A $450 annual fee for a credit card? Is that something a value shopper would consider?

According to a new article, value shoppers are doing much more than that – they’re actually seeking these cards out. It all has to do with the perks, and some savvy consumers and bargain hunters are realizing that they actually can save money of they’re good at using the points for stuff like travel and vacations.

If you’re interested in rewards credit cards, or curious as to which of the many offers you get in the mail are worth pursuing, then check out the link and see what works best for your desired lifestyle and spending habits.

You can save plenty of money using apps on your smartphone, so in effect the phone can pay for itself over time. Check out the video above for tips like:

– Using Google Shopper to compare prices
– Bank ATM finder app for free ATM machines
– Track spending with apps like Mint to create a budget and sticking to it
– The Field agent app will actually pay you to scan pricing info!

There are other suggestions in this video worth learning about. The key is there are plenty of ways to use a smartphone to save or make money. It’s more than just a texting machine for your friends and hookups!

This video covers 5 options for Americans who want to retire abroad, focusing on Costa Rica, Italy, Spain, France and Ireland.

Using the classic method of asking for a low cost just to be negotiated up to a reasonable one is a good method, but there are many other routes you should take in order to get the best deal on a car. Here are some suggestions as to how to haggle down the price to one you think is fair for the vehicle you’re driving off the lot.

Haggle Down the Repair Costs

Don’t pay for the first car you want without giving it an inspection. After you’ve done your own, Consumer Reports recommends taking it to an independent mechanic. Once the mechanic has looked it over thoroughly, the site suggests finding out if there are any necessary repairs and then find out the costs. Let the dealer know about these costs and haggle down the price to reflect the necessary repair fees. You don’t want to pay for a car and then have additional repair payments adding up for months after you’ve already made the deal.

Look Up the Car’s Value

Use the Kelley Blue Book to look up various cars and their value in your area. This ensures that you know what you’re talking about and how to bargain before you even step foot inside the dealership. There’s nothing more embarrassing than trying to pressure a dealer into an unrealistic price range.

Research the Car’s History

Use CARFAX or a similar service to check the vehicle history of the cars on their lot. Avoid being ripped off by simply taking a car’s VIN number, plugging it into their database, and getting access to billions of records instantly. They have more than 30,000 sources of data at your disposal, and with that kind of information, you can always get the best deal without spending hours of your time doing research.

Conclusion

Using these methods will help you get a price for a car that accurately reflects its worth. Do your research before walking onto the dealership lot, and make sure to take the time to get the car thoroughly inspected. Don’t just stop haggling with the dealer. Make sure you find the best auto insurance policy by reviewing and comparing each provider. This will allow you to be prepared to haggle to an appropriate price.

If there’s one thing we’ve learned from the financial crisis, you have to do your own research. You can’t rely on anyone else these days. It’s a shame, but that the fact. Ratings agencies, mortgage brokers and bankers have all shown that they only care about themselves.

Fortunately, we have the new Financial Consumer Protection Bureau, but it will take a while before all their regulations kick in. So get informed by going online. Learn about the interest rates and other factors that will help you with mortgages, refinancings, foreclosure and other issues. Compare Natwest Mortgages quotes online on Know Your Money. You are such a better position if you’ve done your own research ahead of time. People in this industry throw around jargon and numbers to confuse you, so make sure you also take your time.

You don’t have to make decisions on the spot! Keep that in mind. It’s always acceptable to say that you want to go back and do more research. If anyone pressures you, it’s probably because it’s not a great deal. If is sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

Lastly, figure out your real budget before you start shopping. Many people don’t do this and then they get into trouble.