Tips to Beat the Recession Blues

Money Saving Tips to help Lower your Bills

1. Call your internet provider and bundle up. Many providers also offer cell services, home phones, cable, as well as Internet services. If you bundle you will save money. You can save 15-20% right away!
2. Heating Bill too High? Save your money now with these tips!
Block drafts in your house. Use caulk, draft blockers you can buy at "build-it" stores, and any other home remedies.
Hot Money Saving Tip: turn down the heat in your house, especially during the day when no one is home, and during sleeping hours, this will save you money on each bill!
Close the vents in rooms not being used in your house.
Get a programmable thermostat, even just getting a new thermostat can save you money on your next bill.
3. Insurance Bill taking your money? Money Saving Tip:
Take the time to shop around. Now is the time to call around to agencies and get quotes. Pick the cheapest quote and switch, this will save you a few hundred dollars a year.
4. Electric Bill sucking your bank account dry?
Money Saving Tip: Do laundry only once a week. Skip the dryer too. Air dry your clothes and save your money (and the earth at the same time)! If you have to use the dryer, be sure to empty the lint trap after each use, so the dryer uses less electricity.
Unplug, unplug, unplug. If you are not using it- unplug it and put money back into your pockets!
5. Credit Card Bills swallowing every last penny? Now is the time to call the credit card companies and ask for a lower interest rate.
Money Saving Tip: Consolidate your debt, and pay it off as soon as you can.
Pay your highest interest cards first!
Begin with these steps and beat the recession blues by putting money where it belongs- back into your hands.
6. Find an extra source of income to counter some of the bills for the things you just can't live without. There are plenty of on-line home business programs that really work. Find one that suits your needs and stick to it. The cash will start flowing in on auto pilot before you know it.

1. Tax-free Savings Account- Canadian Banks
Put your money here. The interest you gain will bot be subject to tax. Over the years this equals a lot of money!
2. Bank Machine Trickery- Money Saving Tip: Don't take your money out of a bank machine that is not your Bank. The service charges really add up. Save that money for yourself- don't give it away. Take out enough money for the week and avoid interact as well. Sometimes there are fees for using your bank card for purchasing as well.
3. Debit Cards with Rewards- sign up for cards that provide points, cash back or other rewards.

1. Budget your spending. Save money by knowing where the spending needs to stop.
Money Saving Tip: Track your spending for one month, and then you will really see where the problems are.
2. Cut out the extras- sounds mean, but it is simple. Here are some simple Money saving tips to save some money:
Convenience Store= Rip Off! Everything in there is overpriced, there are too many impulse items, and when you go in to buy a bag of milk you end up coming out after spending $30+. So... avoid the Convenience Store now!
Don't buy Lottery Tickets- We all know the old story... the odds are higher for getting struck by lightning than winning the lottery, yet many people spend between $2-$20 per week on the lottery. This is potentially a saving of $104-$1040 per year!
Money Saving Tip: Use the Library- You won't believe what you can borrow at the library these days! Movies, CD's, Books, and magazines. You can save hundreds of dollars a year, just by getting a library card!
Pack your lunch, perk your own coffee, and bring your own canteen/thermos of water and you will save hundreds of dollars a year!
Become a coupon clipper- only buy the items that are on sale and that you have a coupon for. Don't go to the grocery store without your coupons!
Butt out your smoking habit and save $520 per year-minimum!

1. Spring Clean Now
Post items for sale in local papers, online at sites like ebay, amazon and craigslist.
Have your own garage sales.
Take baby and child items to used stores. You will get money back for your items.
2. Sell your car!
This may not be realistic for some, but for many it is a great option! You can take public transportation, walk, and carpool. If you have two cars for your household- sell one, you will be surprised how you can get by with only one car, or by using public transportation.
3. Quit the Gym
Gym memberships can cost hundreds of dollars a year. You can save that money! Buy a video, or get outdoors and run. Many people do not use their gym memberships enough to make it worth the money- so save the money and get active around your house. There are many workouts online, in magazines (get at the library) and in books (also at the library).

1. Flyer Rewards- Read the grocery store flyers and look for the deals. Find the deals and only buy items on sale. This will save you money every time.
2. Coupons, Coupons, Coupons. Clip coupons for groceries in free flyers that come each weekend. Go online and find many coupon sites- print the coupons and start saving money!
3. Plan your meals BEFORE you go grocery shopping. Only buy the groceries you need for the meals of the week.
4. Grocery shop in your Backyard. Plant herbs, vegetables, and potatoes and save hundreds of dollars!