Trick Yourself into Saving $1,000 This Year
9 clever schemes to keep more of your money for yourself!
by Teri Cettina
1. Negotiate, Negotiate
Very few prices are truly set in stone so don't be shy about asking
for discounts wherever and whenever you can. Medical Expenses: If you’ve
had a baby or undergone surgery and your insurance doesn’t fully
cover your expenses, ask your doctor (nicely) to write off the remaining
balance. You’ll be surprised how often she’ll agree. Hotels: “I
always ask reservation clerks if they can give me a better room rate
than what they originally quote,” says Janet Luhrs, editor of
the online newsletter simpleliving.com.
Cars: Luhrs also successfully negotiated $6,000 off the price of her
car—just by asking and
being persistent.
2. Keep Those Tags On!
You don’t have to stop shopping—just be strategic. Not sure
you’re in love with that dress you snagged on your lunch hour?
Don’t take the tags off. Try it on at home a few times and if it
doesn’t “wow” you, return it. Did those jeans you bought
for your daughter suddenly go on sale? Many stores will refund the difference
if you simply show them your receipt. Shop at stores with frequent markdowns,
such as Old Navy, and make a point to stop in within two weeks after
you’ve made a purchase to check for further markdowns. Each store
has its own price-adjustment policy, so check rules carefully....
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