May 17, 2010
Filed under: Reduce Debt, Reducing Costs For Families — Bonnie @ 5:53 am
With rising energy costs and global warming, conserving energy has never been so important in most of our lives. At no other time in history has there been so many people dedicated to conserving energy and reducing their utility bills. If you are dedicated to cultivating a greener lifestyle and lowering your utility bills in the process, here are some helpful tips and bits of advice that can help you cut down on your energy use.
Dial down your thermostat in winter
What does it mean to dial down your thermostat? This is the act of reducing the temperature in your home in order to conserve heating fuel. This concept is simple enough: the best way to conserve energy is simply by not using so much of it. You would probably be surprised how much you can save simply by dialing your thermostat down two or three degrees from your normal temperature. Even one degree makes a difference; if you dial down one degree in winter, this will generally result in about one to three percent less fuel use, which is great for the environment and is reflected on your utility bill. In order to stay comfortably warm in the winter, slip on a sweater. At night, cover up with more blankets. This form of personal insulation is a great and efficient way to retain your personal body heat.
Come Summer, Dial Up
Just as you might dial down during the winter, this concept can be simply reversed for the summer months as a great way to help conserve energy and reduce the cost of cooling your home during the hot summer months. As with the cold winter months, you want to dial up a few degrees and adjust your clothing for the warmer weather. Make sure to dial up your thermostat or turn it off completely for when you plan to be away from the house.
For larger homes, make sure to close empty rooms
If you occupy a larger home or there are many rooms in your house that aren’t currently being used, make sure to shut the doors to rooms. This can help reduce the demand on your heating and cooling system and help keep the rest of the house at a moderate and comfortable temperature. Remember that the less space that needs to be supplied with cool or warm air, the less you will need to spend on energy costs.
Check that your home is well-insulated
You would be surprised what lurks in your home. If your home is not well-insulated, you may easily be losing hundreds of dollars or more each year on keeping your home warm or cool. Check for cracks in the foundation, thin walls or other features that may be keeping your home from staying cool or warm such as gaps around window frames. You can have an expert perform an energy audit on your apartment or home and give you tips on how your specific living area can be better insulated for retaining a comfortable temperature.
Switch to energy efficient lighting fixtures
Most of us already know about the benefits of switching to fluorescent bulbs. These bulbs are long-lasting and can save you hundreds of dollars on your electricity bill over a year. Another great option that you can take advantage of is solar lighting. If you like to keep your house or yard lit throughout the night, consider switching to solar lighting. These lights use the sun’s warmth and energy to stay lit for several hours and can help save you money on your energy bill.
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April 30, 2010
Filed under: Budget, Reduce Debt, Tips For Living Withing Your Means — Bonnie @ 3:21 am
More and more people are finding themselves in debt, so the concept of living within your means without debt is one well worth exploring. So, what does it mean to “live within your means without debt”? Living within your means signifies being on top of your finances. It means always knowing exactly how much you can afford to spend on a given thing or in a given area of your life. It means a low-stress financial outlook and lifestyle where you don’t loose sleep trying to figure out how to pay for that new jacket, car, vacation, or whatever your weakness might be. Here are some tips for adopting the philosophy of living within your means and learning the joy of living without debt.
Spend less than you earn.
This is a simple mantra that you should adopt to live within your means without debt: spend less than you earn. It really is that simple. Most of us, however, do the exact opposite. In order to spend less than you earn you need to sit down and face the facts of your current finances. Do some simple math: how much gross income do you take in each month? Next, subtract how much you need for life’s essentials, including putting a roof over your head, food in your body and clothes on your back.
How are you spending you money?
Here are how the experts day you should be dividing your hard earned money each month. You should be spending 35% of your monthly income on housing and housing-related costs like repairs and the electric bill. Transportation costs should equal around 15 % of your monthly income. Shopping, food and entertainment should come in at about 25 %. Around 15 % of your income should be aimed at clearing any remaining debt and finally, don’t forget to pay yourself. Around 10% of your income should be put into savings.
