DontSpendMore.com Blog

Author: dontspendmore

  • Six Important Tips For Shopping Comparison

    By David

    Shopping can be a fun activity, and it’s become a lot more convenient with the increasing popularity of the internet. However, it isn’t always easy to sort through all the prices and deals, and that can turn an otherwise fun activity into a tiring task.

    To make the online shopping process a bit easier for you, here are a few things you should examine while performing your shopping comparison:

    Click here to review DontSpendMore.com for free shopping comparison

    Substitute products and services
    Today, you will find many variants of the same product, and it is up to you to find the right one for you. Many expensive products have significantly cheaper substitutes which might just be enough to handle your needs. Why pay more than you need to when there are cheaper alternatives.

    Price comparison sites
    Price comparison sites are becoming very popular among online shoppers, as they simplify the process of shopping comparison by bringing all the best available deals to one place. The resulting savings can be astronomical. They also make the selection process easier, since there is no longer a need to visit multiple outlets simply to find a decent deal.

    Acquisition cost
    While comparing prices, take the time to ensure that the cheaper product you are selecting doesn’t have any additional acquisition costs like shipping charges, online transaction charges, convenience fees and so on. Some retailers actually try to hide these additional costs, so make sure your read all the fine print before paying for anything.

    Store credibility
    In the online world, there are many traps set for the unsuspecting buyer. While engaged in the process, make sure you verify the credibility of the site you will be giving your patronage. Some sites are used by hackers to steal personal and payment information, so you certainly don’t want to enter any valuable into an unfamiliar website until you are sure it is a reputable company with a proven track record.

    Return policy
    This is something else you should consider when comparing prices.  Different retailers have different policies, but most would at least offer you a portion of your purchase price if you are not satisfied with their service. You will rarely find a reputable online retailer that does not offer some sort of refund.

    Once you polish your shopping comparison skills, you will quickly become an expert at finding the best deals possible, which will save you a bunch of money on the long run. Most online websites are safe and secure, but that does not mean you should drop your guard. Being cautious is extremely important on the web, and it would be wise to follow the above tips when shopping online. As long as you take the time necessary to find the best available deal and verify the credibility of the online retailer your plan to deal with, your experience shopping online should be a pleasurable one. If possible, try to make purchases with your credit card, as many come with very strong anti-fraud policies that will protect you if you ever run into the unsavory characters roaming around the net.

  • Check This Out Before Signing Up For Free Credit Card Offers Online

    By David

    The Internet has a lot to offer, with everything from free email accounts to free credit card offers online. However, you need to be careful about what you sign up for on the Web, as there  are a number of terms and conditions you must know before you sign-up.

    Click here to compare free credit card offers online

    While there are many free credit card offers online, if you don’t read the fine print you could be hit with hefty charges after signing up for what you thought was a free credit card.

    So here are a few things you should examine:

    • The offer: It is necessary that you understand the offer before signing anything. Sometimes, offers are for a limited period with specific terms and conditions. If you are unsure about anything while going over the offer, don’t hesitate to contact the lending institution.
    • Brand: Before writing down your personal information on an application form, it is important to verify that the offer is from a reputable company.
    • Terms and conditions: We often forget to check out the complete terms and condition of things we sign up for and credit cards are no different. Free credit card offers online have their own intent, which is not always comprehended by the customer.
    • Credibility: Is the card provider a known brand. Does it have a substantial presence on the Web? Have you ever heard of or seen the brand? What do those who have used their services in the past have to say? By researching the credibility of the lending institution before you sign up for anything, you’ll significantly reduce the odds of running into problems down the road.
    • Financial implications: Does the credit card really come free? Well. You need to find out before you sign on the dotted line. While you’re at it, find out the interest rates as well so you are not hit with any surprises. When you decide to go with a particular lender, make sure you go through all your statements regularly, and if you find any strange charges made by the bank, don’t hesitate to contact them and find out why!

    While sorting through all the offers you’re bombarded with can be overwhelming, you should not have any problems weaving through the bad offers if you follow the advice listed above.

  • What To Look For When You Compare A Credit Card Deal?

    By David

    Today, there’s a huge collection of credit card deals available to consumers around the world. Some offer low interest rates and fees, while others reel you in with enticing rewards and benefits.

    So how do you find and compare the right credit card deal? Well, all you have to do is to compare the various options being offered and decide what matters the most to you.  Are you more interested in keeping your fees at a minimum or do you want to get more value for your purchases with card benefits and rewards?

