Free Summer Activities for Kids Who Are “So Bored”
Summer break sounds magical right up until day three. The good news: you don't have to spend a fortune to
Travel and Entertainment
There’s no reason why your travel and entertainment plans need to be put on the shelf just because your overall budget is tight. And when you do travel, Â take steps to make your trip as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
Here are some great ways to enjoy cheaper vacations and inexpensive travel, ranging from 9 Ways To Guarantee A Fabulous Family Vacation, to How to Survive—and Not Go Broke—When Stranded in an Airport, to 9 Incredibly Simple Hacks to Take Stress Out of Flying. After all, what are work and savings good for if you can’t enjoy the fruits of your labor now and again?
Little-Known Airline Rules That Can Trip You Up
You know that moment when a trip is going smoothly… until it suddenly isn’t? Airline rules have a funny way
5 Simple Money Habits That Change Everything
Tired of feeling like your money manages you instead of the other way around? Let’s flip the script. By focusing
The Best Fun You Can Have Without Spending Much
Looking for hobbies that won’t eat up your paycheck? These frugal hobbies deliver big joy for little (or no) cost.
Gratitude on a Budget: Cheap and Cheerful Ways to Give Back
Giving back doesn’t have to mean giving big. With a little creativity (and maybe a touch of duct tape), you
Too Good to Be True? Here’s Why We Fall for It (and What to Do Instead)
We all like to believe we’re too smart to fall for a scam. But then a flashy opportunity with a
Cheap Summer Trips That Are Big on Fun, Not Cost
You don’t have to be bored on a budget this summer. Whether you're a parent with stir-crazy kids, a single
Simple Ways to Cut the Cost of Streaming Services in 2025
n this guide, Mary breaks down the different types of streaming—from live TV replacements to hidden free gems—and help you
6 Science-Backed Reasons Gardening is Good for Your Health
There’s something magical about getting your hands in the dirt. Whether it’s the smell of fresh soil, the warmth of
Who Knew? Living Below Your Means Is Suddenly in Style
Would you believe that living below your means (LBYM) is suddenly the hot new trend? I know—shocking, right? Some of
The Top Credit Card Debt Questions Readers Ask
If you were to dive into my inbox, you might assume lots of questions on laundry, copycat recipes, or what
Can You Ace This Classic Christmas Movie Trivia Quiz?
Christmas, the most wonderful time of the year. For many, it’s a time to spread holiday cheer and participate in
You Need a Family Vacation: Tips and Ideas for Budget-Conscious Travelers
When I was a kid, family travel meant kids crammed into the back seat of a sedan, poking and elbowing
11 Mistakes to Avoid When Booking Your Next Flight
Most of us intuitively associate vacation and travel with huge expenses. But it doesn’t have to be that way. With
15 Smart Travel Tips to Make Your Next Trip Easier
Travel has a funny way of teaching us things the hard way, usually somewhere between a delayed flight, a questionable
Staycation Ideas for Families: How to Have a Fabulous Vacation Without Leaving Home
Can’t swing a big getaway this year? You’re not alone—and good news, you don’t have to. A well-planned staycation can
They Stopped Spending for a Year. Here’s What Happened
A few years back, Eric and Donna Reed shopped for groceries and household products only once a year. How on
Cheap Date Ideas That Are Big on Romance, Low on Cost
Wallet a little thin this Valentine season? That shouldn’t mean you cancel all dates until things begin to look up
Stranded at the Airport with No Money? Here’s How to Survive and Save
The busiest travel season on record began and will last through Jan. 5, An estimated 47.5 million passengers will fly
Why More Is Never Enough—And the Simple Fix for True Joy
If there is one thing that will ruin your kids’ lives, it’s greed. Teach them while they’re young how to
How One Small Money Habit Can Keep You Debt-Free for Life
Managing money well is not difficult. It's all the dumb little mistakes we make that we don't stop to fix
Got Airline Miles? Act Now Before They Expire
If you willingly pay an annual fee for a credit card that earns air miles (most reward cards do come
How to Break Bad Money Habits for Good
Money stress doesn’t usually come from one giant mistake. It sneaks in through tiny, repeated habits we barely notice. Swiping
Lost Income? Read This Before You Panic
The news is shocking—millions of people being laid off or furloughed from their jobs is unthinkable. How do we wrap
How Restaurant Menus Quietly Push You to Spend More
Before restaurant menus ever make it to print, restaurant owners hire menu engineers and consultants to bury super sneaky psychological
The 1% Savings Plan: How Just a Little Can Make a Big Difference
It might be difficult to imagine how such a small change could make any difference at all, but this strategy
10 Stress-Free Flying Tips for a Smooth Travel Experience
It goes without saying that when traveling by air, you need to get to the airport early. But this summer
Secrets of My Inflight Survival Plan
You may know that I travel a lot. What you probably don’t know (and how would you since I’ve only
How I Book Really Cheap Travel
Recently, while packing up files and expense records, I came across a file for a business trip that could have
25 Really Fun Tricks and Tips Every Traveler Needs to Know
Over the years I’ve collected a bunch of really great travel tips—some fun, some crazy, but all of them very
The Secret to Loving Life Without More Money
I’ll never forget the time I asked one of my young piano students what he wanted for Christmas. It was
The Best Inexpensive Overnight Deal in the Best Vacation Spot on Earth
When it comes to overnight accommodations, I don’t care that much about how pretty the lobby might be; if the