How I Save Over One Hundred Dollars Each Month

                                                      

Due to the sequestration, it is imperative that Americans find ways to save money.  Now is the time to use the principles our grandparents and great-grandparents used – pay with cash, don’t buy something if you can’t afford it, save for a rainy day and only buy what you need.  Even though many Americans continue to feel the effects of the recession there are still countless ways to save money but you may have to do a little digging. 

I have always been good at managing my money, spending less than I earn, finding bargains and negotiating prices. However, my financial income drastically decreased in 2012 and I found myself looking for supplementary ways to save money and cut back on spending.

I called my website hosting provider about spam email I was receiving.  He reminded me that my web hosting services were up for renewal.  He informed me that he could bundle my services (I usually renewed each service separately) to save money plus give me a 10% discount.  I agreed. The bundled services saved me $99.29 for the year.

One of my clients is a hairdresser and we agreed to barter services. She will be my hairdresser and I will help her with her finances.  This saves me $110 a month or $1,320 per year.  I eat a protein bar every day which costs $39.98 per box at Whole Foods. I buy one box per week. I searched the internet and found the same protein bars on amazon.com which saved me $11.98 per box. This saves $47.92 per month and $575.04 per year.

I use points earned when shopping at Safeway and Giant groceries stores money when buying gas at Shell or ExxonMobil. This saves me $.10 per gallon on gas.  I usually fill up once a week.  This saves me $3 - $5 per month or $36 - $60 per year.

I signed up for a reorder program with the manufacturer of my printer.  I purchase one ink cartridge which normally costs $30.73 per cartridge.  After signing up with the program I saved $3.10 per ink cartridge.  I usually buy an ink cartridge once every 3 months so this saves me $12.40 per year. 

I am a vegetarian and also comparison shop to find bargains on fresh fruit and vegetables.  I love strawberries and was paying $4 - $5 per carton at a major health food store. I usually purchase 1 – 2 cartons per week. This cost me $16 - $20 per month or $192 - $240 per year.  I found the same strawberries at another grocery store for $2.99 per carton.  This saves me $1.02 - $5 week or $4.08 - $20 per month.  This saves me $48.96 - $240 per year. 

Using all my discounts each month I save a total of $165 - $202.92. The total amount of money I will save per year with these discounts is $2,091.69 - $2,435.04.  If you would like to get more tips feel free to continue viewing my blog and share with others http://hefreemanenterprises.blogspot.com.

9 Easy Ways for Single Parents to Save Money

                                                          

According to the US Census Bureau, there are approximately 14 million single parents in the United States. Child care subsidies and public health insurance can help with closing the gap between low income and what it takes to make ends meet. Not all low-income families receive the benefits for which they are financially eligible.

Families who receive multiple work supports can lose assistance before they reach self-sufficiency. Single parents often struggle with buying basic necessities and paying bills and usually live paycheck to paycheck.   

As a single parent you have to cover all the household expenses and when a financial crisis occurs it can be devastating to your family.  Develop a support system to help you through this difficult time and develop a plan to reduce your expenses to pay off debts and pay for basic necessities.  Here are 9 easy ways to help single parents save money:

1. Buy Generic. Buy everything generic: household items, clothing, prescriptions, toiletries, dry goods, canned goods, paper products, etc. This will save you on average $10 to $50 a month.
2. Downsize. Buy or trade in your current car for a used car with a cheaper note. This will either eliminate your car note or save you $50 to $200 a month on your car payment.
3. Reduce expenses. Reduce or cancel your cable plan, cell phone or internet service or get the cheapest plan available. This will save you $20 to $100 a month.
4. Buy Washable Clothes. Buy clothes that do not require dry cleaning. This will save you on average $50 to $150 a month.
5. Personal Care. Do you own hair and nails and buy your makeup from the drugstore such as CVS or Riteaid.  Watch, style and cut your child's hair. This will save you on average $40 to $100 a month.
6. Shop at Discount Stores. Buy household items in bulk such as paper products, cleaning supplies at discount stores such as Target, Walmart, Costco, etc. This will save you on average $10 to $50 a month.
7. Buy groceries at superstores. Buy your groceries at superstores or wholesale stores such as Walmart, Costco, Sam's Club, etc.  Buy nuts, grains, spices, legumes at wholesale or health food stores. This will save you $30 to $200 a month on processing costs charged at regular grocery stores.
8. Fun with Kids. Check your local library or newspaper to find free activities that you can do to with your kids.  This will save anywhere from $10 to $100 a month.
9. Free.  Look on the internet and in your local newspaper for free coupons, free activities, and free giveaways to save money.

Your Personal Budget - The New Recovery

Many people know they should track their spending and create a budget or spending plan but don’t want to. The thought of knowing how much money you actually owe, how much money you earn and how much money you actually spend each month is terrifying. If you create a budget you will quickly see how you spend your money. You won’t be able to hide it or run from it any longer. If you know, other people may know too, yes those other people are your creditors who continue to call asking for a payment.

