Credit Card Frequent Flyer MilesUse one Visa/MasterCard and charge everything. For years we flew to Hawaii using frequent flyer awards to upgrade to business and first class for the same price as economy fare in "scrunch class."
Budgeting for Entertainment?Hi,
I am trying to set up a strict budget and wonder how much is normal to set aside for entertainment?
Experiences With AmeriDebtBeware of agencies like AmeriDebt to consolidate your debt. Read my daughter's story and feel free to add your own experiences.
Why are there so many books written on "getting out of debt" and
"saving for retirement"? Why do so many people study these subjects or
subscribe to newsletters that address these issues?
Selling a Judgment?I'm trying to find information on how to sell a judgment or how to obtain a loan on a judgment. Any information would be appreciated.
Shopping Around for Prescription DrugsOne of our readers shares her experience with shopping around for prescription drugs and her savings as a result! Click on the link above to read.
Need Help with Expenses and Prescriptions?I am trying to find someone or organization to help me with any free items to help me. My husband passed 3 years ago. I am disabled and my medication costs me 100%. Medicare pays 80% for dr. care (thank God). I just don't have enough to meet my common needs.
Nine Ways to Stretch Your Income
These days, many of us are finding ourselves having to stretch the ends until they meet.
And anything's possible. Vicki Robin, author of Your Money or Your Life lives on the $6,000 that her investments generate each year.
I Need a Summer Job?Hello, I am looking for ideas for a summer job. I am in the 8th grade and not old enough to get most jobs yet. Any ideas?
April
Looking for a Job Online?Does anyone know of any job services online that are not a rip off. I am looking for something to do at home and make some extra money. I have looked but most want a start up charge and no promise that it works.
Suzie from AK
Looking for Budget Advice?I wanted to know if anyone could tell me some websites where we could go to make a budget. Something that would help us step by step. We are in the process of buying our own home, and have a child. We are new to this budget thing, considering we never thought about it until now, when everyone is saying we need to do it!
Track Credit Card UsageTo keep good track of credit card usage, I enter the amount of each charge into my checkbook and subtract it from the balance there, then when the credit card bill comes, there's enough to pay the bill in full.
By Jackie
Markdown BinsFor years I have sought out the markdown bins at grocery and retails stores. Many times I can get an item at half off or more just because the box or can is crushed or one item is missing from a package.
LivingOnADime.comHow can you cut your budget without depriving your family? http://www.LivingOnADime.com is a collection of frugal recipes and tips from the expertise of Tawra Kellam and Jill Cooper. Tawra and her husband paid off $20,000 personal debt on an average income of $22,000 per year. She shows many of the ways they did it.
Home Based Typist?I am wanting to find out if there is any legitimate business out there who employ typist from their home. Thanks
Save Money and Pay YourselfEstablish a savings account and pay yourself first. Get in the habit of saving money and having money. Make money for you and don't pay interest to someone else.
A Savings Challenge?I really liked Tawra's site Living on a Dime and I really feel challenged. We've been living on a fairly low income for years, but even so we were able to become debt free as well.
Explaining Credit Card Fine Print?Does anyone know of a site or can anyone explain the mombo jumbo on the back credit card offers? One thing I know is that I have a high interest rate now and I would like to transfer the balance to a better one. Thanks you, Sarah
Tips for the Unemployed?I am looking for a little help here. I know there must be alot in the same boat. BUT I am trying to do it alone. I have been OUT of work all year! is there ANY hope? thanks in advance! - Anonymous
- Editor's Note: If you post what region you will live in our readers may have some ideas about where you can look for work
Bankruptcy Advice?When you file bankruptcy just on credit cards, what can you keep? We have a car and motorcycle loan that we pay on time.
Sharon from NY
Fishing for your InformationWith online banking and payments becoming very common, the crooks are using that against us.
