Evan Vitale

Evan Vitale – Big Budget Savings (Part I)

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By Evan Vitale

If you’re looking for ways to trim the fat; stay within your budget or just save some extra money for a rainy day (or a vacation), check out these tips that can help you find some extra money.

Cable TV – This is huge and chances are you can find some opportunities here to save some money. If you are happy with your current cable package, take a look at possible bundling packages with your service provider. By adding internet and telephone services, you’ll save big. If you’ve already bundled, call your cable company and see if they can help you find ways to save money (without pulling the plug). Sometimes, they’ll give you a better rate for being a good customer or, perhaps, you may have the option to drop drown a package tier. It might mean less channels, but it can add up to big savings.

Another television opportunity is to switch providers entirely by signing up with a satellite dish network. A friend of mine dropped his cable TV service and switched providers – a $40 per month savings (plus more channels)!

Cell Phone – Here is another area in which you can save big. Call your current provider and negotiate for a better rate. In some cases, you might be able to extend your current contract; get a new phone and find a package that can save you some money. If not, shop around for a different provider.

Alarm Service – If you have a home alarm service, call them and negotiate a better rate. Chance are good they will work with you rather than lose your business all together.

These three tips are just a start, but you can find big savings in all three areas.

Get started now. Save now. We’ll have some more tips next week!

Evan Vitale – Curb Holiday Spending

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By Evan Vitale

Soon, the holiday months will be upon us with many opportunities to get together with family and friends and enjoy the seasons.

Unfortunately, the holidays can also mean spending temptations and the urge to buy decorations, gifts, food, etc. It is very easy to get caught up in the spirit only to face the dreaded credit card statements come January.

So, with that in mind, here are a few tips to stay within your budget and don’t overspend:

– Halloween is becoming one of the largest “spending” holidays of the year as many adults are now participating in decorating and parties. You can still become part of the fun and stay within your means. Always use what you have on hand for decorating and costumes.

– Thanksgiving meals can sometimes be expensive if you want to host a family dinner. If so, you can stay within your budget by having each guest bring an item (i.e., a pitch-in).

– Black Friday shopping, which now actually starts on Thanksgiving, is a huge temptation. Yes, you can save money by shopping for specific gifts, but you need to make sure that the items you want to purchase are indeed a bargain. Stick to a budget. Don’t buy more just because you’re saving money.

One of the big ways to save on gift purchases for the holidays is to seek out and use layaway plans. Big box stores such as Wal-Mart, K-Mart, etc. are currently offering layaway opportunities that allow you to make purchases and follow a payment plan. The store will hold your items until your balance is paid in full (usually around December 21).

Layaway plans are good as long as you make the scheduled payment and you avoid additional gift purchases along the way.

Think smart during the upcoming holidays. Don’t over-spend or over-extend.

Evan Vitale – Back To School Savings!

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By Evan Vitale

As summer seems to quickly come to a close, attention has started to shift to back-to-school themes as children get back in the routine of books, lunches and homework. If your child hasn’t started the new school year yet, you probably know the first day of school is approaching fast.

For many families, back-to-school expenses can be costly. This can include new clothes, shoes, school supplies, fees and, in some cases, new calculators or computers. Being thrifty in purchasing back-to-school items doesn’t mean you have to be cheap or skip on some essentials.

Here’s how you can help fit your child with what they need AND save on money at the same time:

– Always look for and take advantage of “Back To School” sales. Almost every major store (and even some local stores) offer back-to-school sales. Here’s where you’ll find all your discounts on school supplies as well as an opportunity to stock up on those supplies your child may use and need all year (i.e., pens, pencils, paper, glue, etc.).

– Think eBay. Here you’ll find name brand clothes and backpacks at great prices. Most sellers are quick to answer questions (before you purchase) and free shipping. Shop early, so your orders will arrive before school begins. If there’s a problem with your order, most sellers offer 30-day return policies.

– Shop, if you can, without your child. By doing so, it’s easier to select items based on price and not on what the child wants. Typically, the items the child wants are usually more expense than what the child needs and your back-to-school list and budget is quickly skewed.

– Avoid fancy items and those items with cartoon characters. Yes, a Spiderman backpack is going to cost more than a simple red and black backpack.

