5 Easy Ways to Save Big Bucks

Interested in saving money? Most people are these days. However, while skipping your coffee and bagel combo every morning or bringing a bagged lunch to work will certainly save a few dollars here and there, such adjustments likely won't add up to huge savings. Rather, saving on big-ticket items is a great way to reap big savings.

1. Strike a deal with the doctor. The healthcare industry is constantly in flux. Many doctors are facing high malpractice premiums or are receiving low reimbursement rates from health insurance companies. That leaves room for negotiation on services. It's not that uncommon, either. If you are willing to pay cash for your health services, you may be able to negotiate lower rates on routine medical visits -- it doesn't hurt to ask.

2. While you're negotiating, talk to a real estate agent. A poor economy has taken its toll on the real estate market. As a result, agents are not selling homes as quickly or for as much as they were just a few years ago. This is the perfect time to save some money if you're in the market for a home. See if your real estate agent is willing to reduce his or her commission rate, especially if you do more of the leg work. With online search capabilities and automated house listing e-mails, home buyers are more hands-on in the purchasing and selling process. Find out if you can save a percent or two on the agent's rate. That can add up to thousands in savings.

3. Buy in bulk. Many times family-sized or bulk items tend to be less expensive per unit sold. Take advantage of this fact by purchasing frequently used items when they are on sale and freeze or store them for future use. You could find you save more this way than clipping weekly coupons. Buying bulk doesn't necessarily mean you have to enroll in a warehouse store membership. Local supermarkets and big box retailers can run sales that rival the regular prices at warehouse places. Just do your research and comparison shop.

4. Purchase a used car. With the high number of lease turn-ins and the warrantees many dealerships are offering on previously owned vehicles, buying used could be your most cost-effective option. Consider this: The moment you drive a new car off of the lot that car's value starts to depreciate greatly. There's little point in paying more for a car simply to have the latest model, say financial experts. A used car in good condition will work just as well and cost far less than an off-the-showroom floor vehicle.

5. Keep good credit. There's no point saving a few dollars here and there if you pay bills late and let your credit score slide. A poor credit score will garner you a higher interest rate on any loan for which you apply. This can mean thousands and thousands of dollars overspent.