Burnt Out on Urban Living, Looking for Advice?We have been living in the NW (Gresham,OR near Portland) but have really wanted to make a drastic change. We live on one income and the pay is really nominal. We are burnt out on urban living and are looking into what other states have better cost of living and real estate prices. For example, here the average 3bed, 1&1/2 bath home will cost about $160,000.00. On our income, we cannot afford that. We know about Habitat for Humanity, but so far they are only building deep into the inner city in bad neighborhoods, just what we don't want, furthermore they are townhomes with no yards. Right now, we can't even afford a single car. I am looking for fresh ideas and suggestion, as well as what other parts of US is like economy wise. Hope I hear from someone. Thanks
Elizabeth
Better Interest Rate on Credit Cards?I am trying to get a better rate on my credit card. It's currently 15%. I have pretty good credit and would like to be paying this off a lot faster. I am paying over the minimum but can't pay anymore so a lower rate would help a lot. Anyone have any tips or things to watchout for? I don't want to do something that makes my situation worse. Banks are scary :-)
Thanks,
Ani
Help Prevent Check Theft: Use Gel Ink Pen When Writing ChecksI used to work at a bank and once during our monthly meeting a couple of investigators from the DA's office came to talk to us about different scams; identity theft, etc. They told us to NEVER use a regular ball point pen to write a check as the ink could be "washed" and the check could be re-used. They said to always use a gel ink pen, that the gel ink wouldn't wash off. They demonstrated by putting some regular nail polish remover in a small bowl and dipping the check and using a cotton ball to wipe until all the ink was off. Some crooks are very meticulous and leave the signature intact; but that's not really necessary since banks clear clecks electronically and only spot check signatures. If there is such a problem, though, your bank will refund the monies lost after filing a police report.
By Margaret
See How Tangible Your Grocery Store Savings AreDo you find that you don't have the extra money to stock up on items that suddenly go on sale for a really unbeatable price?
Luck With Finances"Luck comes to all who work at making it happen." I think this is especially true when it comes to finances.
Does anyone know how to start a bartering group?I live in a small town and most people here don't have alot of money. I would like to start up a bartering group, but I have no clue how. Anyone know how?
glomax56
Credit Card InsuranceCredit card user do not need to buy insurance. Most credit card insurance companies have a $50 deductible clause under their coverage, and federal law provides this coverage for free. A cardholder's liability is limited to $50 per card on charges incurred before the credit card company is notified of the loss or theft.
By joesgirl
Frugal living. More than a lifestyle. It's a passion.
Call Me Crazy! I love It! Why, who wouldn't love getting paid to buy products that they use everyday?
Credit Card for Person with Bad Credit?Does anyone know of any credit card companies that will give me a card even though I have bad credit? - Kelly
Make a List for Each StoreI use junk mail envelopes, make a list of items on the blank side and place my coupons I am going to use in that envelope. I do this for every store I intend to shop that day.
Yahoo! Autos - Looking for a new car?Get competative price quotes for cars in your area. Having a competitive price quote in hand will give you the advantage before you set foot on the lot. You'll have the information you need to get a good deal. This service is totally free, with no obligation to buy.
How To Limit Holiday Buying Impulse and Recover Lost MoneyRegular Buying on Impulse will skyrocket any type of Money management system. If you are one of those shoppers who finds, too often, that items you don't need have just followed you home from the store, then you're one of many millions of people who have the "Impulse Buying Syndrome".
Lower Premiums with Higher DeductiblesIf at all possible keep house and car insurance deductibles at $1000.00 to lower your monthly premiums.
By Melanie
After Hours Bank DepositsKeep a few envelopes in the glove compartment of your car to use to make after hours bank deposits or to use as needed while on the go.
By June S.
Looking for Good Job Listing Site?I wish there could be job listings on this website. The other sites will send you emails about jobs you have no interest in or that are too far to travel. I feel it would be very useful if people could view jobs that are actually around the area that they may live.
By tamsfun1
Staying on Budget - Tracking Credit Card TransactionsTo help yourself stay on a budget, use a checkbook register to record all your credit card transactions and subtract them from a preset amount you can afford.
By June S.
Use Caution With Online Marketing Research GroupsIf you belong to online Marketing Research groups and fill out the forms, be careful! The two I belong to are legitimate Online Research companies. They will ask for buying habits and sometimes ask for opinions ...
How to Save Money Without Giving Up the Things You LoveRecently, a close friend wanted to lose weight. He had psyched himself up, and he was ready to go. Until his doctor suggested he had to restrict his calories, that is. "No way!" he said. He left his doctor's office, determined to never return there.
Mailing Rebates On A Post CardMany times you can paste your rebate information to a post card for .23 cents rather than send an envelope for .37 cents. Trim the items down and overlap. The postage sure reduces the actual rebate! This may not sound like much, but if you rebate a lot, it does.
