Home improvement projects are costly. Prices have soared over the last couple of years from materials to labor as we’ve suffered through worldwide shortages, supply chain issues and inflation. Check out this handy rebate finder before scaling back a project or shutting it down completely. In just a few minutes, you could wind up saving… Read more »
Homeowners across the country are getting a shock when they open their 2022 property tax appraisal notices. These appraisals are often far higher than they were only a year ago. What will these higher appraisals mean for property taxes in the future? What can you do if you think your appraisal is too high? Lull… Read more »
Solar energy offers you the chance to save money on your electric bill and be less dependent on “the grid.” But solar power scammers take advantage of consumers with schemes to take their money for little or nothing in return. Let’s power up your knowledge to protect your wallet. How home solar power works You’ve… Read more »
As you and your family snooze soundly at night, your appliances, electronics and home systems still silently draw energy. This idle load can be responsible for as much as a third of your electric bill. Read on for steps you can take to reduce idle load and save money. What is idle load and what… Read more »
The idea of the staycation, which emerged during the pandemic years, was a response to the escalation of travel restrictions. Staying at home for your vacation might sound less than exciting initially, but with a touch of creativity and a festive spirit, your staycation can easily rival an out-of-town trip. To make your staycation shine,… Read more »
If you live in a home built before 1980, you may be able to slash your energy costs by increasing your home’s insulation. Here’s what you need to know. How to know if you have enough insulation Energy awareness began rising in the 1970s. By 1980, homebuilders began increasing the amount of insulation in houses,… Read more »
American marketers have expanded subscriptions to include all sorts of products and services in addition to magazines and newspapers. Today the average consumer subscribes to several digital services, such as Netflix, Spotify, Blue Apron, Harry’s Shave Club, and more. Individually, these subscriptions may cost $10 or less per month, but collectively, they can total hundreds… Read more »
Financial success requires certain disciplines. You need to know what you’re spending your money on, spend less than you earn, and set aside some savings every month. You also need to be disciplined about monthly bill paying. Bills for your monthly expenses probably fall due on different days, and if you lose track, you’ll miss… Read more »
Estate sales can offer quality used goods at great prices. But in addition to cash or credit card, it helps to come armed with information. Here’s how an estate sale works, what you can expect to find and what you should avoid buying. Not a garage sale An estate sale is different from a garage… Read more »
The Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES), passed in March 2020, provides multifaceted financial relief to Americans during the pandemic. A section of the law provides COVID-19 student loan assistance to those who’ve borrowed for higher education. Here’s our guide to that section’s provisions. Cash grants The CARES Act created a $14 billion… Read more »
The world is overflowing with plastic waste on land and in our water sources. What can you do in your household to help alleviate this problem? Here are some simple steps you can take immediately to reduce plastic use at home. Reduce plastic use at the grocery store Grocery shopping accounts for much of the… Read more »
Most consumers realize they need to watch out for shopping scams. Yet bad actors continually find new and more clever ways to rip people off. When shopping for items online, avoid getting fleeced with these preventative steps. Trying to earn your trust Scammers work hard to get you to trust that their email or text… Read more »
Balancing your household food budget can be challenging even before you add the additional cost of pet food. How can you frugally feed your four-legged family members? Here are some tips for saving money on your pet’s meals. Savings metrics Start by consulting with your veterinarian about what and how much your pet needs to… Read more »
Urban loft living is a stylish way to take repurposing to a whole new level. But this trendy lifestyle has some drawbacks to overcome. Read on to find out whether loft living is right for you. The launch of loft living Over the last several decades, the United States’ economy has shifted away from manufacturing… Read more »
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused millions of Americans to lose their jobs. Fortunately, some companies are offering emergency financial relief to consumers. Let’s look at COVID-19 financial relief programs by industry and learn how you can get help. Organize for a clear picture Before contacting any vendors with whom you have accounts, make a list… Read more »
If you’ve lost your job or taken a pay cut because of Covid-19, you’ll need to cut your budget to preserve your financial security. Here are some tips for budgeting during the coronavirus pandemic. See where you are Your first step is a complete assessment of your finances. Start with your financial assets. Make a… Read more »
If you own a computer, you’ve probably noticed that over time the cost of printer ink often exceeds what you paid for the printer. Here are some tips that will save you money on printing costs. Low cost of entry, high cost of supply If you buy a printer for less than $100, you’ll probably… Read more »
It’s easy to go overboard when decorating kids’ rooms. It’s so tempting to go all-in with a theme of trucks or unicorns or a much-loved superhero. But what happens when the child moves on to a new favorite? Here’s how to indulge your child’s intense, but changing, interests without breaking the budget. Color Schemes Start… Read more »
Cheaper than ever before, LED light bulbs are surging in popularity in American households. Not only do they save money on energy, but they also last far longer than traditional and CFL bulbs. Is it time for you to switch to LEDs? Incandescent Versus LED Versus CFL The old-fashioned incandescent light bulb historically has been… Read more »
After purchasing a new home and moving in, most new owners rush to buy new furniture to fill empty rooms. While those pieces may look just right in the showroom, they often lose their appeal when delivered. Here are seven tips for buying furniture that’s just right for your new home. 1. Budget Deciding on… Read more »
