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  • How To Save On Car Repairs: Auto Repair Costs Can Be Controlled

    By John

    Your car is always going to break down or be involved in an accident at the most inconvenient moment — on your way to catch a flight, or on vacation with your family far from home, in the middle of a torrential rainstorm, in the middle of nowhere, and probably in the middle of the night.

    Getting it fixed is going to be a hassle as well as a blow to your wallet as not only is it not included in your budget, but emergency repairs always cost more than ‘normal’ ones and there are all the other incidental costs to bear as well — alternative transport, maybe re-scheduling your flight, perhaps an extra night in a hotel.

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    You can never guarantee that your car won’t break down but you can reduce the likelihood and save a considerable amount of money if it does happen, at the same time reducing the overall costs of your car ownership.

    The best ways to save money on car repairs consist of actions you should take before a breakdown occurs – and that means now – and those you can take after a breakdown or accident.

    How To Save On Car Repairs: Auto Repair Costs Can Be Controlled

    What you can do now

    1. Moderate your driving habits to avoid putting undue stress on your car’s components. This includes not overloading it, avoiding violent braking, acceleration and cornering maneuvers, and over-revving the engine. You should follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on things like tire pressures, battery care, load limits and driving tips.
    2. Practice preventive maintenance by keeping your car clean (the working bits, that is, not so much the bodywork), and having it regularly serviced.
    3. Join a motoring association such as the AAA. They can help you to save money if you need to have your car repaired, and offer innumerable other benefits as well, such as discounted hotel prices, insurance and more.
    4. Find an auto supply store that also carries out checks on basic components such as tires, battery, alternator, starter. Such stores are often cheaper than a garage. Some will carry out simple repairs or offer you the equipment to do them yourself.
    5. Find a garage or mechanic you trust. Shop around, get referrals from your friends.
    6. Learn more about your car by reading the manual and helpful websites. You should pick up some useful advice that enables you to save money by doing simple maintenance work yourself instead of having the garage do it. You could consider buying your own code reader for about $100 which will diagnose your car’s health and enable you to identify any problems that need to be fixed. This will save the garage time, and save you money.

    How To Save On Car Repairs: Auto Repair Costs Can Be Controlled

    What you can do after the breakdown or accident

    1. Research the likely costs of having your car repaired; several websites give comprehensive guidance. There is even a smartphone app with this function. The knowledge will help when you discuss the repair with your garage and enable you to spot any attempt to overcharge or carry out unnecessary work.
    2. Shop around until you find a garage or repair shop that will do the work at the recommended rate.
    3. Buy your own spare parts. Search the web for spare parts stores and buy the parts yourself. This will save money as you are in effect cutting out the middleman (the garage).

    We hope you liked our article How To Save On Car Repairs: Auto Repair Costs Can Be Controlled

    Click here to compare multiple offers and save hundreds of dollars on credit cards, cell phones, long distance, Internet, and more. Free comparison tools and reviews.

  • Shopping Smart: How To Save Money Shopping

    By John

    Shopping smart is a pleasure for some, and a necessary chore for others. However you view it, you almost certainly wish you didn’t have to spend so much on items you have to buy, or that you could make your money go a little further – which is really saying the same thing. You will save money shopping if you go about it the right way (this article focuses on how to save money shopping). It requires a methodical approach, however, a little preparatory work, and discipline will go a long way.

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    List it

    A list is essential for smart shopping. Make a list of the items you need — need, note, not want when it comes to shopping smart. A good starting point for making a list is to look at your past receipts and note the items you bought before that were necessary and actually used, and leave out those that were either unnecessary or impulse purchases. If you have not been in the habit of keeping receipts, now is a good time to start. Remember, shopping smart needs preliminary preparation before you go about shopping.

    Research it

    You can save yourself a lot of time and money by comparison-shopping on the ground if you do some online research before you leave home. You can check individual stores’ websites and there are other websites (such as DontSpendMore.com) that help you find bargains. There are also smartphone apps that will do the same thing, and in addition locate coupons for you. Coupon-clipping or printing may not be for everyone, but there is no doubt that they can save you a considerable amount of money on individual items, as long as those items are things you actually need. No matter how cheap an article is, if you don’t need it then it’s not a bargain at all for you, but a waste of money. The same thing goes for Black Friday — great deals to be had but beware of the temptation of buying something you don’t need, especially if you want to save money shopping.

