generating a light breeze throughout the house. As the temperatures drop in the evening the house cools off nicely. Having an air conditioner and saving money may not seem possible, but with a little effort you can cut your cooling bill dramatically.
77
Dont Pour Your Money Away on Your Water Bill

Click Here to Read This Online The price of water is going up. As more and more of this precious natural resource is taken up by large scale farming and manufacturing, the average citizen finds his water bill spiraling out of control. The only effective way to cut costs here is to cut water usage, but reducing your water consumption can be done in a relatively painless fashion, so read on and save yourself some money. Xeriscaping is the Way Xeriscaping describes a method of planting that uses predominantly drought tolerant plants and little grass. While in the States we are accustomed to seeing large lawns, grass takes a tremendous amount of water. Good xeriscaping groups plants with similar water needs together, preventing disparities in watering levels once plants have been established. It also minimizes open patches of lawn that require high levels of water to retain their green appearance. Each region in the country has plants that tolerate variations in annual rainfall better than others. Focusing your landscaping on such plants reduces the amount of watering you need to do. In years when watering is prohibited, these plants survived, meaning you dont have to replant. Check with your county extension office for suggestions and help. Time your Watering Correctly Watering during the height of the day is wasteful and bad for your plants. Grass in particular is easily damaged by the suns rays focusing through the drops left on the leaves. Watering early in the morning or late in the afternoon allows the water to dry, minimizing the risk of developing molds on the grass and plants and reduces
78
evaporation. A significant portion of water used on lawns is lost to evaporation. Don't overlook this. You should also plan to water deeply a couple of times a week, instead of shallowly many times a week. When water soaks deeply into the soil, it encourages deep rooting. Plants are more resilient and healthy when their roots are deep. Indoor Water Usage There are some appliances that waste a great deal of water, raising your costs. The dishwasher, washing machine and garbage disposal use a lot of water. Only run the dishwasher and washing machine when full. Avoid using the garbage disposal at all and invest in a good compost bin instead. Fix leaks in toilets, faucets and shower heads immediately. Even a slow drip adds up very quickly when left unchecked. You can get advice and supplies from your local hardware store on how to repair these basic problems. Also, if you dont have low flow shower heads or toilets, consider replacing them. If you cant afford the expense, place a gallon jug filled with water and sealed into each toilet tank where they wont interfere with the toilets functioning. It will instantly reduce your water usage each time you flush. All these tips may not seem like much individually, but together they can nearly halve your water consumption. Lower water usage leads directly to lower water bills. None of us have money to waste, and water is clearly an essential item, but there is no reason not to cut costs wherever you can.
79
Get Frugal on Gas to Save Cash All Year Long

Click Here to Read This Online There is no way to avoid fueling up from time to time. How much you pay and how much you use is a variable dependent upon things like the time of year and how well you plan your excursions. Ensuring that your tires are properly inflated, your car is in good operating condition, and that you stay within the speed limit all help reduce your fuel usages. When combined with other basic strategies you should see some significant savings. Here are some more tips on a much needed topic: How do I save on gas and use less money? Seasonal Fluctuations and Full Priced Gas As we all know, the gas companies like to stick it to the driver by raising prices just when we are about to hit the road more. This translates to higher prices during the summer months in particular, but also elevations around big holiday weekends year round. You can't do much to prevent paying more during these times. However, fueling the car you want to drive over the weekend earlier in the week and using another vehicle can help a bit. No matter when you are traveling, you shouldnt be paying full price if you can avoid it. Almost every supermarket and grocery warehouse now offers discounted gas. Up front savings of $.10 or more are common. The benefit is usually offered just to the members of warehouse clubs, but supermarkets offer a savings card to use whenever you shop at the store. Once you hit a certain level of purchases each month, you get your discount. Be wary of the supermarket deal though. You might end up spending a lot more on groceries in order to save a few cents on gas, and that is no bargain. (Everyone knows this is obvious, but so many of us do this so watch out!)
80
Scope Out Prices online There are a number of sites online that allow people to enter the price they saw at a gas station along the way. The nicest thing about these sites is that the prices are updated throughout the day, so you really do know what you are likely to be paying when you get there. Additionally, you can figure out if any of the stations lay along your intended line of travel, so you can take advantage of cheaper gas that may not normally be worth while. Plan Ahead Its an oldie but goodie: plan your trips. Running out for every little errand is wasteful of time as well as fuel. Make a list of your errands and plot them out so you dont travel over the same stretch repeatedly. For short trips, consider using a bicycle or walking rather than taking the car. Along the same lines, you should consider carpooling when you can. Commuting sucks up more gas than anything else most people do. While picking up your colleagues isnt as convenient as driving on your own, your costs will be reduced significantly. Furthermore, you will get to know your coworkers more, which might even help you at work. Of course, some people opt to just buy an electric car instead of worrying about gas, but that is a rather expensive solution in the short term, and most people don't even keep the car long enough to break even. Stick to the basics, and you'd be surprised at how much money and gas you can save.
81
Two Months Salary? Not on Engagement Rings

Click Here to Read This Online We have all seen the commercials, sappy and blurry, that declare two months of salary is the appropriate amount to spend on engagement rings. Are they nuts?! A much better investment of that money is called a down payment if you ask me. Fortunately, there are ways to get a beautiful engagement ring for much less and frankly, if your fianc is demanding you spend that much on a ring, you may want to think things through a bit more. Save Money with an Heirlooms Engagement Ring Frankly, the best way to save money is not to spend it. If you have a family heirloom sitting around you may want to consider giving it to your bride instead of purchasing something new. If your fianc is the sentimental type, getting an heirloom will be much more special to her than getting a new ring. On the other hand, with half of all marriages ending in divorce you need to realize you may not get the ring back if things go sour, just something to consider. Doing your research before you buy a ring Before you even step out the door to look at rings you need to do a bit of research. The four Cs of diamond buying are Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat. Cut refers to the shape of the stone, color its shade; clarity describes any inclusions and carat the size. Stones of the same size are not necessarily worth the same if their color or clarity varies. While a D color is considered the highest quality, a J is nearly as colorless and a lot less expensive. Since the stone will rest in a setting and is not an investment piece, pick a darker color and save yourself a bundle. The same is true for clarity; small inclusions may drop the value of a stone, but in a setting are rarely noticeable.
82
Search for prices of loose stones online. Loose stones are easier to assess than mounted stones and you can customize the ring from every aspect. This also gives you a chance to price rings without pressure, but you are still better off going to the source when you buy. How to choose the diamond and setting If you are taking your sweetheart with you remember you wont look cheap if you know your limits, you will look decisive. If you plan to shop alone, you avoid the problem all together. Determine just how much you are willing to spend before you walk in a store or you might find yourself spending more than you want, and avoid mall stores and chains like the plague. Ask to see unmounted stones so you can evaluate them clearly. Bring along a magnifying glass of at least 10x, that is the industry standard by the way. Ask for the cut you wish to see and evaluate each stone for clarity and color. Once you find your stone and price it, you know how much you can spend on your setting. Settings can run the gamut from a traditional, simple one stone ring to modern diamond encrusted bands. Consider your beloveds taste when purchasing and stick to your budget. Save money by paying cash Since many small stores need to pay commission on credit card purchases, ask if you can get a discount for paying in cash or check. You may be able to save a percent or two, not an insignificant amount on such a large purchase. Never go into debt to purchase this ring, it is expensive enough with out interest. In the end, this ring is a symbol of your love, not an opportunity to show off.
83
Dont Spend the Farm on Entertainment

Click Here to Read This Online Whether you choose to entertain inside your home or out, there is no reason to exceed your budget. There are many wonderful ways to enjoy good entertainment that dont require you spending a fortune. Even a formal dinner party can be managed with aplomb and a limited amount of cash, as I'm sure you know. Why spend more and not get more? Entertaining for the Holidays With the holidays always around the corner, we are all bracing for additional expenses, but truly traditional foods just arent that expensive if you know how to shop. For example, when it's close to Thanksgiving time: Turkeys for Thanksgiving and Christmas are on sale, so buy two. Find a store that offers a free turkey when you purchase a certain amount of groceries, and cut that expense completely. Make your own side dishes like mashed potatoes and gravy or green beans. They are cheaper and tastier than any you would find at the store. Stick to generic products wherever possible and spend your money on the wine if you must. Another wonderful and inexpensive way to entertain is to arrange a pot luck and gift swap. Randomly hand out names so everyone will get a gift, set a limit on what each person spends. Then, have everyone drop in one afternoon a couple of weeks before the big day and bring a dish as well. No one spends too much but a great afternoon is guaranteed. All you have to do is prepare paper goods and mull some cider. Out on the Town
84
If you find yourself in the position of having to entertain out, plan ahead. With so many companies arranging holiday parties, you may need to reserve several weeks in advance. Couple simple points to remember: Lunch is always cheaper than dinner Finger foods are less expensive than a sit down meal. If you plan to have a bar, make it a pay bar or give a certain number of tickets to each attendee and let them pay beyond that. Sometimes the best restaurants are the hidden gems. They will be thrilled to have your business and will work on price with you, unlike bigger, well established restaurants. If you know of such a prize, call them well in advance and see what you can work out. If you guarantee a certain number of people and pay beforehand, the savings are substantial. Other Entertainment Tips Even if you are just planning on your own entertainment, you can cut costs with some forethought. Rather than renting movies, get them from the public library free. Dont buy microwave popcorn but make your own. It is healthier and actually more convenient. If you must go to the movies, matinees are cheaper than evening shows, the same holds true of the theater or ballet, and dress rehearsals are often watchable for even less. Many places, like a wholesale warehouse, sell movie tickets for at a discounted price. Don't forget those either. There is no time that isnt good for potluck. Invite your friends, pull out some good board games and make an evening of it. The conversation and laughter will more than make up for a limited budget, and the opportunity to get together with people you truly enjoy makes an evening memorable. Remember, it isnt the price tag that makes entertaining great, it is the people.
85
How to Save on Rental Cars

Click Here to Read This Online Sooner or later, just about everyone ends up needing to rent a car. Whether it is because they are on vacation and need a set of wheels, or their own car is in the shop and a rental becomes a necessity. If you have looked at prices lately you know that getting a car, even for a short period, can be expensive. Advertisements may imply that you can rent something for $19 a day, but once you tack on extras, the price skyrockets. The Not-So-Complete Daily Rate When you go online, which is the best place to compare rates, you find that cars are advertised by the daily rate. That rate includes nothing but the car and in some cases, mileage. It doesnt cover gas, insurances or the surcharges that are common for renters under the age of 25. Want to pick up the car at one location and return it at another? Cha-ching, you pay a surcharge. Didnt have time to fill the tank before turning in the car? No problem; as long as you pay double the going rate on fuel. Cars rented from the airport often have an additional surcharge. By the time you finish adding it all up the total is much higher than you expected. Decline Additional Coverage, Fill the Tank and Save Money Before you rent a car, call your insurance provider and credit card company. Many insurance companies will provide coverage in a rental car, meaning you dont have to take the overpriced version for the rental. If your insurance company doesnt cover it, the credit card company might. Either way, you save money.
86
Fill the car before you return it to the rental office. The price charged by most rental companies is at least double the going rate, so it just isnt worth while forgetting. You can frequently find gas stations near the rental location and as long as you drive less than 10 miles you should be fine. Some companies started offering gas at a very similar, or sometimes even a slightly lower than outside rate. The catch? You have to pay for one full tank of gas. Never ever get gas from the rental car company if cost is at all your concern Economy Cars Cost Less to Rent Pick the smallest car you can get away with. The larger the car the more you pay. Also avoid specialty cars like convertibles and SUVs. They just cost and you still have to wait for the red light. Even small cars made today are fairly roomy and almost everyone can fit inside. If you find when you arrive that you just cant get comfortable in the car you picked most companies are happy to upgrade you to a better fit. The other way smaller cars save you money is from gas. The smaller the car, the better gas mileage it usually gets. Stick to economy cars, unless you like to spend for no reason. Shop Around and Use Promotions Dont just go to one of the wholesale websites when searching for a car rental. Using the company website can save you money if you hit a sale that isnt shared elsewhere. Also consider checking with your insurance carrier, the credit card company and even your automotive club if they offer coupons to use with car rental agency. You may be able to get a day free on a longer rental, or upgrade at no charge. In either case, you save money. Car rental can be a bit of a hassle, but when you need to rent a vehicle there is no reason to pay top dollar.
87
How to Save Money on Tires

Click Here to Read This Online You cant drive your car if it doesnt have tires, but pieces of rubber, especially those for some of the newer all wheel drive models, can be very expensive. If you require snow tires as well as three-season models; that will double your cost. What is a car owner to do? The simple answer is to play the system. Know What You Want When you head out to purchase a tire you need to know which type you desire as well as the size. If your car is an all-wheel drive, you will need to replace all four tires at once, as even relatively small variances in wear on the tread will affect drivability. Determine if you want regular tires, performance tires or ultra performance models. Performance tires usually provide better handling and maneuverability at higher speeds, but have shorter wear warranties. Shop Around While every brand is different, there are no differences whether you get it from shop a, b or c. Dont wait until the last minute to go tire-shopping. Start looking early, so you can take advantage of sales and promotions. Many tire shops offer a free tire with the purchase of three. Other common offers include free mounting and balancing, or road hazard insurance. Compare not just the tire prices, but also the price of getting the tires on your car. Then pick the best choice. If your car demands a fairly expensive tire, consider going down a size if possible. It is possible to buy a smaller tire than originally intended for your car, as long as the circumference remains the same, since the speedometer is set according to the original tires.
88
Things To Look For One of the first things you want to check, once the size and style have been determined is the age of the tire. All tires must list when they were made, and the information is coded. The last four digits in the required DOT number determine the week and year a tire was manufactured. For example, if the last four digits were 2610, then the tire was manufactured in the 26th week of 2010. Because rubber naturally breaks down, you want to avoid getting a set of tires that is more than a couple of years old. Double check to see that the tires you paid for are the tires you got. Honest errors occur, but dishonest shops, and these are usually smaller shops, will try to slip a cheaper set of tires on your car for a higher price. Brands, Protection and Maintenance All of the top tire manufacturers that sell tires in the States are fairly reputable, although they all have a bit of a niche where they specialize. Continental is well known for light truck tires and Michelin for long tread life. Do some research regarding your needs. As long as you stick to one of the better-known tires, you should do fine. Once you have paid several hundred dollars for a set of tires, the best thing you can do to save money is to take good care of them. This means keeping them at the proper tire pressure, rotating them every 6,000 miles and visually inspecting them at least once a month. You are searching for bulges, obvious nails or screws penetrating the tread, odd tread wear patterns and any damage to the sidewalls. In the end, the most likely place you will save money on tires is after the purchase itself. Properly inflated tires reduce drag and improve your gas mileage dramatically. A good set of tires that are well maintained will save you money at the pump.
89
How to Save Money on Filing Taxes

Click Here to Read This Online There is nothing pleasant about filing taxes. Whether you are a believer in the current system of government assistance or not, sending in your tax forms each year is a requirement for those who have earned enough. That means that you want to save as much money in the preparation process as possible, without bending the law. Do-It-Yourself Gone are the days when someone filing taxes would sit down with a pencil, a calculator and a slide rule as well as a bagful of receipts. Today, if you want to go at it alone, you can find several excellent Tax Prep software products at many brick and mortar stores. Which one you choose is really a matter of personal preference, but after you try one or two you will know what works best for you. You can also use online versions, which is essentially the same as a program you install on your computer. These programs will walk you through the process of filling your tax forms and optimize any and all deductions for which you qualify. Another nice feature is the flexibility to walk away and get back to things at a later date. Avoid Seasonal Tax Prep Offices Each year numerous companies suddenly offer Tax Preparation services. They charge you to use the same kind of software you could purchase yourself for less money. The only difference is that they organize your bills rather than you doing so. Frankly, take a couple of days and sort your own stuff. Why pay someone else $300 to do the same thing you could accomplish with $80 of software? Barter for Services
90
If you have a friend or acquaintance who is a CPA, offer to trade services with them. I, for example, am a massage therapist, and I have a CPA friend. Each year I offer him two massages to prepare my business taxes. He often gives the massages as gift certificates to his wife as birthday gifts, and I get my taxes done by a professional. Its a great set up. You can surely find a service you can use in barter. Dont Miss your Deadlines If preparing your taxes by the deadline isnt possible, make sure you send in an extension request, and then dont forget to send them on the revised date. If you miss your date you will end up paying fines as well as interest, so it just isnt worthwhile. Staying on top of this is your job, not that of the IRS. Don't forget that while you can file an extension for your return, you cannot be late with any amount that you owe the IRS. If you need to be late, you still need to send in every dollar that you think you will owe. Be Old Fashioned Filing electronically is faster and you save money on stamps. Make sure you hold onto a copy of your Federal and State files. You can send them electronically at no charge through the Federal IRS website. However, you want to be very careful. If you don't watch out you will be hit with a bunch of fees and it would have been cheaper to file the old fashion way. While giving the government your money may not be your favorite activity in the world, it is possible to pay them properly while saving money on filing taxes.
91
Be Smart with Textbooks and Save Some Money

Click Here to Read This Online College is ridiculously expensive no matter what you do. Cutting costs wherever possible is essential if you are to end your years in school without crippling yourself with debt. One of the best places to save money is textbooks. An average textbook, especially for a higher level class can run over the hundred dollar mark, and most classes require more than one. Saving money on these books is easy, but it takes a bit more planning than just stopping by the college bookstore. Dont Buy New The most expensive textbook to purchase is a new one. Unless you are purchasing a book that you want to add to a professional library, getting a new book is a phenomenal waste. Even the bookstore at your school will purchase back books that will be reused the following year and offer them at a significant discount. Think about it. Even your professor isn't using a new one, so why do you need to? The more worn or written in the book is, the greater the discount. For some, ignoring other highlighters is difficult; others see it as a benefit. They dont have to read everything as closely and just focus on the highlighted material. Beg, Borrow or get it cheap Once you pick up your required reading list at the bookstore, it is time to start searching. If you know someone who took the course in the previous semester, ask to borrow his or her book. If you dont have that option, check the library. Many professors place a few copies of their requested reading material on hold at the library so that students can read the material without purchasing the books.
92
Another choice is to go online and check out the prices with dealers of used textbooks. Online bookstores sell just about everything for a lot less. You just have to make sure that the books will arrive on time. Talk to the Professor Some professors will swear that you will need to read every book they assign. Others will be more honest and let you know which books are strictly for reference or wont be used often. By only purchasing the books you need most, you can save the expense associated with purchasing a $50 book, which you will only touch once. Making a copy of a chapter you need is cheaper than investing in an entire tome. Free Options While not as reliable as discounted options, you can get your books free from time to time. Free-cycling websites often list common, and not so common, textbooks that are available for the price of the gas it takes to pick them up. There are a number of student owned and directed websites that facilitate students moving textbooks around from one to the other for the price of shipping. There are plans in place to start an ebook website specifically for textbooks. For now, there arent too many books available, but the sites should expand. At this time, you can generally find texts that no longer have copyright concerns. If all these strategies fail you because you didnt leave yourself enough time to work your way through the options, bite the bullet and invest only in the books you need. Next term, remember to start your search earlier. Time is money, but in this case, not spending the time will cost you big money.
93
TV Service Doesnt Have to Be Expensive