Many people are fearful of creating a budget and have good intentions by creating one but don’t stick to it. To stick to creating a budget you have to view a budget as a tool to help you. You are the only one who has to see your budget. Many people today live paycheck to paycheck and are in mounds of debt, in some cases because they didn’t create a budget or didn’t stick to it.

If you know how much you earn, how much money you owe and how much money you spend you can change the direction of your life. A budget helps you if you have an unexpected expense. Since 2008 many people have had unexpected expenses. In 2010 the country experienced several fires, floods and earthquakes some in areas that were not expected. If you did not have homeowner’s insurance to cover the damages that is example of unexpected expense.

Create a budget by writing down everything you spend money on each week or during each month and subtract your income. If the result is less than 10% of your monthly income you need to make some adjustments to your spending. A balanced budget consists of: 15% transportation, 15% debt, 10% savings, 35% housing and 25% other expenses.

Create an emergency fund to cover your total monthly expenses for 9-12 months. Creating a budget will help you to reduce spending and prevent you from using credit cards to pay for purchases. Use credit cards for emergencies only.

Develop financial goals when creating your budget. Financial goals provide motivation for you to work towards reaching that goal and provides a sense of accomplishment when the goal is met. Some examples of financial goals are: pay off a credit card, buy a home, start a business, take a vacation, etc. Here are 6 ways to create a budget and stick to it.

1. Take accountability. Take accountability for your actions, don’t blame others for your current situation. Learn how to be flexible and adjust to changes in your life.
2. Use pen and paper, use a software tool like Quicken or Microsoft Money or use the envelope method. Once you visually see where you are spending your money it will make it easier to reduce spending.
3. Create goals. Write down a list of at least 5 financial goals. If you cannot achieve any or can only achieve 1 or 2 of your financial goals you need to make some changes in your spending habits. Write down a list of all of your debts. Develop an action plan and beside each debt write down steps on how you can pay the debt off: reduce spending, use coupons, use money savings tips, earn extra income, etc.
4. Pay off small bills first. Pay down any small bills and debt first. Once all your small bills have been paid off start tackling the larger bills. Setup payment plans for bills you cannot pay off in full. Be sure the account balances are updated on your credit report.
5. Support network. Surround yourself with at least three people who are doing better financially and gain financial advice from them.
6. Seek professional help. Consult a financial coach, financial planner or advisor to help you create a budget or spending plan and provide recommendations to help you stay on track.

12 Savings Tips for Singles

According to Forbes, millions of unmarried women over 65 are struggling to survive on social security payments. A single person forfeits social security benefits, and in some plans also forfeits pension benefits, when he or she dies. Singles standard of living decreases due to the economy, changes in health or marital status. The majority of minimum-wage workers are single.

Married couples usually do better financially than singles. Singles: pay more in taxes, pay more in interest rates and fees and it is harder to receive government and social assistance if you do not have children. Singles also have fewer employment benefits, higher levels of unemployment and, lower wages and unemployment benefits. Singles are more likely to face poverty, have increased health costs and bad credit.

The financial disadvantages of being single are: you are the sole provider and usually don’t have many options if you need financial assistance, spend more of your income towards housing, spend more on entertainment or fun activities such as movies, traveling, gym, etc. and wait longer to begin saving for retirement. Here are 12 ways to save money living as a single person.

1. Discounts. In some cases couples are offered discounts or better rates than singles because singles are more of a risk. Couples have double incomes and are more favorable to lenders and other companies. Ask what discounts are offered to save money.
2. Utilities. Do business with non-mainstream utility companies that offer a flat fee, that don’t charge fees on top on your usage such as distribution and transmission services, or that offer budget or payment plans. Compare well water or sewer rates versus standard water meter rates.
3. Insurance. Some insurance companies penalize single drivers by charging more for insurance. Lower premiums by including another person on your policy such as a parent.
4. Housing. Unexpected expenses can occur such as repairs, appliance replacement costs, homeowners insurance, property taxes, etc. In some cases renting may be more affordable than owning a home. Ensure you purchase a home warranty.
5. Reduce spending. Reduce spending by 30-50% each month to save money. Turn off lights when you are out of a room for 20 minutes or more. Use a programmable thermostat. Rinse clothes in warm or cold water. Turn off water if you are not using it.
6. Furnishings. Save money when buying appliances and furniture by buying used, from yard sales or discount websites such as overstock.com or amazon.com. Avoid buying rental furnishings.
7. Cook at home. Make meals that require easy to find ingredients that don’t cost a lot of money such as casseroles, soups, pasta dishes or stir-fry. Cook enough for a few days and eat leftovers. Eat breakfast at home, take your lunch to work at least twice a week and cook at home at least twice a week to save money.
8. Create a budget. Record how much you earn and how much you spend. Look for areas where you can reduce spending. Create an emergency fund. Save enough money to cover your monthly expenses for 9-12 months. Try to reduce spending by 30-50%.
9. Transportation. Consider buying a compact or hybrid car which is cheaper in price and has better gas mileage.
10. Food. Buy produce from local farmers. Shop at discount stores such as Sam’s Club or Costco or at co-ops. Buy items on sale or regular used items in bulk to save money.
11. Entertainment. Look for free activities, rent DVD’s and CD’s from the library. Cancel your cable service and use Netflix.
12. Avoid getting a pet. Pets can be a huge expense. Avoid getting a pet until you live in a dual-income household.

