Holiday Shopping Habits That Can Hurt You Financially

Gifting your near & dear ones, your friends, colleagues is always fun and yet, the age-old habit of gifting can pinch your wallet big time.

Holiday budgets keep increasing each year – well certainly since 2017 when those tax cuts were passed. Yet Christmas is not the time for frugal living. Here are nine ways to make some wise buying decisions and avoid going broke this holiday season.

Beware of emotional buying

Christmas gifting is all about emotional bonding. Making new friends, connecting with forgotten folks, and loving each other. Beware of emotional & impulsive purchases and don’t go to a mall if you think you buy things you don’t need.

Buying presents for everyone? Well, think twice

Money management experts warn that seasonal gift buying spree drags you into a debt trap if you have a long list of loved ones.

  • Buy gifts for those whom you have carefully considered and selected.
  • Personal finance experts suggest other ways to care for the people you care about. Give them personalized messages and handmade gifts, however trivial that might sound and look. Christmas is all about love & sharing, and not about expensive gifts. Jesus Christ, which is who Christmas is based on and America for that matter, never bought expensive gifts for his apostles.

Plan or pay more

Buying gifts without a budget plan is akin to heading to Alaska during the holiday season without winter gear. Just not that bright!

  • Do some homework with your finances. Compare your budgets and expenses in the last couple of seasons.
  • Try to stick to realistic numbers with some margin for unexpected gift purchases.

Go online shopping for better deals

Nothing can rob the charm of rushing to the shops to buy gifts of your choice. Yet, with people jumping over hoops to get to discount shops, stores, and malls during this part of the season, everything is time-consuming.

The long drives, traffic, and long lines at the cashier could force you to actually spend less time selecting your gifts. This is why you should change your buying habits!

  • Online shopping today is even more shopper-friendly. No lines and no delays.
  • Online retailers offer better deals. Be prudent enough to subscribe to retail websites early and get their offer notifications through emails.
  • Getting cash-back on items purchased is another reason to shop online.
  • Add free shipping, and your shopping experience cannot get any better.
  • And you don’t have to worry about getting into a car wreck! No fender benders in the parking lot either!

Don’t buy before comparing prices

Discounted prices may not be the best price of a product especially during the holiday sales. Spend some time searching online and you are bound to save 10-20 percent more on gifts.

  • A quick search on websites for Walmart and Target, or online websites such as Amazon or Ebates.com, can help you shop better.
  • You can also download certain mobile device apps that instantly showcase multiple discounts across online and/or brick & mortar retailers if you have that type of discipline and that type of stuff does not bother you. Knowing what you want and by comparing the items online that you are considering buying should be stellar enough for you to not over spend.

Never buy in excess

Holiday retailers try to manipulate the psyche of buyers by offering product bundles at reduced prices. While this upselling strategy might work occasionally, it may not work in your favor especially when you are looking for holiday savings, caution holiday savings experts.

If you want buy a Star Trek or a fantastic Transformers DVD that is fine but be careful. If you cannot afford something then you have to realize that.

Flea markets for unique holiday gifts

Look out for a flea market around you (why ever go to a place with the word flea in the title?). It could be hosting a treasure trove that you may never come across though you may get ripped off. There are some unscrupulous merchants at places such as this but there are a few bright spots such as:

  • A unique tiffany lamp could be bought, for instance.
  • You could buy an antique watch for a few hundreds of dollars that could ordinarily fetch thousands of dollars on the auction table.

Avoid credit cards

Last minute holiday purchases or even well-planned credit card purchases can leave you in a tough spot when you open your credit card statement the following month.

  • According to Holiday Budgeting Expert Gary Herman, if your holiday purchases are on credit, make sure you have a way to pay the debt back. Perhaps you should not be buying gifts for anyone if you are not doing that well which is not that common in this amazing American market. But if you have already spent too much on a home or a car you may have to admit to yourself that you will have to let your friends and family know that you cannot afford to buy them a Christmas gift this year. They should respect you for your transparency.
  • While shopping, carry a small note that lists your debts to help you squash any impulsive credit card buying.

And don’t overindulge

Buying gifts for others means you are likely to be tempted to buy gifts for yourself. But that could mean exceeding your budget. Seasonal discounts could entice you into buying expensive gifts or wellness packages that which you never planned in the first place.

You need to overcome these urges. You are not the state of California, you cannot waste billions on boondoggle ideas and hope to be bailed out!

10 Legitimate Ways to Save Money Living Payslip to Payslip

Do you find yourself having to pass on happy hour with your mates because your wallet is empty? Are you short on cash and but don’t have time for a second job? Or are you trying to finally save up for a place of your own? You’re not alone. According to a recent study, about 25 per cent of British adults have no savings. If you find yourself low on cash and are wondering what you can do to get out of the debt hole, have hope.

These 10 tips can help you gradually put some more cash in your wallet and start saving today, without the need to get a second job or even leave your flat.

Step #1 — Dating? Stop trying to impress with your wallet.

