good

There are lots more ways to cut costs. These are just a few.
1) drop the smart phone and get a "dumb" one. Save about $50 per month. Get a low-priced tablet (e.g., Kindle Fire) or use your old iPhone as a wi-fi only device. Wi-fi is available everywhere; you really don't need to pay for cell-based data plans
2) call your car and home insurance company and tell them you want to go through all your coverage because you found another carrier that is cheaper. They'll probably help you "find" 10% off or more.
3) speaking of car insurance - An expensive policy from GEICO, Progressive, etc. is not needed. You can find one usually for less than $30/month from a place like Insurance Panda (4AutoInsuranceQuote​ also has good rates). If you spend too much on car insurance from one of those big companies, chances are you are simply funding their expensive TV ads with cute animals.
4) compare what your house is really worth to your assessment. Many assessments have never been properly adjusted down to reflect the market over the last 4 years. We cut our property taxes by about 20%.
5) re-fi your 30-year mortgage to a 15. The interest rate will drop by at least 50-75 bps, more depending on your current rate. The payment may go up slightly, but it is because you are paying off your loan faster. If it's possible, get the mortgage paid off before the kids go to college. At a minimum, have it paid off before you retire. if you buy life insurance (which you should), don’t overpay. you can get $15 policies from places like Life Ant or gnworth.
6) review your credit card bills for all the things you are paying $10-20 per month for that you no longer need. I bet everybody has at least a couple
7) drop all magazine (paper and on-line) subscriptions. Sorry WSJ, but that includes you too. If you look around, you can find comparable content for free.
8) review your investment portfolio for ways to replace higher fee mutual funds or ETFs with lower fee ones. S&P500 funds/ETFs shouldn't charge more than 0.10% in fees. Fees may be higher for specialty funds, but they are all coming down fast. If your company 401K uses high-fee funds, talk to the folks in charge. A difference of 25 bps in fees will mean a difference of about 5% in your portfolio value after 25 or 30 years.
9) and of course the most impactful -- never carry a balance on a credit card. If you can't resist, cut up the cards.

I don't know if its the same for American Insurance companies, but in Australia, you actually save more paying your insurance up front for the year than monthly - maybe thats also an option to look into? For example I pay 840AUD per year instead of around 120 per month

This is true in Canada as well paying yearly will usually save u 5% to 10%

Sorry, but insurance panda is crap. gave me the run around, turned into a scam (of sorts). Do not trust insurance panda

Speaking of insurance, you can easily save on Life insurance. I just cashed in a policy I was wasting a ton of money on for a term policy. This is what Suzey Orman and Dave Ramsey recommend anyway. I found mine online at Life Ant, for $15 a month I know my little girls are protected.

I just came across Digit, a new phone app which cleverly observes your cashflow patterns, and decides how much you can painlessly save. It starts out cautiously, transferring small sums from your bank account to a special Digit savings account. If this seems to be okay with you, it will gradually become bolder, and have you save a little more. You can move your money back from their account to yours any time you like. Everything is perfectly safe.

I do a paid for surveys site and I make around $400 a month. It won’t make you rich but it covers my electric and water bill lol. It’s really not hard.

what surveys do you do online?

what sites allow you to do paid surveys?

Can you share what survey sites u use? I've looked into it in the past and just ended up with a bunch of calls where they were trying to get my opinion for free. Thanks

johnusa0007 try swagbucks or mysurvey they are 2 i use and trust. my sister makes her washer payment every month with swagbucks :-)

I use InstaGC, Inbox Dollars, and Swagbucks. I make about $ 100 a month using all three. I only spend an hour on each site. They are kind of tricky to get used to, but after a while you'll get the hang of everything. You think you're only making cents, but those cents REALLY add up!

These are very promising advice's, especially on the credit card deal. That jacks you up if your not paying attention.

Great Post! Ebates is a nice idea now.

Sign up bonus $5 or $10 gift card.

And $75 for referring 3 friends to Ebates.

( First friend: $5 + $15 = $20
Second friend: $5 + $20 = $25
Third friend: $5 + $25 = $30 )

Most of the above info is great and a great place to start mining for savings. Find a credit union to do your banking. No fees with very few constraints.

If you can handle it get local broadcast with a few other channels from your cable company. It is their basic MANDATED rate structure that normally runs $20 a month or less.

Spend a few dollars to seal your house, townhouse and, yes, you apartment to lower your fuel bills. Swap out your high use light bulbs with CFL or LED bulbs.

I am African-American woman and most of us with relaxed (chemically straightened) go to the hair salon every week to get it washed and styled. For the last couple of months I have been washing it on my own. It takes longer but you get betterand faster with time and it saves me 200 plus per month!!!

