All The Simple Dollar
The thrifty joy of hosting a potluckPotlucks let you spend evenings with people whose company you enjoy while also enjoying very inexpensive food, Hamm writes.
Save money with 'the fall clothes rotation'Buy clothes based on off-season discounts, not based on need or want, Hamm writes.
Christmas lists as budget lessonsWhen it comes to spending, A Christmas list can be a teachable moment for young children.听
Community groups offer inexpensive recreationCommunity groups are a big win for a frugal person, Hamm writes.
10 cost-free ways to show your partner that you careYou don鈥檛 have to make a big show of affection every day, Hamm writes. It鈥檚 the smaller, priceless things that really add up to a loving relationship.
Promote frugality in your marriagePartners should encourage one another to make low-cost choices, Hamm writes.
Financial honesty is the best policyA healthy relationship relies on having regular talks about everything in your marriage 鈥� and finances are one important part of that, Hamm writes.
Money won't save your marriageMarriages fray because of the relationship, not a lack of money, Hamm writes.
Are personal finance seminars for you? The pros and cons.Personal finance seminars should offer you something beyond what you can get for a very low cost through a blog or at the library. Especially for those who learn through listening, personal finance seminars can be quite helpful.听
College savings: What's the best investment plan?College savings can be tricky, because some come with a tax penalty if too much is put away. A Roth IRA for your child, to be used for educational purposes, can be a good college savings option. Question 6 in this week's mailbag.听
Getting bad spending thoughts out of your headMany professional and financial mistakes can be traced back to bad ideas in your head. But by thinking long-term, many such mistakes are easy to avoid.
Make your honeymoon memorable, but don't break the bankKeep your honeymoon focused on the two of you and you鈥檒l leave with a healthy financial base for your marriage, Hamm writes.
Waiting is the best part: how anticipation can save you moneyInstead of buying something right when you want it, Hamm suggests delaying your gratification. The result is more money in your pocket and a greater appreciation of the products you have.
In (budgetary) sickness and in health: building a financially equal relationshipWhen you commit to someone, you don鈥檛 commit to being a lesser or greater part of the relationship, and the same should apply to your pocketbook, Hamm writes.
Fake it 'til you make it? Nah. Focus on 'internal' success.A shiny new car, fancy clothes, and a big house might indicate success to the outside world. But 'internal' financial success 鈥� being debt free with a rewarding job, for instance 鈥� will lead to greater security and happiness in the long run.听
The inexpensive power of a simple love noteLove notes are an easy and cost-effective way to let a special person in your life know that you care, Hamm writes.
Walk your way to financial (and physical) healthWalking is a great way to get some fresh air and exercise, Hamm writes. Best of all: It's free.
Cheap dates can be pricelessA stroll through the park. Holiday window shopping. A starry-night walk. What do they have in common? They make romantic dates鈥攁nd they're free!
The best gifts in life are freeThink about the special gifts you've received in your life. Chances are, Hamm writes, the ones you remember the most didn't cost a penny.
Frugal relationships: Why money can't buy loveSpending money to impress a partner or potential partner rarely works over the long term, Hamm writes.
