Love them or hate them, credit cards are part of our lives. In the U.S. there are about 700 million credit cards, about two for each American, charging an average interest rate of 13.5 percent. And a lot of us have been fed up with high fees and unfair practices that cost us big. A […]
Read MoreBy now, you’ve probably received your W-2’s and all the other forms you need to start working on your tax return for 2009. But did you know that, even though we’re in the new year, there are still things you can do to maximize your refund, or at least minimize your tax bill? Here are […]
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Count me among the organizationally challenged. I’m one of those people who stares at a blank set of file folders, wondering how to label them. I scratch my head wondering where to stash that adorable picnic basket that I love, but only use once or twice a year in my temperamental Northeast Corridor climate. I […]
Read MoreAh yes…we’re in the peak of diet season, that lovely time when we vow we will finally get in shape, once and for all. But it’s so easy to get snowed under a blizzard of books, all claiming to offer the perfect slimming solution. Which one to choose? And most of those books are pretty […]
Read MoreCold or dreary weather, holiday pounds to lose, post-Christmas doldrums…what is there to like about January? The savings. Smart Mr. Cheap Stuff readers know this month is an excellent time for finding bargains. If you’ve been following our previous advice then you’ve held off on your post-holiday shopping because there weren’t as many markdowns in […]
Read MoreAccording to several polls, saving money is one of the top ten most popular New Year’s resolutions. Have you made your financial resolutions for 2010 yet? If not, here are eight great ideas for you to save money this year. Double Duty Resolutions You can save money by carrying out some of the other most […]
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So, you’ve blown the budget on Christmas presents or New Year’s eve celebrations…or maybe money’s been tight all year long. What to do now that 2010 is here and you’re pinching pennies but still want to have fun? Here are some free or cheap ways to have fun as the new decade begins. 1. In […]
Read MoreDid you know there are vampires in your home right now? This is not a Halloween story. It’s real. They are sucking the life out of your household energy budget. I’m talking about energy vampires, the gadgets and appliances that drain your electricity and your wallet even when you are not using them. There are […]
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College is expensive but hopefully with these tips you can get the most bang for your buck. Feel free to leave a comment on your own college money savings tips. 1. Get a free checking and savings account. Many banks offer “student” accounts that don’t charge the fees that some other accounts have. Look for […]
Read MoreThey say the best things in life are free… Well, so is some of the best software. Here are eight great, legally free downloads for you. These are popular, well-known programs which have received many excellent reviews and do as good a job as their expensive counterparts. All (except where noted) are available both for […]
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