Wed & Thurs ATM&Credit Card Fees, New Clothes, Shoe Addiction, Home Decor and Cellphone
An Easy Start
Don't go to an ATM that isn't owned by your bank.
Diving In
Set up automatic payments for your credit card bills, so you are never late.
Don't have an ATM from your bank nearby? Shop around for a new bank that does.
Balance your checkbook frequently to avoid overdrafting.
Pay attention to your interest rates. Some credit card companies may increase rates while you aren't paying attention. Often a simple call to your company can result in a speedy adjustment back to the proper rate.
Got debt? Pay down your highest interest credit card first. Once you've finished, put that money towards the debt with the next highest interest. Your progress to get rid of your debt snowballs with this method.
NEW CLOTHES
An Easy Start
Never buy clothes at retail price! If you see a "must have" in the store, note the label and style number, you can often find it cheaper online.
Nip temptation in the bud and cancel subscriptions to catalogues and online advertising lists.
Diving In
Bargain hunt and compare prices online. (Just watch out for hefty shipping and return fees.)
Use online coupon sites to save on online purchases.
Plan ahead - stock up at the end of the season for big savings.
Be careful whom you shop with. Take the frugal aunt of your trendy best friend. Or just go it alone.
Super Saver
Shop at consignment stores. You can save big on designer items, and sell things you don't wear anymore.
Host a clothing swap party. Get your friends together and score some new fashions.
Re-style basic or used clothing by adding bold, graphic elements. Even if you're a sewing novice this is a great way to give new voice to your inner stylist, and turn ho-hum items into trendy, custom and cost-friendly pieces.
Organize a "Can I Wear it Week" with good friends. Wear only things you haven't worn for 6 months or more. Ask your friends to decide whether each outfit is a keeper or one to retire. You'll find many things you think are unflattering or unstylish are actually fine.
Shoe Addiction
An Easy Start
If it's making a purchase that you're craving, accessorize with smaller, less expensive items like earrings or scarves.
Splurge for classic styles that will stay in fashion longer. Buy trendy products at discount stores.
Diving In
Comparison shop for shoes online.
Surf the web for better deals - but keep your eyes out for sites offering free shipping and returns.
When looking for affordable, high style, try vintage shoe wear. Slight use can add character!
Super Saver
Hang on to select, high-quality shoes. The fashion cycle will come back around, and you'll be ready.
Have a sole! Ongoing repair and maintenance can dramatically extend the life of a good pair of shoes (or purse, or belt).
Home Decor
An Easy Start
Give couches and chairs a fresh start by draping fabric over them or decorating them with pillows or a small rug.
Paint is a cheap way to change the look of a room. (Stores will re-sell paint that wasn't quite the right color for a previous customer but you may love it!)
Buy accessories like candles on sale at the end of the season before new colors come in.
Plants are a cheap way to dress up a room. (Just don't forget to water them!)
Diving In
Lighting: old lamps from thrift store or yard sale. Lampshades: glue old buttons or fabric on shade.
Frame your own photos with cheap store frames that you can repaint.
Go for a mis-matched look for dining room table chairs and dinnerware, buying these things from thrift stores.
Super Saver
Get more decorating on the cheap ideas through books found at your local library.
Trade furniture with a friend or relative.
Before you buy, check for what you need on listserves like Craigslist or Freecycle.or braggyardsales.com
Cellphone
An Easy Start
Never buy new. Online stores offer "used" phones that are good as new. Just make sure you are still saving once shipping costs are factored in.
Get the right number of minutes. Are you going over your minutes or do you consistently have a lot leftover? Ideally you want to use most minutes and have some left over as a cushion.
Check for services you don't use that you are getting charged for. For example, are you being charged for insurance or roadside assistance?
Read your cell phone bill to make sure there are no third party charges on your bill.
Don't call 411 - use services like 1-800-FREE411 instead or Goggle 411 1-800-466-4411
For toll free numbers, call from a land line.
Make international calls from cheap online services.
Report your lost or stolen phone immediately!!!
Diving In
Get your last 3-6 months bills and figure out how many minutes you use on average. Make sure your plan covers what you use and that you have a reasonable cushion.
Make sure you are not getting charged for old games or ringtones that you no longer use or have.
Find out what carrier your most friends, relatives or business associates use. Switch to that carrier if it offers free in-network calls.
Track your minutes so you don't go over your minutes.
Super Saver
Avoid spending money on ringtones, games or other perks you don't need.
If you don't absolutely need the mobile email, web browsing, entertainment package, get rid of it.
If you are paying for each text message, stop texting. Or go on unlimited texting.
Don't be afraid to dispute inaccurate charges or ask for better deals.
Rely on your landline more for local calls.
Turn thrift store finds into something new. Teacups and bowls can be come a candle or plant holder.
