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A pile of money with a face mask.

How Are You Using Your Stimulus Payment?

Many U.S. citizens are receiving money from the government this week, in order to stimulate the economy and help struggling families during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a big help for many people, including my family. I'm using about half of the payment to cover an upcoming surgery and the other half will pay off a hospital stay from last February.

 

A woman with a coffee cup and a computer monitor behind her.

Working From HomeMany people are attempting to work from home during the current lockdown. Here are some tips for being effective without having to go into the office.

 

A sneaker next to a heeled dress shoe.

Preparing for a Life with Less IncomeI am planning to retire in the next three to five years. I have been thinking a lot about making sure I am in the best financial situation possible. I realized that it is really my second time planning to live on less income. 35 years ago I left the workforce to raise my family. That was temporary; this is probably going to be permanent. A lot of the things I did then to prepare for less income I am doing now.

 

A man cutting up his credit cards.

Reducing Credit Card DebtMany of us use a credit card for online purchases, bill pay, or when we go out so we have some fraud protection. Throw in a major auto repair or medical expense and it can be easy to start running a balance. It's easy to feel resigned to being in debt but with proper planning you can get your credit cards under control.

 

Woman paying grocer with cash

How to Save Money By Paying With CashThis is a page about how to save money by paying with cash. There are numerous benefits to not purchasing items on credit. We are surrounded by constant incentives to use credit, but just avoiding interest fees help you save money.

 

A man watching a video through a streaming service.

Using Video Streaming Services Instead of Cable TVThis is a page about using video streaming services instead of cable tv. Cable is expensive, but there are some ways you can save money. One option is to switch to a streaming service to watch your favorite shows. Netflix and Hulu are just some of the services out there. Here is some advice if you are thinking about cancelling cable.

 

A computer screen with a debt repayment calculator.

Struggling with my Small BudgetI have been working hard on my credit score. I had bad vision up until yesterday when I got my glasses. I was able to read the fine print on some bills. I went to read the billing statements and found the interest rates horrible.

 

Paying off Debt

Snowball Payments to Get Out of DebtUsing this method of making larger payments on consumer debt and paying them off in sequence can work for many people. This is a page about using snowball payments to get out of debt.

 

A smiling woman sitting in a restaurant booth.

Why a Budget is Like a ShowerI recently read an article from Readers Digest about a writer who decided he and his wife and son should try and not spend any money for a month. Of course the essentials were covered like mortgage and car payments/insurance and the like, but newspapers, videos, lattes, etc were cut. essay.

 

A dog walker, walking dogs to earn extra money.

Earning Extra IncomeThere are many ways that you can earn income over and above your regular job. On-line sales and part time jobs for friends and neighbors are options. This is a page about earning extra income.

 

A woman looking at many receipts and paperwork on a wooden floor.

Simple Household Bookkeeping SystemKeeping track of household expenditures does not need to be a complex process. This is a page about simple household bookkeeping system.

 

A woman shopping confidently.

Track Sales With a Price BookThis is a page about track sales with a price book. When you keep track of the last price you paid for commonly purchased items, it can help you know when you find the best deals.

 

Envelopes containing cash labelled Fun Gas, Insurance, and Food.

Create a Budget With the Envelope SystemThis is a page about create a budget with the envelope system. Before credit and debit cards most of people made purchases and paid bills either with cash or by check. The envelope budget system allows you to set aside money for certain expenses without the risk of running short.

 

How To Handle Late Payments

How To Handle Late PaymentsThere are times that we may fall short with our finances. When it happens, you must remember that it's not going to help if you will hide or run away from it. Financial difficulties is the type of problem that will not just go away. You need to do something about it.

 

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Couple Reviewing Medicare Costs

Grants for Costs Not Paid By Medicare?Medicare is an important program designed to assist with medical care and costs, however, it does not cover all of your expenses. This is a page about grants for costs not paid by Medicare.

