All The Simple Dollar
Consider the contract termination feeMost long-term internet or cable/satellite service contracts offer an escape hatch if you鈥檙e willing to pay for it, Hamm writes.
Smart phone savings: Avoid long-term contracts
The case for household debt freedomHousehold debt freedom isn鈥檛 just freedom from household debt, Hamm writes. It鈥檚 freedom from worry.
Mobile phone overage fees? It's time to upgrade your planIf you repeatedly exceed your monthly minutes on your mobile phone contract, it may be time for a mobile phone plan upgrade, Hamm writes.
The case for getting rid of cableCable and internet are two monthly bills that most of us see as untouchable. But you can get by without either.听
Are you spending too much on monthly services?A monthly bill means that every single month, like clockwork, you鈥檙e going to have to spend some of your hard-earned dough, Hamm writes.听
Gym memberships costing you a fortune? Cancel them.If you don鈥檛 use a membership or a subscription service聽very聽frequently, it鈥檚 not going to be worth it, Hamm writes.
Set clear long-term financial goalsMake sure your long-term goals are realistic ones, not involving things that are far outside your control, Hamm writes.
All things equal, buy localWhen online prices match in-store prices, it's best to buy local, Hamm writes.
Dreaming of a windfallDreaming about striking it rich is fun, but that type of magical thinking can hold you back, Hamm writes.
Is that free shipping really free?If you're buying extra items online just to reach the minimum for free shipping, you're wasting money on something you don't need and had no intent of buying.听
For big savings, compare prices onlineCompare the prices you get online with the prices you can get locally and go for whichever option is cheapest, Hamm writes.
Shop and save on tax-free holidaysKeep track of the things you need that match your state tax holiday and wait for that holiday to come around again before buying, Hamm writes.
Avoid the lure of the checkout aisle purchaseGrocery stores purposely聽stock the checkout aisle with things that are perfectly selected for you to just toss on the conveyor without a second thought.
Stick to the shopping listThere are temptations abound in a grocery store, and unlike other stores, it鈥檚 reasonable to convince yourself that you 'need' these things, Hamm writes.
Avoiding spending: It's all about timing.It's easy to get sidetracked when shopping, and that can lead to overspending. Avoid that trap by setting a time goal.听
The weekend money challenge: Can you go two days without spending a dime?Working to change your spending habits? Try going cold turkey and spending absolutely no money for a few days. It sounds impossible, but it's easier than you think, and the experience will聽dramatically聽alter how you think about your financial priorities.听
Weakness in numbers: the case for shopping aloneShopping alone is convenient, casual and saves money, Hamm writes.
How to save money with a price bookBy noting the prices of generic goods as you shop around at different stores, you can easily determine the place that offers the best prices for your personal shopping needs.
If it's not on sale, don't buy itIf you don鈥檛 need something, wait for a better price, Hamm writes.
