So I read this article today and actually enjoyed it. Some useful info so I decided to summarize and share!
ENJOY!
The secret’s out: We’re in a recession! No matter how stable your financial situation, we are all looking for ways to find extra money.
A few bucks here or there may not seem like much, but if you make a conscious effort, the dollars can add up quickly.
Here are a few ideas that will get you started without forcing any huge life adjustments.
Negotiate a Lower Interest Rate
If you keep yourself out of debt and pay your bills on time, you are a credit card company’s dream!
They do not want to lose you, so that means you have the power. Give them a call to negotiate a lower interest rate on your credit card and pocket the savings. You may run into some resistance at the start of the conversation, but if you remind them how reliable a customer you have been and that you have no problem walking away, you should get what you want.
Join Netflix
If you regularly rent movies from the video store or go to the theater, joining Netflix could save you a hefty sum. Choose from over 100,000 movies, and they’ll be delivered right to your door within a day or two, along with a prepaid envelope to send them back. You can keep each movie as long as you want.
You’ll see a bunch more flicks, and it’s a lot cheaper than renting one at a time from the store or buying those incredibly expensive theater tickets (and getting tempted to buy that overpriced popcorn and candy!). A painless and fun way to find extra money!
Cut the Cable
Having the premium movie channels may be another way to stay out of the video store and the theater, but are you really getting your money’s worth?
Go through the premium channels you subscribe to and make a list of the ones you never watch. Call your cable company and negotiate for a deal so you are only paying for what you use, which should make your monthly bill a little less hefty.
Bring the Party Home
So many of us meet at a restaurant or bar when we want to spend time with our friends, but why not get together at your home?
Get a couple bottles of wine and a few hors d’oeuvres or make a nice meal. A game of Pictionary, as corny as it may sound, is always a good time, and it’s a whole lot cheaper than going out. If your friends like the idea, convince them to take turns playing host.
Spending quality time with friends while saving big bucks? Sounds like a perfect night to us!
Use Your Own ATM
We’ve all been there. You’re out and realize you don’t have any cash on you, and the most convenient ATM is not your bank’s. The two or three dollar charge for using the machine is steep, but not that big a deal, right? WRONG!
These fees may seem small at the time, but they can quickly add up to hundreds of dollars. Take the time to do a little preplanning before you leave the house, and use your own bank’s ATM. The extra money you’ll save can go a long way!
Quit While You're Ahead
Looking for extra money? Sell your lousy investments. Chances are, with the way the stock market is going, you have a few stocks in your portfolio that you wish weren’t there. It’s tempting to ride things out and hope they’ll turn around, but at least consider whether you should sell these investments.
Even if you don’t make a ton of money, it’s better than losing even more further down the line. Plus, there may be a tax benefit to taking those losses.
Of course, don’t make these decisions on a whim. Consult your financial advisor to discuss whether it’s time to dump some of that dead weight.
Cash In Your Savings Bonds
Remember that savings bond Grandma gave you all those years ago? Go find it and cash it in! It’s free money just waiting to go into your bank account. If you’ve been hanging on to it for more than 30 years, it’s not earning one red nickel, and even if it still has some appreciation left, it might be wise to use it in a pinch. Another quick way to find extra money!
Review Your Insurance Policies
Most of us are pretty thorough when we are choosing an insurance policy, but when it comes to renewing it or paying the monthly premium, we tend to stick with what we have and just pay the bill.
But your insurance is a huge expense and often a place where you can find some extra money. Sit down with your insurance policies and figure out if you are paying for insurance coverage you don’t need. Chances are your priorities and needs may have changed since you originally bought the policy, and making a few adjustments could save you major money every month.
Sell Your Gift Cards
Gift cards can be terrific presents to receive, but only if you want to buy something from that particular store! How many times have you been given a certificate to a store where you don’t shop or that’s nowhere close to your home?
Don’t let that card take up space in your wallet — sell it! You can turn those gift cards into cash by selling them on e-Bay, plus it keeps you out of the stores and away from tempting, unnecessary buys!
Cut Up Some Credit Cards
If you have any credit cards that make you pay a fee, you can find extra money right now by getting rid of them! There are plenty of credit card options that give you great benefits with no annual fee.
Some annual fees may seem worth it if the benefits are something special, but most times paying an annual fee is just silly! It’s an expense you can eliminate with a single phone call today.
Read 'Em and Sell 'Em
Instead of using the books you have already read for decoration around the house, go to cash4books.net and make a few dollars. All you have to do is type the book’s information into the web site to find out how much you can make. Maybe some of those classics are worth hanging on to, but if you’re like us, books you’ve already read just sit around and collect dust.
It’s a no-brainer — sell ‘em!
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