Should You Opt Out of a Credit Card Rate Hike?
There are few things less exciting than opening your inbox and finding a “we’ve updated your terms” message from your
Money and Finance
Managing your money and finances is the key to a life of financial freedom. Browse money-saving tips and tricks to stretch your dollars further than ever before. Read dozens of great articles to take control of your spending.
From Simple Tips to Develop a Saver’s Attitude to understanding the difference between Paying Down or Paying Ahead to understanding When and Why to Give your Kids an Allowance, we have articles covering every money and finance question you have!
You can do it, we can help, and it starts with the articles here!
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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
26 Easy Ways to Save $5 a Day Without Feeling Deprived
You don’t need a raise to save more money. Sometimes you just need to stop letting $5 slip away like
23 Energy-Saving Secrets Hiding in Your Home Right Now
Electric bills inch upward year after year, but your costs don’t have to follow along. These 23 simple, practical, real-life
Hosting Christmas? Here’s How to Save Money and Still Shine
Hosting Christmas this year? If the idea makes your wallet wince or your shoulders rise toward your ears, take a
The Frugal Habits That Never Go Out of Style
Not all frugal habits are glamorous. Some are downright dull—but they work like magic over time. Here are 12 of
Congratulations, You’ve Been Scammed! (It’s Brushing Season)
If a surprise package shows up at your door this holiday, don’t celebrate — investigate. It’s likely a “brushing scam,”
How to Cut Subscription Costs That Sneak In Quietly and Stay Forever
Want the benefits of subscriptions without the monthly guilt? Here are clever, sensible ways to cut streaming, beauty, and app
Skip the Pro, Grab a Roller: Painting on a Cheapskate Budget
Professional painters charge thousands, but you can get the same fresh, polished look for a fraction of the price. Learn
Are You Wasting Money? 12 Habits Draining Your Wallet
Want to give yourself a raise without working more hours? These 12 practical ways to stop wasting money will put
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
Is Closing a Credit Card Hurting Your Score?
If you’ve ever tried to walk away from a credit card, you know it’s not as simple as cutting it
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
How to Buy Unlocked Phones and Break Free from Carriers
Tired of being stuck in an overpriced phone plan? Here’s everything you need to know about buying an unlocked phone,
Are Expensive Appliances Worth It? What You Should Know
Are expensive appliances actually better? Not always. Here’s a practical, no-nonsense guide to knowing when it’s worth the splurge—and when
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
How to Break Free from Emotional Spending Habits
Retail therapy might offer a quick pick-me-up, but emotional spending can quietly sabotage your finances—and your peace of mind. I’ve
Six Ways to Cut Health Care Costs
Health insurance isn’t exactly dinner party conversation—but if you’ve opened a bill lately, you know it should be. Between rising
How to Buy a Car with Cash: A Simple Step-by-Step Plan
Car payments don’t have to be a way of life. With a little planning and discipline, you can buy your
Why Saving Money is a Game of Base Hits, Not Home Runs
If you think about it, saving money is a lot like playing baseball. Sure, home runs are exciting, but the
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
How to Financially & Mentally Prepare for a Job Loss Before It Happens
Let’s be honest—no one likes thinking about job loss. But with layoffs, downsizing, and career shifts happening all the time,
13 Clever Ways to Save on Pet Food Without Skimping on Quality
When it feels like every dollar counts, finding ways to save on pet food can ease the worry. But don’t
12 Essential Caregiver Resources: Tips for Eldercare Planning
Caregiving can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re navigating an uncertain future. Having trusted caregiver resources is key to managing the
Affordable Health Insurance Alternatives for Families After Job Loss
Losing health insurance can feel like the rug being pulled out from under you. When COBRA’s sky-high costs aren’t an
Top 9 Tax Mistakes That Could Cost You Big (And How to Avoid Them)
Filing taxes can feel like a daunting task, especially when you’re juggling numbers, receipts, and deductions. But one small mistake
Put Your Gift Cards to Work Before They’re Lost to Time!
Got a stack of gift cards from the holidays? You’re not alone. But before they disappear into the depths of
Why Everyone Needs a Financial Planner—Even If It Feels Intimidating
Taking the first step to meet with a financial planner can feel as daunting as preparing for a medical procedure—but
Raising Financially-Confident Teens: Tips Every Parent Should Know
Teaching teens to be financially confident starts with real-world lessons in managing money. From giving them an allowance to adding
Grease Down Kitchen Drain: Should You Really Do It? Plus Answers to Your Burning Questions
Welcome to another round of Ask Me Anything—where your everyday dilemmas, curiosities, and (sometimes) marital disputes land in my inbox.