 

pile of credit cards

Dreams Come True with a Credit CardAfter my son moved across the country, I worried how we/they could afford to visit regularly. I signed up for two credit cards that offered flyer miles for a total of 4 round free trip flights and we enjoyed regular visits!

 

two yellow onions on white background

Saving Money on OnionsThis is a page about saving money on onions. Buying onions in season and storing properly can help you save money.

 

Challenge Yourself to Save

Challenge Yourself to SaveLast Christmas, as part of my Christmas gift, my mom gave me the Money Challenge. The challenge is: Week 1 save $1 and put it away, Week 2 save $2 and put it away, etc through Week 52, save $52.

 

Tips for Hiring an Accounting Professional

Tips for Hiring an Accounting ProfessionalIn the world of business, accountants are employed in one of three sectors: public, private, and government. Having a handle on who does what can help you get a handle on who may best be able to help you when you decide you need assistance.

 

Choosing a Real Estate Agent to Sell Your House

Choosing a Real Estate Agent to Sell Your HouseBefore you decide who you are going to partner with, you need to research the market and interview candidates like your bottom line depends on it' because it does.

 

Getting Good Tips Waiting Tables

Increase Tips When Waiting TablesThe best way to get good tips while waiting tables is to create a satisfying dining experience for your guests. The following 5 steps are generally accepted as universal.

 

Shop at Home to Save Money

Shop at Home to Save MoneyAlthough, I'm not a packrat, there are times when my pantry, closets and cabinets can get rather full. This is when I go on a home shopping spree.

 

A girlfriend and boyfriend struggling to pay bills.

Sharing Living Expenses With Boy/GirlfriendThis page is about sharing living expenses with boyfriend. When living with a partner it is important to have a clear understanding of how the household costs are divided.

 

A woman holding a piggy bank.

What Are You Doing to Pinch Pennies?This page is about what are you doing to pinch pennies. There are many ways to be frugal with your money.

 

A woman working from home.

Finding Legitimate Work From Home JobsThis is a page about finding legitimate work from home jobs. Working from home is rewarding but requires discipline, organization and finding just the right opportunity.

 

Dental tools in open mouth

Getting Dental Work w/o InsuranceFor the many people without dental insurance, there are sometimes affordable ways to get the needed work done. This is a page about getting dental work done without insurance.

 

Teen girl holding a pink piggy bank.

Teaching Teens to Save MoneyLearning to manage money is important for all young people to know. This page is about teaching teens to save money.

 

Saving Money on Paper Towels

Saving Money on Paper TowelsThis page is about saving money on paper towels. A thrifty way to reduce garbage is to use fewer paper towels, and consider using washable fabrics.

 

Buying Garage Sale Items to Resell

Buying Garage Sale Items to ResellThis page is about buying garage sale items to resell. Selling select items bought at yard sales can be a great way to make some extra money.

 

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My Frugal Life: Beware of Sales!At this time of year all the shops are blazoned with seductive notices of enormous reductions: "fifty percent off", "eighty percent off". Who wouldn't be excited at the prospect of picking up a new toaster or food mixer or winter coat at a fraction of its original price?

 

New Years Resolutions

New Years Financial ResolutionsNot all of my 2012 new year's resolutions focus on money. There are a few others like going to the gym regularly and calling my grandmother more often. But the money saving resolutions are the one I'm looking forward to the most.

 

Online Sales Tax

Will the Main Street Fairness Act Affect Me?As Congress debates whether or not to pass the Main Street Fairness Act, consumers are wondering what this means to them. In fact, customers have been wondering for years why they pay sales tax to some online and catalog orders and not to others.

 

Piggy Bank Surrounded by Money

Adding Up the Savings of a Frugal LifeThis is a page about adding up the savings of a frugal life. We all know that those little things you do to be frugal everyday adds up to big savings over time. However, it can help you stay motivated to be frugal by sitting down and calculating just how much your are saving.

