Inflation puts a number on your budget. Things are getting more expensive every day, and you’re always looking for ways to cut your spending: coupons, sales, pack your lunch, bring your own coffee to work.

These are all smart tactics, since small savings to do add. But sometimes the really important savings options are right under our noses.

Some of these money saving tactics are things we’ve never heard of before. Others are things we know we should do, but are just too overwhelmed to begin with.

The following strategies can help you keep a lot more of your money each month. Bonus: someone else is doing the work for you. Read on and save big.

1. You haven’t refinanced your mortgage yet

We know, we know – it sounds so intimidating. Applications. Pay slips. Bank documents. Finding the right lender. You wonder if you will be approved.

No wonder you are dragging your feet. But that means you could be blowing hundreds, if not thousands, every year. Fortunately, a mortgage lender called Better makes the process, well, better.

Of course, you need to make sure that refinancing makes sense for your situation. For example, if you know you will be moving in a few years, the money you save may not be more than the cost of refinancing.

But for millions of homeowners, refinancing is a bargain. Lower monthly payments can help you meet your financial goals, like saving more for retirement, building an emergency fund, or paying off lingering credit card debt.

Qualifying homeowners can save up to $ 3,000 per year, so what are you waiting for? Take a few seconds and get your personalized rate to see how much you could save.

2. You are not protected against costly repair bills.

All the things that make your home livable have a lifespan – and you have no idea how long they will last. This is why so many people seek the protection of a residential warranty, like the one provided by America’s 1st Choice (AFC) Home Club.

Depending on the coverage you choose, a residential warranty can cover appliances and your plumbing, electrical, heating and air conditioning systems. You can get a quote almost instantly.

Suppose your refrigerator or furnace stops working tomorrow. Would you have to finance the repair / replacement because you don’t have the money to pay for it? And even if you to do have an emergency fund, would this repair / replacement deplete your cash reserve – leaving you vulnerable to the next emergency?

No more worrying about breakdowns and costly repairs! Get a quote in 30 seconds.

3. You’re paying too much for your car insurance

You can’t do without auto insurance. But what are you can to do without it is to pay too much for this essential protection.

Maybe the thought of comparing auto insurance prices makes you want to lie down with a cold rag over your eyes. Relax: A free online comparison site called The Zebra has you covered.

In five minutes, the site will store your information with 200 vendors. The result is that you will save up to $ 440 per year on auto insurance.

Yes, $ 440 per year. Every year.

Over the next 10 years, you envision up to $ 4,400 more in your budget. What could these kinds of savings do for your bottom line?

Take your current insurance coverage limits on the site – you won’t have to provide a credit card or phone number – and let The Zebra loose to run the numbers. After that, all you have to do is choose the best deal.

Nothing could be easier to find a much better price. Compare auto insurance for free and save hundreds now.

4. You make bad investment decisions

As Money Talks News founder Stacy Johnson has pointed out, basic money management isn’t rocket science. This is something anyone can do if they are willing to do a little research and avoid a handful of rookie mistakes.

But not everyone is comfortable doing their own money legwork. Others simply don’t have the time due to work and family obligations. Fortunately, there are plenty of expert helpers out there, and with a free matchmaking service called SmartAsset, finding the perfect professional is easier than ever.

There is no shame in asking for help, and it could pay off. According to independent research, people who work with a financial advisor feel more comfortable with their finances and could end up with around 15% more money to spend in retirement.

Ready to hire an investment professional who can help you define and then achieve your financial goals? Start now.

5. You pay credit card interest every month

In August 2021, consumers in that country wore a $ 966.1 billion of revolving debt, according to the Federal Reserve. It’s easy to get into debt on a credit card (whether through bad luck, bad habits, or both) and difficult to get out of it.

One possible solution: debt consolidation with a low interest personal loan through a company called Credible. Instead of paying double-digit credit card interest to multiple credit card issuers, you’re paying a much lower rate to just one company.

In August 2021, the average credit card interest rate in the United States was 14.5%. A low interest loan that clears the bridges can potentially save you thousands of dollars in interest. It is money you should be using to make your dreams come true, not to line the pockets of a banker.

Checking your rate online is free. It only takes two minutes out of your day – and the savings could be incredible.

6. You always pay for unwanted subscriptions

Subscribing often makes sense as it can mean lower prices on gym visits, magazines, entertainment, beauty products, pet supplies, etc. The coronavirus pandemic has shifted that notion into high gear, according to the Washington Post:

“There is a growing trend of ‘electricity subscribers’ with 10 or more recurring payments, according to budgeting app Truebill. Users of the app average 17 subscriptions and typically spend $ 145 per month, according to an analysis Truebill conducted for the Washington Post. Last spring, during shutdowns, Truebill users registered an average of 21 subscriptions, as people tried different entertainment, home training and delivery services.

It can be difficult to realize the true cost as these items arrive on your credit card at different times. This is where companies like Truebill can help, by showing you how much you’re spending, helping you find better deals, and making it easier to cancel things that no longer add value to your life.

Did he have it with the budget leaks? Create a free account now and control your subscriptions.

7. You are using a second-rate credit card

Chances are, the first credit card you received was pretty basic. No rewards, low spending limit, maybe an annual fee, and a high interest rate. After all, you had just started.

Do you still have this card? You can do better. A glance at the rewards credit cards featured by Money Talks News can turn that rudimentary plastic into a rewards generation tool.

People want different things from their cards: hotel stays, airline miles, extra savings on frequently purchased items. All of these things are possible if you qualify, plus some benefits you might never have imagined. Things like extended warranty protection, hundreds of dollars in bonus cash, cell phone insurance, balance transfers, and 0% APR for the first year and up.

Get the most out of every purchase by comparing and choosing from these premium credit cards.

8. You don’t stay informed

It pays to read expert sources to make sure you’re up to date on the latest techniques for earning more, spending less, and investing wisely.

Solution? Subscribe to the totally free Money Talks newsletter. Over a million Americans have done so, and they said they saved an average of $ 991.20 each just by checking out our news and tips.

It takes less than five seconds to subscribe and, if you don’t like it, less than five seconds to unsubscribe. Sign up for our free newsletter now and see what you’ve been missing out on.

Disclosure: The information you read here is always objective. However, sometimes we receive compensation for clicking on links in our stories.

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