Study your numbers
Now that you have the numbers of how your monthly spending should be broken up, do the numbers and see how your current monthly spending stands up. Are you spending way too much on your mortgage or rent? Are you splurging on entertainment or shopping sprees? Are you spending enough each month on clearing those credit card and other debts or are you only paying off interest? Are you saving anything for emergencies or the future? These can be hard questions to answer, especially if your think the answer is going to be “no”, but it is also a very important step to take if you are serious about living within your means without debt.
The number one secret to living within your means
This is not really a secret – most people who are debt-free or serious about becoming debt-free can find this out for themselves. What is it? Live below your means – that is spend less than you make. A lot less. How can you do this? Try to attack the problem from the angle that you know needs attention. For instance, if you are a shop-a-holic, work on curbing your shopping sprees by making – and sticking to – a list that you’ve made before even stepping out your door. Also, try consolidating your shopping trips into one trip rather than making smaller trips spread throughout the week; that way you will have fewer opportunities to be tempted to buy something that you don’t really need or can’t afford. And, make the choice to but supermarket brands rather than name brands and you will find you’re spending much less at the till.
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April 12, 2010
Filed under: Reduce Debt, Tips For Living Withing Your Means — Bonnie @ 5:59 am
You’ve heard of people spending thousands of dollars on their new living room, dining room or bedroom sets. They think they’re getting a good deal and you feel overwhelmed! Chances are; if you’re reading this then you know deep down that there must be a better way of getting quality furniture for reasonable prices, and you’d be right. You can get good, even great, furniture and still live within your means. Here are some of the ways:
Shop at second-hand and discount stores, you’ll be surprised at what you can find. In fact, second-hand furniture can often be in better condition than new items because furniture used to be made to last. You might be better off with a table or couch that is ten or even thirty years old.
Have a look at bidding on online auction items. Sites like eBay have specials all the time on new and used furniture. One of the reasons that furniture can be sold so cheaply is that eBay sellers will often purchase huge lots of close-out items to sell on, which then gives consumers a way to purchase cheap furniture.
Shop at factory outlets of close-out stores. Many models of high-quality couches, chairs, dining room sets and so on are sold cheap because the manufacturer or retailer wants to get rid of them. This doesn’t mean that the items are low quality. Sometimes, they are just surplus or older models that have been superseded.
Get creative. For example, if you don’t have the money to replace that 1970’s couch whose upholstery looks dated and worn out, learn how to restore it with a more updated covering. Likewise, you could learn to sand, stain and varnish old wooden furniture instead of buying a new piece or set. It would almost be like you’d bought new furniture!
Take advantage of one-off opportunities. It can be easy to find furniture that’s being discarded by people who are moving, who will sometimes give it away because they don’t want to be troubled with the expense of hauling it. That; or maybe they don’t need or want it in their new home.
Visit garage sales, moving sales and estate sales. This is a great way to come across terrific furniture finds. You can almost always find something of value at these types of sales for sometimes less than half of their original costs.
Ask around. Perhaps some of your good-hearted friends or family members know of someone who has inexpensive furniture to sell or, even better, give away. Word travels fast when people know someone is in need. Sooner or later, you are bound to hear from someone willing to give you a good deal on pre-loved furniture.
Other than that, perhaps all you need is a bit of patience and persistence. Your quest for the right-looking, inexpensive furniture is likely to pay off faster than you think if you start looking in the right places. Not only that, but your friends and family are bound to be impressed! Whether or not you tell them where you got your new furniture is at your discretion, but remember; there is no shame in discount shopping if it helps you live within your means.
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April 2, 2010
Filed under: Reduce Debt, Tips For Living Withing Your Means — Bonnie @ 8:30 pm
So, you are tired of being broke, and you keep telling yourself that you want to save. Here are some ideas to help you stop living paycheck to paycheck and some simple solutions to your money management problems.
