A couple weeks ago I was contacted by a person from Deal News, a site that "reports the hottest deals on gadgets, computers, electronics, and more, all from reputable merchants." (You can read more about them here.) They offered to make their CEO available for an interview and I accepted -- though I asked them to provide both the questions and the answers (hey, I was in a rush since I was off to vacation soon). I told them that the questions and responses needed to offer valuable, money saving tips and not be a commercial for their site. I think they did a good job. Judge for yourself whether you think so or not -- here's "my" interview with Deal news CEO Dan de Grandpre.
Q: How can I cut down my weekly spending on groceries?
A: When possible, buy in bulk. You may not use 12 packs of Bounty in one month, but over time, buying in bulk will help you save money.
(This rule also applies to everyday tech items like CD and DVD media and inkjet cartridges, which are less expensive to buy in bulk.) Buying your meats, dairy and vegetables from local farmers' markets can also save you a few extra bucks at the counter, and it'll taste better too.
Q: I'm planning a family vacation in August. What can I do to save money?
A: Start by booking your airfare and hotel room simultaneously. Also, check dealnews.com for Web coupons from popular sites like Expedia and Travelocity. Finally, if you're not under time constraints, (i.e. if you have a flexible schedule), try bidding for your airfare and hotel on Priceline.com using a site like BiddingForTravel.com to find the right bid.
Q: How can I manage my credit card debt without damaging my credit score?
A: First, go to Bankrate.com to find out how much money you're paying in interest rates. Next, look for credit card companies that offer 0% APR on balance transfers (there are plenty), then transfer your balance to one of these cards so the money you pay each month applies to the principal that you owe and not interest rates. Be sure to note the duration of the low APR (it can range from 3 months to a year), oftentimes once the introductory rate is up, your APR can jump significantly. Also, look for hidden balance transfer fees before deciding to transfer your balances to one card.
Q: How can I save money on my online purchases?
A: The same way you'd consolidate trips to save on gas, you can consolidate online purchases to save on shipping. Many times an item is charged a minimum shipping charge and adding other items doesn't impact the total. Other sites, like Amazon.com, offer free shipping when your order exceeds $25. In addition, look for stores that are located outside the state you reside in to avoid paying sales tax, and remember to take advantage of the forthcoming sales tax holidays.
Q: With gas prices steadily rising, what should commuters do to save money at the pump?
A: Car pooling or taking mass transit are the best solutions for saving money on gas, but when those options aren't available, we recommend taking advantage of your credit card's offerings. Cards like the Chase BP Visa Rewards Card can earn you as much as 10% cash back when used at BP gas stations. Blue Cash from American Express yields 5% cash back when used at gas stations, supermarkets and drug stores.
Just be sure to read each card's terms and conditions to avoid paying high rates once your introductory rate expires. And of course, consider shopping online. Most tech items, kitchen items and even apparel are already cheaper online, and with free shipping and no sales tax for many people, you'll save a bundle plus not pay for the gas.
Q: My children, of varying ages, are heading back to school next month. How can I save money on back to school gear?
A: Now is the best time to shop for back to school gear for your children. Stores like Sears, Target, Staples and Wal-Mart are currently offering back-to-school specials. If shopping online, check dealnews.com for free shipping and extra discount codes, which can sweeten an already attractive deal.
Q: What can I do to cut down my monthly bills like gas, electricity and phone?
A: Switching from incandescent to compact fluorescent lighting is both good for your wallet and the environment. CFLs use about one-quarter the energy for an equivalent amount of luminance as incandescent bulbs. To save on your phone bill, switch to an Internet-based provider such as Vonage or consider buying a "triple play" package from your cable company, which offers broadband Internet, cable and VoIP services at prices significantly lower than if you subscribed to each separately.
Interesting interview, but next time I wouldn't mention that you let them write both the questions and the answers... :)
Posted by: Emily | August 14, 2008 at 05:33 PM
I really like Dealnews a lot. Their web site is easy to navigate and does have really good deals, especially around christmas time!
Posted by: Emily | August 15, 2008 at 08:47 AM
Just wanted to share my experiences with how to save money.
1) Recycle. A lot of useful things could be recycled. Try to practice creativity. Those carton boxes? Make it a fort to repel your children's attacks. How about those wasted papers? Well, if you can, make your child paint something on the blank side and make a wallpaper out of it (yes, I know this is only good for those who have children that acquired Michaelangelo's brain)
2)Garage Sales. I'm sure as hell you have those items that are still in mint condition but which you cannot use (next time gauge the value of the product before even buying it. If you will only use it once, it's better to borrow from your neighbors.)
3) Scratch my back, I scratch yours. If you have a talent your neighbor(which is a painter) needs (e.g. plumbing) and you need a painter, why not help each other out. Tell him you need something painted and in return you'll unclog his toilet bowl (tell him next time not to throw his hmm.. questionable materials next time)
Posted by: Winston | August 26, 2008 at 05:39 AM