Do you always worry about money? Are you always playing catch up with your bills? Here are some tips on saving money in case you are one of the millions of Americans who are struggling with some type of debt:
CREDIT CARDS
Pay your credit card balances in full each month.
Do not use credit card for things like groceries or dining. If you cannot afford to pay cash for it, you can’t afford it, period.
Always review your credit card monthly statement to make sure charges you never make do not appear.
BANKING
Do business with a bank that does not charge monthly services fee.
Use only ATM machines that are affiliate with your bank.
INSURANCE
Review your medical coverage and auto insurance policy.
Shop around for cheaper rates and see if you can save money by getting higher deductibles.
SHOPPING
Do major comparison shop and only buy when you have found the lowest price possible for that item.
Clip coupons.
Take advantage of rebates or shop at store that offer instant rebates.
Go to discount stores for toys and clothes.
Eliminate impulsive purchases by “sleeping on it.” Especially when buying clothes or any major purchase.
Garage sales are also know to be a good choice on certain items you need.
TELEPHONE
Cancel call waiting, caller ID, and three way calling from your telephone.
Shop around for the best long distance carrier.
Use phone cards to call international or long distance.
Use your cell phone only for emergencies.
ELECTRICITY, GAS, WATER
Cut down your water use, especially hot water.
Lower your thermostat by 1 or 2 degrees.
Add ceiling fens.
FOOD AND BEVERAGES
Buy you soft drinks by the 12 pack instead of vending machines or fast food drinks. That will save you a lot and you’ll also avoid the bacteria.
Brew you own coffee instead of going to a fancy coffee house.
Avoid eating out. Put the money in a fund for saved money or apply that to a bill.
When eating out order water instead of drinks. When you are free of debt you can celebrate.
ENTERTAINMENT
Don’t subscribe to cable channels you don’t watch. Stick to the basic plan or cut out the cable for a while.
Rent videos instead of going to the theater or, if you must, go to the matinee instead of evening showings.
Check out DVD or VHS movies from the library. It’s free.
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