Superbowl Party Trays: Can You Save Money By Making Your Own?

When it comes to the Superbowl what I look forward to the most are the commercials, the socializing, and the food. I get a little choked up at the singing of the national anthem, and I can’t help but smile when seeing the players hit the field in all their glory. But my true enjoyment [...]

Filing Your Taxes for Free and Finding Free Tax Return Help

According to the 2011-2012 National Society of Accountants (NSA) survey on tax preparation fees, the average tax preparation fee for an itemized Form 1040 with Schedule A and a state tax return was $233 for the 2011 tax season. For non-itemizing taxpayers, the average cost for Form 1040 with Schedule A and a state tax [...]

How to Save Money on Dieting

Comparing diet program costs is one way to maximize the amount of money you have to spend on dieting (or to make you run the other way with your hard earned money). But there are many other ways to still get the results that you want without signing onto or at least without paying full [...]

Health Insurance Companies Give Financial Incentives for Good Habits

Since I discussed a “stick” approach my health insurance company began on January 1, 2012 by charging a higher premium for smokers than for non-smokers, I’d like to take the time to discuss a “carrot” incentive sponsored by them: a reward points program. And reward points mean free stuff! I am with Blue Cross Blue [...]

A Great Site to Sign up for Email Offers

Author’s Note: There are no referral codes in this article, and I have not been paid for my review. It’s just a great frugal tool! I’ve mentioned Magazines.com on this website before, but thought that it deserved its own post because I am just continually amazed at the amount of quality free and close-to-free items [...]

Frugal Decorating Ideas for the Holiday and for Holiday Parties

This year my husband and I are hosting a holiday party. We hope to have around 20 family members and friends coming over and are very excited! I have a number of frugal and festive ideas that will dress our home for both the holidays as well as our party and thought I would share [...]

An Argument for Holding Out On Purchasing the Latest and Greatest Gadgets

Have you ever met someone who chases after electronics? They seem to survive in a whirlwind of batteries, plugs, beeps, vibrations, and the occasional sidewalk wrap-around product debut line. This is not a financial sin by any means—so long as that person has the money to do so—but you could certainly save money and some [...]

Can You Still Get Free Music Online, Legally?

I was in college when Napster was in its heyday and sharing music among peers was all the rage. When shopping for my first computer for freshman year, I remember how important it was to me that it could burn CDs because back then (not that long ago—2001) CD burners were not standard equipment in [...]

Laundromat Economics: Our Broken Washer

It started in late September during the final load of “my-mom’s-coming-to-visit-better-get-things-clean-including-rugs” laundry. I put the last load of wash in and headed into the shower. When I came out I was met with a pile of drenched, semi-cleaned rugs and an inch of water on the laundry room floor. By rerunning the load I immediately [...]

Picking Out a Cell Phone Plan for My Grandparents

Author’s Note: The prices here reflect what was presented on each cell phone carrier’s website on November 5, 2011, as well as in the zipcode my grandparents live (Pennsylvania). I have been tasked with something I take very seriously: finding my grandparents a new cell phone plan to fit their needs and budget. While this [...]

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