Seven ways to save $100 or more
We all want to save money, it’s the “how” that creates the challenge! If you’re not currently saving or living paycheck-to-paycheck, you need to start by changing some behaviors. Begin by tracking your spending and making a plan to save. Saving money can be easier once you realize where your money is going.
Here are seven ways that you can save $100 or more in 2010:
•Reduce your cell phone plan or switch to a prepaid plan. Many of us overestimate our cell phone usage. Drop minutes or features you’re not using to add to your savings.
•Walk rather than drive to destinations less than a mile. You’ll not only burn calories, but also save the wear-and-tear on your vehicle.
•Shop around for auto and homeowners’ insurance: Before renewing your existing policies each year, check out the rates of competing companies (see the website of your state insurance department). Their annual premiums may well be several hundred dollars lower.
•Utilize a cash-only spending plan. Unlike using your credit or debit card, you can’t spend what you don’t have on you, and it makes resisting temptation easier.
•Take full-advantage of discounts! Ask your HR department at work to see what discounts or group deals are offered.
•Make your own entertainment by hosting a game night with family and friends. One board game costs less than $20 and produces hours of entertainment. Rather than buy a new game, swap with another family so you both can enjoy some new-to-you fun.
•Ask your local electric or gas utility for a free or low-cost home energy audit. The audit may reveal inexpensive ways to reduce home heating and cooling costs by hundreds of dollars a year.
Make sure to bank your savings! Track your progress towards a savings goal by becoming an American Saver, where you can utilize the America Saves My Savings Tracker for free to record deposits and monitor your progress.
Source: America Saves “Kick Start Your Savings” campaign
“Knowledge for Life” provided by the Finney County Extension Office and K-State Research and Extension.
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Jul 29, 2010 - 10:07:57The first one on your list, cellphones, is a great way to start. For the last three months I’ve been using a NET10 prepaid phone instead of renewing my contract and have been saving around $25 to $30 per month! The best is that it simplifies the whole experience of owning a cell by cutting out the bill – something that can sometimes be quite a shocker. You prepay so its real easy to budget for.
Nice tips, thank you!
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