In turbulent economic times, saving a buck is more important than ever.
Saving can be habit-forming, and following our experts advice can help make you more mindful of money-smart attitudes.
Find tips that fit your lifestyle, and watch your savings grow.
Home improvement
1.
The goal is to keep heat out of the attic.
Since heat rises, an uninsulated hatch drains heat from your home.
Home centers carry hatch insulation to fit most situations.
Know when to prime.Painting over low-gloss and using a similar color?
But in other situations, primer will save you money.
Use primer when painting porous surfaces, such as bare drywall or wood or surfaces with high-gloss paint.
Wait for winter.Many people dont want to start indoor projects during the winter due to the cold and holidays.
By comparison, a $23,430 deck would return just $9,325.
Yard and garden
7.
If they are grown at area nurseries, they may be less expensive than their more exotic cousins.
Give yourair conditionerspace.Proper airflow around your outdoor condenser unit allows it to work more efficiently.
Make beds that last.Thoughmulchand flowering annuals look beautiful, youll need to pay to replace them.
Using stones, perennial plants and other materials that last for many years will lower your outdoor maintenance expenses.
Personal finance
11.
Find comparisons at websites Bankrate and NerdWallet.
Set a calendar reminder to pay your card on time.
Most major investing companies, such as Fidelity and Vanguard, offer robo-adviser options.
Problem is, thats often in their prime earning years, when their tax rate is high.
Your kids wont owe taxes on their Roth withdrawals.
This can be a better option than racking up high-interest-rate debt.
Find out what perks your card offers and use them.
Entertainment
17.
Watch forticketsleading up to the game.
But not for concerts.Tickets for top musical acts almost never drop in price as the event approaches.
If you wait, youll likely pay more to ticket resellers.
You might even get a deal on popcorn.
Buy lunch takeout for dinner.Restaurants often offer more food for less money at lunch.
A lunch special may include, for example, a soup or salad and sides.
Plan ahead, and order takeout at lunchtime, then stick it in the refrigerator until the evening meal.
Let a deal drive a vacation.Stay flexible about where youd like to go and watch for specials.
Travelzoo continuously features package deals to various destinations.
Or stay flexible on timing.
Also, check out what is offered by your professional groups and organizations such as AAA.
Chat during intermission or not.
Health care
24.
Consider a surgical center.Need a surgery that doesnt require an overnight hospital stay?
Ask your doctor if theres a nearby surgical center equipped to handle outpatient procedures.
Its likely to cost you significantly less than a hospital.
Get a free gym membership.Enrolled in Medicare?
Many Advantage and Medigap plans include a freegym membership, often through the SilverSneakers program or other options.
The allowance expires monthly or quarterly, so stock up before the card resets.
Try virtual visits.During the pandemic, Medicare began covering many types ofmedical appointments via computer, tablet or phone.
The program is based on your income and assets.
Learn more at medicare.gov/extrahelp.
Ask your insurer about free screenings.More companies cover some tests without a copay.
They know that catching health issues early saves money for them as well as for you.
Early diagnosis can save you suffering maybe even your life.
Dental care
31.
Search for plans in your area at DentalPlans.com.
Or join a dentist membership plan.Some dentists have their own plans.
A monthly fee includes maintenance at no extra charge and other procedures at a discount.
These dentists know that regular dental care will save you money while providing them with a regular income.
