Get a $1,000+ boost in 2020

The first week of January is the perfect time to look for ways to save cash in the new year. And, lucky you, these genius money moves can help you save more than $1,000— all with a simple call or click!

Earn $100s in discounts for this year’s changes

If you make a big life change in 2020, you may be due extra cash! For example, you could get a discount of $100 or more on your home or car insurance if you start working from home or retire. And if you reach a certain age (such as 50, 55, 60 or 65), that could entitle you to a 25% discount on utilities, property tax and even wireless service: Verizon Wireless offers a two-line unlimited plan for folks 55+ at $40 less per month, saving you $480 in 2020! Just call your service providers and ask about all the discounts you may be eligible for.

Ask about new deals

Each year, cable and satellite TV companies, banks, credit card issuers, wireless service providers and other businesses introduce new moneysaving promotions. But if you don’t ask about them, you won’t know they’re available. Often, these promotions help you trim your bill, but sometimes, the company will offer free perks, such as adding more channels to your cable lineup. Already have a similar promotion but it’s running out? Ask for it again! Chances are, they’ll give it to you to avoid losing you to their competition!

Qualify for lower interest rates in 5 minutes

Opt into Experian Boost, a free program from the credit-reporting bureau Experian, and your credit score could spike by as much as 13 points, so you qualify for lower interest rates on credit cards and loans. How it works: Sign up at Experian.com/ consumer-products/score-boost.html and link the bank account you use to pay phone and utility bills. These services typically aren’t factored into your credit score, but Boost will note all on-time payments you’ve made in the past 24 months and use them to recalculate your score—in minutes!

Save $ 400 with a smart balance transfer

If you plan to pay off a credit card by 2021, consider transferring the balance now to a credit card that offers 0% interest for 12 to 18 months. You’ll save an average of $ 300 to $ 400 in interest payments on a $ 2,500 balance! To find a credit card with a balance transfer offer that you qualify for, visit Creditcards.com/balance-transfer. To really maximize your savings, look for a credit card that comes with a low balance transfer fee of 3% or less.