How to Save on Big-Ticket Items

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The money i save each time i grocery shop with coupons i put it in an envlope and use it for christmas i usually save around 1,200 a year the most i ever got was 1,560.

Gerald veselsky of IL 7:24AM June 29, 2010

OK guys stop being so catty to one another. Doesn't really matter what the percentage is, it's still negotiable!:)

Nancy of NC 9:27AM June 21, 2010

The 6% fees are not a law. Agents just want you to think that. The fees are negotiable

Barry of AL 2:34PM June 13, 2010

The sellers agent gets 3 percent and the buyers gets 3 percent, that equals 6 - Duh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

m of CA 12:19PM June 13, 2010

Lori,
When you sell a home you typically pay 6%. Three percent to the selling agent and three percent to the buying agent- that is where the three percent comes from.

3splits of NM 9:27PM June 12, 2010

I have to tell you, I used to work with real estate agents and the one thing I found is just because one says no, does not mean there is someone hungry to close a home. If you agent is not hungry then there not willing to negotiate, try finding someone hungry for a sale, then negotiate the points

Barry of WA 8:49PM June 12, 2010

Where can you find a real estate agent that sells for 3 percent? All the major real estate companies charge 6 percent, i would dance in the street to have sold my last homes for 3 percent.

Lori of IL 1:54PM June 12, 2010

How does a converter draw voltage if they are not plugged in??

Birdygirl60 of TN 10:08AM June 12, 2010

Your ideas sound good and make sense, but in today's economy buying used at thrift shops, consignment shops, or rock bottom clearanced out items at a dollar store is welcomed by those without jobs, lost their homes, or now living in shelters due to our economy. People that have the choice to skip used items are those that still have a job, etc. Which group are you talking to?

Col of MI 9:43AM June 12, 2010

Inherit the phrase, "Take it back". If the product is junk, take it back. Don't allow rich corporations to become richer by banking on you not taking their foreign made product back if it does not perform or breaks not long after purchasing it. Here are some simple savings tips:
1) Turn off your hot water heat unless you have an instant water heater. Hooking up a switch and adopting some habits (turning it on 20 minutes before everybody takes a shower and then turning it off) can save a considerable amount.
2) Check the amperage draw of each appliance. You may be surprised. I found that even though I had a very small apartment size refrigerator, it was drawing almost twice as much electricity as a large refrigerator. Also converters (cordless phones, cell phone chargers, computer speakers, etc.) draw voltage although they may not be plugged in. A good way to save might be to hook them up to an outlet strip that has a switch. Then when they are not in use, you can switch them all off.
3) Food is probably the biggest. Growing tomatoes and lettuce in a bucket can save you a trip to the store. People are amazed when they see our food bill. I try to trade as much as possible. I work with neighbors in collaborating what we grow. If they are growing carrots and celery, I'll plant onions and peppers. I grow cilantro in a bucket and use it in my rice and beans (national dish of Costa Rica). I also buy steel cut oats. Although they take a lot of energy to heat, I will try to use solar and cook them slowly. For $3 of oats I can usually eat a small bowl every day for two months when a box of cherrios will cost $3 and be gone in a week. I find instant food to not only be expensive, I believe it to be unhealthy.
4) Transportation. I believe people already know the answer on this one. If you commute with someone, you will save money. If you ride a bicycle, you will save money. There are other factors besides simply fuel economy when it comes to being green such as land fill items and how many of these are the factory putting out. If you keep a vehicle which gets good fuel economy for a very long time, you will not only be saving from more "stuff" being manufactured, you will be making less of an impact. Also, shop around for car insurance. I usually find the biggest advertisers are usually the most expensive. Don't be afraid to try a small local broker. You may be surprised.
I believe most purchases should be thought out and researched. Check prices on-line. Sometimes having a product shipped to the store is cheaper than buying it in the store. Look for discount codes on websites.

Pulgan of AR 9:28AM June 12, 2010