Boomerang Kids: When Leaving the Nest Turns into a Round-Trip Ticket
Ah, the blissful day when your young adult finally moves out. You revel in the newfound quiet, reclaim a closet
How to Get Unstuck and Take Control of Your Finances
Feeling stuck with your finances? You’re not alone! One of the most common questions I get is how to start
Political Fundraising Scams: Savvy Dos and Don’t to Stay Safe
In all my years of writing newsletters, blogs, and columns I've steered clear of politics. But every rule has its
Groceries Got You Groaning? Top Meal Planning and Grocery Apps You Need Today
If your grocery bill feels more like a mortgage payment these days, you’re not imagining it. Even though inflation’s been
How to Stop Impulse Buying: Consider the Consequences Before You Purchase
If I had a quarter for every impulsive purchase I’ve made, I’d need a bigger piggy bank! Seriously, my financial
9 Grocery Shopping Mistakes That Are Eating a Hole in Your Budget
Inflation is hitting Americans hard these days. Rent, gas, and utilities are all more expensive, and rising grocery bills aren’t
DIY Mop Pad Replacement, Cheap Tub Scum Removal, and Other Reader-Approved Tips
Welcome to another edition of great tips from our clever readers! This week, we’re diving into a treasure trove of
How to Shop Amazon Prime Day and Beat Rising Costs
Prime Day 2025 is just around the corner—four full days of deals, July 8 to 11. That’s 96 hours of
Moving Out? How to NOT Leave Money Behind!
Moving out of a rental property can feel like running a marathon: it’s exhausting, and you might find yourself wondering
23 Genius Gardening Hacks I Wish I’d Known Sooner, Approved by Experts
So, gardening on a budget. That may sound like an oxymoron—either you garden, or you live on a budget. But
Are You Ready for an Emergency? Most Homes Aren’t
Most of us don’t think about disasters until the lights go out, the weather turns ugly, or the news hits
With the Holidays Still Fresh in Mind: Simple Steps for a Smoother 2025
Along with taking the tree down and putting the decorations away for another year, there are several things you need
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
The Christmas Tradition That Cost Nothing & Meant Everything
Most of us, when we think of the cost of Christmas, think gifts. But there are so many other expenses
Live Your Life for Half the Price Without Sacrificing Joy
It's a benchmark, a goal, a mindset, a kind of game I play with myself. Whatever the price tag—real or
Would You Rather … ? The Consumer Debt Edition
Just in case they ever decide to create an Everyday Cheapskate Edition of that game, I thought we could have
3 Surprising Ways to Find Extra Cash for Christmas
It's still summer, but it's not too early to start planning for Christmas. If you're ready to make this year
Like Finding Money You Didn’t Know You Had
You know the feeling when you reach into the pocket of a coat or pants you haven’t worn for a
Give But Give Wisely
It’s that time of year again—everyone wants your money. Brace yourself for more dinnertime phone calls and mailbox solicitations. That
Want to Become a Successful Investor? Channel Your Inner Second Grader
Recently, I was drawn to a book that was simple to read, easy to understand, and quite charming. In How a
6 Smart Ways to Pay Off Student Loans on Your Own
You graduated. Great. Good job. You ended up with a degree and a pile of ugly student debt. You say
The Secret to a Debt-Free Holiday Season
Here we are on the cusp of one more glorious, fabulous, exciting, and joyful holiday season. How can we do
How to Make Sure You Never Give Insurance Companies Reason to Cancel You
Insurance is a funny thing. You pay a small fortune to have it. Then, if you have the blatant audacity
This 5 Minute Self-Checkup to Find iPhone Subscriptions Saved Me a Lot of Money
After so many upgrades over years of using an iPhone, I thought I knew it all. Only recently, I discovered
Is an Extended Warranty Worth the Investment? Here’s What You Need to Know
One lovely afternoon, I stopped into a toy store with one of my grandsons to get a little something. Yes,
Is Eating Out Secretly Draining Your Wallet?
