Internet | You can now get great bargains and save money by shopping online

Turn your Hobby into Money'

Everyone has a skill find yours and turn it into money. For example, if you have a skill for woodworking, start creating children's toys, or curio cabinets to sell. Perhaps you are computer savvy and could teach a class at your local community college. Find something you enjoy and sell it.

Recycle

Try a different type of recycling that will save you money. Have you ever received a nice gift that you like from someone but will never use? Rather than take it back to the store for an exchange, consider keeping it to give as a gift to someone else. Another way to recycle is to look around your home. Did you Know That You Can Save On Bank Fees With a Family Budget

There are always things right in your home that can be used to make nice gift baskets things you never use. For example, the next time you purchase shower gel where you buy one and get one free, keep one for yourself and set the other one aside for future gift giving.

You will find hundreds of ideas so be creative and consider things you purchased but have never used.

Heating and Cooling

Make sure vents in rooms not being used or the garage are closed. Many people tend to try to heat and cool the entire home. Instead, take the time to close off areas that you are not using. You will save substantial money on your utilities.

Shop Online

Many online businesses offer great bargains and in some cases, free shipping.

Since the Internet is such a competitive market, you can usually find fantastic deals. In addition, many of your favorite businesses where you shop in person have websites that offer even greater savings.

Bookstores such as Amazon .com will sell books up to 70% off the original price. Overstock .com is another online business that sells closeout items for fantastic bargains.

Consignment Shops

Rather than throw out or sell slightly worn clothing or other household items in a garage sale, consider selling them through a consignment shop.

You will get a better price for your items and consignment shops are always looking for quality merchandise. Check out Half .com, which is an online consignment shop offering books, movies, computer software, and much more in either new or used condition.

Selling your Home

If considering putting your home on the market, make sure you work with a reputable estate agent. A good estate agent versus one that is not as experienced can be the difference of thousands of rand.

A good realtor will know exactly what you need to do to your home to get it in the best selling condition, which in turn will get you more money. In addition, experienced estate agents know all the best methods for advertising and selling your home while saving you the most money.

Stay out of the Malls

If possible, stay away from shopping malls. High-rand shopping malls have expensive overhead and are designed to sell, sell, sell. Prices are generally higher and in most cases, people walk out with more than they anticipated buying. It is better to shop at stand-alone shops or on the Internet.

Car Shopping

Shop around for the best price. While you may have your eye on that perfect car and want it now, by waiting and looking around, you could be saving yourself a lot of money. In addition, check out other states.

If you live within a few hours drive from other cities, check out the price difference. The five hours it takes to drive may be worth the money saved.

Check Receipts and Statements

If you were to check your grocery or store receipt, approximately 50% of the time you would find an overcharge. This happens all the time and in some cases, the charge can be substantial. The same is true for credit card statements, bank statements, phone bills, etc. Check the detail because it is quite common to find errors. These mistakes can easily be corrected simply by asking and providing a copy of the receipt or statement.

Challenge the Doctor/Hospital

If you have stayed in the hospital recently, you know the outrageous charges associated with every thing used. While you could buy a box of bandages for a small cut in the drug store for R32.00, at the hospital, they will charge you R64 for one bandage. Learn How Planning a Family Budget Can Be Fun

While the government and insurance companies are cracking down on these charges, you should check things closely and challenge anything that is ridiculously priced. The same is true for your doctor.

One woman having a hysterectomy was asked by her doctor if she wanted her appendix removed at the same time. The patient thought it was a good idea and agreed. Set a Family Budget That Includes saving

However, after the surgery when the bill came, there was an additional R7,680 for the removal of the appendix although the doctor never mentioned an extra charge.

The woman called her doctor to discuss and the doctor removed the charge. If something seems way out of balance, question it. Something else that most people do not know about is what is called professional courtesy. If you are having financial difficulties, you can ask your doctor if they will write off any balance owed as a professional courtesy. Many will and if not the full amount, at least some.