Reduce Your Auto Insurance Premium

by Miranda Marquit · 2 comments

One way you can save money each month (or every six months), is to lower your auto insurance rate. It’s a good idea to shop around for auto insurance at least once a year. You can double check to make sure you are getting the best rate. Get quotes from other insurers, and then let your current insurer have a chance to match the rate.

As you shop around, consider different items that can lower your auto insurance premium. Some of the items that affect your auto insurance rate include:

Discounts

First of all, ask about different discounts. There are a number of discounts that you might be able to get from a car insurance company. Some of the common discounts available include:

Good student discount: If you have a student driver (high school or college), and he or she maintains a good GPA, you can get a discount on their insurance coverage.
Multi-vehicle: Insuring more than one car, or insuring a motorcycle or boat along with your car(s) can also provide you with a discount.
Safety features: If your car includes anti-theft measures, side airbags, and other safety items, there are usually discounts available.
Multi-coverage: Get your homeowners/renters insurance and/or your life insurance with the same company that insures your car, and you might be eligible for a discount.
Low mileage: Some insurers will give you a discount if you drive fewer miles than the “normal” driver does. If you drive less, ask for this discount.

Credit Score

Good credit is essential if you want a lower insurance premium. Many insurers check your credit score, subscribing to the theory that if you have a good score, you must be responsible with your finances — and that trait will carry over to your driving habits. Work to improve your credit score, and you will likely see a reduction in your insurance premium. Check your credit report to find out where you stand, and determine whether improvements could be made.

Coverage and Deductible

Regularly assess your coverage to ensure that you still need it. On older cars, it might not be worth it to continue carrying collision and comprehensive coverage. Run the numbers and figure out whether or not you are paying more than the car is worth. If you can drop some coverage, consider it. (You should keep your liability coverage.)

Additionally, make sure that you are always covered. Pay your premiums on time and in full. That way, you don’t risk a lapse in coverage — something that can result in higher premiums when you renew.

Another option is to consider raising your deductible. You can increase what you’re willing to pay out of pocket and see a lower insurance premium. When you do have a higher deductible, though, you have to be prepared to pay out of pocket. An emergency fund that includes enough to cover your deductible is important in these situations. You don’t want to have to stretch to “afford” your deductible.

With a little shopping around and creativity, you can reduce your insurance costs and save money on your premiums.

Romance Without A Price Tag

by Jessica Sommerfield · 0 comments

As romantic holidays approach, many people (especially men) feel the pressure to find the perfect gift for their loved one. Partly in protest of the commercialism that has taken over these holidays, and mostly to make an effort to show a more meaningful expression of your feelings, make an effort not to buy your Valentine’s Day or Sweetest Day gifts from a store this year.

Traditional gifts of romance include flowers, cards, and chocolate. These things are fine, and are almost always well-received. But why not step out of the box by putting some extra time and effort into a romantic gift that can’t be bought? To get you started, here are four ideas. Use them to come with something unique and especially suited to your loved one.

Hand-write expressions of love. You may not be artistic, but the effort you put into a hand-made card will mean more to your love than a pre-written store bought one. And don’t limit these notes and cards just to romantic holidays – romance your special someone all year long by leaving little notes on the bathroom mirror, in their lunch box, their coat pocket, or on their dashboard. If writing is just not your thing, look up a poem that expresses how you feel and copy it into your card, or look up “I love you” in different languages.
Recreate-a-date. It may be the first date you had, or a special date, but it should be one you remember well. Rent the same movie you watched and visit the same restaurant (or better yet, cook a similar meal and decorate your kitchen to look like it). If you are close to the location of the date, blind-fold your partner and take them there to enjoy a picnic lunch or a midnight stroll. Try to incorporate as many details as possible to recreate the mood and stir up the feelings you had when you were first in love.
Play together. Is there a hobby your partner especially enjoys which you don’t often do together? Nothing says “I love you” more than taking time to do something together that one or both of you especially enjoys. Wives, this might mean accompanying your husband for a round of golf or getting out onto the paintball field. Men, this might mean spending a day shopping, or watching a chick flick. The more you step out of your comfort zone, the more meaningful it will be.
Be spontaneous and adventurous. Long-term relationships tend to lose some of their spark as couples settle into a routine and seldom vary from it. Re-introduce romance into your relationship by doing something new and fun. Have you always wanted to go dancing but been too nervous to try? Do it together, so it will be a new shared experience just for the two of you. Encourage each other to try new things and explore a little, and your relationship will only grow stronger.

