Comparison Shopping!

February 1, 2010 by thinkhappy

Comparison Shopping

Saving money is a high priority. Comparison shopping is a given when food shopping or buying a TV, but it can also be applied to a few other areas which can have a big impact on your monthly budget.

Phone, internet and cable:

Phone and cable companies have combination packages but they can end up costing alot. Consider removing your landline and only using a cell phone, review your minutes usage and perhaps get a plan that is shared with extended family members. Change to a basic cable plan and rent movies monthly through a company like Netflix or check movies out at the library. Once you know what you need for these services, call the providers in your area and ask them for their best deals. For internet service you can contact NetZero for free or low-cost plans or share wireless service with a neighbor.

Insurance:

Monthly car insurance can be a big expense. If you have a decent driving record, raising your deductible (the amount that you pay out-of-pocket before the insurance coverage kicks in) can lower your monthly payment. Say you currently have a $250 deductible, you could raise it to $500 and significantly lower your monthly premiums- just don't have an accident!

Then call several insurance companies to compare the policy costs.

Prescriptions:

Believe it or not, there are big price differences in prescription drug prices between various drugstores chains and warehouse stores. First consult with your doctor annually to review your prescriptions and get generic drugs where possible. New medications come out every year. Then compare the prices of each drug at the chain drug and warehouse stores. Also, if you by a 90-day supply online, there is usually a big saving. Drugstore.com is a good site to use for price comparisons. Some prescriptions have small price changes between different dosages, say the difference between 100mg and 200mg pill is slight. You could get the larger dosage pill and split it, but only do this with the approval of your doctor.

Written by Hollis Colquhoun

Learn more about Hollis Colquhoun

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