“I love the challenge of solving problems without throwing money at them” Fiona Lippey, Simple Savings:
Rather than accepting the cost of your monthly bills, simply start looking at your options out there. You’ll be surprised at just how much you save. Its a “no brainer” and only takes a few phone calls for each bill. So far, I’ve saved around $2,500.00 per annum and still have a few more bills to go. Yipee.
My plan is simple, spend one hour a week surfing the net, ringing my providers and their competition to explore the options for each and everyone of my bills. Too easy. The best part is, you’ll feel so much more relaxed and in control of your money when your new reduce monthly bills arrive.
Two Great Places To Start Silencing Your Money Worries:
If you are keen like me, to uncomplicate your life this year, eliminate debt and silence your money worries then here is two really great places to start and they are both free.
1: Wealthy Habits War On Debt Calendar For 2009: Click on the link war on debt (in the left column) for the calendar. Whilst this calendar is essentially for Australia, the content is definitely perfect for anyone around the world. Each month there is a different focus, January (as you might have guessed) is getting a better deal on your bills.
2: Suze Orman’s 2009 Action Plan.
Suze’s new book is available for free; (for a very short time) until Thursday January 15th on Oprah’s web site. Click here to download. After that you can get it from Amazon for $9.99. It’s all about getting real and getting out of debt in difficult times.
I first fell in love with Suze’s books around 10 years ago with one of her first books The 9 Steps to Financial Freedom: Practical and Spiritual Steps So You Can Stop Worrying.
For a whole list of articles and tools for managing your debt from Suze please click here: Managing debt
My Progress And Success So Far:
1: Dropped the phone line: This has saved me an absolute fortune. I now have a new phone number and use the same handset. The only difference – the phone is now plugged into the back of the computer modem and comes through the internet line. No land line anymore. If you are not sure how VoiP works simply google Voip for a list of providers. My monthly phone bill (which includes 3 children using the phone) is never over $15.00 and that includes mobile calls. I’m literally saving hundreds each month.
2: Electricity usage checked. I organized an electrician to come in with his special gadget and measure what was drawing the most power. The biggest change I will need to make is to replace the fridge. The seals are old and its sucking more power than it should. A minimum 3 star energy rating was recommended. I’ve also switched to an energy efficient shower head which reduces hot water usage substantially. Also currently looking at other electricity suppliers for a better deal. I look forward to my new reduced electricity bill.
3: Found a better bank account: Approached my bank to query the fees and guess what? They found me a more suitable account with virtually no fees and the same services. This was a big lesson for me. If I didn’t ask I’d still be paying the much higher bank charges which I had so blindly accepted before.
4: Switched to a cheaper credit card: I’m keen to totally eliminate my credit card debt this year so I did a little research on the net and found a no frills credit card with no annual fee plus, a 9.5% cheaper interest rate. I’m now in the process of switching my old balance over to the new card. Too easy. If you really want to know how much you are paying in interest on your credit card click here (if you dare) for a credit card calculator.
Whilst silencing my money worries in 2009 is still a work in progress I feel quite empowered already. Believe me, if you are feeling stressed around money then please explore the list of blogs and articles that I have shared with you below. They are real people who are sharing globally their journey with money. Enjoy.
More Very Generous and Inspirational From Other Bloggers
Frugal Dad: Are you suffering from budget avoidance syndrome
My Two Dollars: The Big List 1,019 Different Ways To Save Money:
Millionaire Mommy Next Door: 110 personal finance calculators; Fast answers for your financial questions:
Frugal Dad: 75 Money Saving Tips To Survive A Down Economy:
The Simple Dollar: 25 gadgets that actually save you money
The Simple Dollar: 31 days to fix your fiances
365 Ways to Live Cheap: Your Everyday Guide to Saving Money
Dumb little man: 30 easy ways to save money
Get rich Slowly: 25 of the best books about money:
Thanks so much for reading my article, Carole.You are welcome to come back and visit my blog the Rejuvenation Lounge anytime
Subscribe To My Articles by Email – It’s free
