It was a hard year financially for a lot folks in this country in 2012. With the so-called "fiscal cliff" right around the corner, 2013 also looks ominous. We can't just wait around for Washington to get its act together.
That's why it's so important to take control of your own finances. Technology is your best friend when it comes to money. There are countless ways to save and earn cash in the digital world! I've rounded up my top ten Money Tips from 2012 right here.
10. Turn your phone into your digital wallet - Chances are you've got three things on you no matter where you go or what you do: your keys, your wallet and your phone. If you lost any one of them, your day would be ruined!
So why not mitigate the risk and make buying stuff a lot less of a hassle by combining your phone and your wallet? New smartphone technology has made mobile payments convenient and practical. Find out how it can work for you.
9. Take donations for your projects - Did you know there are hundreds, maybe even thousands of people who want your project to succeed? Whether you have a clever new invention, a brilliant movie idea or a charitable project, you can find funding from like-minded folks online!
It's called "crowdfunding," and it's a whole new way for entrepreneurs and artists to raise the capital they need to make their dreams come true. This tip will help you get your great idea off the ground without a mountain of debt.
8. Apps to help slash your smartphone bill - One of the biggest drains on your checking account is your monthly cellphone bill. If you've got a smartphone, you'll notice that all that data isn't free and it isn't cheap!
But smartphones also have a ton of ways to make themselves less expensive by saving on data costs, minutes and texts. Here are some essential apps to save hundreds on your phone bill.
7. Save money with a shared data plan? - Having one monthly cellphone bill is bad enough, but if you have kids with smartphones, your costs can go through the roof! Wireless carriers have noticed parents going gray early thanks to data overages and now offer sharing plans.
But are they worth it? It can be confusing to try and fit these plans into your unique family and lifestyle. These plans can save you a lot of dough, but you should read this helpful tip to make sure they're right for you. Make sure you check out my handy data-plan calculator, too.
6. Free Wi-Fi from your cable company - One surefire way to save huge on cellular data is to use Wi-Fi whenever and wherever possible. Unfortunately, finding a free wireless hotspot can be tough, and paying for it can be expensive.
Did you know that your cable Internet service provider may offer free wireless hotspots around your city? I'll tell you how you can find out in this helpful tip.
5. Upgrade to the iPhone 5 for less - Now that the brand-new, bigger, better and blazing fast iPhone 5 is out, you might think your old iPhone 4S is obsolete. If you're in the middle of a contract, you probably feel stuck with an inferior model.
Not so fast! It turns out that the iPhone 4S is still a great phone and still in demand. You can find out how to upgrade to the iPhone 5 right now for a lot less money.
4. Save big money on ink and printing costs - It's so mind-bogglingly bizarre to think, but did you know that it can sometimes be cheaper to buy a whole new printer than a new set of ink cartridges? Ink is incredibly expensive and it seems like it's always running out.
Before you go shopping for a cheap new printer every couple months, read this tip about saving money on printing costs. After all, the easiest way to save money on ink is to use less ink! It's surprisingly easy to do.
3. Helpful job hunting resources - If you're unemployed or underemployed, you're probably under a great deal of stress. It isn't easy to get a good job in this economy. Thousands of people have been searching for months and even years without success.
This comprehensive tip can help you land your dream job or even make money from the comfort of your home! Build the ultimate résumé and avoid scams with this helpful job hunting advice.
2. Free alternatives to costly software - If you've just bought a new computer, the next step is to stock it up with useful programs. The trouble is that the best software like Office and Photoshop can be prohibitively expensive.
You can save thousands on professional software by using these free alternatives. Each is high-quality and comparable to a pricey equivalent. You could save up to $7,800 with this tip.
1. An easy way to save on your electric bill - Electricity is a stealthy expense. You're always using it even if you don't realize it. That means you're also always paying for it. Those costs can add up to a pretty formidable bill!
There are some easy tricks for trimming hundreds from your electricity bill. It all starts with putting a stake through the heart of "vampire" power suckers that sneakily steal power even when they're off! Find out how to do it.