Click Here to Read This Online Id be lying if I told you that I think TV is an essential expense. In my household, we cut the cable almost two years ago, and after the initial whining the kids figured out how to entertain themselves just fine. Still, for most families this solution seems radical, so lets look at ways you can cut your bill, without abandoning your service. Consider an Antenna If you are not a huge watcher, and you do have that all-important HDTV, you can get local channels by using an antenna. Yes, it is old fashioned, but it works just fine. You will still be able to get the news, public television and a few other selections, but you wont have the benefit of premium service. Of course, you wont be paying anything other than the original set up expense of purchasing that antenna either. Cable or Dish It really doesnt matter if you chose to use cable service or dish service. They both offer a ridiculous number of channels dependent upon how much you are willing to pay. Basic service isnt too prohibitive and should be plenty for most households. Cable is less influenced by weather patterns but even with that potential advantage, satellite based transmission is considerably more reliable. Choose whichever option gives you the channels you want for the best price. This means taking a look at the channel list and based your decision on your own situation. For example, the satellite provider may provide 150 channels of which you watch eight and costs $20 per month while the cable provider offers 200 channels where you watch the same eight at a price of $25. In this case, you will want to pick the satellite provider even though you get fewer channels.
94
Combine and Eliminate Services to Cut Costs Once you have figured out which service is the best for you, price wise, enroll in the most basic plan possible. Granted you have few channels to surf, but frankly, the savings are more than worthwhile. Get rid of extra receivers by returning them to the local office. Consider removing any DVR you got, especially if you rent it on a monthly basis. Your VCR will do just fine for recording missed shows. If you sign up during a promotion period and get some premium channel free initially, mark on your calendar to terminate those services a day before they run out. It is just incredible how high that bill will jump if you miss by even one day. Try to bundle services. For example, many phone companies now offer internet and cable along with the land line service. Bundling often gets you a discount, at least for some period. Calculate your savings and decide if it is worthwhile switching to that company rather than staying with the one you currently use. Consider watching programs online instead of on TV. Several websites offer episodes of the most popular shows, free of charge. If your favorite show doesnt appear on your new broadcast arrangement, you may be able to pick it up this way. We all know that we spend too much time in front of the TV and the cost, added up over the year, is significant. If you cant imagine cutting the cord with TV completely, like I did, cutting back is a great way to save money, and still lets you have your fun.
95
Wipe Out Excessive Spending On Toilet Paper

Click Here to Read This Online It amazes me just how many people have strong loyalties to toilet paper brands. For a product you use to wipe your bum, it can generate quite an emotional bond. I used to be married to a man who would only accept a specific, premium brand of toilet paper. I had grown up with a much cheaper brand and was astonished at not only the price, but also at how thick this new brand felt. All in all, any good quality paper will do the job well, so lets look at some ways to cut costs in the bathroom. Generic is just as Good, sometimes It is undeniable that many generic brands are cheaper because they are frankly not worth the money. Whether they are two-ply or four, they are thin, barely absorbent and fall apart (oh no!) just when you want them to stay together. Unfortunately the only way to find out just how good a toilet paper product is is to purchase it and try it out. For this purpose a simple four pack is your best choice. Toilet paper should be relatively soft to the touch and feel sturdy as well as substantial. If you can read the newspaper through the product you are not going to get good absorption. Unroll a few sheets and crumple it up or fold it in the manner you would when using the product. If it still feels comfortable, try it out in the bathroom. Otherwise return it to the store and ask for your money back. Most stores will refund your purchase. It may take a while, but you will find a product that feels good and works well. The savings over the course of the year can be significant in a larger household, but are still worth while in a small one. Buy in Bulk or on Sale
96
If you have a membership at one of the popular warehouse clubs, consider purchasing their house brand. The two big warehouses each have a decent generic toilet paper brand. The price is significantly less than that of the premium brands they sell along side. Toilet paper coupons are common. If you can get the coupon multiplied, it is even better. Purchase when the brand is on sale and really score big. Once a sale is announced, stock up. Just Use Less In college I had a roommate who could use half a roll of paper at a sitting. It was truly frightening how much toilet paper she wasted, especially in light of the fact that toilet paper was one of those equally shared expenses. Teach your children, spouse and housemates to use less toilet paper. With a decent product a basic wipe takes about four sheets. You may need to wipe twice to feel clean, but that is pretty true of most papers. More business will clearly need more paper, or at least more wipes. Folding paper rather than scrunching it up makes it more effective as well. Between the price of a generic product, better shopping habits and using less, the savings will really add up.
97
Save Some Money on Transportation

Click Here to Read This Online The amount of money we spend on transportation is incredible. While gasoline prices have dropped in comparison to the summer of 2008, fueling up your car is still an expensive proposition. Since the United States driver hasnt figured out that a smaller car uses less gas, we need to find other methods to save money while still getting around. Public Transportation If you commute every day to a workplace in another city, you really should be using public transportation. Many cities have reliable bus and light rail service from the suburbs as well. When you compare the amount of money you spend on gas to a bus pass, the savings are incredible. An additional benefit; you can work or sleep while commuting. Car Pool Almost as unpopular as public transportation is the idea of car-pooling, but it has some hidden benefits. My mother works in NYC and lives about five miles away. That means she has to get across the infamous George Washington Bridge during rush hour in the morning. As she has been in her job for nearly 40 years, she has a coveted parking space, which makes her very desirable as a car pool mate. Every morning she gets a ride with three other people. Not only does the bridge toll drop from $8 to $2, but the commute time drops to 30-45 minutes too. If she drove herself and couldnt use the HOV lane, it would be at least twice, if not three times as long. Since she provides the parking space free of charge, she doesnt pay for the ride, essentially commuting for free.
98
Saving Money on Car Ownership

Click Here to Read This Online (Coming Soon) Transportation goes beyond just getting from point A to point B. For most of us, it involves owning a vehicle of some sort. While scooters are very popular now, they arent much good in bad weather. Purchasing a car is an almost inevitable part of American life, but it still doesn't have to be expensive. Consider getting a fairly recent used car model. The price of a car drops significantly once it has driven off the lot, and you can find many late model cars with low mileage available for purchase. Look for a fuel-efficient car and maintain it well. While the difference between 18 MPG and 25 MPG doesnt seem tremendous at first, you will spend several hundred dollars more to fuel a less efficient vehicle over the course of a year. Keeping your car well maintained reduces repair costs and ensures that it continues to run for years, eliminating the need for a replacement. Simple things like changing the oil every 5000 miles, keeping tires inflated and aligned and cleaning the car inside and out will add years to a cars lifespan. Additional Savings Other simple saving strategies include cutting back on car ownership expenses. First, consider your insurance policy. Raising your deductible, removing collision and comprehensive insurance on an older vehicle and bundling your policies all help save money. Next, plan your driving out well. Wait until you have several errands to run before heading out. Think your driving route out beforehand, so you dont double back more than necessary, wasting fuel.
99
Finally, use one of the many online gas pricing websites to find where fuel costs the least in your neighborhood. We all need to get around, but there is no reason that transportation should be any more expensive than necessary. With a few small changes, you'll be saving a bundle and enjoying life much more.
100
Finding the Best Deals When Buying Electronics

Click Here to Read This Online The holiday season is just around the corner and the year has been difficult for electronic retailers. People are putting off buying electronics knowing that come Thanksgiving the prices are going to drop like a rock to entice us to part with our money. If, for some reason, you need to buy now, be relieved that there are some great ways to get your electronics for less even without the holiday season sales. Go Online Not only is the internet a great place to find reviews of specific items, it is the best way to comparison shop without leaving the house. Additionally, many stores offer larger discounts online than in the store. If you are shipping your item from out of state, you also avoid paying tax, which can be 10% of the total price of an item. With many companies offering free shipping to long distance customers, the appeal of not having to drag a huge box out to your car is clear. Refurbished or Open These two gems are not tapped often enough. Items that were originally purchased and had some minor manufacturing defect return to their parent companies for repair. Once repaired, the product goes back on sale for a significant discount. I admit I got all the MP3 players my family uses from the refurbished rack. I saved 40% over the price of the same toy when purchased new. No one has complained, and more than a year later they players are doing just fine. Open box items are often returned to the store in perfect working order. Perhaps someone measured incorrectly or made a large purchase without consulting their spouse. Whatever the reason, the item is returned, often unused to the store and rather than return it to inventory the store now offers a significant discount to have you
101
take it off their floor. The item will have the same guarantee and warranties that any other new product carries. Avoid the Extras Extended warranties and service plans will add costs with remarkable rapidity. If you do your research and check out reviews on consumer information sites you will know before you start your search which items ranked best. Picking for well regarded items, evaluated by unbiased sources will help you save money in the long run when it comes to repairs or replacement. Heading to a Store Be prepared to negotiate if you do decide to head to a real bricks and mortar store. Gone are the days when a price was quoted and you either took it or left. Today, if you are polite, you can at least ask for a discount. Remember, retailers need to get models off the shelves if they are going to have a happy holiday season and that gives you a bargaining chip. The worst that can happen is they say no and you move on. There is simply no reason for anyone to pay the full retail price of any electronic item anymore. Between rebates, refurbs, coupons, and comparison shopping, you can find just about anything at a range that will match your budget. Patience is crucial to finding a good price on the item you want.
102
Remodeling Your Home and Not Your Bank Account

Click Here to Read This Online (Coming Soon) Remodeling your home is an often held dream. You can turn that dream into reality without going bankrupt if you make a few wise decisions. There are places where you can save money without compromising quality, and other areas where you should plan to spend more to ensure a good result. Make Complete Plans Before you start calling around to price contractors, figure out exactly what you want to accomplish. If you have any unusual elements you want to include in your design, sketch it out, preferably with measurements, and present it to the contractor when you first meet. Figure out your budget in advance, then add 10% minimum to deal with the unexpected, and set up your financing. Pick materials you want by visiting home improvement stores and specialty stores. Remember, the things that are most popular or high end will cost the most. This is an area where you can compromise and select something just as lovely for a lot less money. If anything is going in your walls, pick the best. Taking apart a wall because the water pipe or valve is leaking is an expensive proposition. Picking the Contractor This is one of those places where cheaper isnt better. Recommendations and referrals are your best source for finding a good contractor. Check them out with the Better Business Bureau as well. Avoid any contractor with a history of similar complaints. Ask for an estimate on price for the job you planned. Show any unusual elements you want incorporated. If the job comes in at a higher price than you expected, ask where you can cut expenses. A contractor understands that you are working on a budget, just
103
like he is. They are in the best position to tell you what elements you can sacrifice without impacting the whole project. Who Purchases What? Sometimes you will hear people say that they opted to purchase their own supplies when engaged in a home remodeling. Under just about every circumstance, this is a poor choice because your contractor will have usually have access to the best prices. If you are purchasing an unusual, high end item it may pay to price things on your own, but always compare with your contractor to see who has found the best deal. Contract Confidence Make sure you hire a contract lawyer to check and recheck your contract before you sign on the dotted line. This is one area where you dont want to skimp. While it may seem like a lot of money, it really is just a fraction of the total price and it can save you loads of money if things go wrong, and something almost always does in renovations. Renovating your home is a messy, often expensive process. It takes time, creativity, and a great deal of patience. Make sure you have a good timeline from your contractor, work with someone you trust, and accept that as long as work is ongoing you will have a mess in your home. In the end, even if you dont recoup all the costs when selling the home, you will have the home you wanted for as long as you live in it.
104
Landscaping for Less

Click Here to Read This Online The best way to save money with landscaping is to invest some sweat equity in the project. Doing it yourself will save you money and give you a general feeling of satisfaction. While the thought of moving your own trees around the yard may be intimidating, a little know how will go a long way. Plan Ahead Steps like improving poor soil or arranging good drainage are best done before you put in new plants. Having your sprinkler system in place to match the design you want will save you money as well as hassle. Evaluate your yard and draw out a plan of where you want to place each bush and tree. Organize any beds you want and select plants with similar growing needs to be placed next to one another. Shop around for the plants you want and if you can negotiate a bulk discount, get them at one location so you save on delivery fees. Look for Free or Cheap Supplies Many cities offer free mulch and trees as part of their beautification plans, especially for new developments. Contact your city and find out if they have either available before you spend your money. You can get bricks and lumber from construction sites if an old house is being torn down, but get permission first. Purchasing in the late fall, before the soil hardens, is a great time to pick up trees and shrubs. Nurseries are trying to get rid of their inventory before the cold weather causes everything to go dormant or gets damaged while out of the ground. You can often get some great bargains with a little effort. Just make sure you get the plants in the ground quickly.
105
Get the Most Bang for Your Buck I love bulbs. I plant them once and they come up over and over again each year. In my first home I planted about $20 worth of bulbs each fall and by the time I left the house ten years later I had hundreds of bulbs planted in bed around the yard. By grouping together bulbs that bloomed at different times with differing heights I had an endless supply of color all around my home. Big home improvement stores generally have great bulb selections in the fall and spring. Minimize your Lawn Not only is lawn labor intensive once planted, it is expensive to maintain. If you have young children that play outdoors, keep an area of the yard grassy for that play structure and games of tag; beyond that think flower beds, rock gardens and paths. Watering takes a great deal of water, especially in dry climates, which raises your expenses. Mowing, weeding, fertilizing, and trimming all take time and effort better spent playing with your kids or just relaxing. Break It Up Plan to complete your project in phases. Not only does this mean you can do the work as you can afford it, it lets you see how you like your changes gradually. Even a small scale landscaping project can cost over $1000, and the prices will just go up the more work you do. Pick a section of your yard to work on each year and soon you will have the yard you always dreamed of, without breaking the bank.
106
Saving Money on Any Insurance

Click Here to Read This Online There are some forms of insurance you just cant live without. Car insurance is mandatory in all states, homeowners insurance is required if you carry a mortgage, and any parent will tell you that medical insurance is crucial. With rising costs hitting all of these necessary protections, it pays to make the most of every dollar. Car Insurance Since you have absolutely no choice about having car insurance, you may as well shop around to find the best deal. I know that there are many advertisements trying to entice you to change companies, but before you do that, compare what you are getting right now to what they are offering. Frequently companies "save" you money by providing lesser coverage; in my book that is no savings. Shop around and do it early, insurance companies will almost always match any legitimate offers you find. The quickest and easiest way to drop those premiums is to raise your deductible. By increasing your deductible from $200 to $500 dollars, you can save 30% on your insurance premiums. Make sure to set aside the money needed if you do have an accident and need to produce the higher premium. Ask about discounts. Teen drivers usually get a discount for good grades or certain types of drivers education programs. If you dont drive much, or your job is just a couple of miles from home, you may be able to get a low-mileage deduction. Also, consult your insurance agent when purchasing a new car so you know in advance which ones cost less to insure. Some companies offer lower deductibles for each year you go without having a claim, so make sure you ask that because it could save you money long term.
107
Homeowners Insurance Just like auto insurance, increasing your deductible will decrease your premiums. Many companies will offer discounts to customers who purchase multiple policies with them, so bundle your car and homeowners insurance to save some money. Only insure your home, not the land for replacement costs in case of disaster. This common mistake costs many people money. You wont have to replace the land, just the building, so check your policy to make sure you are insuring only what you need. Another thing to consider is staying with a company for the long haul since many offer loyalty discounts. Improving your homes security and disaster resistance will generally garner you some deductions as well. Medical Insurance Many people simply cant afford private medical insurance. Before you raise your hands in frustration and walk away, consider that a major medical bill will bankrupt your family, so even something is better than nothing. Many States now offer basic health insurance based upon income levels; call your state offices and ask if you can get insurance that way. Again, raising your deductible will help if you have insurance but are struggling to pay for it. See what kinds of plans your company offers, and if you can get insurance through work. Compare the plans and make sure you are comparing apples to apples, even with the complicated wording of many policies. Also, take advantage of medical savings accounts that let you put aside money to pay for medical expenses, tax free. Keeping on top of your insurance costs and options will save you money immediately and in the long run. The key is to comparison shop often so you always get the best discounts.
108
Finding Ways to Save for Veterinary Care

Click Here to Read This Online Your pet is very important to you, but the bills are killing your budget. These days, the expenses for both young and elderly pets are rising, but once you bonded to that animal it is hard to say no. Though with a little work you can save money on those necessary expenses and still provide your pet with excellent care. Get a Pet from the Shelter Getting a pet from the shelter means you will get a pet with their vaccines current, spaying complete and a recent medical exam. If you choose a middle-aged pet, you generally wont have to worry about much in the way of medical expenses other than regular vaccines. Be Selective on Vaccines Not all dogs or cats need the same vaccines. A dog that spend a lot of time running in the woods will need a Lyme disease vaccine, one that stays indoors or goes on a walk around the block wont. If you only own one cat at a time and it never gets outdoors then it doesnt really need a vaccine for feline leukemia or FIV. Additionally, you can negotiate with your vet on prices and you can even comparison shop with others. Some Humane Societies offer low price clinics for vaccination and spay or neutering, so it is worth picking up the phone and asking when it is happening. Purchase Meds Online Many pet medications can be found online and in bulk. If you have a pet in need of regular medications purchasing them from a website and administering them yourself can save you big bucks. Ask your vet to teach you how to give necessary injections, if they are reluctant you should probably change vets since this one is more interested in making money than providing good, affordable care.
109
Even basic medications like those for heartworm or fleas and ticks can be found online for less money than you would pay at a store or at the vets. Applying topical medicines and keeping your pet pest free will pay off through lower maintenance costs and fewer vet visits. Consider Pet Insurance If you purchase pet insurance for your friend, you will likely save money in the long run. Usually dependent upon the size and breed of your animal, pet insurance policies run the gamut from basic care to platinum coverage. For a few dollars a month you gain the security of knowing that in a serious situation your pet will have a majority of their bills covered. If you dont have pet insurance consider putting a few dollars aside each month in a special fund just to take care of pet emergencies, that way it wont hit your budget so hard. Invest in Good Food Just because a food costs a lot of money doesnt mean it is a healthy choice for your dog. Talk to your vet about lower cost alternatives that will provide your pet with good nutrition without killing your budget. Shop with coupons that are almost always available at the company websites. Getting good, nutritious food will help prevent many problems animals face as the years go by. Once you have committed to a pet you are generally looking at ten years or more of care and expense. Of course, that is repaid by love, affection and "fluff therapy" in spades. In this economy we all have to find ways to save, but it is perfectly possible to have a pet and stick to a budget, with a little effort of course.
110
Saving Money on Household Bills

Click Here to Read This Online Between the rising cost of day to day expenses and decreases in the availability of jobs, many people are finding themselves in need of cutting costs on household bills once deemed essential. There are many ways to trim your costs, but for some reasons, we just dont think about them. Years of being able to afford whatever we wanted make it difficult to know where to start, but don't worry, because the process gets easier the more you think about it. Pay On Time One of the biggest money wasters is paying bills late. The companies you do business with are hurting too and they are quicker than ever to charge late fees and surcharges. Over drafting on your bank account can cost you hundreds of dollars in one day since each charge will result in an overdraft fee of around $30 per incident. Put overdraft protection on your account immediately to prevent such problems, and if you find your bank charges a lot of additional fees, change banks. Credit cards not only charge you for paying late, they also raise your interest rates--a double whammy. Utilities companies may demand a deposit if you are regularly late on paying your bill. Bundle Services Many local phone providers are now offering cell phone service, cable television, and internet access as well as land line service. Pick one of these companies and bundle your services. Discounts are pretty significant if you pick a larger bundle. If your phone company doesnt offer a bundling service, look at the cable company. Almost all offer internet as well as cable and you can pair them for some savings. Cut Back
111
Do you really need 500 channels? Cutting back to basic cable can save you $50 or more each month. Frankly, I turned off the television service two years ago when I realized the kids were watching too much TV and I never watched it at all. After two weeks of complaints they figured out how to entertain themselves and we have never turned it back on. You can reduce the extra services on your phone line or opt for a slower download speed on your internet connection. Start using generic products from the supermarket and clip those coupons. There are several coupon websites, like Coupon Shoebox, where you can find tons of coupons all in one place. I dont do as well as the real gurus, but when you can get $17 worth of stuff for $5.50, that is money I can use somewhere else. Find Free Options The public library doesnt only have book, you know. DVDs, CDs, and computer games can all be found within the walls of the library and you can take them out for free. Just remember to bring them back on time or you end up paying late fees. If you like to eat out, find out which local restaurants offer free kid meals or free appetizers with a meal. Eat only on the days when you can maximize your savings. Local museums, zoos, and other cultural centers usually offer a few free days each year. Plan ahead and visit when you dont have to pay for admission, pack a lunch and enjoy a great day out with your family at no cost. When cutting back, it is natural to feel that you are somehow losing something valuable. With a little creativity and planning you can still enjoy all the things you like, but spend less doing it.
112
Dont Drop a Bundle on Baby Products

Click Here to Read This Online While many young couples put off having children due to the high costs, once the baby arrives, they are willing to put themselves into debt to provide all the things baby needs. Baby products arent cheap, if you purchase new and focus upon the top of the line accessories, but you can find great quality for much less if you work at it. Used isnt Icky Until the latest economic crisis, most people wouldnt even consider used clothes or furniture; thats unfortunate. The used market is a great source for inexpensive but high quality goods. A fancy new crib can cost upwards of $1,000, but getting the same unit used will set you back about $200, or less. If you plan to have several kids, you want quality, but there is no reason to pay retail prices for it. Davids Note: Every time used baby products are mentioned, many people pile on to say that many used baby products are unsafe. This can be true to a certain degree, but sometimes, a safety issue is caused by a tiny defect that can easily be fixed. For example, my baby stroller was recently recalled due to a dangerous strap that hangs lose. While I can always try to get the stroller sent back, the other option was to just cut what everyone is agreeing to be a useless strap that is just dangling for no reason. In this case, any used stroller of the model I purchase would have been fine. The moral of the story is to know what you are buying, and with the ease of obtaining information through the internet, you now have no excuse. Barring a special outfit for pictures or holidays, baby clothes should be comfortable, warm and cheap. Most babies go through several outfits a day. The local thrift shop or
113
garage sales are great places to pick up really cute clothes for a fraction of the original price. You can even find new clothes, with the tags still on them, because babies grow so fast they dont always get to wear every outfit they received. Nursing versus Formula If you plan to nurse your baby, not only will you provide optimal nutrition, you will save money. If you choose to use formula, the expenses are much greater. Nursing moms need about three good nursing bras and possibly a pump and a few bottles; done. Mom will eat a bit more while nursing to make up for the calories she is feeding baby. Mothers who use formula need bottles and an endless supply of fairly expensive formula. Once you pick your formula, contact the company and ask to be put on their mailing list. You will get coupons, a free can of formula and perhaps even some of the nifty single serving containers. Check to see if the brand is available at your local warehouse, it is bound to be cheaper. Disposable versus Cloth This is just as difficult a decision as the feeding one. Disposable diapers are extremely convenient but the expense is continuous until your child has toilet trained. If you have more than one child, each one requires the same long-term financial drain. Cloth diapers require a larger initial investment but can be used for several children and then torn up into rags for cleaning and dusting. Good wraps are essential to prevent leaks, and they can be expensive. I combined the two. At home or on day trips, I used cloth diapers and washed them at home. On longer trips, I used disposable diapers. The cloth diapers I bought for my
114
eldest 16 years ago, I got used for two more children. My total investment was about $500 and I used them for a total of 7 years. Today, I use the diapers around the house for a variety of cleaning chores. As hard as it is to believe, a baby needs very little. A place to sleep, some food in its tummy and dry clothes is all that your little one requires. Spending huge sums of money on baby products now rather than putting it aside for college just makes no sense.
115
How much should you spend on Braces?