Do you know how much money you actually need to cover your monthly expenses? Make a list of how much money is needed to cover your rent, food, clothing and other basic necessities. If your list of expenses is greater than the amount of money you are earning, then you either need to find better-paid employment, or you may need to consider that you are living above your means (I have an article on my blog that can help you with that). The next step is to allocate money for all of the important expenses and also allocate a reasonable amount of money for entertainment.
Never go shopping when you are hungry. Generally you can spend between 10 to 20% less at the grocery store if you aren’t hungry and craving everything in sight. You will also be more inclined to purchase healthier foods which last longer if you shop on a full stomach. Take a list with you and stick to it. Not only will that save you money at the register, but you will save on transportation expenses by not having to make repeated trips to the store.
Avoid using credit cards, shop with debit cards instead. That way you know exactly how much you can spend and you will be more likely to not overspend. Is you are contemplating buying an item on credit, make sure you are able to make at least the minimum monthly payment – and better still more than the minimum – every single month.
Build up an emergency fund. Start setting aside an amount each month so that if your car breaks down, you lose your cell phone, or your child is rushed to hospital you will have the money available to deal with it. This may be easier said than done, but it will save you stress and trouble. All it would take perhaps to create an emergency fund is a few less bottles of soda, packs of gum or children’s toys (yes, in most cases your kids do already have enough toys).
Keep track of spending. Make sure you check you bank account before you withdraw more money to go shopping. It will save you in the long run, especially from bank overdraft fees. By keeping track of your expenses you will likely save more than otherwise, and that extra money can be put to much greater use, such as being put away for emergencies or invested for a profit.
Above and beyond the amount you regularly save each month (10% is a good proportion to start with) it is recommended that you plan for your future by investing in some way. Plant your money in an investment account, or start a business so you can have a more enriching career. Place your money in an IRA, or try your luck in the stock market.
Analyze any risk before you make any major investments, and it’s recommended that you get advice from a financial adviser. Also, carefully consider any risks when making major purchases, such as a house, car or other long-lasting item. Remember that you will need to be fairly confident given your current financial status that you will be able to continue to make payments.
Avoid taking out payday loans or any other easy credit. Although these have been helpful to some people who really find themselves in a financial jam, they can be used as a quick fix all too easily and can be addictive. Soon you could find yourself needing to commit your whole paycheck to money you have not even seen yet if you get into this habit, which is very hard to break. Also, consider that the interest on these types of loans can be as high as 20% and sometimes more.
One additional tip to remember is that just because you are offered credit, it doesn’t mean you should take it. Work to break the cycle of debt and not fall deeper into that particular hole. If you need further assistance with money management see a debt counselor. The internet is also full of money-saving tips for individuals and families.
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March 25, 2010
Filed under: Tips for Making Extra Cash — Bonnie @ 1:24 am
Are you drowning in clutter? Or perhaps drowning in credit card debt? Whatever the case may be, a good old-fashioned garage sale can be a great way to get rid of the things you never use anymore, and you can boost your savings account in the process. Here are some tips for putting together a successful garage sale.
Get together with neighbors for a group sale
There is no doubt about it: you are more likely to enjoy a successful garage sale by getting together with neighbors and friends and making yours the king of all yard sales. People are much more drawn to group sales because the opportunity to find a treasure seems greater, and there is less pressure to buy and more latitude to explore when there are other potential buyers milling around. Creating a friendly, active and even festive atmosphere is the key to getting people to stop. Once you’ve got your group together, pick the house on the busiest street to host your garage sale. You are much less likely to host a successful yard sale if you have a smaller sale on a quiet street. People will likely not feel like stopping if all they see is a few items strewn across the sidewalk and no other people around.
Advertising is key to a good turn-out
If you live on a busy street corner, advertising may not seem very important. But even if you are in a visible spot, you are much more likely to host a successful garage sale if you advertise ahead of time. There are some people who are yard sale addicts and scour the local ads for the weekend round of sales. You can advertise for free online and your local paper is also be a great place to place an ad. Make sure to put your address and a brief description of what kinds of things you will be selling.