 

Cash Tip Left UNder Water Glass at Pizza Restaurant

Getting Good Tips Waiting TablesIf you wait tables, you know that a large portion of your income is from tips. Getting the best tip possible from each customer can have a big impact on how much you take home at the end of the day. This is a page about getting good tips waiting tables.

 

Websites offering discounts and coupons.

Savings Websites: The Good, the Bad, and the...There are great websites that offer deals and discounts, but then there are just as many that aren't worth the time it takes to navigate them. Beware of sites that require a subscription before you see any of their deals and discounts.

 

Woman Holding Handful of Coupons with Thumbs Up

Tricks for Saving MoneyThis is a page about tricks for saving money. The whole point of being thrifty and frugal is to save money. Saving money in big chunks can be very difficult, but little things you do everyday can really add up over time.

 

Hand holding an iPhone.

Smartphone KnowledgeI've heard the argument before. The expensive price tag on the iPhone is justified by the applications that it runs. It sounds like a good argument, but when the calculators come out, it doesn't work. So, what's a smartphone worth?

 

Credit Report on Table

Raising Your Credit ScoreYour credit score is important when applying for a loan or a line of credit. Although it can take awhile, there are ways to increase your credit score if you find that it's too low. This is a page about raising your credit score.

 

Real-time quotes at the stock exchange

Stock Market 102: Stocks in a Few Quick StepsAfter wallowing through the quagmire of information about investing in the stock market, I finally learned that with the help of direct investments, the investment is not as difficult as it originally seemed.

 

Cat chasing a dollar.

Getting The Most Out Of Your Credit Card RewardsMost credit cards today offer a rewards program. If you use your credit cards routinely, you should check to find out if you have some rewards available. Log in to your credit card account or check your statement to see if you have rewards points.

 

Real-time quotes at the stock exchange

Stock Market 101: It's Not As Difficult As It SeemsMonitor your reaction when you read the following word: stocks. Did your body grow suddenly tense and rigid with a sense of impending confusion, or were you filled with anticipation of carefully planned success?

 

Credit card machine spitting out cash.

Think of Using Credit as Spending MoneyOne trap that many of us fall into is thinking about spending money and using credit as different, when both affect our monthly budget. We may buy something on credit that we would never consider paying cash for.

 

Getting Out of Debt, Picture of a woman cutting a credit card.

Getting Out of DebtThis page is a page about getting out of debt. Consumer debt is at all time highs and the interest on carrying large amounts of debt is very expensive. Carrying less debt is something that every household should strive for.

 

A stack of credit cards.

Do I Need to Insure My Credit Cards?Calls to a credit card company often involve a brief speech offering various services affiliated with the card. Accumulating debt is bad enough, but paying interest on the debt and then paying to insure that debt is a poor financial decision.

 

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A couple figuring out the household budget.

Starting Over With Your Household BudgetWhen organizing your household budget, things can get a bit overwhelming. Do you know where your money goes? If you can't account for it, try scrapping everything you're doing with your money this month and start over.

 

A pile of gold jewelry

Personal Property LiquidationWhen times get financially tough, the idea of rummaging through your home and turning items into cash isn't the move of a financial mastermind. However, taking some time to do periodic liquidation is the habit of a smart financier.

 

Piggy Bank Full of Money

Essential Moves for Twenty-Year-OldsThere are many things that we know we should do. We should walk or bike to work, we should eat our vegetables, and we should keep all our receipts. Yet, there are some financial moves that everyone in his/her early twenties needs to make.

 

Reporting Errors on Your Credit Card Bills

Reporting Errors on Your Credit Card BillsHow many of us notice errors on our credit card bills? If you're like most people, you look at the total amount due, and you scan the companies that placed charges on your account.

 

Federal Direct Student LoansThe idea of the college loan is that tuition is covered while studying, and most loans only ask for repayment after graduation. For some loans, interest isn't calculated until repayment begins, again often after graduation.