Click Here to Read This Online When I was young enough to wear braces, the costs from start to finish was $2,000. Today, parents spend much more than that on braces, and it is common to start earlier, sometimes when a child is only 7 or 8 years old. The questions facing a parent of several children is just how much they can afford to spend on braces, and whether or not it is worth the investment. Typical Costs A full course of orthodontic care for a typical child will run between $3,500 and $7,000. If your child has a small mouth that needs expansion or several teeth that are severely misaligned the job will cost much more. While as a parent, you want your child to be perfect, your wallet may flinch at the expense. Determine the need The first real question is whether the work is cosmetic or medically necessary. If your childs teeth align well and they have a couple of crooked teeth, braces may be optional. If, however, you childs teeth are stacked up several deep and they have a hard time biting food, the need is much greater. Assess each child individually. Realize that older children will comply more with uncomfortable dental procedures to get a specific look". Even if your child clearly needs braces, you shouldnt rush into the process. Children's mouths change during puberty. Early braces often have to be touched up later on when your childs mouth expands and shifts through their teen years.
116
If you have a child that sucks their thumb, you will want to wait as well. Many of the problems that will need to be addressed orally are only going to come back as soon as the braces are off, if the thumb sucking hasnt ended. Shop Around While I don't recommend you go to some back alley orthodontist to save a few dollars, you will find that there is a dramatic range of prices for the same work. Since orthodontists set their own prices, the differences in price between one office and another can be significant. Make sure you get a price for the complete job, as you don't want to find out later on that appliances like retainers cost extra. Talk to your family dentist, since many do simple orthodontic work. If your child only needs some basic work, you dentist may be able to do it for less. Set up a payment plan and stick to it. As with other payment plans, interest rates can go up if you fail to make your payments on time. Another good option is to set up a medical flexible spending account to pay for the work. At least the money won't be taxed, and if your work place offers dental insurance, find out if braces are covered in part or as a whole. Braces are undeniably expensive, but if your child truly needs them, then they are an unavoidable expense. With a bit of searching you can save at least some of the costs associated with this dental rite of passage. Good luck!
117
Decrease your Spending on Dry Cleaning

Click Here to Read This Online Dry cleaning your clothes is an expensive proposition. For many business people, the need to have suits properly cleaned may seem non-negotiable as it relates directly to their professional appearance. However, with a little effort, you could be saving money and looking good. Read on... Avoid buying clothes that need dry cleaning. While there are some items that are going to need dry cleaning no matter what, such as suits or wool coats, purchasing clothes you can wash at home is less expensive. Cotton dress shirts are easy to wash at home, and if you take them out of the dryer while still a bit damp and hang them, ironing is minimal. There are also shirts that are of the non-wrinkle type. Buying those instead could literally save you hundreds of dollars a year. Consider which can be washed at home. Many items that say dry clean can actually be cleaned normally. Since manufacturers are only required to put one method of cleaning on a garment, they do just that. Rayon, for example, can be washed at home as long as you take care not to shrink it with warmer water. Purchase a home dry cleaning kit. While these kits are expensive when compared to normal detergent, they provide a good alternative to traditional dry cleaning when all your garment need is some freshening up. Used in your dryer, these kits provide you with a pretreatment, a dry cleaning cloth and a bag. You pre-treat your stains, put the clothes in the bag with the cloth and run the dryer for a while.
118
The cloth will infuse your dry clean only clothes with fragrance, the steam generated reduces wrinkles and the pretreatment takes care of most stains. The fragrances can set off allergies in sensitive individuals, so try the system out on something that isnt essential first. Care for dry cleaned clothes properly. Unless the item is worn against the skin, cleaning it annually is generally enough. Take off your dry clean only clothes promptly and hang them up. Use a clothes brush to remove any surface dirt and use pads or bolsters to ensure that they lay correctly when hung. Let the item air out for a day or two before you return it to your closet. With proper maintenance dry clean only clothes can last a long time. Take your clothes to the cleaners. Eventually, no matter how well you treat your clothes you will need to have the professionally cleaned. Long before you step into a store you should have done some homework. Get recommendations from your colleagues as to which dry cleaners do the best work for the lowest cost. Find out if a cleaner sends out coupons, and if they will accept competitors coupons by simply asking them. Wait until you have several items to take at once. Many cleaners offer a discount if you clean more than 5 items at a time, or if you are a regular visitor. Dry cleaning may be a necessity from time to time, but reducing the frequency and looking for cheaper alternatives can help reduce the expense to a manageable level.
119
Make Organic Food Affordable

Click Here to Read This Online Whether you choose to get organic food because you believe in more sustainable methods of agriculture, have heard that organic foods are more nutrient dense or because of medical concerns, there are many reasons that lead people to go organic. But even if you consider organic food to be an investment in the planets future or in your health, you surely want to save where you can because the prices can shock you. There are several well-recognized ways to cut your organic food bill. Here are a few. Cooperative Ventures While other groups of people support cooperative lifestyles, for some reason, those interested in organic foods seem to have a real advantage. Purchasing your dry goods with a food co-op will often save you 30-40% right off the bat. One of the reasons you save so much is that you eliminate the middleman. My co-op ordered monthly, and each of us had a booklet that listed everything the distributor carried. We would e-mail each other our list of the month and see who wanted to share cases of a certain product. The order would be sent in and each month someone else would drive down to the warehouse, about an hour away, and pick up everything. Once the driver got home we all met to parcel out the goods. An additional benefit was advance knowledge regarding which items would be on sale so we could stock up for the season. Community Supported Agriculture
120
All around the country, in every state, you can find farms that are part of the community supported agriculture (CSA) movement. To be certified as organic they go through a lengthy process. The certification is highly coveted in the community. To join a CSA you purchase a share, or part of a share, of the crops produced during a given year. For example, the CSA I belonged to offered family shares that fed about four people. Couple shares that provided for two, and single shares. This farm required a donation of 10 hours in the fields as well. Once growing season began, we would get our percentage of the week's crops, which we would pick up at the farm. The cost worked out to about $20 a week, and we had vegetables of all sorts from April to November. Specialty items like heirloom tomatoes, organic raspberries and field fresh arugula were standard fare around the house. YUM! Some weeks we had way too much, eleven heads of lettuce one week alone. Therefore, the farm allowed members to donate what they didnt want to a local food bank. If the nearest CSA is several hours away, you can often arrange for them to drop the produce off at a central location where it could work if you get a group of members together. Organic food is becoming increasingly popular. The result is a greater availability, yes, but also larger prices. Supermarkets survive on a fairly narrow margin of profit, and organics allow them to charge a bit more. Ironically, the organics at your average supermarket are long past their prime, so it really hurts to pay top dollar. Find a food cooperative, join a CSA and enjoy fresh, inexpensive organics on your table.
121
Office Supplies on a Budget

Click Here to Read This Online Whether you are running a small business or simply want to set up a home office, saving some money on office supplies can be important. In a business, every penny counts, and the same holds true for a household budget. Purchasing your supplies at a regular office store is about the most expensive choice you can make when stocking up, yet that's what most people do. Try these tips, and you may find that your money does go a bit further. Saving Money on Office Supplies at Superstores Although you might think that no one could possibly go through a pack of 25 pens or a full box of printer paper, most do, given time. While the initial investment in getting a large supply of something non-perishable may be more, in the end it pays off. Note though that too many people lose their pens well before the ink runs out. If buying a huge pack "helps" you forget more often, then buy them one at a time even if it seems more expensive at first! The big office stores like Staples, Office Depot and Office Max are not only trying to get your business, they are also competing against one another and online vendors. That means that it behooves them to offer the best prices that they can. They count on the wow factor once you get into the store. That means they stock their center aisles with pricier things that entice you to impulse spend. So stick to your preplanned list. Save Money by Using Online Vendors Things like printer ink and memory sticks are well worth pricing on line. The only caveat is that many of the currently available printers work best with cartridges made by their manufacturer. If you do find a cheaper source of ink that guarantees the product, it can
122
be worth while trying out one set of cartridges. If they perform up to standard, you have a new source. If not, get your money back and use the tried and true. Some online stores always send out discounts, like 123inkjets.com and their coupon codes. When they are available, even better. While online vendors may have better prices, make sure to add in the shipping costs when comparing with the box stores. Even large items can be delivered free of charge by the superstores. If you have to pay for delivery, the shipping bill may significantly add to your cost. Thats no bargain. Save Money at Warehouse Stores For basics you can get some really good prices at Sams, Costcos or other warehouse clubs. The membership is a business expense, and you can find paper, ink, computers and furniture for a reduced price. While the selection isnt nearly as extensive as an office supply superstore, the prices are often better. For a small business, professionalism is important, but the bottom line is equally crucial. Another way to save some money is to pool your resources with another small business. Clearly the best deals are found when you purchase in bulk. If your company only uses half a box of paper a year you might be able to split a box with another individual. If two small companies in the same building want a water cooler, purchasing the item together halves your cost. Of course the best savings come from reducing the amount of supplies you use and switching to generic products wherever possible. Office supplies are a necessary part of the budget for any business, but with a little creativity and planning you can easily trim your costs.
123
Saving Money on Prescription Drugs

Click Here to Read This Online (Coming Soon) Prescription drugs are one of those items that we know are necessary, but the cost can make them a real budget buster. Some medications cost in excess of $100 each month, and for those people who take several drugs at once, the price tag quickly exceeds their ability to pay. Before you opt out of taking medications you need, lets look at some ways you can reduce your expense. Check to see what prescription drugs are covered A formulary is a book that lists what medications your insurance company covers. Make sure to ask your insurance company for a copy. Find out if your insurers have a limit for how much medication they will cover each year. Knowing in advance that your insurance company will only cover half a year may not be encouraging, but you can plan ahead and put money into a tax free medical account and save a bit there. Comparison shop for lower prices on common prescriptions Common drugs have different costs at different locations. The local pharmacy charges me $97 for my prescription, but my warehouse club only charges $75. Over the course of the year I save over $140 by filling at the club. When comparing prices consider online or mail service for your medications. Many insurance companies now cooperate with mail-in pharmacies, which charge less than the local stores. You do have to plan ahead more for this to work. Talk to your Doctor About Generic Drugs and Samples
124
Your doctor will be able to help you on several fronts. First, there may be a generic medication that is identical to the name brand one you are currently using. If so, switching can save you huge sums of money. Secondly, your doctor gets free samples of many medications from drug company representatives. Generally speaking, the office is happy to hand out these samples to help you afford a medication you really need. After a divorce and a big hit to the wallet, my doctor helped me out for several months. Yours should be willing to do the same. Ask Your Doctor about Dosing Options Discuss the possibility of getting a larger dosage and splitting the pills. While this technique wont work with medications delivered by capsule, it is a great money saver for tablets. That prescription I get for $75 at the club is actually a double dose. I found out that those 30 tablets of 10mg cost $72 and the same quantity of 20mg pills cost $75. I fill my script every other month, and save $450 each year on top of the savings offered by the clubs lower price. Ask the Pharmacy about Discount Cards Finally, take a look at getting a prescription discount card or seeing if you qualify for a free medicine program. Many states have such programs to assist people on a limited budget get the medications they need. Unfortunately, aging can result in a contradictory situation. Just as your income is decreasing your need for prescription drugs can increase. Finding ways to cut that bill may be the difference between making it to the end of the month or not.
125
Enjoy your Pets and Save Money at the Same Time

Click Here to Read This Online Americans spend more money on their pets than just about anyone else. With an inclination to purchase purebred animals, feed them gourmet foods and dress them up in tutus. It isnt unusual to spend between $1000-2500 a year, depending upon the size of the animal, but who can really afford to do that? Luckily, there are some simple ways to save some money while still spoiling your pet silly. How to Save Money on the Initial Expenses The difference in price between a purebred animal and a shelter pet is considerable. A shelter dog may be available for $100 or a cat for $60 while their purebred counterparts go for hundreds or even thousands of dollars. The shelter pets arrive with all their vaccinations and their altering surgery complete. You would have to spend between $100-300 for the same services at the vet. Save Money by Keeping Your Pets Inside Animals that spend a lot of time outdoors or roaming can get parasites, infections, suffer injuries and face dangers that house pets dont. Your cat should be kept indoors and your dog in a fenced yard. Preventative Care is Cheaper It might make you cringe to pay for a dental cleaning for your pet, but it is a lot cheaper than having to pay for dental surgery when tooth decay creates abscesses or other problems. Heartworm medication may be a bit pricey, but compared to the cost of treating active heartworm infections it is petty cash.
126
Learn to Groom your Pet Cats rarely require much by way of grooming, but dogs need to be groomed regularly. Some dogs only need an annual trip to the groomers, and that isnt too bad, but other pups require monthly trims. If you have a pet that requires a lot of grooming, invest in a good quality pet clipper, nail trimmers, the proper brush and shampoo. I recommend starting your grooming project during the winter so by spring, you and the dog will look more presentable. Find Free Clinics Offer Cheaper Services Most large cities offer rabies vaccinations annually at a low cost clinic. Rather than spending the money at the local vet clinic, consider going down to the annual event. Spay and neuter programs are also available, saving you more than $100. If there is a veterinarian school in your area, see if they provide low cost clinics. The students get to treat a variety of animals, and you get a serious discount on any procedures your pets need. Talk to the Vet about Payment Options When facing a large bill you need to sit down with your vet and discuss your situation. Few vets dislike animals, even if they may not be overly fond of their owners. If your pet needs to have a serious medical procedure done, and you just dont have the money, working out a payment plan in advance will assure that your pet gets the care it needs and you have a way to pay for it. If your vet cant afford to drop his fees, he may know where you can get the same procedure performed for less. He may also know of someone who is willing to help out by donating something towards the care of needy animals. It never hurts to ask.
127
Finally, remember that beyond basic vet care, a leash, decent food and love, your pets really doesnt need anything. That tutu may look adorable on Pookie but she will live just fine without it. Keep your cash for the important things.
128
Spend Less on Baby Formula

Click Here to Read This Online For young couples, having a baby is one of the most life-affirming experiences they will ever have. At least it is until the bills start piling up. Between disposable diapers, formula and clothing, a very small person starts to eat up a significant part of the monthly income. Parents often wonder how such a small individual costs so much, the baby years is actually just the beginning. This could sound discouraging, but the first years of a person's life are actually the cheap years. Before you know it, your child can point at a toy on the shelf and start making demands. And let's not even talk about college. Nevertheless, any money you can save now will more than pay off in the future. Buy Formula in Bulk Everyone knows that breast is best not only from a nutritional perspective, but also from the financial point of view. While mom eats more to produce the milk, those costs dont approach that of formula. Formula companies definitely want to push moms buttons and imply that their formula is clearly the best one if mom isnt going to nurse. Dont fall for the hype, because they are all similar. Every formula has to meet government standards, so find something your baby will tolerate and bulk up. Before the baby arrives, head to the local grocery warehouse and find out what they stock. Then contact the company that manufactures the formula and get them to send you samples, coupons, a baby bag and any other free merchandise they can think of. They are trying to woo you, after all, so encourage their generosity. Once you get home with your new baby, try out your samples and make sure your baby tolerates this formula well. If so, you now know of a source of the same formula for less.
129
Companies also send out little checks for you to use on their brand of formula. Take a good look at the conditions of use. It may very well pay to get that pack of single serve cans instead of the bulk box. Buy Powdered Formula, Not Liquid The costs per serving of powdered formula are considerably lower than that of liquid. Not only is powdered formula cheaper, it can be carried about without worry of spoilage. If you dont teach your child to expect their formula warmed up, that means you can add some water to your powder wherever you are and provide a meal in a couple of minutes. Liquid containers of formula, especially single serve cans are very convenient, which can make up for the price if you are on a plane or driving for hours. Keep such cans for special occasions, realizing that they may be thicker or thinner than what you mix up from powder and require a bit of coaxing at first. Consider Generic Formula If all these tips still leave you grasping at financial straws to feed your baby, consider generic varieties. Since the government does strictly monitor what is in baby formula, you are unlikely to have any problems with a generic option. After all, dont you purchase generic foods for yourself? There is nothing wrong with doing the same for your precious baby. In the end, baby only drinks formula for about a year before transitioning over to other liquids. When you can make the change, you budget will make a sigh of relief.
130
Dont Dispose of your Money when Buying Diapers

Click Here to Read This Online (Coming Soon) Your average infant will wear over 7,000 diapers before toilet trained. Thats a lot of money you are essentially throwing away. If your goal is to save money on diapers, you really should consider using cloth diapers that you wash yourself. If, however, you just cant imagine doing so, there are other money saving tips I can offer. Lets start by looking at cloth. The Basics of Cloth Diapers and the Cost Cloth diapers have changed a lot in the last 20 years or so. Unlike in my infancy where you would pin on a strip of birds eye fabric and then cover it with plastic pants, todays cloth diapers are pre-folded, shaped, and are covered with a variety of comfortable, colorful and adjustable wraps. The initial outlay is greater than with disposable diapers. You will need at least three to four diaper covers per day, and should have at least twice that number available so covers can be washed and dried. Good quality covers will cost about $20 each. The diapers can be purchased by the dozen and you will probably go through eight to ten per day. Again, you want enough for at least two days. Prices vary but contoured diapers will cost more than straight ones which run about $20 per dozen. Different sizes can be purchased to accommodate a growing child. In the end, you can expect to spend about $20-$50 per month while your child is in diapers. This will include your supplies, washing and depreciation. Of course, you can reuse your supplies when the next child comes along, so that saves you money once again.
131
Disposable Diapers Dont Have to be Prohibitive If you choose to go with disposable diapers, you dont have to purchase the most expensive brand. Find the cheapest diaper that fits your child well. It really does vary from brand to brand, by the way. A baby with chubby legs will do well with one type of diaper, while one with slender legs will do better in another. Only experimenting will let you know what works for your child. Once you settle upon a brand, sign up for the company newsletter and coupon e-mails. This may not save you much, but believe me, this is a time when every penny counts. You can also purchase your selection of diapers in bulk if you search online. A number of websites offer this service and will deliver to your door, free. Generally speaking you will spend about $40-$70 per month on disposable diapers and supplies. Unfortunately, one of the costs we dont consider when using diapers is that of the environmental impact. It is estimated that disposable diapers account for between 1.52% of the total volume of landfills worldwide. Additionally, there are significant concerns involved with the waste material leaching into ground waters. These factors are mitigated to some degree with cloth diapering, but that option increases water usage. There really is no optimal solution one way or another from the environmental perspective. Financially, you pay more for the convenience of disposable diapers, about $20 per month, over 3 years that adds up to $720. Only you can decide if that price is too much to pay for ease.
132
Shipping for Less - Saving Money Year Round

