The Save Money Blog

Recently a couple I know were on the hunt for a men wedding ring. Men have many choices when it comes to their wedding rings. Aside from the traditional gold and silver, ring designers are creating rings in the durable and stylish titanium, stainless steel and even eco-friendly designs that are crafted from wood.

The factors men should consider when buying a wedding ring include:

Budget
Titanium and Stainless steel offer the lowest prices for wedding rings. These wedding rings design can be coated in silver or gold to give the appearance of the traditional wedding ring, or created in their unique finish to create modern style and durability.

Style
Men seeking a traditional style of wedding ring may want to consider a gold or silver metal wedding ring. Men’s wedding rings are available in many styles, but these traditional designs will often be available in matching sets with the wedding ring, and even the engagement ring of the bride. Modern styles are created in stainless steel, laser engraved and created in matte finishes.

Brand
Finding the right brand of Men’s wedding rings mean combining style and function, with a high quality wedding ring that is going to last as long as the marriage. Brands can be compared in store, or compared through online jewellery marketplaces.

Remember, there is no need to break the bank with a wedding ring. Spend what you can afford and think about the other expenses you are going to have as you start your life together.

The internet has done a lot for consumers in terms of our buying power and the best example of this has to be social buying. If you are unaware of just what social buying is all about then you might be missing out on some hot retail deals.

In a nutshell, a retailer will offer a very attractive deal on goods and services if a certain number of buyers commit to buying their deal. For example, they will offer a great price on widgets if fifty people commit to buying. The deals range from most anything and you can find carpet cleaning, fine dining, fast food and pedicures. The variety of items being offered on social buying sites is endless.

When the sites first started to spring up online they were restricted to only major cities in mostly the United States. You could find a new york city daily deal but not much in smaller markets. That has all changed. There are lots of money saving deals being offered in almost every city in the United Sates and Canada.

I sign up for email alerts for about two or three of them and have personally found some really awesome deals. I have purchased coupons for car maintenance, luncheon specials and spa treatments for my wife. If you are a shopper then you won’t want to miss out.

Equestrianism, or more often known as horseback riding, is an activity that a lot of people enjoy, and like most activities, there are several important pieces of equipment that you need to be able to do it. One of the most essential pieces of equipment to have in equestrianism is equestrian boots. Equestrian boots are needed when horseback riding, and it is important that they are safe and comfortable to use. There are different types of equestrian boots for different types of horseback riding activities. You can buy equestrian boots for every activity or you can just buy all-purpose boots for everyday riding.

Equestrian boots aren't cheap though. To find cheap equestrian boots, you can go bargain hunting at physical equestrian stores, or just can just browse online websites and look for what you want in online equestrian stores with a click of the mouse. Cheap equestrian boots doesn't have to mean poor quality. Don't compromise your safety and comfort just to save a few more dollars. If you can find inexpensive equestrian boots that are good quality and that are comfortable when you wear them, then buy the boots immediately. Finding good quality equestrian boots that you know will last a long time and at a decent price isn’t easy so grab the opportunity when you see one.

No one likes to pay for insurance companies, even though we understand that they are necessary. Every state requires licensed drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability coverage. However, most financial experts agree that drivers should expand these basic benefits into comprehensive coverage.

Getting into an accident is never fun! But, without the proper comprehensive insurance coverage in place, you may be left with hefty repair bills and no financial support. Worse yet, you could be hit by a driver not carrying any insurance, leaving you with the entire repair bill to foot independently.

To gain comprehensive auto insurance coverage on a budget, consider the following tips:

1.  Deductibles- Choose the highest deductible you can afford to pay out of pocket in the event of an accident, as this will lower your annual premium. Set aside deductible funds in an interest bearing account so that they are there if you ever need them.

2.  Choose the Right Coverage Amounts- Chosen coverage limits should cover the current replacement cost of your vehicle. As collision and comprehensive coverage choices could account for as much as 40% of the policy’s premium, carrying too much coverage on your vehicle could be costly. Update your limits annually to save premium dollars.

3.  Pay Annually- Most major auto insurance companies will offer discounts for payments made annually versus monthly; between 10-15% savings. Alternatively, some insurance companies offer discounts to drivers paying monthly when they enrol in automatic, online payment.

4.  Capitalize on Discounts- Most auto insurance companies offer a variety of discounts to their policy holders; you may not be taking advantage of them. Loyalty discounts, student discounts, retiree savings, multiple policy discounts, and good driver discounts are just a few typically offered. In addition, if you install specific safety equipment into your vehicle(s), you may be eligible for additional savings. Any options to discount car insurance premiums will save your household money each and every year; so, it is worth the time to ask!

