For most homeowners, the hardest part of any home renovation project isn’t the work itself, it’s finding a competent and reliable contractor to do the job. Installing kitchen cabinets, knocking down a wall or retiling the bathroom is simple compared with the struggle of hiring a quality contractor … [Read more...] about How to find and hire a good contractor
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4 traps to avoid with credit card rewards
I love credit-card rewards. They're fairly easy to earn and they can give your budget a nice boost. I personally use my rewards for fun things I want, such as vacations or a new big screen TV. However, you can easily get caught up in the rewards game and end up paying more money in interest and fees … [Read more...] about 4 traps to avoid with credit card rewards
We’re looking for website publishers
Do you want to run your own business and publish a hyperlocal website? Living on the Cheap is looking for publishers to take over or start On the Cheap sites in cities around the country.Living on the Cheap provides the tools, including the website, hosting and instructions. Publishers provide … [Read more...] about We’re looking for website publishers
Which type of rewards credit card is right for you?
Chances are you're confused with all of the different types of rewards credit cards out there today, especially if you're looking for your first card. No worries. These cards can be broken down into a few different categories.At least one of these types will fit your lifestyle perfectly. Let's … [Read more...] about Which type of rewards credit card is right for you?
When is it OK to take money from retirement accounts?
Money is really tight, and you’re struggling just to survive. Then you remember that you’ve got tens of thousands of dollars in your retirement accounts. Can’t you somehow access that cash? The short answer is yes. But should you? Probably not. “If they’re going to do so, they really should be … [Read more...] about When is it OK to take money from retirement accounts?
How to decide whether to get a home-equity loan
With home values rising, more Americans have equity in their homes. That has generated plenty of cheers from homeowners, and it has also brought back the home equity line of credit as a popular option for the first time since before the Great Recession.Americans took out $23.4 billion in home … [Read more...] about How to decide whether to get a home-equity loan
How to choose a travel rewards credit card
For years, I've had a credit card affiliated with Delta Airlines and been happy with it. Each year, I earned thousands of frequent flier miles and a free companion certificate (basically a FREE ticket). Plus, I could check one bag per person in my party for free when flying and received discounts on … [Read more...] about How to choose a travel rewards credit card
When it pays to refinance your mortgage
Mortgage rates have been hovering near historic lows for five years. While the current average rate of 4.19% for a fixed, 30-year mortgage is not the lowest it has ever been – that was 3.35% in December 2012 – it’s still lower than at any time between 2010 and 1971, when Freddie Mac started keeping … [Read more...] about When it pays to refinance your mortgage
14 moves to get your home sold faster
The peak home buying season is over, but you still want to sell your house before the first snow falls. Even in a slow season, there are steps you can take to sell your home quickly. How can you make it happen?First, of course, you want to make sure your home looks its best. “Curb appeal is … [Read more...] about 14 moves to get your home sold faster
Considering a reverse mortgage? Ask these questions
The TV pitchmen make it sound like the easiest thing: Use your home equity to finance your retirement through a reverse mortgage, and stay in your home without ever making a payment. What they forget to mention is a reverse mortgage is not nearly that simple. While it is a great way for some older … [Read more...] about Considering a reverse mortgage? Ask these questions
18 ways to get free stuff
You don’t have to pay a cent to feel like a valued customer or boost your buying power. Getting freebies is as easy as going online, joining a loyalty program, or, in some cases, simply walking into a business and asking for a service. Here are some freebies you may have overlooked.Ease your … [Read more...] about 18 ways to get free stuff
28 places to find free entertainment and workshops
Want to shine a spotlight on good times? Family fun takes center stage with these no-cost options. Here are a variety of ways to watch movies and TV shows, take a class, earn gift cards or find movies, music and more, all for free!Movies & TV Get a chance at passes to free movie … [Read more...] about 28 places to find free entertainment and workshops
When to claim Social Security
As retirement approaches, you’re going to face a big decision: At what age should you claim Social Security benefits?Do you start drawing Social Security at age 62, as soon as you can, or do you wait until you reach your full retirement age, which is 66 or 67 for people born after 1942? Or … [Read more...] about When to claim Social Security
How to maximize credit card rewards
When it comes to credit cards, if you’re pretty good at paying your bill on time and keeping your debt load manageable, you’re ahead of the game. But are you really getting the most from your perks and rewards programs? If the answer is no, you’re like most card users, says Matthew Goldman, CEO of … [Read more...] about How to maximize credit card rewards
7 ways to save big by buying in bulk
Buying in bulk can help you save a lot of money. But you can waste money, too, if you don’t plan your purchases and buy what your family will use. Here are seven tips for maximizing your savings and avoiding pitfalls when it comes to buying large quantities of product.1. Plan your list and your … [Read more...] about 7 ways to save big by buying in bulk
