Stress in a persons life can cause a multitude of problems. Some stress comes from outside sources that you have no control over but there is one that you control and controlling it can remove stress.
So what is the one I am talking about?
Your stuff or too much of it.
How many times during the day have you walked into a room in your home and instantly see a mess? It does not mean you are a clean freak, it means you have too much stuff. So much so that you have to organize it to make it look presentable even to you.
There are whole businesses based around having too much stuff. They sell racks and stands for it. They have closet organizers for those of us that have too much stuff in our closets. There are businesses that store the stuff that we can't even fit into our homes and charge you a monthly fee to store that stuff.
You will find that if you start to declutter your life you will experience less stress. Having less in a room means having less cleaning to do. Having less stuff in your closets means you have more money in the bank. More money in the bank will often give you more peace of mind and you worry less about the future.
The economy may hate me for saying this but we need to stop buying crap. Cheap things are not what we need. When we save money we can still spend it but it would be done with much more thought. We can save up for those larger ticket items we really need like new carpet for a living room that also needs painting for the first time in 15 years. Or going on that vacation that we always complained that we never could afford.
Don't forget, when I say declutter I don't mean give every thing you own away. Sell it. Have a yard sale, go to the flea market with it, list it on eBay or Craigslist. Put the money in the bank. The stuff you can't sell (give it 3-6 months) you can donate and take a tax write off.
Am I taking my own advice? You bet I am. I have been clearing out 2 back bedrooms for the last 2 months and listing the stuff on eBay. So far I have made nearly $1500 profit.
Showing posts with label Frugal living. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Frugal living. Show all posts
Living only on the basics
You hear of so many people that either have to or decided to go back to only living with the basics of life. That means no fancy foods or eating out, no loans or credit cards, no fancy big gas guzzling car, no designer clothes, and cutting back on cable and electronics.
Yet cell phones have replaced many laptop and desk top computers and eating out or not might not be a choice for a single person who cannot afford to stock up on food for the freezer. Basics are different for each family and situation. For example child care might not be a choice but a necessity for some families while others can't afford it at all and have to find alternatives. Something simple as a diamond engagement ring, a once in a lifetime item will have to wait for some while others would get a loan for it. Their choices are what they must feel comfortable with.
While I applaud those who can make cutbacks and do without due to lack of funds, I do not like people who are constantly preaching about paying off your loans and credit cards when they themselves do not have any money worries. Yes I am talking about millionaire financial gurus like Susie Orman. While on the surface their advice sounds good but in practice it falls flat on its face.
Bottom line, do what is comfortable for you to do with your lifestyle and money funds.
Yet cell phones have replaced many laptop and desk top computers and eating out or not might not be a choice for a single person who cannot afford to stock up on food for the freezer. Basics are different for each family and situation. For example child care might not be a choice but a necessity for some families while others can't afford it at all and have to find alternatives. Something simple as a diamond engagement ring, a once in a lifetime item will have to wait for some while others would get a loan for it. Their choices are what they must feel comfortable with.
While I applaud those who can make cutbacks and do without due to lack of funds, I do not like people who are constantly preaching about paying off your loans and credit cards when they themselves do not have any money worries. Yes I am talking about millionaire financial gurus like Susie Orman. While on the surface their advice sounds good but in practice it falls flat on its face.
Bottom line, do what is comfortable for you to do with your lifestyle and money funds.
Making money for Christmas
I am known in my family for being very resourceful. I am always finding ways to make or save money. This time of year I clean out closets and list stuff on eBay. I surprise myself every year with what I think is junk and other people snap up right away.
Just a few days ago I listed 15 balls of new rug yarn. I did some research first and found out that some people were selling this stuff online for $5 each. So I put them up for auction with a "buy it now" option at over $50 and it got bought with the "buy it now" within 3 hours of listing. So back to the closet I go for more stuff.
I found a few old sheet music books, one on easy songs on the guitar from when my daughter was taking guitar lessons. I did sell a few of her books that were almost brand new and I found out they were first editions (those things get snapped up fast on eBay).
Now back to that closet.
