KNOWLEDGE FINANCIAL GROUP & INVESTMENT
PO BOX 630672
MIAMI, FL 33163
PO BOX 630672
MIAMI, FL 33163
| THE SECRETS TO SAVE MONEY Save Your Money The smartest words ever said by anyone: “A penny saved is a penny earned.” Start small. Don’t give up. Don’t dip into your savings unless it’s an emergency. Every little bit helps. Did you know that if you saved $1 per day and invested it at 10%, you’d have almost $200,000 in 40 years? Every little bit counts and it is very important that you take this financial advice, get out of debt and save money - and start saving it now! Click here to get tips on ways to SAVE MONEY. You can save money in many different ways. For example, using coupons at a grocery store or buying things on sale that you’d buy regardless of whether or not it was on sale save you money. You can also save money by foregoing spending until a future date or by foregoing spending on non-essential items. For some people, self-control is a real issue and if the money isn’t “accounted for” immediately, they tend to spend it on impulse and luxury items that are non-essential. If you find yourself in this category, or have trouble saving, you should create an investment account that is automatically funded each month. To do this, you may need to create a monthly budget to determine a monthly savings goal. If you do create a budget, make sure that it is realistic, matches your lifestyle and that it leaves plenty of room for miscellaneous expenses that seem to pop up regularly. If you create an unrealistic budget you’ll likely save less than what your budget calls for, become frustrated and resort to your old ways. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ THE SECRET TO SAVING MONEY You CAN Save For Your Future Saving money is a basic concept of personal financial planning, and key to financial success. Yet many of us don't have a formal savings plan. Without such a plan, the chances of ever saving enough money to meet long-term financial goals or achieve financial security are very slim. It seems simple. In order to save money, you need to have "extra" cash, right? This is a common misconception. Having a spending plan (aka "budget"), will help you create money for savings. Most of us, by setting spending goals, can manage to save regularly, so if you're tempted to hit your back button because you simply don't have enough money to have a formal savings plan, STOP! This article will tell you the "secrets" to savings. First, set a few short-term and long-term financial goals to work towards, like a down payment on a car or home. Include the dollar amount and a time frame for achieving the goal. It's much more motivating to save when you know what you're saving for. And remember, a goal that isn't written down is only a dream. Set up a separate savings account. If you mingle your savings with your regular checking account, you'll almost certainly dip into your savings and may never pay them back. Having your savings in a separate account is a constant reminder that these funds are earmarked for your future, and watching the balance grow is not only rewarding and motivating - it's downright exciting! If you don't already have a written budget that includes tracking your expenditures each month, begin one now. Whether you make thousands of dollars or hundreds of thousands of dollars a year, you need a budget. Budgeting can be relatively simple and entirely guilt-free. Decide on a percentage of your gross income to designate as savings. 10% is a good starting point, but if you've developed a budget and have analyzed your spending and you honestly can't find a way to set aside 10% for your future, then start out with 8%, or 5%, or whatever you're able to do with perhaps a little bit of discomfort but without great sacrifice. If possible, have your employer or your spouse's employer deduct a set amount from your paycheck each pay period and deposit it into your savings account automatically. The old adage "out of sight, out of mind" works well here. Having to transfer money to your savings account is a little like giving someone who is trying to quit smoking a cigarette to carry around in his pocket and expecting him not to light up. Why tempt yourself? Make it easy and increase your chances of success with automatic deposits or transfers. Whenever unexpected money comes your way, put all or most of it into your savings account. Bonuses, salary increases, tax refunds, rebates, overtime pay, income from hobbies or yard sales and other windfalls can pump up your savings account nicely without requiring additional cutbacks. If you're forced to dip into your savings for an emergency, consider it a loan which must be paid back in a reasonable period of time, and set up a repayment schedule. That's all there is to it! The "secret" is that there's no magic involved. The key is to start now and stick to it. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SAVE MONEY ON YOUR HOME EXPENSES Cut Mortgage, Utilities, and Other Home-Related Costs You can easily save thousands of dollars a year with very little effort by following even a few of the cost-saving measures in the "Save Money" series. The more money-saving measures you adopt, the more money you'll save. Potential savings will vary, depending on your personal situation. See the links to the right for more money-saving ideas. Save Money on Your Mortgage Consider refinancing your mortgage. For every $10,000 of your mortgage loan, 1/2 % difference in the interest rate saves you over $40/year or $3.40/month in interest expense. A $100,000 loan at 9 1/2% refinanced at 7 1/2% saves $142/month or $1,704/year, for a total of $50,991 over the life of a 30-year mortgage. Potential Money Savings: $1,700/yr. For even more dramatic long-term savings, consider a 15-year mortgage rather than a 30-year mortgage. A $100,000 mortgage at 9 1/2% over 15 years saves $114,747 over the life of the loan compared to a 30-year mortgage at the same interest rate. At 7 1/2%, the savings between a 30- year and 15-year mortgage of $100,000 would be $84,854. A 9% loan of $100,000, refinanced for 15 years at 7 1/2% would add $86/month to your payment but would save you a whopping $135,845 over the life of the loan. Potential Money Savings: $84,000-136,000 You can achieve similar results by paying an extra principal payment on your 30-year loan each month. (In the early years of a loan, the principal portion of your payment is very small. On a 30-year $100,000 loan at 7 1/2%, the monthly principal payment in the first several years is approximately $75 to $85/month).Potential Money Savings: $85,000-136,000. Still another way to achieve these results is to pay one half of your monthly mortgage every two weeks. Potential Money Savings: $85,000-136,000. |
TO MAKE MONEY AND TO SAVE MONEY ON YOUR REAL ESTATE TRANSACTION, LET US ASSIST YOU!
JUST CONTACT: VISION MORTGAGE BANK AT 786-709-6577 REAL ESTATE FINANCING, MORTGAGE & LOANS,
HOME REFINANCING, HOME EQUITY, HOME PURCHASING. WE'RE GREAT, WE CHARGE LESS FEES, WE CAN GET
YOU THE LOWEST RATE POSSIBLE.---CALL-786-709-6577
JUST CONTACT: VISION MORTGAGE BANK AT 786-709-6577 REAL ESTATE FINANCING, MORTGAGE & LOANS,
HOME REFINANCING, HOME EQUITY, HOME PURCHASING. WE'RE GREAT, WE CHARGE LESS FEES, WE CAN GET
YOU THE LOWEST RATE POSSIBLE.---CALL-786-709-6577
SAVE MONEY ON CREDIT CARDS
Cut Your Credit Card Costs
You can easily save thousands of dollars a year with very little effort by following even a few of the cost-saving measures in the "Save Money" series. The more cost-saving measures you adopt, the more
money you'll save. See the links on the right for more ways to save money.
If you're paying more than 12% interest on your VISA or Mastercard, you're paying too much. With the prime interest rate in the single digits, lenders that charge 13% to 21% interest on credit card balances are
gouging you. With good credit, you should be able to find a credit card rate (as of summer of 2004) for between 9% and 12%. For a list of the lowest credit card rates . Potential Money Savings: $450-1000/yr.
