5 Top Ways To Save Money - part 2
1)How to save on car repairs
2)How to
save on home improvement
3)How to save on home heating and energy
4)How to save on phone service
5)How to save
on major appliances.
How to save on car repairs
Tips on How to Save on Car Repairs: The Car Owner’s Ultimate Guide Book
to Savings
Are you one of those few people who are having trouble in getting their
cars repaired and drain their finances as well? If you are, then it is high
time you start looking for ways to save on car repairs and save more in your
piggy bank.
Defective cars aren't even worthy to be sold without getting all the
necessary repairs. You can't even exchange it with another car without getting
it repaired.
You are left with no choice at all but to get it fixed. The only problem
is that without the appropriate guidelines you need in choosing the right
repairs, you can be spending more than what you can afford.
With the high prices going on in
the market today, no one can
really afford to
have their cars repaired in very expensive packages. So you have to think of
ways to save more on car repairs.
You can trim down on car repairs and save more cash on an ordinary basis
without opting to excessive ways. Here’s how you can save on car repairs:
1. Do your homework
One of the greatest problems most motorists encounter is that they spend
more on car repairs simply because they didn't choose the best mechanic or
repair service for their cars.
Through research, you can identify the right mechanic and the right shop.
2. Take note of the things that
need to be repaired
Before you go to your mechanic, it is best to have all the necessary
repairs listed on a piece of paper. In this way, you can tell your mechanic
right way the things that need to be repaired. This will prevent unnecessary
repairs or misunderstandings on the type of repairs that your car needs.
Unnecessary repairs will only add up to
your repair expenses.
3. Shop and compare
To get the best quotes on car repairs, try to shop around and compare
prices. In this way, you can evaluate and compare prices enabling you to find
the best quotes possible.
Never grab the first repair shop you find. By looking around, you can
still find better shops than what you have right now.
4. Try to make every
transaction in black and white
This means that before you commit yourself in a particular repair job, it is best to have the
estimate written on a piece of paper. Try to acquire a copy of your own. This
will prevent unnecessary accumulation of extra charges, which weren't included
on the first estimation.
Keep in mind that not all job repairs were created equal and not all
mechanics are honest. So it is best to protect yourself as always.
5. Acquire
your car’s old parts before you let the mechanic start the repair process
There are certain car parts that can still be rebuilt. So never let your
mechanic take the chance of acquiring these things. You can have them repaired
on some machine shops and cut back your expenses on the next repair.
6. Know your way around
If you don't know your way around car repairs, it is
best to ask someone (definitely not your mechanic) for some second opinions. In this way, you can decide which things
need greater considerations.
Besides, if you will just let your mechanic decide on your car’s repair
process, you might pay more than what you can imagine.
Better yet, read some easy-to-read manuals on car maintenance. In this
way, you will learn some important matters regarding car parts. This will
enable you to differentiate the important repairs from those that you can do by
yourself.
7. Ask for the warranty
Some repair shops offer warranties on the services that they make. Take
note of this so that you can be sure not to spend another hundred dollars for
the same repair in just a few days.
Furthermore, warranties can guarantee high quality repairs so you can be
sure that your car and your pocket are in good hands.
Indeed, car repairs can't be avoided. These are the things that you have
to learn to live with.
Finding good repair shops aren't that hard. Just try to remember these pointers and you will
surely spend less with car repairs.
Also, think about learning how to do the simple chores yourself. That’s
where those manuals may come in handy. With just a little bit of knowledge you
can handle minor maintenance like oil changes, tune-ups, changing windshield
wipers and other simple tasks.
Learning to do these yourself
will result in great savings!
How to save on home improvement
Cool Tips on How to Save on Home
Improvement
Have you ever thought of changing your room’s design? Do you think your
porch needs a little makeover? Then it is time for you to make some
improvements in your home and create a difference.
Home improvement can add sparkle to a dull wall color, a new shade to a
dreary interior design, or vigor to a lifeless porch. It simply pertains to the
method of refurbishing or repairing a home.
In most cases, an expert executes
home improvements.