    Remember, dollar shops prices for small generic items are usually excellent value and will help save more money while you shop.

    You should certainly apply for discount or loyalty cards from the stores you use regularly.

    Apart from food items, which are cheaper in-season, some items are cheaper off-season, such as swimsuits in the winter, and snowgear in the summer.

    Hitting the ground

    Now you have your list of the things you intend to buy and a pretty good idea of where to buy them. Remember that once you set foot inside the store you are facing a sophisticated marketing machine that is determined to tempt or persuade you into buying more than you had planned, or more expensive things than you need. This is where the need for discipline kicks in. It also helps if you don’t carry much more cash on you than you think is reasonable for the purchases you intend to make.

    Depending on the nature of the item, buying big or in bulk is often the way to go. Remember however, to compare not the package price but the unit cost. Buying for stock if there’s a good deal going or sale on will also help you to save money in the long run.

    A final word on that rather costly item you are tempted to buy — but are not exactly sure if you need it or just want it. If in doubt, leave the store and give yourself a day to think it over before making up your mind.

    We hope you liked our article Shopping Smart: How To Save Money Shopping

    Click here to compare multiple offers and save hundreds of dollars on credit cards, cell phones, phone plans, Internet access, and more. Free shopping comparison tools and resources. Some offers provide reviews as well.

  • Save Electricity: Top Three Strategies To Save Electric Energy And Cut Your Bill

    By John

    Most of us are concerned at the size of our utilities bill, and the amount we have to pay for electricity, and would love to pay less. Readers often ask us questions such as “Do dimmer switches save electricity?” or “How do you save money on electricity?” The truth is that simple steps and precautions can save electricity — lots of it.

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    You can very easily cut the size of your electricity bill considerably using any or all of these strategies:

    • Investing in new appliances that are more economical with electric energy
    • Making more efficient use of the energy your household consumes
    • Adopting economical habits

    Spend to save electricity

    The top energy-guzzlers in most homes are heating, cooling and lighting. Technological advances produce increasingly efficient appliances which will recoup the cost of their purchase in a few years or less through the savings in your electricity bill.

    For instance, central heating is comfortable and convenient — and expensive too. Do you really need heating in rooms you seldom use? A space heater may set you back $100 but will have paid for itself within a matter of months. You only need enough space heaters for areas that actually need to be heated. Do the math and you can see the enormous savings that can be achieved.

    Central air-conditioning is a similar case. In some parts of the country air-conditioning can account for more than 50% of the summer electricity bill. Again, you should ask yourself the same question: Do you really need the whole house to be uniformly cooled? On the same energy used by a central air-conditioning system you could run up to seven small window units or four medium units, and have the flexibility to control when and which rooms are cooled.

    Lighting is the third-biggest energy user. You can cut the amount you spend on lighting by nearly 75% right now by exchanging your old incandescent light bulbs for new Compact Fluorescent Lamps costing maybe $2 to $3 each.

    New models of other appliances you use at home will reward you with savings — refrigerator, washing machine (a front-loader is more economical than a top-loader, and uses only one-third of the water), dishwasher, water heater. You should look for Energy Star-rated appliances if available.

     

    Make it more efficient

    Staying with the top energy-guzzlers, you can achieve significant electric energy savings by reducing leakage. Doors, windows and other cracks should be sealed — an HVAC inspection will help to identify where leakage is occurring. You should certainly consider insulating your roof if it is not already done. Your water heater and the first few feet of piping should be insulated. Appliances should be regularly cleaned to ensure they operate at their optimum efficiency — condenser coils, filters wherever fitted, in the pool pump and washing machine for instance.

