Evan Vitale

Evan Vitale – Save Money With Thrift Stores

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By Evan Vitale

One of the biggest ways you can save money, have nice things and save money – all at the same time – is to consider going shopping at thrift stores.

Now, I realize that some people are turned off by thrift store shopping. However, the vision you have in your mind is entirely wrong with the way most thrift stores operate today. When you find a good one, you’ll know it: the store is clean, organized and sells nice clothing and merchandise.

Most people hit the thrift stores for clothes and there are some great deals and great finds to be had. Look for the brands that you like and currently wear. When you find something, check for tears, stains, missing buttons, etc. Most thrift stores have dressing rooms, so you can try it before you buy it.

Thrift stores also carry household goods, gifts, electronics, picture frames, shoes, hats, books, toys and more. Sometimes, you can find something that’s new, unopened and still wrapped in the original box!

The trick to finding the best deals is to visit a thrift store first thing in the morning when employees and volunteers are stocking the shelves. Thrifting experts say Monday and Tuesday mornings are the best days to go, but this might vary from store to store. In addition, some thrift stores have coupons or sales specials, such as “Senior Citizens Day” etc.

Before you make your final purchases, do a final check with everything in your cart and make sure you feel good about your purchasing decisions. Double-check tags, sizes and condition of the items you are going to buy.

Once you take your items home, clean everything and immediately wash any clothes you’ve purchased as there is virtually no pest or bacteria that will survive after its been through a good wash and thoroughly dried.

If you’ve been avoiding the thrift stores because you one heard a “horror” story, it’s time to give them a chance. Update your wardrobe, find some inexpensive gives, stay within your budget and continue to save some money!

Evan Vitale – Saving on Auto Repairs

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By Evan Vitale

Mechanical problems with your car can not only be costly, but can also cause a huge inconvenience.

At one time or another, we’ve all been there. Our car wouldn’t start; we had it towed only to wait nervously by the phone for the mechanical to call with a repair quote. Can we afford it?

Here are some tips that will help keep your car in good running shape and hopefully prevent you from having to face an expensive bill from the repair garage:

  • If you have a new (or newer car), always follow the recommended maintenance schedule. Keep a record and schedule your next service in advance. There’s no need to pay for a particular service until it’s needed.
  • For regular routine maintenance, some will take their car to the “quickie oil change” business than to the dealer. That might be less expensive, but check to see if it voids any prior manufacturer or dealer warranties on your auto.
  • If you run into a serious problem with your vehicle, it’s always better to take it to the dealer’s repair shop. They sell and specialize in your auto type and your car may be under a warranty. In most cases, a warranty means your car needs to be repaired by a certified mechanic.
  • Only purchase tires if they come with a warranty and keep a record in your glove box.
  • Newer cars should always have their oil changed every 3,000 miles. Older cars may not need it that often.
  • If you think your car has a problem, fix it now. Don’t wait until you are stranded.

Here are some quick, easy and inexpensive things you can do yourself:

  • Check your fluid levels: coolant, oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid.
  • Check your tire pressure and inflate to proper levels. Your car will ride smoother and you’ll gain better gas mileage.
  • Make sure your windshield wiper blades are working and in good shape. If they aren’t moving water and snow from your windshield properly, buy new blades and replace them yourself.
  • Check your headlights, brake lights, tail lights and turn signal lights. In some cases, you may be able to replace these yourself.

These simple steps will help you take better care of your auto investment and keep you on the road longer and avoid costly mechanical bills.

Evan Vitale – Cut The Fat and Save!

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By Evan Vitale

For some, it’s a daily struggle to survive, while others are able to make it week-to-week. It’s tough out there on a lot of individuals and we should count our blessings daily for what we have.

A personal crisis – such as a health problem; a tooth ache; a flat tire or even replacing the battery in your car – can be extremely tough on finances for many people. Unfortunately, those who are “surviving” never get to live the dream of owning a new car or taking a beach vacation.

This is why having the ability and the means to save a little bit of money will go a long way in overcoming unexpected financial woes.

