"Did you use the coupon?" I asked my husband this question when he returned from the store. I had a good idea his answer would be some variation of no. Usually he says "I forgot." But that hasn’t stopped me from trying for the past 20 years. My husband doesn’t understand coupons or sales or … [Read more...] about What to do if you’re more frugal than your spouse
Money
4 phone calls that can lower your bills
Putting money back into your pocket every month by lowering your bills would be great, right? By making a few key phone calls and being a smart consumer, you can do just that. All you need to get the job done is some dedicated time to get the right person on the phone. Easier said than done, right? … [Read more...] about 4 phone calls that can lower your bills
Does your pet need food stamps? Resources for pet care when you can’t afford it
Owning a pet can be one of the most rewarding relationships in your life. Pets are loyal, loving and even provide health benefits for their owners, such as lower blood pressure and stress reduction. Unfortunately, pets can be expensive when you add up food costs, supplies and trips to the … [Read more...] about Does your pet need food stamps? Resources for pet care when you can’t afford it
Legitimate work-at-home-jobs you can do now
More and more companies are open to the idea of remote work these days. What kind of jobs are these? They vary widely, from professional to trade positions. What they have in common is that they can be done from home — anywhere, really. And you can generally signal your availability to do them … [Read more...] about Legitimate work-at-home-jobs you can do now
The ultimate guide to saving money by cutting cable
When was the last time you looked at your cable or satellite TV bill? When I looked at my bill a few years back, I was disgusted to be paying $70 each month to sit on the couch and zone out. Cheaper cable alternatives give you the same entertainment for a lot less money, and you may even discover … [Read more...] about The ultimate guide to saving money by cutting cable
5 quick ways to save money right now
If you have taken a pay cut, lost a job or gotten hit with high bills, you're probably looking for ways to save money ASAP. From your cellphone to your grocery bill, here are five strategies for tightening your belt right now. Negotiate with your service providers You don't want to … [Read more...] about 5 quick ways to save money right now
38 ways to save money while dining out
We all have days when we don't feel like cooking, but dining out can be so expensive and you should never spend money you don't have in hand. Saving money takes some planning on the front end. Here are 38 ways to help you dine out for less. Read the menu online before you commit to dining … [Read more...] about 38 ways to save money while dining out
Do a no-spend challenge to see where you can save
If your spending has gotten out of control or you want to cut down on unnecessary expenses, it might be time to embark on a no-spend challenge. Going an entire month without spending beyond necessities can be an eye-opening experience. We think any budget-minded individual should try a no-spend … [Read more...] about Do a no-spend challenge to see where you can save
10 ways to change bad spending habits and save money
Make this the year you make changes to your bad spending habits and have a positive impact on your household budget. It’s easier than you think. Check this list of tips for smart spending and pick a few money-saving strategies to try. Definitely do not adopt them all at once, as you’re bound to … [Read more...] about 10 ways to change bad spending habits and save money
How to save money on gas
Prices at the grocery store and at the gas pump are two of the most common ways people gauge the cost of living. You don't need to wait for the government to release inflation statistics when you can see the price of a single cucumber go up to 60 cents or watch the digits keep rolling past on the … [Read more...] about How to save money on gas
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 filed early and already have that refund in hand. Perhaps you waited until the last minute to dig out those dog-eared receipts, credit card statements and 1099s, and your return is still winging its way … [Read more...] about 8 resolutions to make before next Tax Day
Smart habits of millionaires you should adopt
The best way to become a self-made millionaire is to learn from people who are already there. And as you can see from the list below, these habits of self-made millionaires are pretty easy to follow in your daily life. Because becoming a millionaire isn’t about spending like you are rich; it's … [Read more...] about Smart habits of millionaires you should adopt
How ‘mean moms’ teach their kids about money
How much do your kids know about money? I don’t mean, how much do they know about how to wheedle a dollar out of your wallet for the vending machine. I mean, how much do they know about how money is earned, saved, invested and spent? Do yourself and your children a favor and teach them about … [Read more...] about How ‘mean moms’ teach their kids about money
8 ways to save money on veterinary care
When a close friend had a pacemaker implanted in her ailing Boston terrier, I was astounded. I knew that my friend loved her dog and that she could well afford that level of medical care, but the five-figure price tag of the pacemaker, surgery and follow-up still left me reeling. I … [Read more...] about 8 ways to save money on veterinary care
10 smart ways to spend your tax refund
It’s the most wonderful time of the year for some — the season in which your state and federal government pays its debt to you in the form of a big, fat tax refund. If you’re expecting Uncle Sam to be generous this year, it’s tempting to spend the money on luxury items or vacations as soon as it … [Read more...] about 10 smart ways to spend your tax refund