Posts Tagged ‘MoneySaving’
If you’re a homeowner, there are many ways you can cut costs and still live comfortably. The following tips will help lead you to financial success.
* First, set a budget. Figure out exactly how much you spend on the upkeep of your home. Compare each month’s expenses with the previous month’s to get a better idea of how much to budget for each necessity. Then, see what costs you can cut. Once you set a budget, stick to it.
* Save energy. You might be losing a substantial amount of energy dollars during the winter and summer because of air leaks. By caulking, sealing and weather-stripping all cracks and openings, you can save 10 percent or more on your energy bill.
Also, look into replacing older appliances with newer, more energy-efficient alternatives. Your light bulbs can make a difference, too. Fluorescent bulbs are four times more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs.
* Refinance. Shop around to see if you can replace your existing home loan with one that has a lower interest rate. You can easily save hundreds of dollars each month by refinancing your home.
* Purchase a home warranty. Most homeowners don’t account for possible repairs in their annual budget. There is a 68 percent likelihood of a home system or appliance failure in a given year. The average replacement cost of one of these systems or appliances is $1,085. A home warranty is your best defense against unexpected and costly repairs to your home’s appliances and mechanical systems.
The American Home Shield Home Warranty, for example, ensures you get the best possible service through the company’s network of pre-screened technicians. The minute something breaks down, you can contact American Home Shield and a local service technician will schedule an appointment that fits your schedule. The warranty covers a multitude of household systems and appliances, regardless of age.
The American Home Shield Home Warranty is a one-year contract that requires no home inspection to enroll. Several affordable plans are available to fit every budget.
In today’s economic climate, it’s more important than ever to save every penny we can in our small businesses. With profits becoming harder to turn, trimming costs needs to be one of the primary focuses of any responsible small businesses – right there beside increasing revenues.So here are some cost-cutting measures you can take right to the bank.
<b>Consider carefully before you buy</b> – Before you buy that new piece of high-tech equipment or company car, think about three things 1) Can you afford it? 2) What it your ROI (return on investment)? and 3) Are there any tax-advantages or deductions?
<b>Comparison shop</b> – This is as important to do for small-ticket items like office supplies as it is for big-ticket items like copy machines. If you order online, you can use the Internet to research prices and it’s very simple to pull up side-by-side comparison. And if you decide to buy from a bricks-and-mortar store, you can use your research as negotiation.
<b>Get three bids</b> – This is along the same lines as comparison shopping, and works especially well if you are contracting for services like repairs or office cleaning, or any number of other things. You’d be surprised how widely bids will vary. If you like another higher-bidding company better than a lower-bidding company, if you quote their competitor’s lower price, companies will often match the lower bid to get your business.
<b>Barter</b> – One of the best ways to stretch your business budget is to barter, or swap, your product or service for another product or service. You keep your cash, but get the item you need. You can either barter with businesses directly, or hire a barter broker who works on commission (look in the phone book or Internet to locate one). You can also join a barter club or exchange through clearinghouses like National Association of Trade Exchange where you receive “trade dollars” for your goods or services that you can exchange for other goods or services. Check them out at www.nate.org.
<b>Join your local Chamber</b> – Or other trade or business association. Many of them offer discounts on important business expenses like insurance.
<b>Know your tax-deductions</b> – This is especially important if you run a home-based business where you can deduct a percentage of the money you outlay for rent or mortgage interest, utilities, house cleaning, lawn care, home maintenance, and more. Whether you’re home-based or not, I’d recommend you get with your tax advisor, or go to www.irs.gov and do some research on what you can legally deduct.
<b>Consider used or reconditioned</b> – You don’t have to buy new to get quality office equipment and furnishings. Check out your newspaper classified sections, auctions, and Internet sites like eBay and Craig’s List. Be sure to have all merchandise checked out thoroughly before you buy, or to get a money-back guarantee.
<b>Pay your bills online</b> – Save postage costs and time by setting up an online account with your bank, and paying your regular monthly bills from your computer. (Be sure to check the “lag” time and adjust your payment times accordingly.) Depending on the payee and bank, it sometimes takes several days from the time you pay to the time your check makes it to its intended destination. Along the same lines, you can also pay your bills directly to the payee in some instances. Be sure to check out all your options and use them.
