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Hints and Tips
- More on motivation and money (29 comments)
This post is by staff writer Honey Smith. In my last post, I talked about motivation and money. Motivation is a huge yet under-discussed concept in personal finance, I think. While big wins may be ...Read more »
- Our brains on scarcity: Breaking out of the trap (Part II) (17 comments)
This article is by staff writer Kristin Wong. (This is a two-part series. Part I is "Our brains on scarcity: The trap of not having enough.") For my last post, I wrote about the book "Scarcity: Why ...Read more »
- Motivation and money (34 comments)
This post is by staff writer Honey Smith. Especially for those of us like me who are in the midst of the long, hard slog of debt pay-down, staying motivated can be tough. How do you keep your excitem...Read more »
- Homeowners: Could this save you thousands in just a few hours? (32 comments)
This article is by staff writer April Dykman. You know all those great tactics to save huge chunks of cash -- the tactics that don't require you to scrimp and save? I'm talking about things like low...Read more »
- How to negotiate when you hate negotiating (19 comments)
This article is by staff writer Kristin Wong. In an ideal world, you wouldn't need to go negotiate. In an ideal world, the weather would be perfect, there would be no war, and your employer would si...Read more »
- 8 Surprise expenses for new homeowners (83 comments)
This article is by staff writer April Dykman. Over a year ago, I bought my first home. And while I'd been warned about the extra expenses that come with homeownership, there were still some surprises...Read more »
- More on how to stop buying clothes you never wear (45 comments)
This article is by staff writer April Dykman. More than four years ago, I wrote a post for Get Rich Slowly about how to stop buying clothes you never wear. I wasn't sure how it would go over, to be ...Read more »
- How to spring clean your financial house (33 comments)
This article is by staff writer April Dykman. It's almost spring, you guys. I don't know about the weather in your neck of the woods, but that's a welcome thought where I'm at, and I live in Texas! ...Read more »
- Ask the Readers: 5 questions about your taxes (55 comments)
It's that dreaded time of year, but we all must face it. So let's talk about taxes today. I've got some questions (and offer my answers). 1) Do you get a refund or max out your withho...Read more »
- Phishing, vishing, and SMShing (28 comments)
This article is by staff writer Holly Johnson. A few days before Christmas, I was having lunch out when I opened an email that appeared to come from American Express: "Please click this link to ...Read more »
- How to winterize your home (71 comments)
This article is by staff writer Lisa Aberle. As I write this, the back side of my house is mostly exposed to the studs with loose fiberglass hanging out in the area where landscaping will be someda...Read more »
- 8 hacks to help you keep your resolutions (35 comments)
This article is by staff writer April Dykman. When I was in the first stage of personal finance, I had two obvious goals: Pay off my credit card Save $10,000 for an emergency fund ...Read more »
- 7 year-end tax tips to keep Uncle Sam out of your wallet (26 comments)
This article is a guest post from Maryalene LaPonsie. Maryalene has been writing professionally for more than a decade on a variety of subjects including life insurance and personal finance. She helps...Read more »
- The power of speaking up (38 comments)
This article is by staff writer Kristin Wong. Last month, my boyfriend and I took a weekend trip to Seattle to celebrate our anniversary. We got a great deal on a hotel using a discount app. We'd st...Read more »
- 10 tools and tips to save money on legal fees (21 comments)
This is a guest post from John Corcoran. John is an attorney and former Clinton White House writer, and he advises entrepreneurs and small-business owners on how to use networking to grow their busi...Read more »
- Libraries: Good for frugality, great for community (49 comments)
This article is by staff writer Kristin Wong. This year, I've spent quite a bit of time at my neighborhood library. I'm a little embarrassed to admit it, but before this year, it had been a while...Read more »
- Heal your money shame in 3 simple steps (22 comments)
This guest post is from Kate Northrup. Kate is the author of the new book, Money: A Love Story. She's leading a live online event called A Course in Having Enough with guest teachers Marianne Willia...Read more »
