How to Save Money--Antoinette R. Banks, web team

Many of us have completely broken the bank around this Holiday season. But if you are like me and you are looking for a few easy money saving tips for the new year, take a look below!

1. Start Holiday Shopping Now!

Now that the season is coming to an end, look for most of the décor in all of your favorite shops for half the price now! Put all of your new fabulous items in a climate controlled box till next season.

2. Work off Extra Pounds from your grandmother’s Red Velvet Cake off the Smart Way!

Instead of buying a membership, why not enroll into a junior college? While most are paying $20-$35 a month, you’ll be the smartie paying $20-$35 a year for a fitness class and all access to their student gym.

3. Ghost Energy Wasters

Many American’s turn their electronic devices off, however many forget that the flashing lights that come with the radio, or time clock in the dvd player actually use energy. A smart way to cut down on costs for the upcoming year would be to purchase a surge protector for less than $35 at your local hardware store—disabling the flow of power with on switch in the surge protector.

4. Light up the Smart Way

Compact fluorescent lights, (the ones that look all twisted up) can generally save a family $350 on their lighting bill by cutting down on the energy intake. It’s worth a try!

5. Save Water

Regular shower heads can release as much as 6 gallons per minute and some of the showerhead manufacturers have figured out how to let much less water through, but still feel like a lot. We encourage you to shop around at your local hardware stores to find a water saving showerhead. You could wind up reducing your energy costs of heating water and water consumption by 50 percent!

6. Be Smart with Your Wardrobe

Spend less money on the trendy items that won’t be in style long, and instead buy classic items that will last a long time. We encourage you not to buy clothes that only work for one outfit, but plan for several.

7. Clean out the Clutter of 2009

Instead of having a garage sale, try putting your items on eBay. Don’t be afraid, starting an account on eBay is simple! Take a few pictures and upload, you’ll be surprised by how many may think your trash is their treasure.

8. Shop Around for Insurance

Don’t stay in the same car insurance year after year. Do your research and look into what different car companies have to offer. You will be surprised how your insurance company competitor’s would be willing to offer you a less monthly premium.

9. Shop Around in the Winter

Most people who are in the market to buy homes tend to do so when the weather is nice for traveling and taking a look at various properties. Instead, try looking in the dead of winter! More likely you will be able to get a property for even less without too much competition.

Proverbs 21:5 says: The plans of the diligent lead to profit
as surely as haste leads to poverty.

We encourage you to post your easy saving money tips!