If you date regularly and are too old-fashioned or chivalrous to make your date pay her way, you could be spending hundreds of pounds per month on someone who isn’t worth your time. Try going out for coffee first to see if you click before committing to a dinner date. If you do find someone you like after a few dates, let her pay once in a while if she pulls out her purse and offers.

Step #2 — Take online surveys.

If you’re sitting in front of the telly mindlessly watching something, why not pull out your smartphone or laptop and take some short surveys? Whether in the form of cash, gift vouchers or free products to test, it pays to get something for nothing by simply sharing your opinion.

My favourite survey site is InboxPounds. They pay you £8 for every 30 minutes of watching videos and taking surveys, and they’ve paid out roughly £40,000,000

to date worldwide, so they know what they’re doing. And, the surveys are actually interesting!

Step #3 — Sell your smartphone pics.

You’ve likely got your smartphone on you most of the time anyway, so why not start making extra money by simply taking notice of what’s going on in the world around you. An app called Foap wants your quality photos and will split the profits with you for any picture sold. So, if someone buys your pic for £10, you’ll get £5 each time it sells.

Step #4 — Have credit card balances? Shop around for lower interest rates.

If you’re only paying the minimum balance when your credit card payment is due, it’s difficult to get out of debt as the interest continues to build. Try shopping around for a card with a lower interest rate, and transfer your balance to that card. Some cards even offer promotional rates where you pay no interest for a specific period. So if you have £10,000 in credit card debt and are paying a 16% annual percentage rate, you could save £133 per month during the promotional period.

Step #5 — Switch car insurance companies.

Car insurance is one of those expenses that most people dread paying, simply because unless you get in a crash and really need it, there’s an intangible reward for having it. And wouldn’t you rather spend that money on a salon visit or new pair of shoes? What’s worse is that car insurance companies make most of their money by taking advantage of their loyal clients. If you don’t shop around when renewal time rolls around, they’ll likely raise your rates. The good thing is that it’s easy to compare prices online. A quick 10 minutes saved me £552 per year. 

Step #6 – Be smart about happy hour.

After a long workday, a couple of pints at the pub with your mates can really take the stress of the day away. But when a couple of pints turns into a couple dozen, and you can’t remember where your money went in the morning, it’s time to get smarter about happy hour. Give yourself a limit and be disciplined about it. Head home before that one mate who never pays for a round shows up.

Step #7—Charged a late fee? Ask for a one-time courtesy refund.

You would be surprised as to how easy it can be to get a fee waived once you muster up the courage to simply ask. Realize that they’ll probably only do this once a year, but it’s better than losing you as a client. If you’re habitually late only because you forgot to pay, consider setting automatic payments so you don’t get charged late fees again.

Step #8—Get paid for searching online.

Next time you need to search for something online, skip Google and instead use InboxPounds. Yes, on top of getting paid for surveys, you can also get paid for searching on InboxPounds. And you’ll get a £1 bonus just for trying it.

Step #9—Get cash back for shopping.

It may seem counterintuitive to shop when you’re trying to save money, but for items you really need to buy, why not get cash back for buying them? Topcashback.co.uk offers money back for shopping both online and in-store. It’s free to join and offered worldwide. Just search for your desired retailer through their website and shop like you normally would. The retailer pays TopCashback a commission for your purchase, and then forwards part of it to you in the form of cash that you can withdraw however you like.

Step #10 – Take advantage of new checking account offers.

Lots of banks try to get new customers in the door by offering bonuses for opening new accounts, and even more for having your payslip direct deposited. Consider keeping your old account open as strictly a savings account, as long the bank doesn’t charge any fees, and watch the money grow.

Before saying no to any of the above tips, simply give them a try. Stressing about money can really take a toll on you, so put an end to debt for good and reward yourself once in a while as you make progress. After all, that new flat screen you’ve had your eye on for months will look so much better if you know you’ve earned it.

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10 Legitimate Ways to Save Money Living Payslip to Payslip

If you struggle to make ends meet, living payslip to payslip, you’re not alone. According to a recent study, about 25 per cent of British adults have no savings. If you find yourself low on cash and are wondering what you can do to stop living payslip to payslip, have hope. A few lifestyle changes combined with savvy shopping skills can help you gradually put some more cash in your purse.

These 10 tips can help you start saving today, without the need to get a second job or even leave your flat.

Step #1 — Sell your stuff
This was the first step I took when I decided to take control of my finances. Decluttering not only made me feel better inside, but my flat was cleaner and it put a lot of extra cash in my pocket at the same time. Win-win! When was the last time you took a close look at everything in your flat – in your closets, shelves, and that dreaded drawer that you never open because it’s packed to the brim with junk? You’d be surprised at what’s hiding in there, and how much it’s all worth. I used Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist and eBay to sell my things. They are all free and easy to use, and you can set your own prices!
Set a goal to make an extra $150 decluttering your flat this month, and immediately add it to your bank account — every little bit adds up!

Step #2 — Take online surveys.

If you’re sitting in front of the telly mindlessly watching something, why not pull out your smartphone or laptop and take some short surveys? Whether in the form of cash, gift vouchers or free products to test, it pays to get something for nothing by simply sharing your opinion.