Hey I just started a new blog called Easy Ways to Save and Make Money. Check it out!

ewsmm.blogspot.com

a dollar saved is worth more than a dollar earned, because you dont have to pay tax on it

But a dollar only saved and not invested will be subjected to inflation. You have to include it bro

As a hairstylist who took the time to read your article, I don't particularly appreciate the suggestion of having people cut their own hair. Firstly, aesthetically speaking, a good quality haircut is as good as a nice suit or dress for professional people and can really give your average person a huge confidence booster. Secondly, store bought hair color contains metallic dyes that damage hair faster and fade quicker. Why would you, as a writer of a money saving article, suggest taking business from a hardworking stylist or any businessperson for that matter? Anyway, I found the rest of the article very helpful. I took many notes. Thank you.

I think his more referred to cutting ones own hair *if* it works for them. Some of us keep a shaggier head of hair because it looks good and is easy for us to do, or many men simply have a crew-cut that can easily be done with clippers. A haircut that I quickly buzz for my boyfriend costs him $12 here in town, $10 in his folks' home town. My mother on the other hand, dyes her hair and has it styled, so she does spend the money. This list is a variety of things to consider trying, and there are still many people who will gladly pay for a real haircut, but many people are also paying $10+ for a 5 minute haircut. Most of these tips take money away from some people, as they are about saving money in one way or another.

Because he was writing the tip about cutting hair just so YOU would lose money. Only you. It was personal. Or maybe he's a low maintenance type of guy who can get away with trimming his hair over the sink. Most people aren't, and I don't think you'll have to worry about a loss of business from home barbers.

"I work at a restaurant/grocery store/department store/bank/credit card company/cable company/etc/etc/etc and I don't appreciate the author advising readers not to spend excessive amounts of money at my establishment/store/business."

Why not? There will always be people who want their hair cut professionally, You won't lose any business over articles like this...

Professional hair cutting it's a luxury and not a requirement. I am a business professional who cuts her own hair and it looks great and feels great! There are places to buy hair color without metallic dyes for regular Janes... I also cut my man's hair with shears! We LOVE saving the money and look great too!

The problem is: `Barbers` started calling themselves `Stylists`, and started charging 10 times more after their so called "promotion".

Yeah ummm, no. You shouldn't blame the stylists, blame the salon. The majority of the money paid to a salon never even makes its way into the hands of the person performing the service.

i am a licensed cosmetologist in the state of SC....I had to have 1500 hours of education....if I wanted to be a barber....I would have to go back to school for between 250 to 750 MORE hours....barbers are licensed to do everything a stylist can and MORE...therefor...increased price.

It's not like everyone HAS to get their hair cut at a salon. Some people just like cutting their own hair. Sure it's nice for someone to do all that stuff for you but some of us just don't have to money to do things like that. I'd rather have food in my house than my hair be perfectly styled thank you.

🖒 Super funny!!!! Ahahahha!!!! My mom is a stylist who obviously depends on clients coming in to have their hair done, but she wouldnt dream of telling someone they had to if they couldnt afford it. In fact, she makes concessions for them. Its why she is in debt to her eyeballs most likely so yeah, I agree. Food first. 😂

Megan you are a total idiot!

Megan is not an idiot, you're are the idiot for calling people names because you don't agree with them! Everyone is entitled to their opinion! We all have different ideas and name calling is not cool! Just sayin'

He was just offering advice and ideas for people to think of, it doesn't mean he meant any harm to you or anyone else. I actually know some people who would just let their hair grow out instead of cutting it themselves, then when it gets too long they just do a quick trim. Heck, if it saves people money and time for those who need it, then why not. StockHim

I cut my own hair not only because it saves time, money and hassle but I find hair stylist don't like to cut my hair the way I want it cut. I used to like my hair layered and cut to the neck length. Sometimes, usually, I would wait a year before getting my hair cut again. This would take the hair stylist an hour to layer my hair. I used to get my hair cut more frequently but have had bad experiences with hair stylists and I would pay $20 or so dollars just to have my hair cut. I am sure it costs even more than that now. When the stylist tried to steer me into just getting my hair cut one length I thought I could do that and began to cut my hair myself. I just put my hair in a pony tail and cut the hair off all in one shot. I leave enough hair for a pony tail if I choose to wear one. People complement my hair all the time and I tell them I cut my own hair. When hair stylists brag about cutting 20 people's hair in an hour it just tells me they don't care and they are just in it for the money. I know they would be jealous to make me better looking than I already am. I know people who cut hair and I got better grades than them in High School and could probably even get a better man than they have if I chose to. But I am not going to fight that fight. I am just going to ignore hair stylist and hope they go away. I am glad I don't have grey hair as I would have to dye my hair but probably would look better as a blonde. I used to perm my hair but quit fighting my hair and went for the naturally straight look since all the stylist want my hair one length and can't perm my hair either. So to make everyone's life simpler I cut my own hair. Have a nice job. I know you don't care about anyone but yourself.

I cut my kids hair and they look great. No need to waste money.

My ex mother in law took a hair dressing course in the 80's. It cost $6. She got herself some clippers and scissors, luckily had boys, and cut her husbands and sons hair. Over 30 years of cutting hair for 3 guys she must have saved a tonne of money!

Not every saving idea is for everyone. Keep an open mind.