Think smart. Stick to your list – and to your budget – and you’ll be able to arm your child with that they need in order to start school on the right foot!

Evan Vitale – Budget Coupon Power!

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By Evan Vitale

So, you’ve cut unnecessary expenses; use coupons from time-to-time, but you’re always on the lookout for ways to help stretch your budget from week-to-week and month-to-month.

Face it: the No. 1 item that you can’t go without is food. You need to make healthy (and smart) choices for meals for you and your family. If you haven’t done so already, taking a closer look at coupon usage at the grocery store is definitely a way to stretch your budget.

Here are five easy ways you can save more at the grocery store without having to skimp on food quality:

Look for and use coupons that offer “Buy 1, Get 1 Free” offers. This is the best way to save, but you need to always be on the lookout for these kinds of deals. Check your coupons in the Sunday paper or online. In some cases, these deals might be available in-store only, so keep your eyes opened when you scan the grocery store shelves.

Watch your expiration dates on coupons. If you want to be a true coupon-clipper, coupons only work when you use them before they expire.

Don’t be afraid to purchase off-brand every once in a while. You might find the grocery store brand tastes just as good and might be even cheaper than using a coupon for the national brand item. Canned green beans are canned green beans. Right?

Use store brand coupons and shopping discount cards. Look for those deals that let you know 10 cans of corn for $10 but only when you use your shopping discount card. When it comes to groceries, always become a proud discount card holder. Discounts here and there add up when you hit the cash register and, in some cases, many store chains offer points for more discounts or gasoline discounts when you use your shopper card.

Share or trade your coupons with family and friends, especially coupons you don’t need or use. Some neighborhoods will form a coupon club. Why not trade baby food and formula coupons with someone who needs them in exchange for coupons that you and your family can use?

Once you get started clipping and using coupons, you’ll quickly be surprised on how much money you and your family can save and still enjoy the same times of foods and products that you’ve been purchasing all along.

Evan Vitale – Big Savings At Dollar Stores

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By Evan Vitale

You’re probably used to seeing them in just about every town and, sometimes, they are located in nearly every strip shopping center these days.

No, we’re not talking a Starbucks Coffee shop, either.

Instead, “dollar” stores are becoming a very popular retail destination for many people (young and old) when trying to stretch your dollar, stay within your monthly budget, and find good days on every days products.

Dollar stores have come a long way. They are no longer the dirty, low-rent stores selling absolute and out-dated products. Have you visited one lately?

Dollar stores are easy to operate and, in some cases, the inventory is refreshed with new products added almost daily. Here are a list of things you can expect to find at a dollar store:

  • Cleaning supplies
  • Paper goods, such as napkins, paper towels
  • Personal health care items, such as shampoo, etc.
  • Toys, coloring books, etc.
  • Party supplies
  • Pet care, automotive products
  • Office supplies and back-to-school supplies
  • Seasonal items, especially for Christmas, Halloween, etc.
  • And, yes, in some cases, food items including soup, tuna, bread, drinks, candy, etc.

When you visit a dollar store for the first time, take your time and browse every aisle. You’ll probably be surprised at what you find and you’ll quickly spot items that you’ve purchases elsewhere (and paid more money).

Get into a habit of saving money by making the dollar store a regular weekly stop on your shopping trips. Some will visit the dollar store first before going to their regular grocery store.

If you’ve haven’t been a regular shopper at a dollar store, it’s definitely something you should consider when living on a tight budget and saving some money!

Evan Vitale – Getting Out Of Debt (Part V)

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By Evan Vitale

In this blog post, we’ll wrap up our series on debt and, more importantly, how to get out of debt. While it’s true we always carry around some form of debt, it’s certain not enjoyable to have a lot of credit card or tax burden debt hanging around your neck.

It’s true that we are living in a time where debt seems like it’s encouraged. We’re bombarded with credit card offers in the mail and by the cashier at the department store. We’re told how easy it is to buy tickets and rent a beachside condo for a vacation in Jamaica and how we can earn points for spending, spending, spending so we can upgrade flights at any time, etc.

In addition, loan brokers tell us that we can borrow up to 125% against our home equity and, if we need quick cash, you can get a loan on your car title.

At times, it definitely sounds like a mound of debt is the way to go, but it’s not pleasant when it’s time to pay the piper.

