You Just Can't Afford Not To Ask
Deals are everywhere. Most of us simply go after the published specials or discounts. These low price offers can be found on signs, in circulars, or online. We rely on these price indicators to determine what is a real bargain versus a sales gimmick to get you into the store. It's how we know the "real" price of the products that we want and need. While these offers are wonderful and much needed, they only represent some of the actual discount opportunities that exist. The others that are out there are usually only available on an "ask for" basis. In other words, they exist but no one will tell you about them unless you ask!
In some cultures, asking for a discount is expected. It is as if no one expects to pay the ticket prices. However, with the economic issues that many nations are facing, asking (or even haggling) for lower prices is becoming more common and much more accepted. Here are a few industries in which you can ask for lower prices and be confident that you could actually receive them:
1. Hospitality Industry - Hotel discounts can be found all over the place. But, some of the deepest discounts can be obtained by simply calling and speaking with a customer service representative. Often, if the hotel is not booked or it is a slow season, hotel representatives and managers may offer you great price just to get something on a room. Your discount request does not have to be limited to one room either. If you need a few rooms, the manager may be even more inclined to give you a price break.
2. Restaurants - There is almost always a "house special" going on at a restaurant. Always make a point of asking whether there are any in-house discounts available when dining out. Some of the national pizza chains also offer unpublished in-house specials that you can get only if you ask for them. You can expect to receive anything from 2-for-1 deals to deeply discounted menu items. On rare occasions, restaurants may even allow you to double up on deals, which could allow you to get your meal practically free.
3. Airline and car rentals - Priceline.com is a fabulous website for finding low prices and for setting your own price for travel. The key to using this service is to put the lowest price ever, even if sounds absolutely absurd, and work your way up. Don't just assume that the airlines or car rental agencies won't go for your low-ball price. They just may, but you will never know if you don't try it. Of course, calling directly is a great way to get to those unpublished offers. Like the hospitality industry, when airlines and car rental agencies are experiencing lows, they are more apt to give you on-site discounts. For these, you may need to speak, face-to-face with an agent or manager. You can expect discounts from 10% to upgrades and possibly free future travel or rentals.
4. Telecommunications - Telecommunications companies always publish their prices for their customers and they are always offering some type of "special". But, the real deals can be found when you speak directly with a customer service agent. Talk to them about your calling patterns and ask for a package deal that will combine your home, internet, and possibly, cell phone. You can even do a price comparison with a rival company and let the potential company know that are shopping around for the best deal. They want your business and may be able to tailor a package to suit your needs at just the price that you want...or lower!
Asking for something that you want is human nature. Doing it effectively to get great deals to save you and your family money is a skill that you can't afford not to learn and use. Just remember, the deals are out there and they are waiting for you, but be humble and honest when you ask for them, and always ask with a smile.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Health Care Savings Techniques
Taking care of your family's health is one of the hardest and most expensive parts of managing a household. With the cost of doctor's visits skyrocketing and fewer employers offering health care benefits, how can a family have their health care needs met? It can happen! Many of your family's health care expenses can be decreased using the same cost saving techniques that you use for daily household budgeting.
Here are a few money saving strategies for getting a more positive outlook for your family's health care expenses:
It pays to know people! Believe it or not some medical practices offer discounts or special services for referrals. Financially, it makes lots of sense for them. If one patient brings another, then, that's more money that they make. So, it's nothing for them to toss you a freebie or a co-pay reduction. Imagine the finances that they rack up for all of those visits, tests, and of course referrals! But more importantly, if you trust your health care provider, then it's good to tell others about them. Why not do it and get a little financial break along the way?
Generic drugs work! Studies show that you don't always need those high priced designer drugs. In fact, filling your prescriptions with the generic version of the drug may not only reduce your co-pay, it may eliminate it all together. Many insurance companies will not charge patients additional fees for using generic drugs when they are available. Even if the copay is only reduced for using the generic drug as opposed to the high end version, just think of all of the things that you can do with the money that you saved! Plus, isn't it better to pay $1 or $2 for a 30-day supply than $200 for a designer original? Truth is, the drugs are manufactured to do the exact same thing and they go through rigorous testing before they end up on the shelves of your local pharmacy. So, there is nothing to fear. Get the off-brand and save your cash for more exciting things.
Keep an eye out for those eyeglass sales! Every year, at the start of the back to school season, many eyeglass stores and superstores such as Walmart have incredible sales on eyeglasses. Some will offer discounts of 50-75% off or buy one, get one free sales. This is not only a great time to get glasses for your children to use for going back to school, it is also a perfect time to pick up a spare pair for each member of your family. In addition to the discounts at the popular stores, some may actually participate in eye care programs for those with low to moderate incomes. With these programs, which are usually in partnership with a local hospital or health care company, children can get their eyeglasses completely free!