Don’t just spend money on gifts that will wilt, get eaten, or thrown away, and leave no memories behind. Go the extra mile to create a meaningful gift or experience your loved one can cherish for years to come.

How to Have Elegance and Romance on Valentine’s Day (Without Growing Broke)

by Tania Dakka · 0 comments

Every year, Valentine’s comes and goes without any of the hoopla and excitement you know your significant other deserves. And every year, you apologize for not having the money to spend on them that you wish you had. Stop wasting your time and ruining your memory with useless excuses.

Your significant other deserves all the gold in the world, but it doesn’t mean they don’t love your attention and effort even more. With a little planning and little expense, you can give your loved one all they were dreaming of.

All they really want is YOU.
Follow these 3 simple, frugal steps to woo your valentine all over:

1. Think outside the heart. What kind of setting do they love? Are they a blanket picnic on the beach person? Set up a faux shoreline in the den, then turn on Youtube for some free but romantic ocean sounds. Maybe they like being out in nature. Take a trip to a park you haven’t been to in ages. Perhaps, a stroll along a quiet street would make their heart sing. It’s the little things that bring happiness, so think about where they’d love to be, then go there or recreate the setting in your own home. They’ll love the gesture as much as, if not more than, any diamond.

2. Give the gift of love. Think about a small action that would speak volumes in the romantic setting you’ve arranged. A picnic on your homemade beach, or a special treat on your stroll down that quiet street. Think about what the two of you shared in the early days of romance so you can bring it to life again. Taking the time to think about your significant other and the things that make them happy will impress your Valentine far beyond the temporary excitement of a dozen overpriced, soon-to-be-dead red roses. Think outside your routine and leave them reeling.

3. Tie it with a bow. You created a romantic setting that your loved one loved. You made an impression with that special gesture or treat. Now, finish it off with something extra special: The words you always want to say to them, but feel you are too clumsy to say. Forcing yourself from your comfort zone will make them sing more than any diamond ring. Your partner wants to hear how much they are cherished and adored, giving you a chance to make a BIG impression for a little price.

Take a few moments and plan a personalized setting, a special treat, and some super sweet sayings so you can woo your Valentine, just like you did when your fire for each other was first lit.

You will keep your money in your wallet, and your Valentine’s heart beating just for you.

Saving money on Valentine’s Day doesn’t mean that your love has to wait another year for the gift they deserve. Saving money means they will get a bigger gift than they ever thought you could give.

What special place will you take your Valentine to this year?

High Impact, Low Cost Valentine’s Day Gifts

by Gina Blitstein · 0 comments

Many people celebrate Valentine’s Day by bestowing something special upon their loved one or loved ones. Whether it’s a trinket or a treat – it’s all about indulging them in something that makes them feel cherished.

The key to choosing the perfect indulgence is to appeal to the preferences of the recipient. Fortunately for our budgets, this can be accomplished in many ways without spending a lot of money. Consider the things that are most precious to your special someone and you’ll be on the way to discovering the perfect Valentine’s gift.

It’s not what you spend

Time – More than something they can hold in their hand, your loved one may appreciate the gift of your time. Especially in these busy days when we are occupied on so many different levels, the sheer simplicity of spending time with someone is invaluable. Like money, it’s a resource we manage so to be generous with it makes a clear statement about the depth of our devotion.

Offer your presence. A uninterrupted day or evening spent indulging in a hobby, watching movies, listening to music or playing games may be the best way to show your loved one that you appreciate them and enjoy spending time with him or her.
Offer your efforts. The expression about the shoemaker’s children having no shoes is, sadly, true. We tend to devote our time to other commitments while neglecting to attend to the needs of our special people. Give your loved one the gift of completing that long-overdue project around the house that only you have the ability to finish.
Offer your talents. There are a myriad of ways you can give the gift of your special abilities: Make them a website. Put their precious photographs online. Make a family tree. Paint them a picture. Crochet them a scarf. Bake them something yummy.

Pampering – Everyone has their own definition of pampering. Make your special one feel validated by choosing a specific indulgence you know they will appreciate.