Put up large and legible signs
The true success of your garage sale will depend on whether you can get passersby to stop and take a look at your used wares. A good yard sign will be large and clearly legible even from a passing distance. Go for a simple design of black letters (“Huge Garage Sale”) on white poster board, with a big arrow pointing into your street. Make sure to take down your signs right after the sale has ended.
Do you want to make money, or get rid of junk? Or both?
These are important questions to ask of yourself before your garage sale even begins to take shape. In order to price your items accurately, you have to decide what your ultimate objective is. Are you more interested in padding your savings account, or getting rid of your clutter? Although it is fair to want both, you must make a decision about how flexible you are going to be during the sale when it comes to pricing items. If you price items low, there is a much better chances that your junk will fly off the shelves to become someone else’s treasure. But if you are rigid about your pricing, you may be better off selling your items on eBay or your local pawn shop. A good rule of thumb is to decide the minimum amount that you are prepared to accept and then price the items a bit higher. That way, when people want to haggle, or seem to be loosing interest because they feel an interesting item might be priced too high, you have a margin where you can reduce the prices, and secure the sale.
Give your customers a little background music
Remember that atmosphere is the key to making your garage sale a brilliant success. To this end, play a little background music. It is a great way to attract customers and to give a friendly atmosphere, even if you have a dearth of customers. It can be intimidating for customers to feel comfortable in a near-silent yard. Make sure that you play music that will not offend anybody and that you keep it low enough so that it will not disturb the neighbors. Oldies, country music and classic rock are nearly always a safe choice.
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March 8, 2010
Filed under: Credit Card, Reduce Debt — Bonnie @ 10:03 pm
Since the early 1990’s credit card debt has increased significantly. For our parents and grandparents credit cards weren’t the common buying method that we have become accustomed to. People, old and young alike, are running the risk of potential bankruptcy and other losses because of their lack of knowledge, and the general lack of advice available on how to manage credit cards more efficiently.
A good way to find out details about your credit card is on the internet. Often people over fifty do not own a computer or are unable to navigate the internet to locate information they need; navigating the depths of a banking web site can be tricky. If you don’t own a computer, you may be able to use one at your local library. Contact your local community college and inquire about its adult education program or its program for seniors. Ask about classes on internet navigation and computer literacy skills.
About fees
Set-up fees are made when a new credit card is purchased. These fees cover all the work that goes into setting up your card.
Credit limit increase fees are paid for increasing the amount of credit that’s available on your card. So, if you had a card with a limit of $2,000 and you asked for $1,000 more, you’ll be charged a credit limit increase fee to get the extra money on your card.
Cash advance fees are used for setting up a cash advance. It could be a percentage of the amount advanced or just a flat fee.
Other fees include things such as customer service and looking into your account. Some credit card companies even charge you fees for using your credit card over the phone.
Interest rates for credit cards are fees you pay in addition to paying back the money you originally spent on the credit card. The card collects interest over time, and you pay this back inside your other payments. The only real way to avoid or lower interest rates would be to pay your bill in full and on time each month.
Calculating interest
There are usually three ways that credit card interest rates are calculated. The first is known as the previous balance method, the next is the average daily balance method, and the third is known as the adjusted balance method.
The first method (previous balance) is calculated by the finance charge based on the amount of last month’s payments.
The second method (average daily balance) is calculated by the daily balance on every day of your pay period, subtracting received (made) payments, divided by the number of days in your repayment period. If you make your payment earlier, this method of calculating interest rates will reduce the amount of interest you will need to pay.
The final method is the adjusted balance method. This payment is determined by subtracting all the payments you made during your current payment from the last balance you paid on your last repayment period.
What determines credit card interest rates?
