Search Results for: blog when new costs less than used

Three Ways We Lower Winter Energy Costs

We have been experiencing some pretty cold weather here, with slow, sleet and wintry wind chills that make it dangerous to be outside, unprotected, for any length of time. Naturally, as we use more energy to heat our home, our costs for this month (and the next few) will be higher than normal. A couple of years ago, we installed new energy-efficient windows and insulated the attic and the basement, two moves that really helped our bills. Still, each year, there are some simple methods that can be used to reduce the winter energy costs even more. They don’t require … Continue reading →

Four Strategies that Will Reduce Car Costs

When you budget your auto-related and transportation costs, are you including everything? There is the cost of the car itself, the monthly loan or lease payment, plus insurance, maintenance costs, and gas of course. Here are four strategies that you can use, covering each of those areas, to lower these costs, from beginning to end. Saving on Car Payments If you are considering the purchase or lease of a new car, review your options carefully. This is where you can save the bulk of your money. Really think about saving up to purchase a car with cash, if you can. … Continue reading →

How to Camp for Less

Camping can be a fun way to have family bonding time while reconnecting with nature. While camping is traditionally less expensive than many other forms of family vacation, the costs can add up quickly if you aren’t careful. Camping gear, fees and even training classes can turn an inexpensive choice into one that costs more than you planned. Join a Club There are many different camping clubs available throughout the country that are associated with private campgrounds. Become a member, and you can save 10 percent or more each time that you stay. These campgrounds often come with extra amenities. … Continue reading →

Buying New or Buying Used?

As I mentioned earlier, we’ve made the decision to purchase a new van. We knew right off the bat that a brand-new vehicle was not in our budget, although we would have liked one. We were able to find a van in our budget at a used car dealership run by friends of my husband’s, and we’re (hopefully) picking it up tonight. But sometimes the decision to buy new or used is not so clear-cut. Our choice was made for us because of financial circumstance, but in other cases, you might have a decision process to go through. 1. As … Continue reading →

Evaluating Used Items

“Buying used and saving the difference,” is a favorite saying of the Duggar family of reality television fame. But whether you love to watch them or not (I generally don’t), they have a good point. You can really save a lot of money when you aren’t focused on buying everything new. That said, it is important to evaluate used items for quality and suitableness. Otherwise, you might wind up spending more money in the long run. Here are some tips to help you when you are out shopping for used items. Keep It Simple When it comes to buying things … Continue reading →

Setting the Goal of Always Getting Used

Is the goal of getting everything used a great goal to set or am I setting myself up for the impossible? You decide. While I’ve always tried to get as much stuff used as possible, I admit that I still buy far too many new things. All of those new purchased really add up. So, I’m challenging myself and our family to set the goal of always getting things used. It isn’t an easy goal, and of course there will have to be some exceptions. I really can’t see a way (nor do I want to see one) of buying … Continue reading →

Make it Last…Or Buy New

I used to work with a client who was very thrifty—they were constantly making do with second-hand equipment and counting every piece of paper and paperclip. It was a great lesson for me in learning when it is good and beneficial for the business to be careful and thrifty, and when it costs more to keep using outdated equipment and supplies than to just purchase new ones. None of us is particularly fond of expenses in our home businesses. We know full well that expenses eat into our profit and affect our bottom line. But, the thing is, we are … Continue reading →

Experimenting With Your New Camera

Holidays are one of the most popular times to take photographs. Which is why last year I asked for a new camera in August (the month of my birthday). Doing so allowed me to experiment with my new device for at least three months before I used it to capture magical holiday moments. If you don’t feel your camera is providing you with the quality photos you desire now is the time of year to purchase a new one. Not only will you be able to take advantage of some amazing end of the season sales, but you will also … Continue reading →

Save Money Now! Living Frugally in 10 Minutes or Less

Have ten minutes to kill? Put that time to good use, and you can start saving money! You know those little moments of patience that crop up here and there? Maybe you are on hold while on the phone, waiting for the last few minutes for dinner to finish, waiting for a computer download, etc. You can use that time to perform any of these quick fixes to save some money. Close or lower your storm windows. If you have old windows like I do, this can save you big bucks in a year. Even in the summer, the storm … Continue reading →

Frugal Tip – Avoid the Finer Things in Life at All Costs

I’ll never forget the day I went on a weekend business trip with my boss. I adored her. She always treated me more like a girlfriend than an underling. Therefore, I wasn’t surprised when she invited me into the lobby after a long day of meetings to share a fine bottle of wine in front of the hotel fireplace. I used to laugh when she referred to herself as a “wine-snob” until she told me the price of the bottle of wine she was about to share with me. “You just spent $25.00 on a bottle of wine?”….you’ve got to … Continue reading →