Enable a pleasure. Indulge him or her in an activity they don’t – or won’t – do for themselves. It could be anything from a massage, manicure or pedicure to putting up their feet while you cook a meal or do a chore for them.
Treat them. Sign them up for a movie or game service or satellite radio. It’s an inexpensive way to give them a little something that they’ll appreciate every day but wouldn’t necessarily get for themselves
Ease their life. Relieve your loved ones of a chore or two. Pay for a yard care service to mow the lawn for your Sweetheart. Give them a vist from a cleaning service.

Personalized gifts – It’s easy to find an inexpensive way to treat someone when you take their interests to heart. Personalized gifts are:

Appropriate. If your special person has a collection, (books, antique paperweights, model cars, music memorabilia…) give a new piece as a sign of your appreciation of their passion. Because it’s part of a bigger collection, your contribution seems even more significant.
Appreciative. You may touch your favorite cook’s heart more with an herb planter than a dozen long-stemmed roses because it shows your took her interests into consideration.
Considered. Your Valentine may appreciate your thoughtfulness at avoiding the stereotypical box of chocolates and indulging her love of deluxe coffees and teas.

The key to giving affordable, meaningful Valentine’s Day gifts are to, sometimes litteraly, think outside the box. The best gift is one that shows you care about the person herself – and you can’t put a price on that.

How do you celebrate Valentine’s Day affordably?

What Would You Give Up to Get Out of Debt?

by Miranda Marquit · 0 comments

After awhile, debt becomes a burden that you become tired of bearing. When you finally get to that point, it seems as though nothing less than an all-out attack on your debt will do.

Of course, deciding to tackle your debt with that much vigor requires that you make some serious sacrifices to get out of debt as quickly as possible. For some families, this means giving up TV, cutting back on “fun” activities, and finding other ways to stay frugal in order to put as much money as possible toward debt reduction.

Decide What You’re Willing to Give Up

The first thing you need to determine is what you are willing to give up. There are stories of people who want to get out of debt so badly that they sell most of what they own, and live very frugally until they are out of debt. Extreme measures can be taken to tackle the debt quickly and effectively.

However, for some, such a complete change in circumstances is untenable. And, if you have children who can’t reasonably be expected to make all of the same sacrifices, or an unwilling life partner, it can be especially difficult to take such extreme action. Or, perhaps you don’t want to limit your comforts by as much.

In such cases, a slower route to debt reduction can be pursued. You won’t get out of debt as quickly, but you can still make strides toward financial freedom. Instead of giving up everything, you can consider giving up a few things. Cutting back in a few areas, and selling just a few items, can go a long way toward helping you reduce your debt.

No matter what, though, you need to figure out exactly what you are willing to give up in order to get out of debt. Look at your expenses, and determine what you can live without. Give up those things, and put the money you’ve been spending on them toward paying down your debt.

Increase Your Income

Another possibility is to increase your income. Perhaps instead of giving up some of your favorite things, you could increase your income so that you are still putting money toward debt reduction. In such cases, you are still giving something up, however. You will have to give up some of your time, though, in order to work more, or in order to start a side hustle to earn more money. Some people do both, cutting expenses and earning money in order to super-charge their debt pay down efforts.

No matter what you do, though, it is important to realize that you will likely need to give something up if you want to be able to pay down your debt in any reasonable amount of time. Whether you give up a lot or a little, or whether you give up comforts or time, is up to you. But if you are determined to get out of debt as quickly as possible, you might have to give up more.

Is Pet Insurance a Smart Idea for You?

by Gina Blitstein · 1 comment

“Pet people” – we know who we are. We come in all varieties – as do our pets – but we all have one thing in common and that’s that our pets are more than just pets to us. We pet people consider our pets part of the family. We feed and nurture them – and safeguard their health – the same as for anyone under our roof.

As with humans, there are so many things that could affect a pet’s health: hereditary conditions, illness, injury… The quality of health care and available procedures for pets has increased dramatically in recent years. Medications and treatments – as well as organ transplants and artificial limbs – are all possible to extend our pet’s quality and quantity of life.

If a human loved one needed treatment or surgery, we would thank our lucky stars for the health insurance that enabled them to receive the care they required. But how do we afford to pay for those expensive procedures when it’s our pet who needs care?

