Do you really need it? Or perhaps you've purchased some subscription services years ago and you forgot that they've been deducting money annually from your checking account? Ouch. Hundreds of dollars could be flying of your funds for services you don't even need or use anymore. First, make a list of all of the subscription services you can remember and really decide if they are necessary in your life. Second, re-examine your past few credit card statements and look for deductions from these services to help jog your memory. There are a whole lot of "affordable" subscription services out there and yes, $99 a year my not hurt, but add up 5 or six of those and the pain my start to surface. Eliminate, eliminate, and keep eliminating.
Sales may seem like the obvious choice to save some extra cash, but they really do work - especially around the holidays. Do you really want that fabulous pea coat from Forever 21 or that newly released Canon lens at full price? I didn't think so. Holidays are when most stores really push their sales, so try to hold out for a few extra weeks and you can get deep discounts on major brands and products. Black Friday and Cyber Monday are the big ones, but any holiday seems to be a good reason now for stores to offers free shipping and tag sales.
This year for Christmas, I bought a bunch of stuff at stores for family and friends, but I also took matters into my own hands, literally, and created some unique, semi-homemade gifts. Not only were these presents one-of-a-kind, but they were more personal to me and the recipient because I spent the time to make it for them. By the way, the frame gift below that I made cost me under $10 to make! D.I.Y., or do-it-yourself projects are usually cheaper, too. And just like food blogs, D.I.Y blogs are huge, so finding a step-by-step site to make stuff is a snap. Now, get out of your comfort zone a create a masterpiece made by you!
My boyfriend was paying full price for his satellite radio subscription and as painful as it was for him, I had him call up customer service and negotiate his price. He basically said that he didn't want to pay his current prices for his subscription because of budgetary reasons. He asked if they were willing to offer him another price, otherwise he would shop around for a better deal. The representative was a little stubborn at first, but ten minutes later, he had saved over 60% off of his original annual subscription price. The same price negotiation can go for cable and cell phone carriers. Look, even if you don't end up saving money, a phone call and a few questions may land you some more perks or a better bundle of services for what you are already paying. Trust me on this one.
A little planning can save a lot of money. For example, take the coupons you've gathered and check your weekly grocery specials to plan meals and shopping lists in advance. Set and budget and stick to it, too. If you already know how much you can spend and what you can get for it, then you will be less likely to get that look of surprise when youf bill is double what you thought it would be at check out. My average shopping savings at Von's is 40 - 45%. Occasionally, I will also switch up my usual Target routine and head to the 99 Cents Only store for shopping. I feel like I'm robbing the store to be honest. I'll spend $30 compared to my $130 target bill and I'll head home with 4 huge bags of products. Now that's money in the bank and a natural high, to boot.