    Here are a few things you should pay attention to when trying to compare credit card deal:

    Charges and fees: Every charge card comes with some fees and charges. Some charge an annual fee, and most have fees for everything from going over your allocated credit limit to late fees.

    Click here to compare the hottest credit card deals

    Interest rates: This is another important factor you should consider while trying to compare credit card deal. Typically, many banks give a 30-day interest free period, after which the regular interest rate applies. Interest rates can sometimes change after the card has been issued, so make sure you go through the fine print before selecting which one is right for you.

    Transaction limits: Most people opt for a credit card because of the freedom and convenience it provides, thus it is important to make sure the daily transaction limit on the card you select is high enough to accommodate your spending habits. The transaction limits on most credit cards are typically high enough for most users, but small business owners and the like need to ensure their regular transactions will go through hassle free.

    Benefits and rewards: Every card comes with some benefits and rewards. Each time you swipe the card, you move a bit closer to earning some freebies, as per the terms and conditions of your card provider. So, when you compare credit card deal, look out for benefits and rewards that will save you money.

    Validity: If you do a lot of travelling around the world, for business or pleasure, it is important that your card is accepted wherever you go. Find out what parts of the world your card can be used before selecting a lender.

    Repayment cycle: While credit cards have a lot of benefits, they can also cause some financial difficulties down the road if misused. Learn everything you can about the repayment cycle of your credit card issuer, as you do not want to fall victim to predatory lending practices. If your provider doesn’t offer a grace period, that is something you want to know.

    Additional cards: If you are thinking about authorizing other family members to use your account, you should find out if additional cards will cost you extra, and if you are even allowed to have multiple people on the account.

    Customer support: You also want to look for lenders with professional customer support. Hour of operation are also important, since you want to always have the ability to contact your credit card issuer if any problems arise.

  • A Few Things You Should Know About Credit Card Benefits and Rewards

    By David

    Today, many use credit cards for most of their daily transactions, a testament to the advanced technological age we live in. Credit cards offer a greater amount of safety and flexibility, making it more popular that carrying cash around. Besides being a lot more convenient than paper currency, many credit cards also offer attractive benefits and rewards.

    Click here to compare and select credit card benefits and rewards

    What are card benefits and rewards?

    As a credit holder, you are typically awarded certain card benefits and rewards. The way it works: Banks offer reward points for each transaction you make, and these points can be redeemed for attractive gifts and privileges when they reach a certain point. In order words, you earn points for regular activities like paying for gas, shopping, utility bills, etc. And these points earn you rewards, thus making your expenses earn for you.

    Also, many credit cards offer special benefits like cash back. That’s right; they’ll give you cash for spending your money. For example, if you make a purchase at store and pay using your credit card, you get a percent of the transaction back in cash (typically around 1 to 3 percent).

    Here are some of the common card benefits and rewards offered by various banks and financial institutions:

    • Reward points
    • Free insurance for car rentals
    • Cash-back offers
    • Free airline tickets (frequent flyer miles)
    • Complimentary movie tickets

    How quickly can you earn points?

    The rewards offered by credit card companies depend on the type of card you are using, and the frequency and size of your transactions. Typically, the higher the amount of the transaction, the higher the reward will be.

    How do you choose the right reward program?

    You should choose card benefits and rewards based on your spending patterns and needs. Before selecting a particular credit card, you can compare rewards offered by multiple banks and financial institutions. For example: If you are a frequent flyer, you should choose a card that rewards you with air travel miles. This will help you earn more reward points on your air-ticket expenses and it might even earn you a free vacation down the road.

    How do you redeem your accumulated rewards?

    Redeeming accumulated reward points is easy. Some reward programs allow you to use the accumulated points in lieu of cash, while others earn you specific items like kitchen appliances, stationery, toys, etc.

    It is nice to get rewards every time you spend, especially if you have a card which rewards you for your normal spending habits. Just make sure you don’t start swiping just to earn points, as that can lead to financial problems down the road. Spend wisely, manage your finances properly, and you might just end up making money off the credit card companies instead of the other way around.

    Given the different card rewards and benefits offered by most credit card companies, every bit of plastic you own should offer you a few extras.

  • Did You Know Money Comparison Sites Can Save You A Lot Of Money?

    By David

    With the arrival of the Internet, e-commerce was born. Virtual shopping has become a reality, and it is booming along with the increasing expansion of the internet all over the world. Today we have thousands of websites offering products and services from wide range of industries online.

