Evan Vitale

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 – Keeping Your Car Cool

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By Evan Vitale

Traditionally August is the hottest month of the year. Soaring temperatures and high humidity can take a toll on the human body.

However, August is also tough on automobiles, so here are a few tips on how to keep your auto running well during this hot month and avoid a trip to the mechanic:

  • When your car is cool, check your radiator fluids. If your radiator coolant has a milky or rusty color to it, then it’s time to have it flushed and changed. Remember: never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot. If you don’t want to do this yourself, have your mechanic check it for you during regular oil changes. You should always have your system flushed every 24,000 miles.
  • Visually check your hoses for any leaks or cracks.
  • Get into a regular habit of checking your oil level. Learn where your car’s dipstick is located and how to check your oil level. Depending on how much your drive, oil should be changed ever 3,000 miles or 3 months (whichever comes first).
  • Keep an eye on your battery for corrosion around the battery posts. This will cause a poor connection making it difficult for your car to star and pull proper power during the summer months.
  • Obviously, air conditioning is extremely important during the hottest month of the year. An easy test is to stick a thermometer through your car’s air vent to see how cool the air is that’s pumping into your car. If it’s not cool, you may want to consider changing your car’s cabin filter, which should be done every 20,000 miles. If you can’t get your AC to blow out cool air, then you should see an auto mechanic.
  • Always keep an eye on your automobile’s temperature gauge (located on the dashboard) to make sure your car is not getting ready to overheat. Typically, driving at high speeds, idling in traffic or at a stop sign or running the AC will cause your car to heat up faster. If your temperature gauge is starting to climb to HOT (and possibly overheat), a quick solution is to turn off the air conditioner and turn the heater on MAX (yes, the heater!). This will help vent some of the engine heat and keep your car from overheating.
  • The biggest concern during the summer months is an overheated car. If your car becomes overheated (and the little light on the dashboard warns you of such a problem), you should never continue to run your car as this can lead to expensive damage.
  • Always keep an eye on your tires during the summer months and check your tire pressure frequently. Check your automobile manual to make sure you’re inflating your tires at the correct specifications.

These tips will help you – and your car – stay cool during the hottest month of the summer. Drive safe!

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 – Getting Out of Debt (Part IV)

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By Evan Vitale

As we know, credit cards can get you into a lot of debt very quickly. Credit cards are easy to obtain but if you don’t control and manage your spending, you can get into a lot of trouble very quickly.

So, what happens when you get in over your head and you can’t keep up with paying off credit card debt? After all, paying the minimum payment each month is not nearly enough to provide relief.

Here’s when most people consider hiring a debt consolidation agency to help and guide them through the debt consolidation process. Here’s how it works:

A debt consolidation agency will help you develop a plan that will help you pay off your debt. In addition, some agencies will continue to provide additional services after the debt is resolved in order to restore and rebuild your credit score. Debt consolidation agencies pool your entire debt together so that you’ll make one payment per month until your debt is paid off. In some cases, they will work with the credit card companies and may be able to get some of your debt excused.

A word of warning: debt consolidation agencies charge fees so make sure the amount you pay them won’t be more than the interest you’re paying to credit card companies.

Do a little bit of research before you hire a debt consolidation company. Read their websites; check out their reviews and call them to schedule an appointment. It’s always nice to have someone on your side you can help guide you through your debt process and make like a little bit easier on you.

Evan Vitale – Saving On AC Costs

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By Evan Vitale

Summer is here. Can you feel the heat? And the humidity?

For many, summer can be miserable and at times it seems like the only escape is to stay indoors and crank up the air conditioner. Yes, AC feels good, that is until you get your electrical bill and realize the cost associated with trying to stay cool and comfortable – and affordable – at the same time.

So, here a few things you can do during the summer months that will help off-set your air conditioning expenses, while saving money in other areas:

* Fire up the grill (charcoal or propane) when preparing meals instead of using the stove or oven. This way, your air conditioning unit won’t have to work harder in order to keep the house cool.

* Did you know that your clothes dryer is the second largest energy-consuming appliance in your home? Therefore, in order to save on energy and fees, start hanging your clothes outside in the fresh air. Let Mother Nature do the drying for free.

* If possible, check your appliances (dryer, washer, water heater, etc.) for electrical efficiency. Try to take advance of summer sales by purchasing a more efficient appliance. Most major retailers will offer credit for major purchases and you’ll be saving more money at home at the same time.

* Swap out your incandescent bulbs for high-efficient CFLs or LEDs. Some electrical companies offer CFLs or LEDs for free to their customers.

* Summer is also a great time to check your home’s insulation and cracks for leaks. Yes, even insulation and sealing up leaks in your home can save money in the summer time because it helps keep cool air from escaping. Note: Summer is also a good time to buy insulation as many retailers will have sales!