By Syd
Our Budget Safety NetMy husband and I have a separate bank account. I try my hardest to pay all of our bills from my account and we try to never touch his except for extras. Sometimes we might have an extra bill and I have to use money from his account, but rarely. This has helped us save alot of money. I don't know why it works, but it does. If we split the bills, we could never save money!(?) Plus, if one of us loses our jobs, we can learn to survive on 1 paycheck. Works great.
Erin
I have seen so many different ways to make a budget but none of them ever worked for me. So I made my own.
I used Microsoft Word and made a table of 3 columns and 4 rows. Each column is one month. Each box in that column is payday and what bills are due that week.
Wait a Week Before Making a PurchaseIf you see an advertisement for something you want to purchase, cut it out and save it in a separate folder. One week later look at your folder and see if that must have item is really a "must have". Often times it was not.
Evaluating Monthly ExpensesThe BEST way for me to evaluate my monthly expenses is to track every expense, no matter how small on an MS Excel spreadsheet. I compare those numbers to my budget and re-evaluate for the next month's budget. If I am over, I look to cut back and if I am under, I put the excess into savings.
By Cindy Graham
Looking for a Way to Supplement IncomeI am looking for a way to supplement my income. I work full time as a secretary and have a computer at home. I am a very fast typest and am organized. I have bills I need to pay. Any suggestions? Thank you very much for your suggestions!
Picture on Your Debit CardOur bank recently began offering a debit/ATM card with a photo of the carrier on the card. It helps a great deal to fight against identity theft, which has become a real problem. Also, they provide $10,000 insurance along with the card and this was no cost to us at all. Might be worth checking with your bank to find out if something like this is available.
By Robin
Shopping CardsIf you shop at a store that has a shopping card (like so many do nowadays), make sure the cashier scans it before any groceries are rung up. Otherwise, you might not get the sale price.
Convincing My Boyfriend To Eat Cheaper Food?My boyfriend whom I live with only likes name brands when it comes to grocery shopping. I should mention we are on a strict budget. If I buy anything that is not name brand he will not even touch it. I myself was raised on off brand products and don't really see that big of a difference. I will say a few items I will only buy name brand, but for the most part I don't see what the big deal is. Any suggestions? Thank you.
Robin
Returning Items Without the ReceiptYou can return your items to Robinson's May, Old Navy and Home Depot without a receipt if you paid by a credit card. How many times have you not returned something because you lost the receipt? Hurray for Robinson's May/Old Navy/Home Depot for doing this!
By Lara~
Too Early, Too Late For a Great Sale - Not AnymoreMost retail stores have an unpublished policy that allows customers to receive the sale price for an item either a day before or a day after the begin and end dates of an advertised sale. You just have to ask to receive the sale price.
Imperfections Equals Discounts, Even PackagingEveryone probably knows about getting an additional discount on imperfect merchandise, but many don't know that imperfect packaging gets the same discounts. The store I work at, like most stores, has a policy that allows at least an additional 10-20% discount on damaged items.
Keeping Extra in the Checking AccountWhen writing checks for things, always round off to the next dollar in your checkbook register. All of those cents add up!
By kmurray
Credit Card Interest You DIDN'T See Coming
If your like most Americans than you have at least one credit card. Most Americans unfortunately struggle from paycheck to paycheck (which is why a lot of us are here) and can only afford a minimum payment on their credit cards. But they pay religiously and are never late.
So how come their interest rate just MAXED out at over 20%?!
Thinking About Large PurchasesWait a day before making a large purchase.
By Denise
Real Estate Tip - A Thorough Walk ThroughWhen thinking of purchasing a previously owned home, when doing a "walk through", you might want to move certain items that are strategically placed (ex. a big flower pot, a picture on the wall, prepacked boxes, etc.) to make sure the house is in as good of shape as it looks.
Problems With MyFreeCheck?I just bought a program called MyFreeCheck. I registered it on line. I bought this program in order to write checks on my computer but everytime I tried to print a check it says no check marked for payment. Then I get an e-mail about hoq I have an account with MyFreeCheck.
Some Generics End Up Costing MoreCertain things will end up costing you more in the long run if you buy generic. Stay away from paper towels and toilet paper. You will use more, because the sheets are thinner, and end up costing you more than a name brand.