    There are also many e-commerce sites which sell similar products and services at different prices, so it is typically wise to compare items from multiple vendors when shopping online. That is where money comparison sites come in, as they make it easier for consumers to compare prices. As the internet and e-commerce continues to grow, the volume of comparison websites has also increased.

    Save hundreds of dollars by comparing offers at DontSpendMore.com

    Why use money comparison websites?

    Every one of us is a consumer in one way or the other way since we all buy products and services on a day to day basis. Naturally, we would rather pay less for items we purchase, and we would not mind having someone else do all the research to find the best deals. That is where money comparison sites come in. They let us compare prices from a large number of stores with only a few clicks of the mouse.

    Here are few benefits derived from comparing prices when shopping online.

    • Saves money: You will always save money anytime you use a money comparison website before shopping. You will know where the discounts are, and stores with overpriced items. With all sorts of promotions being offered by online retailers, a little bit of research goes a long way.
    • Leads to discovery of new places to shop: While using price comparison sites, the search often leads you to retailers you’re not familiar with. With so many options available online, it’s nice to have a tool which will consistently point you towards all the best discount spots and perhaps even your new favorite store.
    • Saves time: Comparing prices can actually save you time as well. Before price comparison websites became popular, people would have to visit multiple websites to compare websites. Now, you simply enter what you are looking for in a search box, and the bots do all the work. No more spending hours on the internet simply to shave a few bucks off your shopping bill.

    Now, you must be thinking, how you choose the best money comparison site for yourself? Depending on your specific spending habits, certain comparison sites might be better suited for your tastes. Some price comparison sites have specific niches, so it is certainly a good idea to take the time to research your options, as it can lead to even greater savings.  While you are at it, you might also want to do some research on the vendors the comparison site is leading you to.  If you are unfamiliar with the vendors your search leads you to, take the time to verify their credibility. Read reviews from other customers, verify that their payments methods are secure, and ensure you will be getting the quality product you expect.

  • Save Money By Reducing Your Vulnerability

    By John

    In these challenging times, most people are either choosing or having to make serious choices about their spending habits in order to save money. The most-touted choices inevitably entail a certain amount of pain or sacrifice; however there is one approach to saving money that is not so often mentioned, yet is relatively painless. With rising levels of crimes of ‘economic desperation’, both here at home and in many of our overseas vacation destinations, safe-guarding what is ours can save a considerable amount of expense and hassle in the short- and longer-term.

    Click here to compare offers and save money

    How am I vulnerable?

    Apart from assets you may hold in the bank and safety deposit boxes, your valuable possessions are pretty much held in your house or on your person.

    Your vulnerability can cost you heavily

    Having something stolen from you, especially violently, can cause you considerable expense. There may have been damage to your property, you may need medical attention and, of course, there are the replacement costs of the items stolen. If you make an insurance claim you may recoup some of the loss but your credit rating is likely to take a hit.

    What you can do to improve your residential security

    No matter how much you spend on a security system, it won’t guarantee your house to be burglar-proof against the really determined burglar: remember, what man has put together, man can take apart. Whether you have a security system or not, here are some basic common-sense rules:

    • All doors and windows should be lockable and locked. The quality of the locks used should be standard throughout i.e. the same quality for the garage door and cat-flap as for the front door or gate.
    • The outside of your house should be adequately lit at night. A timer switch will ensure the lights are switched on when you are away. Good lighting and robust locks may be enough to deter an opportunistic burglar, or at least delay him until help arrives.
    • Don’t advertise the fact unnecessarily that you may be going away on a trip or vacation. Neighbors may be amenable to keeping an eye on your house if you are away.
    • Be rigorous about authenticating the ID of anybody you don’t know who asks to enter your house, for whatever reason. Reputable organizations make this easy for you.
    • Be suspicious about people loitering near your house.
    • Make sure you have a reliable means of calling the police to your house if necessary.

    What you can do to improve your personal security

    Your best weapon against being mugged or robbed on the street or in a public place is ‘situational awareness’. If something doesn’t look right to you, it probably isn’t. But you won’t be aware of it if you are listening to music on your earbuds and texting at the same time. Paying attention to your surroundings takes discipline and effort. In addition an alert-looking person is less likely to be attacked by a mugger than one looking as if he is in a trance.