Click Here to Read This Online Whether you are shipping presents you bought for the holidays or sending packages year round, the costs involved can appear astronomical. There are ways to shave some of your costs, but it will generally involve a bit more planning on your part. Holiday Time Shipping Strategies Sometimes it seems as though the holidays arrive earlier each year. With the hectic pace most people endure year round, getting gifts purchased and mailed in time can be daunting. If your goal is to get those presents under everybody's Christmas tree and not spend a fortune mailing them, you will need to get organized in the fall. Thinking about the winter holidays that early is difficult, with getting the kids off to school at that time of the year, but to save on shipping costs, it is critical. The reason is that the faster you need to ship something, the more it will cost. Uniformity Spells Savings. Carriers charge more to ship unusually sized boxes. Get standard sized boxes free by saving the ones you get when you order merchandise. Compare Prices at Websites. As long as you know the box dimensions you can accurately evaluate which carrier will give you the best deal. Check USPS, UPS and FedEx as a minimum. Shipping internationally may involve a couple more websites. For example, at USPS, you can send a 10-pound package across country for less than $16 if it goes parcel post, but shipping express will cost $58. Overnight with UPS can easily cost double that amount, so choose wisely.
133
Let Companies Ship For You. If you purchase things online, realize that many companies offer free shipping. To make the best use of this service you need to shop in advance of your desired delivery date. Amazon offers free shipping on many items, but this means that your items go by the slowest means possible. That translates into 7-10 business days under most circumstances. Still, if you plan to send a big box of gifts, this really pays off. Combine Packages and Save some More. When I moved half way across the country from my family, I immediately saw the problems involved in getting gifts to relatives on time. Now, I plan ahead and package all the gifts for the month in one box and let the family sort it out and deliver them when they arrive. For holidays this is particularly useful if everyone gathers at grandmas house or another such central location. Options to Consider for Business Purposes Not all shipping is of a personal nature. If you ship for business purposes, you will want to maintain a professional look, but the money spent on labeling and fancy boxes can be better spent elsewhere. Print your own labels and stationary, pack your own packages and take them to the store rather than have them picked up. You will find the savings add up over time. Just because you have a lot of things to ship doesnt mean you should be shipping off your cash in the process. Think ahead, compare prices and stick to standardized boxes. You can save money and still get things where they need to be.
134
Slashing Spending on School Supplies

Click Here to Read This Online Whether your child is heading off to their first year of kindergarten or their final year of college, saving money on school supplies is just plain smart. As school systems face the challenge of teaching more kids on a smaller budget, parents are being asked to provide a lot more than a couple of pencils and a notebook. Long lists are coming home during the summer requesting everything from paste to pencils. While you expect to purchase more for a college student, the prices there keep going up as well. Get Everything Your Child Needs for Less The latest version of the school supply list arrived in mid August. Each of my children needed pencils, notebooks, folders, glue, rulers, scissors, and the list went on and on for a full page. Worse, from my perspective, none of the supplies was personal. They all went into a general pool from which all children would take what they needed. The first step was to scavenge around the house. Many of the supplies were similar to those requested last year. Fortunately, unused supplies do return at the end of the school year, so scissors, ruler and other such items were already set aside in anticipation. Next, I created a master list of all the supplies needed. Three kids equals nine dozen pencils, yes, you read that right. Buying these items in bulk at the warehouse club is often cheaper than picking up smaller boxes.
135
Checking circulars meant traveling to several stores, but getting folders for a penny each when you need 20 pays off. While I wont go to a store for just one item (gas costs money too you know), if several items were cheapest at another location, you can bet I made it over there. College costs enough as is; Scrimp where you can Remember that there are many fine State schools that are much less expensive than private universities. Once you get over the sticker shock of tuition, room and board, textbooks are one of the largest hurdles you face. College textbooks can easily cost in excess of $100 a piece, and most classes will require several books. Paying full price is criminal in my opinion. If you have a friend who took the class during the previous semester, see if you can borrow their book. Professors often reserve copies of their textbooks at the library. You may need to read the book there, but its free. Copying pages you need for studying purposes is much cheaper than purchasing the book, even if it takes some time. Freecycling groups online may be able to help you get a used textbook for nothing or just the price of shipping. If you must purchase a book, get it used. There are plenty of websites that sell used textbooks for a fraction of the cost of new. Shop early to increase your chances of getting the book you need at the price you can afford. While a good education is priceless, there is no reason to pay excessively for the experience. Values abound, if you are willing to plan ahead and make an effort.
136
Enjoying your Prom on a Budget

Click Here to Read This Online The emotional weight associated with prom night is difficult for an adult to appreciate. The price tag, however, is a totally different story. As a parent you want your child to enjoy themselves and maybe make a few precious memories, but you also want to avoid taking out a second mortgage to afford the evening. So what to do? Here are a few suggestions. Gowns and Tuxedos; A Grown Up Look for Less For many girls the largest expense ends up being the dress. Really, it makes no sense at all to spend several hundred dollars on gown you may never wear again. Cheaper options include consignment shops, borrowing from older relatives, or visiting a dress exchange. Bridal shops are getting in on the celebration by renting dresses as well. Make sure to start looking early though, because you dont want to have to settle for a dress just because it is the right size. Life is easier for the boys, although not necessarily cheaper. The tuxedo rental industry is well established, but opting for a top of the line suit will cost you a pretty penny. Designer labels are snazzy, but an attractive, well fitting tux doesnt have to be the newest or the most expensive. Pick something that looks good without worrying about who designed it, and return it on time to avoid penalties. Sharing the Ride Saves Everyone Money In my day the boy picked you up in dads car. If you were lucky he cleaned the car before he drove over. Today kids spring for stretch limos and decked out Hummers.
137
Before you shell out hundreds of dollars for your ride, get together with a bunch of friends and decide to go as a group. The evenings rental may be $500, but when you split it between 10 kids, it is much more affordable. Flowers Don't Have to Be Exotic The corsage and boutonnire should match, but that doesnt mean they have to be expensive. Carnations are a traditional choice that still fit into a smaller budget. Making a boutonniere is fairly simple, so designing your own at home is an easy way to save a bit of money. A corsage is more challenging, so this is one area the boys may end up having to spend more. If you dont like carnations, pick something seasonal. And shop around too, as prices vary quite a bit between florists. The After Party; Dancing the Night Away Although the idea of an after party will seem strange to many parents, it has become an integral part of many proms. Schools often arrange for an after party just to ensure that their students are somewhere safe when the prom is over. If your childs school doesnt do so, work with other parents to set one up. The expense of several families renting a small suite at a hotel or arranging a co-ed event at home is much more reasonable, and the peace of mind is invaluable. As always, planning and creativity are the cornerstones of creating a memorable event, without spending a fortune you simply dont have.
138
Dont Pay Top Dollar on Video Games

Click Here to Read This Online There are three popular video games on the market at this time. Each one sells its game disks for $50 or more a piece, when new. I dont know about you, but the idea of spending that kind of money for a game actually offends my sensibilities. Now I will admit that I don't actually play these games, but my children do, and that means come holidays and birthdays, they all want something new. I found some great ways to save money and still give them video games they want. Buy Your Games USED There is no easier way to cut your costs than to purchase games that are used. You can do this at various game stores, online or at game exchanges. Unlike my children who like to play the same game over and over beating it several times, there are those who only see the point of winning once. This means that they spend $50 for the newest game and then are willing to sell it for $20 in order to acquire money for the next thing coming out. GREAT! I am willing to help them out; and I get a relatively new game for less than half the price. The games are usually guaranteed to work properly, which means if they dont I just take them back to the store and get another copy. You have to be a bit more wary if purchasing from a private individual online, but for the most part, the games are the same. By the way, extend this policy to the game console too. When the Wii came out it cost $250 new, but if you were willing to wait a few weeks they were available for $179 used. My kids waited, and everyone saved.
139
Rent Games Purchasing a game you dont know anything about is a waste of money. Renting the same game will cost you $5 at the local video store. If you like the game enough that you think it is worth purchasing used, then go ahead and do so. Otherwise, you have saved yourself a bundle. If a game costs $50 and you rent it twice to complete the whole game, you are $40 ahead. Turn In Your Old Games Many people horde their games long after they finished playing them. If a couple of months go by and you havent gotten back to the game, consider selling it back to the game store. Some stores give you cash while others provide merchandise credit. Either way you come out ahead. In addition, you get rid of unused games and you can purchase newer ones without spending a penny. Play Online Games for free The popularity of online gaming continues to grow in leaps and bounds. You can find literally dozens of sites that host free online games you can play individually or in a group setting. My teen spends hours each week on these sites and hasnt bought any new video game for the game system in months. There is always something new to play and he gets to save up for something else, like a new computer.
140
Planning Funerals Without Spending Too Much

Click Here to Read This Online Planning a funeral for a loved one is a tremendously emotional event. Unfortunately, plenty of individuals see funerals as a way of wringing every last dime out of a bereaved family. There are ways to avoid spending too much money on a funeral, but you need to know when to apply which strategy. Here are a few things to keep in mind during this tragic time. Planning your Funeral If you are a planner, then working out the details of your funeral wont seem too macabre. You can pick your plot, your casket, what kind of service you want and arrange every aspect imaginable. The primary advantage of control gives way to the secondary advantage, that of paying for your arrangements in advance, at todays prices. What you pay will remain the price of the funeral. This saves your heirs money and aggravation, as long as you leave a copy of the contract with your papers. Consider Cremation Cremation is considerably cheaper than traditional burial. Aside from the fact that you dont usually need to embalm a body that is being cremated, there is no cost associated with a plot or the need to purchase a fancy coffin to impress anyone. A traditional burial begins at about $5,000 and heads up fast from there, whereas cremation starts at $1,000 and doesnt increase much, unless you really try. Places to Cut Costs around Funerals There are many places that you can reduce expenses, without appearing miserly. Flowers are nice, but completely unnecessary. If you feel they are required, stick to less expensive options like carnations. Hiring some clergy-person who barely knew the
141
deceased is pointless. It is better to ask someone who is acquainted with the individual to speak. The more you formalize the service the more you will pay. Caskets are another area where money is made by the industry. Try to remember that ultimately this box is going to end up in the ground or burned. Do you really need to spend top dollar in either case? If you really want to save money, opt for a plain pine box, but even that can set you back a grand. While some people feel that it is necessary to travel from the funeral home to the cemetery in a limousine, it really isnt crucial. You can avoid the whole traveling expense by simply having a nice closed casket service at the cemetery and encourage people to come to the house afterward for finger foods and reminiscing. This is much more personal, and frankly, cheaper. When my time comes, I want to be in one of the new cardboard coffins that my children and grandchildren have decorated with paint, glitter and love. I want to be put in a green cemetery with as little fuss as possible, and have someone plant a tree above my head. Simple, cheap and meaningful! The goal of a burial is to allow the family and friends of the deceased to begin grieving properly. Spending so much money that everyone ends up in debt is no legacy. Dont get pressured into spending too much. No amount of money will bring back your loved one, so make your decisions carefully.
142
Buying Batteries without Busting the Budget

Click Here to Read This Online Purchasing batteries seems to be a requirement today. Between all the electronically based games that children play and a need for flashlights and remote controls, having batteries around the house is a necessity, not a luxury. Still, most batteries are fairly expensive little items. Is there a way to get what you need without paying a fortune? Yes. You dont have to buy name brand There is a particular consumer review service that evaluates products all year round. They reached the conclusion that many of the generic brands of batteries work just as well as their name brand counterparts. To find out which generics work best and are cheapest, head to your local library and review the findings in the monthly magazine. In many cases a generic alkaline battery will work just as well as long as the ratings are the same, and can be purchased for a lot less, even without using a coupon. Coupons and Sales are the Time to Stock Up Just about every Sunday paper provides a coupon to one type of battery or another, so look for those. When you can double up a coupon with a sale, the cost of batteries can drop significantly, so this is the time to stock up. And they last for years too if you store them properly. Buy Batteries in Bulk If you belong to one of the popular warehouse grocery stores, take a look at their battery prices. You can often save 30% or more when compared with a supermarket. The catch is that you have to purchase large quantities of batteries to achieve these
143
savings. In my home, it isnt uncommon to go through two packs of 48 AA batteries each year. The savings really add up, but only go for this option if you can go through that many batteries. Invest in a Battery Tester Once your battery doesnt work in you childs high-powered toy, it may still have plenty of juice to perform somewhere else. A battery tester may cost $10, but they will let you know how much juice is left in each battery. Many such low charge batteries will work for months in a remote control or other low draw devices. Are Rechargeable Batteries Worth the Money? From the perspective of finances, they arent usually worthwhile. From the perspective of avoiding tossing more garbage into landfills, yes, they are. Financially, rechargeable batteries are prohibitively expensive. They work well, and, if you purchase lithium batteries, they can last for years providing reliable power. They dont last quite as long as disposable batteries, but they deliver consistent results time after time. For items like remote controls or digital cameras, they can be very useful. One Caveat on Battery Usage In life saving devices such as the smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector, you should never use rechargeable or depleted batteries. A remarkable percentage of those who die in house fires would have survived had the smoke detectors sounded properly. In areas of safety, you should purchase high quality batteries and change them at least twice a year. Although batteries are expensive, they have become ubiquitous. Finding a way to save money when purchasing them is just smart, and should be part of anyone's strategy to save money.
144
How to Reduce the Expense of Gasoline

Click Here to Read This Online Even though gasoline prices usually stay low during the cold months we have seen an increase at the pump. Lower production is often cited as the reason for the continued increase but it is hard not to suspect pure greed when it is public knowledge that barrels of crude oil are back from its all time high prices. Given that the fuel business is a business just like any other, you need some strategies that allow you to get around while spending the least amount possible. Use the Internet to Check The Internet is one of the best places to get current information about fuel prices. There are numerous sites that allow members to text in or call in the prices of their local gas stations. As long as you will be in the area, getting gas at one of these less expensive stations is beneficial, as even $0.10 a gallon less really adds up over the course of the year. Consider the gas at the Supermarket or Warehouse Warehouse stores have advantages and disadvantages. They go through a ton of gas, and that means they can react to changes in prices more quickly. Ive seen my local store change prices two or three times a day as different trucks roll in and out. The disadvantage is that if the prices are rising, so does the price at the pump. However, their prices are lower most of the time, so go fill up there if there is one close by. Supermarkets that are affiliated with gas stations often offer a discount at the pump if you purchase enough groceries. The catch here is that you are probably paying a lot more for your food here than at a cheaper store. Only you can figure out if it pays to save $1.40 or so per tank, so don't always just assume without doing the calculation.
145
Change your Driving Practices As a nation we tend to accelerate fast, drive too quickly, overload our cars and drive mindlessly. This translates into wasted fuel. The first thing you need to do is make sure your tires are properly inflated. You lose a lot of mileage to poorly inflated tires. Secondly, check your filters and intake and clear them of any blockages. Once you get on the road, dont gun the engine. Accelerate slowly; it takes less gas to do so. Try to stick to one speed rather than speeding up and slowing down constantly, this too saves gas. Additionally, the faster you go over 55 mph, the less efficiently your car runs. Air resistance and motor strain conspire to cost you a lot of gas. If saving gas is a main concern and if your job allows, consider changing the hours you commute to avoid the traffic jams. Stop and go traffic is never good for fuel consumption. Finally, group your errands together and avoid back tracking repeatedly. By planning out your driving path you can significantly reduce your mileage, and that turns into direct savings.
146
Save Money on Clothes for the Whole Family

Click Here to Read This Online There are some really easy ways to save money on clothes and still look great. This is probably the one place in the family budget where you can rack up some serious savings, without it having a real effect on your lifestyle. You just need to know the tricks of the trade. Free clothing Yes, you saw that, free. There are several ways to score free clothes, but here are the easiest. First, let it be known that you are always willing to take hand me downs for your kids. Kids grow out of their clothes so fast that they dont usually have time to wear them out. Barring a few favorite items each season, clothing can be passed on to the next kid in good condition. This is particularly great if you need dressy clothes to wear to a fancy occasion. Those clothes never get worn enough to show any wear. The next place to score free clothes is on your local freecycling website. I recently discovered this wonderful community and clothes for kids are always being offered. Other common items offered include shoes and household items. Cheap clothes Ok folks, there is nothing wrong with picking up clothes at Goodwill or ARC. These are two of the least expensive locations where you can fill your closets for a few dollars. Not only are the clothes out on the floor in good condition, you can pick up a good winter coat for about $10. Jeans usually run about $5 and a shirt $3.
147
The next step up in price, but still very reasonable is the consignment shop. Every city has them and you find clothing that people are trying to sell for a fraction of the original price. Since someone still wants to make a few bucks for their items, this option is more expensive than a thrift shop, but the quality is usually better. Planning for Sales As the stores are always several months ahead of the seasonal curve you will find things like swimsuits on sale during the summer and coats on sale in February. The deepest discounts turn up just as one season is ending and the next beginning. Shopping for children a year in advance can be dangerous. For some reason I have never figured out, kids never grow the way we plan when we purchase clothes early. I save these kinds of purchases for myself; tragically I wont be shrinking any time soon. Being able to anticipate when these sales will occur, I can plan ahead and make sure there is money in the budget for several items to be purchased at once. Getting to a sale early ensures a better selection. Sewing and Knitting Gone are the days when sewing and knitting were huge money savers. I recently made costumes for my kids and discovered that I spent at least as much as I would have purchasing these items. If you do sew or knit, remember that this is a labor of love, not frugality, unless you luck out and get your materials cheaply. Finally, whatever clothing you own, take care of it. Proper care will help reduce wear and decrease your spending just as much as any other strategy.
148
Save Money on Beauty Products

Click Here to Read This Online Women in particular purchase a seemingly endless supply of beauty products. Even I, who am generally pretty good about these things, have two types of shampoo, various facial products and two different deodorants. Ive seen my friends bathrooms and they can be filled to the rafters with product after product they bought and didnt finish. Lets fix all that, and look at some ways to save money. Limit your Purchases Even if you find that a top of the line product works best for you, you dont have to purchase several of them. One container, the largest available for savings, is all you need. Three different exfoliating products makes no sense, as they all do the same thing. One shampoo, one conditioner, one soap, etc. While it is certainly fun to try out new products, it is also wasteful. Stick to something that works and avoid being tempted. If you have multiple containers of a product and wont use it before the expiration date, donate it. Womens shelters really appreciate the donation and it will provide a tax credit as well. Dont Be a Brand Whore Barring skin allergies, most people can use just about any product. If you fall into that category, start looking for coupons, online or in the paper, as you get to the end of a product you use. New products often come with some terrific coupons, allowing you to try something out for a few dollars. Believe me when I tell you that your legs will be just as smooth with one razor as another will. Focus on function, not fashion.
149
Dive into Dollar Stores There is no question that purchasing basics like soap, shampoo and lotion at the dollar store is a great way to save money. If you have a sensitive face then stick to what you know works, but other areas are rarely so delicate and can tolerate generic brands. Even better, as a product goes out of production it often ends up on the dollar store shelves where you can pick up a supply for very little money. Purchase During Promotions Every cosmetic brand runs promotions throughout the year. Even if you have to spend full price for your needed product, you will get a bag full of goodies to go with it. This is your opportunity to get those coveted travel size containers and to try out new things without committing $30. Look Online for Good Deals Many companies offer discounts and coupons on their websites. There are also a number of reliable "superstores" where you can get favored products for less than you would at the store. eBay is another good place to find products cheaply, but you have to know the regular price and calculate in shipping, so beware. Make it Yourself If you are willing to put in the time, you can generally make most creams, scrubs and lotions at home for pennies on the dollar. The best thing is that you get to scent them yourself and can come up with something truly unique. It takes only a few minutes to make a good lotion and even less time to mix up an exfoliating scrub. In the end it isnt about getting some chi-chi product on your body, but rather about taking good care of your skin and hair. Saving money while doing so is a wonderful bonus, but only if do so whenever it make sense.
150
Cutting Costs on Car Rentals

