by J.T. Nowen

Created on: March 13, 2008

Here are 10 pain free ways to add a little "umph" to your lifetime net worth:

#1 Automate!
You can save a lot more than you think when you're not thinking about it. Stowing away a few dollars every pay check can add up to ton over time, especially if this money goes into an interest bearing account, an investment account or an employer-matched retirement plan. Set up automatic deductions and transfers to painlessly and unconsciously pay yourself first.

#2 Stop the Bleeding.
Let's face it. Nobody wants to pay fees and interest. They honestly do no one any good but your mean, evil debtor. Late fees, especially, make the angels cry. So put your bills on an automatic monthly payment system. Take cash back options at the grocery store instead of using ATMs. Have your bank email you overdraft warnings if you need them and use a snowball method to pay off high interest debt. Don't fall for usurious scams like payday lending or tax refund advances. If you are extra ambitious and have the cash to spare, find out if your mortgage lender accepts pre-payments penalty free and consider making at least one extra payment a year. You may end up saving hundreds of thousands of dollars in the long run.

#3 Stay Healthy.
Your health is both your most valuable assets and your most costly liability. Over the course of your lifetime, you may pay up to a quarter million or more in health care expenses or fees. Make brainless and automatic contributions to your health by not smoking, wearing appropriate safety equipment and seat belts when necessary, protecting your sexual health, choosing high fiber, whole grain cereals, washing your hands several times a day and taking the stairs when possible.

#4 Avoid Confusing Spending with Love.
Buying your family toys, expensive clothing and vacations does not mean that you love them any more than someone who doesn't spend as much on their family. A person who loves their spouse and their children does not merely concern themselves with whatever momentary affection and happiness they can buy with material goods. Instead they concern themselves with their family's long term cohesiveness, happiness and wellbeing. This typically means a stable family base, fostering constructive communication and quality time. Excessive spending can often negate this by causing tensions in trying to make ends meet. So make a conscious effort to change your mind about what love means and doesn't mean. Your wallet will thank you.

#5 Stop Thinking Disposable.
Buy high quality

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>