( #SavingMoney, #Tips )
Image Credit: Newton Free Library
I love it when readers share ideas and tips with me and the rest of my audience. One long time reader Mark sent in his suggestions after reading my article about 2011 Financial Goals. First we will look at Mark’s advice and this I will add some of my own.
- I suggest checking all your recurring bills and see if you can have them reduced. I was paying $50ish for my home security system when I called and asked for a reduction. They took my bill down 50%.
- I did the same with my television bill and also asked for less channels
- I’m also looking to switch utility companies—our market now has some competition which should allow me to reduce my bills.
- Refinance your mortage if you can.
Mark offered a bunch of great suggestions of proven techniques. Here are a few other ideas that I came up with…
- Cooking at home: Reading this blog, you know that I like to cook. With work, school, and my little side projects, sometimes cooking is dinner is the last thing I want to do—but that adds up. I made the effort to cook at home this month (also for my dietary goals): I probably saved close to $300.00 this month by eating at home exclusively. I usually make a batch of things on Sunday to hold us over for the week. Need ideas? Check out my recipes blog.
- Libraries: I used to average about $100 per month on books a few years ago. Now I just go to the library. Another added benefit is I don’t have to store all those books.
- Renting: Spending money is sometimes counter-intuitive to saving, but in the case of Netflix and similar services I am a big fan. In my early 20s I spent way too much money building (a now useless) DVD collection. While those movies collect dust in a box in my parents basement, I pay $9 a month for Netflix’s unlimited streaming and DVD rental service. I save money (that is less than buying 1 DVD a month), shelf space, and I don’t have to get off my ass to turn on another movie. PS: You can get movies for free at the library.
- Work at home: I know some employers can’t or won’t approve this. Assuming your company has the technology in place, it is worth checking in to. In a time where raises and other perks have to be slashed, asking for one or two days to work remote might be nice means for compensation. You save money on transportation and potentially wage taxes.
Have any other suggestions or success story? Drop me a note on my contact form and I will include it in a future installment. Thanks for reading!