Pet insurance is an option available to pet owners. Like human health coverage, however, it doesn’t come cheap. Depending upon the scope of coverage, pet insurance can cost hundreds of dollars per year. Here are some issues to consider when determining whether pet insurance is a good idea for your circumstances:

Compare costs and coverage – Pet insurance policies can vary greatly. Your first decisions will have to do with the extent of coverage, from catastrophic coverage to routine care. Look into the same variables that exist in human health insurance: premium costs, deductibles, co-pays, coverage, limits and coverage caps. Some companies offer discounts for insuring multiple pets.
Choose a legitimate company – Ascertain that the pet insurance company you choose is registered to operate in your state.
Understand your coverage – Make sure you know the answers to these questions about the specific policy you’re considering: Can you use your insurance at your preferred veterinarian? How do you file a claim? Are medications covered? Precisely what procedures and conditions are covered? How does it handle hereditary and congenital disorders? Does it cover chronic conditions? Is routine care covered? Will your pet be dropped due to age?

While there’s little or nothing we wouldn’t do for our pets, spending thousands of dollars on your pet’s health care could put your family’s economic stability at risk. As cold as it sounds, you should take the time to determine how much you are willing to spend on your pet’s health. Consider these factors to determine how much is appropriate to spend on your beloved pet’s health care:

Can you afford the insurance, even for the “what-if” scenarios?
Without insurance, will you be willing and able to pay a large vet bill should the need arise?

Granted, it’s difficult break it down into dollars and cents because it feels as if we’re assigning a monetary value to our pet. Practically speaking though, no matter how much we adore our pets, there does need to be a line at which we say, “enough is enough.”

The bottom line is, pet insurance may be a good way for your to defray the cost of providing the level of healthcare you want to provide for your pet. On the other hand, it may be an unnecessary expense for a healthy, well cared-for animal. Whatever you ultimately decide, considering this emotionally-charged subject beforehand, rather than in the throes of a health crisis when your pet is ill or injured, will help you cope financially when and if the time arises.

Do you think pet insurance is necessary?

Are You Eligible for Free File with the IRS?

by Miranda Marquit · 0 comments

One of the ways that you can save money is by using Free File to prepare your taxes. You can file your taxes online for free, with the help of online forms, and even use commercial free file software from IRS partners.

Free file is a great way to get help on your taxes for free. You can check with the IRS free file site to get started, and get a list of participating partners who are willing to help you file their taxes.

In order to take advantage of the Free File program, you need to have an Adjusted Gross Income of $57,000 or less for 2011 (this changes each year, adjusted for inflation). You can choose a software provider and use the Free File software to help you figure your taxes, and then file them. This can be a good way to avoid paying fees for someone else to figure your taxes.

It is also worth noting that many tax preparation offices will prepare a 1040-EZ and file it free of charge, and some will even help those with low incomes file a simple 1040 Form. Ask different taxes offices what their policies are, and what programs they offer. There is no reason to pay to file your taxes if you are eligible for Free File, or some other program.

Free Fillable Forms

Even if your AGI is more than $57,000 for 2011, you can still take advantage of free fillable forms. These online forms allow you to fill in your information online, and some of the forms can even perform some of the calculations for you. These forms are great for those who like to do their own taxes, and would like a free way to access simple tax filing tools. However, these forms don’t follow the same pattern of asking you questions and having you answer them to fill in automatically. These are the forms that come if you pick up a regular paper packet.

Once you are done filling out all of the forms, you can use free eFile from the IRS to file your taxes. The fillable forms are a way for some filers to avoid paying for software and still be able to fill out their forms electronically. This method is free to anyone, regardless of income level.

Getting Free Help with Your Taxes

It is also possible for the elderly, and for those with low incomes, to find help doing their taxes. There are community organizations, including VITA and Tax Counseling for the Elderly, that provide low cost and free help to do your taxes. Many colleges also provide free help for tax questions as a way for business and accounting majors to get practice.

On top that, you can always contact the IRS for free help with your taxes. You can check with the instructions on the IRS web site, or even call the IRS for free help with a toll-free number (1-800-829-1040 for individuals).

File electronically, and designate direct deposit, and you can get your tax refund within as little as seven to 10 days.