I cut and dye my own hair. You do realise that you can purchase professional products without a license? I've done my whole family's hair for years with no complaints. 60 dollars for a single process dye job is ridiculous for lower income families. I can get everything to bleach and tone my hair for under 20 dollars and I love the way it turns out. Of course there will always be more wealthy people that can afford it, but some of us can't, and attacking us won't make it any better for your case. Sorry.

Of course you would object to losing money by having people realize that hair cuts and hair dye are not a necessity but a luxury. But the simple truth is that your line of work, unlike that of a farmer for example, is not essential or required for survival. When I see people (women) moaning about not having enough money, but they have styled hair with expensive highlights, as well as manicures and pedicures, I have no sympathy. When I buy something I ask myself how much of my life did I spend to earn the money to pay for this item---hair and nails never win when I look at it that way.

Cutting your own hair is very hard.

henna, girlfriend.

hair what? it doesnt even exist... cmon

Omg , I so agree with you! Don't mess with my hair, I get my hair done professionally and I buy salon products only! Sorry but when it comes to health and beauty and taking care of one's self..I will sacrifice somewhere else in my budget! Besides alot of times I get great deals on clearance items at my stylist and it's the best products for your hair! I did a cosmetology class many years ago, so I know what's good and bad for your hair! I know if someone uses Pantene crap it's builds wax in the hair! And if someone has to buy store crap the best to use is Suave, because it has a low level ph. So it's better for your hair! But I spoil myself ,I guess I use Paul Mitchell, or Matrix, and sometimes Aveda products, salon only! Your hair is also a first impression so folks keep it looking on point, and visit your stylist!

Agreed don't mess with my hair! That is why I have been salon free for a few years now. I HATED going to the salon as they also did what they wanted, not what I asked, and I hated myself for tipping for bad service. I buy my products at Sally's getting the sulfite free shampoo and good conditioner. Sometimes I just use apple cider vinegar after the shampoo and apply a misting of the argan oil after my dry my hair. I have my guy trim my ends every other month and he applies the henna for me. I get loads of compliments on my hair and I save over a THOUSAND a year. I work with the public, so I have to present a professional appearance, so I cannot afford to let the salon stylists experiment on my hair, no thank you, and my stylist gives me a great head, neck and shoulder massage as well as pouring me a glass of wine.

I think most people would agree that saving money is something “easier said than done”. Personally, I believe it’s a mind-set that needs to be developed by creating good money-saving habits.

Here are some things I’ve done to help change my spending habits:

- Cooking more at home ? Eating out is very expensive especially if you do it a couple times a week
- Shopping online ? You can find better deals than in the store and you save on gas (I recommend http://www.shoptivity.com)
- Paying the full balance on credit cards each month ? Interest charge is like giving away free money
- Don’t forget to pay yourself ? Set up an online savings account (they pay higher interest than a normal savings account)
- Setting a budget and goals ? It’s good to have your goals written down so you see them everyday and don’t lose focus on your ultimate objectives

Again, saving money requires a lot of patience and hard work. However, you’ll thank yourself later on in life. Good luck everyone!! =)

I've found that when you do eat out, order just water as the beverage. The way restaurants have been gouging on prices on tea/coffee/cola, you can probably save 20% on the meal by skipping the beverage.

for those of u buying cars this holiday season and need insurance for it, theres a promotion for free insurance from 4autoinsurancequote.
they are running a special now for two months of free coverage, no strings attached, and no cancellation fees. basically, u can cancel the coverage after two months so it ends up being just two free months of auto insurance (to my knowledge). i think most people probably keep the policy after the two months and thats how the company will make money. not me though, lol.. i'm cancelling it as soon as those two months are up!

Cheaper is not always better.. Cheapest hygiene products = loads of dangerous chemicals, most of which cause cancer and pollute the environment. Same goes for food. Organics usually cost more but they save you from GMOS, pesticides, antibiotics, growth hormones, preservatives, ect, ect.

Growth Hormones and preservatives aren't that bad. They're just something in them; nothing says they're bad for you, and if they are, it's in small doses because it's carried from a processing plant to you from a farm so far away that it would take too long to do all of the work yourself, and what not. Antibiotics can be replaced with essential oils, since the oils are from the plants themselves and have been shown to do the body so much good that it has replaced Aspirin for some people.
Genetically Modified Foods and Pesticides is why you get such fruitful produce at the store. It's the cheapest way to get food, and you can make a lot more out of produce and some seasonings than dealing with trying to buy Organic foods.
Don't spend money on organic stuff; keep yourself healthy, vary your diet, and live actively.

Set a weekly budget, then try to beat it. Put the extra money back for an emergency fund

These are some great ideas, I cancelled cable TV, got a Roku streaming video box an antenna, and an Ooma VOIP. Costs went from over $120 a month with the bundle to under $40 for internet only and phone taxes. I rarely eat out and when shopping avoid the junk foods as well as starting a small garden.
My boyfriend changes the oil in my car and while it seems to upset the "pros" here, he cuts my hair too. (Not right after he changes my oil, lol). He does a great job and I get compliments on my hair.