(NC) Most of us could use a little extra money these days. And while you might not have time for a side hustle, you should have time to look into these four potentially unexpected sources of cash.
Seek out grants and rebates
Many products are sold with rebates that you can apply for. But people often forget. Luckily, most rebate applications can be done online now, which makes it easy and means you can track your payment. You also save the cost of a stamp and envelope.
If you’re considering any home renovations to improve your home’s energy efficiency, there are a variety of rebates available from manufacturers, utility companies and various levels of government.
Negotiate your bills
In North America, other than buying a car or making other large purchases, we generally don’t negotiate on price. But it’s often worth a try. With cellphone plans, for example, you may see a competitor with a promo that’s better than your provider offers. If so, contact the company you’re with and ask them to meet or exceed the competing offer. Customer retention is very important for these companies, so there’s a good chance they’ll offer you a discount.
Some of the best things in life are free
We often put a lot of pressure on ourselves to impress our friends, family and potential new love interests with our generosity. But you often don’t have to spend a lot of money – or any – to have a great time. A hike in the woods with the family, a romantic bike ride for a first date or visiting a local museum when they offer free admission are all ways to create memories without spending any money.
Quit smoking
The health impacts of smoking and the benefits of quitting smoking are well known. But have you ever considered how much money you would save by quitting smoking? At roughly $15 a pack, if you cut out one pack a week then you’ll save almost $800 a year. A pack a day will set you back nearly $5,500.
You’ll also catch fewer illnesses like colds and flus and recover more quickly, meaning you’ll miss less time off work sick.
You might even be able to get free nicotine replacement therapy, like the patch or gum, or prescription medications through provincial drug coverage programs or your health benefits at work. But even if you have to pay out of pocket, you still save money since the cost of quit aids is often lower than cigarettes.