Grab those gift cards! Many drug stores offer actual money or store gift cards when you transfer your prescription to them. Unless you are in a deep relationship with the pharmacist, you could get lots of cash and gifts just by switching stores! For many people, this is a no-brainer and they do it every time they get a new prescription.
Always use coupons! In each Sunday paper and online, you can find coupons for everything from allergy medicine to dental or medical services. Consider them free money and reap the benefits of these fabulous savings tools.
These are a just a few simple ways of saving money while doing your best to provide your family with great health care services. Take advantage of what's out there. Do it as if your family is counting on it.
Here are a few money saving strategies for getting a more positive outlook for your family's health care expenses:
It pays to know people! Believe it or not some medical practices offer discounts or special services for referrals. Financially, it makes lots of sense for them. If one patient brings another, then, that's more money that they make. So, it's nothing for them to toss you a freebie or a co-pay reduction. Imagine the finances that they rack up for all of those visits, tests, and of course referrals! But more importantly, if you trust your health care provider, then it's good to tell others about them. Why not do it and get a little financial break along the way?
Generic drugs work! Studies show that you don't always need those high priced designer drugs. In fact, filling your prescriptions with the generic version of the drug may not only reduce your co-pay, it may eliminate it all together. Many insurance companies will not charge patients additional fees for using generic drugs when they are available. Even if the copay is only reduced for using the generic drug as opposed to the high end version, just think of all of the things that you can do with the money that you saved! Plus, isn't it better to pay $1 or $2 for a 30-day supply than $200 for a designer original? Truth is, the drugs are manufactured to do the exact same thing and they go through rigorous testing before they end up on the shelves of your local pharmacy. So, there is nothing to fear. Get the off-brand and save your cash for more exciting things.
Keep an eye out for those eyeglass sales! Every year, at the start of the back to school season, many eyeglass stores and superstores such as Walmart have incredible sales on eyeglasses. Some will offer discounts of 50-75% off or buy one, get one free sales. This is not only a great time to get glasses for your children to use for going back to school, it is also a perfect time to pick up a spare pair for each member of your family. In addition to the discounts at the popular stores, some may actually participate in eye care programs for those with low to moderate incomes. With these programs, which are usually in partnership with a local hospital or health care company, children can get their eyeglasses completely free!
Grab those gift cards! Many drug stores offer actual money or store gift cards when you transfer your prescription to them. Unless you are in a deep relationship with the pharmacist, you could get lots of cash and gifts just by switching stores! For many people, this is a no-brainer and they do it every time they get a new prescription.
Always use coupons! In each Sunday paper and online, you can find coupons for everything from allergy medicine to dental or medical services. Consider them free money and reap the benefits of these fabulous savings tools.
These are a just a few simple ways of saving money while doing your best to provide your family with great health care services. Take advantage of what's out there. Do it as if your family is counting on it.
Really Free Stuff
Here's an announcement that everyone will love to hear. Some things in life are still free!! 100% free for all of us. With so much economic distress in the world, many have had to change their life style and personal expectations. People's budget's are smaller and their spending less because they are in survival mode. Times are tough and every little bit helps.
1. Free internet service still exists! There is a company called NetZero that offers up to 10 hours of free internet service per month. If you are not an avid internet user, this could work really well for you. Regular internet service can cost upwards of $50 per month. It's dial-up instead of broad band, but for the less-than-regular net user it's definitely worth looking into.
2. Free furniture and other stuff! The first place to look for free furniture is in your local newspaper. Often there is a section that is dedicated to items worth $50 or less. These are often just give always that people advertise to clear out space in their homes or after they have graduated from college and no longer need the items. Two other great places to find lots of free stuff online are Craigslist.org and Freecycle. On these websites, people can post anything that they want to give away. Whether you find your great deal in the newspaper or through one of these two internet sites, always remember to be safe. Never go to retrieve anything alone. Plus, remember that time is of the essence and deals go very quickly. So, as soon as you see it, make contact and make plans to pick the item up. This is one time that you should not dawdle.
3. Free meals! If you have a family, you know the value of taking advantage of "free kids meals" or "kids eat free" offers. They do still exist, though not as bounteous as in times past. Search online, keep an eye out for deals in your local newspaper, and always check a restaurant's website. Another way to get free meals for yourself and your companion is to sign up for restaurant email clubs. If you don't want the emails coming into your "regular" email account, then set up a "FREE" one, yet another great freebie, through a service like Yahoo, Google, or MSN. Then, use that free one to retrieve all of the free dinner deals that your stomach can handle!
