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Letters From Listeners

10 Tips on Saving Money
09/18/2013

How to save money ANYTIME not just in a tough economy.  This is an easy one for me. Just ask my wife and kids...

1. NEVER carry a credit card balance.

2. Separate WANTS from NEEDS.

3. Question all spending in terms of 2. I'm not against spending money on wants, it's just that I'd rather save it up for that "big want". If I satisfy every small want then I'll never be able to do the former.

4. Expensive smart phones and outrageous monthly costs are absurd. Get a Tracfone. I did. It works great. I can email and so forth at home on my personal computer.

5. Most people buy 2-3 times as much car as they really need. The price you paid for your car does not reflect on whether or not you are a quality person.

6. Buy a fuel efficient car. There are some very nice-to-drive but also efficient models available.

7. If your employer offers a 401K match make SURE you at least contribute enough to maximize what your employer will give you. THAT'S FREE MONEY!

8. A fairly basic cable or dish TV plan is all you need, if that. Depending where you live the new digital free broadcast signals give great reception. The picture is either perfect or non-existent. Most watch too much TV anyway. Instead, be selective and treat yourself to a good movie or quality TV series via iTunes or Netflix.

9. Stay at home to watch movies instead of paying $big bucks$ at the theater. Yes you'll have to wait a few months before it's available for home viewing but guess what: IT'S THE SAME MOVIE.

10. There's a lot more, but one has to come to the realization that the best things in life, such as bike rides with the kids, walks with the dog, etc. really are free and non-fattening.

Doug
Tags: Behavior, Finances, Personal Responsibility, Values
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