One of my goals for this year is to begin making holiday gifts in November, so I'm not stressing and rushing to finish up gifts mid-December. One of my favorite homemade gifts to give (and keep for myself) is homemade vanilla extract, but it takes time to develop so you need to start it … [Read more...] about How to make homemade vanilla extract
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Free ‘Santa’s Wonderland’ event at Bass Pro Shops
Cabela's and Bass Pro Shops will have a special guest - Santa is coming! Attend a free Santa's Wonderland event with Santa's arrival on November 16. Take your kids to share their special wish lists with Santa and receive a FREE photo. Decorate a stocking on November 16, then come back every … [Read more...] about Free ‘Santa’s Wonderland’ event at Bass Pro Shops
How to find the right health insurance
With all you’ve heard about problems with the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, you might think it’s not a good option for 2019 health insurance. Despite all the efforts by opponents to kill it, the ACA remains alive and is offering health insurance for 2020 under essentially the same … [Read more...] about How to find the right health insurance
Medicare open enrollment: How to pick a plan
Medicare open enrollment is a time each year during which people who are on Medicare can change their health plans or their prescription drug coverage for the following year. This year’s open enrollment period is from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. Here are your benefit options: Original … [Read more...] about Medicare open enrollment: How to pick a plan
4 money talks to have with your family
Finances are a family affair, and there’s no better time than the New Year to take stock of your spending and saving. Call a family meeting and start working together to spend wiser, 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
Less extreme coupon strategies save money and time
If you've ever seen TLC's "Extreme Couponing," you might conclude that coupons are for crazy people. You don't need a five-year supply of toilet paper, and you especially don't want to devote 40 hours a week to planning your grocery shopping. If you do a little studying and monitoring, you can … [Read more...] about Less extreme coupon strategies save money and time
Make your own pop-tarts and other DIY convenience foods
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They're called convenience foods for a reason. But take a little time to make these items and enjoy the convenience of ready-to-eat foods with a cheaper price tag — and, sometimes, a healthier result. Some prepackaged foods (such as frozen pizzas) can be expensive, available seasonally … [Read more...] about Make your own pop-tarts and other DIY convenience foods
102 cheap and easy Halloween costumes
Halloween will be here before you know it. Save your money for the candy you'll be giving out to trick-or-treaters by skipping the high-priced, mass-produced, store-bought costumes this year. You can make awesome custom Halloween costumes that will outshine anything you can buy in the … [Read more...] about 102 cheap and easy Halloween costumes
10 cheap and easy Halloween costumes for pets
Perhaps your pet is participating in a Halloween parade. Or maybe she’s strutting her fluff at a mutt masquerade. Whether it’s for an event or just a fun family photo in the living room, sometimes pets allow you to dress them up. Stores and online retailers are stocked with adorable … [Read more...] about 10 cheap and easy Halloween costumes for pets
How to decide whether to buy or lease your next car, or go car-free
I remember my first car, a 1969 Chevelle Malibu. It was blue with a black hardtop, three-speed on the column with vinyl bench seats – and a lot of problems under the hood. But I loved my “Blue Goose.” It was my first big purchase, my first “payment plan” to the Bank of Father, and my shout-out to … [Read more...] about How to decide whether to buy or lease your next car, or go car-free
Free pumpkin stencils for creative Halloween carving
Ask my kids and they’ll tell you I’m a pretty pathetic pumpkin carver. Or I was, until I discovered free stencils to guide me to the gory. And I watched this video to teach me the basics, like how to keep my pumpkin top from falling inside.Pick up a nifty Halloween tool set like the one … [Read more...] about Free pumpkin stencils for creative Halloween carving
7 ways to celebrate Halloween for less
With more than 41 million potential trick-or-treaters knocking on 120 million doors, Halloween can become one of our most expensive holidays. But even if you don't want to spend a lot, there is no need to turn off the lights and pretend you aren’t home or try to persuade your kids that sweets are … [Read more...] about 7 ways to celebrate Halloween for less