- Declutter and save your sense (33 comments)
This article is by staff writer Lisa Aberle. Once, I couldn't find a matching pair of shoes, so I put one foot in a ballet flat and the other in a tennis shoe and acted like I had sprained my ank...Read more »
- Spare change: Identity theft edition (32 comments)
Several years ago, my husband and I went on our annual family camping trip in Terlingua, Texas, right outside of Big Bend National Park. As usual, on our way out, we stopped in Alpine to gas up. My d...Read more »
- How to avoid a garage sale letdown (30 comments)
This post is from staff writer Holly Johnson. A few years ago, I prepared for a garage sale that I was sure would be an epic success. Based on the sheer volume of widgets, random household items an...Read more »
- Reader Story: I bought a foreclosure house on the courthouse steps (42 comments)
This guest post is from Naomi Mannino. Naomi is a freelance consumer personal finance and health journalist who reports on health, medical and personal finance news and how it will affect your life t...Read more »
- How I kept to my budget and still have everything I want (49 comments)
This guest post is from Darlene Bauer, who works from home in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. She created BlogBoldly.com as a platform to help newcomers learn to build their own profitable online ...Read more »
- Are you saving when you should be spending? (20 comments)
This guest post is from Jacob McMillen. He likes to write about topics for men and teach people how using Save1 Eastbay coupons can help feed starving children around the world. More often than not...Read more »
- How to throw a yard sale when you're an apartment dweller (13 comments)
This post is from staff writer Kristin Wong. For someone who hates accumulating stuff, I sure have a lot of it. There's the skirt suit that I haven't worn in four years, for example. Or the ALF lu...Read more »
- The spam email strategy for savings (28 comments)
This post is from staff writer Honey Smith. On Saturday, Jake woke up restless. Despite the fact that it was 112 degrees outside (argh) he really wanted to leave the house. While I would have been fi...Read more »
- The 5 most popular coupon sites (and one with a mission) (36 comments)
This post is from staff writer April Dykman. I tried for years to be a coupon clipper. Every now and then, I'd decide I was going to save as much money as possible on my groceries, or at least on st...Read more »
- Save money by cutting food waste (44 comments)
This post is from staff writer Lisa Aberle. I barely brushed the surface of combating food waste in a recent article, but the comments added so much to the article that I thought I could stop at j...Read more »
- Time-management strategies for working parents (45 comments)
This post is from staff writer Holly Johnson. I am sure you've heard the saying, "A mother's work is never done." This is especially true for parents who continue working after they've had kids. E...Read more »
- 13 smart ways to be frugal at work without looking like a cheapskate (62 comments)
This is a guest post from Ivan Chan. Ivan teaches busy professionals simple ways to manage money and worry less in life at Wealthy Without Worry. Being frugal is hard. You've been so disciplined ...Read more »
- Reader Stories: How 5 daily habits rocked my financial world (28 comments)
This is a guest post from Jillian Beirne Davi. Jillian is a Transformational Money Coach and the founder of Abundant Finances, a service that helps you get yourself out of debt and start amassing abun...Read more »
- Ask the Readers: What will you trade this month? (27 comments)
Our monthly challenges to the GRS community are meant to push you to flex those frugality muscles and think creatively about money. For those who are just starting their financial journeys, learning a...Read more »
- Are automatic payments all they're cracked up to be? (87 comments)
This post is by staff writer April Dykman. A few weeks ago, I paid a sky-high electric bill. After some investigation, I saw the problem: the electric company charged a $200 deposit fee for starting...Read more »
- Negotiating for perks when raises are off the table (21 comments)
This guest post is from David Lye. David is an expert on novated leasing, which is a "company car" type perk that many Australian companies offer their employees. In today's uncertain econo...Read more »
- Extreme weather and recreational costs (45 comments)
This post is by staff writer Honey Smith. Although I live in Arizona (where it's sunny and 65 right now), this has been a nasty winter for much of the country. The storm known as Nemo led to powe...Read more »
