Government approves emergency heating aid

Posted by Courtney September 17, 2008 at 12:10 pm

Homeowners struggling to pay high heating bills will get some help this winter.  The Bush Administration is releasing more than $100 million in emergency heating aid for low-income residents.  An additional $25 million will be targeted at states with large numbers of families relying on oil heating, including those in New England.  New Hampshire is set to get more than $3 million in funding.

Heat your home this winter, without breaking the bank

Posted by dreddington August 5, 2008 at 7:42 pm

Certified financial planner Jennifer Lane has some great tips on how you can save money on heating this winter.

Barry Armstrong: 12 ways to trim the household budget

Posted by admin June 17, 2008 at 7:14 pm

(NECN) - The cost of living is rising in just about every measurable way these days. If you think things are getting to out of hand our next guest may be able to help.

Barry Armstrong, financial advisor for Securities America and host of Money Matters on WBIX shares some easy steps to take towards balancing your family budget.

12 Steps Towards A Balanced Family Budget

Everyone is always asking us, “How can I save money?” Here at Money Matters with Barry Armstrong our financial professionals have come up with some simple ways for you to save money just by adjusting some existing expenses you may already have.

It also doesn’t hurt to attempt to increase your income at the same time. We would recommend working overtime or maybe even getting a second job. For some that may mean doing something you enjoy, like officiating sporting events or freelance writing. You may also have the option of going back to school. Improving your education may be a catalyst for future success in business.

If those options aren’t for you, Barry Armstrong, host of Money Matters with Barry Armstrong, has created a 12 step program to dramatically cut costs and start saving immediately!

Money Saving Tip

Step 1: Reduce Your Cable Package

If what you desire is to save, you need not look further than your television set. We understand that it may be hard to part with that premium sports package but the truth is eliminating the movie channels and special packages could save you upwards of $125 a month. For example Comcast, a leading cable provider in the United States, offers an array of options for the couch potatoes delight but their Digital Starter Package ($29.99 a month) may be all you need.

Step 2: Examine Your Cell Phone and Home Phone Packages

When is the last time someone asked you for your home phone number? The fact is that cell phones are the easiest and best way to contact someone. If you’re already paying $70 or more a month on your cell phone bill, it may be best to eliminate your home landline. That alone could save you $30 dollars a month. If that’s not enough, consider restructuring your cell phone deal. There are many different packages to choose from and it may not be necessary to have 2000 text messages a month.

Step 3: Take Lunch with You

Just because all of your co-workers want to go out to lunch or get take out, doesn’t mean you have to. Just by packing your own lunch, you can save approximately $40 dollars a week

Step 4: Make Coffee at Home

If you stop every morning to get a coffee, do just that. Stop! Each stop at Dunkin Donuts will run you at least $2.00 a day. You can buy coffee beans at the grocery store and avoid the time restraints of waiting in line at your favorite coffee establishment. If you do this, expect to save $40 or more a month.

Step 5: Save Those Grocery Store Coupons

Don’t be afraid to cut out the coupons you see in advertisements. Standing in line at the grocery store just the other day, a woman compiled over $200 worth of groceries but saved $40 just on coupons alone. You can’t expect to save $40 dollars every visit, but you can expect to save at least $150 a month just by getting out a pair of scissors.

Step 6: Turn Down Your Thermostat

You hear it everyday, so start doing it. Go green! Just by lowering the temperature on your thermostat, you will save 5% off your energy bill for every degree.

Money Saving Tip

Step 7: Stop Your Newspaper Subscription

The majority of people get their news everyday from the website of their favorite newspaper. On nearly every major newspaper in the United States, you can access the day’s stories for free. The newspaper industry is struggling right now and will most likely eventually go completely online. Start now and save at least $30 a month.

Step 8: Examine and Reduce Insurance Costs

As consumers we have many different options for insurance. Do your research and find an option that satisfies your needs and your wallet. Whatever type of insurance you are looking for, you have options and they are affordable.

Step 9: Refinance

With interest rates down, it is the perfect time to refinance. It will allow you more time to pay off debts and give you more time to make the payments.

Step 10: Enroll in State Universities

If you or your children are in college, look at state universities. You will save a lot of money without compromising a great education. Tuition at the University of Boston costs $4,428.50 for a Massachusetts resident per semester. Compare that with a school like Tufts University, which runs a cool $17,921 per semester. That’s a savings of more than $26,000 a year. Convincing enough?

Step 11: Eat In

The restaurant industry predicts that in 2008 Americans will spend more than $367 million eating out. If you simply chose to stay in and make dinner, the average America would save more than $200 a month.

Step 12: Use Your Credit Card

Some may argue not to put expenses on credit cards but if your credit card company has a cash back or points rewards program, we argue yes. Just make sure that you are able to make the payments in their entirety every month.

Total Estimated Savings Per Month: $885+