Seven Simple Savers in Seven Days

Penny pinchers know all the tricks of how to save money, but no novice will tell you about these seven money-saving secrets that have stood the test of time and are usually not discovered (with benefit) until and unless exercised.

Step One Monday: Debt Reduction. We are not talking about those info-commercials or raging spam attack emails. This is the conscientious decision made by the consumer to cut up the credit cards and work with your creditors at little or no cost to you. This is possible when you enter into a debt reduction plan with a reputable non-profit agency such as Money Management International, who will set up a solid repayment plan and reduce your interest rates by working with your creditors. In the alternative, lending institutions offer their own form of debt reduction by reducing all your debt into one big one with a smaller upfront payment. This is an ideal plan, if you wish to "consolidate" your debts so that they look more manageable on paper when applying for a car or home loan.

Step Two Tuesday: Electricity Cut-Off. Turn off appliances between use, or better still move your appliance "island" to one specific outlet and turn off the breaker switch to those outlets you never or rarely use. You are not bound by the laundry timers or even the dishwasher's full cycle either. Move them along or cut the cycles shorter. Use the "air dry" saver switch, rather than heat your dishes dry - works just as well if the dishes were washed in hot water. Turn your thermostat down or even off at night if possible. Buy switches that help to turn appliances off and on easily and do not forget about the stick-up tap lights that use batteries as an alternative.

Step Three Wednesday: Bulk and Survival Foods. I am talking about those kinds of hard-tack and bulk supplies that everybody needs, but last longer. For example, if you buy canned or powered milk instead of the fresh bottled kind, you can turn your refrigerator off to save electricity occasionally. I buy products that last on the shelf that do not contain high levels of sodium - in other words, avoid those beef stew dinners that can remarkably be found on the top shelf of supermarket aisles and opt for pasta, rice, bakery mixes. Canned hams, beef jerky and such are OK in limited quantities. Meat can be frozen and individual freeze-dried packaged for longevity like vegetables can do. Apples, potatoes and other bin items last over a month, ditto onions and soups.

Step Four Thursday: Catalog and Internet Ordering - wait for discounts, free shipping and other bonuses like free luggage, jewelry or appliances.

Step Five Friday: Small businesses and home-based businesses have incentives and tax advantages - take them for energy and conservation uses. Remember that many utilities offer incentives to help the environment.

Step Six Saturday: Farmer co-ops and other bonus bonanzas like buyer clubs are worth the trouble to sign up for and save over time. You should look for incentives attached to your debit and bank cards as well. Look for banks that refund fees like ATM fees and that earn interest. Most banks offer incentives for new depositors.

Step Seven Sunday: Ask, ask and ask and ye shall receive. This is a buyer's market now with the economy so low, If you ask, you may just receive the bonus or payment or refund upfront especially with free cell phones and lower monthly plans, cable TV or other services that normally would kill a budget. Ask to waive the deposits or activations. Read the fine print.