Champ Money

When trying to save money on certain items, keep in mind that cheaper is not always better.

There are some items, such as Dansko shoes for example, where paying a bit more than you might for cheaper brands will save you plenty of money in the long run  – through greater durability and comfort.

That, of course, doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t try to find the best prices on those great products.

Replace worn-out air-conditioning equipment (or install a new system) in the winter, when HVAC guys offer discounts to drum up jobs.

Just remember to keep an eye on the calendar—spring may be closer than you think.

As an added bonus, air-conditioning makers typically provide off-season rebates on the equipment.

Tired of your plain old car? Looking for some way to make it unique without breaking the bank?

New custom car grills can make your ride different from all others. And, a new grill for your car, truck, or SUV is far less expensive than most people expect.

Grills are easy to install for the typical do-it-yourselfer, and that new custom grill will make you the envy of the crowd.

Do consumers really save money with a weight loss pill combined with their normal healthy diet and exercise?

Generally, yes.

Not only will curbing your appetite lower your food costs to some extent, but the greater benefit is a more effective weight loss program  – with quicker and more visible results – than one without the aid of a diet pill.

Of course, always follow the instructions closely whenever taking any weight loss pill.

Summer is winding down and winter will be here before you know it. Lock in a price cap for your heating oil or natural gas when prices are low to protect yourself from rate hikes over the coming months. Check prices at your supplier’s website.

Some utility companies charge a lock-in fee. Most don’t, but be aware of this and ask.

You can save over $500 on energy costs—if prices climb significantly. Because you’re taking a cap and not paying a fixed price, you won’t lose out if prices drop, as they did last fall.

If you want to keep your younger children entertained inexpensively, don’t overlook the swing sets.

The initial cost of a good quality swing set is minimal compared to the many years your child will use it. This will save money on more expensive forms of entertainment, such as arcades, as well as gas for trips back and forth to the public park.

As an added bonus, you’re youngster will never have to wait in line for their turn on the swing.

Despite the recent program presented by the federal government to persuade consumers to buy a new vehicle, more and more car owners are electing to hold out for as long as possible before signing more loan papers. And to get those higher miles, more people are repairing whenever possible.

Whether you need Ferrari parts or new tires for you Honda, go online. You’ll find parts cheaper than your local shops.

You can save a pretty good chunk of money by canceling  your trash pickup service if you currently pay a private company to cart away your refuse.

Instead, bring it to the dump yourself and you can easily save as much as $450 per year.

Of course, this does work better if you have the appropriate vehicle to move a stack of smelly garbage bags with.

It’s not too late to enjoy some domestic summer travel. In fact, the last few weeks of summer can provide for some of the most enjoyable trips to the Outer Banks or other coastal regions.

For the most part, the crowds are focusing on back-to-school and you can quite often find that you have the entire beach or shoreline virtually all to yourself.

The popularity of cleansonix and other colon detox / cleanse products continues to grow among health-conscious consumers around the world.

Many are finding that these products provide a noticeable positive difference not only in their weight, but in their general overall health and well-being.

It’s true the jury may still be out on some of these products, but it’s hard to deny the effectiveness of the better formulations.