71. OVERDRAFT PROTECTION
72. BANK ACCOUNTS
73. ORGANIZATION
74. GOOD HEALTH
75. AUTOMOBILE CARE
76. VACATIONS
77. ANNUAL MAINTENANCE
78. BORROWING MONEY
79. REPAIR VERSUS REPLACE
80. DINING OUT
81. PLAN MENUS
82. COORDINATE EFFORTS
83. COMPUTER SOFTWARE
84. LIFE SATISFACTION
85. LIVE WITHIN YOUR MEANS
86. APPROPRIATE DEDUCTIONS
87. CHRISTMAS FUND
88. PREVIOUSLY VIEWED
89. DINNER GUESTS
90. INSTANT MESSAGING / MICROPHONE
91. LONG DISTANCE CALLING
92. FREEZE FOODS
93. BALL GAMES
94. DISCOUNT BOOKS
95. BABY FOOD
96. SQUELCH THE SMOKING
97. REBATE PROGRAMS
98. SEASONAL BUYS
99. POCKET CHANGE
100. FREEBIES
101. SEE YOUR SUCCESSES
71. Overdraft Protection
Almost everyone has at one point or another had an insufficient
check. Most banks charge $20 per returned check, which if not
careful with your account, can quickly add up to a lot of money.
If you have a savings account, consider adding overdraft
protection onto your checking account so if you ever go into a
negative balance, the money would automatically be covered by
your savings. Most banks offer this service free.
72. Bank Accounts
Make sure you work with a qualified banker that can set up the
“right” kind of account for your type of spending. There are
numerous options specifically designed for people that write a
good number of checks versus those who do not.
Check with your existing bank to ensure you have what you really
need and if they are not willing to work with you, change banks.
In general, credit unions are good options. Their rates are
typically lower and because they are employee owned, you can
find better options.
73. Organization
You may be wondering what being organized has to do with
saving money but in reality, it has a lot to do with it. For
example, if you miss a credit card due date by one day, you will
be charged anywhere from a 15% to 25% penalty.
The same would be true for taxes. Missing one simple date can
cost thousands. You need to be organized so you know the exact
dates your bills are due as well as keep all receipts, contracts, etc.
in an orderly manner.
74. Good Health
You need to make sure you take care of yourself physically.
Missed dental cleanings (every six months) can lead to gum
disease or tooth decay that can cost thousands to fix.
The same is true for your health. After trying home remedies or
over the counter medications, if you still do not feel well, see a
doctor. It is far better to pay the doctor visit than to let your
simple summer cold turn into pneumonia.
75. Automobile Care
Keep your car oil changed, tires rotated, and overall care up-todate.
First, the $30 for your oil change will save wear and tear on
your car, which could result in significant money.
Second, you need your car to get to and from work. By not
having your car in top working condition could put you in a bad
position when it comes to required transportation.
76. Vacations
While Paris, England, or Germany offers excitement, they also
cost money to visit. Unfortunately, people on a regular basis
forget about the United States and even the very state in which
they live.
One man had lived in Arizona his entire life. At age 50, when
asked by a friend what the Grand Canyon was like, he was unable
to answer because he had never been there.
The next time you get ready to plan your family vacation, look
around where you live and consider an exciting road trip that will
not only be educating but cost effective. A vacation does not have
to be expensive to be fun and memorable.
77. Annual Maintenance
Make a list of all annual maintenance items for your home such as
air conditioner, heater, hot water heater, etc. Once again, being
prepared and working in a proactive manner can save you
unnecessary expenses.
If you take care of your air conditioner by getting an annual tune
up then you lower the risk of something going wrong during the
hot summer months when it will be quite costly to repair.
78. Borrowing Money
Unless you have an emergency, avoid those enticing
advertisements to lend you money at incredible rates.
Banks and lending institutions make it much too easy to borrow
money and especially during the holidays, they flash all their great
advertisements drawing people in.
Afterwards, you have borrowed money that you could have done
without and now you are locked into a five-year repayment
contract. If you want a new car or boat, it is better to save.
If you do need a new car, avoid brand new cars, which lose
massive amounts of depreciation the minute you drive off the lot.
Instead, look for something a year or two old where you will still
have a nice car but much more in line with an appropriate cost.
79. Repair versus Replace
Instead of spending $1,000 on that beautiful new couch, you
might consider one of two options. If your couch frame is still
good, you might spend $300 to have it recovered or purchase a
quality slipcover for $100.
