December 19,2006
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Ten Budget-Slicers: Part 2 of 2
You read in Part I about the first five suggestions on how to slice your budget without really feeling the pinch. Read on for more.
6.) No more than you need: Consider cutting back on premium cable channels and super-fast internet connections. Make sure you can still get your favorite shows and play a game or two, but don't pay for more than you can do without.
7.) Thrifty gifting: Feel the joy of the holidays all year long, and don't put off shopping until December – or even the latter half of the year, for that matter. Start with the post-Christmas sales and shop all year long for the best deals on gifts that will still delight, come next year. End-of-season clearance sales will likely reap the biggest savings, so make a point to shop during these periods.
8.) Save that change: The pennies and nickels you accumulate when the cashier hand you back you change may seem like more of a hassle than anything else, but they add up fast! Make a point of not spending your coins – not even a penny to even out your total. At the end of the day/week (depending on how much you spend cash), dump your bounty in an old water jug or shoebox. When your container of choice is full, take it to the bank and cash in!
9.) Don't pay retail: Do your research if you are looking into buying a new car. By taking some time to look over information on the car, such as what the dealer paid for it, and what other dealerships are willing to take, you are armed with valuable bargaining tools going in.
10.) Consider going without a land line if you have a cell phone plan you can live with. Doing away with the cost of home phone service could save you a considerable chunk per month.