Tips for Saving Money, Cutting Expenses, etc.

[DaemonSeid]

A few tips, I guess...

Cable...get rid of premium channels if you don't need them...most of what's there can be found online or in the video store. No sense in spending 20 bucks a month for things you have already seen and don't plan on watching.

PCs - learn how to do minor repairs and upgrades on your own, Geek Squad is a rip off. Also learn how to use your software tools for cleaning and optimizing because to have a PC recovered from a virus may cost you as much as 200 to 300 dollars.

On a tangent with food - If you are one of those that is trying to eat healthy but hates veggies try also getting a juicer and mix some of your fruits and veggies together (get some good recipes to show you how) because you can make some great tasting juices without having to a) spend money on fruit juice and b) do a lot of cooking.

I can spend a decent amount on fresh veggies, then cook up the rest of my dinner (meat and starch) and then as my drink have my juice (this also eliminates your sodas and such) and you are done.

[cheerfulgreek]

Originally Posted by DaemonSeid

PCs - learn how to do minor repairs and upgrades on your own, Geek Squad is a rip off. Also learn how to use your software tools for cleaning and optimizing because to have a PC recovered from a virus may cost you as much as 200 to 300 dollars.

That's easy for you to say, Mr. Computer guru.

[Kappamd]

Originally Posted by cheerfulgreek

That's easy for you to say, Mr. Computer guru.

He's right, Geek Squad is a major rip-off, and their skill-set isn't even capable of advanced repairs. Most things Geek Squad does you should be able to do with a little research.

[DaemonSeid]

Originally Posted by Kappamd

He's right, Geek Squad is a major rip-off, and their skill-set isn't even capable of advanced repairs. Most things Geek Squad does you should be able to do with a little research.

@ CG..well I had to learn this for myself as the first time I decided to upgrade my PC with new memory, the guy charged me 200 for 5 minutes of service. No lie. I always tell me friends and I have said this here too, if you know someone that knows PCs, (Just as you did CG) take it TO THEM instead of the Geek Squad. Most of them are not even A+ Certified and have on some occasions have done more damage than good.

I made the mistake of taking my PC to Circuit City 2 years ago because it got something that even I could not fix and they
a) took one month to fix it after they told me it would take a week

b) broke something else on my machine and tried to say it was already like that when it was a new part.

and this goes not just with PCs but anything that you know may cost a pretty penny to fix. Even automobiles...if you find someone that knows how to do car repairs and do it well, become their friend!

[cheerfulgreek]

Originally Posted by DaemonSeid

@ CG..well I had to learn this for myself as the first time I decided to upgrade my PC with new memory, the guy charged me 200 for 5 minutes of service. No lie. I always tell me friends and I have said this here too, if you know someone that knows PCs, (Just as you did CG) take it TO THEM instead of the Geek Squad. Most of them are not even A+ Certified and have on some occasions have done more damage than good.

I made the mistake of taking my PC to Circuit City 2 years ago because it got something that even I could not fix and they
a) took one month to fix it after they told me it would take a week

b) broke something else on my machine and tried to say it was already like that when it was a new part.

and this goes not just with PCs but anything that you know may cost a pretty penny to fix. Even automobiles...if you find someone that knows how to do car repairs and do it well, become their friend!

I loled SO hard at what I bolded. Hilarious! What did you do when they told you it was already broken? I know that had to be an argument, like "Can I see your manager?" argument. lol

With the exception of one time, I've always taken my computer to one of my classmates (and friend) for repairs. Dell fixed it once, and they're expensive. My friend knows computers really well. She got rid of my virus and she installed my Norton 360 for me. Most of the problems I have on my computer, I just call her and she walks me through it. But ever since she installed Norton on my laptop, it's been working fine. She's awesome.

I don't know any mechanics. Other than the dealer, I honestly really wouldn't trust anyone doing work on my car anyway. So far, I haven't had any problems with it. However, when I take it in for regular service, it is expensive. Minis are made by BMW so I always take it there to get it serviced, and they charge me an arm and a leg everytime. But I would rather pay that and leave knowing everything is right, rather than dealing with someone who doesn't know what they're doing, which would cost me more money in the long run.

[ThetaPrincess24]

[QUOTE=DaemonSeid;1857338
and this goes not just with PCs but anything that you know may cost a pretty penny to fix. Even automobiles...if you find someone that knows how to do car repairs and do it well, become their friend![/QUOTE]


My husband now changes all of the oil in our cars instead of going to the 12 minute oil change place across the street.