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Preparing for a Life with Less IncomeI am planning to retire in the next three to five years. I have been thinking a lot about making sure I am in the best financial situation possible. I realized that it is really my second time planning to live on less income. 35 years ago I left the workforce to raise my family. That was temporary; this is probably going to be permanent. A lot of the things I did then to prepare for less income I am doing now.

 

Finding the Best Thrift ShopsGo to the best town (most expensive real estate) and comb the thrift shops. Rich people throw things out too and sometimes new or near new. The quality may be better and you still pay thrift store prices. By JANET

 

How to Clean Dirty CoinsMy best friend always looks down at the ground when we go for walks because he is really quite lucky finding huge amounts of change in sidewalk crevices and dirt patches. He finds several dollars per week! Unfortunately, these coins are often very corroded and almost unrecognizable.

 

Reducing Food Costs and Avoiding DebtBudgeting is an integral part of personal finance and debt management. It requires proper allocation of money in all the categories to save money. Although purchasing food is necessary, if you're not attentive, it may also break your budget.

 

Change ShortageMy husband and I save our change. It's quicker and more convenient for us to get change back from the clerk than it is to carry change with us. However, there is a change shortage now so when I get a pint jar full, I roll it in coin wrappers and take it to the bank. They are so appreciative to get it. I turned in $46.50 a couple of weeks ago. I was surprised to see it was that much. It does not take long to fill a pint jar.

 

Contact Your Internet Provider About OutagesThis morning, my internet suddenly stopped working. I restarted my router and nothing was working. I searched online "Is Cox down in my area" and there were many reports. I decided to log onto my Cox Internet account and it said there are outages in your neighborhood and to text a number to stay informed when it'll be back up. My internet ended up being down for 5 hours.

 

Earn Christmas Money OnlineSince we've been stuck at home a lot this year, I figured I'd make the most of my time and make some extra Christmas money. One of the best ways I've found to make extra money is to participate in Swagbucks. You must be patient, and it takes a lot of time some days, but you can easily make $25 a month and more. My favorite rewards are Paypal and Amazon.

 

Hiding Car Coins in Plain SightI rarely buy coffee out but when I do, I have these cups to recycle. One day, I was throwing my change in the console, and this old cup was in there from the day before.

 

Saving Money On InsuranceCheck your insurance policy. I had a jewelry/fur rider for years. When the gold got high I sold so much of the jewelry. I also gave away a lot to my daughter. I haven't had a fur in many years. I looked at what I have left, and decided it wasn't worth it to keep it. I am saving $89 per year.

 

Working From HomeMany people are attempting to work from home during the current lockdown. Here are some tips for being effective without having to go into the office.

 

Refinance While Interest Rates Are LowInterest rates were just reduced to almost zero. If you have a higher interest mortgage on your home or property, it's a great time to look into refinancing. Some mortgages don't even have to be refinanced, they can be adjusted downward with just a small fee.

 

Start Your Financial Year Off RightI am 65 and on SSD. That means money is always tight. Hence the name Poor But Proud. Most of you know me on here and if you think of my tips, they are all based on saving money.

 

Don't Abbreviate the Year 2020When writing a check, signing an important document or anything requiring a date - remember not to abbreviate our current year 2020. Always take the extra second to put 2020.

 

Protect Your Checking Account InformationIn my area, crooks are putting fishing poles in federal mail boxes and stealing the mail that comes out. They are looking for checks and papers with other identifying information. Even if they cannot cash the check, they have the routing number and account number and can take money out of your account.

 

Be Careful Using Vending Machines and Debit CardsRecently, I was stuck for over an hour in a clinic, waiting for my neighbor to be done with her appointment. I had my phone, magazines, and chats with those who came and went.

 

Pay Bills On TimeAvoid extra fees by getting your car registration, license plate, and of course, monthly bills on time.

 

Smart TV to Cut Cable CostsI realized I do not need the cable box as long as I have wifi to stream from the app to my smart TVs. I turned in both of my cable boxes, saving $15.00 a month in the rental fees. Also, there are no more ugly cable wires cluttering up the back of the TV.

