As a real estate agent since 2004, I’ve learned to cope with an income that varies like crazy throughout the year depending on the season and the housing market. That said, I’ve also learned how to make my dollars stretch from day to day. So whether your 2014 resolution is to save more for a larger down payment on a new home purchase (hint, hint) or simply to have a more sizeable emergency fund, here are some easy money-saving ideas to consider.
- Read On Book Lovers! If you’re as big a reader as I am, then staying stocked up on books can become a pricey endeavor. Paperback Swap to the rescue. This site is built on the idea of a book exchange among members. For the price of postage, you can swap books – even audio books – with other members. There’s no fee for being a member and I’ll you need to pay is the postage for mailing out a book to another member who requests it from your virtual bookshelf. They even have sister sites where you can swap your unused CDs and DVDs. www.PaperBackSwap.com
- Save Every Time You Shop. I’ve been an online shopper for many years and I’ve made it a habit never to shop online without looking at Ebates first. This site offers its members the opportunity to get rebates on their purchases from more than 1,600 retailers. From pet supplies to electronics, you’ll find yourself getting rebates from 2%-10% and more. Membership is free. Check it out at http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=LP6DoWGkrE8%3D
- Cozy Up to Energy Savings. One great and easy way to increase your home’s comfort while reducing your energy bills is to call in the pros at Next Step Living. This state-funded program offers homeowners a free Home Energy Assessment. Not only will the energy specialist help to identify energy-saving improvements to conduct in your home but you’ll be eligible for tremendous incentives and rebates. On their recommendation, I had a whole house insulation done and my energy bills dropped by more than 50%! For complete details go to www.NextStepLiving.com
- Cable TV is Not Your Friend. I’ve explored various options on how to reduce my cable TV bill while still enjoying my favorite shows and this is my personal money-saving method: downgrade your cable service to “local channels only” and buy yourself a ROKU 3. This box and remote combo allows you to stream more channels (and games) than other alternative TV-watching device (i.e., Apple TV) and it’s easy to set up and user friendly. It’s $100 well spent in my book. www.Roku.com
- Free Movies, Anyone? If you’re a movie lover, then do yourself a favor and get yourself a free GoFoBo account. This great site not only gives you up-to-minute news and trailers of upcoming movies but you’ll get the chance to sign up to win movie swag plus have the opportunity to see private screenings. Insider scoop, chances to win prizes AND sneak previews!! What are you waiting for? Get thee to www.GoFoBo.com
Have any great money-saving tips you’d like to share? Please drop me a line at www.GoHomeWithMichael.com and I’ll post your ideas in my next money-saving blog posting.