* Make sure you schedule regular air conditioning maintenance and cleaning and always check and change (or clean) your furnace filter. If you have a window AC unit, check and clean your filter on a regular basis.

These tips will not only help you save money, but you’ll stay more comfortable and cooler when the summer heat pours it on!

Evan Vitale – More Thoughts On Retirement

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By Evan Vitale

We all look forward to retirement (some day), but retirement planning isn’t always about how much you’ve saved in your retirement account. Instead, a decision on when to retire can also be determined by your state of mind and your abilities.

Here are some things to consider when you begin to think about setting a retirement date:

How do you feel about your job? In other words, do you reluctantly go to work every day? Do you still enjoy your job? Are you able to contribute to your employer and continue to build your retirement savings?

Do you know what you want to do when you retire? Have you made retirement plans? Where will you live? Will you be moving? If you don’t know the answers to these questions, then you should spend some time to consider all the possibilities before you retire.

On the financial side, will your retirement lifestyle and interests require additional income? Have you saved up enough money so you can afford the planned extras? If not, then you’ll probably need to work a little longer and save some more money so you can afford the retirement lifestyle you desire.

With retirement, do you plan to work in a part-time position at your current job or seek something less demanding? Does part-time employment and its salary play a role in your retirement lifestyle?

Will you be starting a new business when you retire? If so, do you have the needed capital investment in order to start?

How about your children? Are they self-sufficient? Have they graduated from school and in the workforce?

How will you be spending your retirement time?

Will your spouse continue to work during your retirement?

Is your mortgage paid off? Will you be moving into a smaller house or condo during retirement?

Are you over the age of 62 and qualify for social security benefits?

Are you over 59 ½ with a sizeable IRA or 401(k) account?

Have you saved enough money?

Tough questions, but you need to honestly answer each one of them before you jump the ship and head to retirement land. Be ready!

 

Evan Vitale – Planning For Retirement

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By Evan Vitale

No matter your age, you should never put off thinking about – and planning for – your retirement. For many, the idea can become too overwhelming that many people put it off until a later time.

However, instead of a delay, now is definitely the time to make some decisions that will help ensure that you have a nice nest egg so you’ll be able to live comfortably down the road.

When you retire will have an impact on how long you’ll need to plan on living on your savings. In addition, how much you’ll spend has a greater impact on how much money you will need to save. For example, will you have your mortgage paid off by the time you retire? If you don’t have to worry about a mortgage payment, that will be a huge financial weight off your shoulders. If you won’t have your mortgage paid off, then you may have to consider selling your house for more income.

Of course, many people decide to sell their home because they want to move to a warmer environment (i.e. Florida) or live closer to children and grandchildren. If that’s the case, you’ll need to consider the cost of living at your new location.

In addition, some people like to travel when they retire. If that’s the case, you’ll need to factor in vacations; hotels and meals away from home.

Other considerations include gifts for the grandchildren, eating out, club memberships – all of these are things we would probably enjoy when we reach retirement age, but can we afford them? Are we currently good at setting up a budget and sticking to it?

In order to reach your retirement goals, you’ll definitely need a strong financial plan. Talk to your banker and meet with a financial planner to begin investigating what needs to happen in order for you to plan for your retirement and reach your retirement financial goals.

Evan Vitale – Give Coupons A Chance

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By Evan Vitale

You’ve probably have seen or heard of the “extreme” couponing reality television shows in which a mother (or family, dad, etc.), buys a ton of groceries and pays next to nothing because they used a million coupons in order to make their purchase.

While you might not be ready to go crazy with coupons, you can definitely learn more on how to effectively use coupons in order to save money.

Just to get started, here’s where you can find manufacturers’ and local coupons and start saving a few dollars on your weekly grocery bill:

  • The Sunday newspaper. Always a good place to start finding coupons as the Sunday paper usually contains many coupons.
  • Magazines, such as Women’s Day and food magazines.
  • Local newspapers, weekly newspapers and grocery store flyers.
  • In-aisle coupons. Sometimes you can find these next to the product.
  • Grocery store bulletin boards sometimes carry coupons or rebate forms.
  • On the Internet. Some grocery stores are doing this now, so see if your favorite grocer is publishing online coupons.

When using coupons, make sure you read the detailed information. Are there any coupon restrictions? Do you have to buy five items in order to use the coupon? Pay attention to the coupon expiration date.

Be aware of the grocery store’s policy when it comes to coupons. Most have changed their guidelines because of extreme coupon users. Check to see if your grocer has a double-coupon day? Do they have a Senior Day that might give you an extra 5-10% off your grocery bill? Does your grocery store match competitors’ coupons?

Please note there may be restrictions on Internet coupons, coupons without a barcode, some coupons may not be automatically doubled (like meat or dairy products).

You don’t need to go crazy and buy a coupon organizer if your main goal is to save a little bit of money on the products you regularly purchase at the grocery store. However, just a little bit of coupon-clipping can go a long way in spending less money and saving more.