Who couldn't use a few extra dollars in the bank? Chances are you could be saving more by practicing a few penny pinching ideas. Check out the following list and see which ideas can help you get a little more bang for your buck.

INSURANCE

When you receive your renewal notice it is time to begin comparison shopping. Spend an hour researching insurance rates. Ask your friends from whom they get their insurance. When I took some time to shop auto insurance I reduced my annual rate by $600.00 and retained similar coverage. If you have more than one policy, go through the same agent to receive a multiple-policy holder discount.

AUTO

Keep up with routine maintenance on your car such as oil changes and tune ups. This can avoid costly repairs down the road.

UTILITIES

Keep in mind that when you lower your thermostat by one degree during heating season-- you will save around 2% on your bill.

CHECKS

Order your checks through the mail instead of through a bank. My last order from a bank cost $13.50 for plain yellow checks. I got an abstract design on from a mail order company for around $5.00. Current offers a good variety of checks. You can request their check brochure at (800)-426-0822

CONTACT LENSES

Ordering contact lenses from a direct company can be less expensive than ordering through an optician. Call Contact Lens Connection at (800)-695-LENS for more details. But don't forget to still see your eye doctor regularly for check-up visits.

REFILL PLEASE!

For common household cleaners use refills when available. This way you will not pay for packaging each time you make a purchase.

SKIP THE SODA!

Get rid of soda in your house. Instead find a mixed beverage for your children like Kool-Aid, Tang, or Crystal Light. This will save on soda bills and dentist bills, too! If soda is a must, buy it in liter bottles. It is cheaper and avoids the waste of having leftover soda in cans. If canned soda is preferred, find a store-brand your family likes. These can usually be purchased for .10-.14 cents per can.

GROCERY SHOPPING

When shopping, be armed with a list and don't stray from it! It also helps to shop the edge of the supermarket where the fresh food and less expensive food tends to be. It is the middle aisles that contain all those items that can magically leap into your cart.

SAVING IDEAS Never spend your change. Use a coffee tin and deposit all your change into it. Let all your change accumulate for a year. Use the money to get something nice for yourself, or add to it for several years and take your children on a special vacation. Pay $5 extra on your electric, phone, water , cable, and gas bills. Do this January through November. Then relax in December to a low-bill month!