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Attack on the Street: What Are Your Money-Saving Tips?

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This week's Attack on the Street asks you: In these troubled economic times, what are your best ideas to save money? Here are some Washingtonians' ideas.

By Alejandro Salinas ,   Emily Leaman ,   Jesseka Kadylak   Published Friday, September 19, 2008

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Tracks residential housing contract activity of existing single-family homes. The Pending Home Sales report is an advanced read on trends in the US housing market. Housing is typically correlated to the overall state of the economy; particularly indicative of economic turning points. A sharp drop in housing demand typically acts as a warning signal of economic slowdown as buyers are reluctant to purchase houses when interest rates are high, disposable income is low, or consumer confidence is low. Conversely, a rebound in the housing market is often a leading indicator of an economic recovery. In the midst of the almost total collapse of the credit system, people are desperate to repair credit while companies are desperate to float themselves. However, there are signs of life in the real estate market yet – in the western U.S. The western states are experiencing an increase in home sales in the midst of price decreases. Home prices are higher on average in the Western states, so those crafty westerners are jumping on a good deal while they can. The purchase of homes went up 13%, after a 26% decrease in price. This is economics 101 – as supply increases, demand drops, and with it, down goes the cost of a particular item (in this case, houses) until the price stabilizes relative to the overall supply and demand. The sales of homes are still down 11% nationally – but the national market will eventually correct itself according to natural market forces. To read more about the real estate market and tips on how to <a title="READ Despite widespread need to repair credit, home sales rise in West" rev="vote-for" href="http://personalmoneystore.com/moneyblog/2008/12/26/despite-widespread-need-to-repair-credit-home-sales-rise-in-west/">repair credit</a>, check out this article.

Posted by: Taya F., Jan 06, 2009 03:05:34 AM

Both great tips! Thanks to you both!

Posted by: Emily at Washingtonian.com, Sep 22, 2008 06:09:55 AM

I have made my own laundry soap for years and it is much better than the store bought stuff! For the recipe go to www.savemoneytoday.net

Posted by: interactivebs, Sep 21, 2008 06:20:47 AM

I looked at my cell phone bill very closely and discovered I was not using all of my monthly minutes and was able to downgrade to a cheaper plan that is more aligned with the minutes I am actually using.

Posted by: Norah Lovato, Sep 19, 2008 06:17:27 PM

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