Saving cash is something everyone is looking to do in this terrible economy, so I decided to add another money saving guide to the weekly edition. Here are tips on how to save money while grocery shopping.
- Don’t be afraid of store brands, they are just as good
- Stock up (within reason) when things are on sale
- Get rain checks when sale items are out of stock
- Buy the Sunday paper
- Keep an eye on the weekly store circular
- Clip coupons for name brand items
- Check the store’s website for printable coupons
- Check your cupboards, pantry, and fridge before leaving
- Keep a complete list of items you need on your fridge
- Break your list down by store and plan your outing
- Plan your trip through the store to minimize wandering the aisles
- Don’t forget your list when you head to the store, but…
- Be willing to deviate from your list for great deals
- Be on the lookout for “double coupon” days
- Stack manufacturer and store coupons, both are allowed to be used at once
- Keep a price list/book so you know a deal when you see one
- Learn your store’s sale cycle (sales are often cyclical)
- Visit multiple stores to get the best deals, or…
- Buy in bulk, but…
- Be sure to look at unit pricing
- Bring a calculator (unless you’re a math whiz)
- Be on the lookout for “shrinkage” (e.g., 1.5 quarts vs. half gallon)
- Cook large batches and freeze for later
- Don’t waste leftovers
- Ask your preferred store to match prices form elsewhere
- Avoid non-grocery items that can be bought for less elsewhere
- Joins the store’s affinity program and flash your card
- Buy a chest freezer
- Eat less – seriously, many people eat way more than necessary
- Cook from scratch, avoid processed foods
Remember to spend some time preparing for your shopping expedition, as it could literally save you hundreds of dollars each year.
Showing posts with label save money. Show all posts
Showing posts with label save money. Show all posts
Monday, July 27, 2009
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
How To Save Money on your Water Billl
With the economy still shaky, and unemployment rate about to hit 10%, every little bit of money one can save could mean a huge difference in their lives. Here are 7 things you can do to save a bundle on your next water bill.
1. While waiting for the shower to heat up, catch the cold water in a bucket so you can use it later to water plants, flush your toilet or clean outdoor furniture. This can save as much as 300 gallons per month alone.
2. Turn the water off while brushing your teeth. This will save 3 gallons per day, or 1000 gallons per year on average.
3. Use less detergent while washing dishes by hand. A smaller amount will clean just as well, and take a lot less water to rinse off.
4. Rinse Vegetables in a fill pot instead of letting the faucet run over them. This can save up to 3000 gallons per year.
5. Instead of putting everything in your garbage disposal, instead create a compost pile. This can save you up to 1000 gallons per year.
6. Put mulch around trees and plants. Mulch allows water to stay in the soil instead of evaporating. This means less watering, which will save you upwards of 12,000 gallons of water per year.
7. Do not water your lawn on windy days. The wind speeds evaporation, and can mean the loss of up to 300 gallons of water in just one session.
These simple steps can save you over 40,000 gallons of water per year. That's a lot of money.
1. While waiting for the shower to heat up, catch the cold water in a bucket so you can use it later to water plants, flush your toilet or clean outdoor furniture. This can save as much as 300 gallons per month alone.
2. Turn the water off while brushing your teeth. This will save 3 gallons per day, or 1000 gallons per year on average.
3. Use less detergent while washing dishes by hand. A smaller amount will clean just as well, and take a lot less water to rinse off.
4. Rinse Vegetables in a fill pot instead of letting the faucet run over them. This can save up to 3000 gallons per year.
5. Instead of putting everything in your garbage disposal, instead create a compost pile. This can save you up to 1000 gallons per year.
6. Put mulch around trees and plants. Mulch allows water to stay in the soil instead of evaporating. This means less watering, which will save you upwards of 12,000 gallons of water per year.
7. Do not water your lawn on windy days. The wind speeds evaporation, and can mean the loss of up to 300 gallons of water in just one session.
These simple steps can save you over 40,000 gallons of water per year. That's a lot of money.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Save Money on Homeowners Insurance
As you know I have a series of blog posts related to saving money in various industries. Today I will look at a few ways to save money on your Homeowners insurance policy. If you own a home, than Homeowners insurance is a must, however, it can often drive someone crazy trying to figure out what types of coverage they need and want. Below are 4 tips to save some money on your Homeowners insurance policy:
#1 Shop Around
There are so many different insurance companies out there, and so many different types of insurance available. Do your homework before simply signing on to a policy. Check out the National Association of Insurance Commissioners website at: naic.org to get a list of insurers in your area as well as complaints and praises about each.
#2 If Possible, Buy Your House and Automobile Insurance From the Same Company
Today, more and more insurance companies offer all types of insurance, from flood, to homeowners, to auto, to life. If you can buy a couple policies from one company, you will likely save anywhere from 5-10% off your premium. Like I said though, make sure you do your homework first.
#3 Raise Your Deductible
Homeowners insurance should be in place in case of a disaster. If you are paying an insurance company to cover the minor problems you may face with home damage, you are likely losing money. Remember, an Insurance company is making a profit. This means they are charging you more than the average person needs to spend to fix their damaged home. By raising your deductible, you will save a ton of money on your premiums, and still be covered for those major problems you may face with damage to your home. Raising your deductible from $500 to $1000, can save as much as 25% on your premiums.
#4 Stay with the same Insurer.