When money is tight, many people take the easy route and pay for things with a credit card. Try to avoid that temptation, especially if it’s not for essentials such as food, medical, gasoline, etc.

Instead of going into more debt, see if there are opportunities for more work or overtime at your place of employment, seek out a part-time evening or weekend job or tighten your belt and spend less money.

Debt isn’t always a bad thing. You’ll need to carry some level of debt when buying a house or a car or going to college. Someone once said to foster the debts that help the cause and banish the ones that don’t.

Always be looking for ways to control your spending and debt. Cut back on unnecessary purchases and expenses. Save. Save. Save.

Evan Vitale – Save Big on Food Costs

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By Evan Vitale

One of the biggest expenses we face every day is the cost of eating.

Whether we are avid grocery store shoppers or enjoy eating out for meals every week, our consumption of food is one area that you should definitely watch what you spend and look for ways on how to save on your weekly eating expenses.

Of course, we’re not talking about cutting way back to the point of eating saltines and drinking water every day. Instead, let’s look at some reasonable ways in which you can save money, but still enjoy the kinds of foods you like to eat.

Here are some helpful tips:

– Take your lunch to work. We’ve probably heard of this one our entire lives, but it’s true. Taking your lunch to work saves money from eating lunch at local restaurants and fast food joints. It also saves time during your lunch hour of standing in line or waiting for a table during the busy lunch time.

– Use coupons whenever you can. If you like to shop and purchase name brand products, using coupons is the only way to go. Here, you can still enjoy the brands you like to purchase, but save a few dollars at the same time.

– Join the grocery store’s shopper club. Yes, they are going to track your purchases, but they also give you discounts each week on certain products when you use your shopper card. Some grocery store chains even offer fuel points which give you up to $1 per gallon of gasoline based on the fuel points you have earned with your shopper’s card.

– Consider buying the store brand instead of the name brand. You might not notice the difference in taste or quality, but you will notice the savings.

– Keep a grocery list at home; take it with you and follow it. By doing this, you’ll avoid impulse purchases and keep your grocery budget in line.

– Cut the number of times you eat out each week. If you’re eating two or three meals at a restaurant each week, consider cutting it to one or two at the most. Cutting out one meal at a restaurant can save you up to $75 a month (per person) depending on what and where you eat.

These simple tips will indeed help you save on your grocery shopping and food consumption bill. Eat well, but save, too!

Evan Vitale – Saving Money in 2016

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By Evan Vitale

Saving up more cash is the trend for 2016, but so many people often procrastinate in their efforts when it comes to cutting everyday costs. Listed below are ten tips to do today to keep more cash in your bank account and lessen debt risk.

  1. Make “Dining In” your norm and “Dining Out” as just a special treat. Our fast-paced workplaces have helped us justify a daily fast food lifestyle that is eating away at our savings goals.
  1. Brew your own grinds. Fancy coffee-to-go can run $4 or more a cup and unpredictable lines for a barista can cut into an efficient work day. Acquire an inexpensive grinder and a coffee maker that is easy to use or a cheerful color to brew a thermos-to-go of that magical brown elixir for only pennies a cup.
  1. Get rid of high-priced gym memberships. In the event you want the incentive that is part of the fitness center social scene, join a community-based running, biking, hiking club or a small yoga group. You’ll be able to casually socialize afterwards without a monthly credit card gouge.
  1. Rethink your entertainment options. Rather than going out for the movies, hit the library and check out movies for a week for free. You won’t have to listen to ringing cell phones in a theatre and you can enjoy your own homemade cookies and snacks. Limit your evening out “clubbing” to quarterly or once a month, and have close friends over on Friday nights instead for a cookout.  
  1. Rethink your driving style. Make an effort to drive only if you really need to in order to cut back on gas. Don’t let your car idle more than 1 minute. Look into a park and ride commuter lot for the trip to work and seriously evaluate the need for those last minute trips to the store and fast food.
  1. Always keep your automobile maintained. Appropriately inflated tires as well as a tuned-up engine can enhance your gas mileage favorably.
  1. Design your own dream “staycation.” If you take time to invest in exploring more localized travel options, you can save the travel money for some finer dining options closer to home or splurge on your favorite hobby supplies guilt free.  Not to mention, saving you hundreds of dollars on hotels and gas.
  1. Cut those utility expenses. Swap out furnace filters often. Add weather stripping around doors and windows. Repair leaky faucets and running toilets. Wear sweaters and reduce your thermostat in the winter and try to use your ceiling fan rather than the A/C in summer.
  1. Get fresh quotes for your insurance coverage expenses. Insurance rates, particularly auto insurance coverage prices, can differ a great deal from between competing firms.   By acquiring at least three various comparison quotes, you may lower your premiums by hundreds. An easy strategy to do this is on the internet at an insurance coverage comparison site as your first analysis and then talking to a locally based firm rather than a national brand name.  Driving less and taking benefit of discounts can reduced your prices at the same time. Also, consider raising the deductibles on both auto and property or tenants insurance to lower premiums. Just make sure that if you need to make a claim for a loss that you have enough cash on hand to pay the deductible.
  1. Be careful with “cash back” added on to debit card transactions.  The cash is usually quickly spent without a recollection of where it was spent.  It is also hard to remember to write the transaction down which can make it too easy for a checking account to become overdrawn.

