Following are saving tips for everyday expenses. While some may seem obvious, if you take the time to implement them, they really can add up!
Autos
Make sure you are getting the best rate on your auto insurance by shopping around each time your policy comes up for renewal. Use your current policy to get at least three other quotes.
Before shopping for a new car, keep in mind it is not just the cost of the vehicle that you need to consider, but also the cost of maintenance, insurance, etc. Visit Edmunds.com to learn about the True Cost to Own™ of vehicles you are considering.
When it comes to fuel economy, using cruise control, driving the speed limit, not "driving like a maniac" and turning off the car when you must idle for more than a minute will help you achieve better fuel economy. Keeping your tires properly inflated and driving with the windows up and air conditioning on is a good practice, but probably won't save much money, according to tests by Edmunds.
Shop for the financing for your vehicle as much as you would shop for the vehicle itself. And to get the best deal, always make sure you have financing lined up before you start negotiating the auto purchase.
Keep your vehicle well maintained so little problems don't turn into big repair jobs later. Stick to a regular schedule for oil changes, tire rotation and other routine maintenance.
If you are buying a used car, consider investing in a Vehicle Identification Number (V.I.N.) check to make sure the car hasn't been reported involved in a major accident, been branded a "lemon" or totaled in a flood, for example. Then ask your mechanic to check it out before you buy it.
Credit cards
When shopping for a credit card, think about how you will use it. If you carry a revolving balance, look for a low interest rate. If you pay your bills in full every month, look for a card with a low, or no, annual fee and a grace period. That way, you can use the bank's money for up to a month or more before your payment is due.
Food
Ever run to the store for just bread and milk and end up with a cart full of groceries? Create a master grocery list based on items you usually buy, then keep a copy on the refrigerator so you can check off what you need as you start to run low. Shop only from this list.
Too busy to cook? Get a book of slow cooker recipes and throw your recipe together the night before, then start it cooking before you leave for work. You will come home to a hot, home-cooked meal.
Make double batches of your favorite recipes and freeze the extra servings for a hectic evening. Get a cookbook that shows you how to cook enough meals for a couple of weeks, or even a month, so you always will have a home-cooked meal on hand. Or find a cooking buddy who will share extras with you, if you do the same.
Become a coupon-clipping wizard. Visit Coupon Mom to learn how.
Stock up when your favorite items are on sale. You will save money and avoid expensive, last-minute shopping trips. Make a list of your family's top 10 favorite meals and then buy the ingredients when they are on sale so you can whip up dinner on short notice. It can be even faster, cheaper and healthier than fast food!
While you are at it, keep a small notebook in which you can record the prices of things you normally buy. When an item goes on sale, you will know whether it is really a bargain (or just a gimmick)!
When you eat out, share an appetizer and entrée. Most restaurant meals these days are enough for two. Your wallet—and waistline—will thank you.
Buy a coffeemaker or cappuccino maker and skip the coffee shop twice a week. At $3.50 a pop, you will save $7 a week, or $364 a year.
If you think gasoline is expensive, do the math—you will see a bottle of water can cost twice as much! Install an inexpensive water filter if you regularly buy bottled water and you will find your water tastes just as good and is a lot cheaper.
House and home
Ask your energy company for a free energy audit. Find out where you may be "leaking" money through appliances, window leaks, etc.
Use ceiling fans to keep you cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
Lower your thermostat just a few degrees. And lower your water heater thermostat while you are at it. Better yet, install a programmable timer for both. An older water heater also may benefit from being wrapped in insulation, but check with the manufacturer to make sure it is safe for your make and model.
Some energy companies will give you a discount if you allow them to "cycle off" your air conditioning or major appliances for a few minutes during peak energy times.
If you live in a large home, consider shutting off rooms you don't use often and using space heaters or fans to heat or cool them when necessary.
Install a low-flow shower head to cut down on the amount of water you use.
Water your lawn or garden early in the morning or late at night. Otherwise, your water can literally evaporate into thin air!
Shop for homeowners' insurance annually and consider raising your deductible if you could afford to cover the loss. Filing small claims can cause your premium to rise or your insurance to be canceled anyway. Get your free annual C.L.U.E.® report and check it for accuracy if claims have been filed against your property in the last five years.
Make sure your homeowners' policy includes "replacement coverage" that will rebuild your home to current standards. If you have lived in your home for some time, also check with your insurance agent to see whether the coverage amounts should be raised based on the current value of your home and/or the cost to rebuild it.
Protect yourself from Mother Nature. Even though some 25% to 30% of flood insurance claims come from areas that weren't considered to be high risk, basic policies don't cover floods. For more information, contact the National Flood Insurance Program at 1-888-FLOOD29 or click here.
If you are renting a home or apartment, be sure to get a renter's insurance policy to cover your possessions in case of fire, theft or even a water leak.
Telephone service
Review your phone bill to make sure you are not paying for services you rarely use. Then compare phone plans every six months to make sure you have the cheapest plan based on how you use your phone.
Take advantage of your discounts
Senior citizens and members of organizations like AAA often are eligible for special deals. Be sure to ask what discounts may apply to you.