<b>Centralize your office supplies</b> – Unfortunately, we often waste or misuse office supplies through lack of diligence. Many times we don’t keep good track of what we have and what we need, and end up running out (and paying too much in panic), or we order something we already have. Keep your office supplies in one centralized location, and designate one person who will monitor and dole out the supplies, and reorder when necessary.
<b>Reduce your energy footprint</b> – Going green often means saving some green as well. Turn lights off when the area is not in use. Replace your old standard bulbs with the new compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL). The initial cost of the bulb is more, but the bulbs last 10 times as long as standard bulbs, and use 75 percent less energy. The long-term cost savings far outweigh the price of the bulb.
<b>Negotiate</b> – Did you know that just by asking, you can often get a discount? It’s true. Especially if you are paying with cash and in full. Ask ad you may just receive!
<b>Save on insurance</b> – By raising your deductible, you can save a tremendous amount on your monthly premiums. Chances are good that even if you have to pay your deductible, you’ll still end up saving over what you would have paid in premiums. Check with your insurance carrier to find out for sure.
Follow these cost-cutting tips and you’ll soon see your overhead going down, and your bottom line going up.
(c) Copyright 2008, BusinessBurrito.com. All rights reserved.
Many people lament the purchase of auto insurance. So we’re here to make it less painful. Check out these six money-saving tips and take the sting out of buying insurance.
#1 Raise your deductible. It’s a gamble, sure. You’ll be responsible for a larger amount of the bill should you get into an accident. However, this is a guaranteed way to lower your annual insurance costs.
#2 Shop around. Staying with the same insurance company year after year may not be in your best interest. You can cancel or change your policy at any time you don’t need to wait for the policy to expire. So shop your insurance every six months and compare prices to ensure you are getting the best deal.
#3 Remove unneeded extras. Although knowing you have towing and rental car coverage may help you sleep at night, those add-ons are rarely used and not necessarily worth the cost. You pay between $10 and $30 a year over the life of your policy to cover towing. And in the unlikely situation that you need a tow, you’ll pay about $100. Likewise, a small economy car costs $20-$25 a day to rent and car rental tacks on another $20-$40 to your insurance bill each year. So you can sleep well knowing that you saved yourself some money.
#4 Protect your credit. More insurers have begun using credit-based insurance scores to determine what you pay for your policy. So paying the water bill on time will actually keep your insurance costs down.
#5 Research discounts. Cars with safety and anti-theft devices cost less to insure. You can also knock off a few bucks if you insure your car and home with the same company. People who abstain from alcohol, get good grades in school or take a driver education course are also rewarded with lower premiums.
#6 Get informed. The easiest way to save on any insurance is to research before you buy. And get recommendations from family and friends.
And now for the shameless plug: shope here to find quotes and matched with agents from your area!
By planning in advance, look into Disney World vacation deals in order to seek out the best deal that fits within your budget. You can enjoy significant savings on your Disney vacation without sacrificing any of your family’s enjoyment.
Below are some tips that you may follow when you are doing research on Disney World vacation deals:
1. Look out for discounted Disney World tickets, budget accommodations and Disney vacation packages before embarking on your Disney vacation.
2. Schedule your Disney World trip during the off-season if possible or at the time when Disney has what it calls Value Rates. You will enjoy significantly lower airfares and hotel/resort rates.
3. If you are a Disney resort guest and on budget travel, take advantage of Disney buses, ferries and the monorail system when visiting theme and water parks as well as Downtown Disney.
4. Avoid buying Disney merchandise within the Disney World theme parks. Some of the area factory outlet stores such as Orlando Premium Outlets are selling the same items found at Disney World at significantly lower prices.
5. Do more research to find some of the free things that you can do during your Disney vacation. For instance, Disney Broadwalk is a place where you can enjoy free walking with your family or if your family is up to a more physical workout, your family can hike through the Disney Wilderness Preserve. In addition, Downtown Disney gives any family the opportunity to stroll along the shopping mall.
