Frugal living means you buy and use less, saving money and time. Happily, these are also basic tenets of minimalism, which is quite trendy right now so if you like living with less, you're in style! On the other hand, if you are a spendthrift used to buying out of want rather than need, … [Read more...] about Frugal living guide: How to have less stuff and save money
Money
Credit cards: Everything you always wanted to know but were afraid to ask
Many consumers have a mixed relationship with credit cards. On one hand, they can lead to cash back, travel rewards, and the ability to buy something now and pay later. But when used irresponsibly, credit cards can lead to massive debt and expensive interest payments. If you typically use cash or … [Read more...] about Credit cards: Everything you always wanted to know but were afraid to ask
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
How to simplify your life (in 3 easy steps)
You want to simplify your life, but don't know where or how to start. Maybe you’re thinking about retirement, or you’re looking to change jobs, or the return to work and school seems overwhelming again. Your journey to happiness starts now.When I think of the word “simplify” I am reminded of … [Read more...] about How to simplify your life (in 3 easy steps)
Apps to save you money on the go
Mobile technology is advancing with leaps and bounds, and new apps and features help us save money wherever we are. Whether you are headed to the store, the gas station, or vacation, there are apps to help you save money along the way. Here are some favorite apps to save you money on the … [Read more...] about Apps to save you money on the go
Easy ways to give back to your kids’ school
As schools try to balance their budgets while keeping up with always-increasing expenses, they are looking more to families and parent-teacher organizations to help with school supplies, field trips and other programs. Doing a little can sometimes go a long way. Below are some funding ideas that you … [Read more...] about Easy ways to give back to your kids’ school
Affordable family cellphone plans
Cellphone plans run from very inexpensive to hundreds of dollars per month. Some are prepaid. Some have a contract. Some come from big, reputable companies everyone knows. Some few have heard of. There are so many options that it can be hard to make the right decision.While each company … [Read more...] about Affordable family cellphone plans
10 things college students should learn about money
Heading off to college? Congratulations. You’ll be surprised that much of the learning you’ll do over the next four years has less to do with the classroom than with life. If you’re like many young adults, college is the first time you’ll keep your own schedule, plan your own meals, manage your … [Read more...] about 10 things college students should learn about money
It’s never too late: Free tuition for seniors
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 … [Read more...] about It’s never too late: Free tuition for seniors
Easy ways to save 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 on school supplies
Ways to make extra money in retirement
Whether retirement seems like a far-off dream or you’ve been retired for years, it’s important to consider how you want your retirement to look. Almost half of American workers plan to continue working in some capacity, finding alternatives for retirement to generate extra income or some passive … [Read more...] about Ways to make extra money in retirement
Sales tax holidays for back-to-school shopping
Some states have sales tax holidays every summer to assist families with getting their kids outfitted for school. Some states also have a sales tax holiday that focuses on hurricane preparedness items or energy-saving appliances. If you plan to make one of those purchases, and it’s not an emergency … [Read more...] about Sales tax holidays for back-to-school shopping
Comparing drugstore card perks: Rite-Aid vs. CVS vs. Walgreens
Drugstores carry everything from health and beauty items to school supplies and kitchenware, often at relatively low prices. We looked at three nationwide chain drugstores to decipher their rewards programs and let you in on the potential perks and pitfalls.Rite Aid Sign up for a Rite Aid … [Read more...] about Comparing drugstore card perks: Rite-Aid vs. CVS vs. Walgreens
How to find deals at estate sales
An estate sale, sometimes known as a tag sale, and sometimes operated as an estate auction, is the sale of everything inside a house. The sales are often held to clean out the house of someone who has died, but many sellers are simply looking to downsize from a big house or start over with new … [Read more...] about How to find deals at estate sales
Money management strategies for new grads
Looking to impart some financial wisdom on the soon-to-be college grads in your life? We turned to Scott Gamm, author of More Money, Please: The Financial Secrets You Never Learned in School, to help you do just that.As someone who wrote a book on finances when he was in his twenties, … [Read more...] about Money management strategies for new grads