 

Waiving Late FeesFor the first time in 32 years, I was late paying a water bill. I paid the $13 penalty as I was very busy with some family matters. I called the utility company today and was told they have a policy of waiving one late fee every 5 years. It is not a fortune of money, but better in my pocket than theirs!

 

Reducing Credit Card DebtMany of us use a credit card for online purchases, bill pay, or when we go out so we have some fraud protection. Throw in a major auto repair or medical expense and it can be easy to start running a balance. It's easy to feel resigned to being in debt but with proper planning you can get your credit cards under control.

 

Cashing In Pocket ChangeMy husband won't spend change, so we wind up with piles of change on his dresser. Every so often, I'll take it to Coinstar in our grocery store. I found that I can turn the coins into an Amazon e-coupon, for free. I just cash in the coins and then add the code to my Amazon account.

 

Opt Out of Financial Credit OffersPeople can steal those forms right out of your mailbox and steal your identity. You can opt out by going to this website.

 

Free Museum Admission with Bank of AmericaIf you bank or have a credit card with Bank of America, every first full weekend of every month you can take advantage of complimentary/free general admission to select museums, gardens, aquariums in the United States.

 

Ask to Waive Late ChargesOnce in awhile we make mistakes and may forget to pay our bill(s). Then, the upcoming bill a late fee penalty will be charged. The penalty fee varies depending on the bill, but for my internet bill I accidentally forgot to pay and the fee was $9.

 

Take Advantage of Senior DiscountsMy parents have a list of shops in their area that offer senior discounts. Some are valid every day, some are one day a week, some are one day a month. The discounts can vary from 10 to 25 percent off, and most don't require you to sign up for a free membership.

 

Cash and Carry at All CostsI know it's been said before but, trust me, cash is better than store cards. I have been working hard on my credit. The score has gone up another two points. The one thing I learned the most was no more store cards. Interest charges added up and that was hard to recover from.

 

Don't Be Shy Using Coins and CouponsI used to be really nervous when I am in line with coupons or if I take slightly longer at the register to pay. I just didn't want to be "that" person everyone would be angry at. I would opt to use my credit card just so I don't have to fidget with cash and coins.

 

Beware Pre-authorization When Using Debit CardsWhen using your debit card, you have to be careful and ensure you have sufficient funds in your account because some places/retailers may add a pre-authorization charge that will take a couple days to fall off. If you don't have sufficient funds you could be charged with an overdraft.

 

Safe Way to be Paid for Large Ticket Items on CraigslistHave them meet you at the bank and do a cash deal inside the bank. Make it a point to deposit the cash then and there. If they are crooked people, they know not to follow you to get it back because they saw you deposit it.

 

Why a Budget is Like a ShowerI recently read an article from Readers Digest about a writer who decided he and his wife and son should try and not spend any money for a month. Of course the essentials were covered like mortgage and car payments/insurance and the like, but newspapers, videos, lattes, etc were cut. essay.

 

Bargain Dishwasher Pods at Dollar TreeI saw dishwasher pods for the first time at Dollar Tree. The pods were 10 in a package for $1, which makes them 10 cents a pod. They work just as well as the Cascade Platinum, which I can get for the lowest price of $3.99, which happens if they are on sale and I have a coupon.

 

Money TrackerSaving money truly is a struggle, for all of us. When we spend money, whether it be on food, clothing, accessories, entertainment, etc., we don't realize how much we actually spend each day. Writing what you purchased and how much you spent on it is an easy, FREE way to visualize your purchases daily.

 

Count Cash Before Inserting into ATMA couple years ago, I encountered a malfunction at an ATM machine. This was when depositing without an envelope slip or punching in the amount you were going to deposit was just discontinued.

 

Turn Data Off When Using Wi-Fi to Avoid OverchargesOur family plan is unlimited talk, text and shared 10GB of data among four phone lines. I remind everyone on the plan to turn off cellular data when they're using WI-FI (free internet) so we know for sure we are not using cellular data and that will prevent from overcharges on our bill.

