Financial Fitness Pro Forum

by Erin Petersen

[excerpt] In times of economic uncertainty, it’s even more important to put yourself in a solid financial position. One good way to do that is to dig out of credit card debt.

Liz Weston, author of “Easy Money: How to Simplify Your Finances and Get What You Want out of Life,” says tighter lending standards make it even more important for people to bring down their credit card balances. “Many credit avenues are being shut off,” she says. “Some people are finding their credit limits getting lower and interest rates getting higher.”

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A friend of mine sent this list to help you save up to $15,680 this year.

1. Property tax adjustment - Lower home values means lower taxes; also make sure you are not over-insured. (Value $147)
2. Bundle home and auto insurance – Save big by using the same provider for home, auto and life insurance.  (Value $400)
3. Select a higher deductible for auto and home insurance – Lower your premiums by choosing a higher deductible. (Value $150)
4. Bundle cable, phone and Internet – Get more services from one company and save; but be sure to only get what you need.  (Value $240)
5. Reevaluate your mobile phone plan – Check your bill for the past few months and see if you can drop down a level. (Value $240)
6. Maintain back account and avoid fees – Paying your bills online increases awareness of your account activity.  (Value $84)
7. Put money into savings – Set aside $50 each month; it adds up quickly.  (Value $600)
8. Save your loose change – If you save $0.50 a day, this will add up too.  (value $180)
9. Use a flex spending account – Many exployers offer this benefit to prepay for out-of-pocket medical expenses before tax. (Value $250)
10. Bring lunch to work – It only costs you $3/day or less to bring food from home versus $6/day or more eating out.  (Value $780)
11. Eat out two fewer times/month – Make dinner at home instead of eating out.  (Value $360)
12. Pass on beverages while dining out – Some restaurants sell wine at a 575% markup.  They make even more for soft drinks, juices, and coffee.  (Value $100)
13. Bottle your own water - This helps save the planet and saves up to $2/day.  (Value $730)
14. Brew coffee at home – Going to a coffee retailer can be very costly.  (Value $1,156)
15. Buy what’s on sale at the grocery store – Check the weekly ads for specials and seasonal discounts. (Value $1,000)
16. Use coupons for groceries and dining out – If you take a few moments to find the coupons, it will add up.  (Value $2,000)
17. Buy at the dollar store instead of the local convenience store – Find deals on cleaning supplies, gift wrap, snacks and shampoo. (Value $200)
18. Carpool to work - Reduce fuel costs, wear and tear, and traffic congestion.  (Value $520)
19. Slow down and save gas – Driving above 55 miles per hour reduces gas mileage by 20%.  You also lose another 10% when you drive with your windows rolled down.  (Value $200)
20. Change your own car oil – Value $100
21. Air dry clothes instead of using a dryer – For every hour your dryer is on, $1 is lost.  (Value $312)
22. Lower the temperature of your water heater – Switch from 140 to 120 degrees.  (Value $50)
23. Lower your thermostat / heater – Adjust the temperature by 10% while you are at work and save while you are sleeping.  (Value $260)
24. Save water by turning off the tap – Turn off the tap while doing dishes and brushing your teeth.  (Value $50)
25. Skip the pet groomer - Teeth brushing ($11/month), ear cleaning ($9/month), nail trim ($9/month), bath ($10/month), haircut ($25/month).  (Value $768)
26. Buy generic instead of brand name pet food – often you’ll find the same nutrients as the premium brands.  (Value $360)
27. Hold off on the newest movies – Save $8/month and watch on DVD for $1.  (Value $96)
28. Skip the popcorn at the movies – If you do go to the movies, eat first so you don’t purchase expensive food items and treats.  (Value $72)
29. Exercise at home or outside instead of the gym – Save yourself the hassle and money of a gym membership.  (Value $360)
30. Manicure/pedicure at home instead of the salon - Buy your own supplies and do-it-yourself. (Value $300)
31. Extend your hair cuts and visits to the salon – Go every eight weeks instead of six.  (Value $80-260 for men and women depending on services)
32. Cancel magazine subscriptions – If you still need to read it, visit your local library or go on-line.  (Value $500)
33. Negotiate the price on a car – Get a deal by looking at slightly used / pre-owned.  (Value $500 or more)
34. Sell unused household items – Have a garage sale or put it on eBay.  (Value $800 or more)
35. Donate household items - For anything that doesn’t sell, take a charitable tax deduction. (Value $500 or more)
36. Maximize all tax deductions – Pay a professional to make sure you’re maximizing your taxes.  (Value $1,300)