If you can obtain a lower interest credit card, you can usually use cash advances to pay off the balance on your other credit cards and transfer this debt to the lower rate card.
Some cards charge a higher fee for transferred balances, so be sure to read the small print before applying, and make sure you can pay it off or transfer your balance again to another card before the
introductory period rate expires. Potential Money Savings: $200-500/yr. (more if you have a lot of credit card debt at high interest rates).
Consider using part of your savings to pay off consumer debt, if you can do so without using all of your available cash. With banks paying less than 1% on passbook savings, and credit card debt carrying
10% to 21% interest charges, you could come out way ahead. Be careful to leave yourself enough savings or borrowing power to fall back on in case of an emergency. Potential Money Savings: $200-500/yr.
If you don't have enough savings to pay off your consumer debt, consider a home equity loan. Interest rates on home equity loans are much lower than most credit cards, so you win in two ways: (1) you slash
your interest costs, say from 16% on the credit card to 6 or 7% on the home equity loan, and (2) you can deduct the home equity loan interest from your taxable income. Be cautious, though. Remember you're
putting your home at risk. Potential Money Savings: $1,000 - $2000 yr.
Look for no fee credit cards (be sure to consider all the other factors such as grace period, interest rate, etc., as well). Even if you are charged an annual fee, you can may be able to get the fee waived by
calling your bank and asking them to remove it. Potential Money Savings: $25-50/yr.
Whenever possible, avoid finance charges on credit cards, especially cards with high interest rates. If you pay down your credit card balance by just $500 you can save $100 a year in interest charges.
Potential Money Savings: $100-1,000/yr.
If you have a balance on more than one credit card, use this money-saving strategy, which I call the Credit Crunch: Pay the most you can afford each month on the card with the highest interest rate, and make
the minimum payment on the others. Once the card with the highest interest rate is paid off, begin paying as much as possible each month on the card with the next highest interest rate, and so on. Potential
Money Savings: varies
--------------------------------------
SAVE MONEY ON YOUR BANK FEES
Cut Your Banking Costs by Hundreds of Dollars
You probably don't give much thought to the cost of banking: monthly checking account fees, ATM fees, bounced-check fees, etc., but if you can shave banking expenses, you can save money and put it in
your own pocket. Remember: it's easier to find lots of ways to save a little money than it is to earn more income, and lots of little savings add up.
Save Money on Your Checking Account
If you're paying for the use of your own money by paying fees to maintain a checking account, look for a bank with no-fee checking. Many banks offer no-fee checking if you keep a minimum balance in a
savings account or maintain a minimum combined balance in your savings and checking accounts.
Get information from several banks and choose the one that best fits your habits. If you always dip below the minimum balance, it does no good to have "free" checking, since you'll incur a fee if your balance
goes below the minimum.
Potential Money Savings: $96-120/yr.
Buy your checks through a discounter such as Checks Unlimited (www.checksunlimited.com)1-800-204-2244; Checks in the Mail (www.checksinthemail.com)1-800-733-4443, or Check Works
(www.checkworks.com)1-800-971-4223. Discounters charge around $6.00 to $8.00 for 200 checks, as opposed to the $20 to $25 your bank charges. Potential Money Savings: $15-38/yr.
Balance your checkbook every month and do not bounce checks. Typical fees for a check written against insufficient funds range from $20 to $35. If more checks clear before you're aware of the problem, you
can easily bounce two or three additional checks for a total cost of $100 or more. Potential Money Savings: $100 or more/yr.
If you keep a significant balance in an interest-bearing account, keep it in a bank that uses the average daily balance method for calculating your minimum balance and interest. You're much less likely to be
charged a fee if you dip below the minimum balance during the month (as long as your average daily balance for the entire month is not below the minimum), plus you earn interest on all your money. Other
methods of calculating interest can cost you hundreds of dollars a year in interest that would have been credited to your account under the average daily balance method. Potential Money Savings:
$100-300/yr.
Save Money on ATM Fees
Move your checking account to a bank that has a large ATM network with branches near your home and work. Potential Money Savings: see below.
Use only Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) that don't charge fees. If you withdraw $20 from an ATM and are charged $1.50 by the ATM owner, you have in effect paid a 7 1/2 % surcharge for access to your
own money. Your bank may also charge you an out-of-network transaction fee, doubling the actual cost to you. Potential Money
Savings: $78-156 or more/yr.
Cut Your Credit Card Costs
You can easily save thousands of dollars a year with very little effort by following even a few of the cost-saving measures in the "Save Money" series. The more cost-saving measures you adopt, the more
money you'll save. See the links on the right for more ways to save money.
If you're paying more than 12% interest on your VISA or Mastercard, you're paying too much. With the prime interest rate in the single digits, lenders that charge 13% to 21% interest on credit card balances are
gouging you. With good credit, you should be able to find a credit card rate (as of summer of 2004) for between 9% and 12%. For a list of the lowest credit card rates . Potential Money Savings: $450-1000/yr.
If you can obtain a lower interest credit card, you can usually use cash advances to pay off the balance on your other credit cards and transfer this debt to the lower rate card.
Some cards charge a higher fee for transferred balances, so be sure to read the small print before applying, and make sure you can pay it off or transfer your balance again to another card before the
introductory period rate expires. Potential Money Savings: $200-500/yr. (more if you have a lot of credit card debt at high interest rates).
Consider using part of your savings to pay off consumer debt, if you can do so without using all of your available cash. With banks paying less than 1% on passbook savings, and credit card debt carrying
10% to 21% interest charges, you could come out way ahead. Be careful to leave yourself enough savings or borrowing power to fall back on in case of an emergency. Potential Money Savings: $200-500/yr.
If you don't have enough savings to pay off your consumer debt, consider a home equity loan. Interest rates on home equity loans are much lower than most credit cards, so you win in two ways: (1) you slash
your interest costs, say from 16% on the credit card to 6 or 7% on the home equity loan, and (2) you can deduct the home equity loan interest from your taxable income. Be cautious, though. Remember you're
putting your home at risk. Potential Money Savings: $1,000 - $2000 yr.
Look for no fee credit cards (be sure to consider all the other factors such as grace period, interest rate, etc., as well). Even if you are charged an annual fee, you can may be able to get the fee waived by
calling your bank and asking them to remove it. Potential Money Savings: $25-50/yr.
Whenever possible, avoid finance charges on credit cards, especially cards with high interest rates. If you pay down your credit card balance by just $500 you can save $100 a year in interest charges.
Potential Money Savings: $100-1,000/yr.
If you have a balance on more than one credit card, use this money-saving strategy, which I call the Credit Crunch: Pay the most you can afford each month on the card with the highest interest rate, and make
the minimum payment on the others. Once the card with the highest interest rate is paid off, begin paying as much as possible each month on the card with the next highest interest rate, and so on. Potential
Money Savings: varies
--------------------------------------
SAVE MONEY ON YOUR BANK FEES
Cut Your Banking Costs by Hundreds of Dollars
You probably don't give much thought to the cost of banking: monthly checking account fees, ATM fees, bounced-check fees, etc., but if you can shave banking expenses, you can save money and put it in
your own pocket. Remember: it's easier to find lots of ways to save a little money than it is to earn more income, and lots of little savings add up.