However, with the
cost of commodities nowadays, plus the real service fees of “professional
handyman,” many people have opted to work on their home improvements through
their own initiative.
No wonder why the so-called “do-it-yourself” jobs have been pretty
popular. Through this process, homeowners can enjoy renovating their own homes
like professionals. There are shops that provide seminars or workshops
regarding their products and the way homeowners can operate them at home.
There are many types of home improvements. Each category can provide
optimum modernization to one’s home.
However, home improvement package prices may vary. It is best to identify
the right measures to save more on home improvements.
Here are some ways on how to cut back on your home improvement costs:
1. Do your research
Before you start on your home improvement project, it is best to do some extensive research. Try to
find out the current prices of home
improvement packages available on the market today. It is also best to identify
the different factors that can affect the conditions of each type of home improvements.
2. Scout for the best quotes
If you will be hiring a
professional, it is best to look for the best
price quotes on
home improvements. In this way, you will be able to anticipate the possible
rates and charges, which will enable you to prepare the required amount. Get
quotes from more than one tradesman.
3. Do the math
Before you start buying things that you need for your home improvement,
it is best to have everything estimated.
Should you decide to seek the services of a professional you will know
how much it will take you to improve your home. You can't easily be fooled by
anyone because you know exactly the cost of expenses.
Besides, having a rough estimate of your home improvement plans will
enable you to control your expenses. You can focus on the areas that need to be
prioritized. Once you have set a specific budget on it, you can now consider
the other areas without having to spend more than what you can afford.
4. Decide whether you can do it
yourself or you should hire a
professional
If you want to save more on your home improvements,
it is best to decide if you can do the project yourself or you really need to
hire a professional.
It is unwise to assume that you can do the job just
to trim down your expenses, where in fact, you don't have the slightest idea
how to start the job.
Insisting to do the job yourself will only end up in waste or
destruction. It is best to hire a professional if you really want to save on
your home improvement.
5. Ask for recommendations
Word of mouth is considered as one of the best advertising strategy in
marketing. It is also one of the best ways to ask for some help about the
things that you are not familiar with.
For example, if you don't have any idea about home improvements, it is
best to ask your friends, relatives, or even
colleagues about home
improvements.
They can give you some pointers about home improvements based on their
own experience. Tried and tested, their idea about home improvements can really
help you make a difference.
6. Find the best contractor
If you wish to save on home improvements through contractors, it is best
to hire the best. You can do this by checking on your
contractor’s
capabilities and certifications. In this way, you can be sure that the services
you pay are reliable and efficient.
Try to keep these things in mind to save on your home improvement
projects. Keep in mind that home improvements need not be expensive. You can
beautify your home without having to go overboard.
How to save on home heating and energy
How to Save on Home Heating
Energy: Superb Saving Ideas
To say that you can save on your home’s heating system and energy isn't
an understatement. Reduced bills on your electricity, maximized heating system,
and a whole lot of energy saving phenomenon are things you don't see everyday
but desire to obtain.
Everybody longs to reduce his or her expenses on energy and heating
systems. People don't work just to pay the utility bills alone.
The greatest reason for this dilemma is the on-going increase of energy
consumption charges. Everything seems to have high prices nowadays. It is best
to trim down the other expenses in which you have control of, such as energy
consumption.
One of the best examples of energy use are home heating systems. However,
heaters can eat up bigger portions in your electricity bill. In fact,
statistical reports prove that heaters are one of the largest energy consumers
in every home, that is, more than half of the consumption rate in a given year.
For this reason, it is imperative to think of ways to save on heating
systems so as to save on energy consumption as well. As you save on these
items, you get more value for your money.
But how? Things are, most of the time, easier said than done. So if you
think that it is easy to maximize your heaters and save more on energy, think again.
To help you, here is a list of some energy saving tips that will help you
cut back on your furnaces’ energy consumption.
1. Use solar energy
Natural is always the best. To save more on energy, it is best to use
solar energy when using water heaters in your home’s heating system. In this
way, you trap natural heat coming from the sun. You will consume less energy.
With the solar energy utilized in your home’s heating system, you can
start heating your water for showers or revolutionize your home’s heating
system and still reduce your electricity bill.