    Here are some practical tips to reduce your personal vulnerability:

    • Don’t wear all your flashiest accessories on the street.
    • Don’t carry more cash and cards around than you might reasonably be expecting to use.
    • Keep your wallet/purse in a fastened pocket, preferably an inner one.
    • Consider carrying a ‘throwaway’ wallet containing only a little cash with your main wallet better secured inside your clothing.
    • Use an ATM inside a bank lobby or in a building with security staff present, rather than one on the street.
    • Be alert when exiting a bank; secure any cash you may have withdrawn before you leave the building.
    • Consider running a bank account with only a small balance that you use for daily expenses and top up frequently. That way your exposure to loss is limited if the card linked to that account is compromised.
    • Particularly when overseas, carry photocopies of important documents in your wallet and leave the originals in a safe place. Better to have a slight problem with the police than have to obtain a passport at short notice.

    It’s all about exposure…….

    The better you protect what is yours, the less you expose yourself to the risk of being vulnerable and having someone try to take it away from you. Following these simple tips will save you money if the worst should happen.

    Click here to save hundreds of dollars every month

  • Budget Cell Phone Plans To Save Money

    By Paul

    If you are looking to save money, why not start with the leaks? Most people pay more than they use on cell phone plans. The best way to save on your phone plans is to budget them.

    If you hurt on the inside every time you have to pay your bill, reconsider the services you are paying for. If you feel like you are overpaying and not using the services you are paying for, it’s time to change your phone plan. Additionally, if you are having trouble affording your bill, you need to budget your cell phone plan.

    Click here to compare budget cell phone plans

    Figure out your needs

    Sit with your family and jot down your requirements. Your requirements depend on how much you use your cell phone, how many calls and texts you make and receive as well as your data requirements. Moreover, according to your lifestyle and preferences, which phone do you want? All this depends on your social life and the type of job you have. Also, figure out how much you are willing to spend in a month.

    Prepaid or postpaid

    Figure out whether you need a prepaid or a postpaid package. When you use a prepaid service, you need to buy minutes beforehand. This gives you complete control of your bills. Prepaid plans generally have higher calling rates. Prepaid is great for people who want to limit their budget as you can only spend the amount you have charged.

    Post paid plans let you call whenever you want and pay the bill at the end of the month. Since this service is based on credit, a credit check is required before they let you become a postpaid customer. Most postpaid plans have a 24-month contract. These plans tend to offer the best rates on subsidized cellular phones.

    Choosing the right plan

    Once you have figured out whether you want to go for prepaid or postpaid, it’s time to choose the right plan. According to your needs, figure which options you need to keep and what you can get rid of. If you text a lot, you should go for a package that offers unlimited messages. If you have wi-fi on your phone and an internet connection at home and at the office, you do not need a data stream plan. Remember, if you are not going to use it all you don’t need it all.
    Try to make another list of things that you want but can live without.

    Now that you know what you need and what you can afford you can shortlist the plans that are available to you. Now compare the rates they are offering and choose the provider who is willing to give you what you want in the least amount of money.

    It may take a little while to decide on what you want, but for the next twenty-four months you’ll be fully satisfied with your decision.

  • Cellular Phone Plan Comparison Guide

    By Paul

    If you think you are paying too much for your cell phone plan or if you don’t get proper signals in your new apartment, it might be time for you to switch your cell phone plan. The plan that fits your friend’s requirements may not be the right one for you. So don’t go for recommendations and shop according to your friend’s needs. With so many companies offering so many plans, one can get confused. Shortlist your options and compare them on your own. So here is what you need to compare when it comes to cellular phone plans.

    Cellular phone plan comparison — click here

    Rates

    Different providers have different rates for the services they provide. You can shortlist your options based on your budget. And shortlist them further based on the features and coverage. The subscriber can choose from prepaid and postpaid services. The provider may have a family plan where they provide a fixed number of lines and have a fixed monthly minute allowance, text and data plans. Others may have a specific minute allowance, texting plans, but maybe for a single person instead. Or offer the same service at a different price. The rates may also differ, based on contract terms. Some providers offer free texts. Some providers may base their prices on the services used. The packages can be chosen based on the subscriber’s budget and requirements.

    Features

    Some people may base their decision on what services they require and for how many people. They should compare the features different providers offer on the phones they have to offer. Often, 24 month contract promotions can save you money on a new cell phone. They may have these for the whole family or for a single individual or just may offer two lines. While others may offer cheaper phones with features like more minutes, free texts and rollover minutes. A provider may even give you an option of contract or no contract and still offer talk, text and data plans. Some may feature family plans for a specific number of users offering talk, text and data plans, with an additional feature that allows you to call or text certain people for free.

    Coverage

    Different locations receive better signals through different carriers. For people who travel a lot, this may be a very important factor. Some services charge for roaming, others may not. Some offer nationwide services while other networks fail to reach certain areas.

