Personal finance
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Tweak your tax withholding to reduce refunds, allowing you to use those funds monthly for expenses, savings, or debt repayment instead of lending money interest-free to the state.
Refunds are essentially interest-free loans to the government; keeping the cash lets you invest, save, or pay off debts right away.
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Calculate how many hours of work are required to earn the price of an item and decide if it is worth that amount of labor.
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Wait two weeks before buying an item you like to see if you still want it.
To decide if it's something you really need.
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- Add desired items to a wishlist and wait 1-2 months to see if you still want them before buying.7
- Pause for seven days after deciding to buy an item; if your desire remains unchanged, go ahead and purchase it.7
- Wait one hour before purchasing an item you urgently want; if the desire persists after that time, consider buying it.1
- Wait 24 hours before purchasing any item that exceeds your pre-set price threshold.1
- Before buying, ask yourself if the item is a necessity or just a desire.7
Transfer $5-10 from your checking account to savings when you feel the urge to spend.
The feeling to spend goes away.
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- Store savings in a separate bank account with no ATM access and transfer a small weekly allowance to a primary account for spending.1
- Transfer the full cost of an impulse buy into savings immediately; only withdraw it to make the purchase if you still want it after a week.1
savings, money, tax, spending52
Automate your savings and investment transfers to occur at the beginning of each month.
Use library passes to access museums and attractions for free.
It can save money on entry fees.
- Availability may not be perfect.
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Tell every dollar where to go.
we enjoy our life
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Frame spending as wasting time, especially if you are paid hourly.
Spending money is equivalent to wasting the time worked to earn it.
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Research and read a straightforward approach to managing money, such as Dave Ramsey's book.
It explains everything you need and is well worth the time.
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Avoid taking out tax refund advance loans from service providers.
Basic refunds typically process within a week or two, making the fees for speed unnecessary for most people.
- Some people in desperate need may feel they have no choice.
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Revise your W-4 to avoid overpaying taxes throughout the year.
Overpayment is a 0% interest loan to the federal government.
- Adjusting withholding may result in penalties if you underpay.
- Large refunds due to the Earned Income Tax Credit are not affected by W-4 adjustments.
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Limit loans to friends to the cost of a taxi fare home.
Lending more always leads to fallouts.
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Refuse to pay for others by stating that your budget does not allow it.
Paying for others can prevent you from reaching your own goals.
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Apply for a bank loan to pay off high-interest credit card debt.
Bank loan interest rates should be much lower.
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Recognize that large tax refunds often result from tax credits, such as those for children or the Earned Income Credit, rather than over-withholding.
Withholding does not account for these credits.
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Consider investing rather than paying off low-interest student loans if you can earn higher returns.
Paying off a low-interest loan may not be the best option if investment returns are higher.
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Create a budget and review it weekly to keep your finances tangible and on target.
Engaging with your budget is essential for keeping money 'real and present'.
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Perform your own hair dyeing, gel nails, and brow shaping instead of paying professionals.
Professional services can cost around €50-€100 monthly.
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Be skeptical of generic advice like saving 50% of income or cutting small luxuries when it comes from high earners.
Such advice is often easy for those making twice as much money but difficult for those with very little disposable income.
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Refuse to lend items by stating you cannot afford to replace them and do not want to ask for replacement if broken.
Lending out has resulted in losing too many things.
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Accept a small tax refund rather than adjusting withholding if the lost interest is negligible.
The peace of mind may outweigh the small financial loss.
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- Accept small interest losses on withheld taxes rather than stressing over precise adjustments.1
File simple tax returns (1040/1040EZ with standard deduction) directly with federal and state governments rather than through a preparer.
Preparer 'audit protection' is worthless, and filing directly can get the most from your return.
- Consult a tax accountant if direct filing might not maximize your return.
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Accept that sacrifices are needed and avoid spending extra income on hobbies immediately.
Making more money does not help if you spend it on hobbies or other desires.
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Cancel subscriptions for services you no longer use to avoid wasting money.
People often stop using a service and forget to cancel, causing costs to add up over time.
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Keep a detailed record where you note every single penny spent.
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- Track every expense in an app or spreadsheet to visualize cumulative spending and forecast your financial status.3
Consider the opportunity cost of spending money now versus investing it for long-term gain.
Spending now results in the loss of potential long-term gains you could earn by investing instead.
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Continue using paid-off vehicles or devices until they are no longer functional to avoid new payments.
Enjoy not having a payment as long as possible.
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Invest surplus funds in high-interest savings accounts or CDs rather than paying extra toward your mortgage principal if the investment return exceeds the mortgage interest rate.
