Auto Insurance
Shop around for auto insurance. Insurers use a tactic called “price optimization.” That means they raise premiums based not on risk factors, but on how much of an increase they think you will accept. When it comes time to renew your insurance, bargain with your insurer for a better rate.
Pay Raises
Before you are called into human resources to discuss your next raise, ask for a salary range that informs you of the low-to-high range the company pays for a particular job. Knowing where you are in the range can become the basis for negotiation. Perhaps understanding the range will be impetus for more training so you can move up.
Free Credit Reports
Don’t pay for a credit score. It can be obtained free from Creditkarma.com or Credit.com or from Sharpen Your Financial Focus through its website, Sharpen Today.org.
Social Security
Plan ahead on your Social Security. If you have reason to think you will live beyond age 80, wait until you are 70 to begin collecting so you will get the maximum benefit. If you are a couple and feel it likely you will live past 80, let the partner who had greatest earnings delay collection.
Home Improvement
If you are considering house renovations, these changes are considered the most likely to enhance the value of your property: Replace the front or garage door, add a deck, turn an attic space into a bed/bath or update the kitchen. That‘s from Remodeling Magazine’s 2014 cost/value report.
Credit Card Payments
When you have heavy credit card expenditures, consider paying the bill in two increments instead of one monthly payment. Paying on time is the most important factor in calculating your credit score. Next is the percentage of credit you have available. People with the highest scores keep utilization under 10 percent. Paying your bill in two payments in a month keeps a lid on this number.
401Ks
Consider tax diversification in your 401k. Like Roth IRAs, many Roth 401k’s allow you to put in money on which you already have paid tax. Then you may withdraw it at retirement tax-free. If there is a possibility your tax bracket will go up in the future, these tax-free dollars stashed in a 401k now be even more valuable.
Interest Rates On Bank Accounts
Look at your banking institution. Some smaller banks and credit unions offer more than the going interest rate (about 2 percent) on checking accounts, even with balances of $10,000 or more. You’ll have to make direct deposits, in all likelihood to reap this benefit.
Pet Prescriptions
Talk to the vet who cares for your pets and see if he offers drug discounts or will provide samples of medications free. Ask if you can fill the vet’s prescriptions at a pharmacy for humans. Walmart and some other pharmacy outlets provide a $4 prescription price for many medications, which could save you money.