Money Saving Tips for Journalists

Working as a journalist can involve a lot of travel to do interviews for newspapers, television or radio and can rack up many expenses that can occur at the last minute that may not be covered by your job. These expenses can make it difficult to make ends meet and live day-to-day.

Due to the economy and company cutbacks, many journalists have to cover expenses that were previously covered by their employer. In other instances, journalists have to pay for travel or work related expenses upfront and then get reimbursed later. To save money create a budget and look for ways to reduce expenses. Here are 8 ways for journalists to save money:

1. Travel Discounts. Comparison shop for discounts on parking or air, hotel and rental cars or buy as a package. Some companies that provide discount fares LongTermParking, HotDeals or Kayak. Sign up for online alerts with airlines to learn about their weekly specials. Search for fares early in the morning or on weekends. Check to see if they accept discounts for membership to Diner's Clubs, AAA, AARP, etc. This can save you $30 to $175 per transaction. Check social media sites for discounts.

2. Supplies and Expenses. Shop for office supplies at Costco or online sites such as Amazon, eBay or Craigslist. Consider setting up a home office. You can write off a portion of your mortgage and utility bills. If you do not have space for a home office consider using a telecommuting or telework center at companies such as Regus or the World Environmental Organization or search online for additional telecommuting sites. This can save you $50 to $100 per week in supplies, wear and tear on your car and gas. Check social media sites for discounts.

3. Food. Pack you own drinks such as water and juice along with your favorite snacks. Search online for coupons to your favorite restaurants at site such as Groupon, Living Social or Bloomspot. Sign up for free restaurant newsletters to receive coupons or to find out about specials. This can save you $30 to $200 per month.

4. Car Maintenance. Perform regular maintenance on your car by keeping your tires properly inflated and balanced which improves mileage. Save money on gas by using the lowest octane which is usually 87. Fill up your gas tank before going to work or in the evening when it is cool. Drive the speed limit and keep the trunk weight light. Pay for gas with cash. This can save you $.05 to $.30 per gallon.

5. Insurance. Make sure you have health, life and disability insurance. If you need to see a doctor you won't have to worry about paying medical bills. If you become sick for an extended period of time you won't have to worry about paying medical costs. Contact eHealthInsurance.com or Aflac for health insurance quotes. Also consider opening a Health Savings Account. If you need disability insurance contact the Assurity company. This can save you $20 to $200 per month.

6. Use coupons. Use coupons to save money when shopping. Search for online coupons at sites such as Coupons.com, CoolSavings.com, and Couponmom.com. This can save you $20 to $250 per month on your grocery bills and other household costs. Check social media sites for coupons.

7. Go green. Try eco-friendly ways to save money. Visit sites such as Bankrate.com and MSN.com and search for ways to save money going green. This can save you $20 to $500 a month.

8. Phone calls. Use your cell phone to make free long distance calls. Contact your cell phone provider to determine the code to interrupt a voicemail greeting. When leaving a message skip the voicemail greeting and go right to the beep to leave a message. Also, if you make a call during peak hours ask the person to call you right back so they pay for the call. This will save minutes and save money on your cell phone bill. Send text messages for short conversations instead of making a phone call to save minutes. You can also use Google talk or Skype to make free phone calls.

These tips will reduce many of your work related expenses and your financial stress, allowing you to focus more on your work assignments and become more productive.

Save Money on This Summer's Vacation

Every loves to travel during the summer and many family vacations usually start during the Memorial Day holiday. Unfortunately, the economy has made it difficult for many families to take a summer vacation. We work 10-12 hour days. We rush to work, rush to get the kids, rush home, rush to eat dinner and then repeat the entire process all over again the next day. We never fully take the time to relax. It may seem there are never enough hours in the day to get everything done.

We all need to take time out to relax. Now is a great time to start looking for bargains on airfare, hotels and vacation spots. You work hard all year and deserve take at least a mini-vacation to a nearby beach or hotel. If you can afford to go on vacation without charging it on your credit card and only to still pay for 6 month later – then do it and pay for it with cash. Here are 8 tips to help save money when you are planning for your summer vacation.