You can keep the difference between the higher investment return and the lower mortgage interest cost.
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Plan small splurges on enjoyed items into the budget.
This builds in instant gratification.
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Borrow books from the local library instead of purchasing them.
Libraries often do not have late fees, allowing you to keep books as long as needed.
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Remove saved credit card details from all websites and devices so you must manually enter them for every purchase.
The annoyance of typing in the details creates friction that saves money.
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Use a budget, such as a cash envelope system, to give yourself permission to spend within limits with confidence.
It gives you permission and confidence in your decisions.
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Use a single lump sum for 'fun money' rather than subdividing it by category to get the most from utility.
You can decide within your total amount whether you prefer more of one thing over another, yielding more utility.
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Avoid prepaying rent unless absolutely necessary.
It is a gamble that makes it easy for landlords to exploit you.
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Automate your savings and investment transfers to occur at the beginning of each month.
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Add the coupon savings to your tip if you are concerned about appearing cheap.
Servers may remember the generosity more than the use of the coupon.
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Create a budget that explicitly sets aside money for savings and retirement so that remaining funds are guilt-free.
It is extremely helpful for meeting obligations and savings goals.
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Reframe your budgeting mindset from 'no spend' to 'spend on purpose,' assigning a specific job to every dollar.
It removes guilt while maintaining control over expenses.
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Work on homework during breaks between classes to save future time and distract yourself from making frivolous purchases.
It saves future time and distracts from frivolous purchases.
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Frame budgeted purchases as good investments rather than losses.
This mindset makes those purchases feel better.
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Consolidate errands into a single efficient day per week to reduce exposure to spending opportunities.
Limiting the frequency of errand-running reduces the likelihood of habitual spending.
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Avoid counting on your tax refund for planned responsibilities, as the amount can vary unexpectedly.
You may end up with a lower amount and be unable to fulfill the obligation.
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Invest the same amount of money into an investment account for every unnecessary purchase over a specific threshold.
It forces you to reevaluate wants by requiring you to spend the money twice.
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Be aware that receiving a raise or bonus may abruptly disqualify you from certain tax credits, such as student loan interest deductions.
Some credits stop abruptly at certain income levels rather than phasing out gradually.
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Set a monthly budget specifically for impulse buys; once that amount is spent, stop all further discretionary spending for the month.
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Replace paid time-waster apps with offline games you already own, such as Simon Tatham's Puzzles, to avoid microtransactions.
To avoid microtransactions.
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Learn basic vehicle mechanics to perform repairs yourself.
It saves money and reduces the likelihood of getting stranded.
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Pay yourself first by automatically transferring a significant portion, such as 20-25%, of your income to savings before creating a budget.
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Automate savings and focus on necessary expenses first, then give yourself a fixed allowance for discretionary spending that you can spend freely.
The trick is not resisting impulse spending but prioritizing savings and needs.
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Keep a separate checking account with its own debit card exclusively for discretionary spending.
Shopping without access to credit cards imposes a hard limit on spending.
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Use cash back rewards only as statement credits, not for direct purchases, to prevent losing future rewards.
Using rewards for purchases prevents earning new cash back rewards.
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Practice moderation in spending to avoid reckless behavior that forces you to work well into old age.
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Avoid under-withholding taxes if you lack the time or inclination to calculate exact amounts, as significant under-withholding leads to penalties that worsen your financial situation.
Most people do not have the time to calculate withholdings correctly or the desire to risk being wrong; under-withholding results in penalties.
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Manage your own property tax and insurance payments directly instead of relying on your mortgage company.
The convenience offered by mortgage companies is often overrated, as they may make administrative errors and require additional effort to correct.
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Secure your own financial safety net with insurance and emergency savings before donating to charity.
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Expect employers to provide all items required for working from home; do not purchase them yourself.
Employers must provide the tools necessary for an employee to do their job, just as they would in an office.
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Frame the request for payment as a conflict with another job or schedule to set boundaries without appearing mean.
It sets up a foundation for turning down work without feeling bad.
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File for unemployment if you believe you were incorrectly classified as an independent contractor (1099).
You might qualify if your status was changed due to error.
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Imagine your perfect home and decide if the item would be included to filter out clutter.
Most items usually do not fit into this vision and end up being clutter.
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Join a union or learn a skilled trade (like electrician or plumber) to secure a livable wage and benefits.
Skilled trades often pay better than retail or general labor and offer stability.
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Consider moving to a region with higher wages for your profession if you are severely underpaid.
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Calculate your 'true' hourly wage by subtracting all fixed necessities from take-home pay and dividing the remainder by hours worked.