My favourite survey site is InboxPounds. They pay you £8 for every 30 minutes of watching videos and taking surveys, and they’ve paid out roughly £40,000,000

to date worldwide, so they know what they’re doing. And, the surveys are actually interesting!

Step #3 — Sell your smartphone pics.
You’ve got your smartphone on you anyway, so why not start making extra money by simply noticing what’s going on in the world around you. An app called Foap wants your quality photos and will split the profits with you for any picture sold. So if someone buys your pic for £10, you’ll get £5 each time it sells.

Step #4 — Have credit card balances? Shop around for lower interest rates

If you’re only paying the minimum balance when your credit card payment is due, it’s difficult to get out of debt as the interest continues to build. Try shopping around for a card with a lower interest rate and transfer your balance to that card. Some cards even offer promotional rates where you pay no interest for a specific period. So if you have £10,000 in credit card debt and are paying a 16% annual percentage rate, you could save £133 per month during the promotional period.

Step #5 — Break up with the coffee shop.

When your barista starts recognizing you by name, but you can’t even afford your coffee, it might be time to start making your coffee at home. Doing so allows you to customize your drink exactly how you want it. You may need to invest in an espresso maker first, but doing so can save you money for years to come.

Step #6 — Charged a late fee? Ask for a one-time courtesy refund.

You would be surprised as to how easy it can be to get a fee waived once you muster up the courage to simply ask. Realize that they’ll probably only do this once a year, but it’s better than losing you as a client. If you’re habitually late only because you forgot to pay, consider setting automatic payments so you don’t get charged late fees again.

Step #7 —Get paid for searching online.

Next time you need to search for something online, skip Google and instead use InboxPounds. Yes, on top of getting paid to complete surveys and watch videos, you can also get paid for searching on InboxPounds. And you’ll get a £1 Bonus just for trying it!

Step #8 — Switch car insurance companies.

Car insurance is one of those expenses that most people dread paying, simply because unless you get in a crash and really need it, there’s an intangible reward for having it. And wouldn’t you rather spend that money on a salon visit or new pair of shoes? What’s worse is that car insurance companies make most of their money by taking advantage of their loyal clients. If you don’t shop around when renewal time rolls around, they’ll likely raise your rates. The good thing is that it’s easy to compare prices online. A quick 10 minutes saved me £552 per year.

Step #9 — Get cash back for shopping.

It may seem counterintuitive to shop when you’re trying to save money, but for items you really need to buy, why not get cash back for buying them? Topcashback.co.uk offers money back for shopping both online and in-store. It’s free to join and offered worldwide. Just search for your desired retailer through their website and shop like you normally would. The retailer pays TopCashback a commission for your purchase that you can withdraw when it is available.

Step #10 — Take advantage of new checking account offers.

Lots of banks try to get new customers in the door by offering bonuses for opening new accounts, and even more for having your payslip direct deposited. Consider keeping your old account open as strictly a savings account, as long the bank doesn’t charge any fees.

Stressing about money can really take a toll on you. So before saying no to any of the above tips, simply give them a try. Put an end to debt for good and reward yourself once in a while as you make progress. After all, a massage feels much better knowing you’ve earned it!

My Top Pick

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Get £1 For Free to Sign-Up

Join Inbox Pounds For Free

Learn More

How to Save Money Living Payslip to Payslip

If you struggle to make ends meet, living payslip to payslip, you’re not alone. According to a recent study, about 25 per cent of British adults have no savings. If you find yourself low on cash and are wondering what you can do to stop living payslip to payslip, have hope. A few lifestyle changes combined with savvy shopping skills can help you gradually put some more cash in your purse.

These 10 tips can help you start saving today, without the need to get a second job or even leave your flat.

Step #1 — Sell your stuff

This was the first step I took when I started to take control of my finances. Decluttering not only made me feel better, but put a lot of extra cash in my pocket at the same time. Win-win! When was the last time you took a close look at everything in your flat – in your closets, shelves, and that dreaded drawer that you never open because it’s packed to the brim with junk? You’d be surprised at what’s hiding in there, and how much it’s all worth. I used Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist and eBay to sell my things. They are all free and easy to use, and you can set your own prices!

Set a goal to make an extra $150 decluttering your flat this month, and immediately add it to your bank account — every little bit adds up!

Step #2 — Take online surveys.

If you’re sitting in front of the telly mindlessly watching something, why not pull out your smartphone or laptop and take some short surveys? Whether in the form of cash, gift vouchers or free products to test, it pays to get something for nothing by simply sharing your opinion.

My favourite survey site is InboxPounds. They pay you £8 for every 30 minutes of watching videos and taking surveys, and they’ve paid out roughly £40,000,000

to date worldwide, so they know what they’re doing. And, the surveys are actually interesting!

Step #3 — Sell your smartphone pics.
You’ve got your smartphone on you anyway, so why not start making extra money by simply noticing what’s going on in the world around you. An app called Foap wants your quality photos and will split the profits with you for any picture sold. So if someone buys your pic for £10, you’ll get £5 each time it sells.

