Do you remember your dad asking: “Do you think money grows on trees?” or “Do you think I’m made of money?” Well, yes, as a matter of fact, we kind of did. If anything, that attitude is multiplied many times by today’s kids.The time to teach our children about money is when they’re young, so when … [Read more...] about Expert advice on teaching kids about money
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Save money on eye exams and eye wear
Eye exams and prescription eyeglasses can be pricey, and eye care might not be included in your insurance benefits package. But the health of your eyes is just as important as dental and other other medical procedures. Here are a few ways to save money on exams and eye wear, both glasses and contact … [Read more...] about Save money on eye exams and eye wear
Expert advice on digging your way out of debt
When Miranda Marquit started writing about personal finance six years ago, she “was maxed out on my credit cards,” she admits. No more. And the publisher of Planting Money Seeds has a few words of hard-earned advice for anyone who has dug themselves into a debt hole so big they think they’ll never … [Read more...] about Expert advice on digging your way out of debt
Spring into summer vacation savings now
When it comes to planning a summer vacation, there are usually two types of people: Those who plan and book more than a year in advance, and those who decide to wing it and find themselves at the mercy of not being able to shop around. While last-minute travel deals are sometimes great finds, you … [Read more...] about Spring into summer vacation savings now
Is that bargain cruise really a bargain?
Cruises offer some of the best bargain vacations on the market today. But to make sure your cruise remains a true bargain, you have to be smart about “the spend.” Cruise lines, particularly those on the lower end of the market, can offer promotional prices that seem almost like giveaways. That’s … [Read more...] about Is that bargain cruise really a bargain?
Use your mug for discounts at Starbucks
Savor the Earth Day attitude with an every-day deal that is nice for the planet --- and the wallet. Patrons who supply their own mugs or travel tumblers receive 10 cents off beverage purchases at participating Starbucks shops. For coffee-loving regulars, the dimes add up. Even … [Read more...] about Use your mug for discounts at Starbucks
How to buy a house with 5% (or less) down payment
One hurdle many would-be home buyers face – or think they face — is the need to come up with a big chunk of cash to make a 20% down payment. The good news is that you don’t have to have 20% down, even in today’s tight credit environment, to buy a house.Buyers with good jobs and decent credit … [Read more...] about How to buy a house with 5% (or less) down payment
Regrow your own green onions in your kitchen
Green onions aren’t expensive to purchase in the grocery store, but they are one of those ingredients that I either forget to buy, or they go bad in the fridge before I remember to use them, which is definitely a waste of money. Green onions, also known as scallions, are great for flavor and garnish … [Read more...] about Regrow your own green onions in your kitchen
5 tips for getting your security deposit back
Move out of a rental, and you’re likely to have plans for the security deposit your landlord has been kindly holding for you. Make sure you get your hard-earned money returned when you vacate the premises by keeping the following five tips in mind.Pre-qualify your potential landlord. Before … [Read more...] about 5 tips for getting your security deposit back
How to create a retirement plan when you’re self-employed
Whether permanently or temporarily, by choice or by circumstance, many of us are self-employed these days. We're in this gig economy, where so many of us are making our own livings with our own small businesses. That's great. Except for one thing: People who are self-employed have to provide their … [Read more...] about How to create a retirement plan when you’re self-employed
Free, cheap and high-value ways to do your taxes
If you're looking to make this tax season easier than last year's, or if your financial circumstances have changed, we have a list of resources for you to consider.Online: Filing your taxes online is easy, and it may be free if your income is low enough and your financial situation has few … [Read more...] about Free, cheap and high-value ways to do your taxes
Five tips for a frugal French adventure
You may be under the impression that a two or three-week French getaway is only a possibility for the much (and appropriately) maligned One Percent.But what if it isn’t? What if you could affordably live la bonne vie for a fortnight or more for, say, $2,000 per person? Or less?Doable, … [Read more...] about Five tips for a frugal French adventure
7 strategies for frugal urban living (no cheapskates allowed)
The cost of living in a major metropolitan area runs higher than average. Frugal urban living is the ultimate oxymoron because there are just so many fun ways to spend money.Consumer temptations abound in the city. From parking and lattes to fashion and entertainment, the cosmopolitan … [Read more...] about 7 strategies for frugal urban living (no cheapskates allowed)
14 home improvements that save on your heating bill
Winter is definitely here, and for many that means high utility bills to heat their homes.While you can’t do anything about the chilly weather, you can take steps to make your home more energy efficient and pay less for heating.To start, the U.S. Department of Energy has a do-it-yourself … [Read more...] about 14 home improvements that save on your heating bill
How to find free fitness classes
Gyms are awesome and yoga studios are calming, but they can be really expensive. Some gyms even charge another few dollars for classes on top of membership fees.Staying fit is a money saver, but it can cost a lot to keep it up. Below are some places to look in your town for free fitness … [Read more...] about How to find free fitness classes













