Last week I attended the annual Travel Goods Show in Las Vegas, where manufacturers showcase all the latest luggage and travel accessories to retailers. While I'll have a more comprehensive report for you in the coming weeks, I just had to spread the word about my favorite discovery -- it's a DIY … [Read more...] about Create your own travel-size toothpaste
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The (baby) formula for savings: Buy the store brand
Of course, for new babies, breast is best (and free). But if you want or need to use infant formula, go with the store brand.Store-brand infant formulas, labeled with the names of retail-store brands such as Target (Up & Up), Walmart (Parent’s Choice), CVS, Babies R Us, Sam’s Club (Simply … [Read more...] about The (baby) formula for savings: Buy the store brand
Turn your trash into quick and easy cash
The adage, "one man's trash is another man's treasure" may be old, but it still holds true – especially in a world connected online. Below are some ways to turn your trash (or recycling) into real money.Free giftsDid you get a free gift you don't want? Someone on eBay might be interested. … [Read more...] about Turn your trash into quick and easy cash
Credit or debit? What you should know about fraud
Banks push plastic, and how! Credit cards, debit cards and cash can all be used to buy things, but they have very different costs and benefits. The more you know, the less money you'll lose in fees and fraud charges.CardHub, a website that tracks the credit card industry, released its 2013 … [Read more...] about Credit or debit? What you should know about fraud
AAA: Good for drivers, great for discounts
Even when you’re not behind the wheel, belonging to AAA offers potential perks.AAA partners with a variety of retailers, restaurants, hotels, attractions and other businesses to offer discounts to its members. Various online outlets, including Reebok and Target, also offer perks for AAA … [Read more...] about AAA: Good for drivers, great for discounts
Free eagle-watching events and tours
January used to be one of those months for biding your time, waiting for an exciting holiday or better weather. Holiday bills are coming in, the days are blustery in many parts of the country and spring looks a long way off.Of course, those conditions still exist, but a relatively new winter … [Read more...] about Free eagle-watching events and tours
Does keeping chickens save money on eggs?
Backyard chicken keeping is sweeping the nation, but is it really cheaper to keep your own chickens for eggs? Unfortunately, there’s no hard-boiled answer. Consider a few facts from an experienced keeper to help you decide.First, do you care what sort of eggs you eat? If you always buy the … [Read more...] about Does keeping chickens save money on eggs?
7 little-known homeowner insurance traps
Do you know what your homeowner's insurance policy covers should you file a claim in 2013? Yes, it's not exciting, but with more insurers are inserting provisions to shift risk and costs to homeowners, a careful read is more important than ever, say the experts at the Consumer Federation of America … [Read more...] about 7 little-known homeowner insurance traps
5 perfect, affordable gifts for crafters
We all know her and some of us hate her: the gal who can whip up a clever place tag, a holiday banner, a birthday card like magic. Pssst, she has a secret up her sleeve, and chances are she's always jonesing for more supplies to make that happen. Here are five craft tools you can wrap up to … [Read more...] about 5 perfect, affordable gifts for crafters
Where to find free and cheap audiobooks
So many books, so little time. Thank goodness for audiobooks and the talented voice actors who read to us while we're driving or exercising or otherwise engaged. You can find tens of thousands of books in audio format, many of them for low or no cost if you know where to look. Here are five sources … [Read more...] about Where to find free and cheap audiobooks
How to get a $500 haircut for $20 — or less
I love high-end haircuts by skilled stylists and outstanding color by equally skilled colorists, but alas, I only have the budget for cut-rate services. Problem solved. I get my hair services at some of New York's top salons -- but the services are performed by apprentices, who are all graduates of … [Read more...] about How to get a $500 haircut for $20 — or less
Kids’ crafts: Make a braided-rope dog toy
When it comes to kids' crafts, I like projects they can make and use rather than just make and throw away. During a recent sleepover in my house, I enlisted the help of two kids to try out one of the DIY projects I have bookmarked on Pinterest.Using fleece fabric left over from winter projects, … [Read more...] about Kids’ crafts: Make a braided-rope dog toy
How to make money taking surveys
While I don't advocate taking part in research surveys as a full-time occupation, those with the time and inclination can earn cash and gift cards for major retailers. Most of the major players operate in a similar manner. You register your email address and then complete a basic questionnaire, … [Read more...] about How to make money taking surveys
Need a visa? Here’s how to get one.
So you’re headed on that dream vacation. All packed? Passport, toothbrush, change of underwear? Check, check and you betcha. How about a visa? And we’re not talking credit card, but that piece of paper stuck into your passport that gives you entrance into a foreign country. Never needed one before? … [Read more...] about Need a visa? Here’s how to get one.