"Any man who has $10,000 left when he dies is a failure." - Errol Flynn
Bridging the gap between saving money and investing
The holiday season is right around the corner, and with that come extra expenses that can easily get out of hand. Financial gurus often recommend establishing positive spending habits. This is useful, regardless of your current financial situation. That way, you will not only feel more financially secure, but you will also have extra assets to invest in other areas of your life. [Read more…] about 5 Overlooked Ways to Save More Money This Season
It’s hard to think about saving for the next pandemic when we are still in the thick of this one. And yet, experts say that there’s no time like the present to start preparing for the future. If you’re struggling with finances right now, then saving might feel like a challenge. But any little bit that you can set aside could help you down the line.
Even though this article is about saving for the next pandemic, it’s important to acknowledge that we are still in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. People are struggling. Many people are barely making ends meet. And even those who are doing okay are uncertain about the future since it’s unclear what will happen with both employment and the economy in the months and year or so to come.
Yes, it’s hard to think about saving for the next pandemic in the midst of this. But it’s also the perfect time. For one thing, the reality of the pandemic is on your mind right now. Let’s face it; when things improve, we will all be so excited about the opportunity to travel and host guests and go out to activities that we might let ourselves slip a little with spending. Right now, when we really understand the impact of this pandemic, our minds are primed to begin saving for the next one.
Plus, we’re already tightening our money belts. Since we’re in the swing of things with saving money, it’s natural to set aside some for the future.
We can’t predict when there will be another pandemic. We don’t know what it will look like when it happens. But experts say that the likelihood of another one is extremely high.
The World Health Organization and United Nations General Assembly say:
“COVID-19 will not be the world’s last health emergency and there is an urgent need for sustainable health emergency preparedness to deal with the next one.”
And Harvard Business Review goes so far as to say:
“SARS in 2003, H1N1 in 2009, MERS in 2012, and now Covid-19. We don’t know when or where, but we know with 100% certainty that another deadly infection will strike.”
So, number one, you should start saving now because there’s an extremely high likelihood that there will be another pandemic. Second, you’re already in the mindset to really understand the difficulty of living in the pandemic. Therefore, you’re in a good position to make the changes and sacrifices necessary to save.
After all, despite all of the financial struggles of 2020, nearly one quarter of Americans managed to save money during the coronavirus pandemic. And nearly half of people are spending less than at the same time last year. The “new normal” is to save money. For one thing, you’re probably not traveling. Of course, cutting out travel saves a lot of money.
Moreover, experts recommend using your COVID-19 experience to review your savings plan. Many people kept the traditional 3-6 months of income in their emergency fund. However, in the face of the pandemic, that ran out. Therefore, you might want to consider saving 6+ months in your emergency fund for the next time.
Finally, you might be able to negotiate your bills at this time. COVID-19 impacted so many people that lenders and service providers have put plans in place to help reduce costs for their customers. If you can take advantage of those plans, then it could be a silver lining for saving money.
Obviously, saving for the next pandemic isn’t easy. Heck, it’s hard to save money in the healthiest of times! However, it is possible to set aside money.
Check out our article on How to Maximize Savings During a Pandemic. Tips from that article include: stringent budgeting, getting very clear about needs and wants during a pandemic, and skipping dining out in favor of all meals at home. In other words, go back to the basics that you already know about living frugally. When we earn more, we sometimes splurge more, but you probably already know how to cut back. Now is the time to implement those good money habits.
Similarly, North American Savings Bank recommends five key tips to save for the next time this happens:
In fact, that last one is perhaps the only bit of advice that differs now from traditional plans to save a lot of money. Many people over the years have scaled down their housing to reduce costs. Tiny homes and other small spaces help people save on rents and mortgages. However, now that many people are home all of the time – working at home, homeschooling their kids – more space might be worth that extra cost. It’s important to find a way to balance your household expenses with the space that you need. And remember, real estate is an investment. You might want to read: Which Real Estate Investments Are Safe During the COVID-19 Pandemic?