Step #4 — Have credit card balances? Shop around for lower interest rates

If you’re only paying the minimum balance when your credit card payment is due, it’s difficult to get out of debt as the interest continues to build. Try shopping around for a card with a lower interest rate and transfer your balance to that card. Some cards even offer promotional rates where you pay no interest for a specific period. So if you have £10,000 in credit card debt and are paying a 16% annual percentage rate, you could save £133 per month during the promotional period.

Step #5 — Break up with the coffee shop.

When your barista starts recognizing you by name, but you can’t even afford your coffee, it might be time to start making your coffee at home. Doing so allows you to customize your drink exactly how you want it. You may need to invest in an espresso maker first, but doing so can save you money for years to come.

Step #6 — Charged a late fee? Ask for a one-time courtesy refund.

You would be surprised as to how easy it can be to get a fee waived once you muster up the courage to simply ask. Realize that they’ll probably only do this once a year, but it’s better than losing you as a client. If you’re habitually late only because you forgot to pay, consider setting automatic payments so you don’t get charged late fees again.

Step #7 —Get paid for searching online.

Next time you need to search for something online, skip Google and instead use InboxPounds. Yes, on top of getting paid to complete surveys and watch videos, you can also get paid for searching on InboxPounds. And you’ll get a £1 Bonus just for trying it!

Step #8 — Switch car insurance companies.

Car insurance is one of those expenses that most people dread paying, simply because unless you get in a crash and really need it, there’s an intangible reward for having it. And wouldn’t you rather spend that money on a salon visit or new pair of shoes? What’s worse is that car insurance companies make most of their money by taking advantage of their loyal clients. If you don’t shop around when renewal time rolls around, they’ll likely raise your rates. The good thing is that it’s easy to compare prices online. A quick 10 minutes saved me £552 per year.

Step #9 — Get cash back for shopping.

It may seem counterintuitive to shop when you’re trying to save money, but for items you really need to buy, why not get cash back for buying them? Topcashback.co.uk offers money back for shopping both online and in-store. It’s free to join and offered worldwide. Just search for your desired retailer through their website and shop like you normally would. The retailer pays TopCashback a commission for your purchase that you can withdraw when it is available.

Step #10 — Take advantage of new checking account offers.

Lots of banks try to get new customers in the door by offering bonuses for opening new accounts, and even more for having your payslip direct deposited. Consider keeping your old account open as strictly a savings account, as long the bank doesn’t charge any fees.

Stressing about money can really take a toll on you. So before saying no to any of the above tips, simply give them a try. Put an end to debt for good and reward yourself once in a while as you make progress. After all, a massage feels much better knowing you’ve earned it!

My Top Pick

Offer Image

Get £1 For Free to Sign-Up

Join Inbox Pounds For Free

Learn More

How to Save Money Living Payslip to Payslip

Do you find yourself having to pass on happy hour with your mates because your wallet is empty? Are you short on cash and but don’t have time for a second job? Or are you trying to finally save up for a place of your own? You’re not alone. According to a recent study, about 25 per cent of British adults have no savings. If you find yourself low on cash and are wondering what you can do to get out of the debt hole, have hope.

These 10 tips can help you gradually put some more cash in your wallet and start saving today, without the need to get a second job or even leave your flat.

Step #1 — Dating? Stop trying to impress with your wallet.

If you date regularly and are too old-fashioned or chivalrous to make your date pay her way, you could be spending hundreds of pounds per month on someone who isn’t worth your time. Try going out for coffee first to see if you click before committing to a dinner date. If you do find someone you like after a few dates, let her pay once in a while if she pulls out her purse and offers.

Step #2 — Take online surveys.

If you’re sitting in front of the telly mindlessly watching something, why not pull out your smartphone or laptop and take some short surveys? Whether in the form of cash, gift vouchers or free products to test, it pays to get something for nothing by simply sharing your opinion.

My favourite survey site is InboxPounds. They pay you £8 for every 30 minutes of watching videos and taking surveys, and they’ve paid out roughly £40,000,000

to date worldwide, so they know what they’re doing. And, the surveys are actually interesting!

Step #3 — Sell your smartphone pics.

You’ve likely got your smartphone on you most of the time anyway, so why not start making extra money by simply taking notice of what’s going on in the world around you. An app called Foap wants your quality photos and will split the profits with you for any picture sold. So, if someone buys your pic for £10, you’ll get £5 each time it sells.

Step #4 — Have credit card balances? Shop around for lower interest rates.

If you’re only paying the minimum balance when your credit card payment is due, it’s difficult to get out of debt as the interest continues to build. Try shopping around for a card with a lower interest rate, and transfer your balance to that card. Some cards even offer promotional rates where you pay no interest for a specific period. So if you have £10,000 in credit card debt and are paying a 16% annual percentage rate, you could save £133 per month during the promotional period.

Step #5 — Switch car insurance companies.

Car insurance is one of those expenses that most people dread paying, simply because unless you get in a crash and really need it, there’s an intangible reward for having it. And wouldn’t you rather spend that money on a salon visit or new pair of shoes? What’s worse is that car insurance companies make most of their money by taking advantage of their loyal clients. If you don’t shop around when renewal time rolls around, they’ll likely raise your rates. The good thing is that it’s easy to compare prices online. A quick 10 minutes saved me £552 per year. 