Click Here to Read This Online (Coming Soon) If you have had to look into car rentals lately, you know that the prices continue to go up. What you could have had a few years ago for $19 a day now costs double that if you dont plan ahead and hit a good deal. When car rental becomes necessary, there are some ways you can still get a bargain. Rent Online, in advance One of the worst ways you can rent a car is to show up at your destination and head to the counter. You will be stuck with the highest rates and the worst selection of vehicles. Sometimes you cant get anything. As soon as you know where you are heading and when, get online and compare prices between rental companies. Sometimes the big names have the best prices, sometimes the littler guys will, but the only way to find out is to look. Once you have found a reasonable price, reserve the car. You can always cancel if you find something better priced later on, and it doesnt cost you anything. Avoid the Airport If you can get a shuttle to whatever location you have in mind, you might want to consider putting off the rental until you arrive at your destination. Car rental companies charge a premium to provide you with a car at the airport, and there is no need to pay this if you can be more flexible. Beware of Hidden Costs One of the biggest moneymakers for any car rental company is additional insurances and the rental of car seats and GPS devices. These charges can easily double the price
151
you see when you check rental prices. Talk to your insurance company and find out if they cover rental cars as well as your own vehicle. Most do. The worst that happens is that you end up fronting the price of any damage and your insurance company repays you, less your deductible. If you are flying somewhere, your car seat can go along as baggage. Even if you end up paying a few dollars to take it along, it has two important benefits. First, you and your child are familiar with the seat and its operation. Secondly, the cost of renting a seat can far exceed that of the potential for additional costs at the airline counter on a rental that lasts for more than a couple of days. As far as the GPS goes, use a map! Join the Club and Maximize your Discounts Just about every large car rental company offers a membership that is free. If you rent even a couple of times a year it can be well worthwhile to put up with the endless stream of junk mail in order to garner a few more coupons and member prices. Tack on your AAA membership discount or the savings from another company and it can really add up when it comes time to pay. Car rental can be expensive, but with a little forethought and some good planning, you can dramatically decrease your costs and still get a nice set of wheels.
152
Closing Costs Dont Have to Drain You of Cash

Click Here to Read This Online When you get to the point in your life where you are ready to purchase a home, there are many unexpected expenses. Property assessments, inspections, taxes and improvements are bad enough, but tacking on excessive closing costs can be the final straw. Understanding some of the terminology and the tricks of the trade can help you minimize these costs and bring your house price down, so here's a primer. The Terms They Use On the most basic level when a Realtor talks about points in closing, they are talking about a percentage of the house price. One point equals one percent of the total price. Any line item on the loan agreement that is an 800 block is a place where "junk fees" are hidden. Ask to see them broken down. Look for names like "funding fee" and "deed recording." The price to record a new deed is available from the county clerks office and this shouldnt exceed that price by more than a few dollars. A funding fee is pure padding. Ask for explanations on any fee you dont understand. If you dont get a good explanation, suggest they put off closing until you can have your lawyer take a good look at their fees. They will almost certainly negotiate at this point. Negotiate over Everything Possible The best place to negotiate actually appears in the 1100s section. These are fees that include the title search, settlement fees and attorney's fees, as well as other such charges. Often the lenders just lump together these fees even if they don't utilize all of them on your purchase, in the hope that they will pass under your radar.
153
While there is no such thing as a "no closing costs" loan, the fees are just rolled into the loan itself. You can choose to pay some closing costs for a benefit later on. For example, if you opt to pay a point or two to drop your interest rate, it can pay off over a few years. This increases your upfront cost in order to reduce the overall interest paid later. This is often called a "loan discount." Hazard Insurance Shop around for your hazard insurance. It is tempting to go with the company the lender recommends, or to stick with your current insurer, but this is one of the places where you can save hundreds, if you do a little footwork. While it is mandatory to have hazard insurance, you don't have to agree to a specific company for coverage. Once you find the company you wish to use, have them call the lender and communicate. You won't get to close without proof of insurance. Home ownership is a mile marker on the road of the "American dream" to which most aspire. The costs of owning a home are only starting when you sit down to close on your home. Every dollar you can knock off these costs is a dollar you can spend on more important things; like those beautiful lace curtains for your new dining room, so take some time to do your homework in order to save.
154
Save Money While Traveling to Business Meetings

Click Here to Read This Online It is nearly inevitable that sooner or later you will need to attend some business meetings if you work in the corporate world. While your business may be willing to pay for your airfare and your hotel room, if they send you, you will still have a number of expenses to pay for out of pocket. This is even more of an issue if you own your own business and are responsible for the whole trip. Fortunately, there are ways to save money on every aspect of your meeting if you know how to work the system. Travel Expenses Whether you travel by air or car, there are ways to save money. When it comes to airfare, you best bet is to purchase tickets from online discount travel sites such as Orbitz or Travelocity. Additionally, to save more money, search for promo codes such as the ones I list here, and here. These codes can also reduce the price of the tickets you purchase or offer discounts on hotels when you arrive. Finally, try to fly at less desirable times; the red-eye flight is going to cost less than the one that leaves at 9:00 am. For car rentals you can go to the same websites and also look for promotional codes and coupons. Sometimes, by combining all your needs airfare, car rental and accommodations you will access better deals, so play around with the options. Also, consider driving together with other business associates and share the costs of traveling. Food on the Road If you are driving, taking food along on your trip is the best way to cut costs. It may not be possible to eat every meal out of a cooler, but it is certainly achievable to eat many
155
of your meals that way. Stock up on fruit, hard boiled eggs, granola bars, and other easy to handle foods. Prepackaged oatmeal and microwaveable meals are ideal for eating in your room as well. Taking along a water bottle will keep you hydrated and you can fill it at any water fountain you encounter. Eating Out when Required No matter how careful you are with your expenses, sooner or later you will probably have to go out for some meals. The usual money-saving techniques will work very well here. Offer to share a meal with a coworker. Order an appetizer instead of an entre. Opt for less expensive restaurants and skip drinks, especially alcoholic beverages. If you can get everyone to agree to attend a happy hour buffet instead of going for dinner, you can get your meal as well as a drink for very little cash. Cutting Back Of course, the best way to save on business meetings is simply not to attend any. That isnt necessarily practical all of the time, but everyone is dealing with tightened financial belts, and other options such as teleconferencing and videoconferencing can be reasonable alternatives for many previously scheduled face to face encounters. Business meetings are an inevitable part of company politics, but by avoiding them as often as you can, scheduling alternatives and anticipating your costs so you can trim them as often as possible, you can make them affordable again.
156
Work Lunches Dont have to Be Boring or Expensive

Click Here to Read This Online We eat lunch every day, and if you are the type of person who buys lunch daily, you are kissing $1000 or more good-bye every year (Ha, for some of us, it's more like $2,000, $3,000, or even $4,000 a year!!). What a fantastic waste of money. This isnt to say that you cant eat out periodically, but as we constantly talk about here: frugal is the new in. Pack Leftovers There is nothing revolutionary about the idea of packing your lunch. In fact, until the last 20 years or so, that is what everyone did if they didnt have an office cafeteria at their disposal. This, folks, is what leftovers are for. I always make more food for dinner than I expect we will eat. The rest is immediately portioned into plastic containers. If I am not in the mood to eat it the next day, into the freezer it goes. Come morning, I grab what I want for lunch that day, add some fruit, fill my water bottle, and I am set in a matter of moments. Anticipate it Sit down and look at the supermarket circulars when they arrive. Which meats and cheeses are on sale this week? Determine how many slices of each you need for the week and buy just that. Those supplies are specifically for lunch. When you have a plan in place you are much more likely to follow through on making lunches.
157
Preparing lunches in the evening is another way to improve reliability. It is much easier to find five minutes to assembly line all the lunches before bed than it is to find the same five minutes in the morning, unless you are much better organized than I am. There is something about mornings that seems to get my childrens brains working and then I am signing papers, finding money for field trips, and arguing about the need for a coat when it is below freezing. Eating Out Okay, lets face it; sooner or later, even if you usually pack your lunch, you are going to end up eating out. So what options exist that will allow you to stick to a budget? The Dollar Menu There is nothing wrong with ordering off the dollar menu. A sandwich, soda, and fries come out to $3 plus tax. Coupons Go out with a coworker, use a BOGO coupon, or one that offers 50% off a second entre. Drink water and share an appetizer if you must. Eat Small Restaurants serve way more than a standard-sized meal these days, so a full-sized entre is more than you should be eating anyway. Order an appetizer and a drink instead. You save money, enjoy eating out, and get enough to fill you up without requiring a nap after lunch. Split a Meal If you are either very close to your lunch companion or have someplace to put leftovers, you can split an entre. If you are on your own, put half the meal into a take out box at the start, so you can leave it at work for the next day. If you are with a coworker, plan on sharing the same meal. Ask for the restaurant to split it in the kitchen and even if you pay the extra couple of dollars for the plate fee, you will still come out way ahead. Work lunches shouldnt be a large part of any familys budget. Planning is the key to enjoying your lunch and saving money at the same time.
158
Get a Charge from Saving on Batteries

Click Here to Read This Online (Coming Soon) Batteries it seems like everything we own needs a set. From the kids game systems to the flashlight and the phone, batteries are ubiquitous. Whats worse is that they are also quite expensive, which make buying generic batteries tempting although usually a poor choice. Lets look at some of the ways you can get the battery power you need without depleting your savings accounts. Generic vs. Name Brand Picking up batteries as the dollar store can be a real temptation; after all, they are half the price or even less. The unfortunate fact is that a generic battery rarely lasts like a name brand. Your best bet is a lithium-based, name brand battery. Batteries are tested for life by an independent consumer agency. Their test, the industry standard, is based upon how well AA batteries last and function in a high-use device such as a digital camera. The top rated battery out-performed lower ranking options by more than 400%, so you can see why paying double would make sense. It does make sense to read the reviews when you purchase your batteries, though, since both the best and worst batteries were actually made by the same name brand company. Rechargeable Batteries There is little doubt that rechargeable batteries offer something regular disposable batteries dont: an opportunity to do something for the planet. While the outlay might be a bit higher than standard batteries, you have the option of keeping an extra set or two on hand so there is always a replacement set waiting. Over time, assuming you recharge regularly, you will save money by using rechargeables, but they arent appropriate for all uses.
159
Coupons and Specials By signing up for e-mails and offers, you can always increase your savings. Discounts for batteries are common, especially around the holidays. Since batteries last for years, without losing power, they are perfect bulk purchase items. Make use of coupons, especially if you can pair them with supermarket discounts. Ive bought name brand batteries for as little as $1 a pack with a coupon when they are on sale at the market. Bulk Purchases Buying 48 batteries may seem like a lot, but my family goes through that pack in about three months. Apparently, we have way too many battery-operated devices in our house. The big advantage of buying large quantities, and you have to watch the prices, is that you really can save a lot of money when you compare the bulk pack to a regularly priced 4-pack. Each year when it is time to switch out my 9-volts in the smoke detectors, I buy the big pack too. It may only save a few dollars, but hey, they are my few dollars. Combine and Save There is no hard and fast rule when it comes to batteries. A combination of rechargeable batteries and disposables will give you the best when it comes to meeting the needs most households experience. It is probably best to acquire the rechargeable batteries slowly, since the outlay remains higher at this time. Finally, remember to take batteries out of items you dont use often. This prevents accidental usage. The last thing you want to experience is going for your flashlight in a blackout and finding out that the batteries are dead because one of the kids left the light on months earlier.
160
4 Ways You Can Save with a Second Mortgage Application

Click Here to Read This Online Applying for a second mortgage may become necessary if you want to renovate, expand, or finance a purchase. That doesnt mean that you have to blindly shell out whatever fees and charges a particular lender requests, though. Just as you have choices and options with a primary mortgage, you have the same flexibility here. Check the Terms Every lender is different, so do some comparison shopping. Run the figures and figure out which deal is best for your needs, not the needs of the lender. Compare several lenders, and ask them to make a proposal based upon your credit reports and financial situation. Once you have your offers, sit down and assess the fees, terms, interest rates, and any other relevant data. A lower interest rate on a short loan may not be worth the higher fees, but it can make a big difference on a long-term loan. Pay particular attention to early payment fees, penalties, and other hidden fees. Pick Your Terms Carefully If the sub-prime mortgage crisis taught us nothing else, it has made us aware that adjustable rate mortgages can be a real problem if you arent careful. Under most circumstances you will get better terms as well as consistency by applying for a fixedrate loan. With interest rates at historically low levels, there is virtually no reason not to lock in. Discuss how long it will take to pay the loan, when, and how. Sometimes you can get an additional interest discount if you agree to have your payment taken out of your
161
checking account automatically. Find out what other options you have to reduce your rates. Negotiate Aggressively, but Politely While a lender may try to make you feel as if they are doing you a favor by loaning you money, the fact is that you are the one doing the favor. Their income depends upon your interest. Just about everything can be negotiated, from application fees to rates and right on down to postage. Remember, the contracts are drawn up in such a way as to separate you from as much of your money as possible; your goal is to prevent that from happening. Being able to show other offers you received during your search will provide a good incentive for your loan officer to work harder for your business. Look for Specials While it may seem strange to get a special on a loan, they do exist. From reductions in fees to discounts for applying online instead of in person, there is almost always a way to reduce how much you spend for your second mortgage application and process. The Hidden Savings One of the advantages to taking a second mortgage instead of a line of credit or racking up debt on credit cards is being able to deduct your application expenses and interest payments from your income taxes. While this is certainly not a good reason to incur more debt, it can alleviate some of the stress involved in taking out a second mortgage. With good negotiation, proper arrangements, and an eye to the additional benefits of taking a loan instead of accumulating bad debt, you can save money in various ways.
162
Dont Get Taken for a Ride with Full Price Train Tickets
Click Here to Read This Online There are plenty of ways to play the system in Europe and get cheaper train tickets. Booking early, traveling at odd times, and making use of bargain passes are all traditional ways of cutting a train tickets price dramatically. In the US, though, things are much less accommodating. In fact, since the government started subsidizing Amtrak, rail prices are equal if not higher than plane ticket prices, but there are still ways to save. How Much Room Do You Need? As always, space is a luxury when traveling. Just like planes, trains have a limited amount of space, and if you want to be able to lie down, enjoy a private compartment, or spread out to some degree you will pay for it. When you compare the fare of tickets from Denver to New York for a reclining seat and a room, the difference is shocking. The reclining seat will set you back about $300 but if you want to get a room, expect to pay between $200-500 more, depending upon the size of the room involved. Make Use of Memberships If you belong to an auto club, the AARP, or are a member of the military or a vet, or are still in school, or are traveling with a child, make sure to ask for your discounts. These range between 10-50% off the full price, so they can really add up. Also, consider joining the Amtrak member plan; you get points for your miles, just as you would with an airline club, and those points can be used for free trips. Check for Specials
163
With the economy in a slump, everyone is vying for your travel dollar, and train services are no different. Every week, new specials are announced, and if you are traveling for vacation and have some flexibility in schedule and location, this is a great way to get tickets for a lot less. Travel Off Peak There are times when traveling is more popular, such as around the holidays. Not everyone is comfortable flying, and train travel still has a touch of romance for some. If you join the crowds you will pay more; if you travel when everyone else is staying home, you will pay less. Basic supply and demand will affect train ticket prices, just as it does everything else. Consider Booking the Whole Trip If your goal is leisure, think about having the train company book all of the details for you. Travel packages are often less expensive than trying to book all the disparate elements on your own. Tours, meals, hotels, and train schedules are all organized and coordinated for you, so you save on stress as well as on tickets. Perhaps the best reason to travel by train, especially in light of the increased time, is the opportunity to see something of the country through which you travel. When you hop on a plane and spend a few hours at 30,000+ feet, you have no connection to what you are traversing. There is no way to determine the value of what you and your family share as you travel by train, but keep that in mind next time you are thinking about how transportation.
164
Cheap Computer Monitors are Just Fine

Click Here to Read This Online Fortunately, we are a long way from the day that purchasing an inexpensive computer monitor meant that you were getting a dud. If you have been around to watch the progress of computers from the days before monitors, to orange and green screens that were as large as a small fridge and on up to the LCD screens of today, then you can really appreciate the progress. I remember when a machine with 128K yes K cost a couple thousand dollars. Needless to say, things have processed but best of all, prices have dropped. CRT Monitors In general, CRT monitors, if you can still find them, are going to be cheaper. Some users prefer them because they dont look quite as pixelated as LCD monitors, especially when the screens get larger. On the other hand, they take up a lot of space and consume more energy than other screens. The best deals are for monitors in the 17 size range, as that is the most popular. LCD Monitors Lighter and brighter than their CRT cousins, LCD monitors have stepped off the laptop platform and are now commonly used with desktop models. While still more expensive than CRT monitors, the prices have dropped a great deal in the past few years, bringing them into the reach of most computer owners. As quickly as technology changes, getting a low end LCD monitor may be the lease expensive way to enjoy this technology without breaking the bank. Size Matters
165
The larger the screen, the more you will end up paying for it so think it through. If you play multiplayer online games or write computer programs, you may require a larger screen; if, however, all you do is keep your financial records, write e-mail, and surf, you can get by with a 15-17 screen with ease. Once you move beyond standard-sized screens, prices go up quickly. Consider Refurbished If you are looking at the LCD monitors and really dont want to pay full price, consider refurbished models. These are usually models that had some minor defect out of the box. Once they return to the manufacturer, the monitor was repaired and made available once more. Wondering how much you can save? I have seen deals of 30-90% off the original price. Wait for Year-end Sales In computer monitors, just like in every other retail product, model years come and go. When a newer product replaces the old version, the price will drop. The monitor doesnt have an expiration date, trust me, and you can get a much better deal on a monitor when the new ones make it to the shelves. As a case in point, I just got a Netbook that was last years model, exact same features and size, for $50 less then the current model, a savings of 20%. Im sure monitors reflect similar savings, and as with everything that is computer related, it pays to wait. Avoid Packages Packages may seem like a good deal, but you are usually being offered whatever the store has to move. Most models are cheaply made and arent worth the price you end up paying for them. Instead, go online and purchase what you need by the component instead. There are plenty of reliable vendors who offer CPUs, computer monitors, wires and everything else you could possibly need to get your system up and running.
166
Buy Jeans at Full Price? Never!