Just a few days ago I listed 15 balls of new rug yarn. I did some research first and found out that some people were selling this stuff online for $5 each. So I put them up for auction with a "buy it now" option at over $50 and it got bought with the "buy it now" within 3 hours of listing. So back to the closet I go for more stuff.
I found a few old sheet music books, one on easy songs on the guitar from when my daughter was taking guitar lessons. I did sell a few of her books that were almost brand new and I found out they were first editions (those things get snapped up fast on eBay).
Now back to that closet.
Store discount cards
How many of those store discount cards do you carry around? I must have at least 12 in my wallet. I have a Safeway card, one from ACE hardware, Staples, Albertsons, Kohl's, and even one from Goodwill. I have more but I don't use them that much, maybe once a year. Of all of the discount cards I have only 2 of them send me emails with coupons to print out and announce special sales. They are Staples and Kohl's. Both of them offer generic 10% off coupons all the time.
10% is not that big of a deal when you live in a state that charges sales tax but if you live in a state that has no sales tax (like I do) then 10% is a good deal. Of course I just got more Kohls coupons emailed to me and Staples has a new sale going on.
What I do not understand is why do the stores even bother with discount cards? Don't they want everyone to shop at their store? By putting up 2 different prices on items - one for card holders and the other the "regular" price, they would discourage new shoppers in their stores. So why do they continue to do that? If you have the answer, chime in.
10% is not that big of a deal when you live in a state that charges sales tax but if you live in a state that has no sales tax (like I do) then 10% is a good deal. Of course I just got more Kohls coupons emailed to me and Staples has a new sale going on.
What I do not understand is why do the stores even bother with discount cards? Don't they want everyone to shop at their store? By putting up 2 different prices on items - one for card holders and the other the "regular" price, they would discourage new shoppers in their stores. So why do they continue to do that? If you have the answer, chime in.
Making old things work
The TV at our house is one of the central pieces of furniture that everyone gathers around, much like most homes in the USA. When the speakers started to go out on it we debated the idea of getting a new LED TV but the cost right now is just a tad too much, at least for us. So we figured out another solution.
We had a Sony home theater system that we had not used in several years. It was stored in a back room and had 5 speakers. We would hook up the system to our Directv box and then just route the audio through the theater system. I had to go digging for the component video cables in a box but I found them. After a few tests and finding out what settings we needed we got it working. It only took us about 5 hours, but that included setting it up, wiring and dusting off everything and a few arguments about excessive wires all over the place. You see, hubby did not want to cut the 50' lengths of wire but have bundles of it showing. I convinced him to cut the wire to the 3' lengths that were needed. My excuse was that the cat would be attracted to the hanging bundles and play with them.
So now the TV is good for the time being until the picture goes out.
We had a Sony home theater system that we had not used in several years. It was stored in a back room and had 5 speakers. We would hook up the system to our Directv box and then just route the audio through the theater system. I had to go digging for the component video cables in a box but I found them. After a few tests and finding out what settings we needed we got it working. It only took us about 5 hours, but that included setting it up, wiring and dusting off everything and a few arguments about excessive wires all over the place. You see, hubby did not want to cut the 50' lengths of wire but have bundles of it showing. I convinced him to cut the wire to the 3' lengths that were needed. My excuse was that the cat would be attracted to the hanging bundles and play with them.
So now the TV is good for the time being until the picture goes out.
Cheap way to get you glasses fixed
We might make fun of the big retail giant Walmart but they do offer a great free service. They will fix your eye glasses for free. I have taken my glasses in there many times to have the plastic/nylon nose rests replaced. I always ask them "how much do I owe you," and the answer is always the same - "we don't charge for repairs."
My husband was always skeptical about them fixing my glasses for free. He thought that they probably think that I bought my glasses there. I told him to take his broken reading glasses in to them and see what happens.
The next day he took up my challenge and got back from Walmart very happy. His glasses, which were broken at one temple and needed a screw were repaired and they also had new nose bridge pads. He was very surprised that they fixed eye glasses for free.......................even if you didn't buy them there.
My husband was always skeptical about them fixing my glasses for free. He thought that they probably think that I bought my glasses there. I told him to take his broken reading glasses in to them and see what happens.