So, for those that needed a little cheering up and consolation, here's a list of stuff that you can actually afford and enjoy, this list of stuff will really help you enjoy life to the full!
1. Free internet service still exists! There is a company called NetZero that offers up to 10 hours of free internet service per month. If you are not an avid internet user, this could work really well for you. Regular internet service can cost upwards of $50 per month. It's dial-up instead of broad band, but for the less-than-regular net user it's definitely worth looking into.
2. Free furniture and other stuff! The first place to look for free furniture is in your local newspaper. Often there is a section that is dedicated to items worth $50 or less. These are often just give always that people advertise to clear out space in their homes or after they have graduated from college and no longer need the items. Two other great places to find lots of free stuff online are Craigslist.org and Freecycle. On these websites, people can post anything that they want to give away. Whether you find your great deal in the newspaper or through one of these two internet sites, always remember to be safe. Never go to retrieve anything alone. Plus, remember that time is of the essence and deals go very quickly. So, as soon as you see it, make contact and make plans to pick the item up. This is one time that you should not dawdle.
3. Free meals! If you have a family, you know the value of taking advantage of "free kids meals" or "kids eat free" offers. They do still exist, though not as bounteous as in times past. Search online, keep an eye out for deals in your local newspaper, and always check a restaurant's website. Another way to get free meals for yourself and your companion is to sign up for restaurant email clubs. If you don't want the emails coming into your "regular" email account, then set up a "FREE" one, yet another great freebie, through a service like Yahoo, Google, or MSN. Then, use that free one to retrieve all of the free dinner deals that your stomach can handle!
So, for those that needed a little cheering up and consolation, here's a list of stuff that you can actually afford and enjoy, this list of stuff will really help you enjoy life to the full!
Snack and Save
Children have to eat. Parents have to feed children, and for the most part, they enjoy doing it. That being said, it costs money to fulfill that obligation. Actually, feeding your children could be one of the costliest ventures of your life. Spending a lot on snacks can quickly amass to small fortune if parents aren't penny wise with their buying.
It is only natural for parents to want their children to have the best and be happy. Here are a few ways to give them what they want without breaking the bank:
1. Take advantage of the "season"! Whether or not you celebrate the year end holidays, you can still take full advantage of all of the great money saving opportunities. In late September or early October, many restaurant chains such as McDonalds and Wendy's offer discount coupons for Halloween. They usually offer the coupons for free items such as an apple pie or Frosty shake in books, or sheets, of 8-12 coupons. The cost of these coupon packets is $1. So, you could potentially get 12 snack items for your children at a cost of only $1. This is a huge deal because if you bought each item without using the coupon, it would cost you about $15!! The other wonderful thing about these coupons is that, although they are offered around Halloween, most of them do not expire until December 31st of the offer year.
2. Surveys pay! Every time you splurge and get something to eat at many restaurants such as Burger King, or regionally local eateries such as Sonics, you may find a request, on your receipt, for you to complete a survey regarding your visit. These surveys pay out in a big way. Many of them offer a "buy one, get one free" offer or money off of future purchases. While, yes, they do keep you coming back, they also keep you saving. Look at it this way; you may want to spend an afternoon out with your child. Instead of paying for two hamburgers, you pay for one but get two!
3. Use coupons...all of the time! There are so many great deals available in your Sunday paper, online, or even in the supermarket aisles. Coupons are one of the best ways to save money on just about anything. Truth be told, not only will you see savings, you will probably get tons of free snacks for your family. Many stores double manufacturers’ coupons. Watch the weekly sale papers or visit your favorite store online to view the weekly specials. Cull your coupons, organize them, and use them when there are deals on the snacks that you and your family want.
You don't need a mint to feed your children if you just employ a few cost saving tactics. If you stay abreast of the sales and coupon offerings, your family can enjoy a deliciously rich lifestyle for less!
It is only natural for parents to want their children to have the best and be happy. Here are a few ways to give them what they want without breaking the bank:
1. Take advantage of the "season"! Whether or not you celebrate the year end holidays, you can still take full advantage of all of the great money saving opportunities. In late September or early October, many restaurant chains such as McDonalds and Wendy's offer discount coupons for Halloween. They usually offer the coupons for free items such as an apple pie or Frosty shake in books, or sheets, of 8-12 coupons. The cost of these coupon packets is $1. So, you could potentially get 12 snack items for your children at a cost of only $1. This is a huge deal because if you bought each item without using the coupon, it would cost you about $15!! The other wonderful thing about these coupons is that, although they are offered around Halloween, most of them do not expire until December 31st of the offer year.