    Change your habits — be economical

    There are numerous ways to cut back on wasteful use of electric energy and save electricity and money on your electricity bill. They do require conscientious effort in order to become routine. Here are the Top Ten:

    1. Turn off lights when you leave a room.
    2. Turn off equipment when not using it, don’t leave it on standby.
    3. Unplug all equipment or use power strips when going away, as items like cellphone chargers and microwaves may still consume electricity when switched off.
    4. Use thermostats to control heating and cooling when you are away from home, and time switches or motion sensors to control outdoor lighting.
    5. Decide what you want from the refrigerator before opening the door.
    6. Cool hot food before putting it in the refrigerator.
    7. 7.      Defrost food before cooking.
    8. Put full loads in the dishwasher and washing machine.
    9. Use cold water for laundry when possible — 90% of the power used by a washing machine goes just to heat the water!
    10. Line-dry your laundry whenever possible.

    Click here to compare multiple offers and save hundreds of dollars on credit cards, cell phones, phone plans, and more at DontSpendMore.com

  • What To Look For In US Cellular Plans: A Guide For US Mobile Phone Users

    By Susan

    US* cellular plans come in all shapes and sizes, so making a decision may seem like a daunting task, especially since all providers seem to be offering the best deals right now. With this guide for US mobile phone users, you will learn about the most important “must haves” of cellular plans when selecting your mobile plan.

    Click here to compare the best cellular plans in the US and save hundreds every year. Some plans include a free phone as well.

    Pre-paid plans

    If you are the kind of person that does not like feeling tied down, you will find that pre-paid plans work best for you. You will have to pay higher rates for your minutes than what you would normally have to pay on post-paid plans, but you will pay all the cash up-front and not have to worry about not being able to pay your mobile phone bill at the end of the month. US mobile phone users can use this up-front method of paying for their calls to make sure that they only pay for the calls they make.

    Post-paid plans

    These are US cellular plans that work best for those that do not want to charge their credit each time they run out of minutes. With these plans, mobile phone users can talk on the phone for as much as they want, and they are charged at the end of the month, when the carriers send out the bills.

    This method can be interpreted like a credit line, offered for users, to talk on the phone as the need arises, and charge them only after a month for their calls. A standard plan cost is usually applied, and extra calls are charged accordingly.

    Cap plans

    A guide for US mobile phone users would be incomplete without cap plans. These plans are not actually capped at a certain amount of minutes or calls. What they do is to offer a number of minutes each month for a much more convenient price than what paying for each minute would amount to, and charging extra only for the minutes used that go over what is being offered.

    Many US cellular plans are cap plans, with plenty of minutes and other features included, and they are generally preferred by users.

    How to choose a cap plan

    Cap plans also come in various forms, and knowing how to choose the one that suits your needs and preferences best is important.

    For instance, going for a lower priced cap plan also means that you will pay slightly higher prices per minute on the phone. Since you will be charged extra for any minutes exceeding the original plan, you need to do the math and see if it is worth upgrading your cap plan to the next level, in order to cover all your phone talking needs and pay a cheaper price.

    Certain US cellular plans also include free phones, as an incentive for more people to join. Depending on your needs and preferences, a guide for US mobile phone users should point a plan that can satisfy all your talking needs and provide you with useful extra features, so that your money is put to good use.

    Click here to compare the best cellular plans in the US and save hundreds every year. Some plans include a free phone as well.

    *US = United States

  • How To Cut Cell Phone Costs With Mobile Plans For Family Members

    By Susan

    Paying for individual cell phone plans for each member of your family can lead to a serious dent in your monthly budget. Instead of paying for every family member’s individual bills, how about unifying them under just one single, cheaper bill? Mobile plans for family members are your savior, as they offer great features and a reduced cost when gathering the entire family under the same umbrella for mobile phone services. Here are the most important features to look for in such plans.

    Click here to compare the best mobile plans for family members and save hundreds every year. Some plans include a free cell phone as well.

    Unlimited calls from mobile to mobile

    You will need to be able to talk to people other than your own family using the same plan, so you do not have to pay extra on a different phone with a different plan. The best mobile plans for family members available on the market include unlimited mobile to mobile calling, which means that you can talk to people outside your family without losing minutes from your plan.

    Unlimited night calling

    Another great feature to find in mobile plans for families is unlimited night calling. Usually, the duration for unlimited talking starts at 9 p.m. and ends at 6 a.m. (both hours calculated for the local time), and weekends are also included as a bonus. Again, this feature does not affect the pool of minutes you have at your disposal for talking to your family.