 

Prevent Identity Theft

Prevent Identity TheftIf you're like us, chances are you know someone who's been taken for a ride by an identity thief. It's a bad ordeal, and when you're pinching pennies, it can be the last straw if someone invades your financial privacy. Here are a couple of things we do around our house.

 

Asking For A RaiseSometimes asking for a raise is the right thing to do, so don't be discouraged from seeking one! In these post downturn days, it may seem a rather foolhardy proposition to look for a pay raise for a job some bosses may think you should just be grateful to have.

 

A collection of items for sale at a garage sale.

Sell Online Or In Person?For the average person, selling used items is easy and generates a pleasing profit. Whether you opt to organize a yard sale, advertise in the newspaper, or sell online, you'll most likely earn enough money to go out to dinner but not enough to make a car payment.

 

A fistful of dollars

Frugal FundraisersJust because the economy is down and budgets are tight doesn't mean that schools and organizations can stop fundraising. In fact, it's even more important now than ever, as states are slashing educational and non-profit funding.

 

Evaluating (and Protecting) Your Credit ScoreIt was a recent trip to the bank for a car loan that alerted me to the small things that can largely affect your credit score. I suppose that's how most people learn about their credit.

 

Slippers under a computer keyboard.

Working More Efficiently, Not LongerFor those who work at a home-based businesses, maintaining an efficient work pace is crucial for fiscal success. Today, these piecemeal workers may need to produce more work for less cost in order to keep up with the market.

 

Laptop With Job Offers Coming Out

Think Outside the Box When Job HuntingIn these tough times, we need every edge we can get. Traditional job-hunting methods; pounding the pavement, visiting companies in person to drop off resumes, for example; don't seem to work as well. Why not try thinking "outside the box?"

 

Cutting Cell Phone CostsI remember when cellphones came out. My dad had one in his car but most people didn't have one. I would walk down the street in the city I lived in at the time and saw these business people with them, they were the size of a walkie-talkie and very ugly-looking.

 

Lessons LearnedIt's time to look at the silver lining of the economic floundering of 2009. While unemployment is at an all-time high and the American dollar is at a notable low, the last twelve months have taught us something.

 

A pencil eraser that is erasing the word "Debt"

Settling DebtIn times of economic stress, people turn to seemingly simple methods for erasing debt and lessening the monthly stress of bills. One of these relief options is debt settlement.

 

$20 Bill

The $20 Money DietMy wallet, checkbook, and debit card have all gone on a diet. It's like a low carb diet, except it's a low dollar diet. Anything that costs twenty dollars or more isn't on my diet plan.

 

A person doing financial calculations using a pencil and calculator.

Spending ListsWhen it comes to our finances, they're very abstract. Check cards and electronic bill paying don't make it much easier; the concept of exactly how much money is spent is a difficult one to grasp.

 

Shopping List

The Weekly WorriesThis week we're conducting an experiment in our house. Each weekend, we reluctantly run errands that total $200 or more. It's depressing. They're not meaningless, bored shopping trips; they're planned trips for essential items.

 

Scissors With Cut up Credit Cards

A Handbook for SavingsIf you made a resolution to surround yourself with responsible spending from now on, a set of spending rules can come in handy. Learn them, live by them, and watch them save money.

 

Jar Full of Coins

Ready for the Rainy Day?The irony of saving is that it is more important now than ever, yet it's harder to save today than it was a few years ago. What's the method of savings some extra money without cutting back on the things that you love?

 

List of Monthly Bills

Drastic Times Call for Drastic CutbacksThere's no quick fix for the economy, and jobs are disappearing daily. Even seemingly secure jobs are causing some people to look at their futures with a budget cutting scissors in hand.

 

Tips for Job HuntingWhen job hunting, use the yellow pages. Look up companies in your field, call them and ask if you can fax over your resume and to whose attention. In about 3-4 business days, follow up with a telephone call to the person it was sent to.

 

A jar full of pennies.

Save Those PenniesMany of us are living cheque to cheque and trying to make ends meet. How are we supposed to save money when we barely have enough as it is now for basic needs?

