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Five Frugal Mother’s Day Ideas
According to the National Retail Federation, the average American is expected to spend $150 on Mother’s Day gifts this year. That’s a pretty big chunk of change – but when you factor in about $30-$40 for a flower arrangement and $75-$100 to take the family to Mother’s Day brunch at a local chain restaurant, you see how quickly those two traditional gifts can add up. This year, instead of... -
Six Simple Ways to Improve Your Budget
When it comes to budgeting, I think a lot of people expect that they’ll sit down with a few weeks’ worth of receipts and a pad of paper, do a little math, and create a household budget so perfect and balanced and practical that it won’t need adjustments or changes — ever. And this is where so many folks run into trouble. We tend to see budgets as things... -
Five Smart Ways to Spend (and Save) Your Tax Return
According to the IRS, the 2010 tax refund for the average American was around $3,000. That’s a pretty substantial chunk of money. Chances are, you already know how much to expect back from Uncle Sam this year – and you probably have some idea of what you want to do with the money when it lands in your bank account. It’s easy to get swept up in fantasies... -
Five Simple Ways to Save Big
Here’s some good news for folks who want to trim their budgets this spring: You don’t need a complete financial overhaul to start saving some serious cash. In fact, by making a few (very) small changes in your lifestyle, you can save hundreds of dollars a year. Small things like skipping your daily cup of fancy coffee or changing a light bulb can make a big difference. If... -
Contemplating a Purchase? This Flowchart Will Help.
Financial success and stability isn’t all about budgeting and saving – it’s also about knowing how (and when!) to spend wisely. The thing that gets people in trouble is that we make purchases based on our emotions. Instead of weighing the facts, considering the alternatives, and making a careful and informed decision, many of us simply break out our checkbooks (or debit cards, or even worse, our credit cards)... -
Choosing a Roth IRA That’s Right for You – in 3.5 Easy Steps
If you’ve been looking for a good way to save for retirement, you can’t get much better than a Roth IRA. A Roth IRA allows you to invest a portion of your annual income (up to $5,000 per year) in a variety of different things like stocks, bonds, CDs, mutual funds, or real estate. Your investments earn interest, and when you retire, you can pull your money out –... -
The Benefits (and Risks) of “Swipe and Go” Cards
They’re the latest innovation in credit- and debit-card technology: “Swipe and go” cards make it easier than ever to get in and out of the grocery store, the gas station, or anywhere else. These new cards look like traditional cards – except that in addition to the traditional magnetic strip, swipe and go cards are also equipped with a small radio frequency identification (RFID) chip containing your credit card... -
Five Common Tax Mistakes – and How to Avoid Them
It’s that time again. Income tax time, that is. And whether you’re planning to file online or by mail; whether you’re going to a tax professional or taking the DIY approach, it’s important to be on the lookout for errors. I’m not talking about big mistakes, either. Even a small thing like forgetting to put the date on your tax return can spell IRS trouble. Here’s a list of... -
Five Unnecessary Credit Card Services
. . . and Why You Don’t Need Them If you’ve got a credit card, chances are good that your credit card company has tried to sell you some other credit-related service. At first glance, some of these offers sound kind of good – especially if you’re struggling with a high balance or dealing with credit score issues. After all, who doesn’t want a better credit score or a... -
Valentine’s Day for Under $100
I’m not a romance guru, and I’m not the first guy anybody would go to for dating advice. But I am good at helping people save money and live within their means. So, if you’re looking for a way to celebrate Valentine’s Day without getting yourself into debt or spending way too much, here are a few things you can do. According to a study by the Better Business...