You can do it, even if you’re living from check-to-check. Here’s how you can put a little more money in your savings account and start a “rainy day” fund or save for a well-deserved family vacation:

  • Stop making purchases at convenient stores. Yes, they are convenient, but the mark-up on all products is cutting into your cash. Don’t start and end your day with a stop at the quickie mart for a soda, coffee or frozen slushy drink.
  • Break bad habits that are costing you a ton of money, especially if you are smoking cigarettes. Depending on where you live, etc., a pack of cigarettes costs between $4 and $8 per pack! A neighbor of a friend of mine smokes two packs a day at $5 per pack. That’s $10 per day x 30 days = $300 a month going up in smoke (not to mention potential long-term health problems).
  • Take your lunch to work. Eating lunch at fast food restaurants costs around $10 per day.
  • Cut back on cable television. Call your local cable TV provider and see if you can get a lower rate or, if necessary, cut your current cable TV package by one level and save $10 to $20 per month. Some have even cut the cord entirely and save over $100 per month. Instead, they rely on their local internet service to stream television programs, watch Netflix, etc.

Living from check-to-check is difficult and stressful. However, by following some of these little tips, you can start saving some money and ease a little financial stress.

Evan Vitale – Saving Money At Home

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By Evan Vitale

We all look for ways to save money, trim budgets and make ends meet when things are getting a little tight in the financial department.

However, there are some easy-to-find money saving ideas that you can find at home. These include:

  • Electricity. Of course, we all know the rule of turning off lights when we leave the room, but you should also consider using low-wattage, energy-efficient light bulbs as well. If you are in a habit of turning on a porch light, consider turning it off sooner (before you go to bed) or switching to a motion light which only turns on when someone approaches your house.
  • Appliances and electronics. While this also goes into the “electricity” category, always consider using energy-saving appliances if you need to buy a new appliance. In addition, your DVD player and other electronics are actually “on” and burning a little bit of power even when you turn them off. Consider plugging them into a surge protector and turning it off (or unplugging it) when your electronics are not in use.
  • Call your electric and/or gas company. Most of these offer free energy inspections to help you save on your electrical and heating and cooling costs.
  • Do you have a home phone service through your Internet provider? Do you also have a cell phone? Is there a need for two phones?
  • Cut back on your cable TV service. Call your cable TV provider to see if you can reduce your cost by dropping down into a lower-priced tier.
  • Take quicker showers or consider saving water by using a low-flow shower head. This will save on your water consumption and it will also save electricity/gas needed for your water heater.
  • Speaking of water heaters, buy a water heater wrap. This will help prevent heat escape from your water heater year round.
  • When possible, use less hot water to wash clothes or with your dishwasher.
  • As temperatures warm up with the upcoming summer months, try to use a fan or a ceiling fan at night to stay cool instead of running an air conditioner.
  • When summer arrives and you rely on the air conditioner more often, you’ll save energy and costs by setting the AC at a specific, comfortable temperature and never change it. Some say 70 degrees is ideal for both day and night temperatures.

This is a simple start. As you look for ways to save money in your home, you’ll be surprised at other opportunities you will find.

Evan Vitale – Tips on Purchasing a Pre-Owned Vehicle

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By Evan Vitale

When you are seeking out a pre-owned or second hand vehicle for the very first time in your life, you’ll need to determine if its “value” is what’s being advertised by the dealer or owner of if that will inevitably be the final purchase price once your deal closes.  You must do your due diligence on all of the brand information and details specific to that edition of the vehicle in order to negotiate your best price.

Understanding a Car’s Actual Worth

When you’re researching vehicle value, it is not likely to be easy to obtain an exact amount for that particular vehicle, however, you should have the ability to develop an approximate figure for the car’s value, which needs to be quite near to the actual worth of the used vehicle. If you wish to obtain a deal when  purchasing a second hand vehicle and do it economically, then you need to get  into a dealership showroom to gain understanding and knowledge concerning the  value and price of both new and used vehicles. Also, you need to know just how much you or other people ought to be having to pay for that vehicle based on market forces within your local market.

The best way to determine the marketplace cost of a vehicle is by looking at multiple sources:  auto auctions, price compare websites, branded vehicle showrooms, used car lots, consumer review websites, etc.  Also look at review sites for that dealer to be able to tell if they are an ethical dealership.

If you are speaking directly with a sales rep, you have to look at the market cost of the car plus assess their commission that will be added on in order to get the true competitive cost.  Sometimes a sales rep can be competitive and other times may not be depending on how well they have done on sales in that month at that dealership.

Have a Budget

Always have a budget figure in your mind when considering a vehicle purchase.   Don’t let a charming sales rep convince you buy something outside of your means or put you into too much debt which forces you into greater sacrifices for your normal daily expenses.  Sticking to a budget will help you to focus on your  negotiation for the car rather than the stress of paying for it later, losing cash in  the deal or having to listen to a push sales pitch for something you didn’t really  want and got stuck with anyway.