 

Use Curb Appeal to Achieve a Quick House SaleWithout a doubt, first impressions count and can be the deciding factor in whether you achieve a quick house sale or not. The idea behind curb appeal is to allow potential buyers to imagine how it will feel living in your house.

 

Sun Shining Through Clouds

Finding the Silver Lining in a Faltering EconomyI remember the morning when I watched the stock prices scroll across the bottom of the TV screen while I was watching the weather forecast. It was 5 AM, and I wondered if I was watching history happen; every stock was preceded by a red arrow that noted a drop in its value.

 

Home Inspection

Home Inspection for First Time or New Home BuyersI have been a home inspection specialist for 35 years. Even with the housing market in as bad a shape that it is, there is still hope. Right now mortgage rates are the lowest they have ever been and this just might be the time for you to buy that home of your dreams.

 

Resume and appointment for an interview.

Resume and Interview Tips for Job HuntersJob hunting is a very prominent issue right now. There are several things that people can do to help them get on track when hunting.

 

Utilities: What's Mine and What's Theirs?At the moment when the phone line to your home stops working, you don't expect a large bill for repairs. After all, isn't the phone company's responsibility? My company offers a repair plan with a monthly fee; is it worth it?

 

Prepare for Tax TimeTax Time, I hate it. However, there are a few things I do to prepare. Start only when feeling sharp, refreshed, and clear headed. If there are errors, it will only delay that return you need so badly.

 

Manila Envelope on White Background

Simple Household Bookkeeping SystemI keep every receipt in a plain legal sized envelop labeled for the month until the end of the year. I keep them in a drawer with my bank statements.

 

PIggy Bank with Glasses

Be SMART About Your MoneyThose who want to manage their money wisely and be smart consumers need only to learn a few basic rules. It's important to teach children these rules so they grow with the ingrained knowledge about how to care for their earnings and avoid difficult fiscal situations.

 

A pile of shredded paper

Protecting Yourself from Identity TheftEach year 8.4 million Americans are victims of identity theft. Ask around and it shouldn't be hard to find someone who can recant the tale of stolen identity. Frozen bank accounts, canceled credit cards, and ruined credit; the tales are frightful.

 

Saving Money in the New Year

Saving Money in the New YearMoney saving tips and strategies for saving money in the new year from the ThriftyFun community. Feel free to post your ideas!

 

Doctor with a stethoscope.

Saving Money on Health Care and InsuranceTips for Saving Money on Health Care and Insurance as suggested by the ThriftyFun community. Our family has always had health insurance through where I work and have always been grateful for that.

 

Saving Money on Cars?Tips for saving money on buying a car as suggested by the ThriftyFun community. Do you have any strategies keep you in reliable transportation without spending a bunch of money? Post them here!

 

Close up of Credit Card

Simply Debt FreeThe average American credit card debt is over $5,100. While it may not seem like it, this balance is manageable. Within three yeas it can easily be paid off provided that new charges are not added to the debt.

 

Cup of Coffee Next to Laptop

How To Turn Your Job Into A TelecommuteWorking from home makes sense for more workers as the cost of gas continues to rise. Telecommuting, whether for a few days a week or a month or even full time, is an option for many office jobs that your firm may consider if it's presented in the right light.

 

Apartment Complex

Saving Money on an ApartmentWith all the problems with getting a mortgage these days, we are looking for tips and advice for saving money when renting an apartment. Do you have any tips to share?

 

Credit Card Close-up

Is It Really Priceless?No matter what MasterCard executives want you to believe, those scenarios presented in their television advertisements are not priceless; in fact, they're quite expensive. The ads ask an array of appraisal questions all ending with the same answer - priceless.

 

Woman and grocery shopping cart in produce aisle.

10 Quick Ways To Reduce Your Household BudgetNowadays, the only way to survive with gas and food prices rocketing is to find cost cutting measures for your household budget. My household budget consists of food and cleaning supplies, yard and house maintenance and entertainment and family gifts and clothing.

