61. Turn your Hobby into Money
Everyone has a skill – find yours and turn it into money. For example, if you
have a skill for woodworking, start creating children’s toys, or curio cabinets to
sell. Perhaps you are computer savvy and could teach a class at your local
community college. Find something you enjoy and sell it.
62. Recycle
Try a different type of recycling that will save you money. Have you ever
received a nice gift that you like from someone but will never use? Rather than
take it back to the store for an exchange, consider keeping it to give as a gift to
someone else. Another way to recycle is to look around your home. There are
always things right in your home that can be used to make nice gift baskets –
things you never use. For example, the next time you purchase shower gel
where you buy one and get one free, keep one for yourself and set the other
one aside for future gift giving. You will find hundreds of ideas so be creative
and consider things you purchased but have never used.
63. Heating and Cooling
Make sure vents in rooms not being used or the garage are closed. Many
people tend to try to heat and cool the entire home. Instead, take the time to
close off areas that you are not using. You will save substantial money on your
utilities.
64. Shop Online
Many online businesses offer great bargains and in some cases, free shipping.
Since the Internet is such a competitive market, you can usually find fantastic
deals. In addition, many of your favorite businesses where you shop in person
have websites that offer even greater savings. Bookstores such as
Amazon.com will sell books up to 70% off the original price. Overstock.com is
another online business that sells closeout items for fantastic bargains.
65. Consignment Shops
Rather than throw out or sell slightly worn clothing or other household items in
a garage sale, consider selling them through a consignment shop. You will get
a better price for your items and consignment shops are always looking for
quality merchandise. Check out Half.com, which is an online consignment shop
offering books, movies, computer software, and much more in either new or
used condition.
66. Selling your Home
If considering putting your home on the market, make sure you work with a
reputable realtor. A good realtor versus one that is not as experienced can be
the difference of thousands of dollars. A good realtor will know exactly what
you need to do to your home to get it in the best selling condition, which in turn
will get you more money. In addition, experienced realtors know all the best
methods for advertising and selling your home while saving you the most
money.
67. Stay out of the Malls
If possible, stay away from shopping malls. High-dollar shopping malls have
expensive overhead and are designed to sell, sell, sell. Prices are generally
higher and in most cases, people walk out with more than they anticipated
buying. It is better to shop at stand-alone shops or on the Internet.
68. Car Shopping
Shop around for the best price. While you may have your eye on that “perfect”
car and want it now, by waiting and looking around, you could be saving
yourself a lot of money. In addition, check out other states. If you live within
a few hours drive from other cities, check out the price difference. The five
hours it takes to drive may be worth the money saved.
69. Check Receipts and Statements
If you were to check your grocery or store receipt, approximately 50% of the
time you would find an overcharge. This happens all the time and in some
cases, the charge can be substantial. The same is true for credit card
statements, bank statements, phone bills, etc. Check the detail because it is
quite common to find errors. These mistakes can easily be corrected simply by
asking and providing a copy of the receipt or statement.
70. Challenge the Doctor/Hospital
If you have stayed in the hospital recently, you know the outrageous charges
associated with every thing used. While you could buy a box of bandages for a
small cut in the drug store for $5.00, at the hospital, they will charge you $10
for one bandage. While the government and insurance companies are cracking
down on these charges, you should check things closely and challenge anything
that is ridiculously priced. The same is true for your doctor. One woman
having a hysterectomy was asked by her doctor if she wanted her appendix
removed at the same time. The patient thought it was a good idea and agreed.
However, after the surgery when the bill came, there was an additional $1,200
for the removal of the appendix although the doctor never mentioned an extra
charge. The woman called her doctor to discuss and the doctor removed the
charge. If something seems way out of balance, question it. Something else
that most people do not know about is what is called “professional courtesy.” If
you are having financial difficulties, you can ask your doctor if they will write off
any balance owed as a professional courtesy. Many will and if not the full
amount, at least some.
Stay tuned for Money Saving Tips 71-80 soon. Thank you!
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