Step #6 – Be smart about happy hour.

After a long workday, a couple of pints at the pub with your mates can really take the stress of the day away. But when a couple of pints turns into a couple dozen, and you can’t remember where your money went in the morning, it’s time to get smarter about happy hour. Give yourself a limit and be disciplined about it. Head home before that one mate who never pays for a round shows up.

Step #7—Charged a late fee? Ask for a one-time courtesy refund.

You would be surprised as to how easy it can be to get a fee waived once you muster up the courage to simply ask. Realize that they’ll probably only do this once a year, but it’s better than losing you as a client. If you’re habitually late only because you forgot to pay, consider setting automatic payments so you don’t get charged late fees again.

Step #8—Get paid for searching online.

Next time you need to search for something online, skip Google and instead use InboxPounds. Yes, on top of getting paid for surveys, you can also get paid for searching on InboxPounds. And you’ll get a £1 bonus just for trying it.

Step #9—Get cash back for shopping.

It may seem counterintuitive to shop when you’re trying to save money, but for items you really need to buy, why not get cash back for buying them? Topcashback.co.uk offers money back for shopping both online and in-store. It’s free to join and offered worldwide. Just search for your desired retailer through their website and shop like you normally would. The retailer pays TopCashback a commission for your purchase, and then forwards part of it to you in the form of cash that you can withdraw however you like.

Step #10 – Take advantage of new checking account offers.

Lots of banks try to get new customers in the door by offering bonuses for opening new accounts, and even more for having your payslip direct deposited. Consider keeping your old account open as strictly a savings account, as long the bank doesn’t charge any fees, and watch the money grow.

Before saying no to any of the above tips, simply give them a try. Stressing about money can really take a toll on you, so put an end to debt for good and reward yourself once in a while as you make progress. After all, that new flat screen you’ve had your eye on for months will look so much better if you know you’ve earned it.

My Top Pick

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Get £1 For Free to Sign-Up

Join Inbox Pounds For Free

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Top 7 Ways to Emulate The Footsteps of a Billionaire

If you wish to become a billionaire one day, it is time to start emulating the steps of a billionaire now. Making money is merely a part of what makes an individual exceptionally wealthy.

It depends more on how you think about money, how you approach investing, and what are your ultimate goals. In the final analysis, these elements differentiate between average success and super-success.

Here are seven proven ways to emulate the footsteps of a billionaire and achieve extraordinary wealth and abundance.

  1. Bet on Innovation

Billionaires around the world are putting their money behind firms that are innovation-driven, and are transforming the way we live and do business. Today, billionaires who have been running traditional businesses for decades employ about 3 million people.

On the other hand, new and upcoming billionaires who own and run technology-driven enterprises are already employing more than 2.7 million employees worldwide, and will soon surpass the traditional segment.

  1. Spend Time on Networking

Billionaires invest a lot of time in engaging and networking with like-minded individuals and groups when it comes to doing business, investing, and working for social causes.

For instance, friendship between the world’s top two billionaires, Warren Buffett and Bill Gates, has resulted in massive philanthropic endeavors but they have also supported policies that have caused 9-11, supported Obamacare which destroyed lives and put millions out of work, supported higher minimum wages laws that have devastated small businesses, and supported the same people such as Barney Frank who caused the real estate crisis.

There is two sides to this coin. But, networking effectively can be very beneficial nonetheless.

Some of the world’s most influential billionaires, including Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, and Bill Gates have joined hands to solve the planet’s energy problems through their fund called Breakthrough Ventures. That is wonderful but under Obama, whom they supported, energy prices went up for most Americans while their taxes were also raised and their doctor was taken from them.

We need to have more than good intentions in this world and fracking has been a Godsend. Though these incredibly successful people are amazing at networking.

  1. Follow Your Heart while Investing

Among the world’s 200 leading art collectors, as many as 72 are billionaires. Billionaires also own more than 140 of the top sports franchises worldwide. This includes two-third of the NBA and over 50 percent of the English Premier League.

UBS Wealth Management’s chief of private wealth management in the US, John Matthews, says that billionaires invest in their passions, whether it is sports, arts, or other areas. In addition to produce dramatic returns on such investments, they are able to touch communities and make an impact through these pursuits.

  1. Keep Your Cool in a Volatile Market

Warren Buffett often recommends that do not get obsessed with watching market fluctuations on a daily basis. Invest in solid businesses that are in the game for the long haul, and resist the temptation to get swayed by sudden, violent, or temporary market shocks and speculative trends. And because of tax cuts which he did not support, a lot more people have money to invest.

Billionaire Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates agrees with Buffett on this point. While addressing an audience at the Harvard Kennedy School, Dalio said that you should buy when you are worried, and sell when you are confident.

Dalio suggests that the best way to invest is not to predict everyday market trends and maintain a level head despite them.