6. For a fancy feast without breaking the bank, take the family to one of the all-you-can-eat buffets that lie just outside Disney World such as Bill Wong’s Famous Buffet, Sweet Tomatoes, Boston Lobster Feast, Golden Corral, Ponderosa, Sizzler, Captain Nemo’s Seafood Feast or Angel’s Lobster, Crab & Prime Rib Buffet.
7. If you are staying at an off-site Disney property, there are numerous budget motels and hotels that you can consider. Many of these motels and hotels provide complimentary transportation to Disney World theme parks.
8. Look out for discount coupons to Disney area attractions, restaurants and specialty shops in free publications such as I Love Orlando magazine.
9. Before you book a hotel or motel, check if there is full breakfast every morning. This saves your family more time and money.
10. Check out comprehensive online guides for information on Disney World discount tickets, accommodations and Disney vacation packages.
11. For larger family reunions it may be a better alternative financially to look into renting a vacation home. This also allows for the whole family to stay together and meet without incurring traveling time.
12. If you are visiting theme parks with young children, remember to bring along a backpack with some snacks or juice boxes as dining in the restaurants can be costly.
13. Instead of spending big bucks at a Disney character breakfast, take your kids to the Town Square for autograph and photo opportunities with Disney characters.
14. Pick the appropriate Disney World ticket deal based on your family’s length of stay. Make sure you are able to use all the benefits in the time you visit Disney. Many people waste their money by upgrading to tickets with features they will never use, wasting hundreds of unused dollars. You will still want to schedule time for rest and relaxation during your trip.
15. Make lunch your big meal of the day when dining in Disney property as prices are considerably lower than for dinner.
16. Carry your own water bottle into the Disney theme park and you can fill it up at any of the abundant water fountains throughout the day. This helps to cut down costs on drinks.
17. Many off-site hotels and motels have restaurants which offer Kids-Eat-Free deals (one child eats free per paying adult). This is a good deal for those on budget travel.
18. If you are a guest of Disney resorts, take advantage of Disney’s Magical Express, which provides complimentary shuttle service to and from the Orlando International Airport.
19. Avoid Disney vacation during holiday weekends and Spring Break when prices are higher.
By following these money-saving tips and doing research on Disney World vacation deals, you will find that you have an economical and enjoyable Disney vacation at the same time.
Term life insurance is the most affordable way to protect your family’s future. As inexpensive as term life insurance is, there are money-saving tips that will ensure you are paying only what you need. Get the most value for your dollar by checking out the following helpful tips that will save you money while still getting great protection.
Get coverage early – the sooner you buy life insurance the less your annual premiums:
Some people are gamblers by nature and choose to take their chances by skipping out on life insurance. Although it is unlikely you’ll die during your working years, you’re not insuring for what’s likely to happen but instead, for the worst-case scenario. That’s why term life insurance costs less the younger you are. It is also why you should buy it sooner rather than later-because you’ll be providing financial security without spending a lot of money for it.
For example, if we look at the cost to purchase a $250,000 Term 10 life insurance policy you’ll see how delaying purchasing a policy by just a few years could cost you more in annual premiums.
For male non-smokers*:
A 35 year-old may get quotes for as little as $195 per year for a 10-year total cost of $1,950.
A 40 year-old may get quotes for as little as $263 per year for a 10-year total cost of $2,630.
A 45 year-old may get quotes for as little as $373 per year for a 10-year total cost of $3,730.
For female non-smokers*:
A 35 year-old may get quotes for as little as $165 per year for a 10-year total cost of $1,650.
A 40 year-old may get quotes for as little as $210 per year for a 10-year total cost of $2,100.
A 45 year-old may get quotes for as little as $270 per year for a 10-year total cost of $2,700.
Lowest quote online from February 2006 for a Term 10 policy, one of the most popular life insurance products in Canada. Premiums shown are the rates if paid annually.
2. When your age isn’t really your age:
Your next birthday may be 6 months away but in the eyes of most life insurers you’ve already hit that next magical number. When you get a life insurance quote, the rate you are given is based on the age you are closest to which, 50 per cent of the time is your age at your next birthday. It’s a term called “Age Nearest”, and that half-year price increase could really add up. See the difference yourself.
