Budget alternatives for saving money

 Image source: jscreationzs; standard royalty free license

If cash flow isn't a problem, yet negative monthly balances are, having no budget isn’t necessarily the problem. The core problem in some instances where having no budget isn't the root cause of  saving too little could be spending too much.  In such an instances simplified living is one way to save money without a budget and can be sustainable according to June, 2010 report in USA Today.

Budgets are not an absolute necessity when it comes to saving money because something more important underlies the capacity to save, specifically personal cash flow. The following non-budget saving tips may be of utility. In addition to saving money, these tips can also save time because money saving methods such as budgets often require account entries in financial software or a financial record keeping system.

Reassess expenditures

Reassessing expenditures can help save money without a budget. This involves reviewing your financial profile and seeing where the money pits and vacuums are. If there’s something like a low mileage vehicle, or high credit card debt using up most of your cash, it may be possible to approach the debt in a different way in order to increase savings. For example, with a high credit card debt, you could refinance at a lower rate, and reduce monthly payments in order to save more.

Calculate mentally

If you can add, subtract and multiply, you can probably calculate mentally as well. Keeping a mental tally of accounts and expenditures isn’t that much different from remembering how many eggs are in your fridge, or when the milk expires. Similarly, knowing which bills are paid and which aren’t will help avoid late fees and save unnecessary charges.

Minimize numbers

Remembering a lot of numbers takes mental capacity. Minimizing mental calculations, account balances and transactions can be helpful to the overall goal of saving money without a budget. For example, the one number method just uses a single number, the balance of your checking account. By remembering what the balance is, you will be aware of how much extra money you have for saving after all expenses are paid.

Time finances

Another way to save money without a budget is to pre-pay your savings account. This is also referred to as paying yourself first. For example, before you spend money on anything, transfer money to your savings account, and you’re done. The reason why this method works is timing. By transferring money before paying bills, buying things or investing, savings can consistently increase if this practice is periodically continued without withdrawals.

By reducing the amount of goods and services in your life, costs go down regardless of whether or not you have a budget. For example, more expensive cars can cost more in property insurance than some used cars, and too many paid memberships or services lower balances. To save money without a budget it can help to avoid overspending and increase savings.

How to Save 66 Percent on Groceries

Just in case no one thinks this is possible, the receipts below demonstrate 66 percent can be knocked off a grocery bill. Here's how it was done: The store underwent renovation and designed an advertising campaign around the renovation. This included a coupon pack and 10 percent off any purchase linked to a new Safeway card sent in the mail.

This special was the perfect coupon and special stacking opportunity. By combining 1. manufacturer coupons, 2. 10 percent discount, 3. store coupons and 4. on sale items what would have been a $122.55 bill ended up being $43.26. As with any coupon stacking strategy a key element was also to only purchases needed items.

Ways to save money on gas consumption

All vehicles come with a standard fuel economy rating such as 40 miles per gallon but this mileage per consumption ratio is only based on pre-standardized driving conditions such as highway driving at 55 mph for example or "normal city driving conditions". Believe it or not, there are a lot of things that can influence this fuel economy for the better and over the life of your vehicle.

Image attribution: Freedigitalphotos.net; standard royalty free license

 Fuel type

With the advent of ethanol, many vehicle engines can run with ratios as high as 15 percent ethanol 85 percent gasoline. Ethanol reduces gas consumption but not gas efficiency per the Union for Concerned Scientists. However, some ethanol/fuel combinations are cheaper because they can be produced domestically with government support thereby avoiding oil cartel price setting and import costs. 

Any car can operate on a 10 percent ethanol and 90 percent gasoline mix and 4 million U.S. automobiles can perform on the 15 percent level. (http://grist.org) Where available, the 10 percent ethanol level is more cost effective than 15 percent per Whipnet Technologies. Ethanol has become increasing popular in the United States as a strong lobby and movement exists for the use of corn in the production of these biofuels.

Driving style

We all have different driving styles; some of us are impatient with slow drivers and accelerate and brake often while others are more consistent with speed limits, traffic lights and stop signs. How we drive affects how our cars use gas. Accelerating often uses more gas than driving at more constant speeds. Driving the speed limit and safely behind trucks on the highway uses less gas and counters wind friction reducing gas consumption. Generally, cautious driving is more economical than aggressive driving because it is less demanding on the car.

Vehicle features

Multiple vehicle features can assist with saving gas costs. Cars and SUV's equipped with cruise control no only save legs from muscle pain over long distance but also provide a consistent speed for engines which improves mileage. Shifting gears at the right times also optimizes engine uses and improves efficiency. Tire pressure monitoring systems also encourage proper tire inflation which can also save on fuel costs. Additional vehicle features that save gas costs are smaller hybrid engines, and aerodynamic body design.

Image attribution: Freedigitalphotos.net; standard royalty free license

Automobile maintenance

Automobile maintenance is very important in keeping gas mileage at its best. Regular oil changes prevent engine wear and improve viscosity allowing the engine to work less tirelessly and perform better. Also, having tires inflated at manufacturer indicated settings helps maintain both road safety and gas mileage. Proper tire PSI levels is also beneficial in the different seasons. During the winter a lower psi improves traction and in the summer when tires get hot there should be some space left for expanding molecules within the tire as they heat up. Engine maintenance such as tune ups also prevent inefficient engine use and further prevent unideal gas mileage.

Car type

While this last point is obvious it is important. Not all vehicles were created equal when it comes to gas mileage. Some used cars maintain their gas mileage over many years and minimal maintenance while others quickly decline in efficiency. Still others were never efficient to start with. Selecting a car that has good fuel economy is one of the single most effective steps to conserving fuel.

