51 - 60 of 101 Money Saving Tips Series

51. Carpool

In some larger cities, carpooling is required in order to reduce smog. However,
regardless of where you live, carpooling can also be a big money saver. Check
with co-workers and determine who lives close enough to share a ride. By the
end of the year, you will have saved several hundreds of dollars.

52. Trendy Fashion

Most people love to dress in the most up-to-date fashion but for those fashions,
you pay big bucks. Consider dressing with basics and then emphasis them with
trendy accessories. This will save you money on the clothing that is less
expensive while allowing you to dress it up.

53. Free Entertainment

If you are tired of being bored, you will be pleased to learn that there are
hundreds of things to do that do not cost a dime. For example, if you want a
little Friday or Saturday night excitement, sign up at your local police
department for a “ride-a-long” where you can go on duty with an officer as they
respond to real calls. Community colleges are always offering free exercise
classes, or coffee shops have poetry readings. Entertainment and having fun
does not have to cost anything. Some cities have special areas that are
popular on the weekends where you can find free concerts. Check your local
paper and college to get a list for your area.

54. Telephone / Mobile Phone

First, shop around for the best deals. Second, stay away from all the fun bells
and whistles and just stick with the basic plan. Some people have turned to
shutting down their home telephone and are now using their mobile phones in
place. Since most wireless carriers offer free long-distance, call waiting, call
forwarding, caller ID, voicemail, and more, it can do the same as a regular
phone but for less. Why have two phones when you can have just one?

55. Home Remedies

Before rushing off to see the doctor for a sore throat, try some home remedies
or over the counter drugs instead. For a sore throat, butter mixed with ginger
and sugar makes a soothing healing pate. A hot toddy before bed is great for a
cold. Simply ask your family for their home remedies and try it. Sometimes a
simple over the counter medication or herb will do the trick without costing you
an expensive doctor’s office visit.

56. Pay on Time

For every payment you pay late, you are charged a late fee, which can range
from $25 to $50 or more depending on the company. Therefore, if you just
made a $50 payment but it was paid late, nothing was paid toward the debt.
Instead, the entire $50 went toward an unnecessary fee. To avoid spending
unnecessary money, be sure you mail your check in time to avoid these fees.

57. Insulation

Hundreds of dollars are wasted every year from the average home due to
improper insulation. Make sure there are no drafts coming from your window,
door, or fireplace. Ensure your home has the appropriate level of insulation,
which will make a HUGE difference in your utility bill.

58. Cancel Subscriptions

It is always fun getting your favorite magazine or book in the mail but you
should cancel them or at least most of them. If you have several subscriptions,
choose one or two to keep and cancel the rest.

59. Consolidate your Errands

To save gas, organize your day of errands so you get as much done in an
organized manner as possible. Stay in the same geographical area and hit as
many of your errands in that area as possible to avoid excessive driving.

60. Sell your Stuff

Go through your house and pull together all the items you no longer use.
These can include small or large appliances, gardening tools, clothing, makeup,
and sporting equipment, whatever you have, and then list them on eBay.com
or Halfoff.com. Take the money earned from these sales and put it in your
savings account not to be touched.

Next week Tip 61 - 70...

cheers and happy weekend ahead,
Bob