7 ways to save on everyday expenses

Bill Hanousek trades stocks from his home computer with his companion, Dubinsky the Cat.

• Create a budget (and stick to it)

Bill Hanousek
Age: 66

I have a TD Ameritrade account and am an active trader. I simply called and asked for a lower commission rate. All I said was how about a break on the commission? They won't call you and say 'Hey would you like a discount on this?' Bottom line...call and ask! I saved about $2 a trade and that's a couple of hundred bucks over the course of the year.

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