Let’s not sugarcoat it… eating out is eating up your future. It’s draining your present and quietly keeping you stuck
10 Purchasing Mistakes Keeping You Broke and in Debt
We Americans love to shop and spend money, don’t we? We feel entitled to have what we want right now
My Life as a Frog
I have been told if you attempt to pop a frog into a pot of boiling water he’ll jump out
How to Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck (and Actually Start Saving Money)
How much you spend matters much more than how much you earn. The money you don’t spend gives you the
You Overspent on Christmas—3 Ways to Bounce Back
“Why did I buy expensive electronics for the kids when I couldn’t afford them?”, seeing your answer (“I wanted them
How Treating Money Like Manure Can Change Your Life
Why save money at all? For most of us, the answer goes deeper than pinching pennies or hunting for bargains.
The Cheapest Car Insurance
Any car insurance company's cheapest premiums are generally the minimum coverage required by your state. This liability insurance covers property
9 Best (and Painless) Ways to Save Money and Grow Your Savings in 2025
As we step into 2025, the U.S. economy continues to show resilience with steady growth, a labor market gradually finding
Ask Me Anything: Student Debt, Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments
This past week saw a barrage of interest-rated mail—student debt, bi-weekly mortgage plans—in my inbox. Lots of news focusing on
Skip a Payment?!
If you ever get an offer from a creditor to skip a payment, I suggest you follow Julie’s example by
Home Equity Loan Scams
Homeowners beware. These days home loan scam artists are lurking around every corner. They’re hungry, they’re determined, and they’re coming
What Happens When a $10,000 Expense Hits Overnight?
What would you do if tomorrow you got hit with a $10,000 expense? Ouch, right? We can’t always control when
How to Stop Compulsive Shopping and Curb the Urge to Spend
When it came to compulsive tendencies, there's no question I received more than the standard allotment. I can sit down fully
How the Pain of Payment Can Save You From Overspending
I don’t care much for pain. In fact, I’ll do almost anything to avoid it. I also know that pain
Careful the Kids are Watching: Raising Financially Responsible Kids
Want your kids to grow up with healthy attitudes about money? Start living the way you want them to become.
How to Negotiate Confidently in Work, Home, and Life
Think you are not a negotiator? Think again! Every day you negotiate with kids, a spouse, bosses, co-workers, employees, creditors,
Why Borrowing From 401(k)s Backfires More Than You Think
Seeing a retirement account as a savings account—or worse, a personal ATM—is super risky. Sure it’s your money, but it’s
8 Strategies to Graduate College Debt-Free
There was a time when I didn’t have much opinion on paying for college with student loans. That was before
Would You Put a Teenager In Charge of the Family Vacation Budget?
One of the most memorable letters I’ve received in my writing career came from a reader reporting on how she
Sick of Huge Insurance Premiums? DIY Insurance Check-up to the Rescue
From regular oil changes to changing furnace filters and annual trips to the dentist, smart consumers know that preventive maintenance
This 3-Step Budget Is Like Training Wheels for Your Finances
Financial budgets are like training wheels: they help you get moving and offer you confidence as you learn how to
Handling an Inheritance Requires a Game Plan
While not always easy to think about, inheritances are a part of the financial picture for many Boomers—and just one
How to Get the Most Cash for Your Unwanted (But Awesome) Stuff
If you're looking for ways to get cash for stuff you no longer need or want, there are a number
Life Insurance Basics: What Everyone Should Know
The first rule of buying life insurance: Never purchase insurance from the same person who advises you on the type
Broke? Can’t Save? Yes You Can! This is How to Save Money
Your income is low, you say; you’ve got bills to pay. Rents are sky-high, grocery costs are through the roof—who
Types of Financial Planners: Which One Is Right for You?
If the words “financial planner” make you want to curl up in a blanket and ignore your bank statements, you’re
4 Smart Reasons to Start Planning Your DIY Christmas Now (and Save Big!)
Brisk mornings, fall colors, pumpkin pie, and apple cider. Autumn is just the best time of year, right? And our
The Grocery Math Most Shoppers Still Get Wrong
If you want to reduce cost of meat, poultry and at the same time raise your grocery shopping IQ, think
7 Simple Ways to Make Sure You Don’t Hit Your Mobile Data Plan Limits
Follow these tips to cut back on your smartphone data habit, track and monitor your usage, and stretch your data
Top 10 Financial Mistakes You’ll Never Make Again—And Why They Matter
Have you made any mistakes lately? Want to talk about it? Most people don’t. Can’t say that I blame them.
