Gift cards and certificates are a favorite holiday or birthday gift for many people who want their loved ones to choose exactly the gift they want. According to a 2016 Barron's report, over $970 million in gift card cash went unused in 2015. Although the amount seems high, numbers have dropped … [Read more...] about How to use gift cards to save money
Money
FSA vs. HSA: Which health-care tax savings is right for you?
It's open enrollment time in most workplaces, as well as for those who use the Affordable Care Act exchange, which means health care consumers are trying to make sense of the alphabet soup of the available benefits. One choice many face is how best to maximize the tax savings that come with some … [Read more...] about FSA vs. HSA: Which health-care tax savings is right for you?
Save money on auto insurance
There’s a lot of wiggle room in between having enough coverage in case of an accident and not paying extra for coverage you may not need. It can be confusing to navigate the lawyer-speak in a policy. But with a little research, you can save money on auto insurance, whether you are buying or … [Read more...] about Save money on auto insurance
Used car shopping? Do your homework and avoid problems.
If you are in the market for a used car for yourself or a first car for your high-school or college student, you usually begin with a price range. But once you know how much you can spend, do your research on vehicle safety, average gas usage, and reliability. Here's a five-step plan to help you … [Read more...] about Used car shopping? Do your homework and avoid problems.
Health Savings Accounts: the triple tax advantage
Health Savings Accounts (HSA) are great way to save for future medical expenses and to reduce your current taxes. As we all face increased out-of-pocket medical expenses, one method to prepare is to open an HSA, which is like an IRA but offers a triple tax advantage. Your contribution is … [Read more...] about Health Savings Accounts: the triple tax advantage
How to get the best new car deal
You are ready to buy your first car. You can see yourself, driving in that shiny red convertible, feeling the wind in your hair. You might even go look at one in the dealership. But then, reality hits. The payments for that glam roadster are more than your rent payment. So it's time to shop smart. … [Read more...] about How to get the best new car deal
Tips for donating your car to charity
Donating a car to charity requires almost as much research as buying one. These tips will ensure there’s a tax benefit for you and that you're donating to a legitimate group. Know what your car is worth. Your vehicle does not have the same value to a used car dealer and to a charity. Current … [Read more...] about Tips for donating your car to charity
Apps that can help you shop for cars
If you are in the market for a new or used car, these apps will help you shop for the best deal and save money. What I love about these hand-held tools is that you can use them to find a better price than a dealer is offering you even while you are inside the dealership, and use that to negotiate a … [Read more...] about Apps that can help you shop for cars
Save money using social media
Social media is a part of our daily lives. We are distracted at work by posts from friends, breaking news Tweets and colorful pictures waiting to be pinned to boards. But we can use the same media to save money. Here are some ideas: Early birds hear the tweet. You can gain early access to deals … [Read more...] about Save money using social media
Easy ways to save money on school supplies
It's the most exciting time of the year for bargain shoppers who have kids in school (or for anyone who likes cheap office supplies). For some people, school supply shopping is a big, fun, traditional spending spree. It was for my mom and me. But I’ve made this time of year into a big, fun, … [Read more...] about Easy ways to save money on school supplies
It’s never too late: Free tuition for senior citizens
One of my favorite public radio shows features an audience quiz, “Things You Should Have Learned in School Had You Been Paying Attention.” I love listening to the show but that quiz stumps me every week. Truth be told, I didn’t pay much attention in school because I was eager to get on with real … [Read more...] about It’s never too late: Free tuition for senior citizens
Good jobs that don’t require a college degree
There are a lot of ways to handle the high cost of a college education. Most experts agree that the cost will be made up over the life of a career by higher-paying jobs that require that college degree. But maybe you aren’t sure it’s worth it. Or maybe you just can’t afford college right now and … [Read more...] about Good jobs that don’t require a college degree
