Photo by michaeljung / Shutterstock.com Water is becoming more expensive across the U.S. So, it’s important to make sure you’re not flushing your hard-earned cash down the drain through poor conservation practices. Following are some of the biggest mistakes that can increase your water bill. 1. Not using low-flow showerheads …
Read More »Trying to Save Money on Food Costs? Read These 6 Tips
Here’s a batch of food-related questions from readers: how to spend less on food, how to get more value out of food, and so on. Food makes up one of the biggest flexible parts of a family’s budget, so honing your techniques for getting the most value out of your …
Read More »5 Things the Next Stimulus Package Desperately Needs
In a not-so-shocking, but still unbelievable, turn of events, Congress has adjourned for the summer without settling on a new stimulus package. While we can’t pass a bill to get rid of the virus, Congress can make attempts to alleviate the economic impact. To follow the CARES Act and its …
Read More »Here’s Where Home Prices Have Increased the Most This Year
The housing market is in a strange place right now. Interest rates for 30-year fixed mortgages are below 3%. This is good news for potential homebuyers since lower interest rates translate to paying less in interest on their home loans over time. On the other hand, the current home shortage …
Read More »How to Offset the New Mortgage Refinance Fees
Millions of Americans have decided to take advantage of historically low interest rates and refinance their mortgage. However, if you haven’t already started the refinancing process, there’s a good chance you’re going to be assessed a new fee. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac recently announced a decision to charge an …
Read More »15 Outrageously Overpriced Products — and How to Save on Them
Voyagerix / Shutterstock.com If you’re a merchant, the only way to profit is to sell stuff for more than you pay for it. As a consumer — whether you’re sipping a martini in a swanky bar or swilling bottled water from the grocery store — you are swallowing that markup. …
Read More »Is Your College Charging an Extra $475 COVID Fee?
Higher education in the United States has become very expensive. One of the main reasons is deep state budget cuts, which place a heavier financial weight on students. On a typical college or university bill, you’ll find tuition, room and board (unless you’re living off-campus) and a list of extra …
Read More »“The Art of Frugal Hedonism” and Finding Pleasure in Frugality
Frugality is simply seeking out the most effective use of your money and other resources, allowing you to enjoy life now while also preparing for a wonderful future. It’s like thinning out the garden of life — you’re removing the weeds and unhealthy plants so that the healthy plants can …
Read More »4 Common Retirement Blunders in a Downturn
fizkes / Shutterstock.com If you are retired or retiring soon, you know that financial decisions you make today will have a big effect on the life you’ll be able to have going forward. Yet, the turbulence and confusion of the coronavirus pandemic can stir up emotions, making it harder than …
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