2. Surveys pay! Every time you splurge and get something to eat at many restaurants such as Burger King, or regionally local eateries such as Sonics, you may find a request, on your receipt, for you to complete a survey regarding your visit. These surveys pay out in a big way. Many of them offer a "buy one, get one free" offer or money off of future purchases. While, yes, they do keep you coming back, they also keep you saving. Look at it this way; you may want to spend an afternoon out with your child. Instead of paying for two hamburgers, you pay for one but get two!
3. Use coupons...all of the time! There are so many great deals available in your Sunday paper, online, or even in the supermarket aisles. Coupons are one of the best ways to save money on just about anything. Truth be told, not only will you see savings, you will probably get tons of free snacks for your family. Many stores double manufacturers’ coupons. Watch the weekly sale papers or visit your favorite store online to view the weekly specials. Cull your coupons, organize them, and use them when there are deals on the snacks that you and your family want.
You don't need a mint to feed your children if you just employ a few cost saving tactics. If you stay abreast of the sales and coupon offerings, your family can enjoy a deliciously rich lifestyle for less!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Affordable Family Outings
We all need to get away every now and again! And spending time with the family is relaxing and a lot of fun and can be adventurous! But we also have to make sure we don’t break the bank, so here are some suggestions for some family fun which doesn’t cost you an arm and a leg.
1. Weekend trips
Weekend trips are more economical for a large family than taking a week’s vacation. You can pile everyone into the car and head for the mountains or the coast for a weekend of fun. For one night everyone can sleep in one or two hotel rooms. Think of it as ‘roughing it. Visit a zoo, museum, national park, monument, or other point of interest. Make it exiting by packing lunches so you don’t have to spend a lot of money on food. Use you phone with camera or digital camera to save those special moments. Did you know that you can save a lot of money by using photo printing websites? They print your pictures online and so your family can view them and order the one’s they like best!
2. Camping
This is a great way to get away, have a few laughs and experience the great outdoors! It lets kids and adults experience what it’s like to live with instead of against nature and teaches survival skills at the same time. If one person in the family has a lot of camping experience he or she can lead the rest of the group. What about fishing and catching your dinner. Cooking it over and open fire (check those fire safety rules though!). Camp in areas off the beaten track and keep the element of adventure that the vast wilderness has to offer! Camping is the ultimate adventure for kids and adults alike!
3. Have a family picnic
You can find parks all over the place. You don’t have to drive far to find a nice place to have a picnic. Some of them even have cookout shelters and trails for running, cycling, or hiking, water activities and playgrounds. How about getting everyone together once a month (for example on a Saturday) and get the whole family together (also include extended family that live nearby). Have a picnic cookout in the park! Make sure you reserve a shelter in advance and ask everyone to contribute to the meal. Either by paying a small amount or by bringing some of the ingredients for the picnic – GO DUTCH! Don’t forget to bring board games, balls, blankets, bikes, skates and of course your most comfortable sneakers. Get there early and make a day of it – have fun and relax together.
4. Family vacation
A family vacation is, of course, the ultimate! For a kid there’s nothing better than going away somewhere new and having a lot of fun. And if the kids have a great time, so do the parents! If this is what you want, make sure you get an early start in saving for your vacation and getting organized. Try and find out what kinds of travel are most economical for your family size and budget. Keep informed about travel deals and not just the peak and off-peak seasons. You can find great travel deals – also in peak times so that everyone can have a great time. If you’ve got family living in the area you want to visit, ask if you can bunk in with them for a few days. This cuts down on costs considerably and you get to visit family you might otherwise not see so often!
Having fun as a family doesn’t have to come with at a high premium! There are many ways to engage the interest of the whole family without having to worry about the money you need to spend! Be creative and have lots of unforgettable times with your family!
1. Weekend trips
Weekend trips are more economical for a large family than taking a week’s vacation. You can pile everyone into the car and head for the mountains or the coast for a weekend of fun. For one night everyone can sleep in one or two hotel rooms. Think of it as ‘roughing it. Visit a zoo, museum, national park, monument, or other point of interest. Make it exiting by packing lunches so you don’t have to spend a lot of money on food. Use you phone with camera or digital camera to save those special moments. Did you know that you can save a lot of money by using photo printing websites? They print your pictures online and so your family can view them and order the one’s they like best!
