Saving money for your next vacation is a great goal, but it's often easier said than done. If you’re like the rest of us, most of your money is spoken for before you even get it. To save up enough money to go on a trip, you need to start planning in advance. You'll want to add a vacation category … [Read more...] about How to save up for your next vacation
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Make homemade tamales and fun crafts for Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo is coming, and that means it's time to make tamales! If you’ve got a craving for tamales you’re not alone. Tamales, made of masa (dough, usually corn-based) with filling, steamed in corn husks, have been eaten since at least 5000 BC, possibly as early as 8000 BC. The Mayan and Aztec … [Read more...] about Make homemade tamales and fun crafts for Cinco de Mayo
Thoughtful Mother’s Day gifts on a budget
Your Mom already has everything she really needs, except maybe a pricey spa day or a cruise to the Mediterranean. So what can you get her that won’t cost a lot, but might mean a lot? We found plenty of inexpensive gifts your mother will definitely cherish. Even if you're on a tight budget, you can … [Read more...] about Thoughtful Mother’s Day gifts on a budget
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
30-plus discounts teachers can use all year long
Teachers are rarely paid what they're worth. Recognizing that, many businesses offer discounts to educators year-round. Teachers can get a percentage off the regular price when they buy books and decorating supplies for their classroom, work clothes, even travel since they can only vacation during … [Read more...] about 30-plus discounts teachers can use all year long
Plan the perfect summer picnic for less
Use our tips to plan the perfect summer picnic on a budget. Whether you're planning to do a backyard picnic for the family or putting together a picnic in the park for you and your best friends, it doesn't have to be expensive. With a little forethought (and our summer picnic checklist), it’s easy … [Read more...] about Plan the perfect summer picnic for less
12 ways to save more money this year
We hear all the time about how people cannot save any money anymore. The U.S. savings rate is abysmal. Whether it’s just by habit, convenience or lack of priorities, many people have a mindset that leads to wasting money. If you start consciously thinking about how you spend … [Read more...] about 12 ways to save more money this year
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
10 guilt-free ways to stop overspending on your kids and grandkids
Raise your hand if you overspend on your kids for birthdays and holidays because you want them to be happy. Do you spoil your grandkids because you don’t see them often and hope that presents will lead to warm feelings? Do you wish your mom would stop spending money on your kids, or that you could … [Read more...] about 10 guilt-free ways to stop overspending on your kids and grandkids
26 adaptable recipes and menu ideas for $4-a-day budget meal planning
My experiment with a $4-a-day budget has become a welcome and permanent adjustment to my menu planning and grocery shopping routine. It has saved not only money, but my time as well as some of my sanity. The $4 a day food budget was popularized by Leanne Brown in her free online book, Good and Cheap … [Read more...] about 26 adaptable recipes and menu ideas for $4-a-day budget meal planning
9 cheap ways to get fit
Is your determination to lose weight or exercise more in conflict with your resolution to stick to a budget this year? Know that you can get healthy and save money at the same time because there are plenty of cheap ways to get fit. You don't have to spend hundreds (or thousands) to join a gym or … [Read more...] about 9 cheap ways to get fit
How to save money with a rain garden
Most of the rain that falls on your property is collected by rain gutters or flows from driveways and patios into the street. All of this runoff is diverted into the storm drain system that ultimately empties into the nearest body of water. As urban and suburban areas grow, storm water runoff … [Read more...] about How to save money with a rain garden
What to give Mom when you’re all grown up
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This annual Mother's Day or Christmas or birthday conversation is so predictable it's aggravating: “Mom, what can I get you?” "Oh, I don't need anything!" She means it. Most mothers really don’t need anything. But handing her an overpriced store-bought card and saying “Thank you for being my … [Read more...] about What to give Mom when you’re all grown up
How to get rid of old electronics
Have you recently upgraded your mobile phone, computer or other electronic device, but your old gadget is still sitting in your house gathering dust? It's good that your old electronics are not in a landfill, but you can get them out of your house while still reducing your e-waste. … [Read more...] about How to get rid of old electronics
12 spring cleaning tasks that will save you money
Spring cleaning isn’t just a feel-good task that declutters your home and leaves it sparkling. It’s also a source of found money. Intrigued? Make your spring ritual pay off by learning how best to tackle typical spring cleaning chores and how your pursuit of cleanliness can save you a few … [Read more...] about 12 spring cleaning tasks that will save you money