For male non-smokers*:
A 39 year-old may get quotes for as little as $248 per year for a 10-year total cost of $2,480
A 40 year-old may get quotes for as little as $263 per year for a 10-year total cost of $2,630.
A savings of $150
A 44 year-old may get quotes for as little as $345 per year for a 10-year total cost of $3,450.
A 45 year-old may get quotes for as little as $373 per year for a 10-year total cost of $3,730.
A savings of $280
For a female non-smoker*:
A 39 year-old may get quotes for as little as $200 per year for a 10-year total cost of $2,000
A 40 year-old may get quotes for as little as $210 per year for a 10-year total cost of $2,100.
A savings of $100
A 44 year-old may get quotes for as little as $255 per year for a 10-year total cost of $2,550.
A 45 year-old may get quotes for as little as $270 per year for a 10-year total cost of $2,700.
A savings of $150
Lowest quote online in January 2006 for a Term 10 policy. Premiums shown are the rates if paid annually.
3. If you’re a smoker ask about incentive programs aimed at helping you quit:
While not all life insurance companies offer incentive programs to help you quit, some do and could save you money if you are thinking about buying life insurance and quitting smoking. For example, one such company will refund you an amount equal to the difference between the premiums you already paid as a smoker and those you would have paid had you not smoked. What’s more, once you quit smoking, this same company will adjust your premiums to non-smoker rates based on the age you were when you purchased the policy, not the age you are at the time you quit!
Check out your payment/billing options:
Many life insurance life insurance companies offer discounts to consumers who pay their annual premiums up front. If you have the money handy, you could save up to 10 per cent of your policy’s premium each year. For example:
• A 35 year-old male with $250,000 in coverage can pay $195 up front per year for life insurance coverage. If paid in monthly installments, however, the annual premium jumps to about $215. Paying up front can save this person $20 per year!
• A 40 year-old male with $250,000 in coverage can pay $263 up front per year for life insurance coverage. If paid in monthly installments, however, the annual premium jumps to about $288. Paying up front can save this person $25 per year!
• A 45 year-old male with $250,000 in coverage can pay $373 up front per year for life insurance coverage. If paid in monthly installments, however, the annual premium jumps to about $407. Paying up front can save this person $34 per year!
Life insurance made even more affordable:
With these money-saving tips in hand, Term Life insurance is more affordable than ever. There is no better time than now to get the coverage you and your family need.
An air travel finder can be the best tool you ever use, and with these top 7 money-saving tips you will get the best deals possible on you air travel:
1. Make your reservation as early as possible. At least 14 days in advance, but aim for at least 21 days in advance. After this time, the air tickets can easily more than double in price.
2. Be flexible with your travel time. Changing the day or the time of day can drastically reduce the price of your air travel. The best day to fly on is Wednesday, which is also the best day to book the flight on. The cheapest time to fly is early morning or late evening.
3. Fly during the off-season. Prices are a direct result of supply and demand. As demand goes down, prices go down as well, benefiting flyers.
4. Shop all the airlines. This is the most possible using a couple of key air travel finder companies that I recommend on my site. Being able to check all the airlines at the same time can get you the best deal.
5. A stopover instead of a direct flight can result in huge savings.
6. Membership in some clubs like AAA can get you discounts. With air travel prices at an all-time low this isn’t as influential on the price as it is shopping between the airlines themselves. You get much better deals using an air travel finder to check prices of the different airlines against each other.
7. Look into air travel packages. Purchasing your air travel, hotel, and rental car through the same place usually gives a huge discount. Using a bigger air travel finder will allow you to do all of this on the same website. I have recommendations for this on my site as well.
The prices on air travel tickets are a direct result of competition, inventory, and demand. Competition is the airlines competing with each other. Inventory is how many seats are left open on a given flight. Demand is how many people are looking for air travel tickets. By choosing the least-crowded flights that are the least in demand, you get the lowest price. It’s really that simple.
As you can see, there are many ways to get better prices. If you use a major air travel finder and choose the best days and times to fly, you can often get unbelievable deals and save a hefty amount of money in the process.