Redecorate in an instant at Sure Fit Slipcovers!
Your couch will look brand new for much less, than it would to
replace.
Another example would be if you have a lamp that you want to
replace. Consider painting it and adding a new shade rather than
spending money to buy a brand new one.
Perhaps you have a washer, dryer, or refrigerator that is running
a little sluggish. Find out the cost of repair over that of
purchasing a new one.
Even if you have an appliance with the wrong color, businesses
offer fantastic paint jobs. With a little creativity, you will be
amazed at how much can be repaired, thus saving you money.
Plus why not make some money from the same thing? Pretty up
old lamps and sell them.
80. Dining Out
Eating out can be expensive. Rather than stop eating out, simply
cut back and look for options of two-for-one. Restaurants of all
calibers offer weekly specials and if you check in your Sunday
paper, you can often find special bargains.
You might even think about signing up as a Mystery Shopper on
the Internet where you can eat at fine restaurants free or at a
huge discount just for writing a report on the food, service, and
cleanliness.
81. Plan Menus
Although it will take some time initially, after you have planned a
week’s menu once, it will become much easier and best of all, it
will save you money.
Knowing exactly what you will be making helps you to shop for
foods that can be used more than once. As an example, if you are
going to have spaghetti on Tuesday, you could buy bulk ground
beef at a better price and then use the other half for tacos on
Saturday.
Another option would be buying round steak where one night you
fix Salisbury steak and then a few days later, you use the
leftovers for breakfast hash.
This will help you stretch meals and avoid last minute or impulse
buying.
82. Coordinate Efforts
If you are married, make sure you and your spouse are working
on the same agenda. If one is trying to save money while the
other is busy spending, what is the point? When you work as a
team, you can encourage each other to keep on track with your
saving.
83. Computer Software
In order to keep on track with your debts and credits, you need to
use some type of software such as Quicken or Quick Books. This
will keep you focused on your goals and tasks while you strive to
achieve them.
Additionally, rather than buy software programs to download, first
check Download.com or Freeware.com to see if there are free
versions to download.
84. Life Satisfaction
Learn how to enjoy life and nature rather than possessions. The
next time you feel like spending money, head to your local park
where you can enjoy the warm sun, green grass, and towering
trees without spending a dime.
Being happy in life is far better than buying item after item.
Having an inner peace is better than having a house filled with
“things.”
That does not mean you cannot enjoy some of the finer things in
life it just means learning how to be happy with yourself and not
“things.”
85. Live Within your Means
The quickest way to get in debt is to live beyond your means.
Sure, most people want more than they have but life is not all
about spending money.
Be thankful for what you do have and learn how to enjoy the
financial position you are in. This is where your budget will help
identify the amount of money coming in against the amount of
debt going out.
86. Appropriate Deductions
Rather than spending money just for the sake of spending, change
the amount of deductions you have taken from your paycheck for
your 401K or stock options.
This is especially great if your company offers a competitive
matching program. Increasing the amount you have deducted
can quickly add up to a nice savings and is especially nice for
retirement.
87. Christmas Fund
Many banks and financial institutions offer a Christmas Fund
program. This is an excellent way to put aside some money for
your holiday shopping so you do not end up with a ton of
spending.
With these programs, you do not even miss the money and better
yet, less stress around the holidays.
88. Previously Viewed
Home videos and DVDs are hot items and perfect for any family
entertainment. Now you can visit the major video chains and
purchase previously viewed videos and DVDs for about half the
cost.
For example, at Blockbuster, you can purchase either one and get
a 30-day warranty. This is still a wonderful way to have quality
entertainment for a terrific savings.
Another great option is to record your own movies either from TV
or any of the popular cable channels such as HBO, Showtime or
Disney.
Rather than hitting the theater every weekend, make it a special
occasion. Instead, pop your popcorn, grab a soda, spread out a
blanket, and create your own theater-type atmosphere.
89. Dinner Guests
Invite friends over for dinner as a potluck. People love sharing
their favorite recipe and by splitting dinner, everyone enjoys
variety while saving money. In fact, make this a tradition
amongst your friends.
90. Instant Messaging / Microphone
Rather than spend a small fortune in long distance, contact friends
and family via instant messaging on the Internet. In addition, you
can download a program that will allow you to connect a
microphone and actually have a voice conversation free.
