Save on your Monthly Bills

With everything from food to energy increasing in price alongside the economic downturn and government cuts, it has become even harder to keep within a monthly budget.

So just how can people cut down on their monthly outgoings without compromising on household necessities? With some clever financial planning and advice, we will show you how.

Firstly, deal with paying off debts and loans before any further spending. Take a quick look at our loan repayment calculator as it may be cheaper to consolidate your debt onto a new loan with cheaper rates.

If you are struggling to pay off debt within your current timescale, look to consolidate the debt onto a loan with a longer timescale, which will reduce payments to a more manageable amount.

Take a look at any big ticket items you may already have on finance, such as a sofa or car loan. If these are on finance agreements with the places of purchase such as the car garage, you may find the APR high.

These can often be reduced by switching this type of debt onto a loan using our loan payment calculator to find a better rate and reduce monthly outgoings.

If you already own a credit card, make sure that it is working efficiently for you and your circumstances. Look at whether you use the card for purchases or balance transfers.

If there is a large balance on the card, consider transferring it to a zero per cent interest balance transfer deal with another card provider.

Look out for credit card deals where there is a promotion period for zero per cent on purchases as well if you intend to spend on the card.

If you use the card for both, get two credit cards and use one solely for paying off a balance transfer at zero per cent and one for purchases.

When it comes to the weekly food shop or occasions such as Christmas, purchase using a credit card with cash back or rewards so that you gain from each shop you do.

The cash back or reward scheme can then be used towards other monthly outgoings, such as supermarket credit card reward points towards clothing or cash back to put towards the next month's food bills.

When it comes to shopping for larger items such as a television, do your homework to find the best price before purchase. Shopping online can often be cheaper and easier to compare prices.

Individual bills such as the home phone, digital television package and broadband can soon add up. They are often cheaper if you combine them all under the same provider, helping to reduce monthly outgoings.

Energy prices are set to increase again and therefore monthly bills will be hiked. Now is the time to shop around and fix your energy prices to freeze the current price for a set timescale and avoid the increase.

Combining our money saving tips with our loan repayment calculator could benefit your household, helping to reduce monthly outgoings and cleverly manage debt and spending.

How to Spend Less on Internet Service

According to Federal Communications Commission, approximately 93 million Americans don't have access to home broadband because the cost is too high. If you are in this position or if you are just looking for ways to spend less on internet service, there are several savings options you can consider.

Look for Promotions

Every internet service provider runs periodic promotions. Some of these promotional offers are available to new customers; others are available to current customers. You can find information about potential promotions through sites that focus on internet service providers, coupons, and web deals. You can also contact your current ISP and others in the area to inquire about promotions available in your neighborhood.

Haggle with Your Provider

If you aren’t happy with the price you pay for internet service, try haggling with your provider. Be polite and explain why you think you are paying too much. Then, ask for a discount or a special promotional price. If that doesn’t work, let your ISP know that you are thinking of switching to another company. They may prefer giving you a deal to losing you as a customer.

Downgrade Your Service Plan

Some internet service plans come with extras like download boosters, web hosting, web development services, and multiple email addresses. Some of these extras are free, but others are offered at an additional cost. Check your internet bill and make sure you know what you are being charged for. If your bill contains extras that you don't use, get rid of them.

Lower Your Mobile Bill

According to recent estimates, nearly one third of all adults have a smart phone with internet access. This is incredibly convenient but can also be expensive. Make sure you are not paying more than you need to for your mobile service. There are several sites online, including LowerMyBills.com, BillEater.com, and FatWallet.com, that can offer you tips on lowering your mobile bill as well as information about special coupons, promotions, and offers. Don't be afraid to switch providers if you can find a better deal through another company.

Get Naked DSL

In 2005, the FCC began encouraging ISPs to unbundle their DSL internet service from their local phone service. This led to Naked DSL. Also known as standalone DSL, naked DSL is a type of internet connection that is available to people who do not have a land line telephone. This connection is available through several well-known internet service providers, including Verizon, AT&T, and Quest Communications. Naked DSL is relatively cheap and can be purchased for as little as $10 per month.

