Debt $ense

My earlier post about the specific benefit I’m taking advantage of reminded me that those can be a good way to save money. If you aren’t sure what benefits your employer offers, check with the HR person for an updated list.

Some companies offer tuition reimbursement, some have discounts on gym memberships, others might offer good deals on computer supplies, cell phone plans or other consumer items. Mine even has a special deal with my bank, which means I get a much better checking account than I normally would for somebody with my balance.

Just be careful that you don’t sign up for stuff you normally wouldn’t just because it’s a “good deal.” As an example, I can get about 40 percent of a YMCA membership reimbursed through work. But since I run in the park near my house, I can get by without it. (I do miss lifting weights, so when my debt’s paid off, I hope to rejoin the Y for that, as well as the indoor track for bad weather.) But I digress.

A good deal’s only a good deal if you save money from what you would be spending normally. Buying something you wouldn’t normally buy or don’t need just because it’s a good deal is usually a waste of money.