Recent Posts

  • 15 Sneaky Ways to Make a Small Space Look Larger

    Can’t afford more space? From a strategically placed mirror to the right paint color, smart design ideas can fool the eye and create the illusion of space. Here are 15 decorating tricks from design experts Robin Baron of Robin Baron…

  • 10 Snazzy School Lunchboxes Under $15

    Lunch hour and recess are favorite parts of the school day. A fun, unique lunchbox can brighten the break even more — and possibly make a fun conversation starter on the first, nerve-wracking days in a new grade. While any…

  • Designer Handbags: Can You Spot a Fake?

    Deciding to drop major dollars on a designer handbag is a weighty purchasing decision. So before you buy, get wise. Whether it’s Longchamp or Louis Vuitton, counterfeit bags are everywhere, from street corners to online stores and eBay. It’s all…

  • 10 Ways to Find Affordable Child Care

    Child care is a struggle for many American families. The average cost of infant care ranges from $5,496 to $16,549 a year depending on the state, according to Child Care Aware of America. That amounts to as much as 16…

  • 25 Money-Saving Tips for Fall Shopping

    As summer heat yields to cooler air, wardrobes and makeup typically need a seasonal overhaul. The changeover can be costly, prompting many women to tuck some warm-weather pieces into their fall outfits. But there’s no reason to pass up shopping…

  • Best Shoe Sites for Budget Shoppers

    There’s something about a pair of shoes that lifts our spirits (and sometimes our height) when we need it most. If the shoe fits, it always fits, regardless how much weight we gain or lose. And so, when overcome with…

  • How to Freeze Vegetables and Fruits for Winter

    It’s high produce season in most parts of the country, with tons of fruits, vegetables, and herbs ripe for the picking. While you’re busy making recipes with fresh ingredients, you’re…

  • How to Organize a Tiny Dorm Room on a Tiny Budget

    There are many creative, cheap ways to maximize space in a dorm room. Going to college is expensive enough, so don’t let a plan to organize a room in the…

  • Homemade vs. Mixer: The Cheapest Way to Make Frozen Drinks

    There’s been a recent upswing in made-from-scratch food preparation for edibles ranging from pickles and preserves to ice cream and baby food. Cocktails are no exception. Amid the resurgence of…

  • Eight Dos and Don’ts of Buying Back-to-School Shoes

    Little kids’ feet are growing constantly, so it’s tempting to just grab the cheapest sneakers to keep up and keep costs down. But when it’s time to pick the shoes…

  • How to Lower the Cost of Car Insurance for Teens

    Young drivers are two to three times more likely to get into an auto accident than experienced drivers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, teen drivers are…

  • 10 Essential Craigslist Tips for College Students

    Paying for college — even with help from mom and dad or a giant scholarship — demands some serious frugality from students. How is it possible to spend less on…

  • 15 Best Buys for Your Home for $50 or Less

    Savvy renters and homeowners look beyond aesthetics when shopping for home goods. The right purchases can make a home safer, save money, and come in handy for years. Equip your…

  • Credit Card 101: What Students Need to Know

    Gone are the days of credit companies hawking free pizza and T-shirts in the university plaza in exchange for a student’s signature on an application form. The CARD Act of…

  • 20 Ways to Save Money on a Honeymoon

    The “big day” can put a big dent in a bank account, leaving very little leftover for a honeymoon. A post-wedding trip doesn’t have to be expensive to be extraordinary.…

  • Price Survey: The Best Stores for School Clothes

    Nine out of 10 parents are planning to buy their kids new clothes for the upcoming school year, according to a National Retail Federation survey. The average expected outlay: $235.10.…

  • Spending Diary: Home Maintenance Is Eating My Renovation Budget

    Our house in the country is under renovation just about all the time. It’s not particularly old, just particularly quirky. Much of it was built by the previous owners. Some…

  • Finding the Best Roadside Assistance Plan

    AAA may be the best-known provider of roadside assistance, with more than 50 million members, but it has plenty of competition. Numerous insurance firms, automakers, oil companies, and even cellphone…