Money-saving tips are something everyone can put into practice and save hundreds, even thousands a year. They will help you sleep at night and stretch your dollar .

One realistic tip is to purchase your personal checks on the internet. You’ll save 50% off what a bank’s fee is and you’ll get a broader selection of types and designs. You can also save more than $100’s a year in charges by choosing|selecting) a free checking account or one with no need for a minimum balance.

One big area of possible savings, if you own a home, is on property taxes. Most people don’t realize that property assessed value does not equal fair market value. The way to win a property tax appeal is to: Get the sales ratio or equalization rate. This may even be called by other names. Divide the market price by the sales ratio to ascertain what the “real” market value that the tax assessor placed on your property. Go to the a realtor nearby and get a several comparable property sales that are equal to your property in dimension and locality. You need Xerox copies of MLS ( multiple listing service) home comparative sales information since it has “buyer” focused features you will not find in automated sites that you need to make important adjustments for age, updated kitchen, bath, new roof, decks and related items. Compare your comp “sold” value to the “real” market value that the tax assessor placed on real estate and appeal your property if there is a disparity.

Your car is another area you can save money. A tuned engine improves gas mileage by 4 percent, accurately inflated tires by 3.3 percent, proper grade motor oil by 1-2 percent, clean air filter by 2-6 percent but, if it is real dirty, up to 14 percent.

Check for auto insurance quotes at the National Association of Insurance Commissioners site or ask friends or the Yellow Pages. Also check consumer guides, insurance agents, companies and insurance quote services on the internet and compare similar plans. Compare against your current policy. Often, utilizing the same insurer for multiple policies will get you a 10 to 15% discount off your premium.

With credit cards, avoid incurring late payment fees and potential interest rate increases. Mail in your payment a week to ten days before the statement due date. You do not want to risk incurring increased fees and interest rates on other cards. Whenever possible, do not allow finance charges on credit cards.

Buy more unprocessed food products to save money. Use store discount cards and clip coupons to save money on groceries. Take a calculator with you to the grocery store to keep track of the totals and avoid purchasing impulse items. Compare the quality of generic with more name ones. . Buy sale items in quantity

Dining out can get pricey. Consider splitting your entre and/or dessert. Drinking water helps keep expenses down the bill. By adding a few sugar packets on the table turns lemon water into free lemonade. And, always, look for special coupons especially for franchised restaurants.