When you hear someone mention that stockpiling food and toiletries might be a good idea, it’s not just because they’re watching a “Doomsday Preppers” marathon. I mean, they might be, but that’s not why creating your own grocery stockpile is a good idea. Building your own stash of food and toiletries keeps you prepared for natural disasters and financial crises, and lets you take advantage of stores’ normal sale cycles. [More]
If You’re Unhappy & You Know It, Keep An Eye On How You Spend Your Money
By November 29, 2012
Pick your head up out of that pint of Ben & Jerry’s and step away from the online sales you’ve been clicking through to fill that hole in your heart. A new study claims that when you’re down in the dumps, sad or otherwise singing the blues, you’re more prone to make silly decisions about your money. And come on, you don’t really need another pair of black boots. [More]
A ‘List Price’ Isn’t Real Just Because Some Company Says It Is
By November 27, 2012
Yes, it’s pretty much consumer common sense that the “list” prices that companies use to convince us how great their bargains are can be more or less nonsense. Anyone can make their own list, then put prices on it. Just in case you need a refresher, though, here are two great reader-submitted examples of discount prices that aren’t all that discounted. [More]
The Supermarket Tricks You Need To Avoid To Save While Shopping
By April 13, 2012
You might have a good set of tactics while shopping at your local supermarket. But are you savvy to the subtle ways food stores (and other retailers) get you to buy more? There might be a few tricks you’ve fallen prey to in the past. [More]
An Example Of When Buying A Generic Drug Can Save You 72%
By April 13, 2012
Yeah, buying generics drugs instead of their snazzy brand name versions could stifle an allergy, calm a nasty cough or banish that throb on the cheap. But at more than half the price? [More]
For Cheap Toiletries, Don't Turn To Your Local Pharmacies
By April 13, 2012
How many times has this happened to you? You’re at your neighborhood drugstore, picking up meds, when you remember you need shampoo or maybe some other personal care product as well. You’re at the store, they have the what you need… But are you gonna get hosed at the checkout? [More]
Beware "Vanishing Deductibles" In Car Insurance
By April 13, 2012
Some insurance agencies are enticing customers by offering “vanishing deductibles” on car insurance policies. Purportedly meant to encourage safe driving, the plans take, say, $100 off customers’ deductibles for each year they don’t file a claim. For example, if a customer’s deductible starts off at $500 and five years pass without a claim being filed, the deductible vanishes completely and the customer doesn’t have to pay anything when he finally files a claim. [More]
Making An Early Retirement Work
By April 13, 2012
Some people are so obsessed with their work that they can never envision chucking everything to begin a life of leisure, while others have spent most of their work lives counting the days until they no longer have to clock in. If you opt to jump the gun and call it a career before you hit your golden years, you’re taking a calculated risk, hoping to make your savings stretch out longer rather than spending more time to build it up before you take the plunge. [More]
Don't Be Tempted By Cash-Back Rewards At The Gas Pump
By April 12, 2012
National average gasoline prices are undoubtedly heading for the $4 per gallon mark. And the offers of cash back or other rewards at your local station — where gas prices are probably a lot higher — may look awfully tempting. But don’t think you’ll reap windfalls if you sign up for that new gas station credit card! [More]
Guard Against An IRS Underpayment Penalty
By April 12, 2012
If you pulled in more money than you’re used to making — especially if it came from untaxed work — you could be facing a higher-than-expected tax bill that will grow even higher due to a prepayment penalty of 3 or 4 percent if you owe more than $1,000. There’s not much you can do to avoid the penalty for your 2011 taxes, but you can take steps to avoid it next time. [More]
Scholarships For Moms Seeking Degrees
By April 11, 2012
Juggling parenthood and college classes is no easy feat, and even tougher when you consider the financial side of the equation. Any scholarships out there help, and it so happens that there are several out there earmarked for mothers attempting to better their career prospects by earning degrees. [More]
Do Some Heavy Lifting, Save On Gym Memberships
By April 10, 2012
Some workout enthusiasts rationalize paying a lot of money for gym memberships by telling themselves that the financial commitment makes them work out more often to get their money’s worth. That’s just crazy talk. If you work at it, you can trim your monthly membership fees along with your waistline. [More]
3 Ways To Fall Into Debt, 3 Ways To Climb Out
By April 9, 2012
There are countless ways to wind up in the red, and many of them start with the best of intentions. Seemingly smart investments, luxury purchases you thought you could afford and once-in-a-lifetime vacation deals can all place you in the chokehold of compound interest. [More]
4 Ways To Slash Phone Expenses
By April 5, 2012
Your phone is not only a lifeline, entertainment device and communication portal to everyone you know, but it’s also a siphon that sucks money out of you monthly. Phone companies are counting on you falling into complacency with paying for unneeded services. [More]
Reasons To Save Up For A 20% Down Payment Before Buying A Home
By April 4, 2012
When it comes to buying homes, the larger the down payment you’re able to plunk down the better. Finance experts advise you to aim for saving up at least 20 percent of the total purchase price, and the number isn’t arbitrary. There are very real benefits to making a hefty initial payment. [More]
Save Money While Spring Cleaning
By April 4, 2012
Perhaps the fresh Spring air has inspired you to strike back against the clutter and filth you might have allowed to accumulate around your living space in the bustle of the last several months. While looking to go on a cleaning rampage and make a fresh start, you can find ways to do the job more cheaply and efficiently. [More]
Expenses That Mortgage Calculators Don't Tell You About
By April 3, 2012
When you’re shopping for houses, you can get giddy when you plug your numbers into a mortgage calculator and discover your dream home has a surprisingly low monthly payment. It’s lying to you. Mortgage payments are only part of the myriad costs home ownership heaps upon you. [More]
Why You Don't Need To Be Ashamed Of Moving Back In With Your Parents
By March 30, 2012
Few are proud to carry the stigma of a “boomerang kid” — someone who moves back in with their parents after failing to make ends meet on their own. But the move makes a lot of financial sense, and could serve as a springboard that can get boomerang kids off to a flying start when they head back out into the cruel world. [More]
