Most of the articles online written about saving money have no relevance to most people. They are written for the middle-class person who is trying to squeeze more fun out of their already decent salary. This post will not have anything to do with “plugging money leaks” and it presumes that you don’t own a home (like most people my age). This is my advice on how to actually cut back on costs.
Cars and Transportation
One of the best ways you can save a few dollars is in the automotive department. From buying a car, to car repair and even insurance, there are plenty of ways to save.
For car repair, make sure to use a local, independent car shop that can repair your car for much less than a dealer. This is especially true if your car’s warranty has run out. Parts and labor are both cheaper, and it can be a considerable savings, especially on major repairs. If you need a payment plan, make sure to ask in advance. Build and cherish this relationship because you can save plenty of money.
You can also do quite well with buying used cars. If you need financing, head over to a credit union to get a better rate. They will do better than the major banks, and usually better than anything you’ll get on the car lot. That being said, if things are dire, a buy-here-pay-here lot can be a lifesaver if your credit is…