Archive for the ‘Consumer’ Category

Cheap Plasma TV

Thursday, June 18th, 2009

Have you ever entered one of those super low priced discount clothing stores because you saw a really great looking pair of jeans? But then, when you go into the store, the jeans feel like they are made of paper? Pretty much everything these days is made out of materials that could practically be classified as disposable! And this trend has even made its way into the electronics market.

So please take our advice! It may not matter one iota if you buy a can of pork and beans made by Heinz or the Asda brand. But when it comes to purchasing a more permanent item such as a television or a refrigerator, do not buy a no name brand! When you purchase the very cheapest televisions made by no name brands, you are not investing in a product that is guaranteed to last.

Cheap televisions are made by small companies whose market niche is to turn a fair profit by selling the lowest priced sets they can make. Shoppers who have not done their research are simply too tempted to buy these cheap TVs, especially with the economy being so bleak.

But because they are really only concerned with making a low-cost product, the manufacturers of the no name brand almost always use the cheapest materials available to create their products out of. These companies are not looking to compete with the brand names, so they do not have to worry about their reputation. So, there is no reason for these companies to try their best to ensure that their product is good. And these no name brands do not offer warranties, so there is not much you can do when your cheap plasma TV breaks down.

And cheap television sets are notoriously bad about breaking down. On average, a no name brand television will only last for three to six years, and it is almost impossible to repair a no name brand set.

If your set breaks down quickly, you may think that you just got unlucky with that brand. Maybe you will try a different no name brand and have better luck. After all, you already spent a good amount of money on the first set, and so you don’t have a ton of money to spend on a replacement television.

Many people do not realize that it is actually very common for one factory in China to produce cheap TVs for several different no name companies. And as the buyer, there is no way for you to know where that cheap TV set was made. You can’t exactly hire an expert to take apart your set and assess how well it was made. So when you buy a second cheap television made by a no name brand, it is just as likely that it will break down as well!

When you purchase a brand name television made by Philips, Toshiba, LG, Samsung, JVC, Pioneer, or Panasonic, however, the television set is backed up by a warranty. Also, you know when you purchase a name brand set that it was made from quality materials. So, in the long run, buying a brand name set is a much better value.

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How to Set Up Family Budget

Friday, May 22nd, 2009

In order to control the spending of the family, one must set up budget. It ensures that your hard earned money is not wasted. It allows you save enough money which can be used on more important things such as your childs education or for retirement.

Basically, a Family or Household budget is a long term plan to achieve your financial goals. Its a powerful and easy way to consistently save some money. Thus, it certainly helps you in clearing all your debts and makes your financial goals come true.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to set up an effective household budget.

1- First thing you need to do is to collect all your bills of the month which includes power bill, telephone bill, mobile bill, mortgage payment, car payment, utilities and loan etc. You also need to collect pay stub and any other receipts that are related to your income or expense and properly place them in a box.

2- After gathering bills, you need to choose budget format. You can either yourself make a budget format in excel or you can download pre-build format from various websites on Internet. Whichever budget format you use, make sure that it is easy to understand and should be as clear as possible.

After that, you need to figure out total monthly expenditure. Total all of your bills of expenses which you have collected previously and you will have the figure of total expenses of the month. Note down this figure in the expenses column of budget format.

4- Once you have figured out the total monthly expenses, now its time to calculate total monthly Income. This can be done by gathering all of your pay stubs and Income receipts from all the contributing members of your family. Write this figure in the Income column of budget format.

5- Your budget format is ready now. You have now the figure of total expenses and total income for the month. What you need to do now is to compare your total income with total expenditure. If your expenditures are more than your total income, you need to assess your expenses and look at the options to reduce your unnecessary expenses.

6- On the other hand, if you have more income than your expense, you can put this extra money into your saving account instead of spending it impulsively.

Setting up Family budget can really help you cut down unnecessary expenses. It sets guidelines about where and when to spend money. It helps you achieve your long term financial goals. So every family must set up a Household Budget.

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Five Compelling Reasons To Buy A Used Car

Wednesday, May 13th, 2009

Here are the top 5 most compelling reasons to buy a used car rather than a new car:

1. Used Cars Are Cheaper

Used cars are far cheaper than new cars. The most important function of a car is to get you from point A to point B so why pay more for something that will essentially do the same thing.