Save Money on Your Checking Account
If you're paying for the use of your own money by paying fees to maintain a checking account, look for a bank with no-fee checking. Many banks offer no-fee checking if you keep a minimum balance in a
savings account or maintain a minimum combined balance in your savings and checking accounts.
Get information from several banks and choose the one that best fits your habits. If you always dip below the minimum balance, it does no good to have "free" checking, since you'll incur a fee if your balance
goes below the minimum.
Potential Money Savings: $96-120/yr.
Buy your checks through a discounter such as Checks Unlimited (www.checksunlimited.com)1-800-204-2244; Checks in the Mail (www.checksinthemail.com)1-800-733-4443, or Check Works
(www.checkworks.com)1-800-971-4223. Discounters charge around $6.00 to $8.00 for 200 checks, as opposed to the $20 to $25 your bank charges. Potential Money Savings: $15-38/yr.
Balance your checkbook every month and do not bounce checks. Typical fees for a check written against insufficient funds range from $20 to $35. If more checks clear before you're aware of the problem, you
can easily bounce two or three additional checks for a total cost of $100 or more. Potential Money Savings: $100 or more/yr.
If you keep a significant balance in an interest-bearing account, keep it in a bank that uses the average daily balance method for calculating your minimum balance and interest. You're much less likely to be
charged a fee if you dip below the minimum balance during the month (as long as your average daily balance for the entire month is not below the minimum), plus you earn interest on all your money. Other
methods of calculating interest can cost you hundreds of dollars a year in interest that would have been credited to your account under the average daily balance method. Potential Money Savings:
$100-300/yr.
Save Money on ATM Fees
Move your checking account to a bank that has a large ATM network with branches near your home and work. Potential Money Savings: see below.
Use only Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) that don't charge fees. If you withdraw $20 from an ATM and are charged $1.50 by the ATM owner, you have in effect paid a 7 1/2 % surcharge for access to your
own money. Your bank may also charge you an out-of-network transaction fee, doubling the actual cost to you. Potential Money
Savings: $78-156 or more/yr.
Gas Saving Tips and Suggestions
We have all seen the price of gasoline shooting up to record levels around the country with no relief in sight. In some states it has already reached, and passed, record levels. Reports of gas thefts from parked cars and
fill and flies (people going to a gas station, filling up and driving off without paying) are increasing everyday.
What can we, as consumers, do about it? Unfortunately, there is not too much we can do. We either pay or walk. But there is one thing we can do, and that is to squeeze every mile we can out of every gallon of gas
we buy. There are a number of things we can do to keep our vehicles running in top shape and get the best mileage we can. Other ways are by changing the way we drive.
• Tire Pressures
One thing we can do to stretch our gallon of gas is to check our tire pressures.
Low tire pressure will make the tires drag and use more gas. Look in your owners' manual and see what the recommended tire pressures are. Add two pounds to that number, but never exceed 35 psi. That will add
about 1 mile per gallon. Check them every time you gas up. Think of it as adding an extra ½ gallon to your tank for free.
• Keep Your Engine Tuned
Keeping your engine well tuned is another good way to stretch your gas dollar. An engine that grinds for ten seconds before firing up wastes enough gas to take you two miles. Maybe it's time for a new set of spark
plugs and a new air filter. Now is a good time to go get them. Also have a mechanic bump the timing a degree or two if possible.
• Clean Out Your Trunk
Look in the trunk of your car. Are those two bags of sand that you used for extra traction last winter still in there? Take them out! It's excess weight in the summer and excess weight uses gas. What ever you don't need in
there, take it out and lighten the load. It will come back as extra miles per tank full.
• Think About The Vehicle You Use
If you are a two car family, use the cars wisely. If one has to drive further to work, let that person use the car that gets the best mileage. On weekends switch around depending on who's running the errands. Do you
really need to drive that big gas sucking SUV? They are all right if you need to move the kids' soccer team, but driving it to work is a waste. Consider a more fuel-efficient vehicle for commuting.
• Shop For Price
If you see three or four gas stations on a corner, check all the prices. They will be competing for your business and will generally have the lowest prices. Don't drive across town just to save one or two cents a gallon.
You'll wind up using more gas than you save. Unless you can save eight to ten cents a gallon, it's just not worth it. Keep an eye on prices as you drive around and if you see a lower price, take advantage of it.
• Make Sure You Use The Correct Fuel
If your car uses regular gas don't waste money on buying premium, if you don't have to. You won't get any better mileage or performance and you'll just waste that extra ten or fifteen cents a gallon. Check your owner's
manual to see if your engine does need premium.
• Take Time Of Day Into Consideration
If possible, stagger your work hours to avoid rush hour traffic. Sitting in stop and go traffic is the biggest waste of fuel there is. Try leaving home for work a little earlier. You'll avoid some traffic and impress your boss.
• Cut Down On The Use Of The Air Conditioning
A/C takes about 8 horsepower to run and those horses eat gas. Our forefathers crossed a whole country without A/C, I think we can cross town without it. On a long trip on the open highway, it is better to use the A/C
than to drive with the windows open. The extra drag of open windows on a vehicle can eat up more fuel than the A/C will.
---------------------------------------
WAYS TO SAVE MONEY ON GAS
Reduce Your Driving Costs by 25% or More
The cost of commuting, running errands, or vacationing by car has risen sharply with higher gasoline prices, but you can significantly lower your driving costs with these gas-saving tips:
Don't drive a gas guzzler. Do you really need that SUV? Six cylinders instead of four? How about that big pickup truck?
Keep your car properly maintained and tuned. A poorly tuned car can use more than 25% more gas.
Use steel-belted radial tires. They increase gas mileage up to 10%.
Don't use high octane gas unless your car is pinging and knocking or you have a high-performance engine and the manufacturer recommends premium gas.
Check your tire pressure weekly. For every pound of underinflation, you can lose up to six percent in gas mileage, so if your tires are five pounds underinflated, you'll use up to 30% more gas.
Don't top off your tank when pumping gas.
On a warm day, gasoline expands and can overflow.
Don't warm your car up by letting it idle. The engine warms up faster when driving than it does when idling, and idling wastes about a quart of gas every 15 minutes.
Save fuel by combining errands into one trip and avoid backtracking whenever possible.
Wasteful driving habits can double your fuel consumption. Develop gas-saving habits, such as:
Always accelerate gently.
Watch traffic ahead of you so you can anticipate slow-downs and avoid stops.
Coast up to traffic jams by lifting your foot off the gas pedal instead of approaching at full speed and slamming on the brakes. It takes 20% more gas to accelerate to normal speed from a full stop than it does from four
or five miles per hour.
Don't drive too fast or too slow. It takes 20% to 30% more gas to drive at 70 mph than 50 mph.
