The start of a new year is the perfect time to assess your savings, and modern technology allows for more ways than ever to do so. Check out the methods below and make sure you’re taking advantage of these opportunities:
Examine online banks: The average savings account interest rate at online banks is nearly three times that of traditional banks. Research also shows that online banks are twice as likely as standing banks to be free of monthly maintenance fees.
Look at new credit card rewards offers: More than 60% of credit cards offer a type of rewards program. Many companies offer somewhere between 1 and 5% cash back on regular spending, which can result in significant earnings depending on how often you use it.
Consider refinancing – again: With mortgage rates at new lows and home prices on the rise, it’s a good time to refinance.
Explore new car insurance discounts: Some insurance companies allow you to use on-board vehicle monitoring equipment to show how safely you drive, thus lowering your rates.
Review your 401(k) contributions: Make sure you’re taking full advantage of your employer’s matching policy and contribution limit.
Rethink cable: With the increase in popularity of online streaming services, such as Netflix and Hulu Plus, cable is falling by the wayside. But if you’re not ready to get rid of cable completely, consider downgrading to a cheaper package.
Think about digital subscriptions: They are usually cheaper than printed versions and the latest issues arrive sooner.
For more techniques on how to build savings, visit Fox Business.