Hurricane season is officially under way, and if you live anywhere near the coast, that means it's time to stock up on bottled water, batteries and non-perishable food. But those aren't the only things you need to do before a hurricane approaches. The beginning of the season is a good time to review … [Read more...] about 10 things to do before a hurricane comes
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What to look for in a starter home
You’ve dreamed for years of buying your first home, and now it’s time. You’ve created Pinterest boards dotted with photos of beautiful home decor, watched all the episodes of HGTV’s “House Hunters” and spent hours trolling listings online. You know exactly what you want.But have you done … [Read more...] about What to look for in a starter home
How to improve your credit score on the cheap
Have you ever felt like you have to have money to have a good credit score but you can only have a good credit score if you have money? This guest post by Sa El, co-founder of CreditKnocks.com, can help you navigate the line between earning good credit and having it.According to a white paper by … [Read more...] about How to improve your credit score on the cheap
Equifax data breach settlement: how to file a claim
Equifax Inc. has agreed to pay a minimum of $575 million as part of a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), and the 50 states as well as the territories of the United States. If you were affected, you can file for your share of the … [Read more...] about Equifax data breach settlement: how to file a claim
How to set up a money-saving childcare co-op
Even the most enthusiastic parent needs some kid-free time – whether it’s for a night out with the spouse, a lunch with friends or even just a doctor’s appointment. But the expense of paid childcare can be prohibitive for some families. Teens are more available to babysit during the summer months, … [Read more...] about How to set up a money-saving childcare co-op
Used car shopping? Do your homework and avoid problems.
If you are in the market for a used car for yourself or a first car for your high-school or college student, you usually begin with a price range. But once you know how much you can spend, do your research on vehicle safety, average gas usage, and reliability. Here's a five-step plan to help you … [Read more...] about Used car shopping? Do your homework and avoid problems.
Great ways to save on summer travel
Summer is a great time to travel. Not only are the kids out of school, you don't have to worry about bad weather getting in the way of your carefully laid plans. Smart travelers know to follow their favorite airlines, hotel chains and vacation spots on Facebook and Twitter, where spur-of-the-moment … [Read more...] about Great ways to save on summer travel
Free or low-cost things to do in national parks
National parks – “America’s Best Idea” – offer a wealth of free entertainment options. Spending vacation time in a U.S. national park is a rewarding and memorable family experience, and accommodations within parks are less expensive than you might think, especially in spring and fall. Admission is … [Read more...] about Free or low-cost things to do in national parks
Valentine’s Day: Big romance at a small price
Valentine’s Day can turn out to be a pricey proposition. Card: $5. Candy: $25. Flowers: $50. Dinner: $75. Gift: $100. Total: $255. And we’re being modest here. Whew! There must be a less expensive way to say “I Love You” without looking cheap. Try the thoughtful, romantic approach, instead.The … [Read more...] about Valentine’s Day: Big romance at a small price
16 ways to cut expenses this year
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It's a new year, and that means it's time to get your financial house in order.No matter what mistakes you made last year, you get a do-over this year. The beginning of the year is a great time to make changes that will boost your bottom line going forward. But before you can make a plan to save … [Read more...] about 16 ways to cut expenses this year
Free coding classes and apps for kids
As a parent who graduated in the '80s, I found the list of classes looked like a foreign language: Learn to Run Linux, The Easy Way with Scratch, Learn to Build with Unity, Explore with Arduino. To me, they all sounded intriguing, but would my son agree? After reading through the list, … [Read more...] about Free coding classes and apps for kids
The Coupon Insider: Stretching gift cards
Gift cards remain one of the most wanted gifts, no matter the occasion. Even though they’re plastic, if you play your (gift) cards right, you can really stretch them beyond their value. The trick is to treat them like cash. Would you be so quick to spend a $50 bill sitting in your … [Read more...] about The Coupon Insider: Stretching gift cards
Avoid phone scams, plus some apps that might help
Since I’ve been working from home full-time, I can’t believe the number of unsolicited phone calls I get. I’m used to the e-mail spam, of course, but I had no idea that scammers would be working so hard to get a hold of my personal information, or flat out steal my money, via phone.After doing … [Read more...] about Avoid phone scams, plus some apps that might help
Is it stuffing or dressing?
Do you call it stuffing or dressing? Do you know the difference? If not, here’s a hint: Stuffing goes inside the turkey; dressing is baked separately. If you already knew that, did you know this: food safety wise, it’s better to make dressing? If you put stuffing inside the bird, it needs to get to … [Read more...] about Is it stuffing or dressing?
12 ways to make extra cash for the holidays
Sometimes the money ends before the month ends. And, at this time of year, we're all confronted with extra expenses - gifts, parties, family meals and, depending on where you live, higher heating bills. How can you bring in extra money to pay for it all — without selling your plasma? Luckily, … [Read more...] about 12 ways to make extra cash for the holidays