- Creating objective rules for spending (36 comments)
This guest post is from Mr. F, an Australian reader in his mid-20s who works for the government. We're often told to "spend money on what's important," "spend according to your values" or "spend o...Read more »
- Reader Stories: The frugal Orioles fan (36 comments)
This post was written by Kurt Smith, author of Ballpark E-Guides, PDF-format guides that help fans get the most bang for their buck at the ballgame. He's been called "MLB's Worst Enemy" by "Co...Read more »
- A scholarship for small-business folks (12 comments)
With student debt now topping credit card debt (see page 3 of the PDF), every penny that you can find to put toward education is wanted. We hear a lot about student loans, but not so much about schola...Read more »
- Planning for a new financial paradigm (58 comments)
I'd tried and occasionally gotten by on very much less, and I'd shuffled small freelance gigs and guiltily spent windfalls instead of saving. But I just couldn't figure out a long-term way to make my...Read more »
- How to save money on vet bills (60 comments)
A few years ago, a little orange cat showed up on my front porch, and I fed him. You can probably guess what happened next. Yep, he never left. But as with any "free" pet, Hans cost a lot of mon...Read more »
- Finding money to invest (besides under the couch cushions) (70 comments)
When we decided that we were going to start investing more in 2013, I didn't know where we would find the money in our budget. My personality embraces risk… as long as all our other savings goals ...Read more »
- Professional shoe repair: Save money, time, and your feet (74 comments)
While on my way back from getting some hot tea in the break room at work, I noticed that one of my shoes was making a strange noise. Upon getting back to my office, I saw why: the heel cap had falle...Read more »
- Make more money as a subject matter expert (33 comments)
I spend a lot of time working. I have my day job, first of all. I also have a demanding side hustle in addition to writing here. I've spent most of my working life like this. I like working and lea...Read more »
- Reader Stories: Adventures in negotiating (34 comments)
This post from Cortney Jansen. Cortney is 29, works as an engineer in the Bay Area and has been reading GRS for a couple of years now. She's in the third stage of personal finance: debt-free and tryin...Read more »
- New student loan payoff tool (30 comments)
Stafford, PLUS, Perkins, Direct, private - there are enough types of student loans out there to make your head spin. All of these loans have different criteria and interest rates. This is especially...Read more »
- Ask the Readers: Is traditional advice killing your job search? (25 comments)
"Vince" was halfway through his MBA program and struggling to find an internship. So, he took his career counselor's advice and blasted his resume and cover letter to 30 companies."I just tried to ...Read more »
- New life for old DVD movies: The answers to scratches and breaks (17 comments)
This is a guest post from freelance writer Jessica Ward. DVD games and movies For several years, we've fought the occasional skip, fingerprint or ding in our DVD movies, and have typically bee...Read more »
- Churning credit cards for a fun profit (97 comments)
This guest post from Holly Johnson. Holly is a 32-year-old wife, mother of two, and frugal lifestyle enthusiast. She blogs about saving money, frugal habits, and whatever is on her mind at ClubThrifty...Read more »
- When you just can't get the important stuff done (38 comments)
This is a post from staff writer Robert Brokamp of The Motley Fool. Robert is a Certified Financial Planner and the adviser for The Motley Fool's Rule Your Retirement service. He contributes one new...Read more »
- Tips for the Introverted Negotiator (80 comments)
In my last article, I talked about saving money on the big things, like cars and houses. Multiple readers contributed good reasons why we don't save as much money as we should on cars and houses. B...Read more »
- Seize the Summer (47 comments)
This post is from staff writer Tim Sullivan. Sometimes, my summers feel like any other season. Other times though, I do the season right. A couple weekends back, I sat out on a dock with my family,...Read more »
- Cutting Costs on Transportation (Even When Biking and Walking Aren't Options) (83 comments)
Until the end of this week, we're sharing "audition" pieces from folks interested in being new staff writers at Get Rich Slowly. Your job is to let us know what you think of each of these writers. Pay...Read more »
