Consumer Advice

 

·       Don’t go to the mall.  Avoiding temptation is the easiest way to resist it.

  ·       If you must go to the mall, then do not take any credit/debit cards.  It is much easier to save money whey you buy only what you REALLY need and you pay cash.  If you don’t have the visa or mastercard on you, you won’t use it.  

·       Buy a sunday paper and start looking for coupons for groceries you regularly buy.  Don’t buy items that you would ordinarily not use or eat simply because there is a $.50 off coupon for it.

·       Buy Razor blades  and other consumables on ebay - Don’t buy them at a grocery store simply because its convenient. You can find them cheaper on ebay.  It’s easy to join eBay! and it works. 

·       Buy things like paper towels and other paper goods at the dollar store.

·       Get multiple quotes for your auto, home and health insurance today.  If you find any of them are cheaper, switch.

·       Raise your AC setting 1 or 2 degrees higher.

·       Don’t drive anywhere within a mile.  Walk there if at all possible (unless you are in a time crunch,of course). You will accomplish two things at once.  You will be exercising and will be saving money on gas.  

·       Buy only good/best quality for durable goods or clothes.  Never buy the cheap stuff.  This will accomplish two things.  You will like what you buy and it will last longer.  It is MUCH better to have few things of great quality than many things of poor quality.  

·       Don’t buy designer labels.  You and I both know you are paying for the name. Buy good quality, Yes. Designer labels, No.  

·       When you go clothes shopping, never buy them the same day.  Go the first day, see what you like and then go back the second day and see if you still like it.  Chances are you won’t be so enamored with it.  If you are, then buy it.

·       Get a hot water tank insulation kit at Home Depot or Lowes (whichever is cheaper) and install it today.

·       Switch to an internet based phone company, especially if you make international calls.  The quality these days is fantastic.  You will be surprised.

·       Only buy food from a shopping list.  Yes, this means that you have to write down what you need.  NEVER buy anything else that is not on the list.

·       Bulk buying can sometimes save you money.  Check out the difference in prices between the grocery store and Sam’s or Costco.  If you don’t need large quantities, don’t buy them.

·       Learn to say No to yourself and your children.  No you are not an ogre for not giving in to your kids every whim.  You have more sense, that is why you are the parent.  Always ask yourself ‘Do I want a bill for this at the end of the month?’  If the answer is yes, then buy.  But be honest with yourself.

·       Reduce the amount of alcohol you drink.  If you cut back on one drink a day, over 365 days, you will save a lot of money, let alone drinking fewer calories.  As a matter of fact, for every alcoholic drink you have, drink one glass of water.  You will feel much less thirsty for alcohol.

·       Stop smoking.  Why are you helping the tobacco companies get richer?

·       Don’t buy lottery tickets.  Your chances of winning are almost nill.

·       Sell your unused stuff on Ebay or in a garage sale. We both know you have a lot of stuff around the house that you don’t use, need or even like!  You will accomplish two things if you sell it.  First, you will de-clutter your house and second, you will get cash that you can save.   Join eBay!and start selling.  It’s very easy and it works.  Then put the money in an investment account we will talk about on the Growing Money page. Clear out the clutter and increase your savings at the same time.

·       Change your cell phone plan to a cheaper plan.  It would be better to get rid of the cell phone altogether or get a cheap phone with prepaid minutes for emergencies. 

·       Stop drinking expensive coffees. Yes, I know its great to hang out at an upscale coffee shop all day, but get realistic.  You can make your own for way cheaper or if you simply have to go, get plain coffee instead of lattes, cappuchinos, and all the fancy drinks that cost upwards of $4.00 apiece.

·       Midweek is best for watching movies. AMC has free popcorn on wed. nights. Source: smartmoney.com·      

Don’t take out a subscription for magazines.  It makes more sense (and is cheaper) to buy a single issue in the newstands.  Don’t buy another until you read that particular issue cover to cover.  Once you do, then you can buy another magazine.  That way you will really see if you actually read the magazine.  If you find you do, then get a subscription.  If you find you don’t, then getting a subscription is a waste of money.