Cut your spending by $500 a month
In today's tight economy, who doesn't want to free up some cash? Trim the fat but not the fun from your budget - here's how.
Haggle over high rates
A well-placed threat -- er, negotiation -- can save you a bundle. Three places to cut:
Credit cards: Call customer service and mention you're planning a balance transfer unless the issuer lowers your rate. Repeat up the chain of command until satisfied. This works best if you have a credit score of 750 or higher.
Cellphone: New customer? Ask for an activation fee waiver -- you'll save $40. Already using the service? Tell the rep you're thinking about canceling -- usually good for 10% to 20% off.
Cable: Find out what the new customer promo is and ask for it. Or threaten to dump cable for the phone company's TV service.
NEXT: Invest for less
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Groceries -
Car -
Shoes -
Twitter -
Timing -
Stretching -
Commuting -
Gas -
Printers -
Generics -
Work out -
College -
Camp -
Prescript... -
Pills -
Childcare -
Pets -
Health risk -
Phone bills -
Coupons -
Assistance -
Taxes -
Shopping -
Spending -
Convenience -
Happiness -
Indulgences -
Temptations -
Fees -
529 plans -
Interest ... -
Investments -
Car insur... -
Banks -
Overdrafts -
Life insu... -
ATM fees -
Cash -
Web tools -
Home -
Energy -
Lawn -
Mortgage -
Tools -
House -
Renovations -
Appliances -
Home insu... -
Sample sa... -
Home goods -
Clothing -
Designers -
Fun -
Food -
Gardening -
Champagne -
Sports -
TV -
Books -
Music -
Club cards -
Tipping -
Vacations
Last updated August 17 2009: 9:37 AM ET
Note: Rate cut from 22% to 14%, $3,000 balance paid in two years; 20% off $75/month cell bill; recent cable promos.
