Posted by stretchingadollar on August 18, 2009
Don’t overspend on hygiene products. For most people, inexpensive hygiene products do the trick — for example, whichever toothpaste is the cheapest, and the same goes with deodorant and the like. The key is to use this stuff regularly and consistently — bathe daily, keep yourself clean, and you’ll be just fine. No need to buy a $40 facial scrub if you actually scrub your face properly.
Source: Trent Hamm, thesimpledollar.com
Posted by stretchingadollar on August 17, 2009
Read more. Reading is one of the cheapest — and most beneficial — hobbies around. Head to the library to check out some books that interest you. Then, spend some of your free time in a cozy place in your house, just reading away. You’ll learn something new, improve your reading ability, enjoy yourself and not have to spend a dime.
Source: Trent Hamm, thesimpledollar.com
Posted by stretchingadollar on August 13, 2009
Consolidate your student loans. Interest rates are quite low right now, so it might be worthwhile to consolidate your student loans into one low-rate package. Look into the various student loan consolidation packages — even a 1 percent reduction on a $10,000 loan saves you $100 a year — and your loan is probably bigger than that (and the rate cut you could get is probably bigger).
Source: Trent Hamm, thesimpledollar.com
Posted by stretchingadollar on August 10, 2009
Hit the library — hard. Don’t look at a library as just a place to get old books. Look at it as a free place to do all sorts of things, such as learn a foreign language, meet people, use the Internet, check out movies and keep up on community events. Best of all, it doesn’t cost a dime.
Source: Trent Hamm, thesimpledollar.com
Posted by stretchingadollar on August 8, 2009
Don’t speed. Not only is it inefficient in terms of gasoline usage — it also can get you pulled over and cost you a bundle.
It’s highly cost-efficient to just drive the speed limit, keep that gas in the tank and keep the cops off your tail.
— Trent Hamm, thesimpledollar.com
Posted by stretchingadollar on August 5, 2009
Do some basic home and auto maintenance on a regular schedule. Instead of just waiting until something breaks to deal with it, develop a monthly maintenance schedule where you go around your home (and your vehicle) and perform a bit of maintenance where it’s needed. This little activity, taking you just an hour or two a month, will keep things from breaking down and help you see problems before they become disasters.
Source: Trent Hamm, thesimpledollar.com
Posted by stretchingadollar on August 3, 2009
Fill your life with positive reminders of your choices. Visual debt reminders are good; they’ll perk you up quite often and make you realize that the choices you’re making really are transforming your life. Keeping one in your wallet might persuade you to keep your wallet closed.
— Trent Hamm, thesimpledollar.com
Posted by stretchingadollar on August 1, 2009
Give it time.
Behavioral changes don’t come overnight.
Spend some time trying out cost-saving tips and slowly you’ll find yourself weaned from at least some of your financially irresponsible behavior. Once you’ve done that, it becomes much easier to start getting a grip on your situation and getting financially ahead.
— Trent Hamm, thesimpledollar.com
Posted by stretchingadollar on July 31, 2009
Buy things for the long haul. Financially sensible doesn’t mean cheap — in fact, I quite often buy very expensive things. The only caveat is that these purchases were made with reliability and the long haul in mind.
In other words, you don’t have to fill your house with cheap stuff to be “frugal.” Instead, buy just the stuff you need — but buy quality. If you’re concerned about appearances, most of the best choices for total cost of ownership are aesthetically pleasing, too. They’re usually rather expensive right off the bat, but they’re cheaper over time and last longer because of reduced energy and maintenance.
— Trent Hamm, thesimpledollar.com
Posted by stretchingadollar on July 30, 2009
Instead of buying ten frivolous items a month, focus on one quality item a month.
A lot of people like to shop, and as a result they wind up buying a lot of stuff that’s completely unnecessary. Reduce, but don’t eliminate your purchases. Instead of buying 10 unnecessary things a month, cut that down to one, but make that item quality, allowing yourself to spend more than usual on that one item. This works particularly well for clothes shopping.
Source: Trent Hamm, thesimpledollar.com
