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saving tips

So you have taken the first step towards getting rid of your debt. Now you need to get into the right habits. We have found ways to help you save money without inconveniencing your life too much. Some you might know, some you might not but either way they will help so read them all.

Remember that with each dollar you save you will be that much closer to getting out of debt. Follow some of these easy recommendations and you could be saving hundreds or maybe even thousands of dollars monthly. Good luck, take control and start putting money back in your pocket! If you have any savings ideas that are not on this list email or call us, we appreciate suggestions.

If you must spend use cash, checks or even debit cards. No credit cards!

1. Drop the drycleaner. Don’t buy clothes that are dry clean only. Learn to iron.
2. Gas is expensive. Fill your car in the morning as it is cheaper. Gas expands as the temperature rises so you get less. Always keep your tank at least half full. It avoids on waste. Most importantly today all gas quality is the same no matter who you buy it from. Buy from generic small stations that cost less. Use sites like Gasbuddy.com to try and find the cheapest station near you.
3. Pack breakfast and lunch. It is healthier and cheaper.
4. Eat at home and cook in bulk and freeze food
5. Raise deductibles on all of your insurances and you will lower your monthly payments. Make sure that you will able to afford the new deductible if tragedy strikes.
6. Re-shop insurances yearly. Make sure getting all available discounts. Ask what discounts are available that you are not currently getting.
7. Cut back on high priced Starbucks or other high-end coffee shops. Still have the urge make a mug at home or go to a deli for a cheap but good cup.
8. Fill prescriptions with the generic form of the drug or go to Costco or Bj’s for great savings.
   
   Also ask your doctor if a higher dosage is available if you can cut the pill in half. This can save as the higher dosage usually is not more expensive. Ask your doc first and be careful.
9. Compare rates in your area for cable and satellite then go for the less expensive option. Drop the movie channels and premiums if you can it really add’s up
10. Skip the car wash and wash it yourself at home
11. Color your hair yourself or go grey. Skip high cost salons.
12. Cutback or quit smoking. The cost of cigarettes is astronomical. If you can’t quit cut down. The difference between a pack a day and 1⁄2 pack a day equals up to $120 a month.
13. Look up phone numbers on Superpages.com or in the phone book instead of paying for directory assistance. You could also call 800-Free-411 yes you listen to an advertisement but you save $1.75 each call.
14. Only use ATMs where you won't be charged service fees. If you have to use them take out the maximum so that you don’t make multiple trips.
15. Consider buying a certified pre-owned car that is 2 or 3 years old instead of a new one. Save around 20-30% and still get a car with a warranty. Also look for models that are reliable and have lower theft rates which means cheaper insurance rates.
16. Drop your land line phone at home. Your cell phone may be all you need and most come with free long distance services. Remember to buy a back up battery and keep in mind in extreme weather your service might go down. Also test reception in your home beforehand to make sure it is clear.
17. If you are going to keep home phone shop alternative rates on the net.
18. Do away with expensive health club memberships. Exercise at home or outdoors. You could always join the local YMCA they have gym equipment.
19. Add extra time between manicures or better yet try doing one yourself
20. Look at buying term insurance vs whole life or universal life insurance.
21. Turn down your home thermostat a couple of degrees in the winter.
22. Energy costs are constantly soaring. Keep them down by turning off lights when you leave the room. Also in summer keep thermostat at no less than 78 degrees especially when not at home. Same goes for winter.
23. Only do full loads of laundry and fill the dishwasher before running it thereby keeping your electrical bill down.
24. Get a roommate in order to share expenses.
25. If you pay bills online you will save on postage.
26. Cut coupons from the Sunday paper or online- Whatever happened are we too good to do this anymore?
27. Look online for coupons before you go shopping.
28. If you own a house, shift your higher-rate credit card debt to a lower-rate line of credit. Deduct the interest on your tax return.
29. Shop at the outlet centers. All major retailers have outlets or look at Marshalls or TJ Maxx for name brand items at discount prices.
30. Go to matinee movies instead of movies at night as they are cheaper. Bring your own small bag of candy or popcorn. Movie food is way too expensive and portions are too large. We are getting poor and fat!
31. Carpool save on gas and save the environment
32. Skip paying cab fare now and then if you can walk or take the bus.
33. If you are going out for drinks have one or two at home first and you will save at least $10 bucks.
34. When purchasing appliances you should buy new energy-efficient models. They are cheaper in the long run and wind up in some instances paying for themselves!.
35. Trade in your car with high insurance premiums for a car with lower insurance premiums.
36. If you start paying your mortgage biweekly instead of monthly you will save on interest costs and wind up paying your mortgage sooner.
    
    If your mortgage allows it pay extra premium payments or make a higher payment if you can Just like l save interest payments and be able to pay off your mortgage sooner. Make sure this is allowed and that there is no prepayment penalty
37. Shop at consignment shops and thrift stores. Sometimes you can get new items at great pricing plus you might find some vintage items you’ll love cheap.
38. Donate unwanted items and get a tax write off. This might just help you get some money back come tax time.
39. Send free email cards. You save on the cost of the card and the stamps. The sentiment is the same.
40. Get discounts through your credit unions, AARP or even AAA if you belong to these organizations.
41. If you are handy try to do home improvement projects by yourself. Home depot can teach you how to do almost anything and sometimes they have free courses.
42. Start a side business. It can give you great tax advantages/write-offs and help you put extra money in your pocket. Find a way to tie it into a hobby you truly enjoy and it just might be fun!
43. Considering moving, look into places where the cost of living is cheaper and the state tax rates are less.
44. If you need to purchase clothes or electronics try to plan your spending around sale days. You can count on stores to have major sales around the major holidays.
45. Instead of going to the local video store to rent a movie go to the library. They have great and sometimes recent moves that are free to borrow. You can even get the last season of your favorite tv series to catch up on. Did I mention its free?
46. Stay away from the vending machine. These “little” daily purchases can add up. If you think you will really need a snack bring it from home.
    
    Don’t buy bottled water in individual size bottles. They cost at least one dollar each. Buy a gallon at the supermarket for .79 cents and use a washable reusable container.
47. When purchasing clothing buy ahead of the season. If you buy summer or winter clothes in the wrong season you can save dramatically. Ok I know you want to be in the current style so do this with just the staples that don’t change.
48. Try to haggle on every purchase. You might just be surprised how much you can save this way. People and companies rarely give you the best price up front. Don’t be obnoxious just tell the salesperson you are on a very tight budget and you really need a better price to be able to afford it. Never tell them how much see what they come up with. Want to be an actor? This is your time to shine. Go for the Academy Award and make savings fun!
49. Eat a vegetarian meal two or three times a week. If you do so you will save a few dollars with each meal.
50. I love pets but they cost a lot of money. If you can’t live without one don’t buy all the fancy outfits or expensive toys and treats. They will love you just the same without them. Please don’t be offended pet lovers, just trying to help.