Now that we’ve rung in the New Year and made New Year resolutions (that we may have already broken!) it’s time to think about making a lasting change for 2015. Committing to managing your money better is a great way to make this the year when you take charge of your finances.
Maybe you spent more than you intended over the holidays, or maybe you just need to get a better handle on your money this year, but with these ideas you’ll be able to make your dreams become a reality.
7 Ways to Spend Smarter in 2015
1. Track your bills
Make sure you don’t miss a single bill by tracking all your bills in one place. It’s simple to do this with a pen and paper, but take advantage of those monthly statements from your bank and credit card company as well.
Tip: Use my printable bill checklist to manage your bill paying.
2. Take advantage of credit card rewards
Discover offers rotating 5% CashBack Bonus categories every quarter in 2015 to save more. You can use your extra 5% to reward yourself or stockpile your rewards to earn larger gift cards.
Tip: Cardmembers can sign up now for 5% CashBack on gas and ground transportation for January through March.
3. Use your credit card to pay bills
Use a credit card to pay monthly bills such as your internet, cell phone service, or subscription services. Set up automated payments for your services to be automatically paid by your credit card. It will make bill paying simpler, you’ll rack up rewards points faster, and you’ll be building your credit—all great things.
Tip: To make it even simpler you can set up an automated payment to pay off your credit card as well.
Learn more: Get Financially Fit With Discover
4. Shop smart with Discover Deals
Discover Deals is your one stop for all your shopping needs. With deals from over 150 merchants and online stores you can earn additional CashBack deposited in your account. Not only will you be saving big but you’ll earn, too! It’s a win-win-win for you.
Tip: Stop by DiscoverDeals before you buy to see new offers.
5. Manage your money on the go
Use mobile apps to keep track of your money on the go. Mobile apps allow you to check balances, make payments, check rewards and more. Discover Mobile allows you to track your credit card account on the go with apps for your iPhone, iPad, or Android phone.
Tip: If you’re not sure how to download the app text APP to DISCOV (347268) and it will download to your device.
Learn more: How To Use A Secured Credit Card to Build or Rebuild Your Credit
6. Don’t miss out on savings
Don’t you hate buying something and then finding it on sale a few weeks later? It’s enough to make a savvy shopper cry! With Discover’s Price Protection program you can get the difference back if you see an item you purchased at any store at a lower price within 90 days.
Tip: Make some time to check current prices on recent purchases each week. A quick search will give you the best price available.
Learn more: Travel Smart With Credit Card Rewards
7. Focus on saving for your goals
Creating a family savings bank or setting up a separate savings account for a specific goal is a great way to ensure that you reach your financial goals for 2015. Break down your goal into a weekly or monthly amount you need to save and throw any extra funds (from selling items, bonuses, etc.) into that account.
Tip: Plan trips around your rewards. For instance, now through March, Discover is offering 5% Cashback Bonus on gas and ground transportation which makes it the perfect time for a road trip or vacation.
Learn more: Track Your FICO Credit Score With Discover
Kelly
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of Discover’s Preferred Blogger Network. All opinions are my own.
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