Evan Vitale – Staying On Track With Your Budget Resolutions

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By Evan Vitale

Congratulations! You’ve made it one month into 2016 and, hopefully, you’re still on track with your personal budget resolutions.

Of all the resolutions you may have made on January 1 – losing weight, finding a new job, breaking a bad habit, etc. – your budget resolution may be the most important one.

A recent study conducted by the University of Scranton shows that more than half of those who set budget resolution goals give up within the first three months. However, those who made it to the six-month mark, stayed on track for the entire year.

If you haven’t created a persona budget for 2016, it’s never too late to get started. If you have a budget, now is a good time to review it.

Here some other things you should consider when creating or reviewing your personal budget:

  • Try to put a little bit aside as an emergency fund. This way, you’ll always be ready for the unexpected. Typically, an emergency fund covers approximately three-to-six months of daily expenses. Hopefully, you’ll never need to tap into those funds, but it will give you peace of mind knowing emergency funds are available if such an emergency arrives.
  • Be it computer software or paper, make sure you set up a system for your budget that you are comfortable with using. Daily remembers on due dates and other action items will help you pay bills on time and avoid penalties and late fees.
  • Review your retirement plan, investments and benefits, whether you are employed or self-employed. It might be a good time to have an “update” meeting with your financial planner and/or a meeting with your benefits supervisor at your office.
  • Try to save. Adjust spending, cut back on a few extras here or find other ways to bring in more income.

Keep going on your budget resolution!

Evan Vitale – Start Saving Money Today!

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By Evan Vitale

Saving money seems to be an extremely difficult task for most Americans. Yes, we have daily, weekly and monthly living expenses that need to be taken care of, but we also like to eat out, drink fancy coffees, and enjoy some entertainment time.

However, there are many easy tips and ideas that can help you trim back a few expenses, allow you to enjoy your current lifestyle and start saving money for a rainy day.

Saving money begins with creating and following a budget. Keep track of your expenses and find out where the money is going. A friend of mine kept a receipt for every expense – including a soft drink in the drive-thru restaurant – so he could quickly figure out why (and where) his money was disappearing from his bank account so quickly.

Once you begin to track your expenses, then you can start planning on how to cut expenses and save some money at the same time. Think about this for a moment: If you were able to save only $10 per week, that’s $520 a year. Placing $20 into savings each week, is over $1,000 per year!

Start by trimming the fat little by little. You’ll probably quickly find out there are many expenses that you can trim in order to build up your savings account. Start with the easy ones:

Instead of buying two coffees per day, cut it back to one per day. If you’re drinking only one expensive coffee per day, consider taking your own “brew-it-at-home” coffee with you and treating yourself to an expensive coffee on a special day.

Take your lunch. You’ve probably heard this one before, but eating out can burn up the budget quickly. My budget-minded friend was spending $10 or more each day for lunch (that’s over $50 per week). Now, he takes his lunch to work four days a week and treats himself to a budget lunch every Friday.

Look at other expenses you can trim:

  • Public transportation instead of driving to work (saving gasoline and parking fees).
  • Renting DVDs instead of going to the movies.
  • Trimming your cable television package.

Again, keep track of your expenses; create a budget and start saving some money for a rainy day!