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10 Ways to Save Money

Critiqued by Lori | February 2, 2008 .

We could all stand to save a few bucks, right?  I know I can.  Here are some easy ways to save money. 

  • GAS–Getting the best price on a gallon of gas isn’t the only way to save big at the pump.  Make sure your ride has inflated tires, clean oil, good spark plugs, and a clean air filter. And don’t lug around unnecessary baggage in your car; the extra weight actually eats up gas.
  • PLANE TICKETS–I recommend the website SmarterTravel.com. It features the peak and off-season dates for travel destinations around the world. It also alerts you when certain cities have promotional deals, as well as compares airfares from Orbitz, Expedia and Hotwire.
  • CAR REPAIRS–Look for some colleges and vocational schools that have on-site auto repair shops open to the public. While you still have to pay for parts, you’ll get a huge deal on labor costs. Students are guided by an instructor who supervises every step.
  • DINING OUT–At Restaurant.com, you can buy gift certificates to participating restaurants for cheaper than face value. (For example, you can purchase a $25 coupon for only $10.) Register as a member to be alerted to special deals.  Look for happy hours and restaurant discounts and if you really want to be cheap, bring your own wine.  You’ll still be charged a corkage feed but it’s cheaper than buying theirs!
  • CREDIT CARDS–Many people don’t know that it’s possible to lower your interest rate – you just have to ask. Call the credit card company and ask if they’ll lower your rate; they may be more likely to if you have good credit. Also, no matter what APR you’re charged,  pay off your highest interest debt first.
  • OFFICE–Bring your own lunch and snacks.  Don’t go out to fast food or the restuarants and don’t buy from the vending machines. 
  • GYM MEMBERSHIPS–Many gyms charge start-up/enrollment fees on top of monthly dues. Ask the sales rep if these one-time charges can be waived. If not, start to leave… the rep will probably give in. Also, sign up during off-peak times. Everyone signs up in January, but more deals are offered mid-summer.
  • CLOTHES–Many top brands, such as Nike, Coach and Ralph Lauren, have factory outlets. Go to the designers’ Web sites for outlet locations. Know when the sales start. Department stores and retailers like Banana Republic are constantly moving clothes onto the sales racks, but there are a few key times of year. Don’t wait to stumble onto a sale – call the store and ask.  At a smaller boutique, make an effort to get to know the manager.  Yeah, you could call it sucking up!  Ask her to alert you when a coveted item goes on sale; if you’re a loyal customer, she’ll probably let you know right away.
  • MAKEUP–“Gift with purchase” is your friend. There’s no need to forgo the products you like, but do buy them wisely. Wait until there’s a special offer with your cosmetics/skin care line, then stock up. Gifts with purchase allow you the opportunity to sample new products for free while spending the same money you usually would. You can also get samples from product lines with their own freestanding stores, such as M.A.C. and Aveda.
  • UTILITIES–Even if electronics (such as a computer or printer) are turned off, they can still suck up power and energy if they’re plugged in. This is especially true for cell phone chargers. And the more electricity they use, the more you have to pay for on your next utility bill. Plug all your electronics into one power strip and turn it off before you go to bed. Also, turn off the light when you leave a room. It may not seem like much, but cutting back on these little things together can absolutely save you anywhere from $15 to $50 a month.
     

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4 Comments so far
  1. 10 Ways to Save Money  February 2, 2008 1:17 am

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  3. Tina Kubala  February 3, 2008 5:23 pm

    My mother-in-law is a restaurant.com super fan. It’s great. One word to the wise - read the fine print. Some certificates have funky rules like blackout Friday and Saturday or party of four or more.

    Tina Kubala’s last blog post..Economic Growth in Rural Missouri

  4. 10 Ways to Save Money | | Beauty Women  April 6, 2008 12:10 am

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