 

My Experience Driving UberIn that eternal quest for remunerative work, I have had the experience of driving Uber for the past 4 months. I just wanted to share my experiences, in case anyone else is wondering, or thinks it is a good fit.

 

Keep an Inventory of What You OwnTake frequent inventory of what you own. When you get a new appliance, vehicle, or equipment, take note of the vin or serial number. Put it in a safe place at your location and at a separate location, such as in your safety deposit box or with a trusted relative. Also keep photos.

 

Be Safe With Your MailMany people find it convenient to leave their outgoing mail in their mailbox. This is not a good idea if you have any identifying information on the papers inside, or if you are mailing checks. People have been known to take your mail, open it, and get into your checking account or other identifying information to steal your identity.

 

Free Phone Calls through FacebookWe have a child who lives overseas. We have discovered, we can call each other for free through Facebook. To do so, go to Facebook Messenger, as if you were going to send them a message but click on the telephone icon to call them. You can talk from computer to phone, phone to phone or phone to computer.

 

Lint Roller For No Mess Scratch Lottery TicketsEverybody loves scratch offs but the silver shavings that come off are very messy and hard to remove from fabric. Today, that changes! Roll a lint roller over the scratched ticket and it will pick up every last bit of that mess.'

 

"Can You Hear Me?" Phone ScamThere is a new phone scam. The caller identifies himself as a business and then asks if you can hear clearly. If you say, "Yes", your voice is recorded. Purchases are then made. When you say you didn't order the product or service, your recorded "Yes" answer is the "proof" that you did.

 

Give Yourself a Second Payday With CoinsI know everyone is aware of the Coinstar machines in nearly every grocery store, and everyone is aware that saving coins can add up, but are you aware that you can painlessly have enough money to pay your rent after a mere two years or more?

 

Disable Wi-Fi Assist to Save MoneyWi-Fi Assist on your iPhone will detect a slow network, and automatically switch to cellular data. You will never know this is happening because the phone will not alert you.

 

Slash Your Electric BillIn the past 6 months, I have cut our electric bill by half. Several years ago I replaced all our light bulbs with CFL bulbs. Now, with the newer LED bulbs I have been replacing the CFL bulbs. 4 years ago, our average electric bill was around $300 per month for an almost 4000 square foot home. Now, I have it down to $100 or less.

 

Earn More when Establishing a Small BusinessA few months ago, I posted a simple chocolate cake recipe online for my ThriftyFun entry. Suddenly because of that post, I became an instant businesswoman. Orders are flooding after that post and I'm going to share to you now about how to earn more as your business grows.

 

Food for Thought on Your Grocery BudgetMy husband and I went grocery shopping for meals for the week. He bought a roast for $15 and a big pack of hamburger for almost $15. I complained that it was too much money in our food budget for two packs of meat. Well, as it turns out it was not.

 

Weekly Bank Reconciliation for RetireesLiving on a fixed income can be a challenge. I have a red folder with a spiral notebook inside which I record my weekly transactions on my checking account, including debits, bank drafts or any any monies withdrawn from my checking account, which I receive from calling a bank representative.

 

Setting Up Free Telephone Service at HomeThere are many free phone services out there. Even the government has one, Safelink, although you must meet a few requirements. Another, little known and quite different service is provided by Google. It is different in that it allows you to use your land line (home phone) for free.

 

Save Your Loose ChangeThis has saved me a few times and I love it. I made a few shopping totes and had one left over. I found some spare change and tossed it in the purse. I went about my day and weeks, never remembering the money was there. I found some change laying around the house. I quickly thought of my purse and made a deposit.

 

Starting a Savings AccountI encouraged a friend to start a savings account. She had no savings and had to charge emergencies when they came up. She said she did not have money to start a savings account with and could not afford to add to it if she did. I told her to save her pennies and put them in a clean empty plastic milk jug.

 

Make Friends with Your GrocerAs a self employed worker in a soft economy, I have learned to stretch every nickel to do a dime's job. One of my best strategies is to become acquainted with the department managers of my favorite grocery stores. These men and women have supplied me with valuable information regarding the foods in their departments.