2. Inspect your home
To maximize your home’s heating
system, it is best to inspect
your house for
any leakage. Leaks will let the heat seep out from your home, thus, absorbing
cold from the outside. Most of the areas that leakage starts to develop are in
the windows, doors, and fireplaces.
Once identified, it is best to take some proper actions as soon as
possible so as to cut back any unnecessary costs on energy.
3. Use heaters on frequently
used rooms only
To save more energy, only use heaters on areas that are frequently
visited and used by your household. For rooms that are not being used, try to
turn off the thermostat or close the windows to utilize natural heat.
Close the vents to the rooms that
you are not using.
By doing so, you can cut back your energy consumption through your
furnace by as much as 50%.
4. Insulate
One of the biggest secrets in
maximizing your home’s heating
system is
insulation. A properly and well insulated home can guarantee a comfortable home
without using too much energy. Thus, you can save more money by cutting back
your energy consumption.
It is best to use some insulating devices on your roof, windows, and
other areas that need padding. This will block the heat in and keep it from
escaping the house.
5. Get a good heating system
Of course, you can never guarantee lower energy bill if not for an
efficient heating system. A defective heating system can use twice as much
energy as one that is functioning properly. The tendency is to use more force
just to boost more heat, and the more force the heating device use, the more
energy it will consume.
Besides, defective products would require frequent visits to repair shops
and that would be additional expenses for you.
All of these things can help you maximize your heating system and save
more energy. In this way, you can save more money and use it on other things
that need prioritization.
Depending on where you live, consider switching from electric to gas or
vice versa. Electricity is less costly in some areas while in other areas gas
is the better choice. Do your research for the area you live in and determine
which better meets your needs.
How to save on phone service
How to Save on Phone Service
Since its inception, long distance calls have created a niche in the
telecommunications industry in the United States. In fact, reports from the
Federal Communications Commission have attested that more than 1.75% of
consumers’ general expenses are attributed to phone services such as long
distance calls.
No wonder why many Americans are squanderers when it comes to phone
services. In 1992, reports show that the average amount that the Americans
spend on long distance calls amount to $10.3 billion.
Now, the question lies on whether
these expenses are
maintained and
paid by the phone companies’ subscribers. Come to think of it, the utilization
of phone services has increased to a level where consumers can no longer pay
their dues.
What happens next is that some phone companies were required to make some
cutbacks on their operating expenses.
But to some, cutbacks aren't the ultimate solution. Most of the phone
companies have come up with revolutionary added features that are more
functional and multidimensional. These items seek to entice people to subscribe
to phone services once more and gain back the popularity that the phone
companies used to have.
With these phone companies have created different choices for long
distance calls. Each feature is designed to suit the needs of every customer or
subscriber.
The usual phone service options are the bundled, traditional, VoIP,
wireless, and calling cards. Each service has its own pros and cons, but all of
them were catered to provide optimum phone services to their subscribers.
Sounds good enough? Think again.
With the high prices of commodities nowadays, it pays a lot to save on
your phone services and earn that extra money you will need in the near future.
But how?
First, keep in mind that not all phone services were created equal. And
even if they may vary according to their rates and charges, consumers can find ways on how to save on phone
services, regardless of their classification and the type of service that they
provide.
Here are some few good tips:
1. Select a good plan
To save more on your phone services, it is best to choose a good plan
first. You can do this by checking on the phone companies available on the
market today. Compare their rates and choose the best plan.
However, experts say that it would be better if you choose from the three
leading phone companies in the industry. Statistical reports show that you can
save by as much as 50% or more as compared to other phone companies.
2. Identify your “calling pattern”
Try to identify your calling
pattern based on the latest three bills.
Analyze the
flow of calls and pinpoint those that create particular patterns.
Once you have identified them, you can easily detect which areas you call
frequently, at what time, and for how long.
So if you have clearly identified your calling pattern,” it will be
easier for you to save more on your bills.
3. Flexibility
Choose a phone service that gives you the flexibility to adapt to your
needs. This will guarantee optimum communication service
because you can
alter or modify any feature that will correspond to your needs.
