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How To Save Money Now

The economy is still struggling. The price of nearly everything has gone up, but wages are going down. The answer is to live more frugally. There are actually many ways to cut costs in many aspects of your life. Frugal living requires focus and self-discipline to see results, but once you see how much money you can put back in your pocket, you’ll be hooked!

Although many auto dealers are offering a lot of incentive for buying new vehicles, such as free maintenance, the price is still out of reach for many buyers. The price on used cars may have gone up, but they’re still cheaper than buying new. Keep a few makes and models in mind when you’re shopping, and look up the recommended prices online. If you have a friend or family member who is familiar with auto maintenance, bring them along to help you check for problems before you buy. A reputable dealer will offer a warranty with any vehicle they sell, and will honor it.

There’s a lot of hype around couponing, but it’s well earned. Combing coupons with sales can help you save a lot of money on food, personal care, and cleaning products. Couponing can help you stock up on items you use while the prices are low, helping you save money in the future by not having buy things when the prices are higher. Coupons aren’t just found in your Sunday paper, either. The internet is teeming with valuable coupons that can be printed. Research stores near you and review their coupon policies and prices. Stores that double coupons can help you save even more money. Many stores also offer savings in gas as you shop, so don’t forget to sign up for the store’s loyalty card!

A lot of money is made selling the latest electronics and gadgets. Dedicated gamers pre-order and pay full price for games and systems for just a few extra perks. Tablets and pads sure look handy to have while on the go. If you still must have the newest MP3 player, video game, or other technologies, wait for the price to go down. You’ve lived without it for this long, you can last a little longer. Video games that don’t sell as well can be bought used for much less than the cost of a new game. Other fun electronic gadgets are constantly being upgraded and replaced with newer models, forcing stores to lower the prices on the now outdated, but just as good old models.

Warranties are more of a gamble for consumers, filled with a lot of fine print that may not actually cover you if something goes wrong with your recent purchase. Extended warranties are offered often when you buy electronics. But chances are when the thing you bought finally did break, the warranty was expired. Rather than waste money on a warranty, check your store’s return policy. You’ll find out right away if your product was sold faulty, and you may be able to return it or exchange it instead of gambling on a warranty.

Smartphones are all the rage now, but they’re also expensive. In addition to paying for the phone, a calling and texting plan, you’ll have to pay a data plan as well. Save money on your cell phone plan by using a simpler model of phone. If you already have a contract, your provider may let you upgrade models for free when you renew.

Is your bank charging you fees? Some banks have dozens of fees that line their pockets and hurt struggling consumers. These are not just ATM fees. These can be as ridiculous as charging you a fee for using your debit card as a debit card. If your bank is charging you fees, it’s time to take your money elsewhere. There are plenty of banks that don’t micro-charge you for using your own money.

Once you vow to yourself to not pay full price for anything, you’ll never go back to your old spending habits. Living frugally can help you weather the stormy economy and help you keep your head above water.

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