Travel insurance is no longer optional. After two years of travel disruptions that show no sign of ending any time soon, it's more or less mandatory. So how do you buy travel insurance in this environment? Very carefully, say experts.2 types of travel insurance If you're going to … [Read more...] about How to purchase travel insurance
Money
Save on car insurance, even if it’s your first time buying
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, especially if you're buying insurance for the first time. But with a little research, you can save … [Read more...] about Save on car insurance, even if it’s your first time buying
Is it worth the cost to upgrade my cellphone now?
According to a 2021 survey from tech care company Asurion, the cellphone has taken the top spot as most essential item for Americans, overtaking their vehicle or their refrigerator — which makes sense when you consider that you can't do a group text with Uber or Lyft. So whenever a new phone model … [Read more...] about Is it worth the cost to upgrade my cellphone now?
When disputing a credit card charge isn’t the best answer
When Jeff Campbell checked in at the Austin airport for a spring break vacation, the last thing on his mind was a credit card chargeback. Instead, he was thinking about the fun he’d have with his three daughters at Universal Orlando Resort that week.“Literally at the gate, my airline canceled … [Read more...] about When disputing a credit card charge isn’t the best answer
How to beat inflation and save on almost everything
For the first time in decades, American shoppers are having to deal with inflation — the widespread, general rise in prices for goods and services. Since you're reading this post on a site called Living on the Cheap, you're probably looking for ways to stretch your dollars to cover some of that … [Read more...] about How to beat inflation and save on almost everything
How to set (and stick to) a vacation budget
For Kathy Lopez, it’s all about the spreadsheet. When she started planning a future trip to Europe with her friends, she put every expense into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet to determine how much the month-long adventure would cost.“We’re going to save a lot of money and planning time on the … [Read more...] about How to set (and stick to) a vacation budget
Prepare a home inventory before disaster strikes
It's not a pleasant topic, but what would happen if your home were damaged, burned down, or otherwise destroyed, or if your property was lost or stolen? Would you be able to recall everything you had in your home? Trying to remember when you bought your television in the midst of a disaster is … [Read more...] about Prepare a home inventory before disaster strikes
How to build an emergency fund
No matter how we may plan, stuff happens. Your glasses break. Your car needs work to pass its emissions test. The water heater goes out. Your employer announced layoffs – and you're one of the victims.Unexpected expenses seem to show up more often than windfalls. That's why you need to set aside … [Read more...] about How to build an emergency fund
How to save up for your next vacation
Saving money for your next vacation is a great goal, but it's often easier said than done. If you’re like the rest of us, most of your money is spoken for before you even get it.To save up enough money to go on a trip, you need to start planning in advance. You'll want to add a vacation category … [Read more...] about How to save up for your next vacation
7 types of retirement savings accounts
We've all heard the warnings and are well aware that we should save more for retirement. It's always a good time to take concrete steps to do just that.Uncle Sam wants you to save for retirement so much that the federal government has created a number of tax-advantaged retirement accounts, … [Read more...] about 7 types of retirement savings accounts
Avoid holiday scams and frauds
Holidays are a busy time for all of us, including the scammers and fraudsters working overtime right now to cheat you out of your money, even your identity. Here are types of holiday scams to watch out for. Email scams We couldn’t deliver your package: Spam emails from senders with … [Read more...] about Avoid holiday scams and frauds
9 colleges that offer tuition discounts to siblings
When Delsia Fleming was looking at colleges for her twin daughters, Brittany and Brianna, the Burlington, N.J., mother learned that twins who attend the same school often receive college tuition discounts. It turns out this discount isn't limited to twins.A handful of colleges and universities … [Read more...] about 9 colleges that offer tuition discounts to siblings
Is it time to buy a car online?
Buying a car is often a stressful and confusing process, with salespeople pressuring for the sale while you try to juggle sticker prices and discounts and upgrades in your head. Smartphones helped alleviate some of the stress of a visit to the car lot, as you can now quickly search and compare … [Read more...] about Is it time to buy a car online?
How to get started with your 401(k)
Your first day at a new job is a whirlwind experience. Between meeting new colleagues, learning your way around and the unavoidable lengthy training from HR, you have a lot to keep you busy.But buried somewhere in that big packet of benefits is information on your new 401(k) plan. Making the … [Read more...] about How to get started with your 401(k)
2 weeks left to get Affordable Care Act health insurance for 2021
Have you looked at getting health insurance under the Affordable Care Act in the past but decided it didn’t work for you? If so, it may be time to take another look at the health care program that’s also known as “Obamacare.” You have about two weeks to enroll and have insurance through … [Read more...] about 2 weeks left to get Affordable Care Act health insurance for 2021