Health insurance is a touchy subject these days. It’s expensive and often not available unless you work full time for a company. Is there any hope for people who neither need nor want to work part time? The answer is yes, if you work for the right employer. Believe it or not, there are still … Read more 10 Part Time Jobs with Benefits
In the last few years, there has been a move toward using software and web-based applications to help consumers manage their finances. However, many of the tools are somewhat lacking in sophistication. Applications like Mint.com might be attractive and easy to use, but they lack access to total cash flow analysis, as well as a … Read more Quite Possibly the Best Free Personal Wealth Management Tool
Saving for retirement is important. Even if you plan to work until the day you die, you never know what kinds of health problems might come up, forcing your retirement. But in this tough economy, who has the money to put toward retirement? It’s a difficult problem to solve. What is a frugal person to … Read more Saving for Retirement the Frugal Way
When most people think of the American Dream, home ownership is a part of the equation. At least it was until the housing bubble burst in 2008. As home prices dropped and foreclosures rose, potential homeowners wondered if owning a home was worth the risk. I’ll be honest. At times I have wondered if buying … Read more Is Now a Good Time to Buy a Home?
Camping is a favorite summertime activity for kids. Even if you don’t have the time, money, or inclination to load up the camping equipment and head to the woods, your kids can still experience the joy of a campout…in the backyard! Here’s a recipe to make it work! Checklist for a Campout 1 Tent (improvise … Read more Checklist and Tips for a Backyard Campout
Father’s Day seems to have snuck up on me this year. Maybe it’s because I was out of town last week. Or maybe it’s because public school in our town is getting out a week later than usual. Whatever the reason, Father’s Day is this Sunday, and it’s coming whether I’m ready or not. Usually … Read more 10 Last Minute Father’s Day Gifts for Under $20
Memorial Day is next Monday, and we’re making plans for a barbecue! My menu isn’t set in stone yet, but my husband wants to barbecue ribs. With that in mind, here’s my preliminary menu. Main Course: Barbecue Ribs Ribs on the grill can take hours, and if you don’t cook them just right, they can … Read more Yummy Memorial Day Barbecue Menu Ideas
If you’re a typical person, who earns money from an employer and has no complicated financial dealings, it’s not hard to prepare your own taxes. I prepare my own taxes every year, and I haven’t messed up yet! All it takes is a little organization and a good tax program. Organizing to Pay Your Taxes … Read more How to Do Your Own Taxes
2am in the morning. I awoke with a startle…what in the world was that shrieking noise? Is that a vacuum cleaner? Really?! Who in the world would be vacuuming at 2 in the bloody morning? I felt my camping pad beneath me and the hard carpet under it. I remembered. I was sleeping on the … Read more Frugality: How Far is Too Far?
I love getting a great deal. I celebrate when I get items free by combining sale prices with coupons. I pat myself on the back when I combine a Children’s Place coupon with a clearance sale to buy my kids clothes for pennies on the dollar. I don’t mind buying used. I was thrilled when … Read more The Limits of My Frugality