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Hosts should communicate expectations for guest contributions upfront rather than relying on unwritten norms.
It avoids passive-aggressive behavior and confusion.
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Bring a contribution to a host's dinner if invited, especially in cultures where showing up empty-handed is considered rude.
It is considered inconsiderate to expect to be fed without bringing something.
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impulse, purchase, item, buying29
Pause for one day per $10 of the item's price before purchasing.
Ensure enough sleep to avoid making bad financial decisions late at night.
Being up late (e.g., at 2am) can lead to impulsive buys, such as expensive headphones.
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Keep a spreadsheet of items that catch your eye to track how impulse purchases add up over time.
It allows you to quickly see how small and large impulse purchases add up to hundreds or thousands of dollars.
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Pause for one day per $10 of the item's price before purchasing.
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Only purchase non-necessities if you can comfortably afford to buy five of them.
This method helps save money and cut down on impulse buys.
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Take a picture or screenshot of items you want to buy instead of purchasing them immediately.
After a few weeks or months, you often realize you don't actually want some of them.
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Leave your wallet in your car while shopping to create friction for impulse purchases.
The act of having to walk back to the car stopped 95% of impulse purchases for one person.
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- Keep your wallet stashed away from your person and do not save credit card details in your phone or browser to create friction against online purchases.1
Set an expired credit card as the default payment method for online shopping.
It helps curb impulse buying.
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Plan ahead for future needs by keeping items on a wishlist and saving money in a specific account to purchase them when they go on sale.
Planning ahead allows you to spend less money in the long term.
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Set roadblocks for yourself, such as budgets or long paths to access funds, and ensure you get enough sleep and practice meditation to improve decision-making.
Lack of sleep leads to more bad decisions.
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Avoid buying things while drinking alcohol.
It is a common trigger for impulse spending habits.
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Never go shopping with the specific intent of finding deals, as this leads to purchasing unwanted items.
Shopping for deals often results in being tricked into buying things you do not want.
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If you feel the urge to shop for emotional relief, visit a dollar store instead of a regular retailer.
It satisfies the shopping impulse while preventing overspending.
- One person reported this failed because it was too easy to buy excessive items since they were cheap.
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Avoid buying items in physical stores; instead, research deals online from home or wait until you are home to decide if you truly need the product.
Waiting until you get home gives you time to contemplate whether you really need the item.
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Save links to desired items in a folder instead of adding them to a cart; delete the link if the urge to buy subsides over time.
The desire for the item often fades when removed from the immediate checkout process.
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- Move desired but non-essential items to a gift list instead of buying them immediately.1
Before making any purchase, ask yourself if you will regret it later.
This question also works for most general decisions.
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- Ask yourself if you truly need an item before buying it, especially if you are undecided, to prevent buyer's remorse.1
Before buying a new item, ask yourself exactly where you will keep it and consider the space and maintenance it requires.
Thinking about the space and maintenance often reduces the desire to buy.
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Stay off the computer to control impulse purchases by removing access to online stores.
I don't have access to buy stuff
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Spend money on necessary bills or gas when feeling an urge to shop impulsively to satisfy the itch without making unnecessary purchases.
Paying a bill or filling up the gas tank acts as a placebo purchase that removes the urge to spend.
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Keep a prioritized wishlist and stick to it during sales; add items at full price first to test interest.
If you aren't interested at full price, you won't be tempted by the sale; sticking to the list reminds you of higher priorities.
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Satisfy the urge to acquire by browsing stores and handling desired items without purchasing them.
The excitement comes from the hunt and selection process rather than the act of buying; once the rush of finding fades, the desire to purchase often diminishes.
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Reflect on the idea that every object in your home used to be money to reduce the desire to acquire new things.
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If you struggle with impulse spending, set a rule requiring a mandatory cool-down period for any purchase over a specific amount.
Creating an artificial barrier filters out most frivolous expenses.
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If you have carefully considered a purchase, consulted others, and it will not ruin your finances, buy the item to remove the lingering preoccupation with acquiring it.
Removing the looming thought of the purchase allows you to focus on saving and enjoying money afterward.
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Set a strict budget for discretionary spending to force yourself to be pickier about what you eventually buy.
Strict limits on available funds naturally increase selectivity regarding purchases.
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Reframe impulse purchases by thinking of people in need or potential future emergencies to motivate saving.
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Rechannel energy spent shopping into activities that are not about spending or consumption.
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grocery, cheap, items, meals23
Never go grocery shopping when hungry, as you will buy unnecessary snacks that you wouldn't buy on a full stomach.
Write down ready-to-eat meals, snacks, and ingredient-based meal ideas on a paper taped to the fridge door after meal prepping.