Conserving gas mileage is a way to be environmentally friendly and save money not to mention help one's vehicle stay up to speed and in better condition. By following the above recommendations vehicle owners may be more aware and better equipped to manage vehicle gas consumption in a more efficient way.

Source(s):

1. http://grist.org/news/maindish/2006/12/05/cars/
2. http://www.energy.iastate.edu/news/pr/pr-gasmileage.html
3. http://tinyurl.com/3whv788 (UCUSA)
4. http://e85.whipnet.net/e85.price/

How To Save Money On Plants

Saving money on plants can be achieved buy obtaining them at a lower cost or free, and finding ways to take care of them for less money. In the first case, it is often easier to acquire a cheaper plant for more common plants than rarer plants. However, in some cases even exotic and hard to find plants can be purchased for a good price. In the second instance, plant maintenance may be adjusted or changed in some way so as to lower the cost of keeping plants.

Obtaining lower cost plants

Contact landlords: Since plants can be cumbersome, take up a fair amount of space and require upkeep finding companies and people willing to part with their plants or seeking to find a good home for their plants can help save money on plants. Larger buildings with plant lovers may be a good place to start calling.

End of a season purchases: To save money on plant purchases, try buying out of season. At the end of autumn and summer garden centers and other plant retailers may reduce their plant pricing to make way for more seasonable plants or products. Beware of sick, infected or damaged plants as they may not live long after you take them home. The same principle may hold true for online plant retailers.

Post wanted ads: Free wanted ad listings is another way to try and locate free plants. Many internet sites exist to post wanted ads, and some even specialize in plants and allow plant classifieds to be posted on their site. For example, http://www.plantclassifieds.com and http://www.usfreeads.com both allow plant classifieds to be posted on their websites.

Comparison shop: In addition to plant classifieds are plant venues each venue may offer different prices for just small variations in age and size of the plant. Classified ads may also help save money, and have listed plants for sale or free. Generally, local is better so you can see the plants before purchase, however if it is reputable seller that you have done business with before out of state shipping may be an option for harder to find plants.

Lowering plant maintenance cost

• Irrigation system

Water can be expensive especially if it is not included in your condo fees, renters agreement or municipal services. To save money on plants using water, rain water buckets can be used to collect water and water routes can be redirected to flow into garden beds during rainfall. Many watering and irrigation systems exist including plant bulbs that slowly release water as the plant needs it. These water bulbs can save money on plants by reducing evaporation.

• Fertilizer

Fertilizer is often needed for garden plants so obtaining inexpensive fertilizer for your garden can also help save money on plants. Farmers may drop of manure for a fairly good price or you may choose to compost food waster and other biological matter to reuse in your garden. Be sure to apply the manure several months before growing season as it can damage plants when fresh.

• Lighting

To save money on plants lighting is also a factor. Natural light is always cheaper and can be amplified using positioning, and reflective material. For indoor plants, locating plants near windows and/or rooms that are often lit out of necessity may also assist in keeping plant maintenance low. For indoor vegetable gardens, cost effective fluorescent lighting that has greater light output and lower heat output also saves money on plants.

• Repotting

If plants need to be repotted search for discount pots or reuse old ones. Garden centers may also discount their soil in winter, especially in more temperate climates. Buying pots in bulk is also a more cost effective way to purchase pots. Also, the same rules of acquisition that apply to the plants in section I of this article can be applied to the obtaining of plant containers. Sometimes, if using a green house, garden soil may also be used for potted vegetables.

Tips for saving money without a budget

Just because the rest of the world has a complicated life doesn’t necessarily mean you have to as well. Simplified living can be sustainable according to June, 2010 report in USA Today. Moreover, budgets are not an absolute necessity when it comes to saving money because something more important underlies the capacity to save, specifically personal cash flow.

If cash flow is consistently negative, having no budget isn’t the problem, spending too much is. With material goods comes responsibility, and responsibility costs money. The following non-budget saving tips may be of utility. Moreover, in addition to saving money, you may find yourself saving time with the following methods as budgets often require account entries in financial software or a financial record keeping system.

• Reassess expenditures

Reassessing expenditures can help save money without a budget. This involves reviewing your financial profile and seeing where the money pits and vacuums are. If there’s something like a low mileage vehicle, or high credit card debt using up most of your cash, it may be possible to approach the debt in a different way in order to increase savings. For example, with a high credit card debt, you could refinance at a lower rate, and reduce monthly payments in order to save more.

• Calculate mentally

If you can add, subtract and multiply, you can probably calculate mentally as well. Keeping a mental tally of accounts and expenditures isn’t that much different from remembering how many eggs are in your fridge, or when the milk expires. Similarly, knowing which bills are paid and which aren’t will help avoid late fees and save unnecessary charges.

• Minimize numbers

Remembering a lot of numbers takes mental capacity. Minimizing mental calculations, account balances and transactions can be helpful to the overall goal of saving money without a budget. For example, the one number method just uses a single number, the balance of your checking account. By remembering what the balance is, you will be aware of how much extra money you have for saving after all expenses are paid.

• Time finances

Another way to save money without a budget is to pre-pay your savings account. This is also referred to as paying yourself first. For example, before you spend money on anything, transfer money to your savings account, and you’re done. The reason why this method works is timing. By transferring money before paying bills, buying things or investing, savings can consistently increase if this practice is periodically continued without withdrawals.

By reducing the amount of goods and services in your life, costs go down regardless of whether or not you have a budget. For example, more expensive cars can cost more in property insurance, and too many paid memberships or services lower balances. To save money without a budget it can help to avoid overspending and increase savings.

