1. Out-of-network ATM feesRacking
up fees by using ATMs that aren't on your bank's network? Switch banks
or open an account at a bank that's more convenient to where you
live/work. "Foreign" ATM fees average about $2.50 per transaction, says
BankRates.com. That's more than $250 per year if you use out-of-system ATMs just twice a week!
2. Bottled waterGetting your
recommended daily amount of water exclusively in bottled form can easily
cost more than $1,000 per year, as compared with about 50 cents per
year for just-as-healthy tap water. If your tap water has a chlorine
flavor, try refrigerating it overnight before drinking.
3. Oil changesRegularly
changing the oil in your vehicles and staying on top of routine
maintenance are good habits to have, but if you're still changing your
oil every 3,000 miles, you may be wasting money. Newer vehicles often
use synthetic oils that can last 7,500 miles or more. See the website
checkyournumber.org for oil change info for newer model vehicles. It's a pretty slick way to save.
4. Incandescent light bulbsEven
though they cost more, "compact fluorescent lamps" (CFLs) — those crazy
corkscrewed light bulbs — last about five times longer than
old-fashioned incandescent bulbs and use about 75 percent less
electricity. That could easily add up to a net savings of $10 per bulb
per year. Bright idea!
5. Extended service plansDon't
be a sucker for the sales pitch trying to sell you an extended service
plan or warranty of electronics, appliances and other merchandise.
They're rarely a wise purchase, and typically go unused or forgotten by
the consumer. Most merchandise comes with a manufacturer's warranty
that's sufficient for most defects and repairs.
6. Late feesRecent
consumer protection regulations have helped to limit how much lenders
can penalize you if you're late with a payment, but Americans still pay
more than $20 billion each year in credit card late fees and other
penalties! Put routine monthly bills on an automatic payment plan
through your bank so they're always paid on time.
7. Dry cleaningCheck
yourself — and your garment tags — if you're constantly running to the
dry cleaners. Few of today's garments really need to be dry cleaned.
Hand washing in cold water and then air drying is preferable for many
apparel items, according to
Consumer Reports. Home dry cleaning kits are another money-saving alternative.
8. Brand-name productsWe're
conditioned by advertising to reach for brand-name products without even
thinking. At least try generic and store brands, starting with the
products you buy most often. You'll typically save 20 percent or more.
9. Aggressive drivingFast
and aggressive driving is dangerous and can cost you big bucks in terms
of accidents, traffic tickets and increased insurance premiums. But
even if you survive those hazards, aggressive driving — rapid
acceleration, fast cornering and sudden braking — can lower your gas
mileage by as much as a third, not to mention increase wear and tear on
your vehicle.
10. Lottery ticketsSpeaking of
driving, did you know that if you drive 10 miles to buy a lottery
ticket, statistically speaking you're more likely to be killed in a car
accident than win the jackpot? Why not just stay home and save what you
would otherwise spend on lottery tickets?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Request a FREE SAMPLE today. Prilosec OTC® provides 24 hours of zero heartburn with one pill a day.
Click HereYou’d be nuts not to try new FiberPlus Nutty Delights. It’s chocolate, it’s crunch, it’s everything you need! Try it out with a coupon for 70c off. What’re you waiting for?
Get Your Coupon!