5.  Compare Rates Annually- Many policy holders fail to re-price their auto insurance rates annually. Dedicate an hour each year to shop and compare low cost auto insurance rates. Who knows, that hour spent may save you hundreds of dollars on your annual premiums.

By following these 5 easy tips, you could reduce your annual auto insurance premium by hundreds of dollars. Set aside time each year to review your policy’s coverage limits, premium amount and discounts offered, to ensure that you aren’t over-paying for benefits received.

Saving Money on Heating and Cooling Bills

-Brandon Serna, on behalf of Redstone College

When it comes to our daily living, our homes require quite a bit of money. If you’re hoping to save a buck now and then on the expenses you pay, following some efficiency tips with your HVAC system can be one way to keep your hard-earned wages from disappearing into thin air. Here are some hints you can use to keep your system operating as efficiently as possible while still keeping you comfortable during hot summer or cold winter months.

Cooling and Heating Ducts

Ducts transport heated and cooled air around your home, but if they aren’t sealed properly, they won’t do their job well. When your ducts are sealed the right way, the heating and cooling efficiency of your system can grow by up to 20 percent—maybe even more—and save you some money since you won’t be wasting energy. Use duct sealant or metal-backed tape to seal seams and duct connections, then wrap the ducts in insulation to help them stay at the right temperatures in summer or winter. Work on the ducts in your attic, crawlspace, garage, or unheated basement first.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

Programmable thermostats are great for those who are often away from their homes during set times of the week. Used appropriately, this device could save you around $180 in energy expenses annually. Devices might even pay for themselves in two years or less.

Maintenance

How long has it been since someone came to check your HVAC system and see whether it needs a tune-up? Keeping the system free of excess dirt will increase its efficiency, protect your home from excessive pollutants, and save you money because airflow won’t be restricted. Check your filters monthly and change them if they look dirty, especially in summer and winter seasons. Regular maintenance will also help you lengthen the life of your HVAC system.

Simple Solutions

Sometimes, energy efficiency solutions are quite simple. Keeping doors and windows closed will help ensure the air you’ve paid to heat or cool will stay inside your home. Just as you would inspect duct work, be sure to check along doors and windows to ensure they have good seals as well.

Keep vents open in rooms you want heated or cooled, and take time to clean the vents as well. It’s also possible that outdoor components will need to be cleaned.

ENERGY STAR

If you’re thinking about changing your current HVAC system, look for the ENERGY STAR label on the products you consider. Shop around to find the best product for the right price, and don’t be afraid to ask for extra help finding the unit that is ideally suited for your home; this can save you a considerable sum on your energy bills. These products are designed with energy efficiency and cost reduction in mind.

A Caution with New Systems

Proper installation is important to keeping your system running effectively. Consider hiring a certified professional to see that this process is completed correctly. Troubles with installation can lead to poor air flow, leaky ducts, and poorly matched coils.

Take some time, also, to make sure you’ve addressed any other issues in your home that have been discussed earlier, such as closing air leaks in your house or duct system.

Thinking deeper?

If you’re interested in making HVAC a career, think about going to school for HVAC training. At Redstone College you can work toward your HVAC /R degree and gain a true understanding of the profession. This school offers a modern lab setting along with instructors that are working professionals.

Now that American elected officials have raised the debt ceiling, everyone can go back to charging everything and running up their credit. Oh wait, that only applies to the United States Government. The rest of us still need to be budget-conscious, and try to make ends meet without getting ourselves knee-deep in debt.

Like a lot of people, you've probably had to make some adjustments to your spending habits to keep things under control while the economy evens out. But that doesn't mean you have to completely give up on taking a vacation. If you can't afford two weeks on an island somewhere, just think a little smaller. Labor Day is coming up, and it's the perfect time for a weekend getaway. Here's how to make it happen, and save money at the same time.

Plan Your Own Travel

Travel agents don't charge for everything, but if you use one, there is a chance you'll have to pay a fee. Why pay when you can plan your own travel online for free? Dozens of travel sites allow you to choose everything from flight times and hotel rooms to window seats and kosher meals. By planning your travel online, you're already saving money. Now throw a discount into the mix, and you'll save even more. For example, orbitz promo codes offer savings on hotel accommodations, resort packages, and even inclusive meals. That means a little more spending money in your pocket while you're enjoying your weekend getaway.

Stay Close to Home

A long, holiday weekend may not be enough time to justify the expense of flying somewhere and practically having to turn right around to go home. But even if you don't fly or drive out of town, you can still get out of the house. Create a mini-vacation right in your own city by staying in a hotel. Have you seen all the sights your city has to offer, or have you put it off because, well, you live there? Play tourist, and experience the things that bring visitors to your hometown. You can also splurge a little on a nice hotel if you make use of those handy discount codes. Just like travel sites, most hotels offer them as well. A code from just about any hotel, like a marriot promo code, can get you a lower nightly rate, a free night, free breakfast, or other perks. Be sure to book early because a lot of people will be looking to get away over Labor Day weekend.

