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,...
Read more about Should You Give Your College Student an Allowance?
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...
Read more about How to Start an Emergency Fund
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...
Read more about How to Build Your Credit
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...
Read more about 7 Backyard Landscaping Ideas on a Budget
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...
Read more about Should I Buy a House During the COVID-19 Pandemic?
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...
Read more about How to Pay Off Debt During the COVID-19 Pandemic
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...
Read more about How to Lower Your Electric Bill This Summer
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.
Read more about Best Times to Buy Big Ticket Items
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.
Read more about 10 Home Improvements That Add Value
Hosting a party is a great way to celebrate special occasions like birthdays, holidays and promotions. However, it can get expensive if you don’t set a budget and stick to it. With a thoughtful plan, you can throw a memorable party on a budget. Use these tips to know how to plan a party without...
Read more about How to Throw a Party on a Budget
When you sell your home, carving off a piece of that big check and handing it over to a real estate agent is an unpleasant moment. It’s hard to resist wondering whether you could have sold your home yourself and kept the agent’s commission. There is an alternative that lets you DIY – For Sale...
Read more about How to Sell Your Own Home
Looking for a perfect family getaway at a budget-friendly price? You do have options beyond the staycation or the grandparents’ house for a getaway. With a little creativity and planning, you can cut vacation costs without missing out on any of the fun. Here’s some ideas for planning a family vacation on a budget. 1. Signup...
Read more about Ten Ways to Enjoy an Affordable Family Vacation
If you’re moving out of a home you own, you might be wondering whether to rent your house out or sell it. Both of these options have benefits. It’s important to look at your individual situation and weigh the pros and cons before you decide. Many elements factor into choosing whether to rent or sell...
Read more about Should You Rent or Sell Your House?
If you’re looking for ways to save money, learning how to reuse household items is a good place to start. These eight common items can work double-duty, stretching their usefulness and your dollar. 1. Cereal bags When you finish your favorite breakfast cereal, keep the plastic bag and reuse it like wax paper to separate...
Read more about 8 Ways to Reuse Things in Your Home
Installing energy-saving technology is a great idea, whether you’re moving into a new place or upgrading your current home. Different devices and types of technology can increase the comfort of your home and help you save money. They can also help you become more environmentally conscious. There’s an increasing array of devices and software programs...
Read more about 6 Energy-Efficient Technologies to Make Your Home Greener