Sharing insights since 2007 on carefully saving money, investing, frugal living, coupons, promo codes because the little things matter in achieving financial freedom!
One of the ways that you can spend less on certain purchases is to buy items that come with rebates. A rebate can save you anywhere from 50 cents to $20 or more on an item.
Getting that rebate isn’t always straightforward, though, and you could miss out if the paperwork is lost. Here are some things to remember as you take advantage of rebates:
Understand the Terms
First of all, you need to make sure that you understand the terms of the rebate. What do you need to do in order to qualify? Most of the time, you’ll need to fill out a form and include a receipt. Sometimes, you’ll need to do more. Make sure that you carefully follow all of the directions — from getting your paperwork turned in well before the expiration date to including all of the requested information.
If you don’t follow all of the instructions exactly, you could find your rebate claim rejected. That can be very disappointing, especially if you’re expecting a hefty amount back. [ continue reading… ]
Most people spend every dime they make, often before they make it. They spend it on movie tickets they don’t need, food they could’ve cooked, and knick-knacks they can’t afford — swiping the credit card and digging themselves deeper into debt with every purchase.
Savings can never grow when your spending constantly chips at the mountain.
I consolidated my undergraduate loans in 2003, which in some ways was the golden age of student loan consolidation. Back then, consolidating was a solid method for reducing interest rates, reducing monthly payments, and taking advantage of lender discounts.
Unfortunately, there have been many changes to the regulations governing student loan consolidations since then.
Consolidating my graduate debt with my remaining undergraduate loans in 2006 was much less of a financial slam-dunk, and the perks of consolidation have further eroded in the past several years. Many of the ideas about the benefits of student loan consolidation remain in place, even though they’re no longer true.
Here are two myths you may still believe about student loan consolidation: [ continue reading… ]
Preparing for holiday parties and functions can get expensive. A new dress, plus shoes, accessories, jewelry, spray tanning, facials, make up, hair… all that primping can lead to a hefty price tag! With a little DIY attitude and a few hours, you can reduce the cost of primping for the holidays.
Here are a few tips to get you started.
Frugal Hair Tips
1. Use coconut oil.
Dry dull locks are common around the holidays. Cold weather, decreased moisture in your home from your furnace, hot showers, and too much coloring or heat styling all take a toll on your hair. To perk up your winter looks for a party, try coating your hair in coconut oil. This organic treatment is a cream-like substance at room temperature, but it quickly turns to liquid when scooped from the jar and rubbed into your hair. Massage your ends and scalp well, cover with a warm towel, and let sit for an hour. Wash as usual.
Cost: $7 at Walmart for a 14 oz. jar, which should last all year. Cost of deep condition and scalp massage at the local spa: $35 plus tip. Savings: $28+. [ continue reading… ]
Last weekend, my wife had her purse taken at a wedding reception. Losing her keys was the worst part; our apartment was over an hour away, and we were stranded without a car. She was also without a phone for a day, which added to the agony. Luckily, she didn’t have any credit cards or cash in her purse at the time, which really reduced our financial loss.
Have you ever had something stolen from you? What could she have done to reduce the chances of theft? [ continue reading… ]
One of the many gimmicks car dealers use is the promise of paying off your old car loan. If you trade in your car, the dealer agrees to pay off the loan on the vehicle. You end up with a new car, and you don’t have to worry about making payments on both the old and the new loan.
This may seem like a good deal at first, but there are some things that you need to be aware of:
You Might Still Have to Pay the Loan
Yes, the dealer might make payments to your old lender and discharge the loan. However, it’s important to realize that, in many cases, the amount of the old loan is added to your new loan. Even though the lender pays off the old loan, you’re still responsible for paying them what you owe. It’s more like a balance transfer than actually having the loan paid off on your behalf, so don’t be fooled. Pay attention to the terms of the agreement, and be careful what you sign up for. [ continue reading… ]
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