 

Keep Rent Less Than 1/3 of IncomeYou should only pay 30% of your income to pay your rent to be in the safe zone! Don't live that way if you can't.

 

Keeping Track of Card BalancesI have a PayPal card and other cards that are loaded by sources other than me. I spend what I spend and when the funds are gone, I turn my card around in my wallet. This tells me the funds are depleted and I don't even think about trying to use them.

 

Get Cash Back at StoresWhen I am shopping and using my card, I ask for some cash back. I do this now instead of ever using an ATM that would charge me to take out my own money!

 

Soak Important Paperwork Instead of ShreddingSometimes I put papers in the sink with hot soapy water and let them soak. They are easy to tear and mix into tight balls. When dry, these balls will be impossible to break apart for any information.

 

Save Electricity with LED BulbsDid you know that by using LED light bulbs instead of regular light bulbs, you can lower your lighting bill by 75%? Also lighting is about 12% of your electric bill (the rest is AC, heat, and appliances).

 

Look For Credit Cards with No FeesTo save money with credit cards, shop around for rewards credit cards with no fees. Interest rates may be higher, but be smart: pay off everything in full every month and don't pay those ridiculously high interest fees.

 

Check for Lost Money Under BleachersForget phone booths and soda machines! When I was a kid in the 70's, we had a huge high school and football team. The bleachers were huge. The morning after a big game, we would scour under the bleachers and find several dollars in dropped, irretrievable change from fans.

 

Changing Names on UtilitiesI decided to change the name on the phone bill from my husband's name (since he has been deceased for over a year) to my name. However, it turns out they cancel everything in the old account, including the old email, and start over with a new account!

 

Free Heat from Dryer VentWhat do you need in winter? Heat and humidification. Disconnect the dryer vent in the winter and let the heat and moisture stay inside. Smells nice too.

 

Free Cell Service with Q Link WirelessIn filling out one of those endless surveys online the other day, one interesting thing came out of it. A window popped up advertising a federal program offering completely FREE cell phones and service.

 

Pay Cash for EverythingI realized how often I was swiping my debit card. It's just too easy to swipe that card and not think twice! I have started to take out a pre-set amount of money at the beginning of the month and pay cash for everything. It is way harder to part with 5 green dollar bills in your hand for a gourmet latte then it is to swipe your card.

 

Dreams Come True with a Credit CardAfter my son moved across the country, I worried how we/they could afford to visit regularly. I signed up for two credit cards that offered flyer miles for a total of 4 round free trip flights and we enjoyed regular visits!

 

Pay Off Property Taxes EarlyI am unemployed and work part time jobs off and on during year. So I have starting paying off taxes during the year. Working at the tax office, I found out you can pay your taxes early.

 

Frugal House BuyingI purchased a small house in a blue collar neighborhood. The owners had decided to retire about 3 hours away and kept lowering the price until I was able to pay cash.

 

The Value of Working Part TimeWhy do people want to 'devalue' a part time employee? Part time jobs are of value to both the employer and the employee. I work several part time jobs, mostly at home.

 

Check Statements for Benefits and DiscountsMost of us have a bad habit of not reading the inserts that are in the envelopes with bank statements and bills. This past month, I did read them, and managed to save several dollars.

 

Work for DiscountsMy husband recently retired from his job of almost 30 years. He discovered that he could work as little as 10 hours a week at a very popular large national chain hardware store and get the employee discount.

 

Challenge Yourself to SaveLast Christmas, as part of my Christmas gift, my mom gave me the Money Challenge. The challenge is: Week 1 save $1 and put it away, Week 2 save $2 and put it away, etc through Week 52, save $52.

 

Review Rental Locations with Google MapsAfter finding a possible place to live, type in the exact address in Google and it will show you the actual residence. Sometimes, it will be very close to the address but in either case you can see it and also rotate the wheel thing and you can get a view of the neighborhood.