Other than that, though, it’s really all about going back to the basics. Lower your costs as much as you can. Set aside as much as possible in savings. Also, check out our article on 10 Unusual Ways to Make Money During a Pandemic. It might feel like it’s impossible to make extra money right now. However, that’s not true at all. You do have options. And of course, the more you can make, the more you can save.
Finally, review your investments. You can still make money investing during COVID-19. Here are some articles that might help:
While this article is primarily about individuals saving for the next pandemic, it’s important to note that much should also be done at the state, regional, national, and international levels. Governments and private organizations can do a lot towards improving the situation for next time in terms of reducing both the health impact and the financial troubles. Spending money to prevent the next pandemic would not only save lives but would also save economic costs down the line.
For example, scientists suggest “preserving forests, clamping down on the illegal wildlife trade, and starting a broad system of surveillance to catch emerging diseases before they spread.” All of this can lead to preventing the next pandemic or seriously limiting its spread and impact. This makes sense on a financial level as well. The scientists estimate that these measures would cost between $22 and $31 billion per year. Obviously, that’s a lot of money. However, it’s a fraction of the estimated cost of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is $27 trillion in 2020. In other words, “The cost of preventing the next pandemic is 2% of the cost we’re paying for COVID-19.”
The Harvard Business Review says that the United States government should consider affordable health care options for all citizens as a means to prevent individual and collective financial troubles during the next pandemic.
Are you saving for the next pandemic now? Share your thoughts in the comments!
If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started. If you want to be able to customize your blog on your own domain and need hosting service, we recommend trying BlueHost. They offer powerful hosting services for $3.95/month!
Cars are expensive to own. Not only do we have to concern ourselves with the monthly payment. We also have to be able to afford the normal maintenance that each car requires. From air filter changes to tire rotations, vehicles need a lot of attention. Costco offers great deals on just about everything, but what about maintenance for your vehicle. Would you believe that you can get free tire rotations at Costco? Now there are some things you need to know before running over to your nearest Costco. So keep reading.
First, Let’s answer the burning question. Yes, Costco does perform free tire rotations.
However, there are two criteria you must meet in order to get a free tire rotations at Costco.
First, you must be a Costco Wholesale member.
Second, in order to receive free tire rotations, you must buy your tires from Costco.
This is because their tire prices include an installation charge of $18.99 per-tire. This includes mounting, lifetime balancing, rotation, flat repair, and air pressure checks. It also includes a new rubber valve stem, and Costco’s Road Hazard Warranty.
While Costco does perform free tire rotations, reviews on the services have not been stellar. According hundreds of reviews on ConsumerAffairs, Costco Tire Centers only have a rating of 1.5 stars out of a possible 5.
For example, a review from this user reported a common complaint of slow service:
Terrible! The Pleasant Prairie Wisconsin location is slow as can be. We purchased 4 tires online and expected tire professionals to be able to simply install them. They told us that there was a 3-4 hour backlog. I’m here checking in after 5 1/2 hours and they say it’s still 30 to 40 mins. What a joke. Never. Never again. They need to hire professionals that can work at a decent pace. Not these lowly paid kids that have no idea what they’re doing. The inconvenience is not worth the money saved. Never again. Costco is a joke! – Paschen of Kenosha, Wisconsin
Another common complaint is general carelessness, or harm that was done to vehicles while receiving a tire rotation. Many consumers, like this one who shared a review on Yelp, commented at the poor level of customer service and difficulty to reach anyone when calling the Costco Tire Centers.
Costco has the best prices on tires. Sadly, the customer service at this Center is not good. The poor installers also have to handle the front end so they take a long time to handle the influx of customers checking in in addition to changing tires. Also, 2 of my tires had large green spots of paint on them and a lot of lube left around the tires.
