All The Simple Dollar

Most long-term internet or cable/satellite service contracts offer an escape hatch if you’re willing to pay for it, Hamm writes.

Household debt freedom isn’t just freedom from household debt, Hamm writes. It’s freedom from worry.

If you repeatedly exceed your monthly minutes on your mobile phone contract, it may be time for a mobile phone plan upgrade, Hamm writes.

Cable and internet are two monthly bills that most of us see as untouchable. But you can get by without either. 

A monthly bill means that every single month, like clockwork, you’re going to have to spend some of your hard-earned dough, Hamm writes. 

If you don’t use a membership or a subscription service very frequently, it’s not going to be worth it, Hamm writes.

Make sure your long-term goals are realistic ones, not involving things that are far outside your control, Hamm writes.

When online prices match in-store prices, it's best to buy local, Hamm writes.

Dreaming about striking it rich is fun, but that type of magical thinking can hold you back, Hamm writes.

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. 

Compare the prices you get online with the prices you can get locally and go for whichever option is cheapest, Hamm writes.

Keep 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.

Grocery stores purposely stock the checkout aisle with things that are perfectly selected for you to just toss on the conveyor without a second thought.

There are temptations abound in a grocery store, and unlike other stores, it’s reasonable to convince yourself that you 'need' these things, Hamm writes.

It's easy to get sidetracked when shopping, and that can lead to overspending. Avoid that trap by setting a time goal. 

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 dramatically alter how you think about your financial priorities. 

Shopping alone is convenient, casual and saves money, Hamm writes.

By 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 you don’t need something, wait for a better price, Hamm writes.