2. Used Cars Are A Better Investment

Even if you buy a used car of the current model year you will save significantly. This is because just driving a new car off the lot causes its value to drop thousands of dollars. When you buy a used car the value does not decrease significantly after purchase so you could resell it and get most of your money back.

3. Used Cars Are Environmentally Friendly

Whether you get a new Prius or a new Hummer you have to take into account the carbon footprint of making the vehicle. On the other hand if you buy used you are carbon-neutral.

4. Lower Insurance Premiums for Used Car Owners

Insurance premiums are lower on used cars because the full value of the car is often lower. Which means that regardless of what your driving history looks like, you will save a considerable amount on your insurance buying a used car compared to a new car.

5. Replace Broken Parts With OEM Parts

After about 5 years most of the contracts car-makers have with part manufacturers what prevent them from selling the same parts they make for the car companies without the company label at deep discounts. That means that if you have a used car older than 5 years chances are if you need to replace a part it will be available form an OEM manufacturer for significant less than if you got it from a dealer.

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Clean Your Carpet Yourself and Save Money!

Tuesday, April 21st, 2009

Cleaning carpet is offered as a professional service since it can be tough for the average homeowner to do. Sometimes it may even involve heavy equipment that is expensive to buy or even rent. But when a stain needs to come out, there are several different methods you can take to get it out for good.

Steaming your carpet is the most basic way to get out a stain that won’t come out from conventional cleaning methods. Steaming will create a very hot vapor and then spread it over the stain in a forceful manner. A suction then draws the condensation into the steaming machine, which will also bring back any dirt particles within the carpet. This doesn’t always work for extremely tough stains, but does for most.

Shampooing your carpets is a great idea if you have a particularly dirty carpet. Shampoo will allow you to reduce odors as well, which steaming equipment doesn’t always do. Shampoo allows for a much brighter color to be revealed in carpet as well, since the soap can take out even the toughest stains. Shampooing is usually done with special equipment as well.

If you would like a more inexpensive solution, you should look into using foam. Foam can be applied from a simple aerosol can, so it is readily accessible and affordable to most families. Foam is typically left in for a certain amount of time and then vacuumed out with your regular vacuum. You will have to follow specific instructions in allowing the foam to mix in with the carpet and dry.

If your stains aren’t particularly a problem, you can buy certain types of powder that are left in and vacuumed up later. You may have to have a vacuum with a fairly powerful suction, so as to suck up all the powder and dirt that will come as a result of this option. This holds the benefit of leaving the carpet odor free as well, since most powder solutions carry great smelling scents.

If you aren’t educated on how to clean carpets professionally, you may instead wish to outsource the act to a company in your area. Outsourcing this task will ensure that your stains will be gone for good, and in a manner that is safe for your carpet. This is also a good idea for those who are too busy to do it themselves, which seems to be common in society.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning services in your area are probably abundant- even in rural areas. You won’t have to look hard to find someone who can help. Even if no local listings are advertised, the Internet stores a large host of information in finding a cleaning service near you. Otherwise you can try to clean the carpet yourself, but realize the risks in doing so.

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Stop by at:  www.makeendsmeetonline.com and collect a FREE Ebook called “15 Top Ways To Save Money” written by Alexandra Vrugt.

How To Buy and Maintain Your Vehicle During An Economy Crisis

Monday, April 20th, 2009

Cars are great. They help us to do what we need to do when we need to them, but, these wonderful sources of autonomy can also be an expensive addition to a person’s life. How can a frugal fashionista buy for a cheap a good set of wheels and still have some cash to take care of it? Here are some ways to have a car and save:

Dealer Deals - Every year, there is a point when the “old” cars (usually those of the current year) are replaced with the “new” cars (the cars with the next year’s date on them). Dealers all over will try to empty their lots of that current year’s models, and are usually prepared to offer some great savings. Another way to save with the dealers is to consider getting a vehicle in which it is recently off lease. These cars usually have a manageable amount of miles and can be had for bargain prices. If you have a car to trade, don’t offer that immediately. Get the lowest possible price from the dealer, and then tell them about the trade. Additionally, always keep their sales literature to back up any offers that you want to take advantage of also.

Look for a FREE car! This might sound far-fetched, but it’s not. FREE cars are available everything through a number of different online and social service resources. For families or individuals in need, there are plenty of organizations that give out cars that are usually 4-7 years old. Another way to get a free ride is to look on sites such as Craigslist.org or FREECYCLE. These sites often have ads posted by people that no longer want, need, or plan to maintain their vehicles, so they give them away. One man’s trash is another’s hot rod!