Click Here to Read This Online Jeans are as American as apple pie. Finding a good pair of jeans at a good price, however, seems kind of like hitting the lottery. There is no reason to pay full price for jeans, and unless you are a starlet, there is little reason to buy top-of-the-line, name brand pants. Get What Fits But Only on Sale A pair of jeans, no matter how cool, isnt worth anything if they dont fit well. Paying more for a pair of pants just because they have a specific label on them is a waste. Once you find a brand that fits your shape, keep your eyes open for sales. Jeans are one of those items that change regularly. Different stitch patterns, small changes in color, and so forth cause jeans to go on sale regularly. If you are in your favorite jeans store and the pants you want are still offered at full price, ask the sales people if they know of an upcoming sale, and then make sure to turn up first thing on the day of the sale. Look at Thrift Shops and Goodwill A pair of name brand jeans at a thrift store or Goodwill will set you back about $6 if you are looking at adult clothes and about $3 for kids pants. I dont care how good a sale you find, but you cant beat these prices. Since kids outgrow their clothes faster then they wear through them, under most circumstances, getting kids jeans anywhere else is just plain foolish. Many of the items that arrive at the thrift store are barely worn; some even have original tags. If it seems odd to wear something that was worn by someone else, let the savings soothe your worries. Drop those cheap, new jeans in the wash and enjoy.
167
Garage Sales Clothes are one of the most common items at garage sales, and you can take advantage of someone elses change in size. Jeans go for as little as $0.25 a piece. Chances are if you found one pair of jeans, there will be a whole set you can get for a couple of dollars. For Kids Jeans Arrange Swaps As I said before, kids grow fast, and since jeans are likely to outlast the kid, arrange clothing swaps a couple of times a year at your school. Set the rules; everything must be washed, in decent condition, and not smell of smoke, or whatever is important to you. On the day of the event, separate clothes by style shirts on one table, pants on another, etc. You can even set aside specific subsections based upon sizes. Anyone who brings items can take others home. At the end of the day, take anything left to Goodwill. You get clothes for nothing and you do a good deed too. Auction Site Lots Another good way to get a set of similar jeans for a great price is to check out the online auction sites, but only look for lots rather than single items. Lots are groups of clothes usually the same size and often the same manufacturer that someone is selling off. You save on shipping because it is a single lot, and you get clothes you want without running all over town checking different stores.
168
Now Makes for a Good Time to Save on Real Estate

Click Here to Read This Online If you dont own a house, this may be the perfect time to consider one, as the real estate market has just about bottomed out in certain markets. Between foreclosures, people upside down on their mortgages, and a glut of homes on the market, you have your pick of properties too. Add to that the historically low interest rates, and you can see why buying now may save you a lot of money. Know your Market The first step to getting a good deal is to know your market. Certain areas are not as heavily affected by the downturn in the economic climate. For example, I live in a highly military town. With officers moving in and out constantly on a 2-3 year rotation, good properties dont sit long. There has been very little change in home prices thus far. Fifty miles away, the story is quite different though, so make sure you do your homework. Pick the Right Mortgage Buying a home involves all sorts of legalities and paperwork. The basics remain the same nevertheless. A fixed mortgage is your best option if you can get one. That way your payments wont increase over the life of the loan. After a few years you can toss in a few extra dollars of principal each month, and pay off the loan faster. Closing costs are always negotiable in some form or another. Mailing fees, title search fees, points, and commissions are all open to debate. In a market where sellers are desperate and banks are sitting on homes for months, you will find it quite easy to convince a lender to forgo some fees just to unload a property. Due Diligence Counts Even More
169
Because people are eager to get out of their homes, you need to be particularly careful when negotiating a purchase. Spend the extra money to have an independent home inspector. Make sure to schedule a walk-through before closing and then follow through. This is especially important if you are purchasing a property that is being auctioned. Look for Deals on Auction When a bank forecloses on a house it wants to get rid of it as soon as possible, they usually offer the homes for the price of the remaining mortgage. The longer they have it on the books, the more it costs them. Foreclosure auctions are an unfortunate reality today, but you stand to save a lot of money if you can get your home this way. With auctions, you also need to bring cashiers check and be willing to pay on the spot, so you will need to have your financing in place before you make bids. Buy Only What You Need One of the most expensive mistakes you can make when purchasing real estate is to buy more than what you need. It can be very tempting to get a larger house when you can get a great price on it, but consider the future implications. Larger homes have more maintenance, higher property taxes, increased heating and cooling costs, and more cleaning to do. The mortgage, even a reduced one that results from buying a home that is in foreclosure, will be larger than that of a smaller home, and it can add up over 30 years. Getting a house is expensive, so take the time to make sure you are comfortable with ownership before you decide.
170
Pajamas on the Cheap 3 Ways to Save Money On Sleepwear

Click Here to Read This Online The first issue many people have when it comes to sleepwear is a preconceived notion about what is appropriate sleepwear. In fact, the cheapest set of pajamas came with you when you were born. Choosing to sleep in the buff is not for everyone, though, and there are times when the weather might have a say in your decision, not to mention the social situation. Below are 3 additional ways to save on what's pretty much a necessity for most people. Buy Seasonally Assuming you need to purchase pajamas for a number of individuals, it is always best to anticipate and buy out of season. That means waiting out the season. For example, winter pajamas arrive at the stores in early fall, and if you can wait until about February you will find that they go on sale, sometimes dramatically. It isnt unusual to find half off or more. Of course, if you are purchasing for kids, you will also have to anticipate their sizes a year later. Buy Off Brands or Other Clothes You dont need to get the fanciest pajamas to stay warm at night. There is a lot to be said for getting your sleepwear at bargain shops, thrift shops, or even as hand-medowns. After all, the primary goal of nightwear is to keep you covered and warm. Think about simply investing in a set of inexpensive tee shirts. Get them a couple of sizes larger to use as gowns for a girl and with sweatpants or underpants for a boy. Use some fabric paints to decorate your new night clothes to suit the wearer. You can also use clothes that have gotten too small to wear day to day, but make sure they are warm enough on the nights you plan to wear them.
171
Go Large and Use it Longer If you are purchasing pajamas for young kids, seriously consider getting a size larger. It doesnt take much effort to hem a gown or a pair of pants. You can manage such repairs, even if you cant sew by using hem tape with only a hot iron and a good eye. Another option, especially with footy pajamas, is to use hair Scrunchies to keep arms and legs in the right place, rather than flopping about. Of course, if you have several children, remember that hand-me-downs arent the end of the world. Night clothes dont really need to be fancy or perfect, just usable. If your children attend sleepovers, invest in one nicer set of pajamas that they can take with them when they go out. That will alleviate any social concerns they have while still saving you lots of money. Safety Issues Most night clothes are available either in polyester or cotton. Cotton is flammable but can be treated and if worn snuggly it is considered perfectly safe. Polyester is fire retardant but melts when subjected to high heat. Dont spend large sums of money on pajamas. Comfort, warmth, and ease are all that is required of any nightwear, so keep your money for something that is more important.
172
Get Sports Tickets to the Big Game Without Spending a Fortune

Click Here to Read This Online Tickets to an official NFL, NBA, MLB, or NHL game can easily cost $100 or more, and that cost is for the bad seats. Right now, good Broncos tickets will set you back nearly $400 per seat. I dont know about you, but I dont think that taking a family of four to a game should require a loan. Fortunately, there are many ways to get good seats without applying for a mortgage. Here are a few ways to save. Half-priced Seats Did you know that many professional sports events offer half-priced tickets? For a number of reasons, teams offer a specific number of half-priced seats for each game. Are they the best seats in the house? No. Are they perfectly acceptable? Yes. While you frequently end up in the rafters, the view is clear and once you get up there, and usually unobstructed. The more popular the game, the harder these seats are to get, so plan ahead and keep on top of the date when tickets go on sale. Calling immediately will get you better seats at the same price. Disability Advantage Under most circumstances, I am very reluctant to make use of my classification as someone who is partially disabled. Let me tell you, when it comes to taking my kids to the game, Im willing to do it. Every professional sports team offers a limited number of seats at a significantly reduced price to those individuals who need easier access. If you are disabled and have been avoiding games because you fear the price and the climb to the nosebleed seats, dont worry. These seats are usually in a very convenient place, for access, and are easily served by the escalators and elevators in the building.
173
It might seem cutthroat, but those seats exist for a reason, and if you have an attendee who qualifies, it is a good way to get in for the game at a reasonable price. It might seem cutthroat, but those seats exist for a reason, and if you have an attendee who qualifies, it is a good way to get in for the game at a reasonable price. Consider Sharing a Subscription The waiting list for season tickets can be several years long; however, if you are an avid fan, it is well worth considering. Season tickets are released annually based upon the number of tickets that arent renewed, so it can be a bit of a gamble, but in the mean time you can use the above strategies. For an investment of $500-$1000, you get access to all the games and for considerably less than you would spend for each ticket individually. Pair up with another family and halve the cost, and then split the days you each attend. Go College! Granted, there is nothing quite like the thrill of game day in a big stadium; however, college level teams are amazing to watch. The smaller stadium, the enthusiastic fans and the savings are enough to make you cheer. The United States Air Force Academy isnt all that far from the Broncos stadium, and tickets to their football games are only $50 per game at the 50-yard line. If you goal is to watch a great game for a bargain basement price, this is the way to go. No matter which option you choose, pack up your tailgate party, bring your enthusiasm, and enjoy your favorite game and your favorite teams on a budget.
174
Get your Concert Tickets for a Steal

Click Here to Read This Online I used to tell my kids I was too old for concerts, mostly because the idea of shelling out $100 for tickets just didnt seem reasonable. As the prices of concert tickets kept climbing, there was no way to even consider attending. Finally, a band I really liked came in to town, and it was time to put my frugal foot forward and find a way to attend, cheaply. Buy in Bulk Chances are that if you like a band, so do some of your friends. Once you get to 10 tickets, you can usually get a bulk sale price. You can save 10% or more by purchasing together, so take the time to group your sale. If you dont have friends who want to attend the same performance, consider going online and getting a group together. Insist on payment upfront. Look for Promo Codes Some websites offer promotional codes on tickets. These affiliate sites get paid to direct Web traffic to a specific location in the hopes of a sale. This is good for the affiliate and the vendor, and you get to pay less for an act you want to see. Join the Fan Site Some bands offer discounts, early sales, and other benefits for their members. If there is a joining fee, compare the benefits to the cost. Only you can decide if it is worth paying a fee to join a club. Once you have joined the club, though, make sure to keep up on updates and any other information that will help you score tickets for less. Time Your Purchase
175
Are you searching for tickets to a very popular group in a small venue? If so, get tickets as soon as possible; as the supply decreases the price will increase. If you want tickets for a moderately-known group in a larger arena, chances are prices will drop as the concert date gets closer. Look for Special Shows I live in a country/western town. Now, I realize that this style of music isnt for everyone, but the principle is sound. Newer bands, and sometimes even-well known performers, turn up in town when they are playing other local venues. They do a promotional event for the local radio stations or play at some of the local dance clubs in a private performance. If you are a member of the radio stations fan club, you can purchase tickets to these performances. Not only are prices dirt cheap, but they also usually donate the money to a charity, and you get an up close and personal experience. Shop Around Even concert ticket prices will vary from one dealer to another. Skip opening night if you can, compare your prices, and only purchase from a reputable dealer. Few things are as wasteful as purchasing fake tickets. With new printers, scalpers can recreate those digital tickets that are supposed to be unique. By the time you try to get in to the show, your scalper and your money are long gone. Now that you know how to save money on concert tickets, there should be nothing holding you back from enjoying top-notch entertainment on a budget.
176
Stock up on Fabric for Less than You Expect

Click Here to Read This Online Purchasing fabric for sewing, crafting, or any other use can be an expensive endeavor. Some upholstery materials can cost well over $75 a yard. This doesnt mean you are consigned to the bargain bin each time you want to sew; it just means you have to be smart with your money. Here are a number of ways you can get as much fabric as you possibly need without spending a fortune. Think Wholesale Wholesale fabrics, just like other wholesale items, cost less. How much less? Sometimes they are pennies on the dollar. The catch? You have to buy a lot. How much exactly depends upon the website or distributor. You might get away with as little as 10-15 yards on a bolt. That is perfect if you are sharing the fabric with a bunch of quilting friends. On the other hand, some bolts are 100 yards or longer, and that is really too much for a casual sewer. Make sure you ask before you order. Hit the Garment District If you are lucky enough to live in New York City, you can head for the Garment District. Between 5th and 8th and 37th and 38th, you will find the historic area where fabric has been selling for decades. Manufacturers line the streets, people rush around pushing trolleys of samples, and you can pick up unusual fabrics for a song. Join the Mailing List Its an old trick to get your contact information, but if you sew regularly, you want to join the mailing list. I am on two such lists, and every month I get a mailer that lists the
177
specials as well as provides two coupons. One is always a 40% off coupon on one cut of fabric up to 5 yards. When nothing but new will do, that is a winner for me. Consider Alternatives Just because it didnt come from a fabric store doesnt mean it cant be used for just about anything. Consignment shops have plenty of clothing, sheets, and fleece that can be re-purposed for sewing. Sheets make great curtains or fabric for summery girls dresses. Fleece can be turned into pillows, fleece blankets can be tied together to create the popular tied fleece throws, and any really large items can be cut apart and used for smaller sizes. Sales are Superb Every fabric store in creation experiences that same dilemma. A season is coming to an end and some of their fabrics didnt sell. If you want to make everyone a Christmasthemed fleece jacket, who says you cant buy the fabric in January and keep it until the next year? Your kids will need new clothes next summer, so avoid faddish materials, buy classics and stock up when the fall arrives. If you arent finicky, you can end up getting fabric for 75% off or better. Slowly building a good stash of fabric will also make you less likely to spend on impulse. Always make sure to check what you have before you buy something else, as not buying anything is the best way to save money.
178
How Much Should You Spend on Cologne/Perfume?

Click Here to Read This Online You can spend a fortune on cologne/perfume if you arent careful, and frankly, it just isnt worth it. People get very attached to a particular scent and thats fine but that isnt a good way to save. Having a few different scents in your palate will increase your chances of finding what you want without spending too much. In addition, looking off the beaten path can help too. Go Online It will come as no surprise that some of the best prices on perfume or cologne can be found online. It is the old story of low overhead, bulk purchases, and deep discounts. You can find just about every scent in the world online in some capacity. That said, some caution is in order. Anyone can pretend they are selling the legitimate product. That doesnt mean you will get what you think you are getting. Make sure to check reviews of any Web site you are considering. If you find a consistent history of complaints, go elsewhere. Auction Sites Auction sites such as Overstock and eBay are also good places to find scents, if you know what you are searching for. Nearly everyone has had the experience of being given a scent they dont use. Many times these bottles of cologne/perfume end up in the closet gathering dust. Other times, an enterprising individual sells them online for a few dollars. While this isnt a good way to try a new product, it can be a great way to get a standard. Department Stores
179
Its hard to believe, but even department stores can be a source for inexpensive perfumes. When holidays roll around, many companies offer sales, free samples, and other perks to regular customers. If you have to get something at these prices, make sure to get offered an extra as well. Outlet Stores Some stores specialize in selling department store discards. Among the collection of designer dresses, kitchen wares, and luggage, you can find many fragrances. This is a particularly useful place to search when your favorite scent is being phased out or a special holiday bottle was in use for a short while. Use Sparingly As a culture we overuse our scents. While you can no longer be assaulted in a store by a spray bottle wielding salesperson, you can certainly experience a similar feeling when you smell some people. Scents are meant to enhance, not overpower, and if you purchase good products, you dont need to overdo it. Learn how to minimize your usage; you will save money and still enjoy your fragrance. Consider other Products Many popular products can be purchased as powders, bath gels, lotions, and more. These alternatives are usually less expensive than the perfume and provide an all over appeal. If you are already dusted with perfume-scented powder, a dab behind each ear is all you need to raise the bar. Your perfume will last a long time that way. No matter which cologne/perfume you like to wear, stocking up when you find a good deal is a decent option. Remember that even perfumes have a limited shelf life, so look for money-saving opportunities, and you can have your scent and smell it too.
180
Attending Tradeshows and Conventions on a Livable Budget

Click Here to Read This Online If you are in a line of work that requires periodic attendance of tradeshows and conventions, or you just like attending hobby based events, you know that the experience can be prohibitively expensive. Add up the cost of a room, food, purchases, travel, and more and you will start to see just how profoundly you attendance will affect your bottom line. Barring the option of skipping all such gatherings, there are several things you can do to cut your costs and still enjoy the experience. Keep in mind that some of these ideas work better when you are at hobby conventions than at business tradeshows and visa versa. Choose Alternate Accommodations When a group sets up a convention or trade show, they usually arrange for a group rate at the hosting hotel. This pays off for the hotel because they know that they will book a large number of rooms, and it pays off for some attendees because they get a cheaper room in a convenient spot. That doesnt mean this is your only option though. It is not at all uncommon to find several hotels and motels clustered in a relatively small area in most cities. That means that if you plug in the address of the convention site, you are likely to find a number of other accommodations nearby. Lets face it; Motel 6 is bound to be cheaper than the Marriott, even if the latter is offering a good discount. Share a Room If you know someone else who is going to the same tradeshow, call them and ask if they want to share a room. Almost every hotel room comes with two queen-sized beds, so
181
you wont be sharing the bed, and with a little respect and courtesy you can share a room for a few days and save 50% on accommodations. Pack a Cooler Food is likely to be your next largest expense. There is no reason you have to eat every meal out of a restaurant, snack bar, or fast food joint. Pack snacks. If you dont want to pack a cooler, protein bars, fruit, and nuts are perfect for snacking at any time. Quick oatmeal pouches are an ideal breakfast since most hotels now offer a small coffee pot in which to heat the water. Once you get a cooler into the act, you have many more options. When my children and I go to the board gaming convention every year, I pack a couple of bags full of snacks that require no preparation and then I pack drinks, cold cuts, condiments, veggies, and more in the cooler. They can all pick a few items, even indulgent ones, and we save a ton of money. Join the Club If you attend a tradeshow or convention regularly and it is held in the same location year after year, join the hotels club. Members get free breakfasts, deals on rooms, and other perks. As these clubs are usually free, you can only win, even if you stockpile your points and use them to take a cheaper family vacation later on, and you have gotten something for nothing. Take Free Stuff When I attend tradeshows, I always bring an extra folding bag and a couple of shopping bags. I wander the aisles of the vendor area and pick up any freebie I think might use. Ive acquired everything from highlighters to flashlights, mouse pads to hand sanitizer, and all have been put to use at some point or another. While this might not have a direct impact on what you spend on this trip, it all adds up somewhere.
182
Tradeshows and conventions, whether for business or pleasure, are great fun. They dont, however, have to cost a great deal.
183
Saving on Breakfast; Starting the Day Right

Click Here to Read This Online (Coming Soon) Unless you are one of the unique individuals, like my son, who never eats breakfast, chances are you start every day with this meal. Name brand cereals, food bars, and protein drinks can cost a bundle, especially if you get individually-wrapped items. Here are a few ways to save some money on this essential meal and still enjoy good nutrition and taste. Eggs are Great Aside from the fact that an egg provides essential protein, choline, lutein, and other nutrients, you can get a dozen eggs for about $1. Two eggs, some toast, and OJ make a healthy, sustaining breakfast for less than $1. If you want to increase the health benefits, toss in a piece of fruit or add some veggies to the eggs and make an omelet. Eggs can also be used to make a quiche for breakfast. Add any leftover meats, veggies, and a bit of cheese to four eggs and a cup of milk. Pour the mixture into a pie shell, and let it bake for an hour until the eggs have set. You get eight servings for a couple of dollars and some leftovers. French toast is another good way to use eggs and stale bread. Mix your eggs with a bit of milk, sugar, and cinnamon and fry it up. Hot Cereals Cream of wheat, grits, oatmeal, and quinoa all make fantastic breakfasts. For a few cents a serving you can cook up a big pot of hot cereal and feed everyone. Each person can put their own choice of toppings, and you are ready to go. Dont purchase these in small, name brand boxes; get them in the bulk bins at your local healthy food store.
184
Generic Brand Cereals You dont have to purchase name brand cereals to enjoy cold cereal in the morning. Generics work just fine, and if you have teenagers in the house you understand how much they have to eat. I have seen my kids go through a box of cereal for snack in the afternoon; there is no way I am spending more than $4 for a box. Some of the generic cereals even come in really large bags that will take a teenager several attempts to finish, and the price per serving drops dramatically at that size. Think Leftovers Around my house breakfast foods are not the only thing that gets eaten for breakfast. Leftovers are very popular, as is ramen soup. At less than $0.20 a pack ramen is a great bargain, and if you add an egg to the broth you give your kids some protein as well. What about Eating Out? There are ways to eat out and not spend a bundle too. Coupons are your friends. Buy one, get one coupons for the major fast food chains are always turning up in the mail. Plan ahead and use them. One restaurant chain offers a free breakfast sandwich from time to time; that is a great day to go out for breakfast. Another chain offers free pancakes one day a year, but plan to get there early. Breakfast is the one meal where you can really save a lot if you plan ahead, buy in bulk, and think outside the box. Enjoy your savings.
185
Bargain Priced Massage Can be Good for your Body and Wallet
Click Here to Read This Online Many people view massage as a luxury, but it doesnt have to be. Aside from the fact that massage provides a number of important physical benefits, such as lowered blood pressure, greater range of motion, and an immune system that works better, it feels great. Still, some places charge $100 for an hour of basic massage, and that can be very hard to justify on a limited budget. If you know the systems, though, you can get good massage for a lot less. Here is how. Find Schools No matter where you live, massage therapists must get some education to hang their shingle. Pull out the Yellow Pages, open a browser, and find out where the schools are in your neighborhood. Call the schools and find out if they have a student clinic; chances are they do. Students are required to document a certain number of hours in a clinic before they graduate their program, and only the senior students work in the clinic under normal circumstances. The best part is that you will usually pay less than half the going rate for a professional massage. Of course, there will be some variability between massages, even though all the students learn the same techniques, but if you find a student you like, you can stick with them until they finish their clinic hours. Search for Promotions New massage therapists often advertise their services in local money saver magazines. This is a way for them to build their business. They offer discounted massages as a way
186
to get you in their office in the hopes that you will return later and pay full price. How much can you save this way? It varies. Some will offer a few dollars off, others half off. You should also ask if a therapist offers a discount if you purchase several massages at once. It is fairly common to give a discounted price if someone pays upfront for three or more massages. You may not save as much as if you jump from promo to promo, but you will get more consistent treatment. Barter Many massage therapists will barter their services. If you have a service you perform, for example if you design websites, business cards, or any of a number of other options, you may be able to barter your services for massages. I have a friend in the business that has had a deck put on her house and her basement finished and is now working off some landscaping all for her massages. Everyone walks away happy, and all you give up is some time. Silent Auctions Many therapists donate a massage or two to fundraisers. The catch with silent auctions is that massage is often a very coveted item, which can drive the price up. This takes a bit of finesse and knowledge of the market, but these fundraisers are definitely a great way to score a few massages for less than retail. In my town the average massage goes for about $55, but in my parents town it goes for $80. Paying more than about 60% of the face value is not really much of a bargain, even if the money is going to a good cause. With a little creativity, some good bargain hunting skills, and a willingness to be a guinea pig for a student, you can find well-priced massage just about anywhere.
187
Cheaper China for Your Home