This saves food waste.
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To distinguish between essential and non-essential items, ask if you would buy more or less than double the quantity if your income doubled.
This makes it easier to separate crap from non-crap.
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Schedule your day by blocking out set times for important tasks.
Give your day structure.
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Buy grab-and-go freezer meals when you haven't planned ahead, as they cost less than fast food.
They cost more than most groceries but less than fast food.
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Stock up on groceries only when they are below your pre-set price limits.
It prevents having to pay normal prices later.
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Buy fruit when it is in season.
It is cheaper and tastes better.
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Buy non-perishable household supplies like toilet paper, soap, and toothpaste in bulk when on sale.
These items do not expire or go bad and are easy to store.
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Pre-cut bagels before freezing them to make them easier to use later.
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Clean out your cupboards to identify expired or unused items.
One person reported that pulling themselves in this way stopped the rush from buying things and lowered their grocery bill.
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Switch to grocery pickup to avoid grabbing unnecessary items you might grab inside the store.
Shopping inside the store often leads to buying things you don't need.
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Shop for groceries online, review the basket total, and remove unnecessary items until you are within your budget range.
One person reported cutting their grocery bill in half by doing this.
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Take up cross-stitching.
It can be very cheap and is super therapeutic.
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Meal prep ingredients rather than full meals to allow for flexible mixing and matching throughout the week.
You can easily throw together lots of different meals.
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Recreate expensive cafe or restaurant drinks at home using copycat recipes to save money.
It saved us a ton.
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Go for walks without a specific destination or goal to see neighbors and enjoy the neighborhood.
It is free and fun.
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Create online shopping orders and cancel them to check the actual full price before visiting a physical store.
It reveals the true cost of the shopping list prior to entering the store.
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Use tailoring on clearance items, as the combined cost is often much better than buying full-price ready-to-wear clothing.
Getting a hem turned is pretty cheap.
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Verify that each new garment coordinates with at least two existing wardrobe pieces.
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Compare prices between warehouse clubs and local grocery stores to identify what is actually a deal.
Price comparison helps identify what is really a deal.
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Cook amazing dishes with cheap, quality ingredients to nourish yourself and release dopamine.
nourishing yourself releases dopamine and feel-good sensations
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Never go grocery shopping when hungry, as you will buy unnecessary snacks that you wouldn't buy on a full stomach.
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Try unraveling old sweaters from thrift stores as a time-consuming, cheap, and environmentally friendly way to get yarn.
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Take pictures of desired items in stores and review them later to select only the best ones.
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buying, price, value, reviews25
Invest more in high-quality clothes and shoes.
They usually last longer.
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Use sales or special pricing to decide when to buy an item, not whether to buy it.
If an item is not worth buying at full price, it is not worth buying.
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Buy hobbies used so you can resell them if you lose interest.
You can get your money back.
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Work out purchases based on cost-per-use rather than just the upfront price.
Spending a significant amount is worth it if the cost-per-use is well worth it.
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Consider whether buying a new affordable car to drive until it is no longer viable is better than repeatedly buying used cars.
Buying a slightly older car to save on depreciation may not be worth it if it means replacing the vehicle more frequently.
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Recognize that a discount means you paid money for something, rather than saving money, especially if the item was not needed.
The full price does not represent the item's definite value.
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Train yourself to find genuine satisfaction in the security of savings rather than the short-lived dopamine of spending.
The peace of mind from savings outweighs the temporary boost from buying things.
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Ask yourself if you have been doing fine without the item so far to determine if you truly need it.
It reveals that you often do not need to upgrade or replace items as much as you think.
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Look for fixer-upper homes that are livable but need repair, as they are priced lower than turnkey homes in the area.
They require less work from buyers, resulting in a lower price compared to other homes.
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Consider extended warranties for expensive items if the cost is reasonable relative to peace of mind.
A small additional cost can provide good value for peace of mind.
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Read 'The Millionaire Next Door' to change your perspective on personal finance.
One person found it changed their perspective more than other popular finance books.
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Monitor products online for sales or coupon codes instead of buying them at full cost right away.
Paying the full amount without negotiating is foolish. Even wealthy people seek better terms.
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Avoid buying used Mercedes unless you can afford a new one.
Maintenance costs on used models are extremely high.
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Accept that 'good enough' is enough for everyday items and focus on emergency savings over buying shiny new objects to prove wealth.
Having emergency savings and security makes you much happier than a new object.
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Research significant expenses based on reviews and fit rather than relying solely on brand reputation.
Evaluating specific attributes like fit and user feedback leads to better value than buying based on name alone.