Low Cost Does not Always Equal Bad Quality

Of course you’ll be looking for deals when you go out car shopping for a pre-owned vehicle. But, purchasing an inexpensive vehicle does not mean you will finish up purchasing a bit of junk that’s useless. Also, it will not imply that your motor is going to be low quality either.

What you want to look at is that by purchasing “cheap” is that you are purchasing a vehicle at a lower value than what it is really valued and available on the current market – mostly likely a good price might be demand driven.

Maybe the dealership has a whole bunch of white cars in inventory and orange cars are the hot color of the season.  Maybe the dealership is attempting to sell you the orange car you really liked and you say no because there is a wait for delivery from Texas and will be outside of your budget.   The dealer knows he has an additional fleet of white cars coming in for trade-in from a leasing company and will have a hard time unloading them because he will have so many.   He offers to sell you a white car on the lot now at lower cost and lower commission this week because he knows it is more in your budget and you will close the deal quickly.

You opt for the white car because it is priced lower. Despite the fact that you are getting it at a steal, does not mean it is a “cheap” car, it’s just that you compromised on color to find a reliable vehicle without compromising the technology.

Seek Information

Prior to going to purchase a vehicle, complete your due diligence and homework – performing research and analysis of the selected vehicle and comparable cars in the same range.  This will help you to be in a position to haggle for your vehicle without dealer manipulation.

Before you go to the Dealership Make Choices

Be educated.  Be certain that you’ve got the best picture in your mind of what you would like to attain before visiting a dealership, an idea of your budget, and limit the time you anticipate you’ll spend there. Don’t finish up purchasing a thing that you don’t need due to an impulsive mindset.

Don’t Be Desperate

If you look desperate, you’ll more than likely get taken and the sales rep will use your haste to take more out of pocket from you.  Keep a cool head, prep by reading forums and websites, buy the best pre-owned vehicle that is best for you.

Going to multiple showrooms and dealers also lets you practice your negotiating skills before you go through final settlement meetings.  When purchasing pre-owned, make sure to check all mileage logs, accident records, indications of previous repairs.  When purchasing a pre-owned vehicle on a budget, you won’t be spending small amounts of money, so purchase quality over price without overpaying.

Evan Vitale – Cheap Spring Break Ideas

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By Evan Vitale

Even for those who have mapped out their Spring Break itinerary down to the second, you may find yourself still in need of some activity ideas – and cheap ones fast – such that your annual journey to sun and fun is after all, both memorable and original.  You’ve probably figured out how you’re getting there, and you are sure that “party” is item number one on your list, but what else can you add to your activity list once you have arrived?  You’re most likely also thinking how you will afford extra fun that falls within a ramen noodle budget. Don’t be concerned though, because you will find many different ways for both you and your buddies to take full advantage of your trip.

Thinking about Panama City Beach, FL as a spring break destination, then you’re likely to be around the beautiful beaches as a major piece of your trip. As probably the best spot you can possibly be if you come to this beach for your spring break, you can rest assured that the parties will always be bold and plentiful here, and there will be lots of sunbathing on the shore. For this reason lots of spring breakers think it’s a terrific, relaxing place to spend their holiday time. It’s not only great to be right at the beaches, it is also among the least expensive places to hang out on your trip.

You might be interested in in other options open for consideration beyond just sunbathing on a wide sandy beach. If this sounds like you, think about a cool down within the enjoyable waters by scuba diving or even snorkeling. Don’t want to get wild and wet? You could take out a kayak at reasonable rates. Should your travel group buddies wish to have a much greater adventure, get everyone to chip in to book a jet ski for the day.  It will be high action for your group and will keep expenses low.

Lots of travelers tend to pick Daytona Beach, FL for his or her “Cheap” spring break vacation place. If your group is planning to go here, you’re most likely thinking about what someone can spend time doing after the sun goes down even long after the Daytona 500 is over.  With wide drive-on beaches, the big party beaches are among the typical activities loved by Daytona goers.  If you aren’t into rowdy parties, there are some amazing concerts which are hosted here each spring. Some of the concerts are fairly inexpensive as they are targeted to the spring breakers, but they’re always unique and entertaining. Looking at more outdoorsy options, you could toss in some kayaking and snorkeling.