Also, I tried calling multiple times with no answer or being hung up on. They even answered once, put me on hold for 5 minutes, then I got hung up on. As a whole, I’d say try a different Costco Tire Center. – Kelly R. of Mission Viejo, California
The biggest benefit of Costco tire rotations is the price. Tire rotations are free if you purchase tires through Costco. Consumers report that they are often able to score the best deals on tires through Costco Tire Centers. The affordability of the tires plus the additional services offered through Costco Tire Centers may be worth it to some people, such as the individual who left the following 5-star review on ConsumerAffairs:
Ordered 4 90,000 mile tires online with delivery to local Costco and installation. Excellent price – about $40 lower per tire including savings from installation less than Sears. Installation cost was $15 per tire. This included mounting on rims, balancing, old tire disposal fee, road hazard ins, flat repair for 5 years. Lifetime rotation and pressure check, and nitrogen top off. The only disappointment was that they had no appointments available. I showed up just before opening time, but tire department was already open. There were 3 cars ahead of me. I asked how long was the wait. She said 1 hour to 1 1/4 hr. At one hour 16 min, the car was ready to go. Everybody working there were excellent in customer service. Will buy next time at Costco again for sure. –Charles of Lorton, Virginia
So yes, you can get free tire rotations at Costco if you have a Costco membership and purchased your tires through their Tire Centers. If you use them for this service, don’t forget about all the other maintenance that your car requires. Take great care of your car and it will take care of you.
If you need a tire rotation and don’t have a Costco membership or purchased tires through their tire center, then there are other options. See if the business where you purchased your tires offers free tire rotations. Many do like Pep Boys, Sam Club’s and Discount Tires. You can also use services like Groupon to get great deals on tire rotations, although they may not be free they will be cheaper and normally come with an oil change.
As mentioned above, Costco tires come with many other free benefits. Let’s break down the lifetime benefits that come along with the free rotations:
Balancing is a great service to offer that not many know about. This process ensures that each wheel-and-tire is of equal weight to the other three. If this isn’t done, tires can wear unevenly, causing more frequent replacements and a rougher ride. Utilizing this free service will make sure you get the most out of your tires.
This is a much better-known term. Basically, if your tire falls victim to a puncture, or very small breach in the rubber, it can typically be repaired. This usually costs anywhere from $20-40. Costco, however, will do this for you for free. Just make sure you don’t drive the car on a flat, or use chemical sealant on it. Both of these interventions can make it more difficult to fix the tire, or even ruin it completely.
Air pressure is very important, but this benefit really isn’t. You can check your air pressure for free at most gas stations, and can usually find an electric air pressure measurement tool at AutoZone or on Amazon for around $10.
Have you gotten free tire rotations at Costco? If so, tell us about it in the comments below.
If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started. If you want to be able to customize your blog on your own domain and need hosting service, we recommend trying BlueHost. They offer powerful hosting services for $3.95/month!
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A household’s DirecTV bill can quickly turn into a budget-buster. Often, when promotional rates end, the monthly cost skyrockets. That can magically convert a reasonable expense into an unmanageable one, often with little or no notice. However, sometimes households have to adjust their budget even though the cost hasn’t changed. In either of those cases, finding ways to lower your DirecTV bill is a must. If you want to get yours to a reasonable point, here are some tips that can help.
Your first step to lowering any bill is to understand what you’re paying for today. Look at your last statement and examine each part of the overall expense line by line. Keep your eye open for channel add-ons and equipment expenses. As well as the charge for your base package.
At times, it’s a plan addition that’s boosted your bill unexpectedly. Specialty channels are often included in packages for free. But only for a set time. After that, the regular price kicks in automatically, sending your bill up.
However, if you aren’t fighting against an unplanned cost increase or simply want to get your bill as low as possible. That might not give you enough information to reduce the bill. So, it’s time for more research.
Before you move forward, take a moment to find out if you’re under contract. Whether you are or not impacts the amount of leverage you have. So it’s critical to know whether you’re in a position to cancel freely or if you’d incur a penalty.