All you pay for is the normal price of your Internet connection,
which generally runs from $9.95 to $21.95 a month. Either option
allows you to have real-time conversations for no extra money.
91. Long Distance Calling
If you do plan to use long-distance calling, shop around for the
right carrier and be sure to read the small print. Even if you like
your current carrier, you might be able to find an equally liked
carrier for less money.
Long distance is a very competitive market so deals are easy to
find. The same would be true for your wireless carrier. The plans
range vastly from one carrier to another so check out all your
options for the best one.
Click here to save on long distance
Do not forget to look at the coverage area. If you choose a carrier
that does not have the right coverage for your area, even if the
price is better, there is no savings if you cannot send or receive
calls.
92. Freeze Foods
When you grocery shop, look for bargains on items that can be
frozen. Most people do not even think about shredding block
cheese and freezing it.
Did you know that you could even freeze eggs?
You can as long as you give them a little room to expand. When
ready to use, simply set them out at room temperature. If you
find apples on sale, make your own apple pies and freeze them or
make applesauce.
Many food items can be frozen with no problem. Therefore, the
next time you see a great bargain think about freezing. (Dairy
products other than cheese do not generally freeze well).
93. Ball Games
Instead of spending your money on overpriced items at the
ballgame, take your own cooler of food. Some professional
stadiums no longer allow this so check before going. If you have
a son or daughter that plays little league or soccer, this is a great
way to save money over paying high concession stand prices.
94. Discount Books
Purchase a discount coupon book, which generally costs around
$25. As long as you use it faithfully and base your choices on
options featured in the book, you can save hundreds of dollars.
These books are great for restaurants, hotels, car rentals, and
tons of entertainment and provide great variety and even better
discounts.
95. Baby Food
Instead of buying expensive baby food, make your own. You can
use fresh vegetables such as peas, green beans, or corn, run it
through the blender, and then freeze individual servings in ice
cube trays.
When it comes time to feed the baby, simply pop out a cube of
food, defrost, and you have instant food. This is a real time and
money saver.
Most foods can be frozen. In fact, if you make family foods like
spaghetti or soups simply make a smaller portion with less salt
and spice, puree, freeze just like the vegetables.
96. Squelch the Smoking
This is probably the hardest habit to break but in addition to
saving your health, you will also save money. Cigarettes have
become quite expensive and if you can quit smoking, you will
enjoy breathing easier and having more to put away for a rainy
day.
97. Rebate Programs
When you shop, always keep your eyes open for rebate programs.
Although filling out the forms and clipping the UPC codes from a
box is a hassle, the money you save is worth it.
Some rebate items are not listed as offering a rebate. Check out
AsmartShop.com or Rebateplace.com to see if any of your recent
purchases offer a rebate.
98. Seasonal Buys
One to three days after a holiday, stores mark their holiday items
from 50% to 75% off. This is an ideal way to stock up on next
year’s Christmas or Halloween decorations. This is true for stores
that sell seasonal clothing as well. Shopping for jackets or
sweaters in the summer will provide you with great deals.
99. Pocket Change
Keep a jar or some type of container handy and each time you
come home, drop in your change. Every time you break a bill, put
the change in your container. You will be amazed how quickly
your money will build.
100. Freebies
Check out freebie sites such as TotallyFreebies.com or
SassySue.com where you will find all types of sample items
ranging from cosmetics to books to clothing.
Most have no shipping charges and the ones that do are minimal.
By filling out a few forms, you will receive sample size soaps,
lotions, shampoos and conditioners, etc., which are ideal for the
traveler.
101. See your Successes
It is important to have an understanding of money. Keep a
journal where you can see your successes when it comes to
saving money.
This is a difficult task and takes time to learn but worth it. By
keeping a list of the situations or ways you have saved money in
front of you, you will be encouraged to keep going.
These successes can be small or large.
For example, if you normally buy your lunch, costing you from
$5.00 to $7.00 per day and one week straight you packed your
own lunch for $3.00 per day that is a success.
If you wanted to buy a new dress but held off until it went on sale,
saving 50%, that is another success.
Saving money requires some investigative skills, desire,
determination, and creativity. Once you get in the habit of saving
money, you will feel better about yourself and enjoy life much more
without debt hanging over your head!
Hopefully these tips will help you plug some of those big money leaks
and I’m sure just by thinking about it you will think of many more
ways to save money in your own life.
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