With headlines screaming about long airport security lines, odds are you may have thought twice about taking that last-minute getaway or considered a road trip instead of a trip to Rome. Or maybe you have just landed after a long flight from an exotic destination and then cool your heels for hours … [Read more...] about How to fly through airport security lines
Why and how to make an estate plan, even if you’re not rich
Estate planning is only for old, rich people. Estate planning is scary. Estate planning is so easy you can do it yourself. Wrong. Wrong. And, so wrong, unless you want your family duking it out in front of Judge Judy.Simply put: An estate plan is a set of legal documents that allows you to … [Read more...] about Why and how to make an estate plan, even if you’re not rich
3 travel essentials that are worth spending on to save money
There’s the saying “sometimes you have to spend money to save money.” In my experience as a consumer travel strategist, I also believe sometimes you have to spend money to ultimately save money. Here are my three favorite must-haves that are worth the initial investment.Lite Gear Rolling Mobile … [Read more...] about 3 travel essentials that are worth spending on to save money
How to make money taking online surveys
Got an opinion on something? On everything? There are plenty of businesses that want to know what you think about anything from laundry detergent to television programs. Many are even willing to pay you for your time, if you participate in online market research surveys. But with hundreds of market … [Read more...] about How to make money taking online surveys
12 ways to save at amusement parks
Whether your local amusement park is open year-round or just for the summer, it's usually a grand place to escape with family and friends. Though these parks supply a full day of fun, it comes at a cost... sometimes substantial enough to leave you queasy before setting foot on that super-colossal … [Read more...] about 12 ways to save at amusement parks
8 easy ways to improve your fiscal health
So the summer is half-over. The year is half-over. Time for a fiscal check-up. Just as you do with your annual physical, you need to determine whether your budget is healthy or if expenses are bleeding enough red ink to cause anemia. Are you shedding pounds of debt or are you over-stressed ? Will … [Read more...] about 8 easy ways to improve your fiscal health
Zip into the United States with Global Entry
Under the harsh lights of the interrogation room, a bead of sweat slowly trickled down my forehead.“You are self-employed? That’s a red flag,” declared Agent “Smith” as he scrutinized my passport and paperwork.“What is it that you do?” he demanded to know.“I’m… I’m a journalist,” I … [Read more...] about Zip into the United States with Global Entry
6 ways to save when buying new luggage
Even a luggage junkie like me has had her share of suitcase mishaps. My favorite came while sprinting through Los Angeles International Airport when my nifty (and pricey) wheeled overnight bag lost a wheel. Well, not the entire wheel, just the outer rim, which had peeled off in pieces behind me. It … [Read more...] about 6 ways to save when buying new luggage
Do you really need rental car insurance?
Car rental insurance is at best, confusing and, at worst, a waste of your money. Are you covered by personal car insurance? How about a credit card? And if you’re covered ... what's covered? Here are some tips to navigate the fine print.Do your pre-trip homeworkThis may not be the advice … [Read more...] about Do you really need rental car insurance?
18 ways to get free stuff
You don’t have to pay a cent to feel like a valued customer or boost your buying power. Getting freebies is as easy as going online, joining a loyalty program, or, in some cases, simply walking into a business and asking for a service. Here are some freebies you may have overlooked.Ease your … [Read more...] about 18 ways to get free stuff
28 places to find free entertainment and workshops
Want to shine a spotlight on good times? Family fun takes center stage with these no-cost options. Here are a variety of ways to watch movies and TV shows, take a class, earn gift cards or find movies, music and more, all for free!Movies & TV Get a chance at passes to free movie … [Read more...] about 28 places to find free entertainment and workshops
How to hire a good handyman
You love your home. But that leaky faucet, clogged gutter or cracked shower tile is driving you crazy. Who ya gonna call? A handyman. This general practitioner of the home repair industry is the go-to professional for jobs you don’t want to do, haven’t time to do or simply can’t do (and have no … [Read more...] about How to hire a good handyman
Get cash back when you shop for groceries
Already a coupon clipper but want to save even more? Or maybe you hate to deal with coupons? Either way, you'll want to check out SavingStar. It's a great way to shop at grocery and drug stores and receive cash back. No coupon clipping, no printing. What's the catch? As far as we can tell, there … [Read more...] about Get cash back when you shop for groceries
Why you should buy a wider suitcase
Let me say this up front – I hate to check luggage. I lived out of one suitcase for three weeks in China, two weeks in the United Kingdom and a week-long Caribbean cruise. Call it the impatience factor: When I arrive somewhere, I want to escape the airplane and be on my way, no stopping for … [Read more...] about Why you should buy a wider suitcase
Why all-inclusive resorts are a vacation deal
Forget the stereotype of watered-down booze, tacky wristbands and bad buffets. Today’s all-inclusive resort boasts rooms with private pools, gourmet white-linen restaurants, butler service and spas, not to mention, golf courses, scuba diving and entertainers with names you know. Some tips before you … [Read more...] about Why all-inclusive resorts are a vacation deal