Maintain a steady speed on the highway. Avoid getting stuck behind slow cars where you have to slow down to their pace and then speed up to pass.
We have all seen the price of gasoline shooting up to record levels around the country with no relief in sight. In some states it has already reached, and passed, record levels. Reports of gas thefts from parked cars and
fill and flies (people going to a gas station, filling up and driving off without paying) are increasing everyday.
What can we, as consumers, do about it? Unfortunately, there is not too much we can do. We either pay or walk. But there is one thing we can do, and that is to squeeze every mile we can out of every gallon of gas
we buy. There are a number of things we can do to keep our vehicles running in top shape and get the best mileage we can. Other ways are by changing the way we drive.
• Tire Pressures
One thing we can do to stretch our gallon of gas is to check our tire pressures.
Low tire pressure will make the tires drag and use more gas. Look in your owners' manual and see what the recommended tire pressures are. Add two pounds to that number, but never exceed 35 psi. That will add
about 1 mile per gallon. Check them every time you gas up. Think of it as adding an extra ½ gallon to your tank for free.
• Keep Your Engine Tuned
Keeping your engine well tuned is another good way to stretch your gas dollar. An engine that grinds for ten seconds before firing up wastes enough gas to take you two miles. Maybe it's time for a new set of spark
plugs and a new air filter. Now is a good time to go get them. Also have a mechanic bump the timing a degree or two if possible.
• Clean Out Your Trunk
Look in the trunk of your car. Are those two bags of sand that you used for extra traction last winter still in there? Take them out! It's excess weight in the summer and excess weight uses gas. What ever you don't need in
there, take it out and lighten the load. It will come back as extra miles per tank full.
• Think About The Vehicle You Use
If you are a two car family, use the cars wisely. If one has to drive further to work, let that person use the car that gets the best mileage. On weekends switch around depending on who's running the errands. Do you
really need to drive that big gas sucking SUV? They are all right if you need to move the kids' soccer team, but driving it to work is a waste. Consider a more fuel-efficient vehicle for commuting.
• Shop For Price
If you see three or four gas stations on a corner, check all the prices. They will be competing for your business and will generally have the lowest prices. Don't drive across town just to save one or two cents a gallon.
You'll wind up using more gas than you save. Unless you can save eight to ten cents a gallon, it's just not worth it. Keep an eye on prices as you drive around and if you see a lower price, take advantage of it.
• Make Sure You Use The Correct Fuel
If your car uses regular gas don't waste money on buying premium, if you don't have to. You won't get any better mileage or performance and you'll just waste that extra ten or fifteen cents a gallon. Check your owner's
manual to see if your engine does need premium.
• Take Time Of Day Into Consideration
If possible, stagger your work hours to avoid rush hour traffic. Sitting in stop and go traffic is the biggest waste of fuel there is. Try leaving home for work a little earlier. You'll avoid some traffic and impress your boss.
• Cut Down On The Use Of The Air Conditioning
A/C takes about 8 horsepower to run and those horses eat gas. Our forefathers crossed a whole country without A/C, I think we can cross town without it. On a long trip on the open highway, it is better to use the A/C
than to drive with the windows open. The extra drag of open windows on a vehicle can eat up more fuel than the A/C will.
---------------------------------------
WAYS TO SAVE MONEY ON GAS
Reduce Your Driving Costs by 25% or More
The cost of commuting, running errands, or vacationing by car has risen sharply with higher gasoline prices, but you can significantly lower your driving costs with these gas-saving tips:
Don't drive a gas guzzler. Do you really need that SUV? Six cylinders instead of four? How about that big pickup truck?
Keep your car properly maintained and tuned. A poorly tuned car can use more than 25% more gas.
Use steel-belted radial tires. They increase gas mileage up to 10%.
Don't use high octane gas unless your car is pinging and knocking or you have a high-performance engine and the manufacturer recommends premium gas.
Check your tire pressure weekly. For every pound of underinflation, you can lose up to six percent in gas mileage, so if your tires are five pounds underinflated, you'll use up to 30% more gas.
Don't top off your tank when pumping gas.
On a warm day, gasoline expands and can overflow.
Don't warm your car up by letting it idle. The engine warms up faster when driving than it does when idling, and idling wastes about a quart of gas every 15 minutes.
Save fuel by combining errands into one trip and avoid backtracking whenever possible.
Wasteful driving habits can double your fuel consumption. Develop gas-saving habits, such as:
Always accelerate gently.
Watch traffic ahead of you so you can anticipate slow-downs and avoid stops.
Coast up to traffic jams by lifting your foot off the gas pedal instead of approaching at full speed and slamming on the brakes. It takes 20% more gas to accelerate to normal speed from a full stop than it does from four
or five miles per hour.
Don't drive too fast or too slow. It takes 20% to 30% more gas to drive at 70 mph than 50 mph.
Maintain a steady speed on the highway. Avoid getting stuck behind slow cars where you have to slow down to their pace and then speed up to pass.
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purchasing a property, why not ? Since renting is not advantageous at all.
Let us pre-qualify you for a mortgage loan with the lowest rate possible, meaning
better saving for you.
And we will find you a property in a wonderful area for an affordable price.
CALLMr. ANTONY AT: 786-709-6577
Let us pre-qualify you for a mortgage loan with the lowest rate possible, meaning
better saving for you.
And we will find you a property in a wonderful area for an affordable price.
CALLMr. ANTONY AT: 786-709-6577
A good way to get a mortgage loan is to let a mortgage broker works for you.
Let him shop around and comparing mortgages that can be time consuming,
so it may save you time by letting an experienced, a competent mortgage
broker do the job.
It may also save you a lot of money since mortgage broker could find a better
loan at lower interest rate than what you can find yourself.
In the long run you could probably save thousand of dollars just because you
got a good mortgage broker.
LET US WORK FOR YOU! CALL 786-709-6577 SOUTH FLORIDA
Let him shop around and comparing mortgages that can be time consuming,
so it may save you time by letting an experienced, a competent mortgage
broker do the job.
It may also save you a lot of money since mortgage broker could find a better
loan at lower interest rate than what you can find yourself.
In the long run you could probably save thousand of dollars just because you
got a good mortgage broker.
LET US WORK FOR YOU! CALL 786-709-6577 SOUTH FLORIDA
I engaged daily in the world of financing, mortgage and loans, which means that I know where to get the best tares, I know who is offering the best products and
conditions and generally where it’s advantageous to apply.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Mortgages and real estate are nothing but negotiation!
There is no fair deal, there is only great negotiation.
You get what you negotiate. Negotiate or be eaten alive! CALL US TO ASSIST YOU! 786-709-6577---SOUTH FLORIDA
conditions and generally where it’s advantageous to apply.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Mortgages and real estate are nothing but negotiation!
There is no fair deal, there is only great negotiation.
You get what you negotiate. Negotiate or be eaten alive! CALL US TO ASSIST YOU! 786-709-6577---SOUTH FLORIDA
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REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS, HOME BUYING & HOME SELLING, SHORT SALE, FORECLOSURE INFORMATION! CALL 786-709-6577
We do it right the first time, we do it with passion, we use our expertise, skills and experience to satisfy our clients.
