If you find “too much month left at the end of your money”–especially after the holidays.  You might consider implementing both short-and long-term strategies to strengthen your family’s economic foundation this year.

1. Don’t take your bills at face value.  Too often, we assume our credit card bills are accurate and pay them without taking a good look at the detail.  It’s a smart idea to spend some time each month ensuring the itemized charges on your bills are legitimate.  Many consumers find that they have been double-billed, fraudulently charged or have questionable entries–especially following the holidays.  A little investigation up front can save you a lot of money in the long run.
2. Check the fine print. Before moving your high-interest credit card balances to one of the “all new low-interest cards” featured to save you from holiday debt, be sure to check the fine print.  Many of the “deals” come with hidden clauses that escalate your interest rates astronomically if you fall behind or are late making even one payment.
3. Know your options.Telephone and cable companies are forever adding to and changing their service options. Routinely contact your service providers to find out what options are available to you.  eliminating services or channels you don’t need could make the savings “connection” you are looking for.
4. Look into refinancing. With today’s low interest rates, mortgage refinancing is on the rise again.  Contact me or your mortgage professional to find out how you can save on your monthly mortgage while still building for your financial future.
5. Update insurance policies.Call your auto and home owner’s insurance agents to find out what policy changes you can make to lower your monthly debt.  Raising your auto deductibles on collision to at least $500, especially on older vehicles, may help.  For mortgages, make sure you are only insuring your home, not the land, and see if raising your deductibles will help your monthly costs, as well.  It’s a good idea to have a credit card set aside to use only for deductible purposes on both your home and your auto.
6. Become a savvy grocery shopper. Even if you are not a “coupon clipper,” you can save on your weekly grocery bill by planning ahead and making a list.  Take some time this month to learn about the grocery stores in your area, and tap into the ones that offer great “two-for-one” specials or bonuses such as $10 off your next purchase of $75 or more.” Make your list, check it twice, and stock your freezer with “two-for-ones.
7. Do a home energy check. Check your home for energy savers such as setting your thermostat at 78 degrees, (we’ve had ours set at 68 this winter), setting your water heater to 120-140 degrees, setting your refrigerator at 38 degrees, and setting your freezer at 10 degrees.  Also have your home checked for the proper insulation.  A small investment in the right insulation now will save you thousands in air conditioning and heating costs over the lifetime of your home.

Real Estate Tip:

Did you know that first time home buyers can get a $7500.00 credit toward buying a home?  It is possible to work with your Income Tax company to receive that money to use that money as a down payment now.  There are guidelines and the property must be purchased before June 30th to qualify.  For details, please contact me at 515/577-2412