Utilizing Free Computer Software
In this day and age, computers are very close to being a necessity. Everything from social interaction to running entire businesses is done online now. Computers are more moderately priced due to the number of people buying them, however it is still an expense. Internet providers cost money as well. The last thing you need is to be inundated with advertisements for computer software to keep viruses at bay as well as many other services.
In truth, there is software that provides many services for the internet user, and it doesn’t cost a dime! Simply do a search for a FREE download of whatever service you are wanting. Anti malware and anti- spyware don’t have to cost an arm and a leg a year to have. There are many free versions of these, only differing in that the scans have to be manually run rather than automatically. As with anything you are downloading, check a reliable threat center report station (such as McAfee) to make sure the download is safe. Then find the version suitable for your computer and follow the downloading directions. It’s simple, and more importantly it is free!
By doing a little research, you can find many programs such as media players, photo editing, Skype (for audio/video chats with free Skype-to-Skype calls), and 3D maps of any location you want to go on Google Earth. Take a look at what you are interested in adding to your computer, and always check for a free version of the software in question.
Technology has come a long way…there’s no reason you have to be rich to enjoy the benefits.
By Angela Sangster, Copyright SaveMoneySpot 2011
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Categories: Uncategorized Tags: computers, savings, software
It Pays For Itself…And Then Some!
Many times, money is wasted simply because we as consumers are careless about what we buy. Looking for products that are efficient and essentially pay for themselves will go a long way in saving many precious dollars.
Programmable thermostats are one product that over time pays for itself because you are able to program the exact temperature you want for your home. You can also time it to where it automatically goes down when the family leaves for the day. This will save you from forgetting about resetting the thermostat each time as well as saving money.
Space heaters are another item that can lower your heating bill. These are very efficient at heating a small area and in the long run will conserve the energy that the main heating unit is having to put out. I know when I had one, we would use it in the living room..and with closing off the rooms we weren’t using, it made my heat bill go down considerably.
Filtered water bottles or pitchers are another item that pays for itself. The filters themselves are anywhere from $10-$15 for the pitchers, and they last around four months. Much cheaper than buying bottled water all of the time..and much safer than drinking it straight from the tap.
There are many products, from battery chargers to high efficiency washing machines that can, with an initial investment, save your family a lot of money in the long run. Something as simple as changing your light bulbs to compact fluorescent ones can keep you from spending as much as an extra $100.00 a year…so check around and see what pays for itself!
By Angela Sangster, Copyright SaveMoneySpot, 2010.
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Categories: Family Tags: Electricity, Light Bulbs, savings, thermostats, utility bills
Take Some Time And Save Some Money
So much of what we get today…we are used to getting very quickly. Dinners are made microwave-ready so we can pop them in and out…with very little work or effort. Clothes are hurriedly tossed into a gas or electric dryer rather than the time it takes to hang them out on the line. Gas stations that are also convenience stores stock their shelves with food at twice the price…because it is easier to grab it from the same place you’re buying your gasoline rather than make the extra stop to the grocery store.
Time is often taken up with work, school, sports activities…all of these things are good. However, taking an hour or two each day to prepare for quick dinners or convenience items that can be packaged at home will go a long way in saving your family money. Buying meat in bulk and separating it into individually wrapped packaging doesn’t take long at all, and will make it easy to grab for quick defrosting and preparation. You can also take a couple or three days a month and prepare individual or “TV” dinners to be frozen for later use.
Other household duties can benefit from taking a little extra time as well. Rather than throw all the clothes that are washed into the laundry…try hanging some out on a clothesline when the weather permits. It will save on your weekly gas or electric consumption, and I’m sure most will agree that nothing smells better than clothes dried by the sun!
Taking some time can do more than save you money. It can bring more focus and perspective back to what you are working so hard for in the first place…which is time with the family. Make it something that is done together. Back in the “old days”, a lot of bonding between children and parents took place during daily chores. A lot of that stopped being necessary in the age of modern conveniences, and bringing at least a little of that back could have more than just financial benefits.
By Angela Sangster copyright SaveMoneySpot 2010
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Cost Efficient Ways To Buy A Home
Buying a Home
It can be very exciting to buy your first home. There is a sense of pride in ownership…in paying toward something that has the potential to increase in value. However, it can also be a little frightening when looking at the cost of a down payment. It’s definitely something that requires a budget to make possible.
Start with a plan of making a savings account specifically for a down payment on a mortgage. A down payment is a percentage of the home’s sale price that is paid up front, with monthly payments after that. Figure on paying 20% of the asking price, and put every extra penny into this account. It may take a bit, but if you cut down on other expenses, your savings will continue to increase.
Raising the initial down payment is what scares a lot of people off of putting the plan to buy a home in motion. However, if you look around at what you already have…there may be items that can be sold for cash that will go toward saving for the down payment.
Stay within your price range. We all would love to have the home of our dreams..but sometimes we can’t afford that. If nothing else, you can buy a simple home and rennovate as funds become available…create your own dream home on what you can afford. There is also the issue of taxes and insurance, another good reason for not going above your means.
House for Sale
Many people are afraid to attempt borrowing the money to buy a home because of past credit history that will raise a red flag to a bank or mortgage company. If this is the case, consider getting a co-signer. If that is not possible, one might look into land contracts or financing directly from the seller. Some will go contract-for-deed, if they are really wanting to unload the home, and the qualifications are only as strict as the seller wants them to be.
It may take some time and some planning…but you can know the pride of being a homeowner. You’ll be paying toward something that is yours rather than paying money each month to rent.
By Angela Sangster copyright SaveMoneySpot 2010.
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Categories: Finance & Savings Tags: budget, Family, savings