    Free minutes pool for family members

    This is, of course, the essence of a mobile plan for family members. When you start comparing various plans for families, take into account how many minutes are included for the unified bill you will have to pay. Calculating the price per minute you actually pay, based on the standard bill will give you a clear idea as to which plan is best.

    Also, you should compare plans by taking into consideration how many family members you can include with the plan. A maximum number of five phones on the same plan is usually allowed.

    Rollover plan

    Chances are that your family members will not be able to consume all the free minutes included in the mobile family plan, which may make you feel like you are wasting some of the minutes. However there are mobile plans on the market that come with a rollover feature, that allow you to transfer the free minutes left unconsumed from one month to another. This can be particularly handy during holidays and celebrations, when your family may talk on the phone more than usual.

    Free phones

    Last, but not least, the best mobile plans for family members are those that come in the same package with free phones. Different companies offer different phones for free, so depending on the preference you or your family members may have, you can choose a carrier that provides the brand you like.

    Mobile plans for family members can save you a great deal of money. If they also provide free cell phones, unlimited calling at night and weekends, as well as unlimited mobile to mobile calling, all at a decent price, you will get a very nice deal.

    Click here to compare the best mobile plans for family members and save hundreds every year. Some plans include a free cell phone as well.

  • Can I Pay My Credit Card Bill At The Bank

    By Tanya

    Paying bills in the safest and easiest way possible is something that is on our minds very often. This is especially true of credit card bills. You want them paid on time but you also want to ensure the safety of your personal information. Years ago the only way to make payments was through the United States Postal System. Nowadays there are several ways, including snail mail, online banking, over the phone and in person. Of all of these options, the question that most people have is “can I pay my credit card bill at the bank?”

    Click here to compare 0% APR and low APR credit card offers. Free tools allow you to compare the best credit cards.

    Depending on whether your banking institution offers credit cards, you should be able to make your payments at the bank. Most of the larger banks do offer their own credit cards. If they do, then they will take the payments at your local branch. This is the most convenient way for those who live close enough to a branch that they do not have to go out of their way to get too. However, if you live in an area that does not have the cards particular branch it may be better to make your payments online or mail the payment to the main branch.

    If your credit card company is not connected with a specific bank, you can still make payments through your bank as long as your bank has a bill pay system in place, which most do. Bill payment systems through financial institutions are supported by the internet. This is what is more commonly known as online bill pay. With this system you can input your bills to your online bank account so that it they will be automatically withdrawn on the date you specify. This is a good option for those who are certain when the money will be in their account. If the money is not in your account when the withdrawal is initiated then there will be extra fees attached to your account for insufficient funds.

    For those who do not feel comfortable with automatic drafts through their banking account, and those who do not have a branch connected to their credit card nearby, another option is making your credit card payment directly though the credit card website. This is generally the quickest way to make credit card payments. This is the best way overall because it is faster and most convenient for the majority of people.

    No matter how you choose to pay your credit card bill the key is to remember to get it in on time. If you are using mail then you will have to mail it out in enough time for it to arrive by the due date. If paying though the bank you will have to make sure that it will post on time for the due date. If you are making one time payments then it is a good idea to set your cell phone calendar to remind you to pay, or if the company has a reminder system, sign up for it.

    Click here to compare 0% APR and low APR credit card offers. Free tools allow you to compare the best credit cards.

  • Credit Card Pay Offs: Five Ways Not To Handle Them

    By Tanya

    Credit cards pay offs are something that we all dream of. The more debt piles up, the more stressed out and overwhelmed that we get. Sometimes it gets to the point where we are willing to do anything to rid ourselves of credit card debt and this can become a real problem. There are several ways to pay get of credit card debt but not all of them are smart. Most of us know how to pay off our debt the right way, but there are those who will do whatever seems fastest at the time. Below you will learn five ways not to handle your credit card pay offs.

    Click here to compare credit card offers, including balance transfer credit cards that offer 0% APR and up to 5% cashback. Transfer your balances to lower APR credit cards.

