We are a photo-loving generation, aren’t we? What’s often lost in our digital world of photo sharing via text or upload, however, are printed photographs. You remember those, right? The ones in frames, in photo albums, in your wallet? Because we tend to forget about all those great photos sitting … [Read more...] about 5 affordable photo gifts your family will love
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3 creative ways to cut holiday childcare costs
‘Tis the season for holiday parties, and that means, assuming you want to enjoy yourself a bit sans the kiddies, it’s also a season when you especially need babysitting help.However, hiring someone to watch your kids doesn’t come cheap, and you’re not imaging it if you think sitter costs seem to … [Read more...] about 3 creative ways to cut holiday childcare costs
3 tips for repaying private student loans
By Reyna Gobel, Wise BreadRepaying private student loans can be confusing. Most of what you hear in the news applies to federal student loans. So where can private loan borrowers get information on repayment? From their lenders.Since private student loans are essentially bank loans, it’s up … [Read more...] about 3 tips for repaying private student loans
5 easier ways to repay federal student loans
This post is by Reyna Gobel at Wise Bread.If you’re a recent college grad, you’re probably dreading when you have to start repaying your federal student loans as much as if you were going to the dentist to get your wisdom teeth pulled. But student loan repayment is a lot less painful and doesn't … [Read more...] about 5 easier ways to repay federal student loans
Cut up your own veggies and save $1,000 a year
How many times have you grabbed a bag of baby carrots at the store instead of buying and cutting up full-sized ones? Or picked up a package of pre-shaped burgers instead of a pound of ground beef? While these pre-prepared foods may save you a few minutes here and there, the convenience may not be … [Read more...] about Cut up your own veggies and save $1,000 a year
The 4 scariest things on your credit report
Think you’re safe from creepy credit? Think again. There may be things lurking on your credit report that you least expected. That’s why it’s so important to check on it at least once a year (it’s free, via annualcreditreport.com), so that you won’t get a spooky surprise. Even better, because there … [Read more...] about The 4 scariest things on your credit report
How to deal with debt collectors
Debt collectors have a way of tracking people down, and sometimes, they track down the wrong people. That's why it's important to know how debt collectors work. No matter what your credit rating, you may get a call one day. When that happens, you need to figure out how to deal with the collector and … [Read more...] about How to deal with debt collectors
Get (your) free money – it’s easy to find
Maybe you pick up coins in the street or search for loose change in purses and sofas – but have you ever checked to see if you have unclaimed money that is yours for the asking? It could be a deposit for a utility service that you never requested when you moved, interest from a bank account, a trust … [Read more...] about Get (your) free money – it’s easy to find
Teaching kids about money with allowances
A lot of people are surprised that I run Chicago on the Cheap, because it seems like such a deviation for someone who wrote Hedge Funds For Dummies. However, you can't enter the world of high finance if you don't have money to invest. Here's something interesting I've learned over the years: Just … [Read more...] about Teaching kids about money with allowances
When medical bills go bad: Fixing costly insurance errors
Each year, the American Medical Association issues its health insurer report card, which reports on the costs and efficiency of health care billing. In 2013, they found that commercial health insurers made mistakes on 7.1% of submitted claims and denied coverage on another 1.8%. The numbers have … [Read more...] about When medical bills go bad: Fixing costly insurance errors
5 ways to get discounted gift cards
Looking for a way to stretch your shopping dollars? Get gift cards for less than their face value. If you pay $80 for a retailer card that has a value of $100, it’s like finding $20 in FREE money. You should never have to buy gift cards at full price. Here are five strategies for finding them at a … [Read more...] about 5 ways to get discounted gift cards
Save money by dehydrating home-grown foods
My sister, Andrea Vargo, lives in Minnesota and is an avid gardener. She also is a dedicated dehydrator. She says if you grow a garden, dehydration is the best method for preserving all that bounty. It’s easy, the food retains its flavor, and it takes up way less space and equipment than … [Read more...] about Save money by dehydrating home-grown foods
Meat truck deals: How to tell a bargain from a bad idea
The idea of strangers peddling a side of beef, chicken cuts or maybe even bacon slices door to door isn't actually new. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture says it has taken reports of meat vendors for "many years" now. But with the popularity of consumer items being sold from a moving vehicle … [Read more...] about Meat truck deals: How to tell a bargain from a bad idea
Grocery savings: Price book smacks down warehouse stores
A price book is simple, powerful cheapskate tool. You start taking notes of what particular items cost at different stores you shop. It does not have to be fancy; start by tracking items you usually buy, like this:PASTA Store brand: $0.89 (must buy 10 offer) Brand X: $1.25 Brand Y: … [Read more...] about Grocery savings: Price book smacks down warehouse stores
How to feed your book habit without going broke
With the younger generations headed off to school, it's natural to feel a tad nostalgic for No. 2 pencils and a backpack. Only hitting the books, adult style, is way more fun. As you send the kids back to the classroom, why not look into increasing your own reading time — and at a budget that can … [Read more...] about How to feed your book habit without going broke