Credit card interest rates can be determined by several other factors. To begin with, the more money that’s owing on your card, the higher your interest rate is likely to be. Also, the amount of time you’ve had your card, and the amount of time it takes you to pay your monthly balance can also have a role in your interest rate. The annual fees payable on your card can determine how high your interest rate will be. A few credit card companies have no interest rates, but most of them do. If a company charges no interest on a credit card this usually means that your other fees, such as annual and late payment fees, will be higher; so the company pretty much makes up for the money that they lost from a no-interest credit card in the first place.
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March 1, 2010
Filed under: Reduce Debt, Tips For Living Withing Your Means — Bonnie @ 12:45 pm
These days we could all stand to lower our spending and save some money, but if you are in debt or tend to overspend, what can you do to improve your finances and live within, or better still, below your means? Here are some tips.
Save your change
Chances are you ignore the spare change you tend to find in jeans pockets or lying on a dresser or stuffed into your wallet. How much have you got in your pocket or in the bottom of your handbag right now? These little amounts tend to get ignored because they seem so insignificant. But it’s time to start paying attention to them. Set up a stray-change jar somewhere you are most likely to see it. Try on your bedside table on the kitchen counter. Everyday you come home from school or work or wherever track down all those little bits and put them in the jar.
Do it everyday for a couple of weeks and it will become habit. Do it for six months and you’ll be surprised by the size of the cache of extra money. Make a deal with yourself, for say three months, before you start taking anything from the jar. Or mark a line half way up the jar and don’t take from it unless the change and money meets the line. If you are really disciplined, and this will take time (psychologists say it take three weeks for an action to become a habit), attach a sticker to the jar with a future date written on it, and don’t take from the jar until that date. Aim for a minimum of six months, or even a year!
Try it for a couple of weeks, then multiply it out until you reach the 52 weeks in a year – you’ll be surprised by how much you can save! Setting aside your change is a good way to trick yourself into saving money – the little amounts won’t feel like you are reducing spending money and you become more conscious of how you treat your money.
Make your own coffee
If you are like a lot of working Americans you probably begin your workday with a cup of hot coffee, and chances are you let someone else make it for you. Whether it’s Starbuck or a less expensive brand, you are probably spending a good chunk of change just by having others serve you coffee. You are looking at between three to five bucks a pop for a cup of name-brand latte or coffee. Save yourself some hard-earned cash and invest in a good coffee maker (you probable already have one), and a good portable coffee cup or canteen. Experiment with different coffee brands until you find one that you enjoy even more than that expensive café coffee. Simply getting into the habit of making your own coffee two or three times a week will save you hundreds of dollars over a year. Multiply it out yourself and see!
How much are you spending on rent?
Are you overpaying on rent? Many people are. Are you paying extra for a pool you never swim in, a fitness centre you never use or a private clubhouse you never frequent? If your monthly rent is padded with amenities that you never take advantage of, take a serious look at your living situation and calculate how much you would save if you moved to a house, condo community or apartment complex that better suits your lifestyle. Other rent-reducing options include downsizing so that you’re not paying rent on space you never use, or consider taking in a roommate.
Transportation costs
How much are you spending on getting to and from work or school each week? In these days of record prices for gas, chances are you’re spending too much money on your commute. Simply taking the bus or train or carpooling a few times a week can help you live within your means more comfortably.
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February 23, 2010
Filed under: Reduce Debt, Reducing Costs For Families — Bonnie @ 5:46 am
Along with the incredible joys of welcoming a baby into the world come adjustments that will make your first year of parenting the hardest. Not the least of these adjustments is the financial one. During a baby’s first year it is estimated that the average family will spend between $9,000 and $11,000. But it’s not all doom and gloom; there are ways to cut the costs.
Be smart about purchasing for baby
One of the hardest things as an expecting parent is to resist buying everything in sight. All parents want the best for their children but many of the things you buy for them, particularly in their fist year, will only be used for a very short period of time. Be smart about your purchases and make a deal with yourself to save money where you can to avoid overspending on beautiful, but not particularly necessary, items. Buying name-brand diapers and that overpriced bassinet that you can’t really afford will cause you financial grief, and is not going to benefit your baby any more than cheaper alternatives. Here are some ways to save money without compromising on your own sanity, or your baby’s health and happiness.