We do it right the first time, we do it with passion, we use our expertise, skills and experience to satisfy our clients.
WELCOME TO:
KNOWLEDGEFINANCIAL.COM
KNOWLEDGEFINANCIAL.COM
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SOUTH FLORIDA REAL ESTATE: BUYING, SELLING, LEASING. CALL
A PROFESSIONAL REALTOR AT: 786-709-6577----Fortune
International Realty
A PROFESSIONAL REALTOR AT: 786-709-6577----Fortune
International Realty
66 WAYS TO SAVE MONEY
For most kinds of purchases, you can get valuable advice and comparisons on the Internet. Ask a librarian or friends which Internet sites they think are helpful, or you can use a search engine like Google or
Yahoo. Be aware that information you find is often biased. At many websites, the only products or sellers listed are ones that pay to advertise. Before buying anything on the Internet, check several websites
and make sure you deal with reputable dealers.

Airline Fares
1. Compare low-cost carriers with major carriers that fly to your destination. Remember, the best fares may not be out of the airport closest to you.
2. You may save by including a Saturday evening stay-over or by purchasing the ticket at least 14 days in advance. Ask which days of the week and times of the day have the lowest fare.
3. Even if you are using a travel agent, check airline and Internet travel sites, and look for special deals. If you call, always ask for the lowest fare to your destination.
Car Rental
4. Since car rental rates can vary greatly, compare total price (including taxes and surcharge) and take advantage of any special offers and membership discounts.
5. Rental car companies offer various insurance and waiver options. Check with your automobile insurance agent and credit card company in advance to avoid duplicating any coverage you may already
have.
New Cars
6. You can save thousands of dollars over the lifetime of a car by selecting a model that combines a low purchase price with low depreciation, financing, insurance, gasoline, maintenance, and repair costs.
Ask your local librarian for new car guides that contain this information.
7. Having selected a model and options you are interested in, you can save hundreds of dollars by comparison shopping. Get price quotes from several dealers (over the phone or Internet) and let each know
you are contacting the others.
8. Remember there is no "cooling off" period on new car sales. Once you have signed a contract, you are obligated to buy the car.
Used Cars
9. Before buying any used car:
Compare the seller's asking price with the average retail price in a "bluebook” or other guide to car prices which can be found at many libraries, banks, and credit unions.
Have a mechanic you trust check the car, especially if the car is sold "as is."
10. Consider purchasing a used car from an individual you know and trust. They are more likely than other sellers to charge a lower price and point out any problems with the car.
Auto Leasing
11. Don't decide to lease a car just because the payments are lower than on a traditional auto loan. The leasing payments are lower because you don't actually own the car.
12. Leasing a car is very complicated. When shopping, consider the price of the car (known as the capitalized cost), your trade-in allowance, any down payment, monthly payments, various fees (excess
mileage, excess "wear and tear," end-of- lease), and the cost of buying the car at the end of the lease. A valuable source of information about auto leasing can be found in Keys to Vehicle Leasing: A
Consumer Guide, which is published by the Federal Reserve Board and Federal Trade Commission.
Gasoline
13. You can save hundreds of dollars a year by comparing prices at different stations, pumping gas yourself, and using the lowest-octane called for in your owner's manual.
14. You can save up to $100 a year on gas by keeping your engine tuned and your tires inflated to their proper pressure.
Car Repairs
15. Consumers lose billions of dollars each year on unneeded or poorly done car repairs. The most important step that you can take to save money on these repairs is to find a skilled, honest mechanic.
Before you need repairs, look for a mechanic who:
is certified and well established;
has done good work for someone you know; and
communicates well about repair options and costs.


Auto Insurance
16. You can save several hundred dollars a year by purchasing auto insurance from a licensed, low-price insurer. Call your state insurance department for a publication showing typical prices charged by
different companies. Then call at least four of the lowest-priced, licensed insurers to learn what they would charge you for the same coverage.
17. Talk to your agent or insurer about raising your deductibles on collision and comprehensive coverage to at least $500 or, if you have an old car, dropping this coverage altogether. This can save you
hundreds of dollars on insurance premiums.
18. Make certain that your new policy is in effect before dropping your old one.
Homeowner/Renter Insurance
19. You can save several hundred dollars a year on homeowner insurance and up to $50 a year on renter insurance by purchasing insurance from a low-price, licensed insurer. Ask your state insurance
department for a publication showing typical prices charged by different licensed companies. Then call at least four of the lowest priced insurers to learn what they would charge you. If such a publication is
not available, it is even more important to call at least four insurers for price quotes.
20. Make certain you purchase enough coverage to replace the house and its contents. "Replacement" on the house means rebuilding to its current condition.
21. Make certain your new policy is in effect before dropping your old one.
Life Insurance
22. If you want insurance protection only, and not a savings and investment product, buy a term life insurance policy.
23. If you want to buy a whole life, universal life, or other cash value policy, plan to hold it for at least 15 years. Canceling these policies after only a few years can more than double your life insurance costs.
24. Check the National Association of Insurance Commissioners website or your local library for information on the financial soundness of insurance companies.


Checking Accounts and Debit Cards
25. You can save more than $100 a year in fees by selecting a free checking account or one with no minimum balance requirement. Request a complete list of fees that are charged on these accounts,
including ATM and debit card fees.
26. See if you can get free or lower cost checking through direct deposit or agreeing to ATM only use. Be aware of charges for using an ATM not associated with your financial institution.
Savings Products
27. Before opening a savings account, find out whether the account is insured by the federal government (FDIC for banks or NCUA for credit unions). Financial institutions offer a number of products, such as
mutual funds and annuities, which are not insured.
28. Once you select a type of savings account, use the telephone, newspaper, and Internet to compare rates and fees offered by different financial institutions-including those outside your city. These rates can
vary a lot and, over time, can significantly affect interest earnings.
29. To earn the highest return on savings (annual percentage yield) with little or no risk, consider certificates of deposit (CDs) or U.S. Savings Bonds (Series I or EE).
Credit Cards
30. To avoid late payment fees and possible interest rate increases on your credit cards, make sure you send in your payment a week to ten days before the statement due date. Late payments on one card can
increase fees and interest rates on other cards.
31. You can avoid interest charges, which may be considerable, by paying off your entire bill each month. If you are unable to pay off a large balance, pay as much as you can. Try to shift the remaining
balance to a credit card with a lower annual percentage rate (APR). You can find listings of credit card plans, rates, and terms on the Internet, in personal finance magazines, and in newspapers.
32. Be aware that credit cards with rebates, cash back, travel awards, or other perks may carry higher rates or fees.
Auto Loans
33. To save as much as several thousand dollars in finance charges, pay for the car in cash or make a large down payment. Always get the shortest term loan possible as this will lower your interest rate.
34. Make certain to get a rate quote (or pre-approved loan) from your bank or credit union before seeking dealer financing. You can save as much as $1000 in finance charges by shopping for the cheapest
loan.
