Strangest thing that has worked for me is finding out that deposits are sticky: money tends to stay where you put it. So, switch your direct deposit to your savings account and then transfer out what you need for bills. More of it will tend to stay in savings than be the “i have extra money this month, maybe I’ll go shopping” money you discover at the end of the month. This is related to pay yourself first, but it makes it much easier. If you automate your bills – from your checking account, not through the biller’s site – you will very quickly start to see your savings grow. Change that savings account into an investment account and things start to build even more.
I think the app can make a different, but not always. I used to have like 5 different camera apps because each did something a little different. Ultimately, it’s you and the phone that matter. Some phones will take shitty photos no matter what you do. Some people take shitty photos no matter what they do. The more you know how your gear works and where it falls short and where it excels, the better your photos will be. And do some post processing: never accept something without giving it some polish.
What are your best tips to save money?
Following the credit card thread, I’ve learned that some people use credit card points and miles to pay for hotels, that seems pretty interesting....
Advice on using smartphone cameras?
I’m sure a lot of regular photographic techniques apply, but what might be some specifics to keep in mind with smartphone cameras in particular?...