If South Padre Island, TX is your goal, then you’ve got a variety of choices that are unique to the other destinations. The best one is to be able to take a day excursion into Mexico that is only five miles away by boat. As long as you bring a passport to be able to come back easily, this is often a fantastic way to maximize an international vacation within a beach trip.

Overwhelmed? If Mexico is too much, and you wish to really just explore South Padre Island instead, just rent scooters to savor each day of pleasure. With scooter rentals, it’s not necessary to spend a whole bunch of money and you can still have plenty of fun.

And finally, maybe instead of “partying” you might want to think about a service project to a small town in need. There are many volunteer agencies that reach out to spring breakers for extra help in the spring season, either cleaning up after tornadoes, building new housing, or sprucing up an at-risk school in a poor area.  The rewards are great and the smiles will be wide when you work with grateful children.  The experience may also be helpful for writing a paper for a later research project.

Wherever you decide to partake in some awesome time off and a spring break journey – cheap travel ideas are plentiful.  Always try to match your skills to whatever is available in region. If you like action, then look for water sports options or deep sea fishing.  If you like quieter pursuits, or you are a foodie, look into the cultural every day options of the local area maybe away from the crazy beaches and tourists.  Try to get to know the local community, meet some new people and just relax and enjoy the sunshine.

Evan Vitale – Saving Money on Energy Costs

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By Evan Vitale

Numerous storms across the U.S. this 2016 winter have us all meticulously examining our utility bills this month and possibly considering how we will be able to save on rising energy expenses.

From powering landscape lights on the property and kitchen appliances to running our TVs and computers — electricity is definitely a necessary part of our modern life. It should be no surprise that the average residential electricity bill is far more than $110 a month.

As temperatures rise, lots of families turn to air conditioners to keep cool.  In reality, air conditioners use about five percent of all the electrical energy developed in the U.S. — costing U.S. property owners billions a year. Typical HVAC maintenance — like cleaning or swapping out air filters — will guarantee that your air conditioner is running effectively and can enable lower electrical energy fees. To save on these maintenance bills, sign up for an annual plan with a reputable HVAC firm.  You will usually get two complimentary visits per year within your plan and it will help with spreading out your maintenance costs.

Make sure you are not using electricity if you aren’t there to take advantage from it. Contemplate installing a programmable thermostat and set it back once you are away at your office or on trip. You can save perhaps as much as 10 percent a year on heating and cooling by basically turning your thermostat back 7-10 degrees for eight hours per day from its typical setting.

You’ll be able to also preserve electricity expenses in the summer season by utilizing a ceiling fan to supplement your air conditioner. A ceiling fan will enable you to raise the thermostat setting by about four degrees without having any impact on your comfort. But remember to turn the fan off when you leave the area. Ceiling fans cool persons — not rooms — by creating a wind chill.

If you reside in a climate that tends to cool off at night, all-natural ventilation can help you preserve the coolness in your home without having raising your electricity bills. Take into account turning off your cooling system and opening your windows when sleeping to take advantage of cooler air, but make sure to shut the windows and blinds every morning as the temperature rises.

Air sealing is among the most cost-effective and quickest solutions to reduce power bills. Decreasing the amount of air that leaks in and out of the residence will help reduce your personal heating and cooling load — directly converting into smaller sized energy bills.

Installing a timer that turns off your electric water heater at evening or whenever you do not use it may also make it easier to reduce your electrical energy bills.

Most households spend about ten percent of its budget on lighting. One swift way to decrease these fees is gradually replace your light bulbs with more energy-efficient light bulbs. By replacing 15 inefficient bulbs in your home with more efficient bulbs, you could possibly save about $50 a year.

Whether you call them power vampires, background loads or standby power, little gadgets, appliances and electronics still use electrical energy when plugged in even if they may be turned off. Consider routinely unplugging appliances and electronics to save electrical energy. To be more efficient each day, plug small mini devices into a power strip and then turn off or unplug your power strip when you leave.

If you are looking to replace your old appliances, consider purchasing ones with an Energy STAR label. These appliances incorporate sophisticated technologies that use 5-35 % much less power and water than common models potentially saving nearly $750 across the appliance lifespan.

Quite a few homeowners point to renewable power as a fresh approach to save on electricity charges. Once you fix the basics around your home, look at ordering a home energy audit by checking with your local utility company. As utilities are generally publicly traded entities, they wish to save money for shareholders by holding down costs.  Some utilities offer discounts for home or commercial energy efficiency programs incorporating wind or solar. It’s also good for the planet to incorporate clean energy into your home energy-saving strategy.

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 – 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!