  1. Be Generous while Giving

Individuals who aspire to become billionaires are not the ones who will sit quietly when the check arrives at the table. They will happily reach for it. They do not wait for organizations in need to ask for support. They identify causes and offer generous support.

More than 160 of the world’s eminent billionaires and ultra-rich families have committed to “The Giving Pledge.” According to analysts, these super-rich people utilize their philanthropic networks to gather new ideas on wealth creation and deploying that wealth to bring positive change.

  1. Listen to Your Advisers

Billionaires do not believe that they are all-knowing. In fact, the most successful among them surround themselves with a trusted group of advisers and actively listen and discuss their plans and strategies.

Choose honest advisers who are not afraid to lose their job if they speak the truth. Pay attention to their advice because they are detached and unemotional about an investing decision that may be close to your heart or an idea you have nurtured for long.

  1. Minimize the Noise

In the age of Google, social media, and television networks, there is plenty of noise out there. New theories, forecasts, and speculations are generated each day, which can cause chaos in your mind if you are getting too involved in that noise.

Reduce the clutter from your mind, focus on few specific ideas, choose to converse with smart people who have clarity, be wary of those who are perennial naysayers or overzealous optimists, and you will be able to make better decisions every day.

 

Want to Pay Less for Your Cell Phone Plan? Here’s How

It seems like you can’t get away from having a smartphone these days. Everything you do, everything you come across, there’s an app for that. It’s our encyclopedia, email, camera, calculator, and social connection all wrapped into one. It’s a blessing and a curse at the same time and we’re always on it.

And is it just me or does it seem like your cell phone bill steadily continues to get higher and higher each month? My last bill was over $125 – and that’s only for one phone line. That’s crazy considering it was only $95 a few 6 months ago when I got it!

I’ve been searching for a cheaper plan that still has everything I need for a while now and to be honest, most aren’t all that great. But, I just came across a company called SurgePhone that is offering one month free, and then only $20/month after that. And this is for an unlimited plan!

Crazy, right? Here’s what I found…

SurgePhone – How Does it work?
SurgePhone is a prepaid wireless service – you sign up and select your plan online. They send you a SIM card, you insert the SIM card into your existing device, activate and VOILA! Their service uses one of the major carriers’ wireless tower networks throughout the United States. This means you’re getting the same service as you are when paying nearly 6 times the rate with one of the major carriers. And I haven’t been able to find a negative review of the company anywhere!

They’re currently offering their  unlimited wireless service starter kit for only $2.99, no contracts, no hidden fees, no surprises. Here’s what you get:

  • SIM Card: micro & nano sizes
  • Unlimited text
  • 2GB of 4G LTE data per month
  • 25 hours of talk
  • 1st month free!

After your first free month, you pay only $20/month (originally $59!).

Existing Device? So I Don’t Have To Buy a New Phone?
Already have a phone you love? If you have an unlocked LTE-compatible phone already, that can be used at any major mobile carrier (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, or any other GSM carrier) – and it accepts SIM cards, then you can use it at SurgePhone! Gone are the days of paying $900 outright, or even $50/month for a new phone. Use the phone you already have and put that extra money back in your pocket!

If you don’t have an unlocked compatible phone, or you simply just want a new one, no problem – you can buy one directly from them!

Should I Make the Switch?
Well that’s up to you, but this is a great alternative to the current carriers that we see in the cell phone space right now, and a great way to save some cold hard cash. At the end of the day, SurgePhone could save you money on your cell phone bill – over $1200/year! That’s money that can go directly into your savings account.

If you’re thinking about making the switch, check out  the special $2.99 and one month free offer on the unlimited starter kit here.

Act fast! Offer expires 9/30/18.

 

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Seven Habits of Highly Effective Savers

Everyone likes to spend, but when it comes to saving, not everyone is good at it. Americans are among the world’s worst savers.

From low income to mortgages to student loans to credit card debt, factors like these never let us save enough for emergencies or even for a retirement fund.

But there’s a large number of people who cannot save because of overspending. Maybe they like fine dining a little too much, or cannot live without designer perfumes, or feel conscious about driving anything less than a brand new car (everyone wants to be like the Johnsons!). At the end of the day, they realize there’s not a penny in their savings account. Alan Harper from Two in a Half Men knows all about that!

Some people are smart at saving. It isn’t like they are blessed with superpowers (you will not see them in Deadpool 3!) – they are just careful and efficient with money. If you want to be good at saving money, try following these tips that effective savers live by.

Automate it

Taking out money manually from an account and putting it to savings can often be difficult, because you think there were better things you could do with that money. That is why smart people automate this process.

All you have to do is automate the transfer of a part of your income to a savings account. If you get cash back on your credit card/s, make sure to automatically transfer them into the savings account as well.

By automating your savings, you not only get to grow your savings at a consistent pace, but also never have to feel bad about manually moving money from one account to another.

Pick the right strategy

The right savings strategy isn’t one size fits all. Just like income and expenditure varies from one person to another, the proper way to save is also different. What works for your neighbor may not work for you.

That is why, instead of blindly following someone else’s savings strategy, try to devise a strategy that’s fit for your lifestyle and income.