    Cellular phones have become a very important part of our daily lives. Choosing the right plan can save you a lot of money. So, the next time you sign up for a service, make sure it is exactly what you need!

  • Cheap Cell Phone: Five Tricks That Work

    By Paul

    If you are on the lookout for a cheap cell phone plan, then you will find that it is not easy to get one. You will have to work hard and use a bit of trickery to get the deal that you want. In today’s modern era, the rising prices of commodities can put a dent on your savings and the last thing you want is an expensive data plan. It may look like a time consuming process but when you see the low costs, you will be pleased. Let’s discuss the top five tricks that you can use to get cheap cell phone data plans.

    Click here to compare cheap cell phone plans

    Negotiate

    With a bit of wheeling and dealing, you could end up getting a deal that is just right for your pocket. Mobile phone service providers are in cutthroat competition and the last thing they want is to lose a valuable customer like you. So this gives you the upper hand when it comes to bargaining for a deal. Before you commit to a plan, examine all fees and costs that you will have to pay on a monthly basis.

    You have several avenues

    As the customer, you are in a position of power. Once you have decided upon a service provider, you will have several different options through which you can purchase the plan. You can go to the retail store, company outlet, or shop online.

    Consider a family plan

    The more customers the cell phone service provider gets, the more benefits they will give to you in return. When you get a family plan, your overall costs are reduced as they are split up. You can even get a family plan with the help of your friends. You don’t need to prove that you are truly a family.

    Ask for a group discount

    Every cell phone service provider gives additional benefits to special customers. For example: a company who gives all their employees a data plan from the same subscriber is likely to get cheaper rates. If you have a large group of people with you, then you can ask for a group discount.

    Minimal minutes and low features

    With amazing free calling apps now available, you should really consider getting a plan that has minimal free minutes. At home, you can use the internet or the home phone, and if you have WI-Fi, then you can use the apps outdoors as well. Another thing for a cheap data plan is choosing low tech features. The more content you download the more you will be charged. So if you want to download something, do it over a Wi-Fi network or it will end up costing you a bundle of money.

    These are the key elements that will help you get a cheap data plan. If you want to save even more money, then go for a prepaid plan and avoid buying additional accessories from your subscriber. Remember that if you are willing to put in the effort, you will get the desired results and a cheaper plan.

  • Family Mobile Plans Demystified: What You Should Know?

    By Paul

    Cell phones have become essential for survival since they are considered the primary means of staying in touch with those we love and care. Although cell phones have become integrated in our lifestyles, they stack up significant costs to your existing household bills. Family mobile plans are a great option when you have several family members relying on cell phones as it saves you a handsome amount on your monthly phone bills.

    Click here to compare family mobile plans

    How do family mobile plans work?

    In a family mobile plan, all the family members are covered by one bill for a couple of cell phones. The pool of calling minutes, data bundles, and text messaging quota is shared among the family members. Some family plans even let you talk with the members in the family plan for free without using up your allotted plan minutes.

    Family mobile plans come in pretty handy when you want your spouse or children to be on the same plan. It is not necessary for all family members to be living in the same house to share the family plan. Even if your family member lives in a different part of the city and you frequently end up contacting him/her, you can save much with a family plan. You can add additional phone numbers in your family mobile plan depending on your family size for a reasonable fee ($10 extra per month for most plans).

    How to choose family mobile plans

    Different families have different needs with regards to their cell phone usage. Teens vigorously use cell phones and would demand smart phones with multimedia capabilities while some elders might just need a basic cell phone mostly for calls.

    Here are certain points that you should keep in mind while shopping for a family plan:

    Assess Pool of calling minutes required

    Find out the special deals on family mobile plans for certain times of the day or for calls to certain phone numbers. Note any cluster packages available for weekends or late evenings which can save you a great deal of money. You need to consider the number of people you plan on sharing your family mobile plan with along with the geographic area you would be making calls to. All these aspects would affect the amount of calling minutes needed in the plan.

    Coverage provided by family plans

    Different cell phone carriers provide different degrees of coverage in each area. You should find out the extent of coverage offered by family plan since this determines where you can make calls from. Be sure to get coverage maps for your ease from your carrier.

    Availability of handsets

    Not every carrier would provide you with a diverse range of handsets that you can choose from. If a certain family member has a preference for a particular cell phone, you might want to consider that before opting for a family mobile plan.

    It is important to carefully select cell phone carrier and a family mobile plan that best fits your family needs because it can be quite frustrating to change carriers.