Once you know whether there’s a contract involved, spend some time looking at any advertised DirecTV promotional packages for new or current subscribers. This gives you an idea of what’s been made available to other customers and can serve as a starting point for a quick negotiation.
If you find an option that meets your needs and have been a good customer up to this point (paying your bills on time, etc.). Then you may simply be able to request that package. Do understand that many of these require agreeing to a new contract term. So you may be locking yourself in for a while.
Finally, take a moment to see what local competitors are offering. If another company has a notably better deal for a comparable package, then you may be able to use that during your negotiation.
Usually, this route only works if you aren’t under contract. If there’s a contract in place and you’d have to pay a cancelation fee (which can be several hundred dollars), DirecTV may not take any threat of you leaving seriously.
With all of that information available, it’s time to contact DirecTV. You can either let them know that you’d like to cancel your service, allowing you to gain access to the retention department when you bargain, or can inquire about plan options.
Usually, the first approach is best if you aren’t under contract and have a good history with the company. The retention department usually has the most leverage, so they can often negotiate with you as a means to keep you on board.
If you aren’t under contract, you can try regular customer service. You can see if you can talk your way into a better package, cancel add-ons without penalties, or make other moves.
If the first rep you speak to doesn’t play ball, consider hanging up and calling again. You may get a friendly rep with this approach, but you do have to make sure it seems like you were disconnected by mistake and not hanging up in anger. Reps leave notes in your file, so you may want to “accidentally” hang up while you’re mid-sentence to sell it a bit.
Be friendly and appreciate while you talk, as this is a situation where having a great attitude works in your favor. Often, you’ll be able to get some kind of deal just by asking for one, especially if you’ve done your research and can show that your request is reasonable.
Once they agree to lower your bill, get it in writing. Request a follow-up email, confirmation number, or something similar. That way, if your DirecTV doesn’t go down like it should, you can call back and get it fixed.
Do you have any other tips on how to lower your DirecTV bill? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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A little bit of fall cleaning can do more than freshen up your home. When you tackle the right areas, it can actually save you money, too. If you want to make sure your fall cleaning benefits your budget, here’s what you need to do.
Cleaning your heating system is a must every year. First, it’s critical for safety. Built-up dust can burn, making it a fire hazard. This one step will really help you use fall cleaning to save money.
However, cleaning your heating system also ensures everything works more efficiently. It reduces system strain, which could lead to lower energy bills.
Dirt on your windows can reduce the amount of sunlight that gets into your house. If you have your window glass exposed, make sure the surface is clean. That way, you can enjoy as much natural heating as possible.
As you go through the cleaning process, take a look at any seals. If you see gaps or cracks, then address them while you’re working on your windows. By doing so, you reduce the number of drafts that could be letting warm air out and cold air in, making it easier to keep your home at the right temperature. Your heating system won’t have to work as hard, leading to a smaller power bill.
Build-up on your refrigerator’s condenser coil impacts how efficiently your fridge runs. While it can be a little cumbersome to shift your fridge so that you can reach the back, taking a moment to vacuum off the condenser coil every year is a good idea. It will work better and require less energy, reducing your power bill a tad.
If you haven’t changed your HVAC system filters recently, then your energy bills may be higher than they have to be. By cleaning or changing your filters, you make it easier for your HVAC system to do its job. As a result, your power bill goes down a bit more or doesn’t rise as much when you crank up the heat.
While clutter and overflowing closets don’t technically cost you money, it’s possible you’re missing out on a money-making opportunity. By going through every room and gathering items you don’t use, you could potentially sell them for a little bit of cash.
If you do your cleanup before the weather turns too cold, you may be able to sell the items by holding a garage sale. For higher value goods, you could try consignment shops or listing them individually online, using options like the Facebook Marketplace, LetGo, Craigslist, or something similar.
By selling your unneeded items, you can generate a bit of cash. Then, you can use it to handle home maintenance expenses or to boost your savings account.
