Put PC to work and watch savings mount
By BILL HUSTED
Cox News Service
October 21, 2008
My best performing investment right now is a huge popcorn can filled with pocket change. Meanwhile, my fingers shake when I log on to various sites to check how my real investments are doing.
In times like these, "PC" can stand for Preserve Cash. Let's talk about a few ways you can save money using your home computer. None are gimmicks and all can honestly save you a few bucks.
Make cheaper calls: Many of you already have unlimited, or practically unlimited, long distance calling as part of your cellphone service. But it's not free, no matter what the advertisements say. You pay for it as part of your monthly bill. Many readers can move to lower priced plans by using Skype (www.skype.com). Computer-to-computer calls to other Skype users are truly free. Or for mere pocket change you can call telephones not equipped with Skype. As a bonus, you can use a Web cam for video calls. There's no downside to downloading and using this service.
Find cheaper gas: For a time after the late summer hurricanes, gas was so hard to find around Atlanta that I didn't bother to look at the price. That probably preserved my mental health since gas was obscenely expensive. Prices still are crazy high by any historic measure. That's why using sites such as www.gasbuddy.com are just common sense. If you haven't tried these services you'll be shocked at the spread between the cheapest gas and the most expensive.
Keep track of your money: If you're not using a program such as Quicken or Microsoft Money, you need to change your ways. For one thing, Quicken helps me keep track of deductible expenses; for another it makes sure I have an easy-to-understand picture of the money that is coming in and going out. Besides, it tracks my few remaining investments and — in one case — the declines on the screen convinced me to move out of one fund in time to avoid even steeper loses.
Cut TV bills: That expensive HDTV can deliver terrific high def pictures when connected to an antenna. Many readers could drop satellite or cable service entirely and save up to $100 a month. While you won't get the programming selection, you can supplement the selection with Web sites that offer free programming and by renting an occasional DVD. Use Google to search for "free online TV." I'll offer one TV Web site as a starter: www.freetvonline.com.
Shop online: Instead of driving all over town, use the Web to find the best prices. That way you can drive directly to the store knowing you are getting a good deal and that the item is in stock. Or, you can order the product online — just make sure you factor in shipping costs when you do a price comparison.
Do-it-yourself: The PC and the Web are a DIY library. Use the Web to learn how to do all manner of simple home maintenance tasks. One site to check is www.doityourself.com. Also, use your ink jet printer to produce slick greeting cards (they're about $3 to $5 each at the store), photos and business cards. Or make your own gifts by putting together custom music CDs.
Follow these tips and I guarantee you'll save money. Next to filling my gourmet popcorn can with pocket change, this is one of the best methods I know to stay afloat during stormy times.
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