Most Common Money Questions Women Ask, Answered
I recently asked a group of women of all ages to tell me the money questions they most wanted to
Why Your Budget Feels Tighter (And What Helps Now)
Nearly everything at the store, from beef and cereal, to fruit and veggies, costs more than it did a year
Saving on Food: Slash Your Grocery Bill by 25% with This Easy Method
Grocery prices might not be spiking like they did in 2022, but they’re still keeping our wallets on edge. Inflation
What Your Money Temperament Says About You—And How to Improve It
Whether you're aware of it or not, you do have a money temperament. Everyone does. It's the way you naturally
Smart Moves to Survive Job Loss and Bounce Back Stronger
These days it's practically inevitable that you or someone you know will face a period of unemployment. Consider these practical
13 Smart Ways to Stop Wasting Money and Live Better
Imagine how much cash you’d have right now if you could get a do-over on all the thoughtless purchases—money wasters—you’ve
Breaking Up (with a Credit Card) is Hard to Do
It's a lot easier to open a credit card account than to close one! Let's just say that when it
Yes, You Can Save Money—Even with Tight Budgets!
How’s your health? Not your physical fitness, but your financial well-being. For most of us, how much we earn tells
7 Places to Look for Free Money
It's been several years now since I got a super fun letter from a reader who has developed a hobby
The 7-Day All-Cash Challenge
Here’s the challenge: No plastic whatsoever for the next seven days. Of course you shouldn’t send cash through the mail
Lost Money? Here’s How to Find and Claim What’s Rightfully Yours
Imagine finding a $100 bill in the pocket of an old coat—exciting, right? Now, picture discovering hundreds or even thousands
Holiday Tipping Guide: Christmas Tips for Grateful Giving
It is a social custom in this country to give cash gifts—also referred to as tips or gratuities—during the holiday
Top 10 Holiday Shopping Mistakes to Avoid This Season
Black Friday may have started as a one-day dash, but today holiday shopping has gone full-on digital, weeks before Thanksgiving
18 Easy Ways to Save Money on Groceries in 2026
According to the USDA, a normal American family of 4, is spending on average, $$1,108.10 a month on food at
9 Smart Ways to Conserve Energy in the Home
Start using these gadgets to spend less and before you know it, you'll be giving yourself a tax-free raise.
A Merry Christmas, Minus the Debt: Stress Less, Spend Less
Dreaming of a holiday season without financial regrets? You’re not alone. The holidays can bring joy, but if we’re not
What to Buy in October: 12 Smart Shopping Deals
Oh how I love this time of year! Cooler weather, sweaters, scarves, pumpkin pie, and beautiful fall colors make this
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
25 Proven Ways to Make Money from Home
For all the convenience and access to information that the Internet offers, the ability to earn money at home—honestly and
Your Very Own Hedge Fund
Several years ago, when gas prices were at their highest in Los Angeles, I paid $4.26 a gallon—$102 to fill
How to Save on Groceries with Smart Reserve Shopping
It's no secret that supermarkets and grocery stores purposely design their layouts to entice us to buy more than we'd
12 Shopping Triggers and How to Outsmart Them Fast
I blame my suspicious nature on my neighborhood grocery store. The store used to be a logically arranged market with
5 Essential Legal Documents Every Adult Must Have to Protect Your Family
There are at least five important legal documents every responsible adult needs to have. This is not difficult nor particularly
5 Ways to Use a Tax Refund to Make Your Life Better
Discovering that you’ll be getting a tax refund is certainly not the worst news you’ve had in your life. In
What I Learned When I Tried Turning Back Time
Ever catch yourself wishing you could turn back time? Maybe to fix a choice, skip a regret, or just do
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
The Best February Deals You Shouldn’t Miss This Year
February is a busy month. First, we have the Super Bowl, then Valentine's Day, and Presidents' Day with its 3-day
Why Your New Year’s Resolutions Fail (And How to Make Them Stick)
More than half of Americans, reportedly, make New Year’s resolutions. And 88 percent of those resolutions end in failure, according
Simple and Smart Ways to Save Money in 2025
Getting started with savings— money that you actually put away in a safe place, can be difficult if you don't
How to Beat Discouragement to Get Through Tough Times Stronger Than Ever
Discouragement plagues everyone from time to time. If you’re discouraged about your situation—be it financial, family, job, or just basic
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
7 DIY Ways to Cut Your Heating Costs This Winter
With heating costs predicted to rise, it’s more important than ever to make your home as energy-efficient as possible. Luckily,
How to Avoid Christmas Debt When Cash Is Tight
And just like that, we’re hurtling into the most wonderful time of the year. The season of twinkling lights, jingling
9 Easy Moves to Simplify the Way You Manage Money
Confused and stressed out about how to manage your money so you don't run out before payday? Put these nine
Tricks and Treats to Outsmart Retailers Every Time
You think shopping is what you do when you buy things. That’s true, but it’s more than that. Shopping is a
How a Personal Spending Allowance Can Change the Way You Spend—and Feel
When you give yourself an allowance, it's more than just cash—you give yourself the freedom to spend without feeling guilty.
