Money-saving tips plentiful, small changes add up
By Susan Salisbury, The Palm Beach Post, Fla. | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
Then there's the old standby tip. Put aside your loose change from your wallet or pocket every day. At the rate of
To see all 99 ways to save, go to aarp.org/money/budgeting-saving/aarp_save_money/
Even if you've heard them before, it's good to be reminded how little effort some saving tips take.
Home improvement expert
--Unplug it! "Vampire" electronics consume power even when turned off. A typical household can save
--Install a low-flow showerhead. You won't even notice the difference, Vila says, because a low-flow fixture reduces the volume of water, but does not affect the water pressure.
Yahoo Tech founder
--Learn when new gadgets come out, so you don't buy something just before it's made obsolete. In general, a new iPhone model debuts each September, and a new iPad every November. New cameras come out in February and October, and everything else is timed for the holidays.
--Consider a prepaid cell phone. You pay before you make calls, instead of after you've made them.
--Talk to far-away family members using an app like
--Shop around for insurance. Auto insurers have a tactic called "price optimization." They raise premiums based not on your risk factor, but on how much of an increase they believe you will accept. When it's time to renew, ask your current insurer to do better.
--You can get your credit score for free at creditkarma.com, and credit.com.
--At what age should you start collecting
Tips from
--Switch to generic drugs. The price is usually lower, as well as the copay.
--Don't smoke. Cigarette smokers pay more for insurance and require more medications and doctors visits. Cigarette smoking costs
--Ask about independent facilities for radiologic tests. Having an MRI at a hospital costs an average of
--Take advantage of wellness benefits. Many employers offer incentives for participation in exercise and other health programs.
--Take your medications regularly. Many costly hospital visits are for conditions (like asthma or high blood pressure) that were managed well with medications until they worsened when the patients skipped doses.
Tips from
--For cheaper flights, look to the earliest and latest flights of the day.
--For weekend travel, stay in a business hotel. The road warriors are gone and so are the high prices. These hotels will be in the business district -- which isn't always the most vibrant part of town -- but that's a small trade-off if you're getting a good deal.
--Avoid conventions. Cities such as
--Head to ski resorts in the summer and beach locations in late August or early September.
--If hotel rates seem sky-high, there are often cheaper, legitimate alternatives. Consider finding a room at sites like homeaway.com and airbnb.com; you'll pay less and feel like a local.
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(c)2014 The Palm Beach Post (West Palm Beach, Fla.)
Visit The Palm Beach Post (West Palm Beach, Fla.) at www.palmbeachpost.com
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