Showing posts with label Money Saving Tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Money Saving Tips. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Always Check your Receipt!

Today, I'm shopping in CVS to pick up some much needed toiletries. I almost always buy whats on sale, items that offer CVS Extra Care Bucks or whatever coupon is the best deal. Coupon shopping gives me such a rush, it's almost a game in my opinion and I thoroughly enjoy the process.

To make sure I don't over spend, I typically take a tally in my head and to ensure it adds up when I check out. For some reason, I didn't tally today, which was my first mistake! Regardless, I remembered buying one item ONLY because it was BOGO (Buy One Get One), otherwise it would have been too pricey.

When the cashier gave me the total, I thought it was high, but didn't do anything about it. About half way home, it occurred to me that maybe I should check my receipt. Sure enough, the cashier had not given me the second item for free, but instead charged me for both!

I could have just let it go, but I watch every dollar I spend. So, I decided to turn back around and ask the cashier to adjust the price. Of course, the cashier fixed problem right away. It felt really good to find the mistake and have my $4 back!

This made me think, how many times has this happened? I MUST check my receipts from now on!

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

25 Everyday Ways to Save

1. Compare Prices. Most companies will price match competitors to gain business.

2. Set a Budget and review it every month.

3. Buy a reusable water bottle and fill up at home.

4. Pack your lunch.

5. Subscribe coupons sites like: http://www.groupon.com/, http://www.coupons.com/ , http://www.retailmenot.com/, http://www.scoutmob.com/, http://www.couponcabin.com/ and http://www.livingsocial.com/.

6. Wash full loads in both the dishwasher and washing machine.

7. When not in use, turn off lights.

8. Shop with a list.

9. Make coffee at home.

10. Rent DVD’s and watch movies from home. If you like the theater, then go to the matinee.

11. Use the library.

12. Drop the gym membership. Instead, workout outside & buy workout DVD’s for your home.

13. Sign up for customer rewards cards at your favorite places to shop. Personally, I like the loyalty programs at CVS, World Market, Bed Bath & Beyond, Ulta, Sephora, Pet Supermaket and Dick’s Sporting Goods.

14. Refuse to pay ATM fees. Think ahead and withdrawal cash when it doesn’t cost you.

15. Pay off your credit card.

16. Ask for generic drugs at the pharmacy.

17. Never pay rental car insurance. Most likely, you are already covered by your car insurance.

18. Skip extended warranties.

19. Never pay checking fees. Another bank will be happy to serve you at no charge!

20. Have dinner at home – often!

21. Think Craigslist, Ebay, Amazon, Goodwill and even garage sales before purchasing a new item that might be just fine used.

22. Grow your own herbs.

23. Refuse to pay annual credit card fees.

24. Save off the top of your paycheck, not what’s left over.

25. Pack snacks. That way, when you get the munchies, you won’t have pay for one!

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Money Saving Tip - Insurance

I’ve mentioned before that my husband and I recently moved to AZ from GA.  Today, I finally got around to calling our insurance provider, USAA (btw…FANTASTIC company!!)  Anyway, my phone call resulted in some major insurance savings!!  Would you be happy with saving $478.71 annually?! 
Basically, we saved $386.39 on our car insurance, $64 on our valuable personal property insurance, DOUBLED our renters insurance and still saved $28.35.  For a total savings of $478.71 annually!!  Not bad for a 20 minute phone call.
It got me thinking….who else is missing the savings on their insurance policies?  Here are a few items to check on to possibly save some extra cash:
-          Are you a member of AAA or AARP?
-          Are all of your insurance policies (car, home, renters, landlord, valuable property, etc.) held by the same company?
-          Do you have auto safety features?  Including antilock brakes, automatic seatbelts or airbags? Or an alarm system or smoke detectors in your home?
-          What is your deductible?  Usually, you can assume a higher deductible and save on the annual rate.
-          Is your car older?  Make sure your coverage does not exceed the value of your car.  No point in paying a higher rate than the worth of your car!
-          Don’t be afraid to shop around for lower quotes.  You can check out http://www.insweb.com/ to compare rates.  Many companies will offer a lower rate, just to land you as a customer!


Sunday, December 12, 2010

Coupons

Even though coupons are not exactly MAKING money, you are SAVING money that you would otherwise be spending.  Therefore, I am a HUGE fan of coupons!

Just FYI....the last two weeks I've saved $20 on groceries because of coupons.  That makes me VERY happy!!  Think about it....$20/week OR $80/month OR $1040/year!!! 

Plus, it's easy.  Check out coupons.com, your local newspaper and the coupons that come in the mail.  Add them together on everyday items that you buy anyway.  You'll be saving before you know it!

Hair Show

Dec 7, 2010

I'm a little late posting this one, but last week I came across a posting for a Hair Show Model.  In all honesty, I was in desperate need of a cut and color!!  With Christmas just a few weeks away, I didn't think I could justify spending $150 on the much needed job.

So, this random job was just what I needed!!  A salon called Toni & Guy was launching several new haircuts.  They needed people to rock the new hair cut while they taught their employees how to do it.  I knew from the beginning what I was getting into....they would keep my length, but create some killer bangs.  The color was going to be pretty natural (cinnamon with blonde highlights around my face).

I was all over this one!  In Atlanta, I was too afraid to participate in a hair show because my headshot needed to look exactly like me.  Now that we are in Arizona, I'm ready to give the hair show a go!!

I received a fantastic haircut and color.  My stylist were top of their game and I would have paid well over $200 (without tip) for the cut and color.  Though I was not paid, the luxury service was well with my time!

Here are a few pics of my new west coast look....