 

Store CreditThe scenario is familiar. At the check out counter of the local department store, the clerk asks if you would like to apply for the store's credit card. As a reward for signing, you receive an instant discount in the amount of 10% or even 15%. Do you sign on?

 

A file folder for tax receipts.

Home Business Tax Deduction ChecklistIf you're running a personal business, you need to keep close fiscal records for each year's income tax. Keep track of both your earnings and your deductions, and save a receipt for everything.

 

Using an ATM

Saving Money on Bank FeesTips for saving money on bank fees. Banking is an extremely competitive business and there are many banks (at least where I live) that charge few or no fees. They tend to pay less interest on savings accounts but what bank pays much interest anyway?

 

Swiping a credit card through a machine.

When Things Aren't On SaleThere is a time when things aren't on sale-no matter what the store sign says, what's written on the price tag, or how much the cashier actually charges. When is this? When you pay with your charge card.

 

Getting Started Saving Money"I want to start saving some money each month, but don't know where to start. What do you suggest?" Here are answers from the ThriftyFun community. Feel free to post your own ideas.

 

Saving Money on Appliances

Saving Money on AppliancesBuying new appliances is an expensive proposition. Here are some tips for saving money on appliances from the ThriftyFun community.

 

Saving Money on Long Distance?Tips for saving money on calling long distance. I dropped my land line and only use a cell phone. It's great because I can walk around the city and feel safe, plus, anyone can get a hold of me in an emergency.

 

Waiter and Waitress Tips and AdviceTips for waiters and waitresses from the ThriftyFun community. Have ever been a waitperson? Post your advice here.

 

Credit Cards

Avoiding the Temptation to SpendIf I watch, really, really watch, I'll be able to pay off my credit card bills within a year. Sound familiar? It's a promise many of us make but few keep. No matter how much we try, we can't stop spending. It's a cycle that catches the best of us. In trying to save we end up spending.

 

Gas Tank With Cash Stuffed in it

How Often Do I Use This?It's always a good idea to inventory and evaluate. There are items which are priceless, earning their keep over and over again. Then, there are those which only weigh us down with debt. How many items do you have which are earning their keep, and how many do you own which are weighing you down?

 

A photo of tax forms.

Saving Money on TaxesTips for saving money on taxes and tax preparation. I would recommend going to a tax professional at least once in a while. Usually they do know more than you do about taxes and you might learn from them.

 

A bed with pillows and a comforter

White Winter Sale StockupsThe Winter White Sale is a phrase most people have heard, but rare is the person who truly understands it. Linens appear on sale throughout the year, but January often touts the label of White Sale month.

 

Organizing Tax Receipts

Organizing Tax ReceiptsIt is not a coincidence that the word "taxing" and the forms we file each April have the same root word. For me the concept of filing taxes would be impossible without a computer program that does the work for me.

 

A stack of tax paperwork.

Earn Tax Credits and Save EnergyTax returns are a pleasant springtime surprise for many. By cashing in on deductions, one can make that surprise even bigger. One of the deductions to plan for in the upcoming year is the Energy Policy Act of 2005.

 

Hungry Piggy Bank

Put Away Money Saved Or It's Not Saved At All"A penny saved is a penny earned," said Benjamin Franklin. However, what good is a penny saved if it's spent on something else? Think of it like this: if you purchase a pair of pants on sale for $6 off the ticket price, where does the $6 go?

 

Heart Nosed Piggy Bank

Socially Responsible Investing: Putting Your Money Where Your Heart IsWhat if there was a way to build a sound financial future, while investing in a better world? There is. It's called Socially Responsible Investing, or SRI.

 

Woman frustrated with bills

Combat the "I Need It" AttitudeThe economy is poor, but that's not the only reason that people are in debt. Other factors play a huge role in the circulating debt that swarms above the homes of America, and one of them is the "I need it" attitude.

 

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