I love living in Southern California. Sure, the state’s got worse management than a fast food franchise chain, but I’ll be damned if you can beat the weather and location. And with summer just around the corner, and the beach calling my name just about every afternoon, it’s hard not to love it out here. In fact, I’d have no complaints at all if it weren’t so expensive.
But with great location comes great financial responsibility. In other words, it’s freakin’ expensive living out here. Anyone living in a semi-major metropolitan area can attest to the serious toll high gas, food, and utilities prices are taking on their wallets. And since most of us aren’t exactly ready to give up this cushy life of roomy SUVs and chocolate lattes and run to the hills for simpler times, we’re always on the hunt for ways to save a buck or ten.
I’m right there with you, and so I decided to compile a list of the top 5 websites that can help you stretch that dollar out just a little bit more.
• Craigslist - Althought it's getting a little spammy, I love this site. The Classified page for the Matrix generation, it’s great for finding housing for sale or rent, a new job, and a myriad of other goods and services for sale. Need a new gas grill, but don’t feel like paying retail price? Find it on Craigslist. Want to unload some old jewelry or sell the tickets to the concert you can’t make? Sell ‘em on Craigslist. If you ever want to buy something on the cheap, check Craigslist first.
• RetailMeNot - For the items and deals you won’t normally find on a site like Craigslist, another great place to turn to for deals online is RetailMeNot. Imagine if all the moms of the world decided to get together and compile every coupon and clipping they’d ever found and put it on a website. You’ve got RetailMeNot, a page boasting coupon codes to 50,000 online retailers, from Amazon to Pizza Hut to Victoria’s Secret. If you ever shop for anything online, check this site for coupons first.
• Skype - Tired of being charged 3/4s of your paycheck for your phone bill? Consider giving Skype a call. The site lets you use the internet as your phone service, allowing calls to any number in the US and Canada for about $3 a month (up to $13 if you want to make international calls). That’s something no other phone service can claim to offer. Sure, you may not have the coolest new apps for your cell phone, but you won’t have to pay for them either.
• GasBuddy - Ah, gas prices. Probably the one subject everyone can agree on, finding the cheapest gas in town can certainly be a hassle. Until you check out GasBuddy. The site compiles lists of every major fueling station in every major city in the US, along with their gas prices. So anytime you need to refuel, hit them up to find the cheapest prices in your area.
• BillShrink - Say you’re in the market for a new cell phone or need to open a new credit card. Where’s the best place to check rates on a new card, or to find the best cell phone plan? Head over to BillShrink. Let them know just what you’re looking for, and how much you’d be willing to spend – or how often you use credit cards – and they’ll find a list of options for you most people may not get by looking on their own. A great site for helping you save in the long-term.
Know of any other sites that offer a great bargain? Let us know in the comments!
Related Reading:
