ACE Blog http://blog.acecashexpress.com Helping you Manage your Money Wisely Thu, 27 Aug 2015 22:09:53 +0000 en hourly 1 Back to School Shopping Tips http://blog.acecashexpress.com/23480/back-to-school-shopping-tips-2?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=back-to-school-shopping-tips-2 http://blog.acecashexpress.com/23480/back-to-school-shopping-tips-2#comments Thu, 27 Aug 2015 22:09:53 +0000 Madison http://blog.acecashexpress.com/?p=23480 The start of a new school year often means additional expenses. Here are some tips for spending less on school supplies.

  • Wait until school starts. Purchase a few essentials for the first day of school, but wait a few days to get the rest of your supplies. By waiting to see what you really need for your classes, you can avoid wasting money on unused items and take advantage of deeper discounts.
  • Shop at a discount store first. Stores such as the Dollar Tree and 99 Cents Store are the best places to start your school supply shopping.
  • Shop for the remaining items at a store that offers price matching. Scour the ads for sales on the rest of the items that you are lacking and purchase them at a store that price matches. This will help you avoid driving all over town.
]]> http://blog.acecashexpress.com/23480/back-to-school-shopping-tips-2/feed 0 Clean your house for less http://blog.acecashexpress.com/23473/clean-your-house-for-less?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=clean-your-house-for-less http://blog.acecashexpress.com/23473/clean-your-house-for-less#comments Wed, 22 Apr 2015 21:39:54 +0000 Madison http://blog.acecashexpress.com/?p=23473 Spring is the perfect time to deep clean and organize your house. The cost of cleaning supplies and other household items can add up, so try these ideas to stock up and save money:

  • Make your own cleaning supplies instead of buying them at the store. Check out some simple recipes here.
  • Order household supplies online. Amazon’s Subscribe and Save program is a great money-saving option that gives you a discount when you have items automatically purchased and delivered to you on a recurring basis.
]]> http://blog.acecashexpress.com/23473/clean-your-house-for-less/feed 0 Spring: the perfect season to save http://blog.acecashexpress.com/23461/spring-the-perfect-season-to-save?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=spring-the-perfect-season-to-save http://blog.acecashexpress.com/23461/spring-the-perfect-season-to-save#comments Fri, 03 Apr 2015 20:18:18 +0000 Madison http://blog.acecashexpress.com/?p=23461 Spring has sprung and it has brought beautiful weather along with it. There are many ways you can take advantage of this spring weather to save money.

  • Cancel pricey gym memberships and exercise outside. There are many parks with walking trails and workout equipment like pull up bars that you can access for free.
  • Grow a vegetable garden and spend less at the grocery store. After the last freeze of spring is said to be the best time to grow crops, so now is the perfect time to find a spot in your backyard or patio to grow herbs and vegetables.
  • Ditch the AC and open the windows. With the mild temperatures and breeze of spring, there is no need to waste money on air conditioning.

 

]]> http://blog.acecashexpress.com/23461/spring-the-perfect-season-to-save/feed 0 Spring cleaning for your finances http://blog.acecashexpress.com/23456/spring-cleaning-for-your-finances?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=spring-cleaning-for-your-finances http://blog.acecashexpress.com/23456/spring-cleaning-for-your-finances#comments Thu, 19 Mar 2015 16:14:59 +0000 Madison http://blog.acecashexpress.com/?p=23456 Spring cleaning doesn’t have to stop at just cleaning your house. You can also take this time to clean up your finances.

  • Evaluate your subscriptions and reoccurring bills like cable, Netflix, magazines, music services, etc. and cancel the ones  you don’t really need.
  • Work on paying off your credit cards and move to a debit card/cash budget.
  • Give up or cut back on expensive habits like going out to eat or splurging on pricey coffee drinks.
  • Revisit your insurance policies like home, auto and health to make sure there isn’t a cheaper alternative.
]]> http://blog.acecashexpress.com/23456/spring-cleaning-for-your-finances/feed 0 3 Great Money Management Apps http://blog.acecashexpress.com/23450/3-great-money-management-apps?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=3-great-money-management-apps http://blog.acecashexpress.com/23450/3-great-money-management-apps#comments Fri, 06 Mar 2015 17:30:20 +0000 Madison http://blog.acecashexpress.com/?p=23450 There is an app for almost anything now, making overwhelming tasks become as easy as clicking a button. Budgeting and staying on top of bills, for example, can seem intimidating at times, but these money management apps can help you take control of your finances. What’s even better is that they are free and there are many more out there:

  • Prism. This app is perfect for people who need help keeping up with their bills. It helps you manage all your bills in one place and reminds you when they are due. Download: App Store | Google Play
  • Mint. Use this popular money management service via the app or website. Mint pulls information from your bank accounts, credit cards and loans and categorizes your purchases so you can set up budgets and track your spending. Download: App Store | Google Play
  • Expensify. This tool can also be accessed through the app or website and is perfect for freelancers, people who travel for work or individuals who like to keep their receipts. You can photograph, categorize and tag your receipts and even add them to expense reports if needed. Debit and credit cards can also be linked to oversee all your spending. Download: App Store | Google Play
]]> http://blog.acecashexpress.com/23450/3-great-money-management-apps/feed 0 Make the most of tax deductions http://blog.acecashexpress.com/23444/make-the-most-of-tax-deductions?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=make-the-most-of-tax-deductions http://blog.acecashexpress.com/23444/make-the-most-of-tax-deductions#comments Mon, 26 Jan 2015 22:51:41 +0000 Madison http://blog.acecashexpress.com/?p=23444 Many taxpayers overpay each year by overlooking tax deductions. As you prepare your taxes this year, take some time to find out which tax deductions you can claim, so you can keep more of your money. Depending on your situation, here are some tax deductions that could apply to you:

  • Home offices for the self-employed
  • Moving costs for a new job
  • Medical insurance premiums
You can find more information on tax deductions from various resources like IRS.gov and other websites.
]]> http://blog.acecashexpress.com/23444/make-the-most-of-tax-deductions/feed 0 Last Minute Gift Shopping Tips http://blog.acecashexpress.com/23437/last-minute-gift-shopping-tips?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=last-minute-gift-shopping-tips http://blog.acecashexpress.com/23437/last-minute-gift-shopping-tips#comments Wed, 17 Dec 2014 00:14:39 +0000 Madison http://blog.acecashexpress.com/?p=23437 It’s that time of year again, when many of us are scrambling for last minute holiday gifts. Here are a few tips to help you save both time and money:

  • Take advantage of holiday gift card promotions- Many retailers and restaurants offer gift cards at a reduced rate, free gift cards with purchases, or offer free gift cards for the buyer when they purchase a certain quantity of gift cards for others.
  • Streamline your shopping for the best deals- If you are shopping at a mall or outlet center, look for offers on their main website. Most malls and outlet centers have an area of their website that lists all available offers and specials for their stores.
  • Photos always make great gifts- Framed photos make great gifts for family and friends and are quick and inexpensive. And websites like Snapfish.com allow you to print pictures inexpensively, or you can personalize gifts like mugs, mouse pads, and calendars with your favorite pictures on them.
  • Re-gift- Most of us have received a gift that we already own or have no use for. New, unused gifts like these are perfect for re-gifting. Just be sure that you do not re-gift to the person you received the gift from!
]]> http://blog.acecashexpress.com/23437/last-minute-gift-shopping-tips/feed 0 Tips to help you think outside of the box and save this holiday! http://blog.acecashexpress.com/23425/tips-to-help-you-think-outside-of-the-box-and-save-this-holiday?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tips-to-help-you-think-outside-of-the-box-and-save-this-holiday http://blog.acecashexpress.com/23425/tips-to-help-you-think-outside-of-the-box-and-save-this-holiday#comments Wed, 17 Dec 2014 00:10:43 +0000 Madison http://blog.acecashexpress.com/?p=23425



  • Take advantage of cash-back websites- Websites such as ebates.com and fatwallet.com pay you back a percentage of your purchase just for shopping at your favorite stores from their website. Take your savings a step further by comparing these websites at cashbackaholic.com to see which ones pay back the highest percentage.
  • Use eBay- You can earn cash by selling things that you have lying around the house AND find some great bargains on eBay. It’s definitely worth checking out.
  • Buy gifts just for the kids- If you have a large, extended family that you usually buy for, it’ll save you tons of money if you agree to buy just for the kids this year. Your family will be thankful for the suggestion!
  • Have a Secret Santa Party- Agree to do a Secret Santa with friends or coworkers and you’ll save big by only buying one present instead of gifts for everyone. Set a budget that everyone can agree to.
  • Make your own presents- If you have a particular skill or talent, use it for presents! Don’t spend money on gifts when you can make something more special yourself.
    • ]]>     http://blog.acecashexpress.com/23425/tips-to-help-you-think-outside-of-the-box-and-save-this-holiday/feed 0     Holiday Shopping Safety Tips http://blog.acecashexpress.com/23419/holiday-shopping-safety-tips?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=holiday-shopping-safety-tips http://blog.acecashexpress.com/23419/holiday-shopping-safety-tips#comments Tue, 16 Dec 2014 23:59:04 +0000 Madison http://blog.acecashexpress.com/?p=23419 The holiday season should be a time of great joy as we celebrate and share gifts with friends and family. Unfortunately, it can be a time when crime becomes more prevalent. Staying alert and following a few simple tips this holiday season, will help make your holiday season a safe and happy one.

    • Avoid wearing flashy jewelry and do not carry a purse or wallet if possible. These are prime targets for criminals in busy shopping areas.
    • Do not carry large amounts of cash and keep the cash that you do carry in your front pocket.
    • Put away your cell phone and iPod so that you are aware of your surroundings on the way to your car.
    • Always park in well-lit areas and have your keys in hand as you approach your vehicle.
    • Avoid leaving valuables visible in your vehicle, whether at the mall, the office, or even at home.
    • Lastly, be cautious about your social media posts. You don’t want to advertise when you will not be home!
    ]]>     http://blog.acecashexpress.com/23419/holiday-shopping-safety-tips/feed 0     6 tips that most people forget http://blog.acecashexpress.com/23402/6-tips-that-most-people-forget?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=6-tips-that-most-people-forget http://blog.acecashexpress.com/23402/6-tips-that-most-people-forget#comments Wed, 26 Nov 2014 23:37:59 +0000 Madison http://blog.acecashexpress.com/?p=23402

     

     

    • Take advantage of the Black Friday apps. TGIBlackFriday.com and RetailMeNot.com group all the deals together for you by the latest deals, retailer, and category.
    • Compare prices. Use pricegrabber.com and Amazon.com to compare prices and make sure you are really getting a great deal, especially for video games, electronics and gadgets.
    • Compare ads. Many stores sell stripped down versions of items for a great price, but then you end up paying extra for accessories.
    • Take the ads with you. Most stores that offer a “lowest-price” guarantee require an ad to do the price match.
    • Do your research on big ticket items. Check customer reviews and consumer reports first. Just because it was cheap, does not mean that it is a good deal!
    • Most importantly. Stores are getting very strict with their return policies. Don’t forget the gift receipt!
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