For example, if you have been previously subscribed to a post- paid long
distance phone service and you wish to convert your phone service into prepaid,
it is best to choose a long distance carrier that will allow you to do such
thing without the extra charges.
In this way, you can save on the service fees (for the conversion) as
well as on the long distance charges. With prepaid, you can now control your long distance activities.
4. Be wary on the promotions
Not all freebies and promotions can be good for you. There are some
promotions that may only lure to try a particular phone service, only to find
out that you get double charges in return after the promotion is over.
With this, you not only passed the chance of saving more money on your
phone services, but you also missed the chance to enjoy real savings without
having to spend more than what you can afford.
Indeed, saving on phone services can trim down your expenses in a month.
It is best to remember these pointers very well as they may come in handy
sometime in the future.
How to save on major appliances
Your Guide to Saving on Major
Appliances
Saving is one of the most important things to consider in budgeting.
Whether you are a parent of two or three or a student or an independent
planning to move to a different place, saving should always be put as a number
one priority.
For example, moving into a new area requires basic household appliances
such as fridge, washing machine, stove, and heater.
Normally, these
appliances would cost you thousands of dollars if one would not consider some
of the cost-effective tips in buying major appliances.
With that being said, below are
just some of the cost-effective
and saving tips in purchasing new
appliances for your new abode.
a.
Evaluate your Wants and Needs. Appliances will always be part of our daily lives but with a
starter, one would have to evaluate and think about the most important
household appliances to buy.
First, think about the things that you should need when moving to a new
house. Would you prefer buying a fridge in favor of a new sofa or a convenient
ice-making machine against a reasonable fridge?
While these add-ons are important, this should also require a lot of
thinking in order to keep all those that are important and set aside those that
will provide luxury. Worth mentioning is the amount of electricity that one has
to consume when using these add-on products.
b.
Size – accommodating your newly purchased electrical
appliances can be fun if you have enough or available space. It isn't wise to
purchase a huge refrigerator when you only have few square inches of space
available for your immediate kitchen needs.
For families, parents should also take into consideration the type of
appliances, which will be able to supply all the needs for the family.
A 5.0-kilogram
washer would definitely not suffice in a family of 5. In such cases, one would
have to consider purchasing those that are of heavy-duty type of major
appliances.
You will save more on buying in bulk than for one that won't accommodate
most of the clothing used for a week by a single person alone.
c.
Consult with Comparison Shops. The 1999 Consumer
Literacy Consortium report provides enough reason for consumers to compare price around before they do
the actual purchasing on major
appliances.
Basically, for people who are determined to make the
purchase, they would usually shop on a single appliance center and don't bother
to shop around and compare prices at nearby stores.
The consumer report provided information about the benefits of comparing
prices on the market before doing the actual buying and the importance of
shopping online for auctions and sales.
More often than not, leveraging on secondhand appliances is better than
procuring a new one specially when one would look into similar features and
durability standard. This intelligent buying will
save you hundreds
of dollars as expected and allot savings to other home stuffs that in turn
provides additional luxury in your part.
d.
Annual Buying Guide – Local libraries today keep some
records of buying guides and ratings and prices on some of the major appliances
nationwide. These buying guides and consumer literacy reports provide exclusive
and substantial information on performance (durability), price, and quality
among other things.
The report also maintains a database where you can
compare prices from coast to coast and details on handling and packaging of
merchandises should one would interest on buying them.
e.
Where to Buy – Sometimes, it isn't about the name of the merchandiser that matters when
filling your home with major
appliances.
It’s about how you would search the local market and the net to find shopping
exclusives and sales of appliance items whose features and performance match
specifically to the needs and wants of your family.
These buying techniques won't
only free you on your budget but
provide you additional leverage on
saving for future appliance needs.
f.
Negotiate – In almost every part of the selling
process, negotiation takes place when you would interest on purchasing the item
after making a careful review of its features. Getting the best bet lies in your ability to making compromises.
Most stores would drop prices when needed and when the customer asks for
it and when one is purchasing refurbished items.
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