Shopping has evolved dramatically over the past several decades, providing consumers with more choice and convenience whether they shop in brick-and-mortar stores or browse online for their purchases. Even holiday shopping has adapted to the changing landscape, with Black Friday and Cyber Monday appealing to online and in-store shoppers. It’s easy to assume there is a...
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Because inflation affects our day-to-day lives, worrying about inflation affecting car repairs is understandable. As of August 2023, car maintenance prices had increased 23% over the previous year. There are many reasons for this, including a shortage of workers and car parts. Also, because the technology on cars has advanced, repairs to the high-tech features...
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College is a series of firsts for students. It’s the first time they’ll live on their own, be responsible for every meal, handle their laundry and even complete homework without you there to help. Still, parents struggle with whether or not that independence should come with financial help. Should your college student get an allowance,...
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What is an emergency fund? Sometimes called a rainy day fund , an emergency fund is money that you set aside to serve as your financial safety net for when you need it. What qualifies as an emergency? To a certain extent, an emergency varies by the individual, but one way to think of it...
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Learning how to live on your own can be an exciting time in your life, but it’s also a big and costly transition. One of the first and most important decisions you’ll need to make involves finding a place to live that fits your budget. Because this is typically your largest expense, it raises the...
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Now more than ever it’s difficult to navigate life without a solid credit history. From applying for a loan to renting an apartment, good credit is a must. If you’re just starting out and lack any form of credit history – or the information on your credit report is mostly negative – the following are...
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Low-budget landscaping needn’t be bare-bones. A little money and effort can create a big impact regardless of how much space you have. Before starting your backyard renovation, have a design in mind. It’s easy to be wooed by beautiful blooms at nurseries. If you have a plan, you’re more likely to purchase the right plants...
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When thinking about starting a business, you may also consider where . Big cities, home to a range of fast-growing industries and a talented workforce, would seem ideal for launching a business. But business owners scouting out potential cities should look beyond just New York City and Los Angeles. While lacking the flashiness of big...
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You’ve been saving for a house by paying down your debt, working on improving your credit score, and cutting back on spending. For many of us, buying a home will be the single biggest financial milestone we hit. Owning a home can drastically improve your quality of life, and it can seem especially appealing now...
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During a global pandemic, everything can feel exponentially more stressful and difficult. With millions of Americans filing for unemployment since the beginning of March, many of us are forced to deal with the anxiety of finances on top of everything else we have to worry about. Here are 4 simple things you can do to...
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Figuring out how to lower electric bills in the summer can be difficult, especially when temperatures are at their hottest. Luckily, there are some steps you can take to save on your electricity bill during the summer months. Try these energy-saving tips so you can focus more on the pleasures of summer. 1. Be smart...
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Get a Life Insurance Quote Starting a family is a decision that requires some careful considerations, including thinking about any career issues that might arise and assessing your emotional readiness. During the planning process, getting your finances in order is a good first step. Having children can be costly. According to a U.S. Department of...
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The best bargain shoppers know that timing is everything. Different products follow different cycles of pricing, depending on everything from holidays to weather to annual trade shows. Check out our month-by-month suggestions for the best deals and steals.
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There are many times during the year that can induce stress in people’s lives. The holiday season. Moving. An important work deadline. But a day that almost everyone considers universally stressful? Income Tax Day. While taxes can be confusing and time-consuming, tax time doesn’t necessarily have to be taxing. Stick to these tips to get...
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Imagine your home with a new, fully remodeled kitchen – or a carpeted recreation room in the basement for the kids. Home improvements and upgrades not only make a space more pleasant to live in, they can also add value to your house.
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