1. Plan ahead. Plan in advance to save money. Buy toiletries and other necessities before traveling.
2. Talk to others. Talk to friends and neighbors to find out how they planned their vacation, i.e. ask about any discounts or sales, restaurants, shops, etc.
3. Act fast. When you see or hear about sales or discounts you have to move quickly to capitalize on the deal because they usually don't last long.
4. Shop around. Shop around to find the best deals. Visit websites like hotwire.com, priceline.com, kayak.com or hotels.com to find cheap rates for hotel, airfare and cruises. Purchase services together such as air and hotel or air, hotel and rental car to save money.
5. Safety. Buy traveler's checks which can quickly be replaced if lost. If your credit card is stolen you may not have another credit card available to purchase any necessities.
6. Buy traveler's insurance. Buy traveler's insurance. This will reduce the costs of medical bills that could accrue if you get sick on a cruise ship or flight and prevent you from going into debt.
7. Use restraint. Use restraint while on vacation. Don't buy everything you see . If you know you will be tempted don't even go into the store. Buy items or souvenir gifts at flea markets or only buy items that are on sale.
8. Snacks. Buy snacks and a few drinks and pack them in your suitcase before you leave. This will tide you over when you get hungry while on vacation until you are able to eat a full meal. This will also help you save you money that you would spend on midnight snacks.

If you want to take a vacation and cannot afford it, here are 5 simple things to do in the meantime:
1. Visit local caverns.
2. Camp out in your backyard.
3. Spend the day at a water park or amusement park.
4. Take a road trip and go camping a few hours or at a local camp park.
5. Go sightseeing in your local area.

The most important thing to do while on vacation is - have fun, but don't overextend yourself by splurging on unnecessary items. Create a small list of items you want to purchase and stick to it. The worst feeling is to return from vacation and get credit card statement in the mail for items charged while on vacation.

Do You Really Need a Car

Since the recession many Americans have been forced to make financial sacrifices and cutbacks to reduce spending that they normally would not have considered. One big expense that most Americans have is their car. Consider selling your car to improve your financial situation.

I know, life without a car can be devastating and you will have withdrawal symptoms. You will start considering what people will think if you don’t have a car. Forget about what people think and consider your future. Do you want to be debt free or do you want to be 65 and still working because you don’t have get enough in Social Security to pay all of your expenses. It is never too late to change and take charge of your finances to prevent a financial disaster.

The cost of owning a car includes depreciation, sales tax, gas costs, interest (car loan), maintenance and repairs, and insurance. Depreciation is approximately 46% of the total cost of the car over 5 years. The average sales tax charged each time you pay for maintenance or repairs on your car can range from 3-5%. Filling up your gas tank can be expensive and can cost up to $20,000 over a 5 year period assuming an average of 12,000 miles driven per year using regular gas or 26% of the sales price. The average interest on your car loan over a five year period is 12%. Insurance can range from $1,000 - $5,000 a year or 10% of the sales price. Owners can spend as much as $80,000 in insurance over the life of their car.

According to Edmonds.com, if you purchased a car that costs $21,500, over five years, it will cost $33,438 to drive the car. If you are struggling with debt consider selling your car can help you pay off debt. Here are 14 ways to live life without a car.
1. Cost. Americans spend 20% of their income on cars which can range from $300-$800 a month which includes gas, car payments, insurance, maintenance, registration fees and taxes, parking, tools and repairs.
2. Repairs. Many car owners spend hours at the car dealer or repair shop waiting to get their car repaired. Think about what you could with your time if you didn’t have to sit in the car dealer all day.
3. Rent. Rent a car to go on long weekend road trips. Even if you don’t own a car keep your driver’s license up to date in the event you need to drive a car.
4. Kids. If you have kids it may be difficult to get around and go to all of their activities without a car. In that case, consider carpooling, use a shared car service like Zip Car, public transportation, bike or ride a motor bike.
5. Bad Weather. Don’t try to ride your bike in the snow and use caution when riding in the rain.
6. Eco-friendly. Getting rid of your car is good for the environment and reduces your carbon footprint. It also helps you to live a healthier life by allowing you more opportunities to exercise.
7. Options. Consider your lifestyle to see if selling your car is the right option for you. If you are disabled or have more than one child, it may not be possible to live a life without a car. However, you can reduce your driving your car.
8. Resources. You can use tools like www.walkscore.com to find services and attractions in a certain neighborhood that can be useful if you bike or walk.
9. Alternate. Keep your car as an alternate method of transportation. Do a test to see how much money you can save if you don’t drive your car for a week, and then try it for a month. Use the extra money to pay down debt or create an emergency savings account.
10. Move. Consider moving to the city or a downtown area to eliminate the need for having a car. Consider getting a job that is closer to a downtown area or train station.
11. Bike. Buy a bicycle and look for roads that have bike lanes to travel onto ensure you can ride your bike safely. You can also buy a motorbike or scooter to get around town.
12. Carpool. Consider joining a carpool to get to work or to take children to school events or other events.
13. Taxi. Take a taxi if you need to get somewhere and don’t want to bike or walk.
14. Shopping. If you are walking consider getting a wheeled cart to carry groceries or other items. Also consider shopping online.

20 Ways to Save Money Now

Many consumers nowadays are trying to find more ways to save money. However, some consumers refuse to save money and continue to have bad spending habits that will only lead to financial disaster. Many consumers don’t understand the true benefits of spending less than you have, saving money and creating a monthly budget. These are tools to help you get out of debt, pay for unexpected expenses and prevent you from getting into debt. These are things everyone should embrace with open arms.

