Money in the News: “Inspiring you to Save Money” Edition

Spring Coin posts 8 steps to save over $4,000/year that you can start right now.

If you haven’t already, combine your family’s cell phone plans. You can expect to see atleast a $30 savings per month with most carriers. Savings: $360/year!

Free From Broke posts 7 online alternatives that save you money.

Esurance allows you to comparison shop auto insurance prices, then make your purchase. Usually, the listed quotes are lower than if you were to buy through an agent.

Five Cent Nickel posts about how store brands are raising their prices quicker than national brands.

According to the WSJ, stores have been increasing the prices on their private-label foods faster than the prices of the equivalent national brands. By the numbers, the prices on store brand non-perishables increased 5.3% last year vs. 1.9% for national brands. And for perishables, the numbers were 12% vs. 8%.

The 33 tv in Dallas posts some tips on saving money on electric bills.

Next up – caulking. Lots of air seepage occurs at your sink, tub, and windows.

“Just a simple application of these sealers will allow you to save yearly on your electric bills,” said Chad Lilly of Home Depot.

When you head to the store, you may skip the typical latex caulk next go around.

News Olio posts top rules for successful savings.

Start young. Many twenty-somethings in their first career job fail to see the need for retirement planning. As a result, as they hit middle age, they belatedly realize from talking to an investment broker that they should have begun much earlier in life to reap the benefits of a long-term investment plan. The good news is that it’s never too late. Opening an account can have positive effects at any stage of life. But starting at a young age can sow the best harvest of benefits.
Unless you use every dollar of income for living expenses, start now by setting aside a certain amount from each paycheck, preferably at least five percent, with a goal of increasing the amount to ten percent after a few raises or promotions.