Go Back to Dial-Up

Dial-up internet service is not an ideal option for some people. It can tie up your phone line and does not run nearly as fast as other types of internet connections. However, it is very inexpensive. Dial-up can sometimes be purchased for as little as $10 per month. In some areas, it may even be free. If you need to slash your internet bill or if you only need the internet to access email and perform basic tasks, dial-up is worth considering.

Use Your Internet More

According to a Pew Internet Life Study, the average broadband user pays $39 a month for internet service--nearly $500 per year. If you are going to pay this much or more for internet service, make the most of your expenditure. Use the internet to watch movies, stay in touch with friends, and study the things that interest you. Doing so may allow you to save on other things like cable TV service, cell phone bills, books, tuition, and more.

Guest post from Karen Schweitzer. Karen writes about internet service providers for Internetserviceproviders.org.

Kitchen Improvements That Will Increase Your Homes' Value

If you're trying to sell your home, you naturally want to get the most out of it. In some cases that means sticking a little into it first. There are many areas of a home that would benefit from a little spritzing up. Curb appeal is important, as is the overall integrity of the building which could be improved by redoing the roof. Remodeling the bathroom or home office could add to the structure's sale price.



Some people think the kitchen is the heart of the home. It's where people congregate before, during and sometimes after meals because it seems like something is always going on in the kitchen. When showing a home the kitchen is always important to the buyer. It stands to reason that improvements to the kitchen will increase your home's value.



Updated Kitchen Equals Increase in Value



According to some, improvements to your kitchen can produce a return on investment (ROI) of 80% to 100% of what you spend. That is a tremendous percentage. If you could be guaranteed of that kind of result from stock purchases you wouldn't hesitate to jump in with both feet. Updating your kitchen to increase your home's value is a proven path to greater equity. You also get to enjoy the improvements until the house sells.



Windows



Since the person who does the cooking and cleanup will be spending a lot of time in the kitchen, giving it an open, inviting look is important. Having a large window over the sink that looks out into the patio or backyard can provide something interesting for them to look at while preparing a meal or washing the dishes afterward. Installing new windows that are easy to keep clean will not only add to the value of the kitchen, but offer them a chance to daydream while they labor.



Countertops



One of the most popular improvements to modernize a home is to put in granite countertops. Quality granite countertops are well made, durable, and expensive. Those are all reasons they will add to the value of the home. Because they are tough as well as attractive, they provide the perfect combination of usefulness and value.



Stainless Steel Appliances



A standard kitchen improvement is to replace the old appliances. By installing matching stove, refrigerator and dishwasher, you add a sense of continuity to the kitchen. Stainless steel appliances are among the most popular upgrades available. They look good, will last a long time, and give the kitchen a modern, luxurious look.



Islands



If there is sufficient space in your kitchen, you may opt for an island. They are becoming increasingly popular because of their functionality. Useful as a place for the kids to do homework or just hang out and talk to mom while dinner's being prepared, an island provides extra space that's sure to be used. It is also useful as a place to eat informal meals that are easy to clean up. The top of the island would naturally match the countertops, giving the kitchen a flowing, finished look.



Lighting



A modern, updated kitchen needs lighting to match. Installing overhead and under cabinet lights should match the overall decorating scheme.



Flooring



The same goes for flooring. Many people appreciate wood floors, while others would go with vinyl or tile flooring. Whatever your choice, make sure it enhances the looks of the kitchen.



Cabinets and Drawers



Installing updated cabinets and matching drawers will also increase the value of your home. There are many styles and varieties to choose from, and they come in a wide range of prices.



On a Budget



As you've no doubt noticed, it's possible to spend a great deal of money on a kitchen remodeling project. Perhaps more than you're able to justify. Any kitchen remodeling project should maintain an overall flow with the rest of the home. If you have a modern, up-to-date kitchen but the rest of the house is falling apart you may be better off disbursing that money throughout the property. There are ways to improve your kitchen on a budget, but the results will be commensurate with what you spend--so will your return on investment.



Guest post from Bailey Harris, who writes about home insurance and related topics for www.homeownersinsurance.org.