Just like a yearly checkup at the doc or kill me, the dentist - you should be checking up on your auto insurance. Touch base with your insurance agent to see if there are any ways to cut down on your auto insurance plan and find out exactly is covered. You pay enough for insurance, make sure it is the coverage you need. Does it cover other drivers? A rental car? Towing? Find out!
Purchasing home or renter's insurance from the same company usually gives you some type of overall discount on your rates.
When we run out of things we become desperate. The last roll of toilet paper becomes more valuable than all of our worldly possessions combined. When you need it, you will pay more.
Come up with a list of all the basic essentials that you need year round - from shave cream to kitchen sponges. When you spot any of your essentials on sale or at a dollar store - stock up! Nothing is more peaceful than running out of something only to have a shiny new one waiting in the wings. Super simple, but will save you time and cash.
Picture from the LA Times
You can text “HAITI” to 90999 to donate $10 to American Red Cross relief for Haiti. When prompted, reply with YES to confirm your one-time gift. The $10 donation will appear on your next mobile bill and 100% of the donation will go to Red Cross to help those hit by this natural disaster.
Food is one of those things that I justify spending money on, because I really do need to eat, unlike many of the other things I claim to need such as DVR and a blackberry. So in an effort to cut back I have decided to bring my lunch to work one day a week. This should save me around $500 for the year! And hell I make pretty good food, it's almost a treat.
I can still remember my first semester of college when I realized I had done the unthinkable - forgotten to put on deodorant. I dashed to the local college shop, because I just couldn't go without it all day. I bought some weird baby powder smelling roll on that I would never use again. It only set me back $4??! It was a lesson learned.
I now am prepared for those everyday little disasters and touchups. Travel size deodorant (you have to buy roll on if you leave this in your car, trust me!), travel toothbrush, flossers, body spray, etc are stocked in my car and purse. Keep your eye out for your favorite products in travel size which is pretty easy to find with the 3 oz carry-on regulations. You will not only prepared, you will save from buying some overpriced product you will probably never use again.
There is some odd stigma about using coupons. If you are one of those people that cringe at coupons, then I think you should reconsider. Look at it for what it is, free money you are being offered to try a product or service. They wouldn't be there if they didn't want you to use them.
For years I have been a fan of the Entertainment Book which is stocked with coupons and deals on dining, shopping and travel. The 2 for 1 dining coupons are my favorite. My love of food will never change no matter what my budget is, so it is important to me that I get to try new places and enjoy food out. They even give you a card to carry in your wallet for the nicer restaurants so you don't have a clipped coupon.
I recently joined Groupon for one exclusive, super cheap deal of the day on the best things to do, see, eat, and buy. Restaurants, Theatre, Spas, Classes, Sporting Events, Bars, Museums, Concerts, Gyms and a whole lot more...
Giving up something forever is well... really really hard to do. So why not take a break. Similar to what us Catholics do for Lent set an amount of time and give something up. For the frugal side of it pick something that costs you, such as coffee, cigarettes, or alcohol. I am giving up alcohol for a month. Not that I consider myself a heavy drinker - but I think it will be a great detox on my body and wallet.
©Copyright Bobbi Barbour.