- How Saving Money Cost Me Money (86 comments)
For the next week (or two), we'll be sharing "audition" pieces from folks interested in being new staff writers at Get Rich Slowly. Your job is to let us know what you think of each of these writers. ...Read more »
- How to Buy Quality Furniture (59 comments)
For the next week (or two), we'll be sharing "audition" pieces from folks interested in being new staff writers at Get Rich Slowly. Your job is to let us know what you think of each of these writers. ...Read more »
- How to Host a Yard Sale (53 comments)
Summer is coming, and the weather is warming around much of the United States. You know what that means: Yard sale season is upon us! Hosting a yard sale — or garage sale or tag sale or whateve...Read more »
- How to Learn a Foreign Language Without Spending a Cent (88 comments)
Last week at Far Away Places (my new travel blog), I shared some tips on how to learn Spanish fast. The short version: Hire a tutor. But what if you can't afford a tutor? What if you don't want to spe...Read more »
- How to Save on Your Cell Phone Plan with Secret No-Contract Deals (132 comments)
This is a guest post from social-media maven Laura Roeder. Laura first told me this story in January, and I used it as the basis for one of my columns for Entrepreneur magazine. Over lunch recently, s...Read more »
- A Primer on Finding Unclaimed Property (69 comments)
This post is from staff writer Sierra Black. Sierra writes about frugality, sustainable living, and raising children at Childwild.com. Finding free money lying around with your name on it seems a l...Read more »
- What To Do with All That Clutter: Sell It, Swap It, Give It Away (75 comments)
This post is from staff writer Sierra Black. Sierra writes about frugality, sustainable living, and raising children at Childwild.com. This Saturday (May 14th) is Give Your Stuff Away Day, a worldw...Read more »
- Five Ways to Outwit the ATM (141 comments)
This post is from GRS staff writer Donna Freedman. Donna writes a personal finance column for MSN Money. She also writes about frugality, intentional living, and life in general at her own blog, Survi...Read more »
- Developing Systems That Work (75 comments)
In my fantasy life, I'm an organized guy. In the real world, that's just not the case. I do my best to stay on top of things — I make lists, use a calendar, ask Kris for help — but there a...Read more »
- Nine Lessons in Wealth-Building from The Millionaire Next Door (96 comments)
This is a guest post from Robert Brokamp of The Motley Fool. Robert is a Certified Financial Planner and the adviser for The Motley Fool's Rule Your Retirement service. He contributes one new articl...Read more »
- How to Avoid Common Money Mistakes (34 comments)
This is a guest post from Laura Adams, also known as Money Girl. Adams is the author of a new book, Money Girl's Smart Moves to Grow Rich. She also hosts the weekly Money Girl podcast over on Quick ...Read more »
- Christmas Gifts That Make a Difference (63 comments)
This is the first post from new GRS staff writer Donna Freedman. Donna writes the Living With Less personal finance column for MSN Money, and writes about frugality, intentional living and lifeitsowns...Read more »
- Productivity Hack: Using the Web to Minimize Internet Distractions (55 comments)
This post is from staff writer April Dykman. There have been days when I've wasted an embarrassing amount of time mindlessly surfing the Internet. While I try to make that the exception rather than...Read more »
- Make More Money: How to Supercharge Your Income (81 comments)
Nearly every morning, I get up early to go exercise at the local Crossfit gym. While I wait for it to open at 6:30, I do laps around the cold, dark parking garage with my friend Dan. Sometimes we talk...Read more »
- Insurance Basics: How to Save on Insurance (34 comments)
This is the second part in a short series about insurance basics. Last week, I explained how insurance works. Next week (or possibly the week after), I'll offer some tips on car insurance. Today's art...Read more »
- How to Replace Six Vital Documents (29 comments)
This post is from GRS staff writer April Dykman. Could you produce your birth certificate, car title, or an old tax return at a moment's notice? You're supposed to store vital documents in a fir...Read more »
- Use an Informational Interview to Overcome Mental Barriers (38 comments)
This post is from GRS staff writer April Dykman. Less than a year ago, I was stuck. I knew I wanted to start a side business that had potential to grow, but I had no idea what to do or how to do it...Read more »