Many people want to know why should I save money. I have enough to pay my bills; I can’t take it with me, what’s the point. Different people save for different reasons. You can save for many different reasons such as: unexpected expenses, a vacation, to start a business, pay for education, plan for retirement, home repairs, estate planning, buy a car, a wedding, down payment on a house and more. It is a great feeling to have money to pay for things you need instead of using your credit card and paying the balance off 6, 9 or 12 months later. Here are 20 ways to save money.

1. Pack your lunch for work every day.
2. Buy drinks from the grocery store instead of the newsstand at work or coffee shop or, better yet, drink water – it’s the best thing for your health and it’s free. Reduce all unnecessary spending (i.e. only buy necessary items).
3. Use direct deposit to send your paycheck directly to your bank.
4. If you get a raise, save all or most of the money received from the raise. For example, save $5 or $10 a week or whatever you can afford. Set a goal that you want to save $100 within a certain time period. Once you have accomplished that goal, set another savings goal and continue doing that. The next time you meet your goal, you will realize that you have saved a great deal.
5. Buy what you can on sale, instead of paying the regular price.
6. Use coupons or shop at a wholesale store such as Sam’s Club or Costco.
7. Buy whole foods, such as vegetables, grains, beans and fruits, instead of processed foods. This way you aren’t paying for the processing costs.
8. Check your local health food store to see if you can buy foods, such as grains, seeds, nuts, spices and legumes, in bulk. This way you aren’t paying for expensive packaging.
9. Carpool.
10. Take public transportation to work.
11. Cancel your cable service or get the cheapest plan possible.
12. Cancel your cell phone service or get the cheapest plan possible.
13. Reduce the amount of long–distance calls you make per month.
14. Shop around with various banks to find a checking account with no monthly fees.
15. Buy a midsize or compact car until your debts are paid, because this results in a cheaper monthly payment.
16. Finds ways to reduce home expenses by buying energy efficient appliances, ceiling fans, programmable thermostats, fluorescent light bulbs and lamps, or hot water insulator jackets.
17. Donate items not being used to a charity. The amount can be written off on your taxes.
18. Rent movies instead of going to the movie theater.
19. Turn the lights out when you are not in a room.
20. Turn the heat and/or air conditioner off when you are not at home or set at a low energy saving temperature which can be found be calling your local utility company.

Tips on Using Frequent Flyer Programs

Frequent flyer programs are offered by airlines companies to customers who fly more than the average flyer. Some programs offer points, upgrades, priority seating, discounts on products, credit for purchasing products from partners and more.

Some frequent flyers obtain miles for personal and business travel. Avoid confusing business travel with personal travel miles. Open a separate account for your business travel miles if you can. If not, be sure to keep track of your personal miles. Some frequent flyers have been prosecuted and convicted for redeeming business frequent flyer benefits that were used for personal travel.

Frequent flyer programs can be tricky and can prove difficult to get due to all of the restrictions. Some programs you have to travel at least 25,000 miles before you can start redeeming benefits. When looking for a frequent flyer program to participate in consider the following:

1. Perks
2. Do their fly to your home airport or preferred airport
3. Do your points expire or have to be used within a certain time period
4. Do they provide other options for using points that will soon expire
5. What are the restrictions and guidelines
6. Do they offer points for partner company purchases
7. Does the program match your travel habits

Here are some tricks frequent flyer programs use
1. The number of seats are limited
2. Increased the number of points needed and offer fewer flights
3. May have to book months in advance and settle for an inconvenient flight time

Here are some perks of frequent flyer programs
1. If you can’t use your miles before they expire use alternatives such as using them for magazine subscriptions, making purchases at airline websites or sites such as points.com, renting cars, gift cards or giving them away.
2. Trade frequent flier miles or buy miles at another airline using points.com. Ask friends or family to share miles with you.
3. Sign up for a frequent flyer miles check card. You may be charged an annual fee but if used frequently you can get a free airline ticket.
4. Look for partners that offer miles for your frequent flier program. Find airlines which are compatible.
5. Sign up for email promotions and use them to earn bonus miles. You will get email invitations to take surveys to try out new products which helps you earn bonus miles.
6. Sign up for dining rewards.
7. Open a credit card which is usually free the first year. Make sure you meet the minimum spending requirements. After your miles post plan your next trip. This method works best when you use the miles quickly. You can cancel the card after the first year to avoid the fee charged the second year.
8. Purchase layover flights instead of non-stop flights.

How to Save Money with iPhone Apps

The Apple iPhone prices start at $199 and can range up to $499 depending on the plan, memory and features selected. Verizon and A&T now offer the iPhone. The iPhone offers over 350,000 applications some of which are free. The iPhone provides email and internet services, iTunes, and is very easy to use. It allows for multitasking. It also provides a camera, Wi-Fi, video streaming and an iPod. It can sync with pc and mac email. It also has sensors to save on battery power. If you are an iPhone owner here are 8 applications that can help you save money.

