10 Ways To Save More Money In 2010

Best Credit Card To Help You Save in 2010

Start saving more money in 2010 with the HSBC Credit Card which features a $0 annual fee for the life of the card. You can also get in control of your finances in 2010 with a 0% p.a balance transfer offer for the first 6 months

• $0 annual fee
• 16.99% p.a. on purchases
• 0% p.a. for 6 months on balance transfers
• Cash Advance Rate of 20.75%
• Save on interest payments with 55 days interest free on purchases

Click here to read the HSBC Credit Card terms and conditions

If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to save money in 2010, then read this article to find out 10 great tips to help you get it done. You can reorganize your finances and spending habits in 2010 and end up saving a lot of money.

It is easier to keep a financial New Year’s resolution to save money than other resolutions in many cases. It is a popular resolution since more and more people are fighting debt problems and bad spending habits.

Save money in 2010:

Here are 10 tips you can use to help you save money in 2010 and handle your financial situation.

1. Keep track of your money.
   Many people cannot account for every dollar that has been spent on a weekly basis, and this can add up to over $1000 of unaccounted money spent in a year. You can use software on your computer to help you keep track of your purchases, or use online programs available at different websites. It is important to sort and track all of your purchases in order to save money in 2010.
   
2. Choose a cheaper credit card.
   You can potentially lose thousands of dollars with high interest rates and credit card fees this year. On top of that, if you don’t have a rewards card, you are not making the best use of your credit card. Take a look at your card and examine what you are using it for, and then take a look at other cards to find the best one that matches your current spending habits and financial situation.
3. Use cash.
   You will probably spend more than you can afford if you have a credit card so it is always best to use cash when possible. You may be enticed to spend more to get rewards points, even if you already have a current balance. It is better to use cash whenever you can to help keep track of your spending. You may also find that you can get extra discounts when you use cash instead of a credit card.
4. Spend less on your pets.
   Remember that your household budget includes any expenses for your pets. Veterinarian care, treats, toys, grooming and food can add up to hundreds of dollars per year, and by doing comparison-shopping between department stores and specialized pet stores you can save a lot of money.
5. Make sure your home is sealed.
   If you have any cracks around the electrical outlets, doors or windows then you are letting hot-air escape in the winter and cool air escape in the summer. You can get cheap products to seal these cracks like weather-stripping and caulk. For an initial outlay of less than $50 you can save $400 or more every year on heating and cooling bills.
6. Watch your grocery fliers
   One of the best ways to save money in 2010 is by watching your grocery circulars for any great deals. Some smart shoppers are able to reduce their grocery expenses by up to 50% by using store rebates, sales and coupons.
7. Negotiate
   If you go into a retail store to purchase a high-priced item you can try negotiating the price down with the owner or manager. It doesn’t hurt to try, and in many cases you just need to ask for a better price on the item. You can also try this if you are looking at an apartment to rent and ask for a reduced rate or for a free month’s rent. There is no harm in asking, and you as the consumer may end up saving a lot of money.
8. Look at your phone expenses
   If you have a cell phone you should reassess your phone plan and see if there are any promotions taking place that offer a better deal. Compare any promotions against what you are currently paying on your plan to see if you can save money this way. If you do not use your cell phone too much you may save money by switching to a service that is prepaid.
   
9. Look for codes for coupons
   A lot of online stores and manufacturers offer coupons that you can use when you make a purchase on the Internet. Sometimes the savings can add up to more than 50% off the price of a purchase. Parents can make use of these codes when shopping for children’s items, and there are codes for electronics, clothing, groceries and many other things. All you need to do, to find out if there is a code available for your purchase, is type in the retailer or manufacturer name followed by the word “code” to see if there are any available.
10. Look for loyalty programs
    There are a lot of loyalty clubs out there that have loyalty rewards for customers that shop at their store. Remember to take your cards with you anytime you go shopping so that you can take advantage of the benefits. Keep your cards on a key ring or in your wallet so they are handy. If you have a smart phone you can add the numbers of your account to it. You can save money on restaurants, movie theaters, books and many other purchases by using these programs.
    

• Comparison of Top 10 Credit Card Offers

Editor's Choice: Our Top Credit Cards

Credit Card	Card Details	Interest Rate (p.a.)	Cash Advance Rate (p.a.)	Balance Transfer Rate (p.a.)	Annual fee	Interest free days (up to)
HSBC Credit Card	Editor's Choice: 0% for 6 months Balance Transfer & No Annual Fee Featuring a $0 annual fee for life, and 0% p.a. balance transfer for 6 months, the HSBC Credit Card was voted the Best Transactor Credit Card for 2010.	16.99%	20.75%	0% for 6 months	$0	55
Suncorp Clear Options Standard Visa Card	A great 12 month balance transfer offer, combined with a low annual fee and a good interest rate on purchases.	12.24%	17.99%	1.9% for 12 months	$39	0