The next day he took up my challenge and got back from Walmart very happy. His glasses, which were broken at one temple and needed a screw were repaired and they also had new nose bridge pads. He was very surprised that they fixed eye glasses for free.......................even if you didn't buy them there.
Did you become a renter?
Are you one of the thousands that has lost their home in the real estate bust? Not only did home owners lose their homes but renters got kicked out too. All too often the renters were the very last ones to find out. Some of them had to move in a matter of hours not days or weeks. They paid their rent but the landlord was not paying the mortgage. I wonder if they (the landlords) just skipped out and let the renters take the brunt of the heartache while the rent money went bye-bye.
I have been hearing rumors that some of the foreclosed homes are now being rented out instead of being put on the market. That is a good idea since many people will not qualify for the new stringent loans. There is a website that lists low income housing on the market. You can search a huge data base of 50K+ listings. When I looked at them they only listed the east coast but I didn't look too deeply. I only know when I typed in my zip code, nothing showed up.
Just last week I was driving by an older home and noticed a "for rent" sign on the front lawn. It had on it $400 a month and the sign stayed up for at least a week. It was not until a few days ago that I noticed the small word at the top of the sign that read "room." They wanted $400 for one room?? No wonder the sign stayed up that long.
I have been hearing rumors that some of the foreclosed homes are now being rented out instead of being put on the market. That is a good idea since many people will not qualify for the new stringent loans. There is a website that lists low income housing on the market. You can search a huge data base of 50K+ listings. When I looked at them they only listed the east coast but I didn't look too deeply. I only know when I typed in my zip code, nothing showed up.
Just last week I was driving by an older home and noticed a "for rent" sign on the front lawn. It had on it $400 a month and the sign stayed up for at least a week. It was not until a few days ago that I noticed the small word at the top of the sign that read "room." They wanted $400 for one room?? No wonder the sign stayed up that long.
Why buying a LCD or LED TV is more than just buying the TV
Yes I love those big screen TV's that are on display in electronic stores and our local Walmart. With the prices coming down why have I not bought one? Buying one of those TV's is not as simple as it seems. First they are not like hanging a picture on your wall. They do have some weight to them and they will require a special tv bracket for it to hang on the wall. Then those wires have to be hidden so that requires some decoration of some type. If you don't want to have the TV on the wall you need a stand with a bracket that holds the TV in place so it won't fall over.
So you will need to add at least $200+ to the cost of those TV's just to mount it on the wall or purchase a stand. If you do go wireless, and some of the new LED TV's are wireless (but I still can't figure out how they are powered........ batteries?) then you might be able to hang it without having to hide anything.
Until the prices come down just a bit more, I'll wait to get a slim LED TV for our living room.
So you will need to add at least $200+ to the cost of those TV's just to mount it on the wall or purchase a stand. If you do go wireless, and some of the new LED TV's are wireless (but I still can't figure out how they are powered........ batteries?) then you might be able to hang it without having to hide anything.
Until the prices come down just a bit more, I'll wait to get a slim LED TV for our living room.
When money is tight, that is when everything seems to break
Have you ever noticed that when you have to watch every penny of your spending, that is when things break down and need major repairs.
The family car seems to be the first on the list with something major to go wrong. Next are major kitchen appliances followed closely by well pumps or electrical wiring. Of course then there are the items that are not considered essentials but they are expensive like the computer or spa.
Our own spa was a victim of a budget crisis. It came with the house when we bought it, 7 years ago. The spa needed a new cover at the time and we bought one locally for over $300. I should have shopped around and bought a spa cover at BeyondNice.com but that was 7 years ago and who knows what the prices were back then. Then about 2 years later, the spa needed new jets, as they were crumbling. We replaced them at a cost of about $35 each and we needed 7 of them. Six months later a crack appeared in the spa and it started to leak. At about the same time, the pump started to act up and keep switching off on its own. At that point, we drained the spa and now it sits empty with a nice cover on it. To us, it is not worth putting more money into it.
What broke at your home that you have no plans to fix?
The family car seems to be the first on the list with something major to go wrong. Next are major kitchen appliances followed closely by well pumps or electrical wiring. Of course then there are the items that are not considered essentials but they are expensive like the computer or spa.