35. Make certain to consider the dollar difference between low-rate financing and a lower sale price. Remember that getting zero or low-rate financing from a dealer may prevent you from getting the rebate.
First Mortgage Loans
36. Although your monthly payment may be higher, you can save tens of thousands of dollars in interest charges by shopping for the shortest-term mortgage you can afford. For each $100,000 you borrow at a
7% annual percentage rate (APR), for example, you will pay over $75,000 less in interest on a 15-year fixed rate mortgage than you would on a 30-year fixed rate mortgage.
37. You can save thousands of dollars in interest charges by shopping for the lowest-rate mortgage with the fewest points. On a 15-year $100,000 fixed-rate mortgage, just lowering the APR from 7% to 6.5%
can save you more than $5,000 in interest charges over the life of the loan, and paying two points instead of three would save you an additional $1,000.
38. Check the Internet or your local newspaper for mortgage rate surveys, then call several lenders for information about their rates (APRs), points, and fees. If you choose a mortgage broker, make certain to
compare their offers with those of direct lenders.
39. Be aware that the interest rate on most adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) can vary a great deal over the lifetime of the loan. An increase of several percentage points might raise payments by hundreds of
dollars a month, so ask the lender what the highest possible monthly payment might be.
Mortgage Refinancing
40. Consider refinancing your mortgage if you can get a rate that is lower than your existing mortgage rate and plan to keep the new mortgage for at least several years. Calculate precisely how much your
new mortgage (including points, fees and closing costs) will cost and whether, in the long run, it will cost less than your current mortgage.
Home Equity Loans
41. Be cautious in taking out home equity loans. The loans reduce or may even eliminate the equity that you have built up in your home. (Equity is the cash you would have if you sold your house and paid off
your mortgage loans.) If you are unable to make payments on home equity loans, you could lose your home.
42. Compare home equity loans offered by at least four reputable lending institutions. Consider the interest rate on the loan and the annual percentage rate (APR), which includes other costs, such as
origination fees, discount points, mortgage insurance, and other fees. Ask if the rate changes, and if so, how it is calculated and how frequently, as this will affect the amount of your monthly payments.


Home Purchase
43. You can often negotiate a lower sale price by employing a buyer broker who works for you, not the seller. If the buyer broker or the broker's firm also lists properties, there may be a conflict of interest, so
ask them to tell you if they are showing you a property that they have listed.
44. Do not purchase any house until it has been examined by a home inspector that you selected.
Renting a Place to Live
45. Do not limit your rental housing search to classified ads or referrals from friends and acquaintances. Select buildings where you would like to live and contact their building manager or owner to see if
anything is available.
46. Remember that signing a lease probably obligates you to make all monthly payments for the term of the agreement.
Home Improvement
47. Home repairs often cost thousands of dollars and are the subject of frequent complaints. Select from among several well established, licensed contractors who have submitted written, fixed-price bids for
the work.
48. Do not sign any contract that requires full payment before satisfactory completion of the work.
Major Appliances
49. Consult Consumer Reports, available in most public libraries, for information about specific appliance

brands and models and how to evaluate them, including energy use. There are often great price and quality differences. Look for the yellow Energy Guide label on products, and especially for products that
have earned the government's ENERGY STAR®, which can save up to 50% in energy use.
50. Once you've selected a specific brand and model, check the Internet or yellow pages to learn what stores carry the brand. Call at least four of these stores to compare prices and ask if that's the lowest
price they can offer you. This comparison shopping can save you as much as $100 or more.


Heating and Cooling
51. A home energy audit can identify ways to save up to hundreds of dollars a year on home heating (and air conditioning). Ask your electric or gas utility if they audit homes for free or for a reasonable charge.
If they do not, ask them to refer you to a qualified professional.
52. Enrolling in load management programs and off-hour rate programs offered by your electric utility may save you up to $100 a year in electricity costs. Call your electric utility for information about these
cost-saving programs.
Telephone Service
53. Once a year, review your phone bills for the previous three months to see what local, local toll, long distance, and international calls you normally make. Call several phone companies which provide
service in your area (including wireless and cable), to find the cheapest calling plan that meets your needs. Consider a bundled package that offers local, local toll and long distance, and possibly other
services, if you heavily use all the services in the bundle.
54. Check your phone bill to see if you have optional calling features or additional services, such as inside wire maintenance, that you don't need. Each option you drop could save you $40 or more each year.
55. If you make very few toll or long distance calls, avoid calling plans with monthly fees or minimums. Or consider disconnecting the service altogether and use dial around services such as 10-10 numbers
or prepaid phone cards for your calls. When shopping for dial around service, look for fees, call minimum, and per minute rates. Treat prepaid cards as cash and find out if there is an expiration date.
56. If you use a cell phone, make sure your calling plan matches the pattern of calls you typically make. Understand peak calling periods, area coverage, roaming, and termination charges. Contracts offered
by most carriers will provide you with a trial period of 14 days or more. Use that time to make sure the service provides coverage in all the places you will be using the phone (home, work etc.). Prepaid
wireless plans tend to have higher per minute rates and fees but may be a better option if you use the phone only occasionally.
57. Before making calls when away from home, compare per minute rates and surcharges for cell phones, prepaid phone cards, and calling card plans to find how to save the most money.
58. Dial your long distance calls directly. Using an operator to place the call can cost you up to $10 extra. To save money on information calls, look the number up on the Internet, or in the directory.


Food Purchased at Markets
59. You can save hundreds of dollars a year by shopping at lower-priced food stores. Convenience stores often charge the highest price.
60. You will spend less on food if you shop with a list, take advantage of sales, and purchase basic ingredients, rather than pre-packaged components or ready-made items.
61. You can save hundreds of dollars a year by comparing price-per-ounce or other unit prices on shelf labels. Stock up on those items with low per-unit costs.
Prescription Drugs
62. Since brand name drugs are usually much more expensive than their generic equivalents, ask your physician and pharmacist if a less expensive generic or an over the counter alternative is available.
63. Since pharmacies may charge widely different prices for the same medicine, call several. When taking a drug for a long time, also consider calling mail-order pharmacies, which often charge lower prices.
Funeral Arrangements
64. Plan ahead, making your wishes known about your funeral, memorial, or burial arrangements in writing to save your family or estate unnecessary expense.
65. For information about the least costly options, which may save you several thousand dollars, contact a local Funeral Consumer Alliance or memorial society, which are usually listed in the Yellow Pages
under funeral services.
66. Before selecting a funeral home, call several and ask for prices of specific goods and services, or visit them to obtain an itemized price list. You are entitled to this information by law.
For most kinds of purchases, you can get valuable advice and comparisons on the Internet. Ask a librarian or friends which Internet sites they think are helpful, or you can use a search engine like Google or
Yahoo. Be aware that information you find is often biased. At many websites, the only products or sellers listed are ones that pay to advertise. Before buying anything on the Internet, check several websites
and make sure you deal with reputable dealers.

Airline Fares
1. Compare low-cost carriers with major carriers that fly to your destination. Remember, the best fares may not be out of the airport closest to you.
