Saving money these days can seem impossible. Everywhere you look there seem to be hidden fees or unexpected costs. This short list will provide you with ideas on how to save money quickly and easily whether you are at home, in the car or out and about.
1. Sell or Donate Your Unwanted Items
With the likes of eBay, Kijiji, Craigslist, Letgo and Etsy – things in your home that once had value but now only take up space can become a source of income. Even if you cannot sell all of the unwanted belongings in your home, you can donate the rest and keep a record of these items to receive a tax receipt.
2. Make Your Home Energy Efficient
While the upfront costs are steeper than your average household products, energy efficient items will save you far more money than the amount you have put into them. CFL and LED bulbs use a quarter of the energy of traditional incandescent bulbs while keeping your home just as bright.
Installing a programmable thermostat will easily regulate the temperature in your house, which will vary depending on when you are at home. This can save you a significant amount of money.
3. Sign Up for Customer Rewards Programs
With free customer rewards programs you can earn many different types of bonuses. Ask your retailers if they offer such a card and sign up! To make your life easier, create an email address specifically for these customer rewards programs so they do not clog up your email. If your cell phone supports it, add the rewards program cards directly to your cell phone’s wallet so you will not have to frantically search for the card every time you shop.
4. Ask for Any Fees to be Waived
Sign-up fees are included with any service you could possibly sign up for. Just call the customer care number and ask for the fees to be waived. Not all fees will be waived, but when they are, you can save yourself some cash.
5. Clean or Change Your Car’s Air Filter
Did you know that a clean air filter can improve your gas mileage by up to 7%? Just follow the instructions in your car’s user manual and in a few minutes’ time you could save more than $100 for every 10,000 km your car drives. It is a simple and easy task to clean, but if your filter is beyond help a new air filter goes for less than $10.
6. Switch Your Bank
We live in a day and age where being a new customer has better perks than being a loyal customer. Many banks offer sign-up bonuses, as well as attractive interest rates. If you are currently paying a monthly fee for your checking or savings account, talk to other banks to see how they can alleviate this cost for you.
7. Negotiate Rates and Rewards with Your Credit Card Issuer
Negotiate with your credit card issuer about your current interest rate and research any programs that offer significant cash back rewards. If your issuer does not have anything to offer, you can transfer your balance to an entirely different card. Transfers are easy (try finding a balance transfer credit card with an introductory 0% APR) and also a huge bargaining chip with your bank.
Saving money does not have to involve sacrifice. Always be on the lookout for opportunities that reward you first and you will end up accruing more savings than you thought possible!
