Champ Money

It’s still sometimes surprising to hear that some people have never visited craigslist (craigslist.org).

For the uninitiated, craigslist is an online version of your local classifieds for over 450 cities around the world. With all of the same categories of ads that you would find in your newspaper, and many that you wouldn’t, there are plenty of bargains and freebies to be found.

And, while it goes without saying that just as with any classified ad system, you can sell your goods (or old junk), just as you can purchase great items (or old junk) from others, you might not be aware that Craigslist also has categories for jobs, rentals, and other services – including some that we wont promote here.

It’s also worth mentioning that most ads on Craigslist are free. So if you have small, or inexpensive items, sitting around your house that might be too good to throw away, but not worth listing on eBay or your local newspaper, then Craigslist can be an excellent “clearing house” for these treasures. Since the ads are free, you might consider pricing your “for sale” items a bit on the high-end for a week or so, then delete that ad and repost it with a slightly lower price a week or so later if there are no takers. This method works well if you’re in no hurry to get rid of the item, or in a big hurry for the money.

Craigslist is a legitimate company, and partially owned by eBay. But you should exercise the same precautions that you would when dealing with any stranger, especially online. Read through their “Help Pages” for tips to avoid scams and bad transactions.

Buy the lowest grade (octane) gasoline for your car, unless the car’s owner’s manual specifically says that you must use higher octane gasoline.

Using higher octane “premium” gas will not result in better gas mileage or additional power. It will only further line the pockets of the oil companies.

Considering a health club membership? You don’t need it, and most likely you wont use it.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is highly recommended of course, including good diet and exercise. You’ll feel better and you’ll likely live longer.

You’ll enjoy your exercise more outdoors, and save money in the process. Walking is free, so is jogging, cross-country skiing, and in many cases, swimming. For the same cost as a few months at the health club, you can buy a good quality bicycle. Tennis and basketball courts are readily available to the public in most parks and many schools.

Used weight equipment and is very easy to find in your local classified ads, Craigslist, etc.

And remember, there’s a reason why such a large proportion of health clubs require a contract – they know that most people lose interest quickly.

While gas logs in your fireplace are convenient, they are a sure-fire way of sending money up your chimney.

While no standard fireplace can really be considered “energy efficient”, burning wood will provide more heat than natural gas logs, and will provide it more cheaply.

Remember to have your chimney cleaned annually!

Today, Champ Money introduces a new category of topics which should be of interest to everyone ready to save money. This new category is named, appropriately enough, “Common Cents”.

Champ Money’s “Common Cents” offers quick tips for possible money savings on many everyday, common, items that many of us take for granted, or otherwise might not think about.

Be sure to check back often for new tips in this category.

Remember, it doesn’t take many small savings amounts to add up to something quite significant.

Saving a few dollars here and there, which can then be applied to outstanding debt, investments, or a high-interest savings account, will make a big difference in your life, and have a direct impact on your financial future.