Make your own curtains using fabric from thrift stores or use old sheets.
Grow flowers in your garden to cut.
Don't go to an ATM that isn't owned by your bank.
Diving In
Set up automatic payments for your credit card bills, so you are never late.
Don't have an ATM from your bank nearby? Shop around for a new bank that does.
Balance your checkbook frequently to avoid overdrafting.
Pay attention to your interest rates. Some credit card companies may increase rates while you aren't paying attention. Often a simple call to your company can result in a speedy adjustment back to the proper rate.
Got debt? Pay down your highest interest credit card first. Once you've finished, put that money towards the debt with the next highest interest. Your progress to get rid of your debt snowballs with this method.
NEW CLOTHES
An Easy Start
Never buy clothes at retail price! If you see a "must have" in the store, note the label and style number, you can often find it cheaper online.
Nip temptation in the bud and cancel subscriptions to catalogues and online advertising lists.
Diving In
Bargain hunt and compare prices online. (Just watch out for hefty shipping and return fees.)
Use online coupon sites to save on online purchases.
Plan ahead - stock up at the end of the season for big savings.
Be careful whom you shop with. Take the frugal aunt of your trendy best friend. Or just go it alone.
Super Saver
Shop at consignment stores. You can save big on designer items, and sell things you don't wear anymore.
Host a clothing swap party. Get your friends together and score some new fashions.
Re-style basic or used clothing by adding bold, graphic elements. Even if you're a sewing novice this is a great way to give new voice to your inner stylist, and turn ho-hum items into trendy, custom and cost-friendly pieces.
Organize a "Can I Wear it Week" with good friends. Wear only things you haven't worn for 6 months or more. Ask your friends to decide whether each outfit is a keeper or one to retire. You'll find many things you think are unflattering or unstylish are actually fine.
Shoe Addiction
An Easy Start
If it's making a purchase that you're craving, accessorize with smaller, less expensive items like earrings or scarves.
Splurge for classic styles that will stay in fashion longer. Buy trendy products at discount stores.
Diving In
Comparison shop for shoes online.
Surf the web for better deals - but keep your eyes out for sites offering free shipping and returns.
When looking for affordable, high style, try vintage shoe wear. Slight use can add character!
Super Saver
Hang on to select, high-quality shoes. The fashion cycle will come back around, and you'll be ready.
Have a sole! Ongoing repair and maintenance can dramatically extend the life of a good pair of shoes (or purse, or belt).
Home Decor
An Easy Start
Give couches and chairs a fresh start by draping fabric over them or decorating them with pillows or a small rug.
Paint is a cheap way to change the look of a room. (Stores will re-sell paint that wasn't quite the right color for a previous customer but you may love it!)
Buy accessories like candles on sale at the end of the season before new colors come in.
Plants are a cheap way to dress up a room. (Just don't forget to water them!)
Diving In
Lighting: old lamps from thrift store or yard sale. Lampshades: glue old buttons or fabric on shade.
Frame your own photos with cheap store frames that you can repaint.
Go for a mis-matched look for dining room table chairs and dinnerware, buying these things from thrift stores.
Super Saver
Get more decorating on the cheap ideas through books found at your local library.
Trade furniture with a friend or relative.
Before you buy, check for what you need on listserves like Craigslist or Freecycle.or braggyardsales.com
Cellphone
An Easy Start
Never buy new. Online stores offer "used" phones that are good as new. Just make sure you are still saving once shipping costs are factored in.
Get the right number of minutes. Are you going over your minutes or do you consistently have a lot leftover? Ideally you want to use most minutes and have some left over as a cushion.
Check for services you don't use that you are getting charged for. For example, are you being charged for insurance or roadside assistance?
Read your cell phone bill to make sure there are no third party charges on your bill.
Don't call 411 - use services like 1-800-FREE411 instead or Goggle 411 1-800-466-4411
For toll free numbers, call from a land line.
Make international calls from cheap online services.
Report your lost or stolen phone immediately!!!
Diving In
Get your last 3-6 months bills and figure out how many minutes you use on average. Make sure your plan covers what you use and that you have a reasonable cushion.
Make sure you are not getting charged for old games or ringtones that you no longer use or have.
Find out what carrier your most friends, relatives or business associates use. Switch to that carrier if it offers free in-network calls.
Track your minutes so you don't go over your minutes.
Super Saver
Avoid spending money on ringtones, games or other perks you don't need.
If you don't absolutely need the mobile email, web browsing, entertainment package, get rid of it.
If you are paying for each text message, stop texting. Or go on unlimited texting.
Don't be afraid to dispute inaccurate charges or ask for better deals.
Rely on your landline more for local calls.
Turn thrift store finds into something new. Teacups and bowls can be come a candle or plant holder.
Make your own curtains using fabric from thrift stores or use old sheets.
Grow flowers in your garden to cut.
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