5 Tips For Being Economical And Saving Money

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When hubby and I moved in together and got our first place we tried to save money when we could. Back then I thought the only way to save money was to put change and dollar bills (on the rare days we had some we didn’t need) into a big empty water bottle. After time went by I learned that saving money also meant spending wisely and cutting costs where possible. Here are five tips that Betty shared with me on saving money, shared with her permission.

Being Economical: Money Saving Endeavors For Phone, Internet, Cable
The shaky economy is putting many of us in money saving mode. Making a budget is becoming inevitable but there are essentials you can’t just avoid such as your phone, internet and cable television. That adds up to hefty bills.
How can you save money on these services? The answer is not one, but many. Here’s how to stay connected and entertained, while keeping more money in your wallet.
Consider cord cutting
With the number of online streaming services increasing every year, many consumers are choosing to give up cable service and switching to watching movies and TV shows through the web. However, many channels are still asking users to connect with a valid TV account.
Most though, are available to stream free of cost on your PC, smartphone or tablet. You could even stream online channels directly to your television by connecting your computer or mobile devices. Make sure you weigh in the cons, of course, like how you will be deprived from major sporting events, or how channel broadcasting just doesn’t work as in conventional cable.
Bundle services
According to a Consumer Reports study, most consumers are satisfied with their cable, internet and phone bundles. The source says that bundling can indeed save money, and consumers who add their cellphones to the bundle get to save even more.
Also, it doesn’t have to be one-price-fits-all as conventional dictates. Moneyning.com, for instance, lists many AT&T promotional code options for different packages allowing consumers to mix and match services depending on their usage. This could be anything like high speed internet paired basic cable services for families using several internet-connected devices, or phone and internet bundle without cable for families used to watching channels online.
Research inventory
Take out a while to look at different channels offered by your cable provider. Do you need the most expensive channel subscription? How often do you switch to upper tier channels? Can they be streamed online? Maybe you can cut back and save more money with a basic channel plan.
Likewise, a high speed internet connection won’t fit the bill if you only go online for sending emails. On the other hand, when you’re looking to watch some channels online, you’ll want to keep the plan with high speed internet, or else streaming the channels will bog down and take ages.
Check bills frequently
Usually, bills for household communication services vary each month, but don’t assume these differences as normal. Review your bills for new charges every month, as it is an indication of changing habits, and mistakes.
Read the statements even if you’ve linked them to your bank account or credit cards for automatic deduction. This habit would give you an insight on your current preferences, based on which you may save money by selecting a more suitable plan next month.
Take advantage of sharing and free services
Sharing an internet connection with a neighbor could be a good way to save on costs. However, ask your internet service provider to ensure you are not violating any terms. You may also skip the internet altogether and use free WiFi hot spots, such as in public libraries and nearby cafes.
Always take permission when sharing another person’s WiFi connection as it is punishable by law otherwise. Cellular internet may be another option – it makes use of your smartphone’s connection.

Do you have any additional money saving tips to share? Please leave a comment, I’d really like to know!