How to Save Money on Winter Heating Bills

To reverse the money flow from the heating bill expense siphon there are actually quite a few options to save money. What's more some of these choices can be lifestyle adjustment free ways to save money on winter heating bills. In other words, winter heating bills can be lower while simultaneously living at the temperature you want with water temperatures that actually feel warm while saving money at the same time.

If residential relocation is an option, moving to a residence with a free electricity or gas rental agreement, or by relocating to a seasonably mild geographic area where the temperature never falls below 65 degrees Fahrenheit or rises above 85 degrees Fahrenheit may be possible. Understandably, these options are not always possible, practical or feasible in which case alternative solutions to save money on winter heating bills can be a good idea.

5 ways to help save money on winter heating bills: 

1. Participate in an electricity cooperative

Electricity coops save money by forming non-profit corporations that save money through lower electricity costs paid for by the coop members. Electricity cooperatives exist throughout the United States. To inquire about joining an electricity cooperative locate one that operates within your area and contact them for more information.

2. Prepay electricity when costs are lower

By prepaying for electricity during months when electricity is cheaper, money is saved when costs rise. Although the electricity may not be needed at the time it is bought, the upfront cost can be more than made up for by the savings incurred through rises in electricity costs in amounts greater than returns on the same investment that may be higher than the savings from prepaid electricity.

3. Interest free green technology

Green technology can be leased or purchased. Before deciding to lease, calculate the energy savings in relation to the cost to determine if it is worthwhile. By purchasing  green technology that is financed interest free the future advantage can be appealing. This however depends on how long the interest free financing is for and how much the monthly expense is the benefits could amount to the acquisition of cheap or free energy for the same or similar prices already paid for.

4. Property efficiency measures

The cheapest and most practical home improvements that save the most money on electricity may be the changes to consider first when it comes to saving money on winter heating bills. For example, affordable insulation can lower heating costs dramatically. Everywhere a property is exposed to the outside air, heat can escape. Sealing up these spaces with well purchased insulation can be well worth the cost after just a few months. Insulation cal also be used in cracks, around pipes, and around interior doors.

5. Electricity generating exercise machine

To get in shape on those days when jogging outside might not be fun why not use an electricity generating exercise machine. As with interest free green technology, the upfront costs in comparison to the electricity saved plus intangible fitness benefits should exceed the amount paid for the electricity within a reasonable amount of time for this option to pay off.

None of the above measures necessarily require one to live at lower temperatures than desired or make use of colder water and that is what makes a few of them lifestyle adjustment free winter heating bill reducers. Some methods used to save money on winter heating bills may take a reorganization of priorities but could be well worth the cost when it comes to saving money on winter heating bills. Short of eliminating the heating bill altogether, which in some cases might be an option; there are a number of possibilities to help reduce winter heating costs.

How to save money on surgery

Low cost high quality surgery may sound like a contradiction but isn't always the case. The reason highly valued medical services such as surgery can be obtained at a low cost is due to improved international health care training. Moreover, international medical operations that develop at a faster pace than standard of living in addition to different medical business models overseas can save money on surgery. 

In other words, when well trained doctors and dentists live in countries where the standard of living is lower, health insurance and surgery tends to be cheaper for individuals coming from economies with a higher standard of living; going to these countries for surgery can save money. Thus, finding low cost high quality surgery is an advantage for those patents who can take advantage of exchange rates, and geographic variation in cost of services.

Where to find cost effective surgery

Saving money on surgery does require a little research, after all, life is a precious thing and if one didn't value life, surgery wouldn't be necessary in the first place. Having said that, different countries have different surgical advantages. For example, for individuals in the United States seeking more cost effective cosmetic surgery, why not consider Mexico? The travel costs are relatively inexpensive, especially via automobile and the net medical costs are a lot cheaper. Additionally Doctors that are Board  Certified can be referred through former patients, referral services and Doctors.

If you're in the market to save money on heart surgery and don't have insurance don't despair just yet. Heart surgery costs in India might be able to give you a bypass for a few thousand dollars compared to the tens to hundreds of thousands charged in the U.S. If you're wondering if the Doctors there can be trusted with you heart, research might give you confidence. According to the Economist magazine (2), Indian hospitals have developed smarter and cheaper ways to provide quality heart surgery to patients. Moreover, some Indian medical models are being duplicated and sold to other countries.

The list of places to go to save money on specific surgery goes on and essentially involves what is known as medical tourism. Medical tourism is an industry that is comprised of patients, patient's families, specialized travel agents, medical facilities, and medical networks.

Surgery via the medical tourism industry

The medical tourism industry is growing according to health-tourism.com (1) and is attractive to both patients and health providers for a number of reasons stated in a an article by Forbes.com. (3) There's no doubt, globalization has created a more competitive playing field when it comes to current international medical treatment and costs. This lowers the cost of high ticket health care items such as surgery depending on the location and type of surgery.

Costs to keep in mind when considering medical tourism include pre-hospitalization stay, travel, post-operation facility, and any therapy that may be required after the surgery. If the total costs after individual and family travel are significantly lower for a surgical procedure similar to or better than a local procedure, then medical tourism may be a wise choice to save money on surgery after additional considerations and contingencies are also considered. For additional information on researching and obtaining medical treatment abroad, the following resources may be helpful.

• Patients without borders

• Medical Tourism Association

• Healthbase

• Med retreat

Medical tourism has emerged for a number of reasons including excessive costs of health care in foreign countries, lower operating costs in other countries, improved international medical professional training, differentials between medical care and standard of living, and improved medical operations. Individual patients might do well to take advantage of the plethora of potential benefits available through medical tourism. Life is precious, but it might end up costing less for an even better medical result with medical tourism.