Collaborate With Friends and Family

If a short getaway, or an overnight in a local hotel is still a bit of a strain on your budget, make your Labor Day weekend plans a group effort. Do your parents live near a beach? The long weekend is the perfect time to visit and take advantage of their spare bedroom. Vacationing as a family? Ask another family you're friendly with if they'd like to share a suite—and the cost. Want to plan a girls' weekend? Get a group of your friends together for a short trip and share all the expenses. Your Labor Day may even be more fun when you're sharing it with friends or family.

If all else fails, and your budget is just too tight for a getaway right now, that's okay. Hold off and keep saving. In the meantime, plan a weekend staycation at home with games and activities, or invite friends over for a cookout. Whether you travel or stay home, the most important part of any vacation is to enjoy yourself.

This week our second laptop in the house, the ones my kids use for school has given up the fight. It takes forever to boot up, the screens lock up constantly and it crashes. I am no slouch with a computer and know how to keep them free of spy-ware and virus. Its number has been called and its time for me to replace it. I hate spending money, you know that. But maybe it happened at a good time. The stores and websites are running wild with back to school sales right now. They appear to be ramping up more and more day by day. I was looking at samsung netbooks and a few other laptops and there are some really decent deals out there right now.

If you are looking to upgrade your electronics now might be a good time to do it. Take a look online and keep your eyes peeled on flyers in the newspaper of the next couple of weeks. Prices are low and deals are going to be offered.

Are you a person that thinks that all banks are the same? There are differences between community banks and big banks. They each offer different options and have different incentives. There are a number of important differences that you should ponder before deciding where to put your money.

A smaller community banks are often owned by a person in your local area. These types of banks are generally more focused on the community in which they are located. Decisions are made by people that live in the community and by employees that understand the current economical climate of that community.

This is the main advantage of a community bank over a large bank. A bank operated by local members of the community will be more in tune that communities local business needs and the local economic climate. You may be able to realize benefits such as lower interest rates, cheaper user fees or even get a loan easier.

A community bank still offers all of the services that a large bank offers such as a business checking account, safety deposit boxes and atm machines. Their branch location may even be more conveniently located. A smaller bank will go that extra mile to gain your business and keep it. We have all been dealt with larger companies where we feel more like a number and not a customer. That feeling of having a personal relationship with your financial institution can be priceless. Although a community bank may be small your money is just as secure as it is with a large bank. They are all regulated by the same financial laws and you money and investments are insured no matter where you bank.

If you are looking for a bank to put your money in or do with business with, don’t overlook a small business bank. That personal touch may just be worth its weight in gold.

The first thing I do before buying anything of course is look for a coupon. Every retailer has a coupon offer or a deal. So why not take them up on their offers and use them? Why pay full price when nobody else is? Save your money and get in the habit of using coupons. Just the other day I came across a website that is a giant list of update coupons for all sorts of stores and shops online.  The first one I came across was for victoria’s secret coupons. What I like about this coupon page is that you can click on the actual code itself and paste it on the checkout page after you shop. It makes saving easy. If you have a store in mind that you plan on buying something from your first start should be seeing if there is a coupon online waiting you to save.

I was heading to the grocery store today to grab a few things for my lunches this week. As I walked by the cereal and snack bars I thought there had to be a cheaper way to make my lunches than buying commercial brand treats. I ended up picking up a bag of no-name rolled oats, no-name whole wheat flour, a couple of bunches of bananas and some raisins. In about 35 minutes after getting home I had made myself some homemade banana raisin oat bars for the week at a fraction of the price of regular chewy bars and a whole lot healthier too. This is something that I am going to try from here on in.

Ingredients

Summer is in about full swing right now and I have to tell you, the money sure finds a way out of my bank account in a hurry. It seems it's one thing after another with buying things around the house, golf tournaments, birthday parties and so on. It's endless and hard to save money. It got me to thinking the other night when I was looking for a chair to get something out of the kitchen cupboard.

Maybe we all need a step stool of sorts to help us save money. We all need a hand to save money, the question is what is your step stool going to be? I guess it could be whatever it takes to help you sock some money away or pay off your bills. You could put a change jar next to where you drop your keys when you come home, your credit card debt amount posted on your fridge so as to remind you to try and get that number down, or maybe a post it note with your goal on it that you update as you move closer. The possibility is endless.

You just need to find your step stool and use it. I would love to hear other ideas if you have them.