Some states have sales tax holidays around this time of year to assist families with getting their kids outfitted for school. At other times of the year, some states also have a sales tax holiday that focuses on hurricane preparedness items or energy-saving appliances. So if you plan to make one of … [Read more...] about Sales tax holidays for back-to-school shopping
Money
How to protect yourself (or your parents) from scams against seniors
We've all heard the sad stories: A senior citizen was fleeced out of his home by an unscrupulous caregiver. A home repair worker turns out to be a thief who takes all the jewelry. A call announcing you've won a prize turns out to be a ploy to get you to empty your bank account. As fast as law … [Read more...] about How to protect yourself (or your parents) from scams against seniors
How to save money on food without using coupons
Groceries for a family of four cost an average of $727 to $1,303 a month, not including takeout and restaurant meals, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That’s a big chunk of change. But there are ways to spend less on food and still eat a healthy, nutritious diet. And you may … [Read more...] about How to save money on food without using coupons
When is the right time to upgrade your laptop?
Sluggish performance, increased errors, and the dreaded Blue Screen of Death are all indicators that your laptop is nearing its end of life, but how do you know when it is time to pull the plug and invest in something new? A new laptop can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to well over … [Read more...] about When is the right time to upgrade your laptop?
10 great money-savers for young families
Saving money doesn't have to be painful. Sometimes it's just a matter of changing our perspective about what we really need and what we simply want. There are many rewards to living within our means, including developing the discipline needed to save for great life experiences and paying off debts … [Read more...] about 10 great money-savers for young families
How to Save Money with Target Cartwheel
I'm not much of a Target shopper. I recently started using Target Cartwheel and I find it an easy way to save money so I'm actually shopping there more when a good deal comes up. What is Target Cartwheel Target Cartwheel is a coupon app from Target. You can access the coupons, called "offers" … [Read more...] about How to Save Money with Target Cartwheel
20 smart habits of millionaires you should adopt
The following is a guest post from Pauline of InvestmentZen.com. The best way to become a millionaire is to learn from people who are already there. After all, you are the average of the handful of people you surround yourself with. And as you can see from the list below, these 20 habits of … [Read more...] about 20 smart habits of millionaires you should adopt
13 money tips for new college graduates
It’s college graduation time. That means those of us who have been around the block a few times can’t resist sharing some of our sage advice with the young people who are preparing to start their professional lives. While every decision you make when you’re 21 or 22 won’t irrevocably change the … [Read more...] about 13 money tips for new college graduates
8 resolutions to make before next Tax Day
Phew.... That’s the collective exhale you hear as another Tax Day comes and goes. Maybe you file early and already have that refund in hand. Perhaps you wait until the last minute to dig out those dog-eared receipts, credit card statements, and 1099s and your return wings it’s way electronically to … [Read more...] about 8 resolutions to make before next Tax Day
College financial aid packages: What parents need to know
Depending on when your teen filed his or her college applications and FAFSA, college acceptance letters may start hitting your mailbox soon (if they haven't already). And usually right along with those come the follow-up letters that will likely have the biggest impact on the ultimate college … [Read more...] about College financial aid packages: What parents need to know
How to pay for your next vacation with rewards points and miles
Summer Hull has taken her family to Hawaii, Walt Disney World, Paris, the Maldives and around the United States to visit relatives – all on airline and hotel rewards points. "We literally have gone around the world," she says. "Our baby's not even 1 year, and she's been on a dozen miles and … [Read more...] about How to pay for your next vacation with rewards points and miles
Where should you keep your emergency fund?
When you start paying attention to your finances, one of the first things you'll want to do is start an emergency fund. The idea behind the emergency fund — which should eventually be enough to pay for three to six months of living expenses — is that you should be able to use it for an unexpected … [Read more...] about Where should you keep your emergency fund?
