All The Simple Dollar
Make your own laundry detergentStore-bought laundry detergents can cost up to 30 cents per load. Here's how to make your own, cheaper version.
Skip the dryer, save $200Air drying your clothes instead of using the dryer will save you up to $200 per year. Here's how.
Overcoming brand loyaltyCompanies work very hard to associate brands with certain things in our minds, but make sure your product of choice is earning your loyalty.
Here's exactly how much you'll save doing laundry in cold waterThe numbers are clear: if you wash on hot, you’re dumping water and money down the drain.
Retirement dilemma: Old account. Moving overseas. Should we close it?Retirement plan can be kept open, even though it's getting no new contributions, until your retirement. Question No. 2 in the reader's mailbag.
Making a major purchase? Consider last year's model.Stores often carry merchandise manufactured the year before. It's usually an identical product at a much lower price, but you might have to look a little harder for it.
A reliable purchase is a smart purchaseFrom washing machines to televisions, from kitchen knives to media players, reliability is an incredibly valuable feature
Change your dreams, not your plansAs you move through life, your dreams will change, so your plans should be steady yet flexible
Shopping: Why it pays to researchFor every $100 you plan to spend over an item's lifetime, do an hour of research. It will pay off.
For big buys, wait 30 daysSpend the month before a large purchase deciding if you need the item, doing research, and deciding on a price limit
Save money and time with automatic bill payIf your money is already accounted for, you're less likely to spend it on things you don't need. Paying your bills automatically from your checking account makes it easy.
Forget your manners and talk about moneyKeeping quiet about you finances, particularly with your loved ones, is a surefire way to run into money problems
To avoid impulse buys, count to 10Thinking about purchases for even a tiny amount of time will prevent you from making lots of unnecessary ones.
Student loans: Pay them down or start an emergency fund?Student loans are above $50,000, but there are ways to balance saving with paying down debt. See questions No. 2, 3, and 5 for advice on student loans.
When dealing with financial problems, you're never aloneWhen navigating financial troubles, never lose sight of those who are always with you
To create a budget, record every (yes, every) penny you use in a monthIt's impossible to create a budget before you know exactly where your money is going.
How much money do you really make?When figuring out what you earn, factor in job related costs–like nicer clothes, gas for a long commute, and travel expenses.
How to live within your paycheckWith a new, higher paying job or a raise often comes "lifestyle inflation"–the temptation to spend wildly beyond your means. Here are the ways avoid overdoing it.
