Money-Saving Tips From Around the Web
Times are tough, and that means paying a lot more attention to expenses for many people. Whether you’re married, a single parent, or just plain single, finding ways to cut costs is a key part of careful money management. This evening’s article explores cost-cutting tips from around the Web, with an emphasis on sites that focus on long-term saving and responsible spending.
Federal Citizen Information Center – Known to many as “the Pueblo site,” this informative resource hosts a page containing sixty-six ways to save money. With tips on topics like transportation, housing, insurance, banking, and credit, this GSA-sponsored resource site is chock full of good information.
ClarkHoward.com – The nation’s #1 consumer advocate operates a site aimed at helping people “Save More, Spend Less, and Avoid Rip-Offs.” True to this mission statement, Clark has been helping consumers improve their spending habits and recover from scam artists for twenty years. As a nationally syndicated talk show host and well-respected author, Clark has built a sterling reputation for fighting bad financial habits and putting crooks behind bars.
Dumb Little Man – Tips For Life – Part of a site that focuses on improving everyday living, the linked article contains a lot of really good, common sense advice for saving money. Ideas like brown bag lunches, planning shopping with lists, and buying generic products won’t save hundreds up front, but can result in thousands saved over the course of a year.
The Simple Dollar – This site focuses on helping those fighting with debt and money management issues. Tips include switching to banks that don’t charge onerous fees, turning off the TV (there’s a few reason’s behind this), and waiting thirty days before making a major purchase. There’s a lot of other great tips on this site; you could probably save a bunch by applying just a tenth of the suggestions.
The Dough Roller – This article on “Painless Money-Saving Tips” offers ideas like consolidating your cable/TV/Internet services, buying a refurbished computer instead of a new one, requesting a reduction in credit card interest, and more. Written in an appealing, engaging style, this article contains ideas I haven’t seen anywhere else.
Calacanis.com – How to Save Money Running a Startup – If you’re involved in a startup business, you’re keenly aware of the need to keep expenses down. Why not add a few more tricks to your repertoire? Ideas include buying cheap tables and expensive chairs (ergonomics), skipping a phone system purchase, only putting MS Office on shared computers and using Google Docs (I personally prefer OpenOffice), along with a slew of other ideas. Some are fairly controversial, but as always, take what you can use and leave the rest.
Kiplinger.com – Save Money on Everything – This article is really a set of links to other articles and resources, much like the one you’re reading now. Still, there’s a lot of good advice that’s free for the taking if you can invest an hour or so going through the various links.
About.com – Save Money on Groceries – Of special importance to those who are buying food to feed a whole family, this About.com article recommends planning meals, scouting out deals before shopping, trying out store brands, and much more. It’s well worth the read for anyone trying to fill the fridge on a budget.
If you’ve got cost-cutting tips of your own, please feel free to leave a comment below. I look forward to hearing about the steps our visitors are taking toward a better financial future.