Coupon shop when it comes to car maintenance! When people are looking forward to saving, cost-conscious consumers can get their hearts desires by just using coupons that they find in their local newspapers and circulars. Any frugal fashionista can find savings on things such as tire rotations, oil changes, and even paint jobs! Just peruse the ads and find out how you can buy for cheap the services that you need to maintain your vehicle!

Use a program like AAA. You can’t beat the great deals that you get by just having a AAA membership. At less than $40 for a year’s services and privileges, you can save on everything from car maintenance to emergency roadside assistance. Imagine the cost to get your car towed by an outside agency and compare it to the cost of a local towing with AAA. It’s impossible because with AAA, local towing of less than 30 miles is FREE for members!

Try these money saving strategies for long term and satisfying vehicle ownership. Having a car doesn’t have to rob you of your life’s savings. With these tips you can enjoy your vehicle, buy for cheap, and save a few pennies for that much needed vacation!

About the Author:

Stop by at:  www.makeendsmeetonline.com and collect a FREE Ebook called “15 Top Ways To Save Money” written by Alexandra Vrugt.

Why Flexible Mortgages Are Good For Borrowers

Saturday, April 18th, 2009

A flexible mortgage is a type of mortgage that is going to allow you to be as responsible in paying off your mortgage as you would like, given you don’t neglect the mortgage. This is great for the self employed, or even for those who are going through tough financial problems.

Two large categories of people almost require a flexible mortgage loan. First-time home owners who plan on getting married soon will likely need a flexible mortgage loan to work around the costs of a wedding, a birth, or other related expenses to be shared. Self employed workers also make great use of this mortgage loan, as they aren’t always positive when income will be high and when it will start to decrease.

While it is always great to underpay in order to allot funds to other more important resources, it is also equally helpful to overpay. In choosing to pay more per pay period, you are effectively lowering the term of your loan, and thus making your overall expense less as a result. Paying more each month also allows you to take a holiday with payments should you need it.

Because of their nature, flexible mortgages usually will not have penalties for paying back the loan too early. This is a fresh change from the normal, seeing as how lenders like to keep the term of a loan as long as possible. In doing so, they collect more interest, and thus, profits. Flexible mortgages are devoid of this method for lenders to benefit from a borrower’s dismay.

Aspects of an offset mortgage can be taken on by borrowers who want to obtain a flexible mortgage. Offset mortgages allow a property owner to use their savings account to offset the balance of their owed debts. This allows them to pay less money each pay period in interest. When these aspects are added onto a flexible mortgage, the end result is debt that is easily managed and paid each month- the trouble is finding a lender who offers this.

Even though flexible mortgages are handy, don’t misuse them. Underpaying will extend the life of your loan, as well as the size of your debt. Also remember that even getting one will take fair or good credit, since the flexibility allowed isn’t going to be given to just anyone with a credit score. In addition, not all lenders give out the flexible mortgage, so it is best to check around your area to see what your options are.

Final Thoughts

You won’t have any trouble finding lenders, but it is likely you will indeed have trouble finding the right one. Depending on your credit and what you need, you may be spending hours searching for a good deal. Look online or talk to a broker for a quicker way to compare lenders in your area.

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How To Lower Your Bad Credit Mortgage Payments Now

Saturday, April 18th, 2009

If you have a bad credit mortgage out, you may be experiencing some difficulty in getting the monthly payments in on time. In addition, you may believe that you are paying too much for the same type of mortgage another person is paying. If this hits close to home, there are some points to discuss in remortgaging.

A remortgage can help consolidate your debts if you are looking to put all of your bills into one, and apply a single interest rate to them. This is a great help when you are struggling to make ends meet with bills piling up each month. It may mean that you will have to pay your bills over a longer term period, but at least you will have a more comfortable lifestyle to pass onto your family as a result of a smaller burden to carry.

It is also possible to actually lower the amount of debt you have from a result of a remortgage. If current interest rates are lower than they are when you signed a fixed mortgage interest rate, then you can sign on under a better rate and cut out months of payments you would have to had pay otherwise. This may not always happen, as the interest difference may need to be substantial.

