Thrifty tips: A little research, persistence pays off

Some people just know how to save. In the spirit of better financial planning for 2006, Bankrate compiled the best of the winning tips from past online frugality contests to create a list of green-saving guidelines for the new year:

Defensive driving discount: "Complete a defensive driving course and then ask your insurance company for a discount. The course can be taken online for about $40 and can be completed in one afternoon. I saved $150 per year on my car insurance and the discount stays in effect for three years." (Note: Call your insurance company first, to make sure you can get a discount, before signing up for an online course.)

— Diane Miller, Athens, Ga.

Ask for a better deal: "I discovered that my cellphone plan was no longer the best offer out there. I called my cellular service provider and asked if they could match the offer that I had seen. They immediately offered to not only beat the rate, but also to increase my minutes and throw in free long-distance. My cellphone bill is now half of what it used to be plus all the extras. It doesn't hurt to shop around and ask your current provider to match competitive offers."

— Kristy Wilson, Middletown, Ohio

Save money online: "Once you find something that you would like to purchase online, complete a quick online coupon search for that store and you will receive instant savings on something you already planned to purchase. A coupon search is easily completed on any search engine by typing the name of the store and the word 'coupon.' "

— Jamie Juntunen, Kapolei, Hawaii

Shop around for home insurance: "With the cost of homeowners insurance skyrocketing, I went to my state's department of insurance Web site." (In Washington, it's www.insurance.wa.gov) "There I found a homeowners insurance-rate guide that listed all the companies doing business in my state by county, name, phone number, financial rating, premium rates, complaint index and type of policy they sell. I switched carriers and reduced my annual premium by several hundred dollars."

— Susan Wallace, Prosper, Texas

Don't throw it away: "If something you purchased breaks or is damaged by you or your kids, or malfunctions for any other reason — don't just throw it away. I've found that by writing the manufacturer (or, e-mail to save on postage) you can usually get your money back, or a replacement. Don't worry if you don't have the receipt. Many manufacturers just need a model number or a proof of purchase."

— Melinda Egan, Riverton, Utah

Full freezer uses less power: "Keeping your freezer full will help it run more efficiently. If you have empty areas, place plastic bottles filled with water. You'll be more prepared for electrical outages because the ice will keep things frozen longer and you'll have a safe emergency-water supply."

— Dolores Dong, Charleston, S.C.

Cut grass at cut-rate prices: "Lawn mower repair shops often have used, reconditioned mowers for sale and the prices are usually competitive with even the best discount store chains. The shops also stand behind what they sell, should anything go wrong. I recently purchased a shiny, like-new self-propelled mower, in tip-top condition, with all the latest features for less than a new, bare-bones model would cost at a discount store. And, discount chains usually cannot service what they sell as they lack repair facilities."

— Lynn Bulmahn, Orange City, Fla.

Scratch and dent: "When shopping for a major household appliance (washer, dryer, oven, refrigerator, etc.), browse the Yellow Pages for companies that sell "scratch and dents." These companies buy slightly tarnished appliances from major retailers at rock bottom prices and pass the savings on to you. The appliances might have a blemish that is not visible to the naked eye. Savings can be more than 50 percent off the manufacturer's suggested retail price."

— Ryan O'Connor, Ellicott City, Md.