This involves taking your income and expenditure into consideration and then coming up with a strategy that you will be able to stick to. You may also utilize the help of online tools to come up with the right savings strategy.

Create goals

Effective savers don’t just create strategies; they create goals. When you have a goal for saving money, it brings excitement and joy into the process. Kind of like experiencing tax cuts which all workers know is awesome!

For instance, you may want to save money for buying a new house or your child’s college fund. If you have no goal to work towards, you will quickly lose interest in saving, rendering the whole process ineffective. You don’t want to be a failure like Chicago, Baltimore, Oakland, Greece, and so on. Money does not grow on trees and wasting money on irrational ideas does not make any sense.

Prioritize goals

Creating goals isn’t enough; you must also prioritize your goals. For instance, is taking an international vacation more important that buying a house? Does saving for a retirement fund come first or does saving for your son’s college education? Prioritizing goals will help you reach your financial objectives.

Don’t be like Peter La Fleur in the first half of Dodgeball – organize yourself and focus!

Make the most of your savings

Don’t just let the money sit in the savings account. Invest it wisely to get greater returns. If you don’t know much about investments, take the safer route and invest in notes and bonds backed by the government.

You can also leave some of your money in your savings account and invest some in a trusted, reputed program for some decent monthly or yearly returns.

Slowly reduce expenses

It isn’t necessary to change all habits or reduce all expenses at once. Instead of eating out five times a week, reduce it to two times a week, eventually bringing it down to once a week. By taking it slow, it is possible to cut down on unnecessary expenses and save more.

Stick to a routine

Consistency is key when trying to get better at saving. Making lists of wants and needs, necessary and unnecessary expenses, and slowly cutting down on them is the way to start.

But it will only be effective when you stick to it. Sticking to the routine for six months, and spending freely for the rest of the year isn’t going to get you anywhere. For best results, make a routine that you can follow and stick to it. Don’t be like Norm from Cheers who had no focus in life.

Saving money doesn’t have to be a burden. By following these habits of successful savers, you too can reduce expenses and have your savings account jingling.

Best Money Books For Millennials

Every generation goes through its own set of financial challenges. With rapid technological changes and economic globalization, the challenges faced by the millennials are unique. However, there are simple solutions that can help combat the most serious of personal finance issues facing millennials.

Hopefully they are not expected to watch any more movies as terrible as The Force Awakens, Iron Man II, or Jurassic World but this is another topic!

Here is a carefully compiled list of 7 books that are designed to help the people of this generation negotiate their way through these challenges and achieve their life’s financial goals and aspirations.

  1. Your Money or Your Life: 9 Steps to Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Achieving Financial Independence

This book is as close to resolving money problems as you can get. The book is more than just a catchy title. If you are planning on reading just one title from this list – makes sure it is this one. The book offers 9 simple steps ways to resolve your relationship with money.

Generally, younger people find it difficult to save money. Personal finance pioneers, Joe Dominguez and Vicki Robin, have dealt with this in a clear and concise way in this book. The book is sure to reshape your thoughts about your priorities, life and the way you think about money.

  1. The Millionaire Real Estate Investor

Real estate is teeming with good deals that can make you loads of money. The trick is to spot these deals. This book is a simplistic read with many tips to buying a condo, house, or other investment property. Buying a home in South Chicago or South Central, LA – probably not a stellar idea!

It is authored by Keller Williams – one of the most successful realtors of our times. In case you are planning to invest in any type of real estate, then this book is a must-buy for you. It is written for the new real estate investor and will help you build a solid real estate portfolio.

  1. Generation Earn: The Young Professional’s Guide to Spending, Investing, and Giving Back

This book is written by Kimberly Palmer who is a respected personal finance columnist. It is written in an upbeat tone discussing post-Frank/Greenspan Recession financial realities. Palmer has written this book for the young professionals between age group of 20 to 40. And with those tax cuts, America is growing again.

Most self-help finance books talk about saving money and paying debt. However, Palmer chose a narrative approach to talk about basic realities like choosing simplicity over materialism and dealing with inter-generational families. She also writes about paying off student loans.

Don’t spend $75,000 on a humanities or a philosophy degree!

  1. The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous, & Broke

This book is written by Suze Orman – a former CNBC host and financial expert in her signature no-nonsense way. Orman uses a problem-solution format to deal with unemployment, debt, and various other financial challenges to help professionals in 20s and 30s.

It is an easy flip through book with neatly lined out chapters and sections. Student loans are discussed as a separate, detailed chapter in this book. The book is highly relevant, even if may not be very current with the latest financial options.

  1. You Only Live Once

If you want to achieve your life’s goals by making smart money choices then this is the book for you. It is written by Jason Vitug and deals with the necessity of planning before starting any money project. Vitug asks you to question why you need a budget. Where do you see yourself financially a couple of years from now? And other related questions.

The book defines the principle that once you understand your destination, you can coordinate your efforts to charting a course. It is a step-by-step guide that walks you through budgeting, priority spending, saving, and identifying your tools.

