Buying your first home is intimidating, and the current economy makes it even tougher. According to a recent article in Market Watch, the inventory of starter homes available to first time home buyers is dwindling. Many homes are in need of major repairs, which drives up the investment cost.But … [Read more...] about How to buy your first house
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Expert advice on digging your way out of debt
When Miranda Marquit started writing about personal finance six years ago, she “was maxed out on my credit cards,” she admits. No more. And the publisher of Planting Money Seeds has a few words of hard-earned advice for anyone who has dug themselves into a debt hole so big they think they’ll never … [Read more...] about Expert advice on digging your way out of debt
Spring into summer vacation savings now
When it comes to planning a summer vacation, there are usually two types of people: Those who plan and book more than a year in advance, and those who decide to wing it and find themselves at the mercy of not being able to shop around. While last-minute travel deals are sometimes great finds, you … [Read more...] about Spring into summer vacation savings now
Seed your spring garden indoors for less
Get a jump-start on your spring garden and save money by seeding veggies and flowers indoors. Seeds are a cheap way to create a spring garden as they cost much less than potted seedlings already grown in a nursery. Follow these steps to spread spring sunshine indoors.Choose your seeds … [Read more...] about Seed your spring garden indoors for less
Save on groceries with special ‘senior discount day’ offers
We all do it. We didn’t stop doing it when we became senior citizens. In fact, some of us do it up to three times a day, every day, in the privacy of our own homes, with the lights on. It’s a basic human need, after all. I’m talking about eating at home, of course.The cost of groceries can take … [Read more...] about Save on groceries with special ‘senior discount day’ offers
Bike sharing for health & economy
Bicycles are ideal for trips that are too far to walk but too short to drive. They are are an environmentally friendly, economical and healthy way to get around town -- either your own town or a place you are visiting. Bike sharing is a way to reap the benefits without buying or maintaining a bike, … [Read more...] about Bike sharing for health & economy
Senior discounts (almost) everywhere
The phrase "senior citizen" seems so old, doesn't it? But it has its frugal advantages. A few weeks before you turn 50 years of age, you'll likely get an invitation to join AARP. Don't be insulted - be excited. By joining the organization you are eligible for discounts on everything from hotel … [Read more...] about Senior discounts (almost) everywhere
Make sure that daily deal is really a deal
Daily deal websites such as Groupon are a popular resource of the frugal. Many consumers would never plan a restaurant trip or an evening of entertainment before first checking to see if there was a daily deal available, and for good reason. It’s easy to save 50% off everything from meals to Zumba … [Read more...] about Make sure that daily deal is really a deal
Is that bargain cruise really a bargain?
Cruises offer some of the best bargain vacations on the market today. But to make sure your cruise remains a true bargain, you have to be smart about “the spend.” Cruise lines, particularly those on the lower end of the market, can offer promotional prices that seem almost like giveaways. That’s … [Read more...] about Is that bargain cruise really a bargain?
Use your mug for discounts at Starbucks
Savor the Earth Day attitude with an every-day deal that is nice for the planet --- and the wallet. Patrons who supply their own mugs or travel tumblers receive 10 cents off beverage purchases at participating Starbucks shops. For coffee-loving regulars, the dimes add up. Even … [Read more...] about Use your mug for discounts at Starbucks
How to check on your income tax refund
The income tax season has officially opened. Among the first to file will be those taxpayers who are due income tax refunds.And once you file, your burning question will be: Where’s my refund?The Internal Revenue Service has an app for that. The agency’s popular Where’s My Refund website … [Read more...] about How to check on your income tax refund
How to buy a house with 5% (or less) down payment
One hurdle many would-be home buyers face – or think they face — is the need to come up with a big chunk of cash to make a 20% down payment. The good news is that you don’t have to have 20% down, even in today’s tight credit environment, to buy a house.Buyers with good jobs and decent credit … [Read more...] about How to buy a house with 5% (or less) down payment
My purse has been stolen. Now what?
Quin Ryan was doing a good deed by driving her niece to daycare. Grabbing only the toddler and an umbrella, she entered the school, returning to her car in less than seven minutes to discover her driver-side window smashed and her purse, left on the seat, gone. Out of pocket: $2,500.Drugs, … [Read more...] about My purse has been stolen. Now what?
Will your heirs have to pay your debts? Maybe
The share of all household debt held by Americans in March 2017 rose $149 billion, reaching $12.73 trillion in debt, according to the newest release by the New York Federal Reserve. And a 2016 report by University of Michigan's Retirement Research Center found that nearly 32 percent of Americans … [Read more...] about Will your heirs have to pay your debts? Maybe
Regrow your own green onions in your kitchen
Green onions aren’t expensive to purchase in the grocery store, but they are one of those ingredients that I either forget to buy, or they go bad in the fridge before I remember to use them, which is definitely a waste of money. Green onions, also known as scallions, are great for flavor and garnish … [Read more...] about Regrow your own green onions in your kitchen