Sources:

1. http://www.health-tourism.com/medical-tourism/statistics/
2. http://www.economist.com/displayStory.cfm?story_id=13496367
3. http://www.forbes.com/2006/10/25/health-medical-tourism-biz-cx_1026oxford.html
4. http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1003450-2,00.html
5. http://healthbeyondborders.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/med-tourism-cost-comparison.jpg

How to Save Money on Winter Heating Bills

To save money on winter heating bills and reverse the money flow from the electricity siphon there are actually quite a few options to save money. What's more some of these choices can be lifestyle adjustment free ways to save money on winter heating bills. In other words, winter heating bills can be lower while simultaneously living at the temperature you want with water temperatures that actually feel warm while saving money at the same time.

If residential relocation is an option, moving to a residence with a free electricity or gas rental agreement can save money on winter heating bills. Additionally, by relocating to a seasonably mild geographic area where the temperature never falls below 65 degrees Fahrenheit or rises above 85 degrees Fahrenheit may be possible. Understandably, these options are not always possible, practical or feasible in which case alternative solutions to save money on winter heating bills can be a good idea.

Ways to help save money on winter heating bills

• Prepay electricity when costs are lower

By prepaying for electricity during months when electricity is cheaper, money is saved when costs rise. Although the electricity may not be needed at the time it is bought, the upfront cost can be more than made up for by the savings incurred through rises in electricity costs in amounts greater than returns on the same investment that may be higher than the savings from prepaid electricity.

• Participate in an electricity cooperative

Electricity coops save money on winter heating bills by forming non-profit corporations that save money through lower electricity costs paid for by the coop members. Electricity cooperatives exist throughout the United States. To inquire about joining an electricity cooperative locate one that operates within your area and contact them for more information.

• Interest free green technology

By purchasing green technology that is financed interest free the future advantage can be appealing and save money on winter heating bills. This however depends on how long the interest free financing is for and how much the monthly expense is the benefits could amount to the acquisition of cheap or free energy for the same or similar prices already paid for.

• Property efficiency measures

The cheapest and most practical home improvements that save the most money on electricity may be the changes to consider first when it comes to saving money on winter heating bills. For example, affordable insulation can lower heating costs dramatically. Everywhere a property is exposed to the outside air, heat can escape. Sealing up these spaces with well purchased insulation can be well worth the cost after just a few months. Insulation cal also be used in cracks, around pipes, and around interior doors.

• Electricity generating exercise machine

To get in shape on those days when jogging outside might not be fun why not use an electricity generating exercise machine. As with interest free green technology, the upfront costs in comparison to the electricity saved plus intangible fitness benefits should exceed the amount paid for the electricity within a reasonable amount of time for this option to pay off.

None of the above measures necessarily require one to live at lower temperatures than desired or make use of colder water and that is what makes a few of them lifestyle adjustment free winter heating bill reducers. Some methods used to save money on winter heating bills may take a reorganization of priorities but could be well worth the cost when it comes to saving money on winter heating bills. Short of eliminating the heating bill altogether, which in some cases might be an option; there are a number of possibilities to help reduce winter heating costs.

Money-Saving Tips: How to Save Money on Eyeglassess

Eyeglasses can be obtained for a few dollars and at discounts as high as 50 percent if one knows where to look. Depending on whether or not they are prescription, non-prescription, designer or custom framed can have influence on the price, but it doesn't always have to be a retail price. Even some custom framed prescription glasses can be obtained at cheaper prices via non-traditional sources. This article will illustrate the different types of glasses and how to save money on each type.

Reuse frames

New prescriptions may fit into old frames saving you the cost of a new frame for your glasses. Some frames can run into the hundreds of dollars so by recycling in this way, money can be saved on the eyeglasses. Clearance and recycled frames may also be obtained from other sources and help save money on the total cost of eyeglasses.

Care and maintenance

A good pair of eye glasses that are treated well and with care can last a lifetime provided one's eyesight does not require a new prescription and can consequently save money on eyeglasses. In lieu of this taking care of one's eyes by ingesting lots of Vitamin A and Omega 3 fats can encourage healthy eyes and possibly prolong the onset of the need for a new prescription.

Additionally, the less special features one obtains with the glasses, the more likely they are to cost less. Some of these special features such as anti-glare film may simply not be needed whereas other features such as light adjusting glasses may be more expensive but save the cost of having two pairs of glasses.

Prescription Lenses

For prescription lenses one does not have to buy the glasses at the location the prescription was obtained. Prescription lenses with frames can be bought on the Internet from retailers in other countries or from online discount retailers. Brands such as Liz Claiborne, Tevo and Armani can be obtained for a lower price via websites such as www.selectspecs.com and also from private sellers on ebay and other classified ads whether they be print or digital. Additional ways to save money on eyeglasses are the following methods:

• Imitation frames
• Frameless glasses
• Purchase direct from the manufacturer
• Barter exchanges or classified listings

Discount sunglasses

Whether the sunglasses are Gucci, Prada, Ray Ban or Oakley sunglasses don't have to be bought at retail prices. In fact e-bay has listings of many brand name sunglasses for a fraction of the price. Since these glasses aren't prescription, one can browse through the listing until something is found and not worry about a trip to the optometrist.

If one isn't worried about acquiring discount brand names, cheap sunglasses can be found in many places such as local pharmacies, or at the end of aisles in dollar shops or big lots stores. The great thing about these sunglasses is you can buy 2 or 3 pairs for under ten dollars and not worry so much about sitting on them accidentally or losing them while also saving money on eyeglasses.