Our own spa was a victim of a budget crisis. It came with the house when we bought it, 7 years ago. The spa needed a new cover at the time and we bought one locally for over $300. I should have shopped around and bought a spa cover at BeyondNice.com but that was 7 years ago and who knows what the prices were back then. Then about 2 years later, the spa needed new jets, as they were crumbling. We replaced them at a cost of about $35 each and we needed 7 of them. Six months later a crack appeared in the spa and it started to leak. At about the same time, the pump started to act up and keep switching off on its own. At that point, we drained the spa and now it sits empty with a nice cover on it. To us, it is not worth putting more money into it.
What broke at your home that you have no plans to fix?
Wasting money the fun way
I am a sucker for electronic gadgets. Strange enough, I have not given in to the latest craze in the video game consoles. The way each video game machines are trying to out do the other is fun to watch. Right now I am rooting for the Xbox with the connect device to win the most players. The PS3 Move would be my next choice and the Wii would come in dead last. I remember when the Wii first came out and I always pronounced it as "why."
Of course I love my iPod touch and I was thinking about getting a tablet PC with the Google Android system. Heck, those tablets are now selling as low as $120. I am a sucker for a touch screen, my iPod spoiled me that way.
Of course I love my iPod touch and I was thinking about getting a tablet PC with the Google Android system. Heck, those tablets are now selling as low as $120. I am a sucker for a touch screen, my iPod spoiled me that way.
Shrimp and guacamole bites for appetizers
We can save money with not eating out so much, so with that in mind here is a guest blogger.
Guest post written by Rose Miller
My husband is having a bunch of his co-workers over to our house for a dinner party as kind of a way to celebrate the New Year. Sure, it's a month late but it's better late than never!
Now my responsibility is figuring out what I'm going to cook for the dinner. I have the main course already made up but I wanted to come up with some really neat appetizers to serve to people as they arrive. I went online with our cleartvbundle to find some ideas for something really different. I think that's the area where I can really take my chance and fix something off-beat. The worse that could happen is that people don't eat the appetizers and just eat a little more of t! he main course and dessert.
After a little bit of searching, I decided on fixing some shrimp and guacamole bites. I've never had any before but they sound so crazy that I think they just might be delicious. If no one else likes them, I’ll just eat them all after everyone has left.
Guest post written by Rose Miller
My husband is having a bunch of his co-workers over to our house for a dinner party as kind of a way to celebrate the New Year. Sure, it's a month late but it's better late than never!
Now my responsibility is figuring out what I'm going to cook for the dinner. I have the main course already made up but I wanted to come up with some really neat appetizers to serve to people as they arrive. I went online with our cleartvbundle to find some ideas for something really different. I think that's the area where I can really take my chance and fix something off-beat. The worse that could happen is that people don't eat the appetizers and just eat a little more of t! he main course and dessert.
After a little bit of searching, I decided on fixing some shrimp and guacamole bites. I've never had any before but they sound so crazy that I think they just might be delicious. If no one else likes them, I’ll just eat them all after everyone has left.
I hate power outages
Last weekend my family spent 36 hours in the dark. No power due to downed trees. The wind storm put several cities without power for 2 days or more. Of course I was unable to do anything that involved the use of electricity or water. Our water is supplied by a well that needs electricity to power the well pump.
That experience got me thinking, if I was looking for a source of alternate energy for just our well, where would I look? We are lucky that our well can be set up to be plugged into a portable generator but with the price of gas going skyward, what about solar?
I did find one website called "Clean Alternate Energy" that has power solutions that would work, On the same site I also found a neat section of solar powered chargers that would keep my laptop charged up during the power outage, all for under $20.
I should go back and look at more of what they have to offer since we almost lost our entire refrigerator full of food due to lack of electricity.
That experience got me thinking, if I was looking for a source of alternate energy for just our well, where would I look? We are lucky that our well can be set up to be plugged into a portable generator but with the price of gas going skyward, what about solar?
I did find one website called "Clean Alternate Energy" that has power solutions that would work, On the same site I also found a neat section of solar powered chargers that would keep my laptop charged up during the power outage, all for under $20.
