All The Simple Dollar

A good buying decision relies on more than just a quick reaction, Hamm writes. It relies on comparing several different products, not only in terms of their price and their price per unit, but in terms of the relative qualities of the item. The smaller your attention span, the less attention you’re giving to that decision.

In a week filled with debates around Obamacare and government shutdowns, Hamm encourages Americans to take pride in the fact that we live in a community and a nation that provides supportive programs such as food stamps and Social Security for people who want to survive and thrive. 

Background checks are an absolutely vital part of the process of finding a roommate or hiring someone. Many of the steps you can take are things you can do on your own for free, but a professional service can often do a deeper job.

77 percent of parents say they are not always honest with their kids about money; 15 percent lie to their children weekly. How does this dishonesty affect children's future finance decisions? 

From packing a lunch to taking a walk, there are a variety of small things you can do to save money throughout the week. 

All too often, big sales and steep coupons entice shoppers to buy things they don't need.  

Victory gardens were planted in World War II to boost morale and ease the pressure on the food supply. You can have your own financial 'victory garden' even if you never plow a single square foot. 

Money is a sensitive topic and talking about the subject with a spouse can be difficult. Sharing goals and following a plan can help, Hamm writes.

Hamm shares his most important financial lessons learned -- how to master frugality and still live comfortably.  

One of the most challenging parts of signing up for a 401(k) plan or opening a Roth IRA is deciding which investment to put your money into. Hamm answers five simple questions you should examine when deciding what investments to make.

Hamm shares his most important financial lessons learned -- the importance of maintaining multiple sources of income and cultivating customers. 

Quality products cost more upfront but they last longer, typically making them a wise investment, Hamm writes. While that may be a great philosophy for buying products, it’s also a powerful philosophy in other aspects of life.

With so many types of life insurance policies and such specific terms and vocabulary used to describe them, choosing a life insurance policy can be a complicated decision. In this 'ultimate guide,' Hamm explores the benefits of term life insurance policies and how to decide what policy is best for you. 

Planning meals for families can be a daunting task. Hamm offers six steps to save money on family-meal planning.

It's easy to get carried away with visions of the life you wish you had, Hamm writes, but don't let daydreaming get in the way of financial reality.

Maintaining an internal moral code can become difficult when it comes to purchase making, Trent Hamm explains. Hamm explores consumerist moral code and how to avoid feeling guilty over little money mistakes. 

If it were easy, everyone would do it. But financial independence is not impossible, either.

Knowing that you could quit your job any day can improve your relationship with your boss and your job, Trent Hamm explains. Achieve financial independence so you don't fall victim to your job. 

Better scheduling can lead to more productive days, Trent Hamm explains. Better manage your time through his simple analogy of time-sensitive and non-time-sensitive tasks to rocks and sand. 

Some workers won't sign up for a company-sponsored 401(k) because they don't understand it, or they're afraid of taking home less pay. That's a huge mistake.