Unless you find an amazing deal with another company, it is usually best to stay with the same company. Not only are you familiar with the policy terms, but many insurers will decrease your rates by 5-10% after 3-5 years with them.
#1 Shop Around
There are so many different insurance companies out there, and so many different types of insurance available. Do your homework before simply signing on to a policy. Check out the National Association of Insurance Commissioners website at: naic.org to get a list of insurers in your area as well as complaints and praises about each.
#2 If Possible, Buy Your House and Automobile Insurance From the Same Company
Today, more and more insurance companies offer all types of insurance, from flood, to homeowners, to auto, to life. If you can buy a couple policies from one company, you will likely save anywhere from 5-10% off your premium. Like I said though, make sure you do your homework first.
#3 Raise Your Deductible
Homeowners insurance should be in place in case of a disaster. If you are paying an insurance company to cover the minor problems you may face with home damage, you are likely losing money. Remember, an Insurance company is making a profit. This means they are charging you more than the average person needs to spend to fix their damaged home. By raising your deductible, you will save a ton of money on your premiums, and still be covered for those major problems you may face with damage to your home. Raising your deductible from $500 to $1000, can save as much as 25% on your premiums.
#4 Stay with the same Insurer.
Unless you find an amazing deal with another company, it is usually best to stay with the same company. Not only are you familiar with the policy terms, but many insurers will decrease your rates by 5-10% after 3-5 years with them.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Save Money On Your Credit Cards
Two weeks ago I started a series which I am trying to continue. It's all about different ways to save money. This Thursday I would like to look at a few ways you can save money with your credit cards. Most people use them, and most of the time they are worse off for doing so. If you know what you are doing and follow simple guidelines, credit cards can be an asset rather then liability to your finances. Here are a few tips to save you money on your credit cards.
#1 Reward Cards Are Not Always Rewarding
It may be tempting to get a rewards card, thinking for every dollar you spend you will earn redeemable points towards all sorts of cool gifts, but unless you pay your balance off in full each month, a rewards card will usually have a higher interest rate. If you are one of those people who pay off your balance right away, than Rewards cards will save you money, but on the other hand if you carry a balance, a normal card will be the money saver.
#2 Simply Ask for a Better Rate
After being a customer for 4-6 months, give the credit card company a call, and simply ask for a better rate. As long as you have been paying your card on time and do not have any other credit problems that have popped up recently, they will likely try and make you happy, and reduce your rate by at least a quarter of a point.
#3 Pay Off Your Entire Balance Each Month
This is probably the single most important tip. If you can't afford something, and can't pay off your balance in a month, then don't buy it. Credit card interest rates are super high compared to normal loans. Paying off part of your balance every month is a sure way to get into long term debt.
#4 Shop for the Best Rate
You will find a huge array of interest rates each credit card you are approved for has. If you jump right into a card offer, you will likely be borrowing at 1-2% higher then your could be. That small percentage really ads up over time if you are not one of those people who pays off their card each month. Shop online for the best rates, and see which ones approve you.
#5 Never Ever Take a Cash Advance
Most Credit card companies will allow you to take a cash advance. This is a straight up cash loan. The problem is that the interest rate is usually quite a bit higher than the normal credit card rate. To make things worse, if you carry a balance, that balance will be paid off before the cash advance loan is since it is more profitable for the credit card company to use your payments towards the lower interest rate balance. If you need cash, go to the bank and get a loan. Even with bad credit your loan will have a much better rate from the bank.
Follow These 5 tips to the best of your ability, and you will not only save money, but have a much better control of your credit card debt.
#1 Reward Cards Are Not Always Rewarding
It may be tempting to get a rewards card, thinking for every dollar you spend you will earn redeemable points towards all sorts of cool gifts, but unless you pay your balance off in full each month, a rewards card will usually have a higher interest rate. If you are one of those people who pay off your balance right away, than Rewards cards will save you money, but on the other hand if you carry a balance, a normal card will be the money saver.
#2 Simply Ask for a Better Rate
After being a customer for 4-6 months, give the credit card company a call, and simply ask for a better rate. As long as you have been paying your card on time and do not have any other credit problems that have popped up recently, they will likely try and make you happy, and reduce your rate by at least a quarter of a point.
#3 Pay Off Your Entire Balance Each Month
This is probably the single most important tip. If you can't afford something, and can't pay off your balance in a month, then don't buy it. Credit card interest rates are super high compared to normal loans. Paying off part of your balance every month is a sure way to get into long term debt.
#4 Shop for the Best Rate
You will find a huge array of interest rates each credit card you are approved for has. If you jump right into a card offer, you will likely be borrowing at 1-2% higher then your could be. That small percentage really ads up over time if you are not one of those people who pays off their card each month. Shop online for the best rates, and see which ones approve you.
#5 Never Ever Take a Cash Advance
Most Credit card companies will allow you to take a cash advance. This is a straight up cash loan. The problem is that the interest rate is usually quite a bit higher than the normal credit card rate. To make things worse, if you carry a balance, that balance will be paid off before the cash advance loan is since it is more profitable for the credit card company to use your payments towards the lower interest rate balance. If you need cash, go to the bank and get a loan. Even with bad credit your loan will have a much better rate from the bank.
Follow These 5 tips to the best of your ability, and you will not only save money, but have a much better control of your credit card debt.
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