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
How to Start an Emergency Fund—and Why You Must
Emergencies are a fact of life. When faced with an unexpected event that has dollar signs written all over it,
How to Win the Credit Card Balance Transfer Game
There’s nothing fun about credit card debt. An outstanding balance of $5,000 subject to 19.99% interest means you’re paying about
How to Help Someone Build Credit and Teach Smart Habits
These days, it's not easy for a young person without financial experience to build credit and a respectable credit score.
5 Home Buying Mistakes That Will Make You House Poor
Buying a home is likely the largest purchase you will ever make. This is not the time to make mistakes
24 No-Fuss Ways to Save on Groceries and Cut Costs
It's impossible not to notice that the cost of everything is going up, but learning just how much is quite
How to Live on a Budget & Love It! Plus, a Free Spending Plan Worksheet
For many years I wouldn’t have anything to do with a budget because I couldn’t stand the idea of anyone—or
The Ultimate High-Yield, Guaranteed, Risk-Free Investment
Mary's investment advice is unconventional, perhaps, but it makes so much sense that she is confident you'll be amazed. When
Your Consumer Behaviors Are Keeping You Broke!
Our consumer behaviors—the ways we react and respond in stores and online—can unwittingly keep us broke! Truth be told, merchants
7 Simple Strategies to Silence Your Inner Hoarder for Good
I don't know why some of us have such a strong propensity to accumulate, collect, and otherwise hold onto stuff
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
What to Do When You Can’t Pay Your Bills, Plus Free Bill-Paying Roadmap
It’s a tough moment when you realize there’s not enough money to cover all your bills. The good news? There’s
How to Save $1000 a Month Without Giving Up Everything
Getting out of debt often feels like climbing Everest in flip-flops—especially when you’re already coming up short every single month.
Why You Feel Broke After “Just Browsing” Online
I had one of those moments recently. You know the kind. I opened something “just to browse,” fully convinced I
Ask Me Anything: Online Savings Banks, Opossums, XL Bed Sheets, Stinky Refrigerator, and More
I love to hear from my readers. I encourage you to write to me, and for that, I get hundreds
The Ugly Truth About No-Interest No-Payments Offers
Have you ever wondered how retailers can possibly afford to offer the no-interest, no-payments kind of deals you see advertised?
How to Store Important Documents and How Long To Keep Them
If the paper monster has you buried under an avalanche of receipts, bank statements, ATM slips, investment records, paycheck stubs,
How to Stop Worrying Your Housing Bubble Is About to Burst
You bought the biggest home they said you could qualify, taking advantage of low rates and creative financing. Who knew
Shopping With Cash is Still the Best Way to Save Money
It used to be so easy to shop with cash. Get cash. Shop. But things have changed, perhaps you've noticed.
The One Gap That Changes Your Financial Life
If you've ever have been in serious debt—or are right now—you know the feeling that your creditors own you lock,
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
Cheapskate Etiquette: The Art of Polite Penny-Pinching
Living below your means takes creativity, but it’s important to do so without crossing the line into rudeness. Cheapskate etiquette
How to Earn Cash Back Shopping Online with Rakuten – It Really Works!
