Money-saving advice is always pouring into my Eagle email box. Much of it is promotional and some is too obvious to mention. Do we really need, for example, to be told to create a budget and follow it?
NBT Bank offered these "simple savings tips to help jump start your savings goals during America Saves Week (Feb. 25 - March 2). Yet the suggestions are valuable any time of year.
These four I found to be particulaly worth remembering:
See if you’re over-serviced: It’s easy to "set it and forget it," paying the same bills every month.
This week, take a look at your regular services. Are you using all of your cellphone minutes? Do you have more coverage than you need on your car insurance? Are you utilizing any extra cable channels you pay for?
If your answer is no to any of these, call your provider, and change your plan.
n
Negotiate your bills: If you’re not paying a promotional rate for services like cable and Internet, you’re paying too much.
Call your service provider, and ask if there is any way you can lower your bill.
Be patient, nice, and firm, and you can get a better rate.
n
Get to know your credit card: Visit your credit card company’s website and read the fine print.
Many credit cards offer free benefits that are not well publicized. These benefits may include extended warranties, free tickets, price drop
Of course, you should not use a credit card at all if you carry a balance every month.
If you can’t control your spending, consider using a debit card or a cash-only system.
n
Sell your stuff: Taking the time to de-clutter your house and sell your extra stuff has multiple benefits.
Not only can you make money getting rid of your old items, but you might also discover other useful things you had forgotten about.
To reach Charles Bonenti:
cbonenti@berkshireeagle.com,
or (413) 496-6211.
On Twitter: @BE_Lifestyles
Font Resize
