Ways To Save Money Part 5

April 9, 2009

yard-sale Ways to Save Money Part 5

So far this week we have been sticking to the theme of “saving money.” Today’s blog is a little different since it will show you how to actually put some money back into your pocket. We hope you enjoy today’s tip. If you do, please forward a link to someone else.

Tip #5: Have a Yard Sale!

More than likely, you have some excess clutter lying around your house. These items could be sold and turned into extra cash! The easiest, quickest way to sell your extra stuff is by holding a yard sale. Here are a few extra tips that can help to make your yard sale more successful:

1. Hold your sale on the first weekend of the month.

2. Put up large, neatly printed signs around your community the day before your yard sale is scheduled. Signs should include the address where the sale will be held.

3. Don’t overprice your items. People come to yard sales to find good deals. If you overprice the items in your sale, people may leave without making a purchase.

4. Display your items neatly. Whether you spread your items out on tables, blankets, or hanging racks, the more neatly your items are displayed, the better. If people have to rummage through boxes to see what you are selling they are likely to buy less.

If you live in an apartment or if your homeowners association will not allow you to hold a yard sale don’t fret. You can still sell your extra items through another venue such as ebay.com, amazon.com, or even buy renting a table at your local flea market. Plus, you might have a friend or family member who would allow you to hold a yard sale at their home for a small fee.

We hope you are enjoying this series, Ways to Save Money, from the HOPE Program. If you need help with credit problems please give us a call at 704-503-3669. We would love to schedule a personal credit consultation for you to speak with a HOPE credit specialist.

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Ways to Save Money Part 4

April 8, 2009

bulk Ways to Save Money Part 4

There are many practical tips available that can help you to make the most of your income. If you haven’t already, please check out the Recent Posts section on our website for Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 of this informative series. We hope that you will find several ways to save more money.

Tip #4: Whenever Possible, Buy in Bulk!

This tip is especially helpful in stretching your dollars if you purchase mainly non-perishable items when you do your bulk shopping. Things like cereal, toiletries, canned goods, rice, pasta, and frozen items usually cost less per unit when purchased in bulk. However, unless you have a very large and hungry family, buying things like fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, milk products, and other perishable items in bulk may actually be a waste of your money since the items may expire before they are all eaten.

Also, when shopping at a bulk supply warehouse such as Sams Club, BJ’s, or Costco it is very important to remember to bring a shopping list with you. Going to any store without a shopping list will likely result in spending more money than you had planned. As long as you make a list and stick to it when you get to the store then you should be fine.

Tune in tomorrow for another great money saving tip from the HOPE Program. Don’t forget to forward this blog to your friends and family if you find it helpful. Remember, if you need personalized and professional help with any credit problems you may be facing, HOPE can assist you. Just give us a call at 704-503-3669. “Hopeless” is not in our vocabulary!

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Ways to Save Money Part 3

April 7, 2009

low-credit-interest-rate Ways to Save Money Part 3

This entire week is devoted to helping you find more ways to stretch your hard earned cash. Please email your friends and family with a link to our blog so that they too can benefit from these great money saving techniques. Read below for some more advice.

Tip #3: Ask for Your Interest Rates to Be Lowered!

If you have good credit and a good standing with your credit card company then you may be able to qualify for a lower interest rate. All you have to do is call up your credit card company and ask if you are eligible to receive a lower interest rate. I have personally used this technique in the past. My credit card company lowered my interest rate from a 14.99% fixed APR to a 9.99% fixed APR just because I called and made the request!

Now, if you have made late payments to your credit card company in the past couple of years you probably will not able to receive a lower rate. If you have late payments or other issues on your credit report our staff can help you. Give us a call at 704-503-3669 for more information about how HOPE can help you to overcome your credit problems. We are waiting for your call.

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Ways to Save Money Part 2

April 6, 2009

Ways to Save Money Part 2

Today we are continuing to discuss the theme of saving money. Even during great economic and financial times it is important to spend our money wisely. During times like we are presently facing, it is even more imperative that we spend our hard earned money carefully. Here is another great tip that can help you.

Tip # 2: Ask for Your Current Bills to Be Lowered!

You probably don’t realize it, but you may be able to negotiate a lower price on some of your current bills. A friend of mine recently told me how his cable company lowered his monthly bill when his wife called to tell them she was switching to Direct TV. The cable company wound up lowering their monthly bill nearly $50 per month PLUS they received some additional features and services for free!

When my friend told me his story, I decided to try contacting my personal cable company to see if my monthly bill could be lowered. I spoke with a customer service agent and explained that I had received cheaper offers in the mail from Direct TV lately (which I have) and asked what they could do to lower my monthly bill. After holding for a few minutes the customer service agent came back and offered me a savings of $20 per month.

Other companies may be willing to lower your monthly bills as well. Try calling some of your current creditors (i.e. cable company, phone company, cell phone company, child care service, newspaper/magazine subscriptions, etc.) to request a lower payment. All it takes is one phone call to find out if you can save some of your hard earned money.

Please remember, if you are facing credit problems the friendly staff here at HOPE can help you. Just give us a call at 704-503-3669 to learn more about the wonderful services we offer. There’s no such thing as a hopeless situation

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Ways To Save Money - Part 1

April 3, 2009

We can all benefit from saving money, right? Of course we can. When our finances are in order and there is enough money to pay the bills saving money can mean that there is extra to put away for emergencies. When money is tight it is even more important to find creative, if not always obvious, ways to stretch our dollars further.

In the spirit of saving money we have decided to post this multi-part blog with tips that can boost your personal budget. Please share this article with your friends and family members as well. We hope that you will find some very useful ideas in the days to come.

Tip #1: Cut the Fat From Your Budget!

A simple rule of thumb when it comes to planning your personal financial budget is that you cannot spend more than you earn. First you need to add up all of your monthly bills and expenses. Next, add up your monthly income. If your bills and expenses total more than your income then one of two things has to occur: spend less or make more.

Here are a few common expenses that you may be able to consider lowering or cutting from your budget entirely:

Cable (Cut or considering downgrading to basic cable only.)
Cell Phone (See if you can change to a cheaper plan with fewer minutes.)
Eating Out (Limit yourself to fewer meals out per month.)
Pest Control (Buy spray from your local hardware store instead of hiring professionals.)
Nail Salon (Either go longer between visits or buy tools to do your mani/pedi yourself.)
Gym Memberships (Your health is important, but you could develop an at-home fitness regimen until your budget can support the added cost of a monthly gym membership.)

We know that cutting spending is never a fun process. Truthfully, it can be downright painful at times. However, when you have cut your excess spending enough to create a balanced budget for yourself you can breathe a sigh of relief.

Just think of all of the stress you will be eliminating from your life when you don’t have to worry whether or not you will have enough money to pay your bills each month. Visit us again tomorrow for another great tip on saving money!

If you would like professional assistance from our caring credit specialists at HOPE4USA please give us a call. You can reach us at 704-499-9696.We would love to hear from you.