- How to Safeguard Your Social Security Number (57 comments)
This post is from GRS staff writer April Dykman. In articles about how to prevent identity theft, I've often read that one should never give out his or her social security number (SSN) unless absol...Read more »
- Money Hack: When You Save Money, Actually Put It in Savings (33 comments)
As part of the publicity push for Your Money: The Missing Manual, I've been a guest on a couple dozen radio shows around the country. This morning, for example, I spent an hour chatting with Joy Cardi...Read more »
- Living The Examined Life: Personal Data Collection is a Powerful Tool for Change (27 comments)
This post is from staff writer Sierra Black. Sierra writes about frugality, sustainable living, and getting her kids to eat kale at Childwild.com. Machines are, in some respects, much smarter than ...Read more »
- Busting the Myths: Why Coupons Are a Valuable Part of Your Financial Arsenal (112 comments)
J.D. is on vacation in Alaska. This is a guest post from Tara Kuczykowski, who is introducing the basics of couponing to a new generation of coupon clippers through her money-saving blog, Deal-Seeking...Read more »
- Grow Your Savings by Paying in Full (63 comments)
This post is from GRS staff writer April Dykman. In the past six months, I've spent more money on personal development than I have in my entire life. I've also spent considerable amounts on laptops...Read more »
- The One-Year Wardrobe Project (98 comments)
About a year ago, at the advice of GRS readers, I started an experiment. I took all of the shirts and sweaters from my clothes closet and moved them into our spare room. Whenever I needed something to...Read more »
- Don't Wait for a Discount — Ask for One (67 comments)
This post is short and sweet and to the point. Folks, I cannot stress how important it is to check all of your accounts for possible savings at least once a year. This includes your bank accounts, ...Read more »
- If You're Going to Buy a Warranty, Shop Around (70 comments)
This post is from GRS staff writer April Dykman. I'm writing this post on my brand new MacBook, which I just purchased yesterday. I can honestly say I've never been less excited to buy a computer...Read more »
- The Best Time to Buy Almost Everything (76 comments)
This post is from GRS staff writer April Dykman. My mom has a sixth sense when it comes to bargain hunting. Where I'm thrilled to get 25 percent off and free shipping, she's finding deals of 70 p...Read more »
- How I Cut my Comcast Cable Bill by 33% (Without Losing Any Service) (247 comments)
Last week, I wrote that you can negotiate anything. This guest post by G.E. Miller gives a real-life example of using negotiation to save money. For more from G.E., check out his personal finance blog...Read more »
- Creative Cleaning with Everyday Products (69 comments)
This article is by GRS staff writer Adam Baker. Baker recently shared an in-depth video example of how you can save $521 when booking airfare online. Recently my 19-month old daughter managed to ge...Read more »
- The Art of Improvising: Alternatives to Buying New (53 comments)
This post is from GRS staff writer April Dykman. When you have a need or a problem, there's usually a solution that can be bought. Buying a solution is often the easiest and fastest way to solve a ...Read more »
- 9 Ways You Can Knock the Socks off Your Next Landlord (41 comments)
This article is by GRS staff writer Adam Baker. Currently, Baker is fat and in debt. We all know how to rent a typical, cookie-cutter apartment or house. Find a contact number. Set-up a walk thro...Read more »
- How to Stop Buying Clothes You Never Wear (110 comments)
This post is from GRS staff writer April Dykman. A couple of years ago, I had a Great Closet Clean-Out. My clothing racks and drawers were overflowing at the time, and some of it still had price ta...Read more »
- Furniture Shopping Secrets: How to Tell Superior from Shoddy (53 comments)
This is a guest post from Karawynn Long, who writes about personal finance at Pocketmint. Karawynn is a semi-regular contributor for Get Rich Slowly. She has been blogging since before "blogging" was ...Read more »
- 11 Ways to Spice Up Your Emergency Fund (77 comments)
This article is by Adam Baker, a GRS Staff Writer. In addition to writing for Get Rich Slowly, Baker blogs over at Man Vs. Debt, where he discusses ways to simplify your financial life. A thriving ...Read more »
- Gone Phishing: How To Avoid Being Caught By Scammers (44