Even if you’re expecting a tax refund, this time of year can be, well, taxing on your wallet when it comes to paying for tax preparation services. The good news is that, if you qualify, you can get free help filing your return and not spend a dime. Here are some programs to … [Read more...] about Where to find free help with your taxes
5 surprising ways your smartphone can save you money
You’ve probably accepted the fact that you can't live without your smartphone, even if it is an extra expense on top of your other bills. Of course, if you use your phone wisely, it could turn out to be a great investment. Check out these five ways your smart phone can actually help you save … [Read more...] about 5 surprising ways your smartphone can save you money
Credit card balance transfers: When are they a good deal?
I once had a friend who bragged about never paying interest because she shuffled her credit card balances around whenever she had a 0% balance transfer offer. What she didn't realize was that by not paying off the debt, she was actually wasting time (and money), since a balance transfer fee was … [Read more...] about Credit card balance transfers: When are they a good deal?
Free or cheap music streaming services
We live in an on-demand generation when it comes to music entertainment. With so many streaming or downloadable options, those CD collections, stereo systems and portable radios are collecting dust and becoming outdated.Here are some ways to get your groove on, rock out or sing along with your … [Read more...] about Free or cheap music streaming services
How to avoid Black Friday crowds and still score amazing deals
Are Black Friday sales all they are hyped up to be, and are those savings worth potentially missing out on family time, sleep, or sanity? Likely not. If you hate the idea of massive crowds and late-night parking lot madness, then Black Friday deals probably aren’t worth the hassle for you. If … [Read more...] about How to avoid Black Friday crowds and still score amazing deals
What to do if you can’t pay your bills
There’s no doubt that for many people have suffered a big toll on their finances. Whether you’re down an income (or two) in your household, or waiting on unemployment or small business help, you might be stressing about what to do with the stack of bills that is piling up or on the way.On the … [Read more...] about What to do if you can’t pay your bills
Spring into summer vacation savings now
When it comes to planning a summer vacation, there are usually two types of people: Those who plan and book more than a year in advance, and those who decide to wing it and find themselves at the mercy of not being able to shop around. While last-minute travel deals are sometimes great finds, you … [Read more...] about Spring into summer vacation savings now
6 holiday shopping apps to score deals and stay organized
Back in the day, holiday shopping prep was looking through the circulars from the Sunday paper, making a list of gifts you had to buy, and then heading to the mall. You had high hopes that the items on sale would still be there when you arrived, and depending on how late in the season it was, you … [Read more...] about 6 holiday shopping apps to score deals and stay organized
The 7 best apps for travelers
Nothing can take away the excitement of getting ready to go on a trip, except maybe the packing, planning, getting lost, language barriers, flight delays, etc. The good news is you don’t have to let those potential hurdles stand in the way of an awesome, well-deserved getaway if you find the right … [Read more...] about The 7 best apps for travelers
The ultimate guide to protecting yourself from identity theft and financial fraud
If you’re like most people, you take care of most of your finances online these days. While you might have once been hesitant about online banking or typing in your credit card number to buy that sleek new laptop, now, you’ve probably come around to thinking nothing of depositing checks using your … [Read more...] about The ultimate guide to protecting yourself from identity theft and financial fraud
Can’t afford holiday tips? Here’s what to do
If you're living on a fixed income or a tight budget, you may have small budget for holiday gifts. But what we often forget about are all of those extras — gifts for teachers, hair stylists, babysitters, mail carriers — the list seems to go on and on.It can be frustrating if you've had to cut … [Read more...] about Can’t afford holiday tips? Here’s what to do
Taste top restaurants for less during restaurant weeks
For the cheapskate-gourmet, it’s better than Christmas: Restaurant Week, when some of the best — and priciest — tables offer a three-course prix fixe lunch.As a New Yorker, I look forward to this event each year, during which I can enjoy an all-star chef-prepared $25 lunch and/or a three-course … [Read more...] about Taste top restaurants for less during restaurant weeks
Unexpected ways your credit score is used
When it comes to credit scores (and the stress you might have about trying to boost them), most people usually only care if they’re about to begin the home-buying journey. After all, a good credit score is a key factor in securing the best possible interest rate on a home mortgage, or on any loan … [Read more...] about Unexpected ways your credit score is used
How to maximize credit card rewards
When it comes to credit cards, if you’re pretty good at paying your bill on time and keeping your debt load manageable, you’re ahead of the game. But are you really getting the most from your perks and rewards programs? If the answer is no, you’re like most card users, says Matthew Goldman, CEO of … [Read more...] about How to maximize credit card rewards
4 ways to stop old collection calls to your new phone
No one likes to get calls from debt collectors, because it means you’re behind on your bills. But getting calls to your new phone number all day because it used to belong to someone who didn’t pay their bills can be a total nuisance. With more and more phones in use, carriers now recycle old numbers … [Read more...] about 4 ways to stop old collection calls to your new phone