In midsummer it's exciting to see that first bright red, ripe tomato dangling off of its vine or pick and eat the first zucchini. At first, you relish in your harvest and your neighbors love your homegrown gifts. However, by late summer it's a different story — you're up to your ears in tomatoes, … [Read more...] about Make the most of your garden’s harvest
Home & Garden
Got tomatoes? Recipes to make the most of your summer tomato bounty
It’s a fruit we treat like a vegetable, a nontoxic member of the nightshade family, born in South America but internationally famous. It’s the tomato, of course. And though it can be pricey in winter, in summer it’s indecently cheap at farm stands and markets. You can buy a whole basket for just a … [Read more...] about Got tomatoes? Recipes to make the most of your summer tomato bounty
DIY summer camp for kids
For many, summer camps have become as integral a part of childhood as school. They provide a safe place for the children of working parents, allow kids to explore new activities and retain and continue their learning, and so much more.If you do your homework and start looking early, it is … [Read more...] about DIY summer camp for kids
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
How to save money on a summer party
You like to entertain, but you can't afford to spend a fortune every time you invite people over for a party. Here is our guide to saving money when planning for a summer party or barbecue. Decorate with items from your house and yard Use green cuttings from your yard such as ivy, rosemary, bay … [Read more...] about How to save money on a summer party
17 summer water-saving tips to reduce your bill
In summer, water usage can account for as much as 50% or more of your monthly utility bill, depending on where you live. Learning how to conserve water during the hottest months not only can save you money, but it's good for the planet. It's doubly important to think about ways to save on water use … [Read more...] about 17 summer water-saving tips to reduce your bill
Get free coffee grounds for gardening, composting and more at Starbucks
Have you ever wondered what Starbucks does with all of those used coffee grounds every day? The popular café serves millions of cups of coffee daily, so that means there are lots of coffee grounds left behind.Rather than just throwing them away, Starbucks makes good use of them. The company … [Read more...] about Get free coffee grounds for gardening, composting and more at Starbucks
Downsize your clutter and build wealth
Are you ready to downsize your home and save money? If so, you'll need to decide which of your current belongings you're going to keep and which need to go. Even if you're not planning on moving, decluttering can save you money by freeing up space and keeping you from buying more storage … [Read more...] about Downsize your clutter and build wealth
Got clutter? Here’s where you can donate
Most people will agree that clutter is bad. It takes up valuable space in your home, is difficult to clean around, and makes it hard for you to keep organized and find things. Cleaning out your household and clothing clutter can earn you money if you choose to sell it, but that can take time and … [Read more...] about Got clutter? Here’s where you can donate
How to get a good deal on renting your first apartment
Striking out on your own for the first time can be exciting, but the whole thing can be daunting. Today's renters face a different housing world than their parents did at the same age. Almost one in four millennials say they expect to rent forever, according to research by Apartment List, an … [Read more...] about How to get a good deal on renting your first apartment
How to make and save money at garage and yard sales
Even though we can buy just about anything with the click of a mouse, garage and yard sales are bigger than ever. Sellers want to declutter their homes and are tempted by an easy path to making extra money. Shoppers are eager to score great deals at other people’s sales, rather than paying top … [Read more...] about How to make and save money at garage and yard sales
How to make your own laundry detergent and save
When you find you need to cut back on expenses, or you simply would like to live simply, there are surprising ways to pinch a few pennies. DIY laundry detergent is easy to make and works as well as the store-bought products. Make and store in recycled containers to add to the … [Read more...] about How to make your own laundry detergent and save
12 tips for buying your first house
For first-time homebuyers, the whole homebuying process may look a bit daunting. You’re going into what could be the biggest purchase of your life with no experience to fall back on. The good news is a little preparation can go a long way and help you approach this major decision with … [Read more...] about 12 tips for buying your first house
Organize a home office on the cheap
If you are among the millions of Americans who work from home at least part of the time, you've probably noticed that you've needed to establish a few guidelines for you and for those who live with you. Your needs will vary depending on the work you need to do, but a home office or official work … [Read more...] about Organize a home office on the cheap
Should you pay off your mortgage?
One of the more hotly debated issues in personal finance is whether you should pay off your mortgage early. As with most things, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Here are a few questions to guide you:1. Are you receiving a tax deduction? Although everyone assumes that they are getting a … [Read more...] about Should you pay off your mortgage?