As the days get lighter and the weather (hopefully) improves, there\u2019s less and less doubt about it \u2013 spring is here! \u00a0Like most people, you\u2019ve probably accumulated a list of springtime to-do\u2019s around the house throughout the winter. \u00a0But don\u2019t forget, as you shake out the rugs and wash the windows, that your budget could probably use a tidy too!<\/p>\n
Spring is a great time to look at trimming a budget: you\u2019ve had all four seasons of varying expenses to track, and the gift-giving season is well behind. \u00a0So put down that mop and bucket to read along for some thoughts on spring-cleaning those expenses of yours.<\/p>\n
Utilize your Utilities<\/strong>: How many different utility companies are you currently dealing with? \u00a0If you have separate providers for your phone, internet and cable, chances are there\u2019s a money-saving opportunity to be had by bundling. \u00a0Check out which companies can meet your needs and what sort of offers they can give you. \u00a0If you can get an introductory offer be sure to consider what the regular cost will be once your welcome price with the new company has expired. \u00a0In short, shop around, but always with a keen eye.<\/p>\n End the Extras:<\/strong> Find you\u2019re paying for something you don\u2019t use? \u00a0Now is the time to put a stop to it.\u00a0 Examine your ongoing costs and see if you\u2019re actually using all you pay for. For example, if you find that extra caller-ID or the fancy cable package going to waste, there are dollars to be had regardless of whether it\u2019s a short- or long-term trimming. \u00a0The same approach applies to oft-disregarded insurance plans \u2013 if things have changed at all in the past year, be sure to find out if your premiums reflect your current situation.<\/p>\n Nix the Impulse Buying: <\/strong>Now this is something that can be tossed from your costs no matter what time of year! \u00a0Unplanned purchases can range anywhere from last-minute deals (that you don\u2019t really need) at your grocery store check-out to big-ticket items such as trips and furniture. \u00a0Regardless of their volume and price, they add up over time and can throw the best-laid budget out of balance. \u00a0If you know you\u2019re prone, take a step back before putting your money towards these purchases and, if in doubt, wait a few extra days and revisit the item to see if your \u201cneed\u201d for it has changed.<\/p>\n Forgo the Fees: <\/strong>Scrutinizing your statements for late payment fees, overage charges or a banking plan that isn\u2019t quite right can help reduce your incidental costs. \u00a0If you find you\u2019re always paying the extras, talk to your provider(s) and see if there isn\u2019t a plan that\u2019s better tailored to your needs. \u00a0Even something as simple as opting for paperless statements may save you a buck or two. \u00a0If you have a credit card with an annual service or membership charge, consider whether or not you really need that card in your wallet.<\/p>\n Springtime: no longer just a time to pack away winter gear, throw open the windows and watch your garden grow. \u00a0Since most of us will be busying ourselves with the home turf, why not extend the sparkle and polish to our financial greenhouse too!<\/p>\n If you feel that your debts and finances need freshening up, please contact <\/a>Sands & Associates for a free consultation<\/a>.\u00a0<\/em><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" As the days get lighter and the weather (hopefully) improves, there\u2019s less and less doubt about it \u2013 spring is here! \u00a0Like most people, you\u2019ve probably accumulated a list of springtime to-do\u2019s around the house throughout the winter. \u00a0But don\u2019t forget, as you shake out the rugs and wash the windows, that your budget could […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":6425,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[261],"tags":[38,39,44,37,35],"class_list":["post-2222","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-debt-free-living","tag-bankruptcy-bc","tag-bankruptcy-trustees","tag-budgeting","tag-consumer-proposals","tag-sands-associates"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n