Spring forward to savings
By Keisha Stoute
During these hard economic times everyone can use more money in their pockets. The biggest way to see how much money you can save each month is to review yor monthly expenses. This will take time, patience and lot of organization. In life, you have not because you ask not! Because of stiff competition many cable companies and cell phone providers can be talked down from over-charging you. Here are some ways to savings...
1. Call your cable company and cell phone provider
The key here is to do your homework (find out what other companies are offering for the same service), sound confident, and ask if there are any specials that they could offer. In most cases these providers will try to come up with something to keep your business.
2. Call your car insurance company
Different states have discounts that are not being advertised. If you have a good driving record let them know and see what they can do. You may be surprised that you can save $10-$20!
3. Cut down on coffee runs
The amount of money that you spend on coffee can probably buy you a new pair of shoes! Do I hear instant savings!
4. Reduce your dining out expenses
Everyone likes to eat out but when you are doing it almost everyday you are wasting money! Instead of eating out, try to reduce your habit to once a week. For example, have a splurge day and then give yourself a limit on how much you can spend. Bring your lunch to work, its a healthy and inexpensive option. Be creative!
5. Do comparative shopping
Before you go grocery shopping check all the local stores to see who has the best deals. Most stores like Walmart have a price matched guarantee where they will match the price of their competitor. In order for this to work you must bring the ad from the sales paper of that item to ensure the savings. There are free apps for your phone that can assist you in saving such as the Grocery Gadget Lite-Shopping List and the Ziplist app just to name a few.
6. Review your "Wants and "Needs"
Being on a budget means that you cannot always have what you want. In order to save each month your necessities are a priority and you must be able to differentiate the two.
1. Call your cable company and cell phone provider
The key here is to do your homework (find out what other companies are offering for the same service), sound confident, and ask if there are any specials that they could offer. In most cases these providers will try to come up with something to keep your business.
2. Call your car insurance company
Different states have discounts that are not being advertised. If you have a good driving record let them know and see what they can do. You may be surprised that you can save $10-$20!
3. Cut down on coffee runs
The amount of money that you spend on coffee can probably buy you a new pair of shoes! Do I hear instant savings!
4. Reduce your dining out expenses
Everyone likes to eat out but when you are doing it almost everyday you are wasting money! Instead of eating out, try to reduce your habit to once a week. For example, have a splurge day and then give yourself a limit on how much you can spend. Bring your lunch to work, its a healthy and inexpensive option. Be creative!
5. Do comparative shopping
Before you go grocery shopping check all the local stores to see who has the best deals. Most stores like Walmart have a price matched guarantee where they will match the price of their competitor. In order for this to work you must bring the ad from the sales paper of that item to ensure the savings. There are free apps for your phone that can assist you in saving such as the Grocery Gadget Lite-Shopping List and the Ziplist app just to name a few.
6. Review your "Wants and "Needs"
Being on a budget means that you cannot always have what you want. In order to save each month your necessities are a priority and you must be able to differentiate the two.