Non-Prescription Lenses

If one just needs a pair of standard reading glasses, non-prescription eye glasses can also be obtained near the medication counter of pharmacies and major retailers such as Target pharmacies within the store.  Since these glasses are relatively inexpensive and aren't terribly unfashionable or unpleasant to look at they can save money on eyeglass costs.

To summarize, to save money on eyeglasses is possible, especially if they are non-prescription. If one choose to obtain popular brand names, these types of frames can be obtained more cheaply direct from the manufacturer or online auctions such as ebay. If one has a standard far sightedness, non-brand name glasses may be cheaply available without prescription at local retail stores. Lastly, additional features such as frame type, glare and scratch protection may not be required and add unneeded expense to one's purchase.

Money-saving tips: How to lower your cable bill

Lowering the cost of cable is easy to do these days. There are multiple tools and techniques that can substitute cable for a fraction of the cost. For example, some Turk antennas can receive as many as 30 channels, both network and cable for the price of the antenna and converter box if needed.

What cable suppliers might prefer consumers to think is there are no other options to cable but that is simply not the case. In fact, low cost cable seekers can obtain cable for a smaller percentage of the normal price and sometimes for free. This article will illustrate some of the ways a television viewer can lower cable television program costs via alternative methods and conventional ways.

• Free and inexpensive television via the internet

Websites such as www.hulu.com and www.tv-video.net offer free television programming to registered users and premium television programming to members who donate to the website. The selection of programming is quite wide and can be viewed at any time for a fraction of the cost of cable. Websites like this make use of shareware technology so users can share and/or download prerecorded television programming with other users.

• Rental agreements with free cable

If you are a renter and don't have free cable, it may be time to move!. Firstly new rental agreements often come at annual teaser rates which may be lower than your existing rent potentially saving hundreds of dollars, and secondly because they may also offer free cable. Finding the right rental agreement may sometimes be more cost effective than some mortgages but it might take some shopping around.

• Multi-Line discounts

For households with multiple family members the multi-line discounts may be just the right thing to quench the entertainment needs of the whole family. To lower the cable bill, taking advantage of bulk service offerings may be right for you. If you already have a long distance phone plan, cell phone and Internet connection adding cable comes more affordably. To lower the total package cost, switching to the lowest DSL, Cable, Phone and Cell plans can cut costs so they aren't all that more than having 3 of the services. If one is going to use all 4 services consistently, 4 for the price of 3 may be a bargain worth considering especially if there's a large family to entertain.

• Search for better deals

With new telecommunications infrastructure, telephone companies, cable companies and internet service providers may be able to lower their costs due to potential economies of scale, more affordable overhead, higher capacity equipment, and price competition. Since federal regulations currently allow communications companies to provide multiple services, a number of companies now exist offering the same service. For this reason most neighborhoods should have at least 2-3 competitor companies offering cable service.

• Digital reception

Lastly, for those who want to eliminate cable altogether, making the switch to digital is both inevitable and will improve picture quality of standard broadcasts. That is to say, in the United States the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is charged with overseeing the digital conversion of all high powered television broadcasting as of early 2009. What this means is the quality of the broadcast will improve for non-cable as well as cable broadcasts. Televisions with digital receivers built in should be able to convert these public network signals with regular antennas.

There are ways to get cheaper cable but they can take a little ingenuity and inventiveness. The tips in this article provide some of the means by which television can be obtained for free and how cable prices can be lowered. While the cheapest way to watch television is to be in close proximity of a television broadcasting signal, these signals are limited to network and local broadcasting and not custom cable channels. Nevertheless, by assessing one's household needs, considering other options and trimming excess services, cable costs can be made more affordable.

Sources:
1. http://www.tv-video.net/video/csiny/
2. http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/digitaltv.html
3. http://lifehacker.com/software/saving-money/how-to-lower-your-cable-bill-154963.php

Money-Saving Tips: How to Save Money on Video Games

Short of buying extremely cheap bootlegged versions, a number of other money savings tips exist to save money on video games. Whether a game is a console game, hand held device game or computer game, there are ways to save money on them, some of which are discussed in this article. Not all the options for saving money may appeal to you, that's why there's more than one. So if you're interested in saving money on video games, consider the following video game savings tips.

• Online shareware games

Games can be downloaded from shareware sites online. These games may be free and can include a wide variety of computer games, but might not include some of the ultra high resolution graphic adventure console games you're looking for. For tips on saving money on those types of games read on.

• Game Exchanges and Used Games:

There are many places to exchange or purchase video games, both online and in plazas. Some even buy games or give store credit which you can use to buy new games. Video games stores and used game exchanges may also have cheaper versions of relatively new games. If you just want to try out a game first before buying it, a rental may be the way to go when seeking a way to save money on video games.

• Trading with Friends:

Setting up a friend network is easy and also helps save money on video games. To use the old standby for getting games that are too expensive to buy is to trade. Talking about which games friends are getting and which one's they want but don't have can coordinate game buying so one has a network of friends with all the best games.

• Game Version:

Popular games often inspire the manufacturers to produce new versions with tweaks and graphic enhancements so they can increase their revenue. If you don't mind playing an older version it really isn't so much of big deal to not have the most recent one. If however, you don't want the latest and the best, try and set up an exchange with friends where you borrow and trade games. This increases your game access and skills while simultaneously saving money on the video games.

• Program them yourself:

Granted not everyone is good at programming their own games but some are. If open source code allows games to be modified, this can be done as well. Programming video games yourself saves money because it is free, educational and perhaps even profitable if you can sell them or start a business programming them.

