Consider doing away with paper statements that are mailed to your house on a regular basis. Not only will you save money on stamps, you will save time with your bills in order. You will also be reminded of when your bills are due; meaning, no more excuses, no more late payments contributing to a low credit score. Still wondering, how does going paperless save you money?
Go paperless and get e-mail notification of your monthly statements.
Think about all the tress you will save every year by minimizing paper statements. The earth will love you for that. You gain from it as well, think about how much easier it will be for you to organize your statements.
TIP: Organize your paper and simplify your life with a digital filing system. Its PURPOSE: It organizes your important documents, receipts, statements and even your business cards.
For about $200, check out http://www.neatco.com. For a lower price do a Google search for a neatco.com coupon. According to Essence Magazine July 2010 edition, this NetReceipts mobile Scanner and Digital Filing System scans extracts data you can export to Quicken or Excel. It states that “filing receipts for five minutes a day could put thousands [of money] in your pocket.” Who wouldn’t want to take advantage of this?
To save money, search for a free digital scanning software on Google.com. There are plenty of them available.
With a digital filing system or cabinet as some are called you can take your important, key documents anywhere you go.
According to Yahoo News, as of late fall the stimulus program is offering anywhere between $50 to $200 to anyone who purchases high-efficiency household appliances. This money is from President Obama’s economic stimulus bill passed this February. According to the article, the details of the program vary from state to state. With these new high-efficient appliances, not only can families expect to get great discounts, they can expect to save on the cost of energy which will in turn help stimulate the economy. The best part is, there is direct NO TRADE-IN with appliances.
It is difficult for landlords to find great tenants to fill vacancies. If you are a reliable and good tenant any landlord today would be willing to accomodate you. You can either ask for a break or try extending the lease. By extending the lease you can make a deal to pay less on your rent for agreeing to stay longer. Think about it, both sides wins.
Get a Free Workout with a Trainer:
Stop by your local gym and tell them you are new in the area and you are looking to find the right gym or studio to join. You’d be surprise of the complimentary class or free trial period offered to you.
Free Night Out:
Look in your newspaper and check out the culture section that has information about openings at art galleries and various cultural events. Also, check out metromix.com. You can go to events that offer free wine, cheese and entertainment or “visual stimulation.”
Free Hotel Upgrade:
Just ask for it. Many hotels carry empty rooms. Say to the receptionist or manager, “can I get an upgrade for my stay here?” Most likely, you’ll be happy you asked.
Free Shopping Spree:
Join freecycle.org for e-mail alerts about clothes, appliances, housewares, electronics and other items that locas are giving away. If you are looking for a specific item, don’t be afraid to post it. You might just get what you request.
Make Your Own Coffee (Save between $540 to $1,500 annually)
Negotiate lower Credit Card Rates
Compare major services such as phone, cable, cell phone service
Monitor Accounts
Change filter on Air Conditioner (Conserve Energy and Save Money)
Join an online DVD rental service. If you’ve already tried you library, check out Blockbuster or Netflix (netflix.com)
Adjust your Insurance policies and save between 15 to 30%
Get more out of Banking: Try internet banks such as, ingdirect.com, etrade.com, hsbcdirect.com and make your money work your by yielding more interest on every penny you save.
Conserve energy and money by using less energy. Consider fluorescent light bulbs and changing the filter on your air-conditioning and heating system.
Cut back on personal costs. Consider beauty schools to get your spa treatments, nails and hair care. Also, consider dental schools to get your cleaning and annual checkups if you do not have any insurance.
Many stores are now allowing you to return items you’ve purchased online back to their physical store for immediate credit. So for example, if you buy an item such as shoes or clothing that you do not like, instead of returning it in the mail, you can go their physical store and return the items. This is a major plus for many of us because ordering clothing and shoes online can be a little scary. And honestly, many times the physical stores do not have a great selection as the online store. “The online has options galore,” as my friend Javoni says. She also said, now she won’t hesitate to buy when the online stores have free shipping and coupons cause she doesn’t like the fit she can get her money back at the store.
Many stores honor these online returns, such as, DSW, Target, Express and lots more. So if you are shopping at an online store that also has a physical store and you are weary about whether you should go for it in case of a bad fit, call your local/physical store and find out if they will accept returned items from their online store.
Also, let’s say the online store offers free shipping if you purchase a certain amount. Please take advantage. Also, if there is one undesirable items you want to return, you can return it at the store and still take advantage of the free shipping at a lower purchase threshold (warning: this may not work at all stores).
FatWallet.com, simply as one page listing coupons for a handful of retailers. With the addition of a Hot Deals forum, FatWallet.com became a community of savvy shoppers.
“Kathryn Finney, a.k.a. the Budget Fashionista, is the expert on all things chic and cheap. Now she opens up her Prada bag of shopping and style tips to make you fashionably frugal, with change to spare. It’s as easy as 1-2-3! 1. Know your budget: Learn innovative, money-saving ways to increase your clothing funds. 2. Know your style: Get helpful hints from fashion insiders and use them to develop your own mode of self-expression. 3. Know your bargains: Discover the art of scoring exclusive friends-and- family coupons for your favorite department stores Whether you’re a homemaker from Nouston, a grandma from Grand Rapids, or an M.D. from Manhattan, you don’t need to break the bank to look your best.”
-Now to Be a Budget Fashionista: The Ultimate Guide to Looking Fabulous for Less by K. Finney
Did you know if you buy an item from Amazon and the price drops in 30 days, Amazon will refund you the difference? The largest refund found is $3,860.00. In total, the site has save shoppers $101,781.32 to date.
Here is what you have to do:
Sign up at www.refundplease.com and have the company track the price and notify you when it drops
Enter the item number
Enter the purchase date
And your email address
Waalaaa! Look out for your check.
Just remember, always make your money work for you.
In case you did not know, Bath and Body Works is having their Semi Annual Sale this week. Now, I am not encouraging you to shop but if you love their products like many of my girlfriends, you just might make out well with some of their best deals of the year. I say to minimize the damage, carry cash (no credit cards) and spend only what you bring with you. No additional trips to the ATM, please. The sale is happening both online and in stores. They have as much as 75% off. My girlfriend told me she got one of their facial product for $18, originally priced at $68.
For a great deal, go to www.retailmenot.com, type in Bath and Body Works and find coupon codes for their in stores and online site. Remember, some coupons can be combined with their sales. Don’t be afraid to ask.
When shopping, just remember, I always have a birthday around the corner