1. Quicken – A free application that helps you manage your finances, track financial goals and monitor your account activity.

2. Billminder – A $1.99 application that helps you track bills, listing due dates. Your data can be exported via email and the application can send notifications to remind you of due dates.

3. Coupon Sherpa – A free application that provides coupons to hundreds of stores online or can be printed. Coupons can be displayed as a scannable bar code to be used at checkout lines. Coupons for local stores can be found by GPS location. You can get daily updates by subscribing to their newsletter.

4. Mint.com – A free application that helps you keep track of your spending by creating a budget. You can setup alerts and track bills using exports from your bank account.

5. Maps - A free application similar to Google Maps. It helps you find stores, restaurants or any address in the United States and can be used with GPS and Wi-Fi.

6. Gas Buddy – A $2.99 application that helps you find the cheapest gas in your area. The tool is really helpful when traveling.

7. Skype – A free application that allows you to make calls over the internet for free. This is especially helpful for those who make long distance international calls. Calls using cell phones or landlines are cheaper than using Verizon or AT&T.

8. Wifi Finder – A free application that allows smartphones owners to access the internet using faster speeds. The application finds all free Wi-Fi hotspots near you using your GPS location. The application has a listing of over 400,000 free hotspots in over 140 countries.

How Green Technology Can Save You Money

Green technology is using tools and methods to do things that are environmentally friendly and that also conserves natural resources and the environment. Green technology does not damage or deplete the earth’s natural resources. Green technology is used so products can be re- used and recycled. It is an alternative source of technology that reduces fossil fuels and creates less damage to people, animals, and plants. Green technology also reduces the amount of waste and pollution that is created during the production and consumption of goods.

A large part of managing your finances is saving money. Using green technology is a great way to help you save money and save the environment. In some instances it may cost more money with the initial purchase but over time you will see the savings. Green technology can be used in all areas of our life – cooling, heating, driving, electricity, computers, and more. Here are 14 ways to save money using green technology.


1. Pay bills online. Pay your bills online which saves you money on stamp, envelopes, writing checks, late fees or convenience fees. It also helps you budget your money quickly and easily. You can also setup automatic bill payment through your bank.

2. Drive less. Use public transportation, car pool, ride a bicycle or walk. With the increasing price of gas this will save you lots of money. Consider moving closer to your employer or moving near a train station or metro station.

3. Showering. Install a low-flow shower head to save money on water consumption. Limit the time you take a shower to 10-15 minutes.

4. Hot Water Heater. Trade in your gas or electric hot water heater for a solar water heater. It uses the sun’s energy to preheat the water which can save 50-80% on your utility bill.

5. Water. Drink tap water instead of bottled water. Use a filter like Pur or Brita for your kitchen faucet or water pitcher. This way you are not paying twice for water (your water bill and drinking bottled water).

6. Lighting. Use fluorescent light bulbs for lighting which will help you save money on lighting. Also make sure you turn off the lights if you are out of a room for more than 20 minutes. Use night lights to light dim areas if needed.

7. Electricity. Unplug large appliances and electronic devices when not in use. Set your computer to standby or sleep mode when not in use. It takes more energy to restart your computer every time you turn it on it than it does to wake it up from sleep mode.

8. Recycled. Buy recycled products which usually cost 10-15% less than non-recycled products.

9. Power Strip It. Use power strips to plug in your appliances and electronic devices. Most energy is consumed when devices are turned off but not unplugged. To save money, turn the power strip switch to off when you are not using the devices.

10. Energy Star. Energy Star has been around for a long time but now it is even cheaper to use energy efficient products which use 70-80% less energy.

11. Insulate. Insulate your home, attic, windows and door to save money on heating and cooling.

12. Solar window film. Switch your plastic window film to solar window film to help keep you home cooler by reducing utility costs. The film prevents the sun’s rays from entering your home and reduces the need for air conditioning. This is most effective in areas where the temperatures don’t get too cold.

13. Recharge batteries. Buy rechargeable batteries to charge your electronic devices, toys, games and more. The electricity you use to recharge a battery is much cheaper than buying a 4 or 8 pack of batteries.

14. Re-manufactured Supplies. Buy re-manufactured supplies such as printer ink and toner cartridges from Office Depot which can cost up to 15% less.

How to Stretch Your Paycheck

Unemployment is now at 9.8%. Some Americans have moved down an income level from upper-middle class to middle class, middle class to lower income or lower income to poverty due to the economy and job market. Many Americans are forced to live on less money while other Americans are finding it difficult to live on less for several reasons: 1) they don’t know how, 2) they don’t want to or 3) they are in denial. Here are some helpful tips to help stretch your paycheck in a tough economy.

1. Bulk. Buy items in bulk by shopping at wholesale or discount stores such as Costco, Sam’s Club or BJ’s.

2. Budget. Create a spending plan or budget to see what areas you can reduce spending. Thirty-five percent of your budget after taxes should go towards housing (mortgage/rent, utilizes, repairs), fifteen percent towards debt (credit cards, student loans, personal loans), twenty-five percent towards transportation (maintenance and car payment), ten-percent towards savings, and fifteen-percent towards other expenses (groceries, prescriptions, medical expenses, etc.).