Keep Receipts & Watch For Sale PricesIf you take your register receipt back to customer service, most times they will refund the difference. Check with the stores to find out what time frame that store allows, then make a note of it for future reference. Be as prompt as you can on requesting refunds.
Saving Money on DentistryBrush your teeth and floss after every meal and have a professional cleaning every 6 months! Saves in the long run from having cavities filled, teeth pulled, gum scrapings, etc.
Samples - Try Before You BuyTry before you buy. I'm a great believer in samples!
Research Before ShoppingDoing the homework before buying really pays off! Our church is replacing tables in the fellowship hall, and after selecting the brand, style and identifying number, I called all stores within a 30 miles radius to find out if they stock these, if they can order out for us, and ofcourse prices.
Use Lotion When Doing PaperworkWhen going through paper work keep lotion on hand. This makes the paper easier to grab and helps to prevent paper cuts.
Lost My Job, Need Frugal Advice?I have a large family, I have recently lost my job. Its really hard to find work. We only have 1 income. I was curious on what everyone thought.
How Much Work Does It Cost?Before buying a big ticket item or anything that might not need, calculate how many hours it will take you to earn the money to buy the item. It helps me put the cost of purchases in perspective.
Affirmations To Help You Save?A reader named Jill submitted a tip that reciting the Lord's Prayer helps her keep her finances in order. Is there anything that you do on a regular basis that helps you keep your spending habits under control?
Watch Your Receipts and Your Bank AccountI hired a mechanic through a friend at work. I thought he was a little "odd" but the price was right so I asked him to put brakes on my Jeep. As soon as he had my vehicle he searched it and found my debit card receipts in the console. I kept them in there, never reading them, not paying attention to the fact that many of them had my full account number and exp. date printed on them.
Identity Theft StoryMy friend had her purse stolen. She had parked her car in an out of the way place in a local state park's parking lot. The park recreational area was situated a long way from the parking lot and by parking it where she did in the large parking lot, there were few cars nearby.
When should I provide my Social Security number?Your employer and financial institution will likely need your SSN for wage and tax reporting purposes. Other businesses may ask you for your SSN to do a credit check, like when you apply for a car loan. Sometimes, however, they simply want your SSN for general record keeping.
ID Theft, What fun!I have been there and I am still digging out of it. What your not hearing anywhere is the person who took your ID may be as close as a near relative.
Bring a Snack When ShoppingSave money at the grocery store by taking along a small package of cut up veggies or fruit to curb your appetite when doing errands or shopping rather than going thru the drive thru or stopping at the local food court.
Credit Card Use and Your FutureWhen using credit cards, it's better to not use them so much so you can pay off the monthly balance each month. If you don't have the cash to make your purchase(s) with, either wait till you do, or reconsider the purchase to begin with.
Credit Card FeesBe aware that credit card with rebates, cash back, travel awards or other perks could have higher fees.
Staying Prepared for Tax SeasonTax season is here. I've learned the hard way to stay prepared. Throughout the year I save ALL receipts. I use a bookkeeping program and enter the receipts into it weekly or more often as needed.
Haven't Filed Your Taxes Yet? Don't Panic!It is Tax Day here in the U.S. Here is some information for links to the IRS for extension forms and post office hours for mailing your tax return or extension.
Set Price Limits When ShoppingBefore your shopping trip, make a list of items you intend on purchasing. Going to the store with a list in hand you may be less likely to buy on impulse. Set a price limit so you'll not overspend. It's the thought that counts, not how much you've spent!
Avoid "Skip Payment" and "No Payments or Interest Until" OffersWhen shopping, avoid "skip payment" offers as they cause you to pay more interest and face larger bills. Also, avoid "buy now and pay later" offers, which encourage you to spend money you don't have.
Destroying Credit CardsWhen the time comes to destroy a credit card. We run them thru our shredder, which cuts both in vertical and horizontally. If it's still not to our liking, we'll cut even more with scissors. But we don't drop them all in one waste can, we scatter them in various places, in the trash. While also, saving some for another trash day.
More Tips to Avoid Identity TheftBe safe, don't carry a purse. Use your pockets. Organize your multi-pocket jeans and slacks. Most women are wearing slacks or jeans now. Only buy slacks with deep pockets and eliminate carrying a purse. After all men carry their wallet on their person which is much safer!
