Not sure how you’re going to pay for that new pair of Dior shoes, or that Prada bag you’ve been wanting? It’s time to start saving! By following these seven simple tips, you ought to be able to save a little more than $8,000 — enough for a few new pairs of shoes, or maybe a trip! Right on! Here are those seven ways to grow your saving account… and start saving today!
1. Bank wisely
Photo Credit: nikkinoguer
Savings per year: $600.00
Now that you’ve decide to start saving, my first bit of advice to help ensure your success is to open a dedicated savings account at a bank you don’t already use. Many banks offer an incentive to open a new account, too, like matching your initial deposit, or just giving you $50 outright. Bonus! Also, decline the offer of a debit card, so that if you want to take money out, you’ll have to actually visit a branch… which will make it a lot more difficult to take money out, which would defeat the whole purpose, right? Here’s another way to save money by banking a little differently. When you make a purchase, round up to the nearest dollar when you deduct it from your bank-book. For instance, if you spend $22.68 at the gas station, round that up to either $23.00 or even $25 in your bank-book. It will make the math easier, and you’ll also be saving those little pennies, nickels, and dimes with each transaction!
2. Kill your land line
Photo Credit: splorp
Savings per year: $480.00
By now, most of us have cell phones and cable internet connections at home. Why, then, do some of us still pay upwards of $40 or more every month for a land-line telephone service? Unless you need your landline for something in particular, like TIVO or some home security systems, you can discontinue and disconnect your service. Not only will you be saving that money every month, you’ll also be free of those annoying telemarketers at dinner-time!
oo good advice with the land line! what are cell phones for? seriously!
and yeahy for yard sales! my mom held one and it was nice to clear the house and gain something in return :)
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Hey Theo,
I agree.. in fact i get really annoyed if people call me on my land line instead of my cell.
And I wish we had the system of yard sales down here, cos trust me, my mom’s such a pack rat that I could probably make a fortune just out of one yard sale!
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Thanx for the Great tips…the one brown bag it :)
i think i do spend alot at the brands for the lunch break
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Hey MaJ,
And as Jennifer mentioned, having lunch outside not only makes you spend for the food, but you’d even end up putting on weight and possibly harming your health. And that in turn would mean more money spent on weight-loss and/or doctors!!
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This year I’m planning on paying less for my cell phone bill. I’ve been talking with friends outside the country every month….and I go crazy when I see the phone bill at the end of the month:D
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hehehe Tavia,
Yeah I do know how that feels. When I spent the year in the US, I used to rake up CRAZY bills just for my international calls. And thankfully I managed to get that under control after a few months though! And now, I generally have my friends from out of the country call me :P
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Hmm garage sale. I’m a hoarder and I do have a lot of stuff that I should be throwing out. I like the garage sale idea :)
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great tips. I am so bad at saving. I spend money on anything and everything. I am lucky that my Dad still watches over me and pays up when needed. I would be in serious trouble if I was on my own.
I really like #1. I should do it.
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hehehe Fatima,
What would we do without parents! I’m in a similar spot as you.. and to be frank, i am really bad at saving money – though now i like to believe i’m getting better.
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What home security systems DO NOT use land lines? That’s the only reason I have phone service.
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Hey Menkin,
I guess then that’s one cost that you can’t cut down. But hopefully atleast some of the other things work for you.
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These are great tips on saving money.
I can’t believe how many people still smoke, and cigarettes are now extremely expensive…close to $10 per pack on some brands..ouch..multiply this by 365 days, for some people, and you end up with $3,650/year. How many pairs of shoes would that buy…well I guess depends where you shop…lol
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hehehe SG,
i’m sure i could find a LOT of shoes for that much. I agree that people should really quit smoking and make the world a better place.
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Great tips! Most people have cell phones and use them more then their land lines so ditching the land line is a great idea. With that though you are going to need more minutes for your cell phone without having to spend more. I was faced with this dilemma and that is why i switched to straight talk. I got rid of my land line and got a cell phone with straight talk where i pay $45 a month for unlimited calls and texts. I dont have to worry about going over my minutes and i didnt have to sign a contract. Not to mention that straight talk is on the verizon network so the service is great!
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Hey Catie,
You do make a good point about needing extra minutes. In fact you bring to my mind the other service providers too who offer no-contract, no-minutes services. I was using MetroPCS for over a year for $45 a month which entitled me to unlimited texting (even international) AND calls. And there is a similar service called Cricket I believe in some other states that has pretty much the same offers. And the thing is, sure the service might not be as good with these companies as the major players – with an occasional call drop or undelivered message (maybe once in 3-4 days), but if you are one of those people who just can’t do without their phone, then I think it makes for a VERY good deal!
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