The year our daughter Jane was born, my husband and I almost forgot to claim her on our taxes. She was a newborn, our accountant hadn't seen me pregnant and the topic never came up during our conversations. Luckily, we remembered, and Jane had a Social Security number, so we were able to claim the … [Read more...] about 8 tax credits for parents with dependent children
Money
How we got out of debt by coloring
This guest post is by Heidi Ifland NashOur story is not unique in how it begins. We were very “normal”.We were the typical American couple, no budget, consuming all of our income each month, and using credit cards to buy and pay for the things we didn’t save up for.We weren’t … [Read more...] about How we got out of debt by coloring
Caring for aging parents from a distance
John Cruz' parents both suffer from chronic health issues and are in their 70s. Both have had falls that have resulted in broken bones, so their mobility is compromised. Cruz (not his real name) has helped them out two or three times per week for years. "Before the pandemic, they needed … [Read more...] about Caring for aging parents from a distance
Free Consumer Action Handbook offers help on variety of consumer issues
It's not always easy for consumers to resolve issues, know what’s a scam or who to turn to for assistance.The government wants to help consumers make informed decisions on many topics, including banking, cars, credit, education, employment, food & nutrition, health care, housing, … [Read more...] about Free Consumer Action Handbook offers help on variety of consumer issues
How to insure future trips in case of a crisis
What if it happens again? What if coronavirus resurges this summer, just as you’re leaving for a well-deserved vacation? Or during the winter holidays?Many travelers are looking for ways to protect their next trip from another wave of the virus. One of them is Baron Hanson, who takes frequent … [Read more...] about How to insure future trips in case of a crisis
What to do if you can’t pay your rent
As a new month approaches, many tenants are panicked about how to scrape together the money for next month’s rent.More than 22 million Americans have filed for unemployment in the past month, and many state unemployment offices are backlogged.The CARES Act offers forbearance and blocks … [Read more...] about What to do if you can’t pay your rent
What to do if you can’t pay your bills
There’s no doubt that for many people have suffered a big toll on their finances. Whether you’re down an income (or two) in your household, or waiting on unemployment or small business help, you might be stressing about what to do with the stack of bills that is piling up or on the way.On the … [Read more...] about What to do if you can’t pay your bills
Try these expert negotiation strategies for refunding or rescheduling your vacation
Refund or reschedule? As the current crisis deepens, that’s the difficult choice many travelers face. And either way, they may need a few expert negotiation strategies to recoup the value of their canceled vacations.“At this point, everything is negotiable,” says Casey Halloran, chief executive … [Read more...] about Try these expert negotiation strategies for refunding or rescheduling your vacation
Travel deals: It’s a buyer’s market, but should you buy?
The travel deal was too good to pass up. For just $500, Danielle Tedrowe could enjoy a week at the five-star Live Aqua Beach Resort in Cancún, Mexico, this fall. "It was a phenomenal rate," says Tedrowe, a property manager and travel agent from Austin, Texas. An 80% discount for an ocean … [Read more...] about Travel deals: It’s a buyer’s market, but should you buy?
What to know about buying a car now
Even during a global shut-down, sometimes you need to buy a car.After all, if you have to get from Point A to Point B, you have to get there – and this isn’t a time when a lot of people want to take public transit. Of course, you may have financial reasons for wanting to buy a car now despite … [Read more...] about What to know about buying a car now
Health care documents everyone should have
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many Americans to think more seriously about getting their affairs in order, including the healthcare documents needed in case they’re incapacitated and need someone else to make medical decisions. Even if you manage to avoid contracting Coronavirus, completing these … [Read more...] about Health care documents everyone should have
How to file a credit card dispute for your canceled vacation – and win
It’s time to talk about the nuclear option.If a travel company isn’t refunding payment for your canceled vacation, maybe it’s time for a credit card dispute. Asking a bank to force a merchant to return your money is typically a last resort. But that’s where we are now. Some travel companies have … [Read more...] about How to file a credit card dispute for your canceled vacation – and win
22 companies that are hiring now
We may earn a commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase using the links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, Living on the Cheap earns from qualifying purchases.
Many people have lost jobs in recent weeks, either permanently or temporarily. If you're worried about how to make ends meet, it is helpful to know that some companies are still hiring all over the country. You probably can find a job.Demand for workers at grocery stores, drugstores, … [Read more...] about 22 companies that are hiring now
How to avoid scams during a crisis
When any crisis or natural disaster occurs, the scammers immediately come out of the woodwork. The current situation is no different.There is bogus advice on Facebook, ads for products that claim (falsely) to detect, cure or treat coronavirus and even thieves going door-to-door claiming to be … [Read more...] about How to avoid scams during a crisis
Senior shopping days and hours nationwide
We may earn a commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase using the links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, Living on the Cheap earns from qualifying purchases.
A quick trip to the store to pick a few groceries is not what it used to be, during these chaotic times -- especially for those vulnerable in our community.Because of the potential for exposure to other shoppers, the elderly, pregnant women or anyone with a compromised immune system need … [Read more...] about Senior shopping days and hours nationwide
