Quick Tip for the Day:
Follow the Money on Deals and Tips
Make Sure the Money Saving Deal You Are Getting REALLY is a Good One
Recently, I was browsing around online.. reading other blogs, checking out tips and deals, looking for tidbits to share with you all. I ended up finding a post about saving money on things like utilities and services. Some of the tips were your average tips we all hear.. unplug chargers, etc to save from "vampire electronics", turn off lights, take shorter showers, call your service providers and simply ask for a lower rate or a better deal, etc.
You know, the basic tips we see over and over again.
Then, I saw one tip in particular: To save money change your phone plan to a simpler plan with less minutes or features, etc. The idea with this tip is to save some money by cutting out "extras" from your cell phone plan.. and just take advantage of stored roll over minutes and such.
This idea is interesting. And looks good on paper. But, it also raised an issue that inspired this tip: When deciding whether or not to snag a deal or follow a money saving tip, FOLLOW YOUR MONEY. Make sure it will really save you money. Don't just take a tip or deal at face value, whether the tip comes from me, or any other blogger, or even a store with a sale!
In this instance, cutting back on our cell phone "extras" has been something we have been discussing in our home. This seems like an excellent idea. However, to temporarily cut back on our plan before our contract is up would either cost us money in fees and/or sign us up for another 2 yr contract. Usually when you make changes to cell phone, cable, etc services, you are basically renegotiating your contract with them. There can be fees or renewed commitment involved. Over time, that money saving tip can cost you more than you think.
What to do? Just call your provider before you make changes and discuss it with them. What are the penalties? Will it renew your contract for another 2 years? If you cut back and then decide to add features, minutes, whatever, what are the repercussions of doing that? Always follow your money BEFORE you take a tip, so that you know it is a good one for your particular needs and situations.
Another example is from a different blogger.. They were promoting a discount site that offers different deals on items, mainly children's items. This other blogger was promoting the Disney outfits on sale at this site. A follower of the blogger mentioned that they saw the same outfits at a local retailer for about $3 cheaper with no shipping charges since you could just go buy them.
My point is that us bloggers do our best to help you save money. We really work hard to think of tips and deals to share. In this economy, we have to stick together and cooperate. But, don't get too comfortable with thinking we have all the BEST Tips and Deals. We try hard, but sometimes, even we don't find the absolute bestest deals and tips. Always follow your money and critically examine our deals and tips, THEN decide to follow them!
I love my fellow bloggers! A special thank-you to Totally Target, Coupon Katarina, and especially Couponing to Disney. You guys rock! Go follow them on Facebook! They get more comprehensive than I can even dream to think about being! Supplement with my blog. And, as always, let me know what deals or tips you guys are looking for.
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