You Can Afford to be Fashionable

by Jessica Sommerfield · 0 comments

These days most of us are having difficulty paying the bills and buying groceries, so even though we’d like to splurge on a new wardrobe, it’s not in the budget and gets penciled with a sigh onto our list of wants. If you’re a mom, clothing for yourself is even further down the list, since any extra money you end up with is instantly applied to purchases for your children.

Although meeting the needs and wants of your household before your own is a great priority to have, don’t let it lead you to totally neglect yourself. Every woman needs to invest time and money in herself once in a while, too. This not only benefits you, but those around you, since you’ll be happier and more fun to be around when you’ve had time to relax, regroup, and pamper yourself a little.

Maybe you understand this need, but still don’t think you have the money. Shopping on a budget is not only entirely feasible; it is the best practice because it doesn’t result in the guilty feelings of a several-hundred-dollar shopping spree. You can add great pieces to your wardrobe while still staying well within a budget. Here are some ideas of how to do it.

Learn to love the clearance racks… but not how you think. You might admit that when you think of clearance racks, you think of picked-over, off-season rejects, especially if you’ve only ever shopped new merchandise. This is a common stereotype which can cause you to miss great deals on cute, in-season clothing.

Shopping the clearance racks doesn’t mean you have to buy ugly clothing nobody wants. Neither should you assume you have to buy a season behind. Sure, if you find a classic pea coat at half price, snatch it up for next winter, but don’t buy many items like this. Next year may come and you’ll be a different size or simply not like the item anymore, and you’ve just wasted money on something you can no longer return.
Learn to shop the clearance racks for all-season pieces that are interesting and will go with other items you already own. Buy only things you know you’ll wear, not items you might work up the courage to wear someday or don’t fit you right. At the same time, don’t hesitate to try a new style. You may be surprised at what you like once you’re wearing it.

Another tip is to take advantage of store coupons (not store credit cards – this is a trap to spend money you don’t have). Once you find a store brand you like, sign up for email or mail offers. You may have to sort through some spam, but it’s well worth the prize of a ‘50% off your next purchase with a promotional code’ coupon. You will also be alerted to any limited-time sales so you can pick the best times to shop.

Lastly, don’t deprive yourself. If you see a cute full-price outfit you know you’d love and be able to wear a long time, get it. One full-price outfit every once in a while isn’t going to hurt your budget, as long as you stay within your spending limit. You make the choice – buy several cheaper items and have more new clothes, or buy one or two special items, and that’s all you get.

Clearance racks and store coupons are two great ways way to afford new clothes within a budget. The most amazing thing is… you’ll look so great, no one will know how little you spent.

Fun and Frugal Ways to Make Learning Fun for Your Toddler

by Tracy · 0 comments

Educational toys and enrichment programs are terrific; unfortunately many of them come with a hefty price tag. However, don’t feel like those are your only options when it comes to helping your child develop intellectually and gain the skills that they will need for formal schooling. There are literally hundreds of activities that you can share with your child to help make learning fun and accessible for them. Here are a few ideas to get started.

Begin at the Library

Most public libraries offer parents and children so much more than books and story-time. Ask your librarian what resources are available for parents. Many offer a parents and educators area that is stocked with books and videos about child development and educational activities. Some even loan out educational toys and have free passes local museums and zoos. Don’t forget the books though – being a fluent reader will help your child their whole life long.

Along with the library, try giving your school board a call and ask if they offer any classes or learning materials for parents of preschool aged children. They should also be able to give you guidelines that detail what your child should be able to do before entering kindergarten along with activities to help them master these skills.

Browse Online

Luckily for us parents, many teachers and child care providers have embraced the Internet and are sharing wonderful ideas for arts and crafts and learning activities on their blogs. If the idea of trying to hunt down these sites is exhausting, try these sites as a jumping-off point:

Pinterest – If you’ve never used Pinterest before, read through this guide that explains step-by-step how to use it. The Education, DIY/Crafts and Kids sections are filled with wonderful ideas for crafts and activities.

Zero to Three is an advocacy group that offers a wide variety of learning materials for parents who wish to nurture their child’s intellectual and emotional development.

Read Kiddo Read offers books selections and tips for parents to help them get their children more interested in reading.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library sends children from birth to age 5 one free book a month. You can check to see if your child is eligible on the site. Many areas have no income limits on the program.

