How to lower your living expenses when you’re short on cash
When money is tight, finding ways to lower your living expenses can take a lot of pressure off you. Whether you’re facing a temporary financial setback or trying to build a more sustainable budget, cutting your costs can make a big difference. Here’s a guide to practical ways to reduce your living expenses without sacrificing …
Venture to the Midwest: plan a great trip on a budget
The American Midwest sometimes gets a bad rap, but there’s way more to it than cornfields and the world’s largest ball of twine. And if a ball of twine is your thing, we won’t judge. But there are vibrant cities, lots of great regional food, and spectacular sights to see throughout the Midwest, affordably. Here’s …
Common budgeting mistakes and how to avoid them
Budgeting is a solid foundation for a stable financial life, but even the best-laid plans can go sideways. Lots of people find themselves off track due to common budgeting mistakes. But those mistakes can easily be avoided. Whether you’re just starting your budgeting journey or trying to refine it, here are some common budget fails …
8 ways to stop overspending
Overspending is an easy trap to fall into, especially with online shopping and the endless stream of ads and emails to remind us of everything we’ve ever looked at online. Even if we don’t really need it—or even want it—there are just a couple of clicks standing between us and that impulse buy. But don’t …
Eastward bound: plan a trip on a budget
Thinking about taking a trip to the Eastern United States? It’s a wonderful region to visit, whatever type of experience you want. Whether you want to see iconic architecture and sites, walk through historic neighborhoods, or surround yourself with rugged natural splendor, here are some highlights to plan a great trip on a budget. New …
Savings or money market: which is right for you?
When it comes to savings accounts, there are so many options that it can sometimes feel overwhelming. Two popular choices are money market accounts and savings accounts. They’re both secure places to park your cash and earn interest, but they each come with their own set of features, benefits, and limitations. Which one is right …
Bad credit: how much does it really cost you?
Bad credit can be a dark cloud hanging over your financial life. It affects everything from your ability to get a loan to the interest rates you’re offered. The real-world costs of that are major. Whether you want to buy a home, get a credit card, or secure a mortgage, a low credit score can …
10 surprising ways you can save money every day
Saving money doesn’t have to mean making drastic changes to your lifestyle or living like a hermit. Often, small, everyday measures can add up to major savings over time. Here are ten surprising ways to save money every day—without sacrificing the little things that make you happy. 1. Change up your coffee game The daily …
Buying a car: How to get the best price
Buying a car is one of the biggest investments most of us ever make, and getting the best price should always be a top priority. A lot of people don’t realize you can negotiate the price of a car. Well, you can, and should—and with a little research, preparation, and savvy negotiation, you can drive …
The Big Three credit bureaus: what’s the difference?
You’ve probably heard of ‘The Big Three’ credit bureaus, but how are they similar, and how are they different from one another? What they all have in common is your credit—each one calculates your score, which affects your ability to get a mortgage, car loan, or credit card. Where they’re different from one another is …
Heading West: how to plan an affordable trip
The Western United States has a wealth of exciting places to visit, and it’s ideal for planning an affordable trip. Mountains? Check. Ocean? Check. Evergreen forests? Check. And in addition to all the natural beauty, it has some wonderful museums, theme parks, and the fascinating epicenter of the entertainment world that includes Hollywood, Beverly Hills, …
Cell phone plans for kids: best options compared
Getting a cell phone for your child can be a complicated task. You want them to be able to reach you (and vice versa), but you also want to make sure they’re safe, not getting too much screen time, and not blowing through your data plan in a week. There are lots of cell phone …