Advantage CCCS Newsletter

Anyone who has been to the grocery store lately may have noticed the increase in prices. Whether you shop for one person or a family of five, it is becoming more difficult to stretch your dollar. If money dollar is not going as far as you need it to go, maybe it is time you re-evaluate the way you are shopping. Take a few moments and think about the last time you went grocery shopping. Were you in a hurry and grabbed the first items you saw? Did you have the kids with you and they put a lot of “extras” into the cart? Did you go into the store just to buy something for dinner and come home with more food than you planned? Do you spend more than the budget allowed at the store?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you may need to change your strategy to shop smart. By following a few tips when grocery shopping, you can get more for your money without sacrificing quality or the brands you love. Only clipping coupons is not enough to make that dollar stretch in today’s economy.

If you are going to one grocery store and you are buying all of your groceries, cleaning products, paper products, toiletries, and health care products you are spending too much money. Most stores charge higher prices for some of these non-food items than other stores may charge for the same item. Try going to a dollar store for your paper products and cleaning products. There will be little difference in the quality of the items, but you will save some extra money. Does it really matter if you buy dollar store or name brand napkins? Who will even know?

Step out of the box and try shopping at other stores besides the grocery store. Try your local drug store. By taking a couple minutes to look through the weekly circular, you can save yourself quite a bit of money. Most of the drugstores give you instant rebates on items or cash back for future purchases.

Sometimes with the rebates, the item is free when you by it and follow the rebate instructions. Don’t forget to use your coupons on these items too. You will be getting an item for better than free!

When trying to save money at the grocery store be aware they want you to spend as much money as possible. Try to cut down on your shopping trips. The more times you go to the store, the more money you will spend. How many times do we run in for one item and only come out with one item? Not too often. Make your list and stick to it. Do not make extra trips to buy things you forgot.

The most expensive items in the store are eye level to someone who is 5 feet 4 inches tall. The reason for this is when we are in a hurry, we just grab off the middle shelves. Try looking on the shelves above or below for better deals.

Break that brand loyalty when shopping. Avoid buying the same brand of item just because you have always bought that brand. You could save money by buying a similar brand or the store brand. Most major name brand companies also make store brands. Don’t be afraid to try something different, you and your family may like it even better than the name brand item.

And of course, always use your coupons. It is especially important to use your coupons when the item is on sale or buy one get one free. You will be saving yourself extra money that you can use on other things. In addition to your coupons, take advantage of other benefits the stores may offer you. Use your shopping cards for discounts at the store who issues the cards, mail in any rebates you may have earned, and don’t forget to use any cash back dollars for future purchases.

With a little practice and patience, these steps will become easier and your savings will start to add up. This will help that dollar stretch, keep you within your grocery budget, and fill your pantry with the foods you love.

As gas and grocery prices climb into the stratosphere, more and more consumers have begun to comb their budgets for ways to cut back. While not all budgetary changes are easy to make, eliminating unnecessary expenses can generate hundreds of dollars in yearly savings.

Check credit card offers for fees that may create a high balance before the card is even eligible for use. If a creditor assesses acceptance fees, program fees, annual membership fees, and monthly participation fees, the cost of credit is likely to outweigh any potential benefit. For existing accounts, remove costly services such as credit protection or credit insurance, which are unlikely to provide any real assistance in the event of default. Also, note that accounts offering rebates, cash back, or other rewards are likely to carry a higher interest rate.

Choose basic telephone and cable packages, trimming the unnecessary frills. Consider eliminating premium or pay channels and contact the provider to see if a bundle package combining two or more services would lower overall costs. Individuals paying for both cell phones and landlines should evaluate current usage to determine if only one line is necessary. Scan landline bills and get rid of custom calling features such as caller id or inside wire maintenance. Make sure that cell phone plans match current needs, and remove any unused or unneeded features like ringback tones, wireless internet capability, or text messaging.

Opportunities to save can be found in virtually every category of spending. Program thermostats so that heating or cooling only occurs when someone’s home. Contact your utility companies to see if they offer free or low-cost energy audits that may identify ways to save money on home heating and cooling. Ask physicians if any current medication could be replaced with a generic equivalent. If entertainment costs are becoming problematic, visit the library for books, CD’s, and DVD’s. At the bank, choose a checking account with no fees or minimum balance requirements.

At first glance, many expenses may seem to be beyond our control. But by delving a little deeper, one can discover opportunities for substantial savings.

A: Homeowners with questions or concerns about their mortgage often find it very difficult to get clear information from their mortgage servicers. The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act requires servicers to respond to homeowner’s requests for information— formally referred to as “qualified written requests”— in a timely fashion.

The qualified written request should take the form of a letter addressed to the servicer’s customer service department. Some mortgage servicers may specify an address for written requests; if no specified address is available, a copy of the letter should be sent to all of the addresses the homeowner has on hand. Do not send the request in with a bill or write it on a payment coupon.

Include in the letter an account number and other identifying information. Clearly outline any disputes related to the current statement or state exactly what information is needed. When requesting payment histories or a breakdown of escrow costs, ask for histories dating back at least 18 months to track changes and check for previous errors.

The servicer must acknowledge receipt of the letter within 20 days and respond within 60 days. During this time period, the servicer cannot report delinquencies based on disputed information to any credit reporting agency.

Dollar stores can be a great resource when it comes to shopping on a budget. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your purchasing power at stores where everything is $1.

· Check out the gift wrap and bags. Dollar stores are a great resource for these items, especially at the holidays. Just make sure you buy your gift-giving supplies early in November for the best selection!

· Beware of anything that you eat or put in your body. Make sure to read labels and check expiration dates very carefully if you choose to buy food, medications or toothpaste.

Start by looking through store flyers to see what’s on sale and plan your meals for the week based on the sale items. Stick to your grocery list. Check your pantry before shopping and make sure you don’t already have something that’s on your list. Try to avoid convenience foods. They tend to be more costly. Farmers Markets are in full swing and are usually a cheaper alternative for produce.

Clip your coupons and keep them organized and accessible. Highlight items on your list that you have a coupon for so you remember to use it and shop stores that double coupons. Check your store receipt for mistakes to make sure you’re not overcharged for a product. If you find one, take the receipt back to the store. Often times you get your money back.

The Advantage Advisor