Now that taxes are out of the way, it’s time to think about paying yourself. Whether you are saving for retirement, a college education or just some random future item, you may well be using mutual funds.Mutual funds are investments that pool money from many individuals. A professional portfolio … [Read more...] about Don’t let mutual fund fees eat up your savings
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Cheap and easy cleaning methods
I'm always on the lookout for tricks that make cleaning my house easier, but of course those tricks need to be cheap, too. If you feel the same, you're going to love this post. Who wouldn't want to clean their house in less time and with less expense? Many of these tips I've tried and use regularly, … [Read more...] about Cheap and easy cleaning methods
How to cut the cost of prom and still be cool
Time was, going to the prom meant you got a new dress (or a sister’s hand-me-down). Your date, who wore a suit and brought a corsage, picked you up in his own (or his parents’) car. You went to the dance and then he took you home. Any teenager today would laugh at such an idea.When my own kids … [Read more...] about How to cut the cost of prom and still be cool
Managing retirement plan rollovers
Retirement plans are supposed to be simple, but they are more complex than we'd like. That sometimes makes them seem so impossibly complicated that the best thing is just to do nothing. Doing nothing is precisely the wrong thing to do; the complexity isn't nearly as complicated as it is sometimes … [Read more...] about Managing retirement plan rollovers
What you need to know about energy-saving light bulbs
Recently, I discovered that I was down to one old-fashioned incandescent 60-watt light bulb. The day of reckoning had arrived. I was finally going to have to figure out the new energy-saving light bulbs.The standard Thomas Edison incandescent light bulb is extremely inefficient, wasting about … [Read more...] about What you need to know about energy-saving light bulbs
Taste top restaurants for less during restaurant weeks
For the cheapskate-gourmet, it’s better than Christmas: Restaurant Week, when some of the best — and priciest — tables offer a three-course prix fixe lunch.As a New Yorker, I look forward to this event each year, during which I can enjoy an all-star chef-prepared $25 lunch and/or a three-course … [Read more...] about Taste top restaurants for less during restaurant weeks
Which is cheaper? Cloth diapers vs. disposables
When people find out that we use cloth diapers, I get a few different reactions:“Gross! I would never want to wash dirty diapers” “Why? Disposables work so well. Don’t your utilities bills increase from the extra laundry?” “Cool. I wish I could use cloth diapers, but I don’t … [Read more...] about Which is cheaper? Cloth diapers vs. disposables
How to build a cheap cloth diaper stash
If you’re interested in using cloth diapers, the choices and up-front cost can be daunting. Prices vary greatly among styles and brands, but plenty of affordable ways can be found to purchase cloth diapers, especially if you plan ahead.When building your stash, aim for 20 to 24 … [Read more...] about How to build a cheap cloth diaper stash
5 tips to find the best local prices on clothing in 10 minutes or Less
While new technologies in virtual retail are allowing you to browse a store’s merchandise and see fashion catwalks in action, we all still have times when we just have to run to a local store and get something in person. Whether we are down to the wire with finding an outfit for an office party or … [Read more...] about 5 tips to find the best local prices on clothing in 10 minutes or Less
5 free things to do in Miami
When you see Miami on TV, you see glitz and glamour and celebrities and think everything there must be incredibly expensive. But the Miami of the locals, while still filled with waterfront views and sunlight, is much more affordable.Here are five free or cheap things to do in Miami:Go to the … [Read more...] about 5 free things to do in Miami
5 ways to cut bridesmaids’ costs (and keep them as your friends)
It's exciting when a friend asks you to be a bridesmaid at her wedding. But it's also expensive, starting with the fact that bridesmaids are expected to buy their own dresses. According to the Dessy Group, the average cost of a bridesmaid dress is $200, not including alterations — usually another … [Read more...] about 5 ways to cut bridesmaids’ costs (and keep them as your friends)
How the rich get rich — and stay rich
Recently, I was having a conversation with someone who commented on how appalled they were that a friend of ours, with a high-level and high-paying job, had recently purchased a very basic car. “How can he drive that cheap car when he has such a high-level job?! It just looks bad.” Huh?The … [Read more...] about How the rich get rich — and stay rich
Is it time to buy a house? 7 questions to ask
For many people, moving time means decision time: Do we buy a home or find a place to rent? This dilemma doesn’t just face young people starting out, but it also stumps established professionals relocating for a job and empty nesters who have sold the big family home.Corey Fick and his wife, … [Read more...] about Is it time to buy a house? 7 questions to ask
12 places to find free or low-cost job training
If you feel trapped in a job with limited potential or want to make sure you stay ahead in a career that pays a living wage, listed below are several ways that you can get job training. Many of these career education resources are free and some are low-cost.It’s worth noting that finding a job … [Read more...] about 12 places to find free or low-cost job training
Save money and give your kid a lunch he’ll eat
School days are here again, which means it's time for the annual conundrum: hot lunch or sack lunch? The problem with hot lunches is that a lot of kids don’t like them. School lunches often don’t cater to special needs, for example, if a child is a vegetarian or can’t tolerate gluten or … [Read more...] about Save money and give your kid a lunch he’ll eat