Every day, Groupon will post a new deal. It may be a discount on event tickets, a discount at a trendy restaurant or bakery, or a special price on a service like dry cleaning or a facial at a spa. The way Groupon states it, “Each day we feature something cool to do at an unbeatable price.”

If enough people sign up to do the deal, then the deal is on! If not enough people sign up, then no deal. That is what collective buying power is about – a group of people have to take the deal to get the discount.

Skype is the best known of the VOIP systems. The Skype service is free. You will need either a headset or a mic and speakers. I use Skype with many of my consulting clients. The service is free between Skype users – even international calls are free. There is a screen sharing feature so you can show the person you are talking with whatever you want on your screen – websites, tutorials, photos, whatever. May businesses are going to VOIP systems because of the reduced cost and efficiency.

Skype is fun for personal use, too. If you have a webcam integrated, you can see the other person on your screen. It can be kind of creepy at first, but once you get the whole family on Skype, it gets fun.

If you cancel your landline plan, which is an average of $48, you can save $576 a year. Skype and other VOIP systems do not have 911 capabilities, so keep that in mind. Click here to check out Skype and see if it will help you save money on your phone bill.

1. Shop around. Even if you have been with your current provider for many years, you may not be getting the best deal. Go online or call around to get quotes. You might find cheaper car insurance.

2. Get rid of extras you don’t need on your current policy. (Never give up roadside assistance!) Insurance companies are famous for adding options to increase your bill.

3. If you have teen drivers, ask about a good student discount. This doesn’t necessarily mean straight As. Your student may qualify with a certain GPA.

4. When shopping for a new policy, or updating your current policy, ask questions about how to get deeper discounts for cheaper car insurance. Do you get a break for low mileage or if you are a homeowner? If you don’t ask, you don’t get.

Recently I received a mailbox flyer from DirecTV. The ad was for a package deal at a lower price than I pay for the same channels. But, the offer only applied to new customers.

So, I called DirecTV customer service and asked for the cable TV special deal. They said no. I asked to speak to a supervisor. I said, “I am calling in reference to the current special you have of $29.99 a month for the basic package for new customers. I have been a DirecTV customer for 5 years. As a loyal customer, isn’t my business as important to you as business from someone who has never paid you a dime? I have paid over $3,000 for your service over the last 5 years. I should be eligible this special deal.”

The supervisor had to think about my comments for a minute, and put me on hold. Then she came back and gave me a free upgrade to a more expensive package. They didn’t lower my monthly bill, but I got some free stuff just for asking. Be polite but firm. You don’t have to get nasty – this is a negotiation.

Keep in mind that when you pay for services such as internet access, cell phone usage, or cable TV, you are the bread and butter of these organizations. They want you coming back month after month. Take advantage of this situation. If you don’t ask, you don’t get.

Step 1 : Find appropriate forums that correspond with with your niche and contains your target audience assembled in one place..

Step 2 : Find opportunities to answer questions and be helpful. Do not blatantly post about “buy my product.” Be subtle.

Step 3 : Professionally reply to threads in a helpful way. (Do not just ask them to go to your site.) Add link anywhere in the middle of the thread or use signature link to let them visit your site.

Some card companies pay you back for using their card when you purchase merchandise or services. Rewards can be points, free gift cards, discounts at specific retailers, plane tickets, or merchandise.

To take advantage of business credit card rewards, you’ll need to do some detective work. Look closely at your statement and cardholder agreement and find out if you are earning rewards. The rewards can come in many shapes and sizes:

1) Cash back applied to your balance. (The most attractive option.)

2) A check mailed to you monthly or quarterly.

3) Gift cards. You can do several things with gift cards including give them as gifts, use them yourself for merchandise, or sell them on eBay or Amazon. Gift cards typically sell on eBay and Amazon for 90-95% of the face value.

So pay attention to your business credit card rewards and use them to your advantage.

Related articles:

How to Get Free Gift Cards