Make Saving A Challenge

BOSTON (CBS) - There are other small lifestyle changes you can make to save big money. Let's look at your fixed expenses.

Your mortgage: refinancing your home while interest rates are still low. It will take some paper work on your part but the savings will be worthwhile. And when you are doing it consider going for a shorter term. Fifteen years perhaps. Shop around and check out your local credit union.

Home maintenance: take care of the small stuff before they become major stuff. Clean out the gutters, check the roof while you are cleaning the gutters. Learn to fix a leaky toilet or faucet.

Insurance: mark on your calendar renewal dates and about a month before start getting quotes from other companies. Can you bundle your policies? Home, auto and umbrella? Car insurance is very competitive. Is it cheaper thru your employer? Have you checked your employee handbook to see what the company offers?

Utilities: look at your cable bill. This is almost sacrilegious but how many sports channels do you need? Is there anything you can do without? Call them and tell them you cannot afford it and ask for the retention department. They don't want to lose you. More than likely they will find you a deal to keep you.

Consider bundling your cable, internet and landline to one provider. Review the cell phone bill. Again is it the best and cheapest deal? How much texting do you do?

Your electric bill: okay what can you do to use less electricity and not change your lifestyle dramatically? First, consider new light bulbs. LEDs are expensive but can be found on sale and the prices are going down. Forget stockpiling the old light bulbs. What can you unplug when it's not in use? The beer fridge in the garage? Consider getting rid of it!

How much does it cost to heat your home? Can you buy your fuel cheaper? A major way to save here is to use less fuel. Very simple idea.

• Turn down thermostats at night.
• Get a programmable thermostat.
• Move furniture from return vents.
• Use a humidifier to add moisture to air. It will feel warmer.
• Turn the hot water temperature down.
• Are you heating rooms you are not using?

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You can hear Dee Lee's expert financial advice on WBZ NewsRadio 1030 each weekday at 1:55 p.m., 3:55 p.m., and 7:55 p.m.

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