Personal Finance

[unable to retrieve full-text content] I still remember the moment when I realized I was starting to cross the line from frugal to cheap. I was pumping gas into my vehicle after buying groceries for my family, which is normal, right? The problem is that I had driven about five …

Photo by fizkes / Shutterstock.com Deductions reduce your taxable income, so it’s in your best interests to claim as many as possible when filing your tax return. To get the most lucrative tax deductions, you need to itemize expenses using a Schedule A. This form lets you write off mortgage …

If you want to know how renters insurance works, you’re in luck. Renters insurance is not only one of the most straightforward types of insurance to purchase, but it’s also quite affordable. Renters insurance protects you in a wide variety of circumstances, from coverage if your laptop is stolen out …

Photo by k2photoprojects / Shutterstock.com Want your dishes to sparkle? Consider sending your dishwasher out to pasture. As it turns out, washing dishes by hand using a “two-basin method” gets your dishes cleaner and is more environmentally friendly than using a dishwasher, according to a study by the University of …

Photo by Maria Sbytova / Shutterstock.com Most people understand that their homeowners insurance will pay if a tree lands on the roof or the garage goes up in flames. However, many policies cover a number of other losses that you may not expect. Of course, it goes without saying that …

Saving up money for a down payment and closing costs has created a barrier for many would-be homeowners. To make it a worthwhile debt to incur, incentive programs were designed, like the mortgage interest tax deduction, which has made it even more attractive for renters to take the leap and …

pixelheadphoto digitalskillet / Shutterstock.com If you want loved ones to remember you fondly, tackle your estate planning tasks. Your heirs will thank you for not leaving a legal mess to sort out. Many of us want to get going on this planning but don’t know where to start. Here’s what …

Private mortgage insurance removal is on the minds of many homeowners because it makes up a significant portion of their monthly payment. When you put a low- or medium-sized down payment on a home, PMI is the insurance you are required to buy to help the lender not have quite …

Photo by Nenadmil / Shutterstock.com Shopping thrift stores, flea markets and estate sales can be overwhelming. With the sheer volume of stuff, how do you know where to start? How do you spot gems amid all the … well, junk? As a professional reseller who’s been combing through thrift stores …