Breastfeed whenever possible
Breastfeeding has long been recognised as the most beneficial option for your baby during their fist years. Most doctors agree that breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months of a baby’s life will help give their immune system a boost. Not only will your baby benefit from increased health, your wallet will benefit from increased savings, and as a bonus there are no bottles to sterilize. Some mothers are not able to breastfeed their children; however there are still savings to be made by buying store-brand or generic formula instead. Generic formula costs on average 30% less than name brand formula and, by law, must meet the same FDA standards as the brand name formulas. You can also save on formula by signing up for coupons from manufacturer’s mailing lists. Your pediatrician can also provide you with free samples. Don’t be swayed by the attractive name brand packaging and expensive advertising, because in most cases that is what you will be paying for.
Switch to generic diapers and save
If you want to save money on disposable diapers, always opt for the generic brand. Many larger chain stores carry their own store brand of disposable diapers which are usually just as good as the brand name diapers. You can expect to save about 30% on disposable diapers simply by buying the generic store brand.
Shop at garage sales and second hand stores for used baby clothes
Most babies quickly outgrow their clothes, and that expensive little outfit you bought them will usually only be worn a few times. Instead, look for nearly new or gently used baby clothes at garage sales and at stores selling used baby clothing. It may be tempting to shop at chain baby emporiums, you will quickly save on baby essentials if you get into the habit of frequenting gently used baby stores. Just keep in mind that buying more clothes because they are cheaper will make as big a dent in your wallet as buying fewer, more expensive ones!
Shop consignment stores for great deals on baby furniture
By far largest outlay you will have as a new parent is when furnishing the nursery. A lot of money can be save by buying gently used baby furniture such as high chairs, bouncers and cribs. Shop consignment stores and gently used baby stores for great deals on used baby furniture. You can also find great baby gear such as bathtubs, strollers and monitors.
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February 15, 2010
Filed under: Budget, Reduce Debt — Bonnie @ 9:09 pm
These days, most of us are doing a tricky dance. It’s called the budget balancing act and it can make many of us feel crazy at times. However, keeping a budget and balancing it with the rest of our lives is a responsible and worthwhile enterprise. Budget balancing means taking responsibility for your finances, living within (or better yet, below) your means and coming out of it with your sanity intact. Here are some tips for living the budget balancing act and coming out ahead.
Make your budget real by putting it into real numbers
Many people make the mistake of thinking of their budget in abstract terms. “I’m on a budget,” you might tell a friend who asks you to accompany her on vacation or to an expensive dinner. Most of us are on such a “budget.” But what does it really mean? Take your budget out of abstract terms and make it real. Sit down and do the math, as hard as it can be. Many of us avoid taking a good long look at our finances because it can be too hard, especially if we suspect we are deep in the red. It’s time to take control, and taking control means having the courage to sit down and take a good look at your finances. Take out your bills. Are you in debt, and if so, how much? Be honest and don’t overlook any accounts. Lying to yourself about debt is not helpful or necessary. If you are not in debt, but perilously close, figure out why. Most numbers don’t lie. Are you spending too much on housing? Is that extra car payment eating away at your budget? Are your child care costs soaring? Know your budget inside out – what you can and can’t afford, how you pay for things, your debt and credit score, and savings.
Keep a log book
If a log book sounds too technical for you, just think of it as a notebook where you keep your records. Make a note of your earnings, savings, debts and purchases. Think of your log book as a place where you can do your math. Your log book should be private and a place where you feel free to jot down notes, calculate interest rates and keep financial notes to yourself.
