If you’ve missed the first three installments of this topic, you can find them at the links below:
Learning to Live on a Single Income Part 1
Learning to Live on a Single Income Part 2
Learning to Live on a Single Income Part 3
Over the last few weeks we’ve been talking about setting up and trimming the “fat” from a budget. This week I wanted to cover a couple more areas where you might be able to save some money.
1) Auto Insurance: When was the last time you reviewed your car insurance or checked rates with other providers? I know I’m guilty of not checking this often enough. But, it’s possible that you could raise the deductible or reduce coverage to make your insurance costs more reasonable. Almost any insurance agent is going to suggest you have full coverage. But, if you do not have a loan on your vehicle, it may not be required by law. I’m not sure if these laws vary by state or not, but I know Florida does not require full coverage if the vehicle does not have a loan on it. However, you should seriously consider the consequences of not having it before making that decision.
2) Homeowner’s Insurance: Again, this type of insurance should be priced out by various providers. And coverage amounts should be considered carefully. If you can raise the deductible and then save the difference until you have enough to cover the deductible, it will help you keep costs down. So, if you raise the coverage to $5,000.00, for example, but you save $100 a month on insurance, put that $100 into a separate savings account each month until you have the $5,000.00 that would be needed in the event of a claim.
3) Life Insurance: Look into the benefits of term life insurance as opposed to whole life insurance. Term life insurance is usually much more affordable.
4) Health Insurance: Do you have insurance through your employer? If so, chances are you have the lowest price currently available to you, if the employer pays a portion. However, if you are insuring additional family members, you might be paying more than is necessary. It can’t hurt to check and see if you can obtain private insurance for less. But, be sure to check the coverage carefully to make sure it is sufficient for your needs.
Now, on to the deals this week!
Know the Lingo
BOGO – Buy one, get one free
SS – Smart Source (coupon inserts in Sunday’s papers)
RP – Red Plum (coupon inserts in Sunday’s papers)
PG – Proctor & Gamble (coupon inserts in Sunday’s papers)
GM – General Mills (occasional coupon inserts in Sunday’s papers)
Blinkie – coupon dispensers in stores
Peelie – coupons found on products that you peel off
Hangtag – coupons found hanging on bottles
All You – Magazine sold at Walmart or via subscription
Whole Foods: Click here for their coupons. If you prefer to shop at Publix, they should accept these as competitor coupons.
Publix Greenwise: Click here for their weekly ads.
Many thanks to IHeartPublix.com for their great tips on shopping at Publix!
For the next two weeks, Publix is having their Viva Italia sale with great buys on items commonly used in Italian meals. It’s a great time to stock up on these! Look for special sale inserts in the local Jewish Journal or Forum newspapers (and hopefully they’ll have them in stores as well).
For Publix “super deals” list for 2/23-2/29/2012, please click here.
For Publix full sale list with coupon match-ups for 2/23-2/29/2012, please clickhere
Renita’s Favorite Money-Saving Sites
http://www.simplycvsshopping.com/
http://www.specials.publix.com
http://www.cvsdeals.gather.com
http://publixpennypincher.blogspot.com
http://www.thesimpledollar.com
E-Book now available!
I’m excited to tell you that my book is now available as an e-book! So, you can save money while you learn to save even more money by purchasing an e-book instead of a traditionally bound book! For more information, please click here.
Kindle book now available!
My book is now available for the Kindle! Please click here!
Renita is a resident of Palm Beach County, and author of “Wow! You Saved How Much?” For more information, visit her website athttp://wowyousavedhowmuch.com.
“Copyright © Renita R. Perrone All rights reserved. Permission granted to reprint this article on your website without alteration (excluding the weekly deals) if you include this copyright statement and leave the hyperlinks live and in place.”http://wowyousavedhowmuch.com
