Thirty-Five Minutes to Riches

Demand a lower cable bill

Time it takes: 15 minutes

Okay, it's not as simple as that - but almost. Call and complain that your bill is too high; repeat your message calmly ("This just isn't worth it to me anymore"). Make sure to casually use the words "satellite dish" (as in "I wonder how that compares with a satellite dish") or maybe "phone company." This strategy translated into a $20 monthly discount (for a year) in our test.

Save on drinking water

Time it takes: 4 minutes

At $1.50 a pop for a gallon of bottled water at the supermarket, the desire for healthy hydration adds up. By purchasing a water filter, you can cut your family's water costs to 19¢ a gallon. Order a Brita Riviera pitcher at amazon.com for $27. Replacement filters good for two months are $9 each.

Six 35-second solutions:

Time it takes: 35 seconds

1. Say no to a new store credit card.

With rates typically above 20%, interest can wipe out that initial 10% discount. The new credit application will hurt your credit score, and you'll have yet another temptation to spend.

2. Check yes to reinvesting your dividends.

If you'd put $10,000 in an S&P 500 index fund in 1997 and reinvested dividends all along, you'd have $22,446 at the end of 2006. If you didn't, you'd end with just $19,147.

3. Say no to an extended warranty.

It'll cost you $30 to $200, and with electronics so reliable nowadays, you're unlikely to need it. Besides, if your computer breaks in two years, you'll want the new model, not a replacement.

4. Fill your tank with regular.

Premium gas is about 8% more expensive, and no matter what the manufacturer says, cars don't need pricier gas to run smoothly and resist wear.

5. Swipe your debit rather than credit card.

If your purchase will further fatten your balance on a high-rate credit card, you're better off paying with the money that's in your bank account. If asked, say "credit" rather than "debit" and your debit card will be processed over the credit-card network. You'll have more liability protection and less chance of paying a fee.

6. Delete any e-mail asking for account information or your social security number.

It may be a scam. No reputable financial services firm will ask.

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