Some lenders will work with the borrower in order to space out payments over a longer time span. This is actually a plus for lenders, who will enjoy the extension in interest rates they collect. For the borrower, it allows them to lead normal lives and free up cash to buy things they need in order to do so.

It is extremely likely that you will need to either visit your normal lender or one who specializes in bad credit mortgages in order to obtain the remortgage. Most mainstream lenders will not agree to a mortgage if they don’t have the client with bad credit on file already as a customer, given that they don’t need a risky investment. Although it is worth trying to get a broader selection, try to focus your attention away from mainstream branches of banks.

As with any mortgage, a bad credit remortgage is going to take skillful planning. A borrower will soon find their finances in trouble if they don’t plan a proper budget before applying for the loan. Allowing money for a deposit, mapping out monthly payments even in the event of a job loss, and planning for emergencies is important before jumping into a contract.

Final Thoughts

Even if you have bad credit you shouldn’t be worried about obtaining a bad credit mortgage loan. Some lenders will even take on the worst cases of bad credit, so long as you have a steady job and proof of income, as well as a good show of financial responsibility and character.

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From Frugal Recipes To Cost Cutting Ways: Save Money On Meat Everyday!

Saturday, April 18th, 2009

Most families do not want to give up one of the most delicious and substantial parts of their family’s meals, but, when there is an economy crisis, those delicious morsels of meat are usually the first to go. It’s only natural considering the prices that most people see when they go to shop for meat. But, this doesn’t have to be the reality of it. With a little research and making frugal recipes a permanent thing, families can save and keep meat on the menu.

Here’s how:

1. Many stores sell their own cuts of bacon. Once they have sliced it down, there are usually pieces, slices, and chunks that are left over. These are the ends and they taste just as good as the regular slab bacon bits. Any frugal fashionista can save by buying a package of ends, which is usually priced up to 60% off of the regular bacon price. A pound of regular packaged bacon is around $4. A pound of bacon ends is around $1.25. Plus, of course, companies always publish bacon coupons. You can get the maximum benefit by using those coupons when there is a Buy One, Get One Free sale going on. With these, you could end up paying less than half price for each package.

2. Stores almost always mark down or reduce the price of chicken. It’s a great meat that can be used for everything from soup to salad. But, when you are planning your frugal recipes, always remember that it is usually cheaper to buy a whole chicken versus buying those special cuts, like breast portions or wings. The price of reduced priced chicken is usually 25-60% off of the regular store price. Another saving option that will allow you to buy for cheap large amounts of chicken is to buy the chicken leg quarters. They are not fun to clean, but the bottom price range for them is around 39 centers per pound.

3. Steak is great, but the price can be a bit daunting…if you don’t catch it on sale. Only buy steak and other red meats when they are on sale. Ground beef often goes on sale for less than one dollar a pound. Then, the stores will often reduce the price even more. When you see this happening, bulk up! But, be careful with buying marked down steak. Often, certain cuts of beef are already priced high, so when they reduce the price, it’s still a very expensive proposition. Check the prices of all of the different cuts and compare them. That way, when they go on sale, you know which is the best possible deal for your family.

Taking advantage of sales, shopping for marked down meats, and buying in bulk when the meat can be bought as cheaply as possible will help your family to save and still enjoy those hearty portions of meat! Make sure to incorporate lots of frugal recipes and you and your family should be able to eat and be very, very merry!

About the Author:

Stop by at:  www.makeendsmeetonline.com and collect a FREE Ebook called “15 Top Ways To Save Money” written by Alexandra Vrugt.

Saving On Baked Goods

Wednesday, April 8th, 2009

As the price of some of life’s staples rise, many families have started to cut back on what is perceived as the more expensive groceries, such as meats. Sad to say, but in a family, those steaks and chops are usually the first thing to get axed from the shopping list, in favor of cheaper alternatives or double duty protein items such as dairy products. But hold on…you may not have to cut out that shoulder and bacon if you get a little creative with your shopping.

Here are a few ways that you can get your meats and eat them too:

1. Buying a pack of bacon can be very expensive. Before you dish out $4 for a 12 oz package, do some research. Bacon is usually available in national brands. These brands often offer coupons for their products. Collect your coupons and when the bacon goes on sale, usually a Buy One, Get One deal works best, then you buy enough to use and freeze for later. Another way to get cheap bacon is to buy the “Ends”, which are the slices that are left after the butcher has cut away at the whole slab. The ends are usable as bacon slices and may contain chunks that you can use to season other foods. The ends usually cost about $1.25 per pound or less!

