Put an end to those small money drains that you
barely notice, and you could save hundreds -- or even thousands -- of
dollars a year.
(Adam Berry/Getty Images)Paying full-price for tech accessories
The leak: Up to 50% of the price, compared with buying online
The plug: In the heady moments after you first hold your beautiful new phone or tablet or computer, it's easy to get swept up by similarly cool accessories.
Go home and go online, and you won't overpay for peripherals, says Rick Broida of CNET's The Cheapskate blog. The least expensive iPhone case, screen protector, and headset available at the Apple Store will run you $84, while using Amazon.com drops the price to $37.
High-priced organic food
The leak: $120 a year, if you spend $100 a month on name-brand organics
The plug: Carey Rossi of ConsumerSearch.com says some of the best generic values can be found in the organic-food section of high-end grocery stores like Whole Foods -- often shaving about 10% off premium brands.
(Thinkstock)Forgetting rewards, points and miles
The leak: The average household that's in a loyalty program lets $205 worth of rewards go unused each year, says industry tracker Colloquy.
The plug: To make sure you don't forget what you've earned, use a free service like Points.com, which lets you compile all your reward programs in one place.
If you're having problems redeeming frequent-flier miles, call an airline agent for help. You'll pay $20 a ticket, but he may be able to book a fare you couldn't find on your own.
Weekly visits to the dry cleaner
The leak: $4.50 per sweater, or $90 for 20
The plug: Families spend an average of $475 a year on laundry and dry-cleaning services, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
While serious stains or dirt should go to the pros, items that are wrinkled, lightly soiled, or just smelly can be cleaned at home with a product like Dryel ($8 for the kit, $9 for six refill cloths), says Mary Marlowe Leverette, a former Clemson University textile instructor. With the refills, that's about 50 cents per sweater, vs. $5 each at the cleaner.
(Thinkstock)Failing to program your thermostat
The leak: $180 a year on average
The plug: About half of households with a programmable thermostat fail to use that feature, says Alan Meier, a scientist at the Lawrence Berkeley lab.
Taking the time to set up your device could shave 5% to 15% off your heating and cooling bills.
Insurance policies from different providers
The leak: $300 a year for a typical home and auto policy
The plug: Bundling your policies with a single company can save up to 25% per year, says Alec Gutierrez of Kelley Blue Book.
(Adam Berry/Getty Images)Paying full-price for tech accessories The leak: Up to 50% of the price, compared with buying online
The plug: In the heady moments after you first hold your beautiful new phone or tablet or computer, it's easy to get swept up by similarly cool accessories.
Go home and go online, and you won't overpay for peripherals, says Rick Broida of CNET's The Cheapskate blog. The least expensive iPhone case, screen protector, and headset available at the Apple Store will run you $84, while using Amazon.com drops the price to $37.
High-priced organic food
The leak: $120 a year, if you spend $100 a month on name-brand organics
The plug: Carey Rossi of ConsumerSearch.com says some of the best generic values can be found in the organic-food section of high-end grocery stores like Whole Foods -- often shaving about 10% off premium brands.
(Thinkstock)Forgetting rewards, points and milesThe leak: The average household that's in a loyalty program lets $205 worth of rewards go unused each year, says industry tracker Colloquy.
The plug: To make sure you don't forget what you've earned, use a free service like Points.com, which lets you compile all your reward programs in one place.
If you're having problems redeeming frequent-flier miles, call an airline agent for help. You'll pay $20 a ticket, but he may be able to book a fare you couldn't find on your own.
Weekly visits to the dry cleaner
The leak: $4.50 per sweater, or $90 for 20
The plug: Families spend an average of $475 a year on laundry and dry-cleaning services, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
While serious stains or dirt should go to the pros, items that are wrinkled, lightly soiled, or just smelly can be cleaned at home with a product like Dryel ($8 for the kit, $9 for six refill cloths), says Mary Marlowe Leverette, a former Clemson University textile instructor. With the refills, that's about 50 cents per sweater, vs. $5 each at the cleaner.
(Thinkstock)Failing to program your thermostatThe leak: $180 a year on average
The plug: About half of households with a programmable thermostat fail to use that feature, says Alan Meier, a scientist at the Lawrence Berkeley lab.
Taking the time to set up your device could shave 5% to 15% off your heating and cooling bills.
Insurance policies from different providers
The leak: $300 a year for a typical home and auto policy
The plug: Bundling your policies with a single company can save up to 25% per year, says Alec Gutierrez of Kelley Blue Book.
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