I should go back and look at more of what they have to offer since we almost lost our entire refrigerator full of food due to lack of electricity.
Why do people love to waste their money on junk?
You know what junk I am talking about.....that item sitting in that closet that has gone unused for 3 years now that you just had to have 4 years ago. Yep, that junk. If more people would do less impulse buying and more planning to buy something then we could afford that house we always wanted or own a car without a loan on it.
Making a wise decision on what food to buy will help with long term medical expenses. If you eat healthier you don't have to worry obesity related illnesses or paying more for that so called best muscle building supplement. Just changing your shopping habits when buying food will help your pocket book and waistline. The same advice still holds true, don't buy junk food.
Since food is one of a family's largest monthly expense it also is one that can be adjusted to eliminate high priced, low nutrition value foods.
Making a wise decision on what food to buy will help with long term medical expenses. If you eat healthier you don't have to worry obesity related illnesses or paying more for that so called best muscle building supplement. Just changing your shopping habits when buying food will help your pocket book and waistline. The same advice still holds true, don't buy junk food.
Since food is one of a family's largest monthly expense it also is one that can be adjusted to eliminate high priced, low nutrition value foods.
I saved $20 today
I made a smart move about 10 months ago that finally paid off today. I saved $20 and I pat myself on the back for it. Here is what happened:
I have a pair of black rubber boots. I use them for when it gets really muddy outside. About 10 months ago the pair I had got a leak on the top side of one boot. I looked at other women's rain boots, but none of them were heavy duty enough for my needs, so I bought another pair that was just like the ones with the leak. I don't know what possessed me to keep the old pair with the one leaky boot, but I did.
Then yesterday my newer pair developed a leak on the top of the boot. It was tonight that I needed to wear the boots outside to do some after work chores and I happen to see the old pair of boots in the mud room. To my surprise the old pair had the leak in the opposite boot that my new pair did. That meant that I could switch my new leaky boot out with the good boot from my older pair. I now had a pair of rubber boots that had no leaks and a pair of boots that both boots have leaks. Now I am wondering if I should fix the rubber boots with the leaks. Since both leaks are on the top of the foot area, it should be easy.
I have a pair of black rubber boots. I use them for when it gets really muddy outside. About 10 months ago the pair I had got a leak on the top side of one boot. I looked at other women's rain boots, but none of them were heavy duty enough for my needs, so I bought another pair that was just like the ones with the leak. I don't know what possessed me to keep the old pair with the one leaky boot, but I did.
Then yesterday my newer pair developed a leak on the top of the boot. It was tonight that I needed to wear the boots outside to do some after work chores and I happen to see the old pair of boots in the mud room. To my surprise the old pair had the leak in the opposite boot that my new pair did. That meant that I could switch my new leaky boot out with the good boot from my older pair. I now had a pair of rubber boots that had no leaks and a pair of boots that both boots have leaks. Now I am wondering if I should fix the rubber boots with the leaks. Since both leaks are on the top of the foot area, it should be easy.
What I got for Christmas
As usual I gave out more gifts than I got back, this Christmas. I remember several bye gone Christmases when I did without getting any gifts simply because I was unemployed and money was not available for any extras. Relatives were understanding and knew that we could not afford gifts for them. Several Christmases before my mother passed away she even gave us money so we could afford to buy gifts for everyone that year. It was several hard years of tight living before we could afford Christmas again. I wanted to repay my mother for all her generosity but she passed away before our economic outlook got better. If your mother has done something great for you and you get a chance to repay her get some gifts for your mom. They don't have to be things, they can be a wonderful day out or just time together.
What I will say is that by having those tight money Christmases, I don't mind just getting one or two gifts, even stocking stuffers. It really is the thought that counts.
What I will say is that by having those tight money Christmases, I don't mind just getting one or two gifts, even stocking stuffers. It really is the thought that counts.
Modern media is using the internet as a cop out
This is an open message to all TV networks and local TV stations:
Dear TV producer,
I know that you have a website. I watch TV to not only be entertained but to get the latest news. When watching TV, my computer is usually turned off for the day. In fact I have spent enough time on the computer that I am almost sick of it......at least for today.
