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
Money
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?
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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
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
How to avoid HOA battles that cost time, money and energy
If you buy a condominium, townhouse or single-family home in a newer development, you’re likely to become a member of a community association.More than 50 percent of American homeowners live in a community governed by a condo association, homeowners association or co-op board, according to … [Read more...] about How to avoid HOA battles that cost time, money and energy
How to decide whether to buy or lease your next car, or go car-free
I remember my first car, a 1969 Chevelle Malibu. It was blue with a black hardtop, three-speed on the column with vinyl bench seats – and a lot of problems under the hood. But I loved my “Blue Goose.” It was my first big purchase, my first “payment plan” to the Bank of Father, and my shout-out to … [Read more...] about How to decide whether to buy or lease your next car, or go car-free
Best meal kit delivery services compared: Blue Apron vs. Hello Fresh vs. Home Chef
Have you thought about trying one of the many meal kit services? I’ve often wondered if they're worth the money and what's the difference between the different dinner prep and delivery services.I decided to do some research to find out once and for all if the fuss over meal kit services is … [Read more...] about Best meal kit delivery services compared: Blue Apron vs. Hello Fresh vs. Home Chef
How to negotiate the best deal when buying a house
The old saying is that in real estate, everything is negotiable. But is it really? When you go to buy a house, you’re certainly hoping to get the best price and terms. To do that, you need to know when to start negotiating and when to stop. That begins with being familiar with the market, down to … [Read more...] about How to negotiate the best deal when buying a house
