ATMs (Automated Teller Machines) are a terrific tool if you need access to cash in your bank account. In most cases, using the ATM at your bank is free. However, using an ATM at a bank that you don't have an account with can cost you quite a bit of money. The fees for most non-members is going to range between $2-4 per withdrawal. Then, you will get charged by your bank another $2-4 for using someone else's ATM. So your $20 withdrawal can cost you $24-$28.
These fees tend to be the highest at airports and gas stations. Save the money and avoid using the ATM anywhere aside from your own bank.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Money Saving Tip #150: Hand-me-Down Childrens Clothing
Because I have three children, I have lots of children's clothing at my house. My 1 year old is wearing clothing from his brother. I have saved almost every piece of clothing from all my children for any future children. Because of my stockpile of kids clothing, I have not had to purchase a single piece of clothing for my baby. He is wearing all hand-me-down clothing.
My stockpile didn't start with my older kids. I am lucky, because my children have older cousins in the family. We are extremely fortunate to have hand-me-downs from my two sisters-in-law's children.
If you know of someone who has a child older than yours, ask them to save their kids clothing so that it can be passed down to you. I encourage you to offer some money for the clothing. Whenever my sister-in-law drops off several bags of clothing from her three children, we always give her some money for the clothes. The money we give her is far less than the money we would have to spend for the cost of these clothes at full-price.
My stockpile didn't start with my older kids. I am lucky, because my children have older cousins in the family. We are extremely fortunate to have hand-me-downs from my two sisters-in-law's children.
If you know of someone who has a child older than yours, ask them to save their kids clothing so that it can be passed down to you. I encourage you to offer some money for the clothing. Whenever my sister-in-law drops off several bags of clothing from her three children, we always give her some money for the clothes. The money we give her is far less than the money we would have to spend for the cost of these clothes at full-price.
Money Saving Tip #149: Get "Bumped"
If you are planning an airline trip, offer to get "bumped." Getting "bumped" means that you will offer your seat to another passenger in exchange for a voucher for a free flight for your next travel. Many airlines will overbook flights, so this option is definitely a possibility. You can use your free voucher for another vacation.
If you are traveling with small children or multiple people, this may not be a good option for you. Also, if you are limited on time at your destination, you may not be able to get bumped.
If you are traveling with small children or multiple people, this may not be a good option for you. Also, if you are limited on time at your destination, you may not be able to get bumped.
Money Saving Tip #148: Make a Weekly Menu
Before you go grocery shopping, plan ahead. Make a dinner menu for each night of the week. Then do your grocery shopping based on the items on your menu. If none of my dinner choices include potatoes, there is no need to even buy this item at the store. Only buy items you will need to complete your menu.
If you plan on making spaghetti one night, you should only have to buy noodles, sauce, and garlic bread (optional) for that dinner option. Don't buy "extra" food that is not on your menu, unless it's on sale and you plan to freeze it.
If you plan on making spaghetti one night, you should only have to buy noodles, sauce, and garlic bread (optional) for that dinner option. Don't buy "extra" food that is not on your menu, unless it's on sale and you plan to freeze it.
Money Saving Tip #147: Take a Defensive Driving Course
Many vehicle insurance companies offer up to a 10% discount if the policy holder successfully completes a Defensive Driving Course. The company I work for offers this course to employees at no fee. Search on the internet for a business that offers this course. You may have to take it at a local DUI School, but the savings could be very worth it.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Money Saving Tip #146: Flu Shots
Taking time off work due to the flu can cost you. Reduce the liklihood that you and your kids contract the flu by getting a seasonal flu shot. Most insurance companies cover the cost with little or no co-pay.
My children's doctor office offers flu vaccines on specific Saturdays for the next couple of months, so I don't have to take any time off work to get them vaccinated.
My employer gives them to employees at no cost to us and our dependents. A healthy employee doesn't need to take time off work for themselves or their children.
If you don't have insurance, many local pharmacies offer the vaccines for $25-30. Rite Aid, Walgreens, CVS, and many others don't even require an appointment.
My children's doctor office offers flu vaccines on specific Saturdays for the next couple of months, so I don't have to take any time off work to get them vaccinated.
My employer gives them to employees at no cost to us and our dependents. A healthy employee doesn't need to take time off work for themselves or their children.
If you don't have insurance, many local pharmacies offer the vaccines for $25-30. Rite Aid, Walgreens, CVS, and many others don't even require an appointment.
Money Saving Tip #145: Don't Rush to the Red Light
Whenever your foot is depressing the gas pedal, you are burning fuel. When you see a red light up ahead, take your foot off the gas, and coast. What's the point of rushing just so you can stop? Sure, we all want to be the first in line and we don't want anyone to cut in (think 1st grade), but doing so wastes money. You never know, the light may turn green by the time you get there and then you are already ahead of the game.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Money Saving Tip #144: Use Newspaper to Wrap
Because I subscribe to my local newspaper every Sunday, I always have the comics section on hand waiting to be recycled. Instead of buying gift wrap to wrap gifts, use the comics section instead. You can even stockpile this section so that you always have it on hand.
Money Saving Tip #143: Subscription Magazines
If you are a magazine junkie, consider getting a subscription instead of buying it off the news stand. I crave my People magazine every week. If I were to buy it every week at the grocery store, I would probably be spendng 3 times as much.
When you do subscribe, most magazine companies will even further discount if you sign up for several years, rather than one year.
When you do subscribe, most magazine companies will even further discount if you sign up for several years, rather than one year.
Money Saving Tip #142: Don't Mail Invitations
When it comes time to host a party or get-together, don't mail the invitations through the postal service. The cost of the invitation plus the stamp for each one can be quite costly. Opt for the internet, email, social networking, text messages, and phone calls to get the word out. There are even websites out there to send an electronic invitation such as evite.com.
When my husband and I were planning our wedding, we invited people to our event through email. We got married in a small ceremony in a family member's backyard. Purchasing invitations and stamps to send the message out was a cost that was unnecessary.
When my husband and I were planning our wedding, we invited people to our event through email. We got married in a small ceremony in a family member's backyard. Purchasing invitations and stamps to send the message out was a cost that was unnecessary.
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