Click Here to Read This Online China holds an iconic place in our perception of entertainment and value, as many couples still seriously consider requesting china when they get married. Before you opt to spend, or have people spend, hundreds of dollars for dishes, consider the following points. Will you Use it? This is a critical question. I, for example, have china I received for a wedding present 20 years ago. I make a point of using it as often as I can and that still works out to about 10 times a year. I cant use it daily because I have children who drop things. For daily use I have some shatter-resistant glassware. If you are not the formal entertainment kind of people, chances are you wont use china often enough to make it worth while. This is a serious investment, so think it over carefully. Can You Get it Elsewhere? The Goodwill store, estate sales, even discount department stores often have full sets of outdated china. As long as you are not searching for a specific pattern you can find many lovely things this way. When my mother-in-law was collecting plates from a botanical set of china, they cost $20 per plate at the high-end department store and $8.95 at the discount store. We kept a list of which plates she already had and just got new ones as we could afford them. That was a significant discount.
188
You can even find single plates online if you are seeking to make up a set or replace one dish that has broken, but you need to be patient. Promotional Opportunities Is it cheesy to get your dishes from the supermarket when it is running a promotion? No. I like dishes, Im not ashamed to admit it, and I really hope that some day I can abandon the plastic and mismatched glass plates I have left after years of raising kids and move on to something prettier. In anticipation of this, when my local market offered Lenox dishes for FREE when I bought groceries, I stocked up on 12 sets. They sit in my garage waiting for the day I can bring them out. Just about every supermarket runs a promotion on dishes from time to time; if you like the pattern, get them. Free is always a great price if you like the dishes. Traditional Standbys Of course, there are the usual ways to save money that you can employ on china as well. If you are collecting a specific pattern, look for sales and store-based coupons. Shop at outlet locations and wait. Just about every china pattern ever made eventually falls out of favor. At that point, the manufacturer will be looking to dump stock at a lower price. This is the time to snatch up the best bargain. It can even pay to purchase a few extras to replace those dishes that break over time. China is a luxury item that is hard to justify when you live on a tight budget. If you own china, take good care of it. Dont put it in the dishwasher, place fabric between individual dishes, and keep it in a cupboard away from dust. Good china will last for generations when treated right, so take care of them.
189
Dont Allow Gas to Guzzle Up your Budget

Click Here to Read This Online Gas prices are on the rise again, and even though there is no actual correlation between supply, production, demand, and cost, the result is the same when it comes to your budget. Even a $0.10 increase per gallon can have an impact, and in the last few weeks the increase has been double that. Fortunately, there are ways to minimize your gas usage and costs. Use Online Gas Price Monitors There are several sites that allow people to enter gas prices they spot at stations around town. The difference between one station and another can be 10 cents or more. If you know where to get your gas for less, over time it can really add up. $1 a week may not seem like much, but invest that $50 each year and they do. Shop for Food and Gas at the Same Chain Many stores offer both gas and groceries at one location. In order to draw people to their gas station, they offer discounts for loyal grocery customers. In addition to the usual cents-off offers, they also run special promotions from time to time. One of the local supermarkets offers $0.10 off their gas if you purchase $100 in groceries. The savings can be accumulated up to a certain amount - $0.40, and then used in one gas purchase. That is a significant savings if you make good use of it. Another regular promotion involves credit for switching prescriptions to the supermarket pharmacy and another revolves around purchasing a certain amount of gift certificates. During the holidays they allow up to $1.00 discount per gallon.
190
Maintenance Helps One of the best ways to ensure that you get the most for your money when it comes to gas is to maintain your vehicle properly. Keep your tires inflated properly; low pressure causes an increase in friction, costing you several miles per gallon as you drive. Change your oil and air filters on schedule to keep your engine running smoothly and effectively. Decrease Trips, Weight, and Resistance You already know that you should plan your trips so you dont go back and forth over the same route. Carpooling is another wonderful way to save on gas. You can also improve gas mileage by taking unnecessary items out of your car. The less your car carries, the less gas it will use. By the same token, remove ski or bicycle racks or anything else that adds drag to the vehicle. Finally, dont sit in idle. If you are going to be sitting at a bank window, take-out window, or any other place for more than a couple minutes, turn off the engine. Yes, the engine does take a bit more fuel in start up than in idle, but the break-even point is fairly low. Chances are that the current price of gas wont last, and summer always brings a rise in prices at the pump. Start adapting your driving patterns and gas-buying behaviors now and by summer time you will be ready.
191
Expensive Yoga Isnt More Relaxing!

Click Here to Read This Online Yoga does much more for you than just provide relaxation and stretching. You improve your posture, flexibility, and strength while increasing your ability to concentrate, focus, and decrease blood pressure. The benefits of yoga even extend to better self-esteem and improved relationships, so it is easy to see why it is so popular. The real problem that most people encounter with yoga is the price. A single drop in class can run you $20 or more. Monthly memberships vary in price as well and even triple digit pricing is common in some parts of the country. Luckily, there are other alternatives, and most of them are going to be less expensive. Check Out the Gym If you already belong to a gym, start by looking in to the classes offered. Many gyms offer yoga classes, and for an individual who is relatively fit and coordinated, this is a good way to try out yoga without making an additional financial commitment. Take some time to find out if the teacher is experienced and can alter poses in order to meet your specific needs. Call the Community Center Because yoga has become so popular, you may even find it at the local community center. Classes, even on a drop-in basis, are much less expensive in this environment than they are at an established yoga studio. Check Out and Buy Videos There are many good yoga videos that you can use. The local library will, no doubt, have a number of such DVDs, and if you find a couple that you like, purchase them.
192
Websites that offer discounted DVDs make such videos very affordable, usually less than $10, and if doing the same routine gets old, buy a few and rotate through them. Barter for Lessons Unless they are working for a franchise yoga studio, most of the teachers I know are willing to barter for private lessons. If you have a service you can offer, chances are you can make some sort of arrangement. Try Free Trials or Discounted Classes Many yoga schools offer a week or two of free classes. This is a good way to try out a school without spending any money. If you dont attend regularly when you are getting free classes, chances are you wont when you are paying. If you really like the program, find out how you can get the best deal for your money. Another option is to ask about discounted classes. Sometimes studios will discount the price of beginner classes. You get the opportunity to see the poses demonstrated at a slower pace, get to ask questions, and learn your limits without the stresses of trying to keep up with a knowledgeable group. Consider a Membership While the monthly membership may be, say, $150 if you attend on a daily basis, it may very well be cheaper than just paying to drop in every day. Figure out the per-class price you would pay with a membership, and compare it to what you are paying currently. Remember to evaluate the contract with regards to what is required to terminate your membership so you dont end up penalized if you quit after a couple of months. Yoga can be a lot of fun, and if you learn to work within the system, reasonably priced as well.
193
Produce Portraits without Puncturing your Budget

Click Here to Read This Online We tend to forget that it wasnt all that long ago when people had their kids portraits taken several times a year. When I was growing up, the school arranged for a picture once a year and that was pretty much it. Today, we expect to have our children photographed every few months, and it can become a very expensive project. If you insist on having the kids photographed regularly, you have several options when it comes to cutting costs. Join the Club The main studio in our area offers a club for babies during their first year. The parent brings in the child on a regular schedule, about once every three months, and gets coupons, deals, and a least one free sheet of pictures each time. If you live far from family and pictures are your most regular form of communication, this can be a very good idea. Be Prepared to Book As the holidays grow closer, and it scarcely seems to matter which holiday, getting in to a studio becomes increasingly challenging. If you get your Christmas photos done at the end of October, you will probably pay less and have an easier time getting in. If you wait until December, things are much more difficult. To encourage people to sign up early, discounts are most commonly offered weeks before the real holiday crush. If you happen to walk into a studio and see an incredible deal, book it. These types of promotions are intended to get people in the doors so the studio looks busy. With fewer people waiting, you are also likely to get better pictures as your children wont be constantly distracted and the photographer is feeling rushed.
194
Invest in a Camera It may seem simplistic, but investing in a decent digital camera is a great idea. An SLR digital camera with at least 5 megapixels is really all you need for excellent photos. Get a couple of sheets in different colors to use as background, or head out to the nearest park. The key to good portraits is to set up the shot well. Get everyone in similar colors; we like to take casual shots in jeans and a white tee shirt. For formal occasions, we all use dress shirts in the same color family and occasionally move the furniture around to achieve a more professional look. Take more pictures than you think you need so you dont have to get everyone back together for more poses. Once you have selected the best pictures, load them on a thumb drive and take them to one of the kiosks at pharmacies, grocery stores or other locations and print out your portraits. Scan for Coupons Those circulars and envelopes that arrive in your mailbox all the time are loaded with coupons; some are useful, others not. If you are planning to have your kids photographed, start searching for coupons in advance. Some of the promotions are amazing; 4 sheets for $7.99, free sittings, and extra sheets with packages of a certain size. You can also take a look around the Internet; there are plenty of promotional offers for a variety of portrait studios. Getting the family portrait taken is almost a rite of passage for some. That doesnt mean you have to drop a small fortune to get good results.
195
Buy Needed Bus Tickets for Less

Click Here to Read This Online If you are planning on riding the bus to save on your commuting costs, you have made a good choice. Many cities and states offer bus service along popular routes, and the costs are inevitably lower than driving on your own. Gas, insurance, wear and tear, and other intangibles add up quickly. Still, it helps to know a few tricks if you want to save even more. Check for Passes Passes are a way to save even more money on a bus fare. Commuter buses charge a remarkable range of fares, depending upon the distance traveled, the popularity of the route, and the amount of competition they have. For example, if you take a bus from northern NJ to NYC you might pay $3.20, but with a 10-ticket pass that drops to $27 and for a monthly pass $98. Assuming you commute an average of 20 days per month, your rides have dropped to about $2.45 per trip. The advantage of riding in such a popular area is that there are many additional bus services, with some charging as little as $2 per ride. If you arrive at the bus stop at the right time, you dont have to wait for a scheduled bus, and you save even more. Compared to the $8 toll to cross the bridges in a car, there is no reason not to ride the bus. The same kind of savings can be found in Colorado where a new bus line has been created between Colorado Springs and Denver. A one way cash fare is $11, a 40 ride ticket is $330, making each ride only $8.25. Take Advantage or Status
196
If you are a student, a senior, or disabled, there are special fares for you. The same is true for children, but they generally need to be accompanied. How much of a discount are we talking about? 50% or more. Keeping current ID, getting necessary paperwork, and making use of such perks will make bus travel even more reasonable. Off Peak Hours One of the best things about a flexible schedule is that you dont need to commute during rush hour. The downside is that you may have a hard time finding carpooling partners. As long as you have bus service, you dont have to worry. Many buses charge less off peak. That means that if you can arrive at work after the rush hour is over and then put in your hours, you can take advantage of off peak rates. Competition Helps Your Case Not all bus travel is commuting related. Buses travel between cities, too, and they can be a good way to get to your destination if you dont want to fly. When it comes to popular routes, once again, there will be more companies to choose from. These newer lines have incredible deals from time to time in order to boost their business. By shopping around you might be lucky enough to hit one of the occasional $1 fares. Just like every other commodity, bus tickets can vary in price from day to day, from carrier to carrier and from place to place. Take the time to investigate your options, youll be glad you did.
197
What Should You Know to Save on Gym Memberships?

Click Here to Read This Online Every now and again, everyone will want to lose weight, meaning that they will flock to the gyms to try and fulfill their goals. Of course, we know how that usually ends but it also means that people will also have to try and figure out how to fit gym memberships into their monthly budget. Is it possible? Absolutely. Assess Your Needs Nothing will cost you more than joining more gym than you need. What does that mean? If your goal is to get on a treadmill three times a week and thats all, there is no reason to join a full service gym with pool, classes, and a parade of personal trainers. Not only will you pay more, chances are you are going to feel inadequate as well when faced with people who consider gym time a way of life. Determine what kinds of exercise you intend to do, how often you will attend and whether you want assistance to develop a good, productive routine. If you are never going to use the pool, then why pay for it? If the gym you join has one, then you are paying for it no matter what. In my area a monthly membership at the full service gym is $39 a month, the one that has no pool or racquetball courts is only $19 a month, a $240 a year savings. Consider Your Personality Getting to the gym is particularly challenging for women. Body issues appear front and center, so finding the right gym involves more than finding one that isnt too expensive, it also means one that feels comfortable. If you want a place where people focus on body building; search for a gym that caters to that crowd. Looking for a place where yoga is tops? They exists too. A gym where
198
everyone knows your name and is friendly may be great for some, but not for those who just want to get in and get out. If your gym isnt a good match, then it's just money wasted because you won't go. Look for Promotions Promotions are available throughout the year because so many people are searching for gyms. Discounted monthly rates, waived registration fees, and free second memberships for your partner are all common incentives. Almost every gym will offer a trail of 7-14 days as well. Make sure you try out a gym and see how things work before you commit. You can get quite a few weeks of free gym time this way, if you dont mind the phone calls and e-mails you get as a follow up. Remember, once you are in the doors they want you to sign their contract. If you definitely know which gym you want to join, negotiate. Almost every fee is negotiable, so dont just agree to something that will cost you more money. Is it Cheaper at Home? The appeal of a gym is that it is a group activity and you can partner up with other people to boost your enthusiasm. If you are short on time and dont feel like sweating in a group, you might want to consider investing in a couple of pieces of equipment and working out at home. Gym memberships are one of those luxury items that you become attached to very quickly. Before you shell out your hard earned cash, make sure you will get good value for your money.
199
Finding a Way to Make Dance Lessons Affordable

Click Here to Read This Online Dancing may just be one of the most fun ways you can spend your time. Whether you want to learn ballroom or line dancing, ballet, or hip hop, there are a variety of options. The key is to find a way to take your dance lessons without breaking the budget, which is where these suggestions that are valid for kids and adults come in. Consider a Monthly Membership Many establishments that cater to adults, in particular, offer drop-in classes and monthly memberships. If you intend to attend regularly, chances are that monthly memberships will pay off handsomely. Skip the Competition Until you get to the point where you are committed and driven to compete in dance. there is no reason to pay for competition-level classes. Costumes, traveling, shoes, and other equipment quickly add up. Once you have mastered the needed skills, you may be able to attend competition-level classes without the fees even if you dont intend to compete. Talk to the school owner and see if an arrangement can be made. Take Classes at the Rec Center Townships, the YMCA, schools, and other venues provide basic dance classes for kids. Before you plan to shell out $50 a month for classes at a studio, let your kids try out the activity in a low pressure, cheaper environment. If they like the activity enough to practice at home regularly, without constant reminders, it might be time to think about moving up.
200
Find a Teacher and Barter One of my regular clients used to be a professional dance instructor. He doesnt work in the field any more, but for a while after he left the studio he continued to give private lessons at homes. Couples or friends would hire him to teach basic classes, and occasionally he would barter for services he needed. It was an ideal situation for all involved. Get a Video You can pick up DVDs at the library and learn the basics of some kinds of dance on your own. It may not be as good as joining a class but if you get the first few moves under your belt at home, you wont have to pay for those lessons at a studio. Clearly, this isnt a technique that will work if your goal is to learn classical ballet, but for things such as belly dancing or line dancing, it is perfectly acceptable. Look for Free Classes The local Country-Western club offers free lessons of various kinds. One day they offer family friendly line dancing lessons; another evening they open a couple of hours early and teach couples dancing the two step, country waltzes, and contra dances. When the bar opens you have some new steps to show off. You dont even need a partner to join the fun. No matter which route you choose, remember that dance lessons are supposed to be fun. If you find a studio with prices you can easily afford but hate going, it is no bargain. It may take you a bit more effort to find the right combination fun and frugality but when you hit the floor with all the right moves, it will more than pay off.
201
How Incorporating Can Save You Money

Click Here to Read This Online For the small business owner, the question of incorporating is a pointed one. A large percentage of small companies are run as sole proprietorships for a variety of reasons. At some point, though, the idea of incorporation comes up, and there are some valid reasons to go through the effort. No one likes to pay taxes, even if they support the services that those taxes provide. If you own your business you have probably already found out that you must pay more taxes on your income than you ever did when you were employed by someone else. Why is this? When you are an employee, your employer paid half of your Social Security and Medicare taxes. Now that you own the company, you must pay both halves: yours and the business half. That comes out to a fairly significant percentage of your income. S-Corps Can Save You a Lot There are number of ways to incorporate, but one that is particularly popular with small business owners is the S-Corp. First, you will save if you dont make a profit in the beginning. Any losses the company suffers are deductible from your taxes. While you wont recoup the entire amount, it can really add up. Second, an S-Corp allows the owner to pay out part of the companys profits as corporate distribution. This dramatically reduces the amount charged for Social Security and Medicare since a distribution isnt the same as a salary. Part of the profits will
202
remain as regular salary, but you can cut your taxes in half or more with such an arrangement. Protect Your Assets Did you know that if you run your business as a sole proprietor or contractor, everything you own can be tapped in a financial crisis? Many business owners dont know this until a problem occurs and suddenly their home, vehicle, or savings account is on the line. Even if you carry insurance for your small business, any assets you have are in jeopardy if you dont incorporate. Incorporation puts a layer of protection between your personal assets and your business assets. If you are ever sued as a business, none of your personal assets can be touched if you incorporate properly. Of course, this means that you have to be very careful to follow appropriate procedures when you pay yourself out of your business funds, when you deposit payments, and when you keep your books, but it is well worth the extra effort to provide such protection. Incorporate Inexpensively You dont actually need an attorney to incorporate under most circumstances. How much you will spend will depend upon the local laws. Each state will have specific guidelines for you to follow, and you can even opt to do the whole job on your own. Online services can help you through the process, at a cost, and in a couple of days you will be legally incorporated. To find out what is required in your state, contact the office of the Secretary of State (SOS). You can usually find all the forms you need and have your questions answered online at the SOS website.
203
Getting Affordable Legal Advice is Possible

Click Here to Read This Online If you are one of those lucky people who seem to lead a charmed life and never encounter any difficulties, chances are that the need for affordable legal advice has never entered your mind. For the rest of us, requiring legal advice and being able to pay for it is not always the same thing. As a recent consultation taught me, even basic advice will set you back several hundred dollars, and retaining a lawyer will cost you much more. When you find yourself in need of an attorney, there are several things you can do to minimize the financial impact. The first step is to be an informed consumer. Do You Need and Attorney? Before you go out and hire someone to represent you in a particular matter, find out if you even need an attorney. Too many people make the mistake of paying for someone to do something they could do themselves. For example, if you want to incorporate your business, chances are you can handle the process alone. Why double your costs or more by asking a lawyer to do it for you? There are many states which allow you to file all sorts of papers without legal representation; from divorce to small claims court, an attorney isnt necessarily required. Do Your Homework Most lawyers in a particular area and field will charge about the same amount for their time. There will always be some who charge more; sometimes they are worth their pay, other times, not. Call around and get referrals from people who have needed similar legal counsel.
204
With a short list, make some calls and set up initial consultations to meet two or three attorneys. The first meeting shouldnt cost you anything unless you get right to the legal issues you need addressed. Think of it as an interview for the lawyer in question. Once you decide which lawyer you wish to use, stick with them, barring unusual circumstances. Good Relations The best thing you can do to keep your costs down when you hire a lawyer is to be a good client and to let your attorney do their job. By allowing your representative to do their job, you reduce the fees you incur by constantly calling and checking up on their progress. The lawyer will apprise you of any progress on your case without you harassing them; I promise. As a good client, you should be forthcoming, keep copies of all records, and participate as part of the "team" Avoid Change The most expensive thing you can do to yourself is to change attorneys midstream. To retain a lawyer you pay a fee, often several thousand dollars. If you want to retain a new representative you will pay the same fee again. Additionally, you lose more money when you have to bring your new attorney up to speed, reprocess documents, and so forth. Dont Join Prepaid Plans A final word of advice; dont join those prepaid legal plans offered at work. Similar to life insurance, people who join such plans are gambling that they will need an attorney to represent them in a legal battle in the future. The plans are very limited and limiting; you only get so many hours with the attorney, for example.
205
You are better off saving the money in an account where it will accrue interest; that way you will have cash if you need to hire someone, or you can use the money for something else when the time comes. Chances are you will only need an attorney or legal advice once or twice in your life. Be willing to pay for quality, do what you can yourself, and be cooperative; the savings can be significant.
206
Can You Save Money Preparing Taxes?

