Latest Posts

18 Tips to Dress for Less

For many, clothes are more than an expense, they’re an expression, which can make overspending easy. But whether you view clothing as art or afterthought, use these tips to save a bundle.

Federal Unemployment, Cobra Subsidy in Danger of Expiring

More than a million people are in danger of losing extended federal unemployment assistance within the week. Whether you’re one of them or not, here’s some advice on what to do when your unemployment runs out.

Debt Settlement Company Bites Back

Debt settlement is a controversial technique to pay less than what you owe. Read this recent email exchange between me and the owner of a debt settlement company and you’ll see what I mean.

No More Extra Credit on Campus

The Credit CARD Act is now in effect and one of the major provisions is a restriction on credit cards to those under 21. What’s a student to do? Here are some ideas.

New Credit Card Statements: Coming Soon

Thanks to the CARD Act, you’re going to have new rights, credit card companies will have fewer, and it’s all going to be spelled out in language that’s a lot easier to understand.

Growing Your Own Vegetable Garden

A friend of mine is very into DIY culture. She recently showed me how to plant a spring vegetable garden without spending a dime.

Throwing a Recession-Buster Cocktail Party

Instead of dining out in a bar or restaurant and sharing appetizers and a big bill, bring the party home and ask guests to share their favorite “small plate” while you serve up cocktails.

28 Tasty Tips to Save on Food

In 2008 the average American family spent $6,100 on food. But if that average family had used these tips, they might’ve saved 10% or $600.

Tax Time is No Time for Mistakes

Everybody makes mistakes. But one place you should really try to avoid them is when you do your income taxes. You may think that using software will eliminate any chance for error; if only life were that simple! Before you seal that envelope or hit “send” to file electronically, read/watch this story.

Citi Adds $60 Annual Fee to More Credit Card Accounts

One week before the CARD Act goes into effect, Citi has added an annual fee to more accounts on many of its popular credit cards.

Children’s Birthdays On A Budget

You CAN keep your sanity and plan a budget friendly, kid friendly, birthday party for your child right in your own home.

Tragedy in Austin, Lessons Learned?

According to his suicide note, Joseph Andrew Stack crashed a small plane into an Austin IRS office today because he was frustrated by a lack of work and an unfair tax system.

I Paid the Collection Agency, But the Negative is Still On My Credit History!

Don’t ever be persuaded to pay past due accounts without getting an agreement from the creditor or collection agency to remove any negatives from your credit history!

Understanding, Organizing and Saving on Car Insurance

Most people know more about shopping for groceries than shopping insurance. And that’s a shame, since you probably spend more insuring your family than feeding it. Here’s what you need to know to understand, organize and save on car insurance.

Viewer Question: If I Settle a Debt, Do I Have to Pay Taxes?

Most people don’t realize it, but when you’re unable to pay your bills, you’ve got more to worry about than damage to your credit score. Because your creditor’s not the only one involved when you avoid repaying part or all of a debt through debt settlement, foreclosure or any other sort of forgiveness. You’ve also got Uncle Sam to worry about.

Tax Pros: Are They a Waste of Money?

According to a recent survey, the vast majority of Americans pay a tax professional to do their taxes for them. Since this is a job that you can do yourself in minutes with cheap software, I believe a lot of people are wasting a lot of money. But if you’re going to pay a pro, at least try to find the right one and harness their expertise so they’re worth the extra money.

Difference Between a Loan Shark and a Tax Refund Loan? Not Much.

Just because the name is national, the people are friendly and the decor is nice doesn’t mean you can trust your tax preparation service to do the right thing. The rates many preparers charge on refund anticipation loans makes them little more than loan sharks. If you don’t use these loans, you know someone that does. So check out this story, then share it.

The “Other” Provisions of the Credit CARD Act

Most of the attention from the bill has been given to the restrictions on interest rate increases and over the limit fees. However, there are many other lesser-known regulations in the Act that could have far-reaching ramifications for consumers.

Confessions of a Serial Haggler

Most people negotiate on super-expensive things like cars and houses. But for many, that’s where the haggling stops. It shouldn’t. Negotiating for better deals on everything from cable bills to doctor visits isn’t just rewarding: it can be fun. Check out this story on how to do it right.

Jewelry Tips for Valentine’s Day

If you’re a woman, this post is my Valentine’s Day gift to you: Forward it to your beau with a note like “Came across this article; thought you’d be interested.”

If you’re a guy faced with jewelry shopping this Valentine’s Day, I feel your pain. Jewelry shopping is bad on so many levels: First, you might end up at someplace like a mall. Then you’ll be expected to spend a lot for what looks so little. So let’s see if we can make the process a little less painful by arming you with a few quick tips to make it less stressful and less expensive.