Summer Savings!
We could all use a little extra cash this summer. The following
five cost-cutting tips can help you save thousands. From reducing
your cable bill to refinancing your car, Credit.com can help you
improve your summer spending.
Call Your Cable Company
One five minute call to the cable company can save you big bucks.
All you need to do is ask about downgraded your television and internet
services. You'll be transferred to a "retention" expert.
If you explain that you feel the services are too expensive, they'll
usually offer you a discount on your monthly bill. We recently tried
this and lowered our bill from $99 to $73 a month for the next 12
months.
Reduce Your Gas Costs
Gas prices are going to be a major budget buster this summer. Along
with carpooling and using alternate forms of transportation, you
can reduce your fuel costs by changing your driving habits. Edmunds.com
found that the best way to improve your fuel efficiency is to accelerate
and brake slowly. Putting the "pedal to the metal" burns up a lot
of gas. You can also improve your fuel efficiency by following the
speed limit and using cruise control. Take the sting out of filling
up with a gas rebate credit
card.
Consolidate Your Student Loans
Student loan interest rates are expected to rise about 2% on July
1. Current student loan rates range from 4-6%, depending on the
type of loan. If you act now, you can lock in these low rates and
lower your monthly payment by consolidating your student loans.
Investigate your student
loan consolidation options online today.
Pay Off Your Debts
If you carry large amounts of credit card debt, you may as well
be sending checks straight to the presidents of MasterCard and Visa.
For example: if you only pay the minimum amount due on a $5,000
balance each month, it will take you 26 years and a staggering $7,000
in interest to pay it off. Take control of your debts today. Apply
for a free debt consultation online.
Refinance Your Car
If you have an expensive car loan with a high interest rate, you
may be able to save a bundle by refinancing this summer. You can
save the most with an auto
refinance if your credit scores and financial situation
have improved since you first bought the car. Check your credit
scores online today to see where you stand.
Spending less on boring old bills can free up your budget for fun
summer splurges. Use the money you've saved by following these five
tips to finance a vacation or throw a backyard BBQ.
Do
you have a great cost-cutting tip to share? Send us your ideas by
email.
We'll share the best tip in next month's newsletter and send the
winner a free copy of the book "Credit Scores, Credit Cards."
Bonus Tip
If
you are traveling internationally this summer, watch out for credit
card "foreign currency conversion fees." Credit card companies
have started charging a 3% fee on each purchase you make in a foreign
country with your card.
Quote of the Month
A
perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing,
the birds are singing and the lawn mower is broken.
- James Dent
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