If you're old enough to remember shopping before the Internet, you might remember the layaway desk at department stores. Shoppers who wanted to buy a big-ticket item, or do holiday shopping ahead of time, would put the goods "on layaway." The store would hold the items for them and the customer … [Read more...] about Are ‘buy now, pay later’ alternatives to layaway a good idea?
Money
12 ways to get your car ready for winter and save money
Spending some time preparing your car for winter not only can help prevent a breakdown or accident, but it can also save you money on repair costs and gas. If you don’t know how to get your car ready for plummeting temperatures and icy roads, follow this checklist of 12 quick and easy fall and … [Read more...] about 12 ways to get your car ready for winter and save money
4 money talks to have with your family
Finances are a family affair, and there’s no better time than the present to take stock of your spending and saving. Call a family meeting and start working together to spend wisely, save more and work toward financial goals together.Here are some conversation starters. What are we paying … [Read more...] about 4 money talks to have with your family
When mobile payment apps can cost you
When you're out to dinner with a group and it's time to split the tab, the odds keep getting better that someone is going to say "Let me Venmo you" instead of pulling out their wallet. But while settling a tab between friends is a quick, easy and sensible use of a payment app, there are times … [Read more...] about When mobile payment apps can cost you
5 little-known ways to apply to colleges for free
Five hundred dollars to apply to college? That's what my high school senior almost spent. No, she didn't fall for some Internet scam. Instead, at one point she had a list of 10 prospective colleges. With each school charging $50 or so to apply, we were likely going to spend as much on college … [Read more...] about 5 little-known ways to apply to colleges for free
5 ways to happily live with less
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines minimalism as “a style or technique that is characterized by extreme spareness and simplicity.” Living on the Cheap readers don’t have to scrimp to use many of the same techniques and start living within their means.Be purposeful in your … [Read more...] about 5 ways to happily live with less
7 ways to get free money for college
My niece, Kendalynne Hohe, a kindergarten teacher in Independence, Mo., is an expert at finding free money for college. She not only paid for four years of college using nothing but grants and scholarships, but also walked away with an extra $5,000 when she graduated with a degree in … [Read more...] about 7 ways to get free money for college
Top 10 sites for college financial aid
If you have college-bound children, you probably spend a lot of your day worrying about how you could possibly afford to help them pay for their degree. We won't lie — it is a huge investment, considering student loan debt reached $1.75 trillion in this country last year. The good news is there any … [Read more...] about Top 10 sites for college financial aid
Is pay-per-mile car insurance right for you?
Depending on your driving habits, you can cut the price of your car insurance in half. Sound too good to be true? It’s not—as more insurers offer pay-per-mile car insurance, more people are dropping their traditional car insurance for this potentially cost-saving option.Here’s a look at how … [Read more...] about Is pay-per-mile car insurance right for you?
College financial aid: A timeline for high-school students and families
For the six years that our daughters were in college, my husband dreaded filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid more than doing our income tax return. Like students in most families, though, our girls were going to need some combination of loans and scholarships to pay for college. … [Read more...] about College financial aid: A timeline for high-school students and families
6 ways to save at least $400 this month
Are you independently wealthy, or could you use six ways to save $400 this month? You may be looking for ways to free up some cash to pay for college, afford your children's clothes, pay for holiday gifts or just be able to sock away more money for retirement. Recently, we revisited some of our … [Read more...] about 6 ways to save at least $400 this month
Frugal living guide: How to have less stuff and save money
Frugal living means you buy and use less, saving money and time. Happily, these are also basic tenets of minimalism, which is quite trendy right now so if you like living with less, you're in style! On the other hand, if you are a spendthrift used to buying out of want rather than need, … [Read more...] about Frugal living guide: How to have less stuff and save money
Credit cards: Everything you always wanted to know but were afraid to ask
Many consumers have a mixed relationship with credit cards. On one hand, they can lead to cash back, travel rewards, and the ability to buy something now and pay later. But when used irresponsibly, credit cards can lead to massive debt and expensive interest payments. If you typically use cash or … [Read more...] about Credit cards: Everything you always wanted to know but were afraid to ask
Good jobs that don’t require a college degree
There are a lot of ways to handle the high cost of a college education. Most experts agree that the cost will be made up over the life of a career by higher-paying jobs that require that college degree. But maybe you aren’t sure it’s worth it. Or maybe you just can’t afford college right now and … [Read more...] about Good jobs that don’t require a college degree
How to simplify your life (in 3 easy steps)
You want to simplify your life, but don't know where or how to start. Maybe you’re thinking about retirement, or you’re looking to change jobs, or the return to work and school seems overwhelming again. Your journey to happiness starts now.When I think of the word “simplify” I am reminded of … [Read more...] about How to simplify your life (in 3 easy steps)