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Shari's Money Multipliers Thumbnail

Shari's Money Multipliers

You can’t control inflation, but you can control your spending. Here are some tips to make your money last longer.  I call them money multipliers! Even if you take advantage of a few of them… every little bit helps.

Start with these "must-do multipliers"

Credit cards and bills:

  • Pay off your credit card in full every month. 
  • Establish automatic payment for your bills to avoid late fees. 
  • Check your credit annually at annualcreditreport.com


Banking accounts:

  • Keep the minimum balance needed to avoid monthly maintenance fees.
  • Set up overdraft protection—avoid overdrafts and their related fees.
  • Check on interest rates for accounts. Do you have too much money in a checking account paying 0%? Move some to an interest-bearing savings account.
  • Use your bank’s ATM network. Those $3 out-of-network fees can add up.


Insurance:

  • Shop and compare insurance prices: Auto, Home, Life, Disability, and Long-Term Care
  • Know your health insurance plans and options.


Home expenses:

  • Review your real estate taxes. If they seem high relative to other homes in your area, appeal them.
  • Maintain your home diligently to avoid, or at least defer, big ticket items in the future.


Employee benefits:

  • Contribute at least as much to your 401(k) plan as needed to get the match offered by your employer. 
  • Know all your benefits and review them on an annual basis.
  • Take advantage of company discounts.


Here are some extra money multipliers that add up:

  • Reduce your dining out expense: eat at home, bring your lunch.
  • Bring a list when shopping to avoid impulse buys.
  • Reduce your home expenses by weatherproofing, using LED bulbs, and automatic thermostats.
  • Keep maintenance on your car up to date. Then drive that well maintained car an extra year or two.
  • Do you need a second or third car? Carpooling, public transportation or Uber / Lyft are good alternatives.
  • When traveling, compare websites for hotels and airfare. Buy your tickets early and travel during nonpeak times when practical.
  • Cancel subscriptions you are not using: online streaming services, health clubs, newspapers, diet and food services to name a few.
  • Use, don't lose, those gift cards!
  • Carry a water bottle. Much cheaper and colder than plastic bottled water.
  • Rethink those expensive drinks. Fancy coffee and fancy cocktails add up over time.
  • Buy in bulk.  Also stock up on reusable bags, lunch boxes, and other containers.
  • Prescriptions: Look for generics and 90-day supplies.
  • Borrow or rent large-ticket items, including clothes.
  • On in / one out if you buy something, get rid of something.


Do you have some money multipliers? Send them my way!


Shari Greco Reiches

Shari co-founded Rappaport Reiches Capital Management with one goal - to maximize the return on life for her clients. Please connect with Shari below. She loves to talk about investing, financial planning, and Barry Manilow.


The author does not intend to provide investment, legal or tax advice as these materials are for general educational purposes only.  Please consult your legal, tax or investment professional for advice on your particular situation. This material is derived from sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy and the opinions based thereon are not guaranteed. It is not intended to be a solicitation, offer or recommendation to acquire or dispose of any investment or to engage in any other transaction. Investing involves risk including the possible loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Please refer to RRCM’s Form ADV Part 2 for additional disclosures regarding RRCM and its practices.