2. You may save by including a Saturday evening stay-over or by purchasing the ticket at least 14 days in advance. Ask which days of the week and times of the day have the lowest fare.
3. Even if you are using a travel agent, check airline and Internet travel sites, and look for special deals. If you call, always ask for the lowest fare to your destination.
Car Rental
4. Since car rental rates can vary greatly, compare total price (including taxes and surcharge) and take advantage of any special offers and membership discounts.
5. Rental car companies offer various insurance and waiver options. Check with your automobile insurance agent and credit card company in advance to avoid duplicating any coverage you may already
have.
New Cars
6. You can save thousands of dollars over the lifetime of a car by selecting a model that combines a low purchase price with low depreciation, financing, insurance, gasoline, maintenance, and repair costs.
Ask your local librarian for new car guides that contain this information.
7. Having selected a model and options you are interested in, you can save hundreds of dollars by comparison shopping. Get price quotes from several dealers (over the phone or Internet) and let each know
you are contacting the others.
8. Remember there is no "cooling off" period on new car sales. Once you have signed a contract, you are obligated to buy the car.
Used Cars
9. Before buying any used car:
Compare the seller's asking price with the average retail price in a "bluebook” or other guide to car prices which can be found at many libraries, banks, and credit unions.
Have a mechanic you trust check the car, especially if the car is sold "as is."
10. Consider purchasing a used car from an individual you know and trust. They are more likely than other sellers to charge a lower price and point out any problems with the car.
Auto Leasing
11. Don't decide to lease a car just because the payments are lower than on a traditional auto loan. The leasing payments are lower because you don't actually own the car.
12. Leasing a car is very complicated. When shopping, consider the price of the car (known as the capitalized cost), your trade-in allowance, any down payment, monthly payments, various fees (excess
mileage, excess "wear and tear," end-of- lease), and the cost of buying the car at the end of the lease. A valuable source of information about auto leasing can be found in Keys to Vehicle Leasing: A
Consumer Guide, which is published by the Federal Reserve Board and Federal Trade Commission.
Gasoline
13. You can save hundreds of dollars a year by comparing prices at different stations, pumping gas yourself, and using the lowest-octane called for in your owner's manual.
14. You can save up to $100 a year on gas by keeping your engine tuned and your tires inflated to their proper pressure.
Car Repairs
15. Consumers lose billions of dollars each year on unneeded or poorly done car repairs. The most important step that you can take to save money on these repairs is to find a skilled, honest mechanic.
Before you need repairs, look for a mechanic who:
is certified and well established;
has done good work for someone you know; and
communicates well about repair options and costs.


Auto Insurance
16. You can save several hundred dollars a year by purchasing auto insurance from a licensed, low-price insurer. Call your state insurance department for a publication showing typical prices charged by
different companies. Then call at least four of the lowest-priced, licensed insurers to learn what they would charge you for the same coverage.
17. Talk to your agent or insurer about raising your deductibles on collision and comprehensive coverage to at least $500 or, if you have an old car, dropping this coverage altogether. This can save you
hundreds of dollars on insurance premiums.
18. Make certain that your new policy is in effect before dropping your old one.
Homeowner/Renter Insurance
19. You can save several hundred dollars a year on homeowner insurance and up to $50 a year on renter insurance by purchasing insurance from a low-price, licensed insurer. Ask your state insurance
department for a publication showing typical prices charged by different licensed companies. Then call at least four of the lowest priced insurers to learn what they would charge you. If such a publication is
not available, it is even more important to call at least four insurers for price quotes.
20. Make certain you purchase enough coverage to replace the house and its contents. "Replacement" on the house means rebuilding to its current condition.
21. Make certain your new policy is in effect before dropping your old one.
Life Insurance
22. If you want insurance protection only, and not a savings and investment product, buy a term life insurance policy.
23. If you want to buy a whole life, universal life, or other cash value policy, plan to hold it for at least 15 years. Canceling these policies after only a few years can more than double your life insurance costs.
24. Check the National Association of Insurance Commissioners website or your local library for information on the financial soundness of insurance companies.


Checking Accounts and Debit Cards
25. You can save more than $100 a year in fees by selecting a free checking account or one with no minimum balance requirement. Request a complete list of fees that are charged on these accounts,
including ATM and debit card fees.
26. See if you can get free or lower cost checking through direct deposit or agreeing to ATM only use. Be aware of charges for using an ATM not associated with your financial institution.
Savings Products
27. Before opening a savings account, find out whether the account is insured by the federal government (FDIC for banks or NCUA for credit unions). Financial institutions offer a number of products, such as
mutual funds and annuities, which are not insured.
28. Once you select a type of savings account, use the telephone, newspaper, and Internet to compare rates and fees offered by different financial institutions-including those outside your city. These rates can
vary a lot and, over time, can significantly affect interest earnings.
29. To earn the highest return on savings (annual percentage yield) with little or no risk, consider certificates of deposit (CDs) or U.S. Savings Bonds (Series I or EE).
Credit Cards
30. To avoid late payment fees and possible interest rate increases on your credit cards, make sure you send in your payment a week to ten days before the statement due date. Late payments on one card can
increase fees and interest rates on other cards.
31. You can avoid interest charges, which may be considerable, by paying off your entire bill each month. If you are unable to pay off a large balance, pay as much as you can. Try to shift the remaining
balance to a credit card with a lower annual percentage rate (APR). You can find listings of credit card plans, rates, and terms on the Internet, in personal finance magazines, and in newspapers.
32. Be aware that credit cards with rebates, cash back, travel awards, or other perks may carry higher rates or fees.
Auto Loans
33. To save as much as several thousand dollars in finance charges, pay for the car in cash or make a large down payment. Always get the shortest term loan possible as this will lower your interest rate.
34. Make certain to get a rate quote (or pre-approved loan) from your bank or credit union before seeking dealer financing. You can save as much as $1000 in finance charges by shopping for the cheapest
loan.
35. Make certain to consider the dollar difference between low-rate financing and a lower sale price. Remember that getting zero or low-rate financing from a dealer may prevent you from getting the rebate.
First Mortgage Loans
36. Although your monthly payment may be higher, you can save tens of thousands of dollars in interest charges by shopping for the shortest-term mortgage you can afford. For each $100,000 you borrow at a
7% annual percentage rate (APR), for example, you will pay over $75,000 less in interest on a 15-year fixed rate mortgage than you would on a 30-year fixed rate mortgage.
37. You can save thousands of dollars in interest charges by shopping for the lowest-rate mortgage with the fewest points. On a 15-year $100,000 fixed-rate mortgage, just lowering the APR from 7% to 6.5%
can save you more than $5,000 in interest charges over the life of the loan, and paying two points instead of three would save you an additional $1,000.
38. Check the Internet or your local newspaper for mortgage rate surveys, then call several lenders for information about their rates (APRs), points, and fees. If you choose a mortgage broker, make certain to
compare their offers with those of direct lenders.