 

Social Security Child Dependent Benefits and Child SupportIf you are divorced and have a dependent child and that child is receiving social security benefits, in most states, the benefit the child receives does indeed affect the amount of child support paid by the person responsible for paying child support.

 

House Sitting Service During the SummerI am 14 and I put up posters around town for my house sitting service during the summer. Before long, I had 5 different jobs lined up. I charged 5-10 dollars a day, depending on how much work it was. I made over four hundred dollar in about 8 months.

 

Student Loan Forgiveness for DisabilityIf you have student loans and are receiving Social Security Disability the loans and all part of the loans no matter how large can and will be wiped clean. All that has to happen is your doctor filling out a couple of forms.

 

Check your Electric Company for SavingsCheck with your electric company for savings you may be overlooking. This is especially true if you are on a co-op system, and often also true if you are on a town electrical system.

 

Use a Coolbox Instead of a FridgeIf you live alone and have a freezer, you can use it to freeze cold cells for a coolbox, so that you don't need to use electricity running a fridge as well. My daily routine includes changing my cold cells when I get up, and when I go to bed.

 

Pay Mortgage Bi-weeklyYou can pay your mortgage payments bi-weekly, rather than monthly. Two more payments a year adds up a lot of savings over several years. I shaved several years off my mortgage by doing this.

 

Check for Utility DiscountsCheck with your cell phone provider to see what discounts you may qualify for. Most people are aware that auto insurance companies give discounts, but are not aware that cell phone companies do as well.

 

Craft Camp as Summer JobI'm 13, with sisters of 11 and 9. We live in a community with lots of little kids. In the summer, we hand out fliers and set up crafts.

 

Tips for Hiring an Accounting ProfessionalIn the world of business, accountants are employed in one of three sectors: public, private, and government. Having a handle on who does what can help you get a handle on who may best be able to help you when you decide you need assistance.

 

Choosing a Real Estate Agent to Sell Your HouseBefore you decide who you are going to partner with, you need to research the market and interview candidates like your bottom line depends on it' because it does.

 

Increase Tips When Waiting TablesThe best way to get good tips while waiting tables is to create a satisfying dining experience for your guests. The following 5 steps are generally accepted as universal.

 

Shop at Home to Save MoneyAlthough, I'm not a packrat, there are times when my pantry, closets and cabinets can get rather full. This is when I go on a home shopping spree.

 

Paid Survey Site: Opinion OutpostThis site is a site I have tried. I did about two weeks worth of surveys. I earned 140 opinion points and cashed out through Paypal for fourteen dollars.

 

Cheap Phone ServiceCell phones are many times reduced to anyone receiving any kind of assistance: Lower income families, SSI, food stamps, Medicaid. I believe this service is available in many states in the US.

 

Ask For Travel ReimbursementHealth and Human Resourses will reimburse you for the cost of the gasoline you had to purchase in order to go to and from doctor or dental visits. They will furnish you a form that you fill out and the doctor or staff member signs it.

 

Student Loan Payments Forgiven For DisabilityIf you have student loans, are disabled and drawing Social Security Disability benefits, you can be forgiven of all loans if your doctor fills out a specific form for you. I know this because my daughter did it.

 

Finish Your ATM TransactionWhen you are at your bank's ATM, make sure you finish your transaction. I have pulled up to my bank's ATM, twice in the last month, and found that each person did not finish his/her transaction.

 

Taking Advantage of City ServicesToday, I was able to go to my city's offices and pick up a landfill coupon. It will pay for a dump run for all the things I can't donate or recycle as I get organized this spring. I get one every year, it is free to residents but the coupons are limited.

 

Website for Finding Unclaimed MoneySeveral years ago I was introduced to a site that has information on how to obtain money that you may not be aware is due you.

 

Ask for Photo ID on Credit CardOn the back of your credit card, instead of your signature, write "Photo ID required". That way if it is stolen, no-one could use it (unless they are an identical twin). It's still important to report it lost or stolen, as this would not protect you in a phone or mail order situation.

 

Saving on Cellphone ExpenseI dropped my monthly cellphone charges by getting a 20 dollar cellphone.