3. Comparison Shop. Look at prices of at least three different companies to see which has the best deal. Ask if the company will honor competitor prices.

4. Online. Look for coupons and specials at online websites such as bizrate.com or pricegrabber.com.

5. Generic. Buy generic brands for food, canned goods, paper products, dry goods and prescriptions.

6. Utilities. Buy the cheapest landline plan available. Turn to the lowest settings when you are not at home and use the recommended settings provided by the utility companies to save money on your monthly bills.

7. Bundle. Bundle services to save money on insurances such as car, mortgage and homeowners.

8. Downgrade. Downgrade all your services such as cable, internet, and cell phone. Downgrade your car or home to a cheaper model. You can sell your car and catch public transportation. If you need a car you can rent a car or use a Zip car.

9. Eat at home. Skip buying lunch every day and eating out. Cook meals at home and take leftovers for lunch.

10. Get assistance. Borrow money from friends or family members. Apply for government assistance, get help from your local church or get assistance from social organizations like the Salvation Army or American Red Cross.

11. Sell Items. Sell new or used items on eBay or Craigslist for extra cash.

12. Multiple Jobs. Work multiple part-time or full-time jobs; work a combination of full-time or part-time jobs to make ends meet. Do odd jobs such as cleaning homes, shopping for the elderly or babysitting to earn extra money.

Halloween Mania and Money

Halloween is celebrated by many Americans in the United States. Is Halloween really a holiday? We don't get a day off work to celebrate it but it is treated as a holiday and it seems as though some people get more excited about Halloween than Christmas. I wonder if the people who dress up at Halloween also dress up as Santa or Mrs. Claus at Christmas or dress up at Thanksgiving.

Companies make millions of dollars in sales during Halloween. Disney theme parks had a 40% increase in attendance at Disneyland in LA. In 2009, companies made approximately 6 billion dollars in Halloween sales.

If Americans took the money they plan on spending this year for Halloween and put it towards paying down their debt or put it in an emergency fund they would be in a better financial position next year. If you are going to celebrate Halloween this year here are 5 ways to save money.

1. Costumes. Buy costumes from the dollar store or make you own. Dress up like a cartoon character or a TV show character.
2. Candy. Buy candy from the dollar store or at discount or wholesale stores like Costco, BJ's or Price Club. You can also use coupons at store that double the coupon value.
3. Family Outings. Carpool, buy bulk tickets or ask about discounts for families or large parties to save money on admission fees for haunted houses or other activities.
4. Host a party. Host your own Halloween party and ask guests to bring a dish. This way you save money by not going out and get the luxury of staying at home.
5. Skip Halloween. Skip Halloween and do something that is low cost or free like attending church, visiting family or plan a family night and watch TV. This will save you a lot of money and will bring your family closer together.

Don't Go Overboard on Independence Day

Summer is here. The weather is beautiful and everyone wants to enjoy it. All of the advertisers have increased their advertisements and hope to lure you to the store to spend money that you may or may not have.

This holiday season resist the temptation. Many times items that are on sale or not really a bargain. Try buying items off-season and only when the item is 30% off or more. Sales for 10-20% off are not worth your time. Also, do comparison shopping to see if you can find the item for a cheaper price at another store on online. If you absolutely have to go shopping here are some tips to help you save money.


1. Don't wait until the day before the holiday to go shopping. Lines at the register are longer and the selection of items is limited. Try shopping a week in advance or early in the morning.

2. Create a budget or shopping list and only buy the things you absolutely need.

3. If you are having a picnic or cookout ask friends and family to bring a dish to help cut downs on costs.

4. Visit local vendors to purchase meats, fruits and vegetables which will be much cheaper than the department store.

5. Resist temptation. This holiday season try not to go to the department stores or malls. I know it will be hard but take time out to enjoy being with family and friends. Try finding some free events to attend instead of going shopping. Your pocketbook will be happy you did.

Save Money on Summer Vacation

We work hard all year long and we all live for summer vacation. Many Americans love to travel during the summer and family vacations usually begin during the Memorial Day holiday. The economy the past few years has made it difficult for many families to take a summer vacation.

Many airlines have increased prices and gas prices are high again this summer. If you can afford to take a vacation without hurting your budget and will still be able to pay all of your bills when you get back, then definitely take a vacation. Here are 5 ways to save money during summer vacation.

1. Plan ahead. Plan in advance to save money to go on vacation without using your credit card to pay for it.

2. Talk to others. Talk to friends and neighbors about their vacations and find out how they planned their vacation, i.e. ask about any discounts or sales they know about, inexpensive restaurants, shops, etc.

3. Act fast. When you see or hear about sales or discounts you have to move quickly to capitalize on the deal because they usually don't last long.

4. Shop around. Shop around to find the best deals. Visit websites like hotwire.com, priceline.com, kayak.com or hotels.com to find cheap rates for hotel, airfare and cruises.

