Its official. I’m done with auto bill pay. I really like the idea in theory, but in practical application it just does not work. Too often prices change and billing errors are made.
This week I got an email confirming that my cable bill had been paid. I decided to take a closer look at it and discovered that they had charged me for an installation that I never got. Had I not inspected this particular bill, I never would have caught this error. It was only $10, but it was still an error that should not have happened.
It would be nice the just set up everything to be automatic, and I’ve tried. My experience has taught me one thing. Auto bill pay is just an accident waiting to happen.
Now for the best tips from the web on earning more money and spending less…
EARNING MORE
Dividend Growth Investor @ Dividend Growth Investor writes Do not despise the days of small beginnings – In this article I argue why it is important to start investing, even if you have small initial amounts of funds to invest. The most important thing about investing is simply to get started.
Michelle @ Making Sense of Cents writes $12,334 in September Side Income – It’s Time for Self-Employment – Since my extra income last month was great, it made me even more excited about self-employment. I’m not going to lie, the small dip in last month made me wonder if my income was just going to forever trend down. I’m glad that was not the case!
Barbara Friedberg @ Barbara Friedberg Personal Finance writes How To Build An Investment Portfolio Using Asset Classes – This multi-part series will walk you through, step by step, how to maximize your investment returns using asset classes investing.
Natalie @ Debt and the Girl writes Building my Brand in Freelance Writing – I consider myself extremely lucky. I have had this blog for over a year and its finally a place that it making money.
Kay @ Green Money Stream writes Would You Rent Out a Room in Your House to Earn Extra Income? – To earn extra income some people consider renting out a room in their house. Here are some of the reasons why that could be a rewarding experience.
Brian @ Luke1428 @ Luke1428 writes Even Jesus Had a Side Hustle? – Side hustles help individuals earn money aside from their full time job. Maybe that’s how Jesus and his disciples made ends meet.
Robert @ The College Investor writes Canadian Energy Stocks are Especially Appealing – The global demand for oil and natural gas is increasing, which makes these excellent long term investments. Due to political instability and other issues around the world in oil producing regions, it is not just North American oil and natural gas stocks that are particularly appealing, both especially those in Canada.
Brett Chatz @ Modest Money writes Investment Options for Beginners – For most people, life revolves around living from one paycheck to the next. Only a handful of folks have mastered the art of saving and investing effectively. As you delve deeper into the markets, so you will learn to ascertain which investments are more likely to yield profits than others.
SPENDING LESS
Mr.CBB @ canadianbudgetbinder writes Thanksgiving: Being Thankful On A Budget – Thanksgiving doesn’t have to break the budget if you plan in advance. There are ways to save money in your budget so you can have a lovely meal and celebrate with your family and friends on a day we should all give thanks for what we appreciate in life
Joe Saul-Sehy @ www.stackingbenjamins.com writes TIRED OF BEING BROKE? HERE’S THE ANSWER TO YOUR BUDGET PROBLEM – Can being frugal really save you money? This article discusses ways of smarter spending while maximize compounding interest by making changes in your frugal thought process.
Jay @ Daily Fuel Economy Tip writes Avoid these Fuel Saving Devices that simply Don’t Work – Many of the devices on the market today lay claim to some overlooked factor that car manufacturers or gas producers do not want you to know about, something that is usually small and which should they claim to have figured out how to exploit.
Andrea @ So Over This writes 3 Tips for Saving Money on Your Internet – Anyone who pays for Internet knows how costly it can be to stay on top of the bills each month, especially in a society that leaves a lot of web surfing to be desired.
Bob @ Dwindling Debt writes Is there a Money Wasting Hole in your Budget? – The possibility that you have flaws or holes in your budget is actually quite high and, sort of like a leak under your sink that you do not know is there until you start smelling the stink of rotting plywood, you probably haven’t even noticed them.
Marissa @ Thirty Six Months writes Proactive Ways to Lower Car Insurance Rates – Rather than accept the first sky-high quote that comes your way, it is important to compare your options carefully and take a few proactive steps to lower your rates.
Christopher @ This That and The MBA writes Easy Household Budget Strategies – The thought of having to stick to a budget might make you cringe. It sounds restrictive and boring. But if you are serious about creating wealth, a budget can actually give you freedom. You will have control over your finances; know where your money is going, and have a plan to reach your financial goals.
Robert @ Kids Ain’t Cheap writes How to Make it Through Your First Year of Breastfeeding – Breastfeeding was something that was very important to me. Though I respect women who chose not to for whatever reason, for me and my family, breastfeeding was the answer. As soon as I found out I was pregnant I started reading anything and everything I could about pregnancy and raising a child.
John @ Frugal Rules writes A Pumpkin Costs What? 4 Fun and Frugal Fall Activities – If you’re like our family, we don’t want to spend $150 to get into a park to buy a pumpkin. I share some of our favorite frugal ways to celebrate the season and still have fun in the process.
Adam @ Money Rebound writes How to Save Money on Your Life Insurance – Never thought about your life insurance? Here are some little things to get you started on it.
Pauline @ Reach Financial Independence writes Budgeting lite, a budget for the budget haters – Are you a budget hater? Try this Budgeting lite an approach to budgeting is a no budget approach.
Mr.CBB @ Canadian Budget Binder writes Kids: Healthy Lunches and a Happy Budget – Packing a lunch for the kids doesn’t have to be painful for your or your child or costly in the budget. If you plan well, talk to your child and have them participate in the lunch making process you may just have a happy child, happy budget and empty lunch box.
Miss T. @ Prairie Eco Thrifter writes How to Save Money by Greening Your Wardrobe – These tips on how to save money by greening your wardrobe will really help you to keep those extra dollars in your pocket.
Lazy Man @ Lazy Man and Money writes The Best Frugal Baby Toys I’ve Found – One of things we’ve learned is that our young son is not impressed by expensive toys, yet. In fact, he loves a lot of really cheap toys.
Little House @ Little House in the Valley writes How to Live in an Expensive City without Going Broke – I’m offering some real-life solutions for staying in the expensive city. So let’s look at what you actually have control over:
Matt Becker @ Mom and Dad Money writes Buying a Car: Sealing the Deal – This is the final installment of my series on buying a car. In this post we’ll go over the final steps in the car-buying process to make sure you get exactly the car you want at the absolute best price possible.