 

Secure Your Credit CardCredit card theft seems to be occurring more and more these days. Lately I've been hearing more about dishonest merchants copying down credit card numbers then going on internet shopping sprees. All they need is your credit card number and security code that's sitting on the back of the card (front left on some cards).

 

Paying Off Credit CardsIf you are serious about paying off your credit card and have the extra money in your budget, I have found this simple solution very helpful and effective but you have to be serious about paying them off and stay on track.

 

Senior Tip for Rx Co-payWhen each prescription is filled, I write the co-pay on the label so when it is ready to be refilled, we automatically know what the cost will be so we are prepared when we pick up the prescriptions.

 

Reducing the Cost of Funeral ExpensesIf your using cremation and want to have a viewing, many funeral homes will rent a casket at a reduced price.

 

Keeping Your Wallet SafeWhen I go to an outdoor event when it is chilly, I wear a jacket that I have put an inner pocket inside. I put a Velcro seal on it, that way my wallet is handy. I can get into it, but there is no way someone is going to open the Velcro without my knowledge.

 

Getting the Most for Your MoneyWhen I need to buy dish liquid or any cleaner for that matter, I don't just grab any bottle. I will look at all the bottles on the shelf and pick the one that is the fullest. Because if you pay attention there are some bottles that are fuller then others. That's how I get the most for my money.

 

Save the Money You Saved With CouponsWhen I use coupons at the grocery store, I write my check that much over. When I get home, I put it in my flower pot that is covered with a silk Boston fern. If a crook robs my house, I figure he wouldn't look there!

 

Invest in a Counterfeit Money CheckerI have a small battery operated special money checker light that when you shine it on the bill it shows little squiggle marks in the bill that you can not see with the human eye. If they are not there when you pass the light over it, it is a fake.

 

Considerations When Apartment HuntingDon't forget to keep in mind one very important thing. How far will I have to carry my groceries and everything else before getting to my apartment?

 

Use Crowdfunding Sites to Help with Medical BillsCrowdfunding website can be used to solicit donations for urgent needs, such as money for health care! It makes it easier for your loved ones, even strangers to donate, often directly through twitter or Facebook.

 

Making the Most of Your Veteran BenefitsA lot of places take veterans benefits to help aid in rent at assisted living homes and some private care homes. When we get older we think the rent for a private facility is way beyond our reach. However, if you are a veteran or a spouse of a veteran you may be entitled to a substantial amount of money to go towards your room and board every month. Also, many Veterans Administration hospitals give you free medical attention and medications. There are some exclusions to medication so you'd have to check into it. This can help you have a home away from home that is affordable. So be sure to ask if you can get veterans benefits for a doctor visit, medication, and rent. It really helps a lot of people who do not belong in a nursing home.

 

Use Solar Patio Lights as a Night LightInstead of turning on lights at night for water and bathroom breaks, use a simple electric free night light. Stake a solar patio light into some houseplants that are in sunny locations, and of an evening, after you turn the house lights off, they will provide enough light for you to be able to see.

 

Saving Money on UtilitiesIn my area, the trash company and the wireless internet company are locally owed. In reading the fine print on the bills, I discovered some interesting savings. Both, give one month free if you pay for 6 months in advance at a time.

 

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This page contains tips and advice about saving money and setting up a budget.

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This page contains tips and advice about saving money and setting up a budget.

Advice (102)Shopping (79)Saving Money (76)Employment (58)Budget (54)Making Money (43)Credit Cards (41)Utilities (38)Paying Bills (25)Banking (24)Taxes (24)Health Insurance (21)Home Buying (21)Debt Reduction (19)Healthcare (19)Investing (18)Retirement (14)Student Loans (14)Tax Tips (14)Credit Rating (10)Identity Theft (9)Renting (8)Home Loans (7)Auto Buying (6)Bankruptcy (6)Home Insurance (6)Auto Insurance (5)Home Selling (5)Links (4)Tips for Seniors (4)Life Insurance (2)A Penny Saved... (1)Financing (1)
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