A few years ago, Travis Pizel and his wife, Vonnie, found themselves in crisis. The Rochester, Minnesota, couple had good jobs and lived well, eating out frequently, buying what they wanted and taking vacations to water parks with their two children.But a letter from their credit card company … [Read more...] about How to pay off $100,000 in debt
18 cheap and easy DIY home improvement projects
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You bought a new home, and the list of projects that need to be done is larger than your bank account. Or, the home you bought years ago is looking a little dated, and you don’t have the money to hire someone to give it that much-needed face-lift.Many easy do-it-yourself projects that will … [Read more...] about 18 cheap and easy DIY home improvement projects
12 ways to save money on health care
The last time I went to the pharmacy to fill a prescription, for generic ear drops to treat eczema, I almost had a heart attack when they handed me the bill: $184. The last time, I had paid $10.I whipped out my phone and found a coupon that cut the price to $23, as long as the purchase … [Read more...] about 12 ways to save money on health care
Why your home renovation won’t be like the TV shows
We've all seen the home renovation shows where the nice young couple buys a decrepit home with a kitchen so ugly even 1960 wouldn't take it back. In 30 or 60 minutes, that ugly house becomes a veritable dream home, with every detail perfect, down to the color-coordinated stand mixer and coffee maker … [Read more...] about Why your home renovation won’t be like the TV shows
How to save on bathroom renovations
Nobody likes a house with an outdated bathroom. Of course, you can use a blue toilet and bathe in a pink tub, illuminated by eight naked light bulbs shining on a stained 1970s laminate countertop. I do, for now. But do you really want to?Building the spa bathroom of your dreams may … [Read more...] about How to save on bathroom renovations
How to find a reliable, honest home contractor
For most homeowners, the hardest part of any home renovation project isn’t the work itself, it’s finding a competent and reliable contractor to do the job. Installing kitchen cabinets, knocking down a wall or tiling the bathroom is simple compared with the struggle of hiring a quality contractor who … [Read more...] about How to find a reliable, honest home contractor
How to remodel your kitchen for less
We always hear that remodeling a kitchen is one of the most expensive home improvements. And it can be. The Remodeling 2023 Cost vs. Value Report listed the average cost of a major kitchen remodel at $77,939, and even a minor remodel came in at $26,790. But kitchen remodeling doesn't have to … [Read more...] about How to remodel your kitchen for less
10 ways to get your financial life in order
Are you spending too much and saving too little? Do you not even know where your money is going? If the answer is yes, it's time to get your financial life in order.Even if you're doing well financially, the beginning of the year is a good time to take a look at your savings, your spending … [Read more...] about 10 ways to get your financial life in order
How to visit 150-plus museums free on first full weekend of each month
On the first full weekend (Saturday and Sunday) of every month, you can visit more than 150 museums nationwide for free with your Bank of America or Merrill Lynch credit or debit card. Each card admits one person with photo ID. The Museums on Us program includes museums in 31 states and the … [Read more...] about How to visit 150-plus museums free on first full weekend of each month
Save time, money by getting rid of clutter
As you look at your holiday gifts — the ones you wanted and the ones that made you wonder, “What was she thinking?” — there is probably one thought on your mind: Where am I going to put this stuff?The best way to find places to put your valued new gifts is by organizing what you have … [Read more...] about Save time, money by getting rid of clutter
10 thoughtful gifts that keep on giving
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When it comes time to choose holiday gifts, there are times you just don't want to buy any more things. Yet you want to share joy, make your friends and family happy and give them a thoughtful gift that they will enjoy all year.There is a way to do that. Memberships in museums or botanical … [Read more...] about 10 thoughtful gifts that keep on giving
How to teach your children to budget
We’ve all heard the horror stories: young people who graduate from college, move back home with their parents, make very little money and mishandle the cash they do earn.While it’s never too late to teach young people to budget, you also can’t start too early. If you don’t … [Read more...] about How to teach your children to budget
15 fall home maintenance jobs to do now
With fall in the air, your thoughts may turn to what needs to be done to your home before winter sets in. Many tasks are done much more easily when the weather is still nice. Plus, taking care of routine maintenance tasks now can save you aggravation and money down the road. "If you … [Read more...] about 15 fall home maintenance jobs to do now
How to create your own retirement community
A few years ago, Marianne Kilkenny’s elderly parents moved into an assisted living community. That got her thinking about her own plans because she didn’t want to end up in a similar community or a facility run by a company.Kilkenny, 65, the founder of Women For Living in Community, is among a … [Read more...] about How to create your own retirement community
How to save on shopping using credit card perks
As you make your shopping list, there is one other list you should make, though you may have to check it twice: What kind of additional deals or perks can you get using your credit cards?Buying with some cards gives you purchase protection, a refund if the price drops, an extended return period … [Read more...] about How to save on shopping using credit card perks
