Smart spending habits

Wait before you buy

For anything you didn’t plan to buy, wait 24 hours and see if you still want it. Ask: “Do I need this right now, or can I wait?”

Compare unit prices

The unit price on a shelf tag shows what you pay per ounce, sheet or item, so you can compare different sizes and brands fairly. Bigger isn’t always cheaper. Before buying in bulk, check the expiration date, whether you have room to store it, and whether the upfront cost fits this month’s budget.

Keep subscriptions in check

• When you start a free trial, put a reminder in your calendar a few days before it ends.
• Check your card and bank statements each month for charges you don’t recognize or no longer use.
• Keep a record when you cancel. By law, businesses must make cancelling simple.

Avoid fees

• Overdraft fees: banks can’t charge you overdraft fees on debit card purchases or ATM withdrawals unless you opted in. You can also link a savings account to checking or turn on low-balance alerts.
• Late fees: paying even a few days late usually costs a fee. A bill calendar, autopay or reminders help.