Cutting costs in retirement.

When I retired a few months ago, I decided that there are two ways to go, increase your income or decrease your expenses.  Well I've done a little of both and have found that I enjoy the challenge of spending less money.

My favorite so far is what I have done with my car and homeowners insurance.  Feeling very bold, I called my insurance agent (who happens to deal with more than one company) and asked him what he could do for me.

He explained that you usually get the best rates by bundling all your insurances with one company.  Also, there is a discount for being an AARP member and taking the AARP safe drivers course (given online and at local senior centers, one is being held April 10th at Bethel senior center).  But the biggie was a discount for having a good credit rating ( who knew?)  Well he crunched the numbers, set me up with a new company and I'm saving over $50 a month (money better spent at the hairdresser or going to lunch).

I think this being bold and assertive regarding my finances is going to work for me.  Just negotiated to have some minor body work done on my car (the usual nicks and scrapes you get from parking lots or running into the side of your garage, oops).  If I pay cash, it's half the price of the original quote.  That just made my day.  All I can say is don't be afraid to ask, be assertive and a little bold.