39. Be aware that the interest rate on most adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) can vary a great deal over the lifetime of the loan. An increase of several percentage points might raise payments by hundreds of
dollars a month, so ask the lender what the highest possible monthly payment might be.
Mortgage Refinancing
40. Consider refinancing your mortgage if you can get a rate that is lower than your existing mortgage rate and plan to keep the new mortgage for at least several years. Calculate precisely how much your
new mortgage (including points, fees and closing costs) will cost and whether, in the long run, it will cost less than your current mortgage.
Home Equity Loans
41. Be cautious in taking out home equity loans. The loans reduce or may even eliminate the equity that you have built up in your home. (Equity is the cash you would have if you sold your house and paid off
your mortgage loans.) If you are unable to make payments on home equity loans, you could lose your home.
42. Compare home equity loans offered by at least four reputable lending institutions. Consider the interest rate on the loan and the annual percentage rate (APR), which includes other costs, such as
origination fees, discount points, mortgage insurance, and other fees. Ask if the rate changes, and if so, how it is calculated and how frequently, as this will affect the amount of your monthly payments.


Home Purchase
43. You can often negotiate a lower sale price by employing a buyer broker who works for you, not the seller. If the buyer broker or the broker's firm also lists properties, there may be a conflict of interest, so
ask them to tell you if they are showing you a property that they have listed.
44. Do not purchase any house until it has been examined by a home inspector that you selected.
Renting a Place to Live
45. Do not limit your rental housing search to classified ads or referrals from friends and acquaintances. Select buildings where you would like to live and contact their building manager or owner to see if
anything is available.
46. Remember that signing a lease probably obligates you to make all monthly payments for the term of the agreement.
Home Improvement
47. Home repairs often cost thousands of dollars and are the subject of frequent complaints. Select from among several well established, licensed contractors who have submitted written, fixed-price bids for
the work.
48. Do not sign any contract that requires full payment before satisfactory completion of the work.
Major Appliances
49. Consult Consumer Reports, available in most public libraries, for information about specific appliance

brands and models and how to evaluate them, including energy use. There are often great price and quality differences. Look for the yellow Energy Guide label on products, and especially for products that
have earned the government's ENERGY STAR®, which can save up to 50% in energy use.
50. Once you've selected a specific brand and model, check the Internet or yellow pages to learn what stores carry the brand. Call at least four of these stores to compare prices and ask if that's the lowest
price they can offer you. This comparison shopping can save you as much as $100 or more.


Heating and Cooling
51. A home energy audit can identify ways to save up to hundreds of dollars a year on home heating (and air conditioning). Ask your electric or gas utility if they audit homes for free or for a reasonable charge.
If they do not, ask them to refer you to a qualified professional.
52. Enrolling in load management programs and off-hour rate programs offered by your electric utility may save you up to $100 a year in electricity costs. Call your electric utility for information about these
cost-saving programs.
Telephone Service
53. Once a year, review your phone bills for the previous three months to see what local, local toll, long distance, and international calls you normally make. Call several phone companies which provide
service in your area (including wireless and cable), to find the cheapest calling plan that meets your needs. Consider a bundled package that offers local, local toll and long distance, and possibly other
services, if you heavily use all the services in the bundle.
54. Check your phone bill to see if you have optional calling features or additional services, such as inside wire maintenance, that you don't need. Each option you drop could save you $40 or more each year.
55. If you make very few toll or long distance calls, avoid calling plans with monthly fees or minimums. Or consider disconnecting the service altogether and use dial around services such as 10-10 numbers
or prepaid phone cards for your calls. When shopping for dial around service, look for fees, call minimum, and per minute rates. Treat prepaid cards as cash and find out if there is an expiration date.
56. If you use a cell phone, make sure your calling plan matches the pattern of calls you typically make. Understand peak calling periods, area coverage, roaming, and termination charges. Contracts offered
by most carriers will provide you with a trial period of 14 days or more. Use that time to make sure the service provides coverage in all the places you will be using the phone (home, work etc.). Prepaid
wireless plans tend to have higher per minute rates and fees but may be a better option if you use the phone only occasionally.
57. Before making calls when away from home, compare per minute rates and surcharges for cell phones, prepaid phone cards, and calling card plans to find how to save the most money.
58. Dial your long distance calls directly. Using an operator to place the call can cost you up to $10 extra. To save money on information calls, look the number up on the Internet, or in the directory.


Food Purchased at Markets
59. You can save hundreds of dollars a year by shopping at lower-priced food stores. Convenience stores often charge the highest price.
60. You will spend less on food if you shop with a list, take advantage of sales, and purchase basic ingredients, rather than pre-packaged components or ready-made items.
61. You can save hundreds of dollars a year by comparing price-per-ounce or other unit prices on shelf labels. Stock up on those items with low per-unit costs.
Prescription Drugs
62. Since brand name drugs are usually much more expensive than their generic equivalents, ask your physician and pharmacist if a less expensive generic or an over the counter alternative is available.
63. Since pharmacies may charge widely different prices for the same medicine, call several. When taking a drug for a long time, also consider calling mail-order pharmacies, which often charge lower prices.
Funeral Arrangements
64. Plan ahead, making your wishes known about your funeral, memorial, or burial arrangements in writing to save your family or estate unnecessary expense.
65. For information about the least costly options, which may save you several thousand dollars, contact a local Funeral Consumer Alliance or memorial society, which are usually listed in the Yellow Pages
under funeral services.
66. Before selecting a funeral home, call several and ask for prices of specific goods and services, or visit them to obtain an itemized price list. You are entitled to this information by law.
| SOUTH FLORIDA REAL ESTATE: BUYING, SELLING, LEASING, LISTING, INVESTING, CONSULTING, SHORT SALE, FORECLOSURE INFORMATION.------CALL Mr. ANTONY ---Fortune International Realty HOUSES, CONDOS, TOWN-HOMES, WATERFRONT PROPERTIES, BUSINESSES, OFFICE & RETAIL SPACE. LET US HELP YOU BY CALLING 786-709-6577 |
| SOUTH FLORIDA REAL ESTATE: CALL 786-709-6577---BUYING, SELLING, LEASING, LISTING. WE'VE EXPERIENCE, WE'RE COMPETENT, WE'RE LOYAL.---------CALL US . WE ASSURE YOU THAT, WE'LL HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOUR GOAL. WE'LL WORK HARD IN YOUR BEHALF TO GET THE BEST PROPERTY IN A GREAT LOCATION FOR THE BEST PRICE--CALL 786-709-6577 |
| YOU HAVE A PROPERTY FOR SALE? LET US HELP YOU!----- WE ADVERTISE FOR SALE PROPERTIES ON RADIO, MLS, NEWSPAPER, MAGAZINE AND ON 3 MOST VISITED WEBSITES WE CAN HELP YOU SELL FAST, QUICK AND FOR THE TOP PRICE! ---------CALL ANTONY AT: 786-709-6577---- Fortune International Realty |
SAVING: THE SECRETS OF SAVING; WAYS TO SAVE A LOT OF MONEY AND GETTING RICHER