Spend less with these hidden money savers

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By Connie Thompson

We're all looking for ways to save money these days. So the KOMO 4 Problem Solvers are turning over every rock to help you get more bang for your buck.

I call these "hidden money savers" -- things we forget about because we don't deal with them on a daily basis. It's kind of like finding a couple hundred dollars in the pocket of a jacket you haven't worn all year.

Start with your automobile. You may see your car every day, but when's the last time you looked at your auto insurance policy?

Many cars on the road are over-insured because they've dropped in value or no longer have the same number of drivers.

So review your auto insurance policy and drop unnecessary coverage, especially on older models.

Consider increasing the deductibles. Experts say dropping unneeded coverage and raising deductibles could save you as much as 30 percent on your premiums.

And watch your driving. Traffic tickets and crashes that are your fault are like throwing your money out the window.

Your home may be another source of hidden savings.

Does your home owner's insurance include the value of the land? That's a huge waste of money because you only need to insure the structure and belongings.

Review that policy every year. Ask your agent how much you could save by increasing your deductibles. And drop coverage you don't need, including outdated riders on jewelry or antiques you no longer own or special coverage for losses away from your premises if you rarely carry around valuables.

If you're paying for private mortgage insurance and have at least 20 percent equity in your home, get rid of that PMI. You don't need it.

And as long as we're talking insurance. review your life insurance policy. If you haven't touched it for years, you may be missing out on lower rates available through the same company.

While you're at it, shop around. You may be able to get a much better deal somewhere else.

Just don't cancel any insurance policy in to you've signed a new policy to replace it. You may also lower your rates by losing weight, lowering your cholesterol level and kicking tobacco.

One more hidden money saver for anyone with employment benefits: Take advantage of the flexible spending account.

You make pre-tax contributions to your account every month, then use the pre-tax account to get reimbursed for medical expenses not covered by your insurance, including co-payments and prescriptions at the pharmacy.

The only drawback is this is a "use it or lose it" benefit. It's very important to make an accurate guess of how much money to put into the account because if you lose any balance that you do not claim.

A recent report indicates participants lose an average of $100 a year because of unclaimed FSA balances.

You only have one opportunity a year to get into the FSA plan. That's during the open enrollment period of your employer's health plan.

More information:

Ten Ways To Cut the Cost of Your Homeowner's Insurance

5 ways to cut car insurance costs

Consumer Reports Offers Six Tips for Consumers to Cut Spending by $500 Per Month

Flexible Spending Account: Frequently Asked Questions

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