50 Ways to Save Money in the New Year

Christmas bills face many people and with the new year people look at taxes and budgets. Revamp your budget and make changes. Small changes can make a difference - if you save $100 per month - just a few dollars per day - and put that in a special savings account you'll have a considerable sum for gift giving next year without having credit card bills. Look at these ways to cut costs and save money where you can.

1. Don't assume you have the lowest cost insurance for your vehicles - check around. I found in doing so the company I was with, which advertises to be the cheapest, really wasn't. Another company offered full liability coverage for my older car for over $300 per year less - AND included roadside service which wasn't available with the company I used to be with. Check around and make sure you're getting the best deal for comparable coverage.

2. Sign up for store cards - those dollar off cards offered by Winn-Dixie, Safeway, Krogers and others can add up to considerable savings.

3. Look for a meat market to purchase meats - you can get better quality and wrapped in the amounts you want. This also doesn't support major ag corporations that use questionable practices in growing the animals.

4. Look for entertainment discount books - these are often done as fundraisers and have coupons for fast food, movies, vehicle repairs and other things. Look it over and make sure there's enough in there you can USE - it's not a bargain if you can't use it.

5. Comparison shop at a dollar store - Dollar Tree and others have items where everything is $1. Cleaning supplies, shampoos and other household items can often be purchased here very inexpensively.

6. Ask your power company about low income rebates/discounts if you qualify. Also inquire about energy saving rebates - some offer special deals on water heaters and other appliances if it's something you are going to replace anyway.