Credit Card Information on Your ComputerWe know a couple that pay off their credit card each month. A few years ago, they went to purchase new patio furniture and the clerk told them they needed to pay with another form of payment as their credit card was maxed out. Knowing this couldn't or shouldn't be so, they rushed home to call their credit card company.
Shopping As A JobIf shopping is your thing and you're looking for a part time or full time job.. You might consider shopping for others. There's always people who can't get out and shop like they'd like to, for health reasons. There's people that simply do not have the time to shop.
Auto Withdrawal For Your Child's 529Have your children's 529 taken automatically out of your checking so you don't 'forget' to do it! Before you know it you'll have a nice chunk put away for them!
401k Tips and AdviceTips and advice for managing your 401k. Post your ideas.
Don't Buy Items On TimeNever buy anything you can't pay for, at the time, except a house.
Getting a Job Without a Car?We are looking for a car for my daughter, she has no money to get one. She has two children to take care of. Any advice on how she could find a car so she can get a job would be appreciate. We live in Florida.
Sell Your Unwanted Items When You Want New ThingsI noticed this recently - I have a lot of junk sitting around! A lot of it is stuff I need to cycle out. Now I don't usually want a lot of things, but recently I've wanted to buy some more books than I usually tend to purchase.
Grocery Book Deals?Does anyone know some good offers for buying grocery coupon books? A lady on another site had posted one but I lost the post somehow.
Linky & Dinky's Web Earner Program?I am wondering if anyone has signed up to be a Web Earner from the Linky & Dinky web site. I enjoy their newsletter but am curious and skeptical about paying $20 to make money using the web. I know most of these type of advertisements are a big rip off. Just wondering if any of your readers have participated in this and what input they have.
Walgreen's Monthly Easy Saver RebateWalgreen Drug Stores offer a monthly easy saver rebate where you can usually get 1 -3 items free of charge after rebate. This offer is so good they usually are out of the "freebies" the first week of the month. It's best to buy during the middle of the month after they restock. They will have a small easy-saver flyer as you enter the store that features the monthly specials.
What is a Roth IRA?As a 60 yr. young woman, is it a safe idea to invest in a Roth IRA fund? Exactly what is a Roth IRA, and how does one invest in it? I currently have no pension from a job for when I retire, and very little investment in some mutual funds.
Buying Gently Used ItemsConsider buying 'gently used' items instead of paying full price at the mall or other stores. Try checking out consignment shops. If you've never been to one, you'll be surprised at the good deals you'll find.
Save the Diaper Money for CollegeWhen your child finally gets potty trained, put the $50 or so you have been spending monthly on diapers into a college fund!
Should I Declare Bankruptcy?My husband and I have been married for 14 years and we have a 28k damage, 20k is all medical. I almost died and three kids and four miscarriages will do this to you.
Create a Birthday BudgetBudget for other people's birthdays every year by saving a small amount out of each paycheck and putting it into a birthday budget.
Avoid Going Over Your Credit LimitWhen paying your bills, always write your available credit on a list, so when you go shopping you will not go over your credit limit and be charged a fee.
Device To Keep a Running Total While Shopping?I am looking for a device other that a calculator that will keep a running total of what I'm putting in my shopping cart. I am just starting a new budget and would like to keep on track as much as possible.
Credit Card Offers?How do I find out which credit cards I have offered me so I can reconsider?
Store Brand vs. Brand Name ProductsTips and opinions about Brand Name products versus their store brand counterparts. Post your thoughts and tips.
Saving Money With a CellphoneMost of us should use our cell phones for all long distance calls. If you have unlimited LD, why are you paying for each call on your land line? For that matter, why do you have a land line? Think hard about whether you need both.
Mail Order PrescriptionsPlace a written reminder on a calendar immediately after opening your mail order medicine to let you know when you need to reorder. This is great especially for mail order scripts which many of us have for our maintenance medicine.
Vouchers for UK SupermarketsThis is a tip for shoppers in the UK, Asda currently take money off vouchers for any other supermarket, for any item that they stock, even if you have not bought it.
Small-Time Investing?I would really love to know if anyone can help me with this. I believe in investing in things that help me live more frugally, or that pay a good return. So my question is this: If you had a hundred dollars, how would you invest it to get a good return?
Debt Free Christmas?I signed up for a Discover card last year and ended up putting a lot of my Christmas expenses on it. I am just now close to paying it off. Does anyone have any tips for having a debt free Christmas? Any tips would be appreciated.
