Good job! ... so what's on the chopping block next?
1. Our biggest save this year was switching homeowners insurance to a different company $900 total savings.
2. One habit I developed after I found doctorofcredit.com via a link on MMM is to get the most out of all my banks, credit unions and credit cards.
From a bonus for signing up to actually being suited for what I want to use it for, do they offer high-interest savings, great CD rates, other perks and if two are practically alike - do they offer other helpful to me little extra bennies?
Like no foreign exchange fee - 3% or more saved, more savings if they also cover other exchange rate related fees or give you concierge services or access to airport lounges or $100 travel purchase credit (that one was extra nice and it is an annual repeat benefit:), covering my cell phone insurance if I pay my bill with them instead of paying $12 mo to T-Mobile for insurance for each phone - $24 savings month and I get 3% cashback on top.
I didn't even realize that I could pay my car insurance and get 3% cashback - not huge, but it all adds up.
I will definitely use the right card to get a free extended warranty on our appliances next time around. That's an easy 80-100 bucks saved.
I have two cards that only charge 9% interest which will come in handy if I ever need it but one of my credit unions actually offers 3.5% personal credit loans that is always there for your use.
I'd been with my old credit union for almost 20 years that other than a decent car loan had absolutely nothing else to offer during that entire time - what a waste of money.
The newest card I'm looking at is strictly because I need a 15 month no interest charge for purchases card, but it does give me a $200 bonus for $1K spend in 90 days, actually it gives you an extra $100 bonus if you spent $7500 total annual your first year. It is a BOA card which gives you free entry into museums once a month, useful. Free loan, free money and a benny I will use.
3. I'm on board with the pay off your credit card in full each month - I like that feeling of being debt-free all over again:).
4. HABIT - MMM reminded me to question everything and often - it pays off.