Here's some ideas to get you started:
* Negotiate late fees and bank fees - You may think it impossible, but I've negotiated hundreds of dollars worth of fees with my bank. One time, they refunded $78 in overdraft fees, due to a late direct deposit. It's certainly worth a try...and it feels so good to get that money back!
* Combine errand trips - If you need to go to the grocery store, drop off children to sports practices, and hit the gym, think about how you can combine trips to save on gas. At almost $4 per gallon, it makes more sense to do errands at the same time, rather than driving from home several times a day and then back home again. Those miles can add up in the gas tank!
* Go "green" - by changing to low-energy-use light bulbs and energy saving appliances, the electricity bill be reduced. It might be a small savings, in little bits over time, but every penny counts! Install low-flow shower heads and reduce the use of water - down goes the water bill! There are so many things to be said about going green - it's worth a thought.
* Read bills - Know what you're being charged for. Our cable bill has had all kinds of different line items in the past that were not even services that we would use. One call to them and eliminating the sports package and several other little service that we did not use or need credited our bill for over $80. Also, pay attention to promotions that companies are running that are better than what you are being charged and think about whether or not there are services you can reduce or eliminate during times when you need to pinch the pennies a little more.
Obviously these ideas are not going to make you rich, but they will help you cut some corners and reduce your bills. What other ways have you come up with to save money during these tough economic times?