Nature Rocks helps parents discover local opportunities for their child to interact with nature and free activity guide downloads.

Remember Learning is Everyday

The most important thing that parents can do to help their young children grow and learn is to simply be available and present. Specific educational activities are nice, but nothing takes the place of spending time with your child, both one on one and as a family.

1. Invite your children to help you with your chores. It might be more work at first, but even little things like folding hand towels or putting spoons in the dish washer helps your child develop hand eye coordination and fine motor skills as well as the healthy sense of self esteem that comes from being a contributing part of the family.

2. Instead of flashcards, use every day situations to teach your child letters and numbers. Label each family member’s napkin with their initial. Ask your child to divide 6 apple slices between himself and his sister. Make numbers and letters a part of your child’s daily life.

3. Limited amounts of screen time are okay, but remember that puzzles, board games and even simple card games offer more interpersonal interaction and also help develop the hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills that your child will later use to learn to write.

4. Look for opportunities for your child to play with other children and to practice spending time away from you.

5. Encourage your child to learn to dress themselves and take care of as much of their daily hygiene as possible.

A good education is crucial to your child’s success. You don’t have to be rich to give them the best start possible – what’s important is that you are motivated and committed to enriching your child’s life.

Saving on Over-the-Counter Cold Remedies

by Gina Blitstein · 0 comments

The last thing you want to do when you or someone in your household comes down with a cold is to trudge to a drugstore to purchase over-the-counter cold remedies. It’s better to keep an array of remedies on hand so when sickness strikes, you have something to ease the patient’s symptoms. While they won’t cure the cold, they may serve to lessen discomfort and inconvenience while it runs its course.

Of course you can’t keep the whole drugstore in your medicine cabinet. Choosing a well-considered assortment of cold remedies to keep in stock is wise course of action. Rather than purchasing products that combat multiple symptoms, it’s best to get single-symptom remedies you can take to fight off specific symptoms. For instance, you might need something for a sore throat and a runny nose one day and two days later you may be dealing with congestion and a cough. It’s best to treat only the symptoms from which you’re suffering at any given time. Taking something for more symptoms than you have means you’re taking unnecessary medication, which is unhealthy and wasteful.

Here’s a list of the general categories of cold remedies to keep in your medicine cabinet:

NOTE: It is vital that you check with your doctor about which ingredients to look for – and which to avoid – in products in each category to take into account your personal health profile.

If you don’t have any particular health concerns, talk to the pharmacist for recommendations. There are store-brand versions of most medications, so once you know what the active ingredients are, you can usually find the medicine you need for much less money.

Analgesic – This combats pain, like headache, sore throat or body aches. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen or even aspirin will do the trick. These medications can also lower fever.
Cough remedy – A cough suppressant helps relieve the urge to cough (though if it’s “productive” and helping you to expel excess mucus from your lungs, coughing itself isn’t necessarily a bad thing). Take a cough remedy when coughing is excessive.
Expectorant – An expectorant aids in “loosening” the mucous which may cause coughing, making it easier to expel. Often cough remedies include an expectorant, but you may not always need these products together. Get an separate expectorant for the treatment of an unproductive cough.
Decongestant – These relieve the swelling (congestion) of nasal passages caused by a cold, opening up your airway, thus making it easier to breathe through your nose.
Antihistamine – When you have a cold (or an allergy) your nose releases chemicals called, “histamines,” which make your nose itchy and runny and causes sneezing. As the name implies, an antihistamine combats those chemicals, thereby relieving the symptoms they cause.

Once a year, take inventory of what cold remedies you have on hand. Check their expiration dates. Most expired cold remedies lose some of their effectiveness after the expiration date has passed, so you’ll want to replace them with fresh medications. Once you know what you have on hand, fill in your symptom-battling arsenal so you’re prepared to treat any symptoms that attack. Stocking up in advance enables you to shop at your leisure, rather than when you’re anxious to get home to the patient. Purchasing them before they’re actually needed will provide time to research products, price-shop and find coupons, all of which will make buying these pricey medications more affordable.

Colds happen. When illness strikes, being prepared with what you need to relieve symptoms can help you – and your wallet – feel healthier.

How do you save on over-the-counter cold remedies?

← Previous Entries

Next Entries →