What I am writing to you today for, is that I am totally pissed off about the fact that during your news shows your reporters constantly tell viewers to find out more at your f****** website. I am NOT interested in finding the "rest of the story" on your ad ridden, slow loading, piece of s*** website. I want the story on TV - NOW. If I could jump through the TV screen and give you a thorough colon cleanseing (and I don't mean that in a nice way) I would. In other words - you are anal.
I would like to add that although you think that most people have a computer in their homes, not all are connected to the internet. Most people that are strapped for cash have dropped their internet service and now find free wi-fi service at the library (if they have a laptop) or outside a fast food place.
Now please start reporting the whole story on your TV news and forget you even have a web presence, your viewers don't care.
Dear TV producer,
I know that you have a website. I watch TV to not only be entertained but to get the latest news. When watching TV, my computer is usually turned off for the day. In fact I have spent enough time on the computer that I am almost sick of it......at least for today.
What I am writing to you today for, is that I am totally pissed off about the fact that during your news shows your reporters constantly tell viewers to find out more at your f****** website. I am NOT interested in finding the "rest of the story" on your ad ridden, slow loading, piece of s*** website. I want the story on TV - NOW. If I could jump through the TV screen and give you a thorough colon cleanseing (and I don't mean that in a nice way) I would. In other words - you are anal.
I would like to add that although you think that most people have a computer in their homes, not all are connected to the internet. Most people that are strapped for cash have dropped their internet service and now find free wi-fi service at the library (if they have a laptop) or outside a fast food place.
Now please start reporting the whole story on your TV news and forget you even have a web presence, your viewers don't care.
What are you doing without?
The economy is still stagnant for millions of people. Going without is no longer a matter of figuring out to shut off the cable TV or cut back on the Starbucks coffee. Now it is a matter of doing without health insurance, letting the payments lapse on the term life insurance and deciding on if giving up meat in the diet would save money. People are cutting back on everything.
Just a few days ago I started to notice that our local Goodwill and St Vinnies were getting a lot more up scale donations. I asked why and found out that since many people have lost their homes and they could not afford to put their items into storage, those items ended up being donated. Those people are doing without not only their homes but most of their worldly possessions.
Watching our local news today, they have painted a dismal picture for the up coming Christmas shopping season. I am not sure of that since many local businesses have "help wanted" signs in their windows. They are gearing up for when the college kids go back to school and leave their jobs.
I am going to tell you what I have been doing without and then it is your turn. I have been cutting back on snack foods, my weakness is cookies, ice cream and donuts. I have not had a donut in at least 6 months, a cookie in 4 months but that ice cream habit is a little harder to break. At least it is the cheap brand bought at the Grocery Outlet.
Now it is your turn, what have you been doing without?
Just a few days ago I started to notice that our local Goodwill and St Vinnies were getting a lot more up scale donations. I asked why and found out that since many people have lost their homes and they could not afford to put their items into storage, those items ended up being donated. Those people are doing without not only their homes but most of their worldly possessions.
Watching our local news today, they have painted a dismal picture for the up coming Christmas shopping season. I am not sure of that since many local businesses have "help wanted" signs in their windows. They are gearing up for when the college kids go back to school and leave their jobs.
I am going to tell you what I have been doing without and then it is your turn. I have been cutting back on snack foods, my weakness is cookies, ice cream and donuts. I have not had a donut in at least 6 months, a cookie in 4 months but that ice cream habit is a little harder to break. At least it is the cheap brand bought at the Grocery Outlet.
Now it is your turn, what have you been doing without?
SupaSwap - review
In their own words they state that they are like eBay but you can swap children's items with other people. You can also place bids and buy and sell. Of course SupaSwap wants their cut of the action at a whopping 10%!!!
Now don't get me wrong, they have a good idea going except most people will go to freecycle (one of the biggest swapping sites online) or craigslist for swapping. If they want to straight out sell then eBay is the way to go.
Another big turn off was this statement on their FAQ page:
Q: The item I bought was not 'as described'?