• Classic Video Games:

Some classic video games are only made once, and these games may only be played on older Nintendo's or Sony Playstation systems. However, using these classics can save money on video games and other older games can sometimes be played on newer playstations. Some of the classic games that can be played on newer systems may be worth the while because they are so good.

• Console Games Vs Computer Games:

Depending on what your preference is, games that are produced for both console and computer may not be the same price. So by picking the cheaper of the two, you will be saving money on video games just for playing on a different system. For the games that are better played with a television, looking for the games when they go on sale can keep the price lower.

In summary, it is possible to save money on video games. Games don't have to be bought new and sometimes even new games can be cheaper if the newer versions have already been released. Keeping a friend network for game trades and renting first to see if you like games keeps the cost down as well. Also, if you don't mind playing classics, don't sweat making each game you own brand spanking new. 

Depending on whether or not you prefer computer games, shifting to computer games from consoles may be more cost effective because you could find cheaper downloads. For the interactive guitar and dance games, keeping an eye out for store sales or newspaper classified ads, and online private for sale listings could land you that perfect game you've been looking for.

Source: http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-10166_7-6676348-1.html

How to save money at movie theaters

Short of walking up to a box office and asking for a free ticket or discount, which you could actually try with a theater manager, there are several ways to save money at movie theaters. The methods described below provide ways to save money at movie theaters whether one is an avid movie goer or only an occasional viewer.

Club membership discounts

If you belong to any club, investigate to see if they have a shopping club affiliate program. These clubs help retain clients, and some of the rewards include movie ticket and concession discounts. For example, according to Billeater.com, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and Angies list have offers on movie tickets between $6-$6.50.

Printable and non-printable coupons

Sites like Retailmenot have up-to-date coupon code listings. The website is like a coupon clearinghouse to make the search for coupons easier. Other coupon websites might be worth browsing around as well and include Dealtaker and coupon books such as those offered by Entertainment-savings-offers. Another site that periodically offers discounted movie passes is Groupon.

University and discount movie theaters

Sometimes movie theaters located near or in university campuses can be cheaper than mall theaters. If you're a student, bring your ID even if it's not a university theater as some moves may offer discounts to students that verify their status with university identification cards.

Watch alternative movies

The independent movie market usually has its movies distributed through smaller venues that cost less. If you feel like expanding your movie production models, independent movies cost less and provide artistic perspectives not always used in big-ticket film networks and productions.

Reimburse a senior and bring alternative snacks

These two methods technically break the rules but if you're going to see a movie with Granny or a senior ask them to buy the tickets and pay them back; that way they'll be cheaper. Also, if you don't like the snacks and beverages offered by theaters, you might want to just bring your own alternative snacks which are cheaper anyway.

Imax and 3-D movies

Some movies simply don't have enough special effects or context to be worth seeing on Imax or in 3-D. For example, movies with a lot of drama and dialogue tend to under emphasize the need for a 3-D event. Other movies might walk the line with a few flying objects and larger than life scenarios. However, the best movies to see on Imax or 3-D are the monster budget ones with massive special affects.

Weekday, morning and matinee movies

Off hour movie shows are tried and true way to save money on movies. If you don't mind going to a movie during your lunch break, or on a Saturday morning the discounts can be up to 50 percent of the price of a movie ticket. Discounts don't get much better than this on new releases. To compound the affect of off hour movies, watch them at a discount movie theater.

Bulk tickets

If you're certain you're going to be going to the movies several times it makes sense to buy movie theater tickets in bulk. Bulktickets.com offers discounts up to $2.51 off AMC and Cinemark movie passes when 4 or more tickets are purchased. The site also has an AMC 'snackpack' combo discount for those who insist on the complete movie theater experience. Another bulk movie theater discounter is Discountmoviepasses.com.

Birthday's, holidays and pre-screenings

If you're really serious about watching movies and getting discounts you can put pre-loaded movie theater cards on your birthday and holiday wish list. Someone might just remember and get you a free pass to those big screen movies and snacks. Also, if you're lucky enough to have access to pre-screenings or know someone in the industry, they may also be able to offer you access to free showings.

Sources: http://bit.ly/c3KF7l (Billeater.com)

Money-Saving Tips: How to Save Money on Airfare

As with all discounts, saving money on airfare doesn't usually just happen without knowing the how, and where of cheap airline travel. To hedge against increases in airfare as measured by statistics such as those at the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Air Travel Price Index (1), finding ways to save money on airfare becomes more important. There are many ways to save money on airfare, and one doesn't always have to enroll in a travel rewards program to achieve discounted, or cheap travel. The following tips may prove helpful in informing travelers of their money saving options.

• Discount Vouchers

Sometimes, individuals can obtain discount vouchers from airlines. Airlines themselves give these out for lost baggage, delayed flights or as a promotion. It might be advantageous to ask about these at the airline desk, a travel agent office or to an airline manager. Many major airlines offer rewards programs to frequent travelers. Picking one airline and sticking with it can lead to a free domestic flight after about 30,000 miles of air travel. These miles may be added to through airline credit cards such as the Bank of America U.S. Airways credit card and other rewards programs.

• Vacation Destinations

The U.S. Bureau of Transportation maintains statistics that track travel fares nationwide and provides updates on the top highest and lowest places to ravel too. What this illustrates is that travel destinations does have an impact on price. Alternate vacation plans or travel arrangements may avoid these higher priced travel destinations.

• Travel Scheduling

The time of year one travels can have a significant impact on the cost of airfare. Traveling during holidays and peak travel months usually translates into more expensive fairs. By traveling during off peak times of year and off peak hours, airfares are more likely to be cheaper than at other times. Sometimes, booking a flight well in advance can lead to cheaper flights as well.