5. Shop before you leave. Buy traveler's checks which can quickly be replaced if lost. If your credit card is stolen you may not have another credit card available to purchase any necessities. Buy toiletries and other necessities before traveling.

If you want to take a vacation and cannot afford it, here are 5 simple things to do in the meantime:

1. Camp out in your backyard.

2. Take a road trip and go camping a few hours or at a local camp park.

3. Visit local caverns.

4. Spend the day at a water park or amusement park.

5. Go sightseeing in your local area.

America Saves Week

The non-profit organization Choose to Save states that saving is vital to a secure future and I agree. A savings account is your parachute or life vest for the unexpected. Many Americans have experienced financial crises or unexpected situations that have affected their finances which has resulted in unemployment, fights with your spouse or family, unpaid bills and mounds of debt. This week is America Saves Week where Choose to Save encourages Americans to save more money. America Saves Week began February 21, 2010 and ends on February 28, 2010.

Being disciplined to save money on a regular basis may seem like a chore but it is to your advantage to help yourself instead of having to use your credit cards, get a payday loan or sell your gold jewelry to get extra cash.

According to BEA, the personal savings rate was 4.8 percent in December 2009. Some economists believe that the personal savings will increase to 7 or 8 percent.

President Obama was pushing for a plan that would open savings accounts for 50 million Americans who currently do not have a savings account. The Automatic Individual Retirement Account would require employers who do not currently offer retirement savings to automatically enroll their employees in a government-sponsored savings plan.

Here are 7 ways to create a savings account:

1. Deal with the unexpected
2. Plan for your future
3. Go on a vacation
4. Be accountable
5. Develop good spending habits
6. Serve as a role model for your family and future generations
7. Reduce usage of credit cards

Do at least one thing this week to save money.

Visit choosetosave.org/tips/ for more tips on how to save. To become an American Saver visit americasaves.org.

Are Hair Weaves An Option for You

In a study by DailyMakeover.com women are cutting back on hair styling costs to save money. Many women are using cheaper products, going to the salon less often and others are turning to weaves as a hair styling option.

Money generated from hair industry for weaving last year was approximately $16 billion. 30 million women are suffering from some form of hair loss. Hair weaving is a big industry.

There are several different kinds of weaves: partial weaves, full weaves, short, long, medium length waves, weaves in all different colors, and hair textures, Remi, Brazilian, Lace, Fusion, Malaysian, Human, Yak, braid weaves, and glue weaving.

Weaves can last up to 3 months. It can take 1-5 hours to add a weave to your hair. You can get weaves, cut, styled or colored any way you like. Weaves can cost anywhere from $100 - $1,000. Here are 4 benefits of a hair weave:

1. Save money on hair stylist costs
2. Protects hair from heat and styling
3. Hair grows faster
4. Provides more flexible with styling and activities – can exercise without worrying about your hairstyle, etc.

Here are 3 disadvantages of a hair weave:
1. Must care for weave on a regular basis
2. Weaves can damage hair if not put on by a trained hair professional
3. All weaves are not the same, go for the quality of a weave versus the cost of the weave

Here is a comparison of salon visits versus a weave

Hair Salon Visit
6 times a year @ $70-$120 a visit = $420-$720 a year
12 times a year @ $70-$120 a visit = $840-$1,440 a year

Remove Hair Weave Fee
Remove fee $40-$80

Sewn in Pieces
4 times a year @ $150-$1,000 a visit = $600-$4,000 a year
2 times a year @ $150-$1,000 a visit = $300-$2,000 a year

Weigh all your options before considering getting a weave. Make sure that a weave is the right option for you.

Don't Let the Cost of Gas Crimple You

For the past year now I have not really realized the effects of the price of gas until this week. Prior to the price hike I could fill up my gas tank with a mere $12. I bragged to all my friends and family about how I could fill up my car with less than $20 a week. I loved my car and was glad I had didn't have a gas guzzler. Unfortunately that slowly began to increase.

One month it took $15, then $20, then $22, then $27, then $30, now I am at $33 for a fill-up. Now I know many of you are saying, that doesn't even fill up half my gas tank and I should be happy, but I am not. I didn't get to where I am in life by spending money frivolous. I did so by comparison shopping to find the best bargains, unfortunately this expense is not something I can negotiate.

What myself and everyone can do is complain about it to Congress by writing letters and depending a dramatic decrease in the price of gas. Inform your current State Legislators that if they do not lower the price of gas they will lose your vote. This is very critical since this is an election year. You may not feel you have the power to make a difference, but one voice can and if they hear all of our voices we can make a change. In the meantime here are 4 tips to help ease the cost of gas:

1. Combine nearby trips on the same day - this will save you time and money

2. Drive the speed limit - this reduces the amount of gas needed for your car

3. Buy your gas in the morning - gas is more dense in cold weather and in the early morning in the summer month you will get more for your money

4. Check your tires - ensure you tires are properly inflated helps prevents less friction on the road and helps tires last longer