2. Camping
This is a great way to get away, have a few laughs and experience the great outdoors! It lets kids and adults experience what it’s like to live with instead of against nature and teaches survival skills at the same time. If one person in the family has a lot of camping experience he or she can lead the rest of the group. What about fishing and catching your dinner. Cooking it over and open fire (check those fire safety rules though!). Camp in areas off the beaten track and keep the element of adventure that the vast wilderness has to offer! Camping is the ultimate adventure for kids and adults alike!
3. Have a family picnic
You can find parks all over the place. You don’t have to drive far to find a nice place to have a picnic. Some of them even have cookout shelters and trails for running, cycling, or hiking, water activities and playgrounds. How about getting everyone together once a month (for example on a Saturday) and get the whole family together (also include extended family that live nearby). Have a picnic cookout in the park! Make sure you reserve a shelter in advance and ask everyone to contribute to the meal. Either by paying a small amount or by bringing some of the ingredients for the picnic – GO DUTCH! Don’t forget to bring board games, balls, blankets, bikes, skates and of course your most comfortable sneakers. Get there early and make a day of it – have fun and relax together.
4. Family vacation
A family vacation is, of course, the ultimate! For a kid there’s nothing better than going away somewhere new and having a lot of fun. And if the kids have a great time, so do the parents! If this is what you want, make sure you get an early start in saving for your vacation and getting organized. Try and find out what kinds of travel are most economical for your family size and budget. Keep informed about travel deals and not just the peak and off-peak seasons. You can find great travel deals – also in peak times so that everyone can have a great time. If you’ve got family living in the area you want to visit, ask if you can bunk in with them for a few days. This cuts down on costs considerably and you get to visit family you might otherwise not see so often!
Having fun as a family doesn’t have to come with at a high premium! There are many ways to engage the interest of the whole family without having to worry about the money you need to spend! Be creative and have lots of unforgettable times with your family!
Hi there!
You know what really makes me happy? When I can find ways of saving money! Not only for myself, but also for others! Some people need to save money to survive - especially at the moment with a recession going on, in almost every country of the world. But for the lucky ones amongst you, who are not effected by the recession or financial crisis, it's also fun to save money.
If you can reduce your daily costs and save even a small amount of money - for that ,long awaited holiday; to treat yourself to something special; that special birthday gift for a loved one; or your favorite charity - its worth while!
I've had the pleasure of traveling the world and learning ways of saving money from people all over! I will be sharing the best idea's with you via this blog. I've also set up a website called http://www.makeendsmeetonline.com. Here you can download a free Ebook on how to get organized. This is the first step in saving money! You have to clear your rubble to know what you have, what you need and don't need and get rid of the clutter in your life (and who knows how much you can earn selling stuff that's been collecting dust for years!!!)
I'm also offering you FIVE Ebooks for the price of one. All about saving money. And to make things even crazier - when you order these books, you get a two week FREE subscription to my 'Inner Circle'. In this Inner Circle you can share your tips and idea's on saving money in all aspects of your life. I will be sending out a weekly newsletter with the best tips and idea's received - to share with all the Inner Circle members. Also, I'll include an interesting article about saving money each week which you won't want to miss!
I will be placing regular articles on this blog, so keep an eye open for them!
I hope everyone enjoys the tips and practicalities on how to save money and let's get through this crisis together! Together we are strong!
Take care,
Alexandra
You know what really makes me happy? When I can find ways of saving money! Not only for myself, but also for others! Some people need to save money to survive - especially at the moment with a recession going on, in almost every country of the world. But for the lucky ones amongst you, who are not effected by the recession or financial crisis, it's also fun to save money.
If you can reduce your daily costs and save even a small amount of money - for that ,long awaited holiday; to treat yourself to something special; that special birthday gift for a loved one; or your favorite charity - its worth while!
I've had the pleasure of traveling the world and learning ways of saving money from people all over! I will be sharing the best idea's with you via this blog. I've also set up a website called http://www.makeendsmeetonline.com. Here you can download a free Ebook on how to get organized. This is the first step in saving money! You have to clear your rubble to know what you have, what you need and don't need and get rid of the clutter in your life (and who knows how much you can earn selling stuff that's been collecting dust for years!!!)
I'm also offering you FIVE Ebooks for the price of one. All about saving money. And to make things even crazier - when you order these books, you get a two week FREE subscription to my 'Inner Circle'. In this Inner Circle you can share your tips and idea's on saving money in all aspects of your life. I will be sending out a weekly newsletter with the best tips and idea's received - to share with all the Inner Circle members. Also, I'll include an interesting article about saving money each week which you won't want to miss!
I will be placing regular articles on this blog, so keep an eye open for them!
I hope everyone enjoys the tips and practicalities on how to save money and let's get through this crisis together! Together we are strong!
Take care,
Alexandra
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