2. Chicken is almost always available in the reduced-price meat section. Not only can you buy when they slash the prices, which are usually reductions of 25-60% off of the regular price, but you can also buy bigger portions when they are on sale. For example, it is almost always cheaper to buy a whole chicken, which usually goes on sale at 69 cents or less per pound, than to buy just the chicken breast, which usually bottoms out at 89 cents. Another option is to buy chicken leg quarters, which are very messy to clean, but often get reduced as low as 39 cents a pound!

3. Steak is great, but the price can be a bit daunting…if you don’t catch it on sale. Only buy steak and other red meats when they are on sale. Ground beef often goes on sale for less than one dollar a pound. Then, the stores will often reduce the price even more. When you see this happening, bulk up! But, be careful with buying marked down steak. Often, certain cuts of beef are already priced high, so when they reduce the price, it’s still a very expensive proposition. Check the prices of all of the different cuts and compare them. That way, when they go on sale, you know which is the best possible deal for your family.

Most supermarkets present their mark down meats in the very early morning or right before closing. Shop early and shop late for the best deals. Also, even though it’s not often broadcast or promoted, many grocery stores will match prices from their competitors if you present them with the weekly circular. Finally, different products that are common accompaniments with meat will sometimes offer discounts on meat and poultry if you purchase their products. Many times, these offers are for FREE Meats! Take advantage of them when the products themselves go on sale to really rack up savings.

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Stop by at:  www.makeendsmeetonline.com and collect a FREE Ebook called “15 Top Ways To Save Money” written by Alexandra Vrugt.

Car Savings

Wednesday, April 8th, 2009

by Alexandra Vrugt

Having the freedom to go where you want is great. Having a car to get you there is even better; thus, solidifying our love for our wheels. That being said, a car can be an expensive acquisition. From the first dealer “fees” to the monthly maintenance or car note, when a car is involved, you can expect to shell out plenty of money. But, it doesn’t have to be that way! Believe or not, you could actually save money from the moment that you buy your car to the amount that you pay for its monthly upkeep. Here’s how…

Dealer Deals - Every year, there is a point when the “old” cars (usually those of the current year) are replaced with the “new” cars (the cars with the next year’s date on them). Dealers all over will try to empty their lots of that current year’s models, and are usually prepared to offer some great savings. Another way to save with the dealers is to consider getting a vehicle in which it is recently off lease. These cars usually have a manageable amount of miles and can be had for bargain prices. If you have a car to trade, don’t offer that immediately. Get the lowest possible price from the dealer, and then tell them about the trade. Additionally, always keep their sales literature to back up any offers that you want to take advantage of also.

Get it free! This is not a joke. Families sometimes go through extreme financial difficulties, which could make owning a car seem virtually impossible. There are many social service organizations that provide cars, totally free of charge, to families and individuals with a serious need. These are often cars that are 4-7 years old that people have donated for a number of reasons, including getting a newer model or maybe their own family situation changed. Their generosity is your gain. If you life fits the mold, don’t let this opportunity pass you by. It could be a real godsend for your family.

Monthly Maintenance Savings - Every week, your local Sunday newspaper most likely holds several circulars and packets of coupons. There may be money saving information on every thing from the cheapest priced oil and antifreeze to deeply discounted maintenance services for your vehicle. Search out the sales and stock up. Use the coupons when it’s time for those oil changes, winterizing treatments, and other basics that can sometimes be costly. \\

Get AAA! For less than $40 for the year, your vehicle could be covered and protected during some of life’s most trying times. From changing a flat tire to free vehicle towing, the cost of not having AAA will far outweigh the cost of its yearly subscription if an emergency catches you without this great service. You could luck up further if you are targeted by their marketing efforts. They offer fantastic deals including a yearly member ship for less than $20 and additional months of coverage for FREE! It doesn’t get much better than that.

The key to saving some cash when it comes to your car is to search out the sales and seize discount opportunities when they arise. The benefits of these tips will be long term and greatly appreciated when you see the money that you save quickly adding up in your wallet!

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Stop by at:  www.makeendsmeetonline.com and collect a FREE Ebook called “15 Top Ways To Save Money” written by Alexandra Vrugt.