    Your Retirement Savings

    Even though you can use your retirement savings, you should avoid doing so at all costs. It is called retirement savings for a reason. In the short term it may not seem like such a big deal; especially when you are still young. However, when you reach retirement age you will find yourself wanting to go back in time to avoid making the choice to use it for paying your debt. Another thing to consider is that when you take from your retirement plan you will suffer a 10% penalty fee and this can end up being more costly than the interest on your credit card.

    Payday Loans

    Payday loans may seem like a very convenient way to pay off outstanding debt with ease, but what they really are is loans with extremely high interest that you have to pay back faster than you do your credit card bills. When you take a loan like this, you will pay more than what you actually owed on your credit card once the interest and other fees are added up with the original loan amount.

    Home Equity

    Borrowing against your home may seem like an attractive option when your mortgage rate is low and the interest on it is tax deductible. But by doing this you are simply paying off one type of debt (your credit card) with another type (your mortgage).

    Balance Transfers

    Credit card companies rope many people into doing balance transfers. While it can be a good way to pay debt off, especially when the new card offers no interest for a specific amount of time, the new card is a major temptation and many people will end up doing more unnecessary spending on it which will build up more debt.

    Borrowing Money From Others

    This is usually a bad idea no matter what the money is for. The main target for borrowing is family members which makes it a doubly bad idea. The main issue is usually not paying back the person on time or at all because they are family. This can cause strained relationships that would have otherwise been just fine.

    Overall, there is no way that will magically get you out of credit card debt, but the best laid plans are those involving budgeting, spending management or consolidation.

    Click here to compare credit card offers, including balance transfer credit cards that offer 0% APR and up to 5% cashback. Transfer your balances to lower APR credit cards.

  • How To Pay For A Credit The Smart Way

    By Tanya

    Paying for credit cards can be quite the hassle if you do not know how to do it correctly. You may be thinking that how is there a correct or incorrect way to pay for a credit card? Don’t you simply just make the payments and be done with it? While this is true, simply making monthly payments of the minimum balance will get you only one place; deeper in debt for a longer period of time. The answer is not to have a credit card because in today’s society they are nearly indispensable. However, there are smart ways to pay for your credit card that will not leave you paying a huge amount of interest until the entire bill is done away with. Below you will find two common situations that credit card holder find themselves in and how to deal with them. So, here’s how to pay for a credit card with situation one.

    Click here to compare multiple credit card offers, including 0%, 5% cashback offers from top companies.

    Situation One: You have the money

    Here’s the obvious. If you make a good amount of money and have enough in your bank account(s), you can repay one or all of your credit card bills quite easily. The smart way to do so is to properly figure out what your total outstanding balance is. Once you do this you can contact your credit card companies and make the payments required to pay them off. Once you do this you should give it a couple of days and check your credit report to ensure that it has been marked “paid in full”. Anything can happen so you want to make sure that your report has been properly updated. If not, you should contact the credit card company and/or the credit reporting agency. Now we will take a look at how to pay for a credit card if you are short on money.

    Situation Two: You don’t have the money

    If you are short on money there are a few ways to go. One is to go it alone and the other is to ask for professional assistance. We will first take a look at going it alone. First of all, make a budget. See what money goes in and what needs to go out. If there is an excess coming in, allocate some of that to go towards your credit card bills. Either way you should focus your energy more on saving then you do spending. Knowing your budget, you can make two payments per month if you see that is possible. You can also call and negotiate a lower interest rate so that it is easier to pay off.

    For those who feel that they need professional assistance, you can contact a credit counselor or a professional consulting company. The company is usually the most popular choice. They get in touch with your creditors themselves and work out a plan that is more affordable for you and your once a month payment will cover all of your credit card debt. The consolidation company becomes your buffer between you and your creditors.

    If you go with one of the above choices, it is likely that you can unload your debt without resorting to dire means.

    Click here to compare multiple credit card offers, including 0%, 5% cashback offers from top companies.

  • Everything You Need to Know About No Contract Cell Phones (Prepaid Phones)

    By Susan

    No contract cell phones are popular in today’s society. With these phones, you are able to enjoy several features of a contract cell phone without the hassle of a monthly bill. These cell phones are generally more expensive than contract phones. The reason for this being is because these phones are not on a contract and the services that are provided to you will be on a day-to-day basis.

