The Champion Cheapskate Training Center

Save $1000s with simple things like asking for discounts, negotiating, comparison shopping, checking prices, reducing bills and traveling smart.

Be sure to take advantage of freebies, coupons and money. And realize you're probably already covered by extensive warranties, insurance and service contracts (check to be sure then avoid overkill).

And YOU have protection against fraud, deceptive practices and defective goods & services. BUT only if you know your rights, exercise them and use your good judgment. Yes, you have rights! (see Consumer Champions for more).

Take the Consumer Challenge.

The best way to get money is to save and invest it wisely. And the best way to save money is not to spend it. Live simple and reap the rewards. Simplify the way you work too. Here are a few modern day ways to deal with bills.

When you buy always look for sales and specials. Buy on need, not greed. Don't buy something because it is on sale or cheap. Always look for ways to save yourself time and money.

Champion Cheapskates use all their options including the 5 R's. Be creative. EX: Recycle. You hate fruitcakes but keep getting them. Don't throw them away! Give them as gifts, perks and incentives or sell them.

Give from the heart. Add your personal touch with homemade and handmade gifts. Waste not, want not – use the unopened and unused items (computer programs, clothes, knick-knacks, etc.) you have.

Stores, especially those you frequent, will give you fancy boxes (they’d probably end up in the trash otherwise) and may even wrap presents for you for FREE!

Have your own easy auctions & yard sales

Let's face it, today you can't afford to be an easy mark. Be aware of bait & switch tactics, low-balling, slamming, cramming, phony "Going Out of Business" & liquidation sales and fake free trial offers.

Don't drink and drive. Find a designated driver. Avoid driving long distances right after eating heavy meals. Sleepy, sluggish drivers are more likely to have accidents (and road rage), especially in the summer heat. Be aware of other driving distractions such as passengers, cell phones, the radio and eating.

Don't be penny-wise and pound foolish

Ask yourself:

• What do inferior goods & services and cutting corners cost you – worry, downtime, repair costs, replacement costs, poor performance, time, energy, etc.

• Are "free" PCs and "free" Internet access really FREE (one-time set up fees, registration & processing fees, toll calls, privacy)? (Get Free NetZero Internet Access for 10 hours per month.) Does that "once-in-a-lifetime" deal include all the accessories, service and support you need? Why not? What will it cost you to get it!

• Do you get what you pay for? If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Caveat Emptor – let the buyer beware!

• Who can you trust?

Get exactly what you need, nothing less and maybe, in special cases, a bit more. (see Consumer Champions for more)

Here are 7 ways to deal with surplus and unwanted items

1. Take a new look at what you have. It could be a valuable collectible, priceless antique or family heirloom (stranger things have happened!)

2. Barter, trade and swap & exchange items to get something you can actually use

3. Use your overlooked treasures (or would you rather be a buyer?). All it may take is a quick cleaning (repair, restore, refurbish)

4. Sell excess items online or at garage sales, house warming parties, auctions, consignment shops, flea markets, etc.

5. Donate items (check with your accountant about tax deductions and credits)

6. Give suitable items as gifts, perks and incentives. Quality, quirky or unusual items work best

7. Be creative! (think of new ways to use things, recycle, mix & match)

Satisfy your needs by using what you already have – search your closets, basement, attic, garage, shed, boxes, crates, drawers, storage areas, etc. Create trade, barter and in-kind agreements and form strategic partnerships.

Do not be afraid to give the right items as gifts, especially unopened and unused items. Give special homemade and handmade items that have your personal touch as gifts too – an effective way to show you really care. Live simple and enjoy life.

For more tips visit the easy way to auctions & yard sales.

Take the Champion Cheapskate Test

Use the Frugal Food Formula to save big on food and have healthy well-rounded meals. Who could ask for more?

Share your tips, suggestions and stories and get a FREE gift. (We'll even post them if you like!) And keep me informed about your life as a Champion Cheapskate. Send your comments to e-mail me or Fax: 360.656.1172.

Freebies You Can Actually Use

Money

Reduce Your Bills

Learn How to Lift Your Mood

Your Most Precious Asset

Live Simple

Take the Champion Cheapskate Test

Visit the Champion Cheapskate Links. It's our collection of cheapskate resources: consumer champions, money savers, money makers, watchdogs, etc.

Manage Time. Learn how to make to pay.

Cheapskate Gift Ideas

Hey, Cheapskates! Want your own personal penny-pincher plan designed exclusively for you? Write for FREE details.

Remember, take advantage of FREE stuff- freebies, product & service samples, free coupons, cash-back offers, rebates, money, frequent flyer miles, Internet access, instructional seminars, complimentary consultations, surveys, etc. That's why they're offered!

And don't forget to use the 5 R's- Repair, Restore, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

Thanks for visiting. Did you take the Champion Cheapskate Test?

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