• Discount Vendors

Using a travel agent can increase the cost of airfare. While it may be necessary to use a travel agent for complicated international travel itineraries, there may be more feasible ways to go such as planning the trip oneself or consulting multiple travel agents for the lowest price.

• Online Purchasing

Using the internet can avoid certain fees via electronic ticketing and comparison shopping. Well known online travel vendors include www.travelocity.com and www.expedia.com among others. These websites allow one to browse through different companies, times and travel methods for better pricing.

• Alternate Transportation

Depending on where one lives, one may have the option to use a train, automobile or boat to reach one's destination. Assessing travel needs, budget and expectations in tandem with alternate forms of transportation can yield lower costs. Carpooling, or multiple drivers can turn an otherwise lengthy and expensive gas bill into an affordable and potentially pleasant trip if the vehicle is large and comfortable and one's travel companions are amenable to the idea.

• Smaller and Budget Airlines

Sometimes smaller and budget airlines may offer cheaper prices in exchange for travel on a smaller plane, less known aircraft company or coach class flight without amenities. There are several of such airlines the most well known of which in the U.S. is Southwest airlines. In Europe several budget airlines also exist and can be found at the following website http://www.euroflights.info.

• Airline Travel Alerts

Several airlines also offer discount travel alerts via their websites. By registering for the email alerts one can receive information on discounted flights offered by the airlines about once a week. This may lead to a later or last minute purchase, but if one is comfortable with less planning time, this can be a cost effective way to travel if the airline is cooperative.

Achieving a cheap airfare is more difficult to do at premium flight times and months, but utilizing the above methods in addition to putting oneself on standby lists can often lead to cheaper travel. Sometimes traveling cheaper may involve a small sacrifice in comfort such as two stops, driving, or last minute purchase, but other times it may not as is the case with advanced booking, discount travel and rewards programs. By considering the information in this article the future air traveler can be better informed of the options available for saving money on air transportation.

Sources:

1) http://bit.ly/dCtxoo (Bureau of Transportation Statistics)

How to Save Money on Lighting

For thousands of years humans didn't have electricity and looked into the dark or to fire for lighting. Our ancestors can teach us a little on how to save on lighting because their lighting was essentially free. In addition to our ancestors, modern technology and know how can give us a few more energy saving tips that can be easy on the pocket book and less antiquated than historical methods.

• Candlelight

Medieval Europeans used a substance called pitch to keep large torches burning for hours on end. This pitch was obtained from pine tree sap and other sources and placed at the end of the sticks and ignited. Still other ancient methods of lighting used in the past included placing wicks and animal fat in stones and shells then lighting them.

While some ancient methods would not be practical in many homes we do have access to candles and a gas lanterns similar to what the Romans used. These can not only be romantic but quite mysterious and relaxing. Candlelight is truly undervalued and provides a taste of history, an interesting atmosphere and save money.

• Compact Fluorescent Lighting (CFL)

CFL bulbs designated as Energy Star bulbs are often in the form of compact fluorescent lighting or CFL and are among the most energy efficient bulbs in the United States. These bulbs conform to Government provided efficiency standards and have minimum requirements such as an estimated 6000 hour life span and 66 percent energy efficiency over standard incandescent light bulbs. Energy star bulbs come in different shades of white and tint and the best bulbs to switch over to energy star are the one's used most in a home such as the kitchen lights. Over time these pay off and can be cheaper when purchased in multi-packs.

• Daylight and Solar powered lights

During the day, there is simply no great need for artificial light. The closer one lives to the North Pole the longer one's day actually becomes during the summer. In fact in Norway one might not even need light bulbs in the summer. Solar powered lights that store energy in solar cells and batteries during the day can be used to power a few lights at night. If one spends the time, effort and initial investment cost to set up a few lights using this method one may never need a electric company powered light bulb again.

• Conservation

Naturally, reducing light to comfortable yet lower levels by using light dimmers, lower wattage bulbs, and/or less bulbs can also conserve electricity and lighting dollars. Turning lights off when not being used, only lighting the room one is in, removing fridge bulbs and excessive lighting and converting to energy efficient lighting can all contribute to effective energy conservation.

Lighting can still be adequate and pleasant when used with energy conservation in mind. There are several unique and exciting ways light can be harnessed and positioned for ambiance and affect that are also money saving techniques. There really is not a great excuse other than an unwillingness to make the effort in the quest to save on lighting.

Sources:

1. http://www.primitive.org/lighting.htm
2. http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=cfls.pr_cfls
3. http://atschool.eduweb.co.uk/nettsch/time/rlife.html
4. http://www.wstar.org/Windstar/Education/LivingLigh tly/LivinglightlyLightbulbs.html
5. http://www.environmentaldefense.org/page.cfm?tagid=629

How Ceiling Fans Help Save Money on Summer Electric Bills

The fiscal benefits of ceiling fans are greatest when they are used correctly, and shaped correctly. Using fans in tandem with air conditioners can reduce the amount of electricity needed to cool house and/or make the house comfortable to dwell in. While fans with a reverse function are common, they are only more useful in cooler climates because they push warm air down. In hot weather the reverse function is not really necessary.

 Image source: US-PDGov

While ceiling fans appear to be simple devices they actually are quite unique with their contoured blades, different materials, sizes, speeds and functions. All these factors influence how well a fan works and for what purpose. Also, the way a fan is used can impact cooling bills in conjunction with night time cooling techniques and lower air conditioning settings. For example, according to Ceilingfan.org, ceiling fans should spin counterclockwise in the summer to have optimum cooling effect. This is because a downward pushing of air takes place using this setting. Some key points on how ceiling fans save money are the following: 

• Pod shaped fan blades spun at 70-130 rpms can use less energy 

• A fan only uses a tenth of the power of an air conditioner.