Click Here to Read This Online (Coming Soon) If you have gotten to the point where you cant file a 1040 EZ, then you have faced the question of how to file taxes properly without spending a fortune. While there is a point at which you may need to hire a high powered CPA to prepare your documents accurately, most people simply dont need such assistance. Can You Do it Alone? As long as your tax returns will be fairly straightforward, there is no reason you cant take one of the simple seminars offered at your local library and do the paperwork. Contrary to the rumors, filling out tax forms isnt that challenging. You copy numbers from your W-2 to your tax, do some simple math, and you are done. If you have no dependents, dont own property, and dont fall into one of the less common categories, handle the job the old-fashioned way. Look at Software I have done my taxes on my own for years with the help of tax software. I even own a business, and the software walks me through everything I need to do. Good software will tell you what you need, where to find it, and what sorts of documents you will need to support your claims. The best programs will also transfer information from the .pdf of one year to another, saving you some effort. One of the things I discovered with tax software is that different people like different programs. The program I use year after year drives one of my friends nuts. I feel the same way about the software she uses. It took us each several tries to find the right program. The advantage is that you get a tax credit for the software you purchase.
207
You Dont Need an Attorney Unless you are in some sort of legal trouble with your taxes, you dont need to have an attorney process your returns. Your general, run-of-the-mill CPA can do an excellent job. Ask for referrals amongst your friends, and do your part of the job before you go for your appointment. Gather your papers together and organize them. Business expenses and receipts are important; medical expenses and W2s are essential. If you arent sure, take a look online for a checklist of some sort. Arranging your papers by date will help as well and make copies of everything, just in case. Ask a Friend or Family It is undeniable that the cheapest way to prepare your taxes is to ask someone you know to do them in exchange for another service. A brother-in-law, a sibling, or a close friend can make the process quick and easy; as long as you dont mind them having access to your personal information. Perhaps the biggest challenge people face when it comes to tax preparation is intimidation. The fact is that it just isnt that difficult. If your case is difficult, then find someone who is well-versed in the tax laws because fines and fees that result from errors will turn the savings you made with a cut-rate CPA into an expense you dont need.
208
Save a Bundle on a Bundle of Pots and Pans

Click Here to Read This Online Youre starting out and you need new cookware. Pots and pans can cost a pretty penny, unless you know what you are looking for. Lets look at the basics and the best choices. What You NEED The average kitchen really doesnt need much when it comes down to brass tacks. Six pots or pans will cover all your needs, if you purchase good quality equipment. This is one time where spending more will cost you less in the long run, as a good pan can last a lifetime. 1. Omelet Pans one or two nonstick lined pans are essential if you cook omelets. Used primarily for high heat situations and those recipes that contain sticky ingredients: grilled cheese, omelets, etc. These pans should be heavy with well-constructed handles. Pick a 6-inch and an 8- or 10-inch pan, as well. 2. Stock Pot 8 to 12 quarts, heavy, unlined, and preferably stainless steel construction with a layered bottom, a stock pot should be taller than it is wide. Used for making soup, stock, or boiling pasta, this is a piece of equipment that, if bought right, will last forever. 3. Saucepan This pot should be well-constructed from solid materials. You will make smaller batches of soup, heat gravies, make mashed potatoes and veggies, all in this pot. Make sure you have a matching lid that fits on tightly. 4. Wide, Heavy Skillet Dont forget a matching lid as well. 12 inches in diameter and 2 inches deep are your minimum measurements. Bigger is better. Skip plastic handles and knobs since you want to be able to stick this pan in the oven for braising and finishing. If you can find a domed, glass lid to go along with the skillet, you have hit pay dirt. 5. Dutch Oven Smaller than your stock pot, it will fulfill many of the same missions. Built to retain heat well, you can cook stews and chili in here as well. 6. Iron Skillet Dont spend good money on getting a new skillet when thrift shops seem to have an endless supply of these. Perfect for taking steaks from a good sear on the stove to a quick grill in the oven, as well as a million other uses, an iron skillet is a joy to have.
209
Paying for It Because good quality cookware will cost you a bit, plan for the expense. Take time to find exactly the right item and get only one or two items a year. This is a perfect item to put on that holiday wish list too. Some towns have restaurant supply stores. These stores cater to professional chefs, and you can pick up some great bargains here. While prices are high you will get exactly what you want, good quality, and an understanding, well-educated staff. Your next choice can be to search out one of the chain stores which specializes in house goods, and utilize their frequent coupon mailings to drop prices into a range that is almost reasonable. Remember, this is a life long investment, so purchase the best you can afford. While there isnt much you can do about the industrys pricing, you can invest in things that wont need to be replaced any time soon.
210
Can You Save on Pool Cleaning?

Click Here to Read This Online (Coming Soon) Owning a pool is quite an expense, and to cut costs just makes sense. There are a few things that the average pool owner can do to reduce the expense of pool cleaning. Maintenance is Critical There are a number of cleaning issues with pools. There is the question of debris and also water quality. Both are simple enough to attend to on your own. Get one of those nets that are attached to a stic- what stay in the water, the less effect they will have. Water should be tested on a regular schedule. If the pool is used frequently, daily testing is advisable. By keeping the waters PH properly balanced, you reduce the need to shock it, thus decreasing your expenses. Small variations are easier for the system to absorb. If your filter is disposable, maintain a regular schedule for replacement. As with other maintenance tasks, staying on top of this one will keep the water cleaner and the pool in better shape. Buying Chemicals It is pretty rare for any pool to need top-of-the-line supplies. Salt is salt and chlorine tablets are chlorine tablets, so get what you can afford. While lower priced chemicals may require a bit more monitoring, they all do the same thing. No matter what you buy, spend some time online finding the best prices. Comparison shopping will go a long way towards getting you a great price. Getting supplies at end-
211
of-season sales is another great option if you have the room to store your purchases for the next several months in a safe place. In Pool Cleaners There is no denying the thrill of watching a little robot churn around in your pool cleaning the dirt and grime. That doesnt mean you have to spend a fortune. You can find automatic cleaners that run $200 and those that do the same job for $1000. Purchase the unit that is designed for a pool the size of the one you own. Keep your cleaner maintained, just like you do your pool. Dont run it more than necessary. Buy in Bulk If you and a few friends own similar pools, blend your orders of supplies together. Just like in other situations, purchasing a greater quantity may pay off. Getting a large bucket of chlorine tablets is definitely cheaper than purchasing a few tablets each time you need them. Store supplies safely if you do this. Look for Closeouts Pool stores go out of business more often than you think. Keep an eye out for closeout sales and deep discounts. A pool store often changes to a ski store in the fall and wants to eliminate its stock to make room for new merchandise. Be prepared to snatch up supplies when they go on sale. Pool cleaning is an undeniable expense and hassle. Just because you have a pool, it doesn't mean that you have to give up your fun to accommodate a shrinking budget. Find less expensive options, do more of the work alone, and enjoy your dips more than ever before.
212
See Your Way Clear to Savings on Windshield Wipers

Click Here to Read This Online (Coming Soon) With winter upon us, many people are finding that they need to replace their windshield wipers. You can purchase a really cheap set at the local mega-mart, or you can spend $20 or more per blade. The question is how do you combine savings and quality in a way that avoids the need to replace your blades every other week. Learn to Do It Yourself Odd as it may seem, a relatively large percentage of drivers dont know how to change their own wiper blades. This is a relatively simple task, although it can vary a bit from car to car. Get out your owners manual and learn. You will get charged a lot more for the same blade if you ask the garage to put them on for you. Determine What You Need While you are learning how to replace your blades, find out what size blades you need. Chances are you will need to replace your front blades much more often then your back blade if you even have one. It is fairly common to need two different sized blades today, so write down what you need before you start shopping around. Get online and read some reviews. Some blades work very well in snowy conditions, others work better in rain. Determine which functions you need most of all. If you live in Buffalo, chances are you will want winter blades by the time fall rolls around. In Seattle you will want blades that work very well in rain. Winter blades usually cost more, so you dont want to get them unless you really have to. Online you can check prices for specific blades so you dont waste gas and time driving around while comparison shopping.
213
Keep Them Clean If your windshield wipers start streaking, you dont have to rush out and buy new ones. First, figure out if the streaking is occurring because of worn blades or due to dirt. Wiping down your wiper blades from time to time will not only prolong the life of your windshield, but it will help you evaluate if you really need to replace your blades. Wiper blades accumulate grit, sap, dust, and more as they go back and forth across your window. To clean them, grab some isopropyl alcohol and a clean paper towel. Wet the towel and wipe it back and forth over the blade a few times. Test the blades by spraying some water on the windshield and run the wipers. If you are streak free, things are good. If you still streak, you will know that it is actually time to change the blades. Look for Coupons Its an old song but still true, manufacturers want you to purchase their brand, so keep an eye out for coupons, especially around the holidays, season changes, and online. If you have a brand of wipers you really like, consider signing up for e-mails from that company; you might get coupons tossed in as well. Windshield wipers are an essential piece of safety equipment on your car, but there is no reason to pay top dollar for them.
214
Car Detailing Without Cleaning Out the Bank Account

Click Here to Read This Online (Coming Soon) Have you looked at the price of car detailing and cleaning lately? Even a simple wash can set you back $10 or more. If you have money like that to spend, chances are you wont need to read this article, but if you are like me and watch every penny, here are some tips to help you keep a clean car and a wallet full of cash. Do It Yourself This is an obvious suggestion. Time is the critical issue here, though. It can take several hours to do the job right. If you have the time, it is worth the effort. Clean the Outside First Dont work on a particularly hot day or in direct sun. Products will dry on the car and mar the finish. Start by washing the car with a soap made for cars. Dry it with soft towels old diapers work great. Clean out the wheel wells. A brush can help remove the crud that accumulates in the hub caps and other visible areas. Now inspect your paint. Minor scratches and nicks can be dealt with using a good wax. If you want to buff your car with a sander, use one with orbital movement. Deep scratches will need to be dealt with professionally. Use a damp Q-Tip or toothbrush to clean off any wax that remains in crevices or on rubber areas. Those areas can be cleaned with an area specific cleaner. Finally, treat the wheels with a wheel cleaner.
215
Dealing with the Inside The interior requires some time and attention to details. Gather soft clothes, a multipurpose cleaner, Q-Tips, cleaners that are appropriate to your vehicle, and your vacuum. You might also want a can of compressed air and leather conditioner if you have a leather interior. Start by dusting off all the easily reached surfaces. Pull out the floor mats and remove any items that are removable extra console pieces, for example. Vacuum the floors, seats, dash, and rear parcel shelf thoroughly. Use a carpet or upholstery cleaner in the spots where needed, but dont over-saturate, or you will potentially get mildew. Dilute your cleaner 10:1 and use it to clean all surfaces with a damp cloth. If your seats are vinyl, use a vinyl cleaner, if they are leather, use a leather conditioner. Avoid products that leave a slippery or shiny finish. If you have cloth seats, treat them as you did the carpets. Now apply yourself to the dash. This is where you will use those Q-Tips. To get into every nook and cranny, you will need their fine tip. Consider removing any knobs you can pull off gently to get underneath. You can also use compressed air the kind sold for cleaning computer keyboards to get into grills and behind areas you cant reach otherwise. Use the diluted multipurpose cleaner to clean areas of plastic, such as the plastic lens the covers your speedometer and other gages. Finish off by washing the windows.
216
Detailing your car will take you the better part of a morning, but the results are a worth the effort. Not only will your car retain its value better but it will also look better, and who doesnt like to drive around in a snazzy ride?
217
Saving on Light Bulbs a Bright Idea

Click Here to Read This Online (Coming Soon) With the switch from incandescent to compact fluorescent bulbs, it seems as if prices are on the rise as well. That perception isnt exactly accurate as CFLs last much longer and use less electricity than their incandescent counterparts, but the outlay is clearly more on a bulb per bulb basis. CFLs also pose a certain level of risk as they all contain mercury and must be disposed of properly to avoid contamination. There are ways to save money when purchasing light bulbs, especially right now as the switch takes place. The interest in getting you to switch over has provided some excellent budget-boosting options. Free Bulbs Our local utility company offers free CFL bulbs every Wednesday. The promotion wont last forever and we are talking about one bulb each time but if you are in the area where they are handing them out, why not avail yourself of a free light bulb? Free is definitely the cheapest way to go. Large Packs Everyone knows that purchasing larger packages has the potential to save money, but it still pays to do the math. You can find bulbs in single packs, twins, and truly large packs, so price them per bulb. The exception to the rule here is if you need only one bulb of a particular type. Purchasing six bulbs when you will only use one in a year or so isnt sensible. It will take up space better used for other things. Use Lower Wattage In general, you will find that the lower the wattage, the cheaper the bulb. If you are lighting a chandelier with six bulbs, you should be just fine with six 40-watt bulbs instead
218
of six 60-watt bulbs. If you are depending upon lower wattage or a single bulb, you may need to go with the maximum recommended. Play around with it and see. Consider LED While the upfront cost of LED bulbs is still in the stratosphere, they last just about forever. It isnt unusual to find bulbs rated for 30,000 hours or more. The catch is that you can expect to pay about $30-40 per bulb, and the light is pretty directional. That means it doesnt spread out like an incandescent light will. LEDs also use less energy, about half that used by a CFL bulb, and that provides additional savings. Your best bet for these bulbs is to use them in hard-to-reach places so you dont have to change them again for years and wait until the next generation of LED bulbs turns up in about two to three years according to industry gurus. Summing it All Up At this point your best financial bet is CFL bulbs. Even with the potential hazards, they cost less to run and last longer than incandescent bulbs. While CFL bulbs dont work well with dimmer switches, there is a movement to adapt them for such uses. Their slower start up time has yet to be addressed. It is thought that CFL bulbs will be a stopgap measure until LED bulbs have worked out their kinks and prices have come down. Eventually, you can expect to be switching to LED bulbs instead.
219
Save Money Where the Rubber Meets the Road Car Tires
Click Here to Read This Online (Coming Soon) Have you priced car tires lately? The last time I had to replace my tires I spent $600, and that was with savvy shopping and a sale. Ill grant that my car requires unusual tires, but that still hurt! On the positive side, if I hadnt done my work, they would have cost me almost $900. Here are some tips for saving on your next set of wheels. Maintenance is Critical Even before you get to the point of needing new tires, you can save money by taking good care of the tires you own. It really isnt all that difficult. Keep your tires properly inflated. Check them regularly for proper air pressure. Rotate them frequently. Purchase a lifetime alignment package from a local service store. Aligned tires wear more evenly, and you wont have to replace tires as often because one of them wore down too far before the others did. If you own a 4-wheel drive or all-wheel drive car, this is even more critical because if one tire wears too quickly you have to exchange all four tires at the same time, or it causes problems with the center differential. Shop Around You dont really need me to tell you to comparison shop for anything, but here you go. Your car needs a specific size of tire not a particular brand. As long as you get a tire of reasonable quality, you will be just fine. Some of the best deals are at warehouse clubs. The same tires you find at retail locations can cost 10-25% less at a warehouse, so call around and ask. For tire work you dont even need to be a member at most of the warehouse clubs, so check there too.
220
Look for Coupons In one of the sillier promotions around, many tire stores offer buy 3 tires get 1 free deals. As if you could drive away with three tires on your car. Still, if you are looking for a deal, this is a valid one to consider. Coupons come out all the time. When you know you will need tires in the near future, start gathering them. That way, when you find the tires you want at a reasonable price, you might just have a coupon you can use as well. Double savings! Consider the Numbers A final piece of the puzzle involves a bit of math and planning. If you dont plan to hold on to a car for years to come, purchasing tires guaranteed for 50,000 miles might not be a wise choice. The longer a tire is designed to last, the more it will cost. If you have plans to sell a car soon, buy tires that are rated for less drive time. Another bit of math involves figuring out your cost per mile. A $150 50,000 mile tire works out to $.03 per mile of wear, a tire that costs $120 but is guaranteed for 20,000 miles costs $.06 a mile. Those $30 saved costs you much more in the end. Buying tires may not be the most fun you can have on any given day, but shopping wisely will at least save you money, and that is fun all the time.
221

Moneyning How To Save Money Ebook v1.4

Hochgeladen von

Dokumentinformationen

Originalbeschreibung:

Originaltitel

Copyright

Verfügbare Formate

Dieses Dokument teilen

Dokument teilen oder einbetten

Freigabeoptionen

Stufen Sie dieses Dokument als nützlich ein?

Sind diese Inhalte unangemessen?

Copyright:

Verfügbare Formate

Moneyning How To Save Money Ebook v1.4

Hochgeladen von

Copyright:

Verfügbare Formate

How to Save Money on Everything v1.

How to Save Money Every Month

Activities You Should Try

Saving Money On Your Groceries

Giving Gifts for the Holidays on a Budget

Saving Money on Air Travel

Saving Money on Childcare

How to Save Money on Weddings

Picking the Venue for Your Wedding

College Tuition is Expensive; Planning Ahead Helps Save Money

Dont Overspend When Buying a Car

Saving Money on Credit Card Fees and APRs

Buying a New Computer Without Spending Too Much

Saving Money on Your Household Bills

For Golfing Enthusiasts, Saving Money Can Be Tough

Can You Save Money While Skiing?

How to Save Money When Going Out to Dinner

Cutting Costs on Cruises

Having a Baby on a Budget

Dealing with Diapers and Baby Supplies on a Budget

Purchasing School Supplies on the Cheap

Saving Money on Furniture

Moving for Less

6 Tips to Save Money when Purchasing Appliances

Pay Less for Books and Magazines

Cutting Costs on Cell Phone Contracts

Dont Pay for Books and Magazines

Saving Money on Electricity

Drop Pounds, not Dollars with your Gym Memberships

Cutting Your Costs While in College

Saving Money while Doing Laundry

Budgeting to Save Money on Bills

How to Cut Costs with Air Conditioning

Dont Pour Your Money Away on Your Water Bill

Get Frugal on Gas to Save Cash All Year Long

Two Months Salary? Not on Engagement Rings

Dont Spend the Farm on Entertainment

How to Save on Rental Cars

How to Save Money on Tires

How to Save Money on Filing Taxes

Be Smart with Textbooks and Save Some Money

TV Service Doesnt Have to Be Expensive

Wipe Out Excessive Spending On Toilet Paper

Save Some Money on Transportation

Saving Money on Car Ownership

Finding the Best Deals When Buying Electronics

Remodeling Your Home and Not Your Bank Account

Landscaping for Less

Saving Money on Any Insurance

Finding Ways to Save for Veterinary Care

Saving Money on Household Bills

Dont Drop a Bundle on Baby Products

How much should you spend on Braces?

Decrease your Spending on Dry Cleaning

Make Organic Food Affordable

Office Supplies on a Budget

Saving Money on Prescription Drugs

Enjoy your Pets and Save Money at the Same Time

Spend Less on Baby Formula

Dont Dispose of your Money when Buying Diapers

Shipping for Less - Saving Money Year Round

Slashing Spending on School Supplies