Here is another way to save money apart from Cleaning during Fall is using VPN. VPN is the only tool to secure users private data and avoid data leak or minor the risk to get malware or any other way of fraud. Great option of a VPN while saving money, as Atlas vpn is the cheapest on the market.
Do you have any other tips that can help someone use fall cleaning to save money? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started. If you want to be able to customize your blog on your own domain and need hosting service, we recommend trying BlueHost. They offer powerful hosting services for $3.95/month!
You are a saver. Your spouse is a spender. The differences are creating havoc in your marriage. Can you teach your spender spouse to save?
Before we get into some tips to help you teach your spender spouse to save, we have to acknowledge something: you can’t truly change someone else. You can encourage change. You can ask for change. There are many things that you can do to prompt change. But, ultimately, the only person that you can change is yourself.
So, before you go about trying to teach your spender spouse to save, you need to get them on board. If they flat out have zero interest in saving money, then you have a bigger problem on your hands. Many couples lose their relationships to money battles. If you’re at a standstill, then you may need couples therapy to help you get through the battle.
Since you can’t change someone else, the most important thing is first to do what you can to change yourself. Of course, this doesn’t mean that all of a sudden you will stop saving and start spending. But it does mean that you take an honest look at yourself before you try to teach your spender spouse to save.
Some questions to ask yourself include:
Doing that inner work first will go a long way towards getting your spouse on board. Here are some additional tips:
If your spouse is even a little bit willing to make some changes, then yes, you can teach your spender spouse to save. Here are some good tips that can help you along the way:
The more convenient something is for us, the more likely we are to do it. That’s just human nature. Some of the ways to make savings more convenient include:
Ask your spouse what they think about your shared finances. Find out how they feel about saving and spending. Then ask them what they wish was different. Find a way to trade them for what they want.
For example, you might discover that they don’t want to spend willy nilly on everything. However, they’re afraid that if they focus too much on saving then you’ll never have any fun together. Brainstorm some ways to guarantee that you’ll have that fun – date nights, travel plans, etc. Then make an agreement that if you set a budget for those then you’ll stick to that budget.
When you’re in two different places, see if you can come to a compromise.
Some couples agree that the saver will handle the finances and give the spender an allowance. Other couples agree that they each have a certain amount of allowance that they don’t have to discuss with each other before spending. See if an allowance option works for both of you. It can be problematic in some households but helpful in others. Note that it only works for the marriage if both of you think it’s the right plan.
Finances don’t have to be boring. Make saving more fun for both of you by taking on some money-saving challenges together. You may find ways to compete with one another for savings if your spouse is motivated by competition. Or perhaps you can find challenges that will allow you to work together to meet a savings goal. When you meet your goals, enjoy a reward of your spouse’s choosing.
There are a lot of tools that can make you and your spouse save and one of this is using VPN when travelling or doing private transactions online. VPN is the only tool to secure users private data and avoid data leak or minor the risk to get malware or any other way of fraud. Great option of a VPN while saving money, as Atlas vpn is the cheapest on the market.
Nobody wants to be shamed for their actions, especially by their spouse. We all prefer positive reinforcement. So, when you see your spouse making a choice that involves saving over spending, acknowledge it. You don’t have to make a big deal out of it. You certainly don’t want to be patronizing. But it’s nice to say, “I noticed that you saved in this way and I really appreciate that you heard how important that is to me and acted on it. I love you.”
Sometimes you can’t teach your spender spouse to save because the two of you just can’t get on the same communication page when it comes to money. It’s time to get help. Help could be in the form of:
What are some of the other ways that you can teach your spender spouse to save? Share what has (and hasn’t) worked for you in the comments. Or, if you’re the spender, give us your thoughts on this tricky topic!
If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started. If you want to be able to customize your blog on your own domain and need hosting service, we recommend trying BlueHost. They offer powerful hosting services for $3.95/month!