If you haven’t already done so, set up your bank account online
Almost every bank in the world now allows its customers to keep an online account. If you haven’t already, set up an account. This is an easy way to manage your accounts, check balances and make payments. Set up an automatic bill payment. This is an easy way to make sure that your payments are always made on time. Many credit card companies and banks will even send you email reminders and payment confirmations if you so choose.
Avoid debit cards if you’re on a strict budget
Debit cards are a convenient and safe way to pay for everyday purchases. They can also be very dangerous if you are on a strict budget and you are trying to save. If you are serious about saving money, forgo your debit card for a while. Once you have constructed a good solid budget, head to your local bank or ATM machine on pay day. Withdraw enough cash to make necessary purchases and then tuck your debit card away somewhere safe. This is a surefire way to stick to your budget.
Check your interest rates
If you have credit card debt, do you know how much you are paying in interest? Especially if you are juggling several accounts, it can be easy to forget or overlook interest rates. How much exactly are you paying on purchases and balances? Check with your credit card for this information. If you have long-standing accounts in good standing, try to lower your interest rate.
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January 30, 2010
Filed under: Car, Reduce Debt — Bonnie @ 12:52 pm
Are you spending too much money on silly car wastes? Even if you treat your car like a loyal pet, you can probably find ways to treat your car well without indulging in wasteful car-related expenses. Cars can easily make us act irrationally, but that doesn’t mean we have to succumb to spending money that neither helps us nor our much-loved cars. Here are some tips on avoiding wastes and saving money on your car maintenance.
Do you fill your car with premium gas?
If you think that buying premium gas is the only way to go with your car, maybe it’s time to re-evaluate. In these days of record high gas prices, you should make sure that you are not overspending on gasoline. Generally speaking, you will be OK simply by buying the cheapest gasoline that doesn’t cause your car’s engine to knock. Many people purchase expensive premium gasoline because they think of it as a special treat that will help their car run better and longer. In most cases, however, octane will merely help prevent a knock, but it won’t make your car immune to other problems.
Aggressive oil change schedules
Many people change their oil more frequently than is actually necessary. There are many tune-up chains and auto repair businesses that advise 3,000 mile oil changes. In fact, most car manufacturers recommend 5,000, 7,500 or longer intervals between oil changes. Get to know your car and your manufacturer’s recommendations and follow these rather than the oil schedule recommended by your mechanic.
Using the dealer for all your car maintenance needs
While it may seem simpler and even safer at times, chances are that you are overpaying on repairs and maintenance by taking your car directly to the dealer. Save money by finding a good, reliable independent mechanic. Dealer prices and parts are often inflated. Don’t be afraid to comparison shop, even if it may be a little inconvenient or time-consuming.
Learn to change a flat tire
If you don’t already know how to do it, make it a point to learn to change a flat tire. Not only will you save hundreds of dollars in case that you should get a flat, you will probably also save a lot of time. Who wants to wait around for a half hour or more in the heat or cold for somebody to come change your tire, when there is a very good chance that you can do it yourself? If you’re afraid to learn, find a trusted friend to teach you. Practice in your garage or yard until you have it down, or even take a basic auto maintenance class if they are offered in your area.
Scrupulously avoid the ten dollar car wash
Drive by any car wash and see how many people are waiting in a long line, just for a bucket of gray water or an overpriced professional car wash. Nothing shows that you care about your car than giving it a good regular cleaning on your own. Invest in the proper equipment (a bucket, blade, soap, water, dry towel) and see how nice it can be to get a good clean for a lot less. Keep a small vacuum cleaner on hand to pick up stray dust, dirt and crumbs from the interior.
Don’t jump to conclusions
Many car owners make the mistake of buying a whole new set of tires when what the car really needs is new shocks. Or you perhaps you misinterpret a brake squeal as a call for new brakes. In many cases, especially if you are not on schedule for replacements, these may be symptoms of smaller troubles. A brake squeal could also mean that you may need new rotors or pads. Make sure to investigate thoroughly and keep records of all maintenance so that you are not prone to jumping to conclusions.
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