Map your way to smarter savings—with clarity at every turn.

ACV vs RCV: ACV subtracts depreciation from payouts, while RCV aims to replace with like-kind new items.

Checklist

• List all coverages, limits, and deductibles on your current policy.
• Ask how premiums change when you adjust deductibles ±$500.
• Photograph high-value items; store copies offsite/cloud.

State minimums seldom reflect real costs. A balanced tier (e.g., 100/300/100) often improves protection for a modest premium difference.

Checklist

• Write down your current limits/deductibles.
• Request quotes for the same limits across carriers.
• Consider umbrella coverage if assets/income are high.

Compare the actual speed you use with what you pay for, and note promo expirations and equipment fees.

Quick Wins

• Thermostat scheduling, LED swaps, draft sealing.
• Run high-draw appliances during off-peak if available.
• Audit bill add-ons: rental, activation, or “processing” fees.

Export 90-day transactions, tag each subscription by usage, and rotate streaming instead of stacking everything at once.

3-Step Review

1. Highlight recurring charges.
2. Label as Essential / Optional / Expired Interest.
3. Cancel, pause, or negotiate rates; set renewal reminders.

Use five core folders: Insurance, Financial, Property, Medical, Legal. Name files with YYYY_topic and keep originals in a fire-safe.

• Store scans in an encrypted cloud drive.
• Keep a simple index doc with where things live.

Start with a simple flat-rate card. Add a category card only if it matches real spending—not aspirational habits.

• Pay in full monthly; otherwise rewards aren’t worth it.
• Track annual fees and redemption rules.
• Activate rotating categories if applicable.

Look at personal property limits, liability coverage, and temporary housing (loss of use). Consider replacement cost over ACV for electronics and furniture.

• Inventory key items (photos + values).
• Ask about theft limits for jewelry/electronics.
• Bundle discount may apply with auto.

Standard home policies exclude flood. Review FEMA maps and your property elevation; mitigation (drainage, barriers) may lower risk.

• Document prior water issues and fixes.
• Compare building vs contents coverage.
• Note waiting periods before coverage starts.

Schedule shut-off and start dates, return/transfer equipment, and take meter photos. Use a simple spreadsheet to track deposits and first bills.

• Internet speed check after install.
• Bundle opportunities at the new address.
• Update autopays and mailing preferences.

Audit the last 3 months of data and hotspot use. Consider MVNOs, multi-line discounts, and bring-your-own-device credits.

• Check international day-pass costs.
• Verify deprioritization thresholds.
• Turn off unused add-ons and insurance.

Plan 3 core meals per week, buy versatile ingredients, and swap brand names for store brands on staples.

• Use curbside lists to curb impulse buys.
• Check unit prices (not shelf price) for fairness.
• Stack loyalty + card rewards only if paid in full.

Compare monthly fee waivers, ATM network size, and foreign transaction costs. Use alerts to prevent accidental overdrafts.

• Enable low-balance and large-purchase alerts.
• Turn off overdraft “coverage” if you don’t need it.
• Use separate accounts for bills vs. spending.