Hey Savvy Shoppers & Savers,
Saving is one of those things that for some odd reason challenges us all. We all ask ourselves questions internally debating whether we can spare any money from our accounts. Can I go without that premium coffee today? Do I really want to skip the movies? Can I actually bring my lunch to work every day? The list goes on and on while in the back of your mind you know you have to save for the upcoming holidays. We at BondRewards want to help you save a cool $1,000 by the time the holiday season rolls around so read on for 10 simple tricks to start saving today!
1. DINING OUT & EATING IN MORE:
It’s obvious that you’ll save money by omitting the inflated prices of dining out. Cooking at home has so many more benefits than dining out. 1. You know EXACTLY what ingredients are going into your food. 2. If you use basic ingredients your meals will contain far less preservatives, sodium, and saturated fat than restaurant food. 3. You’ll have more quality time at home with your family versus waiting at the local Chili’s for a table. 4. You’ll actually use all those groceries that you bought but just sit on the shelves collecting dust. 5. You’ll pick up new skills, learn new recipes, and create a better home environment for your children. The amount saved will vary on your dining patterns and the number of people in your family but roughly $30-$90/per meal. If you utilize the extra groceries in your house and avoid grocery shopping this can save you $100/week.
2. IMPULSE PURCHASES:
You don’t need those $5 magazines at checkout, or the $1.50 pack of gum, or the $3.99 chap stick. Just avoid eye contact with these items and you’ll instantly save. You also don’t need the bag of chips that come with your sandwich for an extra .70. Or any other little ‘package deals’ for that matter. These are just ways that companies trick us into thinking we’re saving when in fact we’re often purchasing items or services we would normally have avoided. Don’t be fooled and save at every corner.
3. PREMIUM CABLE:
Remember the days before there were 100+ TV shows playing every hour? We used to partake in activities, sports, and actually had hobbies. We had no television and yet we managed to keep perfectly entertained. Ditch the premium cable and you’ll save about $80/mo. Not to mention you’ll have more quality family time and stay more active.
4. AUTO DEDUCTABLE:
By increasing the deducible for your comprehensive and collision coverage you’re reducing your premiums by over 10%. Try this method out for a few months and you’ll save about $54/mo.
5. ADJUST YOUR TAX WITHHOLDING:
This is a big money saver. Go to your HR office, get a new W-4 and adjust your tax withholding so that more is placed on your paycheck versus getting taken away. This trick can save you over $240/mo depending on your current claims. Click here for an Easy-to-Use Tax Withholding Calculator from Kiplinger.
6. UTILIZE FREE RESOURCES:
Utilize the people you trust in your life such as your neighbors, family members, and friends. These close connections are great assets for pet-sitting, baby-sitting, and house-sitting. Repay the favor when they need assistance and you’ll have a nice little network going. Savings for these services run around $60-300/mo.
7. GARDENERS:
Unless you’re never home and have a vast amount of land you really don’t need to pay for gardeners – especially now. In the Fall and Winter your landscaping will need little attention and more than likely won’t get used that much anyways. How many more backyard barbeques are you really planning to have in the next few months? Eliminate this unnecessary cost and save $50-$100/mo.
8. PHONE LINE:
I’ll state this one simply. Why do you need a landline when your use your cell phone that offers free long distance calls? Keep this in mind – if you don’t use it – lose it. Saves $50/mo.
9. REWARDS PROGRAMS:
Just about every company has a rewards program and are more than willing to give away free cash, rewards, benefits, miles, or services. Who says you can’t get the best of both worlds? No matter what you’ll still need to buy shampoo, socks, groceries, gas and so on. Why not get paid back for all the money you spend and take advantage of these free to join services?! Join one that offers cash back, like BondRewards.com or just about any credit card or bank, and start saving instantly. By utilizing these programs you’ll get 1%-30% back on all your purchases. Redeem for cash and there you go – extra money for the holidays!
10. GYM MEMBERSHIP:
Although staying active and fit is always a good habit, you probably don’t need that expensive gym membership. Ask yourself this, can you use your old college gym? The gym at many universities is free for Alumni but seldom get used by them making it a wasted resource. Or perhaps your work or apartment offers a free facility? There are so many alternative ways to work out that people seem to have forgotten about. Play organized sports, run with your dog, go out and dance, or take up hiking! Last time I checked you don’t need a gym for push-ups and crunches. Check out the sites below for ideas and get fit the old-fashioned way! Save $25-$65/mo.
eHow: How to Get a Total Body Workout Without Belonging to a Gym
Body Results: No Gym Required
Military.com & Men’s Health: Who Needs a Gym
AskMen.com: Weight Training Without Weights
Source
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The more shopping you do online through BondRewards – the more BondDollars you can earn. Watch your BondDollars grow into big savings that you can later redeem for Cash or US Savings Bonds! It’s a win-win so spread the word, secure your future, and show some love with BondRewards!
Comment below after the tag words and let us know if these tips worked for you!
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Melanie Roberts
Marketing Manager Bondrewards.com
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