Sewing does require skill, no doubt about that. But for certain projects around the house or in your closet, it may be a worthwhile skill to learn and put to use. Sewing can save you a bundle on clothing and…
Energy prices may be plunging, but that’s no excuse to take your eye off the utility bill. A few winter storms and a sweltering summer can easily push “amount owed” into outrageous territory. Sure, you can unplug electronics when not…
Recent years have seen the flowering of the rental economy. What started with streaming services such as Netflix and Pandora has become a full-on profusion of rental options as an alternative to buying. The upshot is less personal debt, less…
Every bit of unused produce, leftover dinner, and expired canned food equates to dollars lost from your pocket. Over the course of a year, this can add up to a loss of $2,275 for a family of four, according to…
Have you ever carefully read your auto insurance policy? Understanding what’s covered and what’s not is critical, not least because knowing the details can save you money. Be sure to check for these 10 types of contingencies, perhaps in a…
Bargain hunters, rejoice: There are more tools than ever to help you find sales, deals, and coupon codes. Companies whose sole purpose is to make finding coupons and coupon codes easier have even gone public. And yet, it’s not always…
It’s no secret that a baby costs a lot in the first year (and the second, and the third …). A middle-income family welcoming a child can expect to spend…
The open enrollment period for purchasing health insurance under the Affordable Care Act began on Nov. 15, 2014, and consumers have until Feb. 1 to enroll. For those who are…
The start of the new year means resolutions, many related to healthy living and weight loss. Hitting your weight target and keeping yourself accountable for the calories you eat has…
Consumers have more choices than ever when it comes to gadgets, including a range of options in categories that didn’t even exist a few years ago. In 2014 we saw…
Smart thermostats are all the rage these days. If you don’t want to make the large initial investment — or you’re wary of omniscient mobile apps and electronics — you…
Gift giving and receiving is complicated and emotional. While the rising popularity of store gift cards and prepaid cards has lessened the worry about returns in the post-holiday frenzy, there…
My banker husband has always said, “Time is money.” I understood the point but never put the old adage to the test. We all probably have a different bottom line…
With all the stresses of modern life, quiet, meditative movement seems like the perfect antidote. Yoga classes and instruction have a reputation for being expensive, with drop-in rates hovering around…
Aaah, wintertime — when the mere thought of stepping out of the house sends shivers down your spine. Even a quick walk to the bus can make hands and feet…
Another year is coming to an end, presenting a chance to reflect on what we learned during the past 12 months. From electricity costs to credit cards, we’ve covered it…
The average cost of raising a baby during the first year is $10,000 to $15,000, which totals more than $245,000 to age 18. Once the initial sticker shock wears off,…
About 90 million Americans have travel plans this holiday season, according to a recent American Express survey. Although some people will drive or take a train, many will journey by…