    Click here to compare no contract cell phones (prepaid phones), including plans that offer free phones

    Terms and conditions

    The terms and conditions of prepaid phones are a little different from contract phones. Since prepaid phones offer a little more freedom with payment options and coverage plans, there are a few factors that you will want to keep in mind. If the primary person who will be using the phone is thirteen years of age or younger, some prepaid wireless providers require the parent or guardian to sign for the phone and service. You will need to make sure that you keep up with the terms and conditions, as they can change at a moment’s notice.

    Features

    Many people are fond of prepaid phones because of the flexibility that is available with payment and rates.  Many prepaid phones have some of the same features that a contract phone does. The only difference here is that the rate plans that are available will be a lot cheaper than the plans and rates of a contract plan. The most popular features that are associated with prepaid phones are:

    • Text messaging
    • Data
    • Email
    • Unlimited Calling

    Available rates

    Prepaid plans and phones are a lot more affordable than those of a contract phone and plan.  Prepaid providers have plans set in place that will be the most convenient for you.  As far as these plans are concerned, you can choose to pay anywhere from a few cents a day to a few dollars.

    Depending on what you need or what you would like, one of these plans may fit into your schedule and budget perfectly.

    Payment plans

    Not too many people concern themselves with the payment plans of prepaid phones.  Since payment plans are flexible, you have several options that are available to you. Like contract phones, auto-pay is a feature that prepaid cell phones have. This is a feature when you will not have to worry about your minutes running out.  When your balance gets low or runs out, your debit or credit card will be charged a certain amount of money to replace the minutes that have been used and to keep your cell phone service active.  All you need to do is provide your credit or debit card information on your account and select the auto-pay feature.

    Click here to compare no contract cell phones (prepaid phones), including plans that offer free phones

  • Best Cell Phone Offers: What You Should Look For When You Compare Plans

    By Susan

    In order to find the best cell phone offers, look for the basics:

    • Data
    • Text
    • Minutes

    There are several more advanced features that you will be able to choose from, but starting with the basics will give you a general idea about a few plans and cell phone offers that you will benefit from the most.

    Click here to compare the best cell phone offers, including those that offer free phones

    Current Carrier

    When you are comparing cell phone offers, take a good look at your present carrier. If you are pleased with the cell phone and wireless plan that you already have, try to find a phone that is similar. If you are able to find the phone that you would like to have, make sure that you are able to find a plan that you are able to afford.

    Prices

    Price will always play a major role when you are selecting the best cell phone offers and plans. Keep in mind that short term deals will probably be lot lower in terms of price when it is compared to your current bill. Even though you may be able to afford the special phone deal now, ask yourself if you will be able to afford the phone and its plan after the deal has expired.

    Minutes

    Use your phone for emergencies and other urgent instances, chances are that you will not need an unlimited plan. If you currently have a plan that runs by minutes, you may want to find another phone that uses minutes as well. The amount of minutes that you use each month will determine which type of cell phone deal you should choose. Unlimited minutes deals are great for some individuals but could be money burners for others.

    Features

    There are certain features that you may or may not benefit from. Consider the current features that you have and ask yourself are you satisfied with what you have. If you feel that you need more or less features, select a cell phone offer that has exactly what you need. Keep in mind that the more number of features you need, the start-up and monthly price will increase.

    Active Lines

    There are several cell phone deals that are associated with family plans. Depending on the number of active lines that you need, you may qualify for several money-saving cell phone offers.  Most family plans have at least four active lines.  Some wireless carriers require you to have a certain number of active lines before they qualify you for a family plan and other special deals.

    Text Messaging

    Contrary to popular belief, not everyone has a need for the text messaging feature. In the event that you do not, you can save money, but you may not be able to qualify for certain cell phone offers. Most offers come as a package and text messaging is usually a feature within the package.

    Web and e-mail

    These are also popular features, but not everyone has a need for them. If you conduct a lot of business using your phone, it may be best if you select an offer that has these features. The features, like text messaging are also featured in several different cell phone offer packages.

    Click here to compare the best cell phone offers, including those that offer free phones