WASHINGTON — Sure, you turned off that appliance, but did you unplug it? If you didn’t, you’re probably wasting money.
Kiplinger‘s Janet Bodnar shares some money-saving tips for items you already have.
Heating and cooling
You can shave some bucks off utility bills by putting a stake through so-called “energy vampires” — devices that draw electricity when they’re plugged in even when not in use.
One way to do this is to get a smart power strip. This cuts power to devices when they are off or are in standby mode.
Another area where you can take advantage of smart technology is heating and air-conditioning.
Bodnar said that a single-family unit spends about $2,060 annually on heating and cooling the home. But you can save 10 to 12 percent on heating bills or 15 percent on cooling by getting a smart thermostat, which learns from your habits and automatically adjusts the temperature.
Car insurance
Bodnar said that it’s beneficial to re-shop for insurance every year, even if nothing has changed. She cited a study that showed that by calling other insurers, consumers saved about $125 a year.
She said you can call your insurance back and tell them about the savings another insurer can give you, and ask them what they can do for you.
“It’s possible. You just haven’t been getting all the discounts that you’re entitled to,” she said.
Credit cards
Take advantage of the perks from your credit card(s). “You don’t need to pay for extra benefits, if you can get them for free,” Bodnar said.
For example, some cards offer purchase protection, so if you buy something and it gets damaged or stolen within a few months, you can get it replaced.
Other cards may include travel insurance, for example trip cancellation. So if you’re planning a trip, you may get this type of protection and not have to pay extra.
Listen to Bodnar’s tips below:
