Four easy ways to lower bills and save money in 2010
(ARA) - Clipping coupons and counting coins has never been so chic. Following one of the toughest economic years in decades, more Americans are looking for ways to save. Whether you need to pay off debt or cut costs so you can afford an upcoming family vacation, there are a variety of simple ways to save money. Fortunately, many of the easiest money-saving tips can be found under your own roof.
* Swap cable for satellite television - Recent reports that cable providers are increasing their fees has led consumers to make the switch to satellite television. Many satellite TV providers allow customers to lock in their price for the length of the subscription (often up to two years). This is a great way to manage your bills and make the most of money-saving promotions. You can also get more for your money, as the larger satellite TV providers deliver many more high definition channels than you'll get from cable.
* Program your thermostat - After one of the coldest winters in the past decade, millions of Americans saw severe spikes in their heating and air bills. One of the easiest ways to control these bills is by getting a programmable thermostat. Though you'll pay a little more for it up front, this item can help you save big over time. Programmable thermostats allow you to set the temperature in your home for a set period of time. So, while you're at work, on vacation or just running errands, you can have control over the temperature. Effectively using a programmable thermostat can save you an estimated 2 percent on heating bills and 3 percent on cooling bills for each degree.
* Choose your groceries wisely - The days of being brand-obsessed are over. Opt for items sold by the grocery store's own brand name and you can save a great deal more throughout the year. Also, ditch pre-cut, pre-grated and pre-chopped anything. When you let food companies cut up your veggies for you, you can end up paying twice as much as what you'd pay if you did it on your own. This is one super easy and super effective way to save each week.
* Treat your budget like a diet - Some of the most successful dieters have one thing in common - they keep a log of everything they eat. You should treat your budget the same way. For at least two months, keep a log of every purchase you make - even a 99 cent soft drink at the gas station. This will give you a clear idea on areas where you can save and help you map out a more exact budget for the year ahead. Before you know it, you'll be trimming back the excess spending.
Whether you swap cable for great satellite TV deals, or simply start planning ahead before you head to the grocery store, there are plenty of easy and time-efficient ways to save in 2010. Create a list of financial goals for the year and adopt new daily habits to achieve them.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
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