Think Long Term To Save Money

When it comes to saving money there's the immediate benefit you get by making simple changes in your life, but there also long term savings to be realized with a minimal upfront investment. I have a few ideas from my life that come to mind immediately, but I would also love to hear your suggestions as well.

A couple of years back I had a slow shower drain that would get better after pouring some drain cleaner down it, but get worse pretty quickly. I found myself frequently spending money drain cleaner. Then one day in the aisle with the drain cleaner I saw a rubber "hair trap" that you place over your shower drain to keep hair from going down. It was only $0.99 so I figured I would give it a try. Since that day a couple of years ago I have not had a need to buy any more drain cleaner. That $0.99 investment saved the cost of many, MANY, bottles!

Another example I have relates to auto repair. In the spring of 2008 I got a 2006 Saturn Ion. That summer I hit a pot hole that caused a flat tire. I had been going to Firestone for years, so I went there to get my new tires (had to replace both front tires). At that time they offered to me unlimited lifetime alignments for a one time $20 payment on top of the cost of a regular alignment. I did some simple math and quickly saw the benefit since the car was only 2 years old and I would more than likely need future alignments. I was able to take advantage of one free alignment when I went back in 2009 to get my rear tires replaced. Unfortunately my car saw an early death as it was totaled in a multi-car pile up on an icy highway. I fully intend to add the lifetime alignments to my new car.

With a little upfront investment I'm sure you too will find ways in your life to save money in the long run.