81. Make credit comparisons. If you tend to run unpaid balances on your credit cards at the end of the month, shop for a card with a low interest rate. If you pay in full, it's more important to avoid an annual fee and look for a longer grace period. "Often credit card issuers waive the annual fee or reduce the interest rate if you ask," says Scott. "Just tell your credit card company you've had several solicitations from other companies with more favorable interest rates or no annual fees, and ask if they will reduce yours."
82. Avoid cash advances. "Credit card companies usually charge an upfront fee of up to 2 percent of the advance, with interest accruing immediately," says Scott.
83. Bank on an early deposit. Make bank deposits early enough in the day so you get credit (and start earning interest) that day.
84. Establish a link. By linking your checking account with another account at your bank, you can usually avoid checking charges, says Scott.
85. Get checks in the mail. Ordering your checks from a printing company often costs less than getting them from a bank. Options include Checks in the Mail at (800) 733-4443, or Designer Checks, which displays a variety of business checks complete with payroll stubs that you can order through the Internet at (http://www.hotnew.com/checks/).
This article was originally published in the February 1997 print edition of Entrepreneur with the headline: Savings Plan.
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