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Avoid overpriced tourist areas like the Las Vegas Strip and seek out local alternatives like downtown arts districts or Fremont Street.
Local areas often have cool breweries, hangout spots, great food, and are very budget friendly.
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Check 1-star reviews specifically to identify product flaws or reformulations that positive reviews miss.
This has increased success.
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Avoid comparing your financial situation to others who appear wealthy.
Many people with nice cars, clothes, and apartments are likely drowning in debt or hiding personal struggles.
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Upgrade tools and devices like cellphones before they break.
Buying early saves money by avoiding emergency maintenance costs and panic buying premiums.
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Avoid buying season-specific clothing if you intend to use it years later.
Seasonal items like sweaters will not be useful during other seasons.
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Apply the 'cost per wear' computation before buying anything to decide if the purchase is justifiable.
It helps determine if a planned purchase is justifiable.
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Ask yourself if you would repurchase an item if your house burned down and you received a generous insurance claim.
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Imagine receiving the item for free, then being offered its full price in cash to sell it back with the condition you can never rebuy it; if you accept the cash, do not buy the item.
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Do not assume well-known brands guarantee quality, as high prices often reflect marketing costs rather than product superiority.
Brand recognition frequently drives up price tags through marketing expenditures rather than ensuring better products.
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Wait for video games to release and watch reviews before buying; avoid pre-purchasing at premium prices to avoid disappointment with buggy releases.
to keep your money if the game is buggy
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owe, written, repay, friends17
Recognize that refusing repayment can be a subtle tactic to maintain power by keeping you feeling like you owe them.
It maintains an edge over you even for small things like a coffee.
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Confirm loan terms via email and require a written reply agreeing to them before sending funds.
It provides evidence of the agreement if the borrower later claims it was a gift.
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End friendships with people who owe you money and neither pay nor communicate about it.
They are considered users and not worth being friends with.
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Forgive small debts of $5 to $20 and forget about them to maintain positive relationships.
Friends likely do the same for you.
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Label contacts in your phone with the amount they owe you so you do not forget.
So you don't forget.
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Avoid third-party debt collectors or predatory tax companies offering refund advances, as they often miscalculate refunds leading to unexpected debts.
They may show you are owed more money than you actually are, causing you to owe thousands back to the company.
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Draft and sign a written contract for large loans to partners or spouses, even if you plan to stay together.
The process of writing and signing can reinforce trust and clarify expectations.
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Pay back someone who covers for you as soon as possible.
People feel uncomfortable asking for money owed to them, which can lead to late or non-repayment.
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Keep your contact information updated with the state agency handling child support to ensure the case remains open.
Unupdated information can cause the case to close, preventing the balance from following the debtor for life.
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Recognize that if someone asks you for a loan, banks and other lenders have likely already rejected them because they cannot repay.
Lenders say no because the borrower couldn't pay it back; lending adds more debt with less chance of recovery.
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Accept that money lent to friends over many years is likely lost and focus on setting boundaries for future interactions instead of recovering past debts.
Unless you are willing to take legal action like small claims court, the money is gone.
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Write a polite but firm letter or semi-formal email detailing the situation; mailing it signals seriousness.
Receiving a mailed letter makes the recipient think 'this is serious'.
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If a friend does not repay a loan, accept the loss as a lesson about how they view the friendship and adjust your expectations accordingly.
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Ask debtors exactly when they expect to repay you and document the date in a journal.
This provides documentation of the agreement.
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Put all financial agreements with family members in writing, including obligations, costs, dates, and scope of work.
Family property matters often become complicated; written records help avoid unforeseen complications.
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Seek to understand the debtor's perspective before issuing ultimatums to preserve relationships.
Understanding their position is necessary before being understood.
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Return borrowed money promptly, using installments if necessary.
Money causes issues and resentment, especially with family; returning it is the decent thing to do.
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items6
Buy travel-size or tiny bottles of personal care products to test brands before buying full sizes.
It prevents spending significant money on items you might not like.
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Store bulk-bought items in a fixed number of containers (e.g., five bins) to prevent hoarding.
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Write the purchase date on regular-sized bags of staples and note how long they take to run out to inform bulk buying decisions.
This information allows you to make good informed decisions about bulk purchases.
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Use silicone pouches inside bags to contain spills and keep items visible.
Silicone pouches are bright for visibility, wipe clean easily, and prevent uncapped pens or lipsticks from ruining other items.
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Take photos and video of every part of your apartment before returning keys to protect your security deposit.
This provides evidence to recover deposits from unscrupulous landlords.
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Be aware that roll-on deodorant can solidify and fail if stored for too long.
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