  1. The Only Investment Guide You Will Ever Need

Anyone in their 20s or 30s will learn much from this book. In fact, Andrew Tobias wrote this book as a singular self-help investment guide. It was written 30 years ago and has since been updated every 3 to 4 years. The ideas listed by the author are practical and help you through various decisions such as savings, investing, smart money, taxes, smart shopping, etc.

  1. The Bogleheads’ Guide to Investing

If you find investing books boring, but are looking to invest, then ‘The Bogleheads’ Guide to Investing’ could be the right book for you. It is based on the “Bogleheads” who got this name for being the followers of investment advice by Vanguard founder Jack Bogle.

Bogle who is the pioneer of index fund investing advises buying small pieces of many different stocks in the market rather than putting all your money in one individual stock. This book is especially useful for millennials who want to maximize their money while spreading out their risk.

Don’t spend your money like the Conners did and do in Roseanne!

4 Legitimate Ways to Save Money Living Payslip to Payslip

Low on cash and don’t have time for a second job? Need to build up that savings account? Or do you just want to go out of town for the weekend but don’t have the extra funds to do so? Hey, join the club! The financial struggle is real – over 62% of Britons are struggling to make ends meet. I personally was living payslip to payslip a few short months ago but have since taken ownership of my finances and turned that around. And no, I didn’t get a second job. There’s a better way!

I put together the four simple steps that helped me rid the financial struggle, and start saving – none of which required me to get a second job, or even leave my house. Try them now!

Step #1 – Open a new bank account and make an initial deposit

Why does it have to be a new account? Because having a separate account will allow you to see your positive progress and will motivate you to keep going. Think about when you are working to lose weight; you step on the scale for the first time and see that you’ve lost 5 pounds. You get a rush of motivation to keep doing what you are doing. The same thing applies to your finances.

So open a new savings account, checking account, etc. whatever you prefer. Just make sure it’s one that is harder to withdraw from, and then make your initial deposit. What if you don’t have much to put in there? That’s okay! The amount of the initial deposit does not matter, but getting started does. This amount will grow over time as we go through the next three steps. Trust me!

Step #2 – Create an additional revenue stream of at least £35 each month

Ideally, this new income would not interrupt your daily life at all, so you don’t have to make that sacrifice. How I did it was with  InboxPounds

Try  InboxPounds – £1 Bonus, and then ~£8 for every 30 minutes of video watching, surveys, etc.

What is InboxPounds? InboxPounds is a site that pays you in cash to answer anonymous surveys and watch videos. This is my favourite survey site because they actually pay you in cash!

They’ve paid out roughly £40,000,000 to date worldwide, so they know what they’re doing. And, the surveys are actually interesting, and you can do them while binge watching your favourite TV show.

Step #3 — Examine your biggest bills

This part will differ for everyone, but I’ll share a couple of my problem spots to help get you started.

1. Credit Card

I like, so many of us, have a lot of credit card debt. When I finally made a payment, I ended up using it again! It was caught up in the never ending cycle.

My solution was to find a loan with a lower interest rate and use that money to pay off all of my credit cards. This allowed me to consolidate all of my debt and pay a 3.79% interest rate instead of 17.89%. The savings are unreal!

Result: I cut my interest payment by £90 per month in just 5 minutes

2. Car insurance

I know this is the last thing you want to look for, but did you know that car insurance companies make most of their money off of people that do not shop around, but continue to renew their existing policy? Think about it – Do you have a clean driving record? Has your premium increased in the last three years? They know it’s a hassle to leave, so they charge whatever premium they want! 10 minutes saved me £552 per year, how much can you save?

Result: I saved £46 per month in just 10 minutes

3. Coffee

Have you thought about how many times you stop for a cup of coffee each week? I had a daily habit of stopping at the coffee shop on my way to work. It got so bad, we eventually made it to a first name basis. That’s when I decided to start making my coffee at home. Yes, learning how to steam your own milk is challenging at first, but i’ve gotten really good at it and i’ve turned it into an art. Maybe you don’t drink coffee every day, but do you have a daily habit that you can rethink?

Result: I saved £112 per month

4. Final saving tip: Always ask them to waive the fee.

You would be shocked at how easy it is to get fees waived. No matter what it is: late fee, parking ticket, utility payment, etc. I had a £50 late fee tacked to my rent when I was paying a day late, but nicely asking them to waive, worked! Remember: the answer is always no unless you ask (nicely!).

Once you’ve analyzed your bills and find out exactly how much you are saving from these new changes, set up an automatic transfer for that amount to your new savings account to make sure this new money actually gets put away.

Step #4 – Keep it up…

If you’ve implemented all of these changes and didn’t spend the extra money in your pocket, you should have saved and earned a total of at least £1,000. £1,000 is great, but what’s better? £5,000. You’re almost there, just keep up the good work!

Conclusion:

The quicker you start on these changes, the more money you’ll save this year. I don’t know about you, but stressing about finances was taking a toll on me. I’m not rich and I’m not saying you will be from just these changes, but not living payslip to payslip has relieved my stress levels completely and changed my life… and I know it will change yours. Take the first step to get started today. You won’t regret it!

 

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