I could teach you how to be an extreme couponer. I've had a lot of experience, including the time I
How to Save Loose Change Without the Coinstar Fee
Saving loose change is a fantastic way to build up extra cash, but when the logistics start to feel more
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
How to Build Financial Confidence in Any Economy
For years (and years), I lived under a dark cloud of worry that I would end up financially destitute—a bag
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
How to Budget and Thrive on a Rollercoaster Income
Being your own boss has its perks—flexibility, independence, and the thrill of building something from scratch. But let’s be real:
Gift-Giving That Truly Matters: Finding Joy Beyond the Price Tag
The simple act of gift-giving has become extremely complicated. I blame that on the consumer credit industry. Think about it: You
7 Quick and Easy Ways to Give Yourself a Tax-Free Raise
Is money a little tight? Hoping a raise will come through soon? I hate to burst your bubble, but even
How to Improve Your Credit Score One Step at a Time
Credit scores are used extensively these days. If you rent an apartment, get braces, buy cell phone service, apply for
15-Minute Projects to Lower Utility Bills Fast
Outrageously high utility bills got you down? Check out these six simple things you can perform around the house to
Stop Taking Parent Loans for Your Kids’ College Education
You’re a parent, and you are responsible for taking care of your minor child financially. But you are equally responsible
11 Money Savers That Will Pay for Themselves in a Year or Less
Gadgets that do cool stuff are awesome. And when they also function to save money? That is amazing. Consider these
College Money Mistakes You’ll Regret (And How to Avoid)
All around the country, newly-minted high school graduates are heading off to college. They’ll be taking a lot of things
15 Minutes to Financial Freedom
Ever found yourself facing the daunting task of explaining financial freedom in just 15 minutes? Emily did, and she reached
3 Steps to Combat ‘Feeling Poor’ on a Fixed Income
Are you tired of the ‘feeling poor’ mindset on a fixed income? You’re not alone. In this post, I’ll share
How to Be Your Own Loan Shark and Save a Fortune on Interest
Imagine paying outrageous amounts of interest to a greedy finance company and loving every minute of it. Or how about
What Happens to My Good Credit Score When I Get Married?
While planning a wedding and their new life together, most couples aren't thinking about how marriage might affect their credit.
Money Leaks That May Be Draining Your Wallet Dry
Stop wasting money on goods and services that don’t matter in the long run and you could see the equivalent
My Identity Theft Scare Started With One Email Alert
I got up very early on Groundhog Day so I could be among the first to know Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction
8 Garage Sale Tips to Help You Make More Money This Weekend
Whether your goal is to purge your home of stuff you no longer need or you want to raise some
5 Really Dumb Things You Could Do With a Tax Refund (and Smarter Options)
Tax time—that interesting time of year when ordinarily smart people begin to make really dumb financial decisions. Isn’t it amazing
How to Save Money and Build Financial Confidence
For a good deal of my life, I lived under a dark cloud of fear that I would end up
How to Safely Shop Online and Pay With CASH!
You really can shop with CASH online at Amazon, Target, Kohl's, Walmart ... absolutely no credit card or debit card
5 Key Motivators for Teaching Teens About Money
They want independence and freedom; you want them to take responsibility for their actions. They want decision-making power; you want
7 Daily Habits of the Wealthy (Plus, Free Habit Tracker Printable)
Remarkably, Corley discovered that rich folks have a lot more in common than only income. They share the same habits
This Is What Happens When Financially Immature Students Get a Credit Card
Our kids are fortunate to be growing up in the most progressive and exciting time in history. Sadly, the very
Couples & Money: 7 Common Myths That Could Ruin Your Finances
Marriage changes everything—including how you handle money. Whether you’re newlyweds or have been together for years, believing common money myths
Are You Saving Money by Choice or Just by Chance?
A question that I answered in a previous post brought a small avalanche of mail, mostly from readers who were
16 Facts and Uses for the One-Cent Piece That are Worth Every Penny
For some people, pennies are so annoying, they don’t even bother picking up strays that end up on sidewalks and
14 Creative Ways to Stretch Your Food Budget
If soaring food prices are getting you down, help is on the way! Here are some basic saving strategies, practical solutions,
What is the Real Hourly Wage of Your Second Income?
