With Knowledge Comes Savings

There are many things that aren’t negotiable. The salesperson at Macy’s won’t negotiate with you over the price of that newly arrived collection. But a ring at your local jeweler, or produce at the farmer’s market? Well, that’s a different story. And add magazine renewals to the list.

Image Credit: BreakingCopy

KNOW YOUR PRICES. When I receive a magazine renewal offer in the mail, I first check the website for the current online subscription price. Then I call customer service and request the same price, which is always lower. They are eager to lower my subscription price to keep me as a customer. One magazine even went lower than the published online price! Nancy, Texas

STOCKING UP SAVES. Stockpiling chicken when it’s on sale is a great money saver, but it’s only the beginning. When whole chickens go on sale for $.59 to $.87 per pound, buy three. Once cut up, grill four breasts, four thighs and six drumsticks. Freeze what you don’t immediately eat. Freeze (to cook later) six wings and two thighs. Also, debone and freeze two breasts. Finally, cook the giblets, tail, any fat, neck and bones in 3 1/2 quarts water for 3 hours. Add poultry seasoning. Once cool, cut the meat off the bones and neck, and mince the meat. Freeze chopped giblets for later, and freeze the chicken broth.

All this will cost about $14. Once cut up and separated, you have chicken that would cost over $50. It really pays for itself. Plus, the broth alone would be at least $6. Roy, California

PAINTING CLEANUP EASE. To make painting cleanup easier, line your roller pan with Glad Press ‘n Seal. When finished painting, remove the Press ‘n Seal and toss. This works better than regular plastic wrap, since it really sticks to the pan and doesn’t bunch up. RT, Minnesota

HEALTHY MOUTH SAVES MONEY. For years I’ve been lackadaisical about my dental hygiene. I’d brush, floss and go to the dentist twice a year for cleanings. In the past 10 years, I’ve had multiple cavities, crowns and root canals. I’ve had more than $10,000 in dental work, much of which I paid out of pocket.

I decided to get serious about cutting my dental spending. I talked to my dentist about a recommended daily regimen to prevent cavities. She told me to brush 2 minutes after every meal or sugary snack, floss every night and use a mouthwash to kill germs. She talked to me about what to look for when buying dental supplies and recommended some brands. The hygienist coached me on good brushing and flossing techniques. I now spend maybe $12 a month and 10 minutes a day, and my oral health has never been better. My last bill from my dentist was a hundred dollars instead of a thousand. Bobbie, North Dakota

Question: Do you negotiate lower prices, if appropriate? If so, what’s the most you’ve saved? Tell us here.