A: You must communicate with the seller if there are any problems with the transaction. SupaSwap are not responsible for any disputes between a buyer and a seller. Remember there is a feedback section that is designed to ensure honest and accurate trades take place between our members. However, if you report a problem then at our discretion we can investigate the matter and we reserve the right to remove a members access to SupaSwap.
At least on eBay you can get your money back or have some recourse, on SupaSwap there is almost nothing.
I am going to have to give SupaSwap a BIG thumbs down for now.
Saving money on your own bills
One of the easiest ways to save money is to look at your own current bills ans see where you can reduce them. For example are you paying for duplicate insurance? Say you have an accidental death insurance policy that you pay for out of your own pocket but your employer offers one that is free to you. The same thing for term insurance, health insurance and other types of insurance.
Next look at that home protection plan, the one that covers items that break around the house. I had one for 2 years when we first moved and it cost $800 a year. I had one thing fixed, a leaky toilet and the hassle of finding someone that was under the protection plan was a PITA. It took 2 days of calling people since the plan did not have a provider list for me but said the people that they contracted with would be able to tell me if they were on the plan. After the repair was done and even approved by the repair person via phone to the protection plan, the plan refused to pay. Their reason was that I could have found someone closer to me!!!! After 3 months they finally paid up and then I dropped them. The repair cost $150 and the deductible for me was $35 so for that year I still paid $835 for a $150 repair. Was it worth it? NO
Another bill to look at is your electric bill. I saved $20 to $30 off of that every month. I switched to those florescent bulbs all over the house. I use to think that they did not give out enough light, until I realized that the light has to be left on for at least a minute for it to warm up. After that first minute the light was as bright (if not brighter) than the original incandescent bulb. Of course the incandescent bulb will be phased out in the near future all together.
Lastly you can bundle services for money off your bills. Internet, phone and TV service is the first one that comes to mind but there are others. Insurance can be bundled too. Having your home, auto and health insurance through the same company will often get you a discount off of your premiums. Banks will often offer great discounts on having your mortgage, CD's and loans all tied into one checking account.
Look over your bills, you can reduce them.
Next look at that home protection plan, the one that covers items that break around the house. I had one for 2 years when we first moved and it cost $800 a year. I had one thing fixed, a leaky toilet and the hassle of finding someone that was under the protection plan was a PITA. It took 2 days of calling people since the plan did not have a provider list for me but said the people that they contracted with would be able to tell me if they were on the plan. After the repair was done and even approved by the repair person via phone to the protection plan, the plan refused to pay. Their reason was that I could have found someone closer to me!!!! After 3 months they finally paid up and then I dropped them. The repair cost $150 and the deductible for me was $35 so for that year I still paid $835 for a $150 repair. Was it worth it? NO
Another bill to look at is your electric bill. I saved $20 to $30 off of that every month. I switched to those florescent bulbs all over the house. I use to think that they did not give out enough light, until I realized that the light has to be left on for at least a minute for it to warm up. After that first minute the light was as bright (if not brighter) than the original incandescent bulb. Of course the incandescent bulb will be phased out in the near future all together.
Lastly you can bundle services for money off your bills. Internet, phone and TV service is the first one that comes to mind but there are others. Insurance can be bundled too. Having your home, auto and health insurance through the same company will often get you a discount off of your premiums. Banks will often offer great discounts on having your mortgage, CD's and loans all tied into one checking account.
Look over your bills, you can reduce them.
My heating bill
I just got my heating bill. We have an entirely electric house so there is only one bill for heating and electric. Most of the time in the winter we have a nice wood stove that heats up the entire house so we rarely turn on the heater. This winter we had several days that were cool but not cold enough to warrant making a fire. During those days I just turned on the heater but had it set a 66 degrees. We also turned on our heated blanket that we have on the bed. I was expecting a huge jump in the bill but it only went up by $60. Well I just our electric bill for this past month and IT WAS LOWER THAN NORMAL! What the heck was going on? Apparently we had a person that mis read our meter yet again - that happens to us at least once a year and during the winter at that. So after doing the math on the 2 electric bills we just about spent $10 for having the heater on and set at 66 degrees for 2 months. I can only be thankful that we have a very well insulated home.
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