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100 Words On: Why Buying in Bulk Is Not Always a Smart Idea

By Len Penzo

Although it requires extra storage and higher upfront costs, many consumers buy their groceries and other products in bulk to save money. But that strategy can quickly backfire for those who indiscriminately buy massive quantities of infrequently-used goods — no matter how good the deal. Consumer Reports found that larger packages were more expensive about 25 percent of the time. Bulk purchases will end up costing more too if you

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100 Words On: When High Car Insurance Deductibles Make Sense

By Len Penzo

While most people strive to keep their car insurance deductibles as low as possible, the downside is those deductibles result in higher premiums. But for folks who drive limited miles, safe motorists, and those who drive older vehicles that have lost most of their value, it usually makes sense to get the highest deductible one can reasonably afford. That’s because higher deductible policies offer lower premiums that, over time, can

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Are Gas Clothes Dryers Worth the Extra Money?

By Len Penzo

As I mentioned last week, we recently spent over $4000 replacing many of our aging home appliances, including the clothes dryer.

People looking to save money on appliances quickly learn that gas dryers typically cost between $50 to $100 more than their electric counterparts, primarily because the components are more expensive; for folks on tight budgets, that price premium can be a deal breaker. That’s one reason only one of every

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Sometimes It Pays Not to Look for the Best Deal

By Len Penzo

Although it’s hard for me to believe, my humble home recently turned 14-years-old. So, as you might expect, a lot of the original appliances we bought when we first moved in — or were included with the brand new house — have been acting up for awhile now.

We had already replaced our failing garbage disposal and old refrigerator a little over a year ago as part of a minor kitchen

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$12 Million Underwear and Other Strange Finds on Amazon & Ebay

By Len Penzo

I don’t know about you, but I find a lot of things in life that often make me stop and just shake my head in pure bewilderment.

For example, why do tourists go to the top of tall buildings and then put quarters in telescopes so they can see things on the ground?

And I still can’t figure out why Hawaii has Interstate highways.

Then there are the audacious prices some folks are

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4 Frugal But Unconventional Dining Spots Most People Overlook

By Len Penzo

There’s nothing worse than being stuck in a rut. When it happens, the quickest remedy is to try and think unconventionally.

The trouble is, for most of us, outside-the-box thinking can be extremely difficult.

True, thinking outside the box can get you into trouble: consider James Franco hosting the 2011 Academy Awards, for instance.

But when it works, folks, it’s magic. After all, I think we can all agree that the guy who

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The 5 Most Misleading Grocery Items Shoppers Waste Money On

By Mike Dolen

If there’s one thing I spend way too much time on in life, it’s the process of grocery shopping.

As someone who blogs about cash back credit cards all day long, it’s probably predictable that I waste a bunch of time obsessing over which stores qualify for the “supermarket” category on my American Express card. But aside from the obvious, I also study ingredient labels; to me they’re more thrilling than

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Bragging About What You're Going to Buy is Super Lame

By Paula Pant

My good friend, Paula Pant of Afford Anything is filling in for me today while I’m away on a business trip. If you get a chance, stop by her terrific site and check it out — I promise you won’t be disappointed!

A few months ago, my roommate and I were bonding over appetizers and drinks at a tapas restaurant when two men approached us.

“Excuse me, ladies, can

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10 More Old Wives’ Tales Masquerading As Financial Rules of Thumb

By Len Penzo

There are people out there who swear that if you’re lucky enough to see the first flower of springtime on a Friday, it’s a sign of impending wealth.

I know. I don’t buy it either.

Still, let’s assume these folks know what they’re talking about; what happens if that first flower is found on Friday the 13th? Is the wealth omen officially null and void?

Can somebody take an action item and get

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