Most families these days assume it takes two incomes to survive. And many would be shocked if they just took
Secrets of the Frugal Lifestyle
I'll admit I used to think frugality was a distasteful lifestyle forced upon the poor. I believed "frugal" was synonymous
How to Get $1,000 Into Your Emergency Fund Almost Painlessly
The most important thing you can do to make your personal economy strong is to have an umbrella—an emergency fund
With ATM Receipts and Legal Guardians, Leave Nothing to Chance
Face it, life is uncertain. We cannot know the future, but that doesn't mean we should just throw caution to
How to Spend Less on Food—Even When You’re Busy, Broke, or Both
Ever wonder why you never have enough money to consistently save some of it for emergencies? I'm talking about consistent,
Protect Yourself from ID Theft: Best Shredders for Home Use
Identity fraud is a serious issue as it is responsible for the theft of $112 billion stolen from Americans in
5 Smart Reasons Why Kids Should Get an Allowance
At the foundation of a person's financial intelligence should be this undeniable truth: It is not the amount of money
Spooky Tales of Scary Tricks Waiting to Be Played on You
Blood-curdling stories, tricks. and treats are all part of Halloween fun. But the last thing we expect are spooky tales
With Sincere Apologies to Pawnshops Everywhere
In the wake of America’s big economic wake-up call back in 2008, dollar stores and thrift stores saw—and continue to
Broke and In Debt? How to Give Yourself an Extreme Money Makeover
There’s nothing like a job-layoff notice, getting a call from the bank saying you’ve bounced your account to the moon—or
Put a Beautiful Smile on Your Face with a Dental Savings Plan
Dental Savings Plans are membership plans, similar to the way a person becomes a member of Costco, pays an annual
25 Meaningful Ways to Show Love Without Spending a Dime
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and while grand gestures are nice, it’s often the little things that make
The Mind-Blowing Secrets Retailers Don’t Want You to Know
Same As Cash!, Nothing Down, No Interest, No Payments Until Next Summer! ... or a very popular one these days,
Money Lessons Made Easy: 11 Books for Kids and Teens
If you have kids in your life age 3 and up to young adult, consider these excellent books to get those
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
Living Below Your Means: The Only Way to Build Freedom
For years, I thought “living below your means” was just a polite way of saying do without. Turns out, I
How to Give Yourself a $2,000 Raise in a Hurry
If there’s one thing that I love about you, my loyal readers, it’s how responsive you are. Sometimes you like
This is Contentment: Want What You Have, Buy What You Need
Years ago, I read in The New York Times that according to Yankelovich Research, the average American adult is the
The Cheapest Way to Own a Car (Without Car Payments)
There’s expensive… and then there’s “brand-new car” expensive. If you’ve ever wondered why owning a vehicle feels like a financial
How to Splurge on a Budget
I got the biggest shock of my life the day I realized that living on a budget wasn’t the straitjacket
Gas Prices Are Up! Try These 20 Simple Fixes
Only a few months ago I paid $1.87 a gallon for gas in Thornton, Colo. That's less than half what
How to Stop Making Bad Decisions That Cost You Money
I once saw a sign that made me laugh… until it didn’t. It read: “Everything happens for a reason. Sometimes
How to Turn What You’re Good At And Love Doing into a Side Hustle
I’ll bet you’re really good at something. Cooking, organization, gardening, cleaning, sewing, knitting, computing, driving—the list could go on and
What Do You Really Need to Be Happy?
In your heart do you believe that more money would make you happier? How much would it take to make
Smart Ways to Stretch Ground Beef So No One Notices
Ground beef used to be the easy “yes” at the grocery store. Toss a pack in the cart, and dinner
How to Make a Budget Without Losing Your Mind
For lots of people, just thinking the word “budget” is like nails on a chalkboard. I know the feeling. For many
6 Winners in the Generic vs. Name-Brand Showdown
The truth is that generics are often a great buy because the quality of the product is exactly equal or
I’d Rather Have the Money, Bob
Did you see us? My husband and I were on TV with Bob Barker. Before you run to check your
Saving Money for Big-Ticket Items (with Free Savings Goal Calculator)
How can you possibly plan or budget for life’s big-ticket items? Many people believe it just can’t be done, that
4 Reasons to Kick the Credit Card Habit
There are many reasons not to carry credit card debt, like this: It's expensive! Even if you don't carry cc
Top 3 Simple Ways to Boost Your Credit Score Quickly
What credit score is good? Sound like a super easy question, right? Well, it's not. In fact, there is no
Thinking of Lending Money to Family or Friends? Read This
Over the years I’ve heard from dozens of readers who have lent money to friends and family members, only to
Paying Down vs. Paying Ahead: What’s the Difference?
When it comes to paying off debt faster, the words “pay ahead” and “pay down” sound like the same thing—until
Living Below Your Means: The Path to Financial Freedom
Even the mention of words like frugality and thrift send some people over the edge because, for them, those words