• Ceiling fans spun clockwise pull hot air up cooling air below.

• The breeze from a ceiling fan helps one's cool off via sweat evaporation.

• The faster the setting of the fan, the greater the affect it exerts will be.

• Using only a fan saves electricity and money.

• At night cool the fanned air by opening windows if it is below 70 degrees Fh.

A ceiling fan can be a very useful amenity in a home and if your home has one it can help save money on the summer cooling bills. The above tips and following references, while not a guarantee of money saving and home cooling success, offer guidance as to some ideas to follow and practice when trying to save money while cooling a home. There is a good chance the above methods if followed consistently and correctly can help lower electricity expenses associated with cooling a house or room.

References:

1. http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/highly-efficient/radical-ceiling-fan-blade-mocks-nature-270103.php
2. http://www.advancedenergy.org/buildings/knowledge_library/heating_and_cooling/ceiling_fans.html
3. http://www.freemoneyfinance.com/2007/06/save_money_with.html
4. http://www.allthingsfrugal.com/s.ceilingfan.htm

How to Save on Energy Costs

Saving on energy costs often means being resourceful, and knowing how to complete a home energy audit. Alternative sources of energy, cost effective restorations, conservational energy adjustments and energy efficient equipment can all be used to significantly lower energy costs over time if not in the short run.
Performing a careful review of one's living, commuting and working environment can open up the possibilities of what can be done to reduce energy costs. Often, the answers may be staring one right in the face just waiting to be recognized and acknowledged. The tips in this article provide an energy cost cutting guideline and a few methods by which to go about saving energy and meeting energy cost saving goals.
Energy cost savings tips:
1. Lowering cooling and air conditioning expenses:
Office equipment, personal comfort and productivity are all affected by temperature. For this reason it is sometimes impractical to do away with expenses such as cooling. Without cooling office equipment can overheat and fail potentially costing replacement or repair fees, and working and living can be excessively uncomfortable to the point of lowered productivity. For this reason, cooling cost management is a more viable alternative.
2. Equipment conversion cost benefit analysis:
Old equipment and machines with excessive capacity can be inefficient and costly to run. Vehicles older than 10 years old, microwaves with too much power, overly large mowers for small yards, high wattage blenders, toasters and kitchen appliances etc. can all slowly eat away at a budget unnecessarily. Buying new equipment however is more likely to be cost effective if the energy savings can pay the cost of the new equipment within a reasonable amount of time. 1-5 years is a good benchmark to use when assessing the costs and benefits of new equipment.
3. Lowering energy consumption:
In a residential property or business, several sources of energy consumption may be redundant and therefore may prevent saving on energy costs.. Redundant use of energy negatively impacts operating expenses and should be considered item by item for potential energy savings. For example, sometimes overhead fluorescent lighting may be in excess of what is actually needed to create adequate light output for a working environment. If reducing overheard lighting by 10-20% does not adversely affect worker productivity, and working environment it may be a good idea to do so. Other techniques depend on the type of business, and are usually linked to equipment efficiency, run time of machinery, in addition to heating and cooling expenditures.
To illustrate, if a new toaster oven costs $40.00 and the design of the toaster makes it possible to save .02 cents of electricity every time it is used and it is used on average 14 times per week that amounts to .28 cents per week or $14.56 cents per year, over 5 years the savings add up to $72.80 or $32.80 more than the cost of the new toaster oven making it worth while if it is used at the same rate for more than 3 years. The same principal of cost benefit analysis can apply to any piece of equipment or machinery and involves calculating usage, energy requirements and potential energy cost savings.
4. Reducing gas consumption expenditures:
Gas costs are an ongoing concern given high demands on oil resources and fairly constant rates of supply. This has spurred growing interest in renewable and alternative forms of energy in addition to cost cutting measures through efficiency legislation and techniques. Even the seemingly most small adjustments to energy use can have a dramatic effect on cost especially on a large scale.
A few examples of gas reduction include changing individual and employee driving schedules to include more tasks or errands per trip; insulating with inexpensive and/or cost effective products, employing the use of automatic energy consumption schedules to minimize use of gas at times when it is not as necessary, and converting to electricity where feasible and worthwhile. Since the costs of both electricity and gas fluctuate, keeping an eye on changing rates can indicate which weeks and months are better for using more electricity instead of gas. Furthermore, for electric heating to be cost effective it is ideally operated in a manner similar to gas heating i.e. on a thermostat triggered or pre-calculated schedule.
5. Additional energy cost saving tips
Some additional techniques of lowering cooling costs include shade landscaping for buildings, proper and inexpensive insulation for air conditioning units, energy efficient air conditioning (provided they pass cost benefit analysis illustrated above), use of window shades and reduction of high heat output lights and machinery during the hottest hours of the day. Other more aggressive methods could involve use of a night time schedule during the hottest months of the year, reduction of home or office square footage, application of improved air circulation via fan units and raising of temperature control settings within acceptable comfort levels.
Summary:
Energy costs, whether they be personal or business related, account for a larger portion of financial budgets because of increases in the cost of energy. This article will demonstrate some of the techniques that can be used to accomplish the goal of saving on energy costs. The techniques in this article may help lower the cost of energy and include a review of how electrical equipment, energy use patterns and adjustments to heating and cooling methods may save energy costs. Furthermore, trimming these costs can lead to lower overhead expenses and more liquid cash in a budget be it business or personal.