Home and Family Archives

It's easy to go overboard during the holidays; parties, travel, decorations, and gifts can all put a sizable dent in your budget if you're not careful. When it comes to managing your money - especially during the holidays - the good news is you can ...

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Your Personal Finance Voter Guide

I love autumn. I mean really; what's not to love about it? Milder temperatures, cooler evenings, beautiful colors and, um, a never-ending stream of shameless cut-throat political advertisements. At least during election years. And while an ...

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How to Save on Home Expenses During the Winter

As winter approaches, many homeowners brace for the increase in home expenses, particularly energy bills. Heating a home can put a strain on your budget, but with the right strategies, you can stay warm without breaking the bank. Here are some ...

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13 Yucky Halloween Treats Kids Would Rather Toss Than Eat

Back when I was a kid, every year at Halloween I'd come home from my trip around the neighborhood and eagerly empty the booty I had plundered from my neighbors onto the kitchen table. Most of it was the typical fare like the miniature Halloween ...

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Home Projects to Focus Your Renovation Budget On

Renovating a home can be an exciting yet daunting task, especially when working with a tight budget. With numerous areas to upgrade, homeowners often wonder which projects will yield the most value and satisfaction. This article delves into the key ...

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How to Determine Your Housing Budget After a Divorce

Ending a marriage can dramatically alter your financial landscape, and one of the most pressing matters to address is your housing budget after a divorce. Understanding how to assess your financial situation post-divorce is essential for successfully ...

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This Week’s Money Horoscope

Obligatory Disclaimer: Okay ... I only had one astrology lesson -- and it was a self-taught one at that -- so these money horoscope predictions may not be 100% accurate. Capricorn - (December 22 - January 20) Neptune is rising which indicates ...

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Patience In Personal Finance: Why It’s a Tremendous Virtue

Although I haven't conducted a scientific study, I suspect that most people of modest means who are successfully managing their money understand the importance of patience in personal finance. Let's face it: Most debt-free people aren't impulsive ...

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Your Christmas Fund: 12 Ways to Save $2000 Before the Holidays

September is here and the holidays are less than three months away, so if you don't yet have enough cash stashed in your Christmas fund to cover all the upcoming expenses -- like hosting family dinners, gifts, and all that extra gas you'll use ...

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How to Budget For Unexpected Home Repairs

Owning a home is still very much part of the American Dream. But it's one that comes with a cost. Not only are housing prices on the rise across the US, but the hidden costs of owning property - especially unexpected home repairs - can often be more ...

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Personal Finance for Kids: My 12-Year-Old Daughter Explains Her Strategy

My daughter, Nina, turned 25 years old last month. I know it's cliche, but I truly do remember the day she was born like it was yesterday. I'm happy to say that Nina has always been a natural saver and good at managing her money -- and when it ...

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6 Expert Rental Negotiation Tips

If you're moving into a new apartment and need to mind your budget, there are a few tactics you can employ to score a better deal on your new digs. In fact, by learning just a few key lease and rental negotiation tips, you'll be in a better position ...

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How to Lower Your Smartphone Bill: 3 Ideas to Consider

By Anum Yoon

Smartphones are ubiquitous these days, but they aren't always cheap to use. So you'll be forgiven if you're the type who is always looking at how to lower your smartphone bill. After all, a typical plan-based contract could set you back $150 a month ...

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How to Save for a New Home With Spotty Income

Some of the most important things in life are always taken for granted. After all, most of us drawing a steady salary never consider how fortunate we are to get a regular paycheck. On the other hand, those who work on commission or depend on tips for ...

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Why Cutting Expenses to the Bone Isn’t Always Enough

The other day I was fueling up my car at the local gas station. While I was waiting for the tank to fill, I thought it would be a good idea to get rid of the remains of a ridiculously large bug that was splattered on the windshield. Unfortunately, ...

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12 Affordable Ways to Upgrade a Kitchen That’s Outdated

By Kaitlyn Krull

iIf your house is anything like ours, the kitchen is the most popular room in your home. However, the room is looking a bit dated and inflation has left a major dent in your wallet. But now is not the time for despair, because there are many easy and ...

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Top Tips for Discussing Finances With Your Significant Other

Did you know that in the US and other Western countries, over 90% of people get married before the age of 50? Regardless of age, marriage often entails merging lives, and with it, merging finances. Despite the commonality of marriage, the intricacies ...

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My 16th Annual Cost Survey of 10 Popular Brown Bag Sandwiches

If you're like most people, it's been hard not to notice the increase in your monthly grocery bill over the past three years. After a huge run-up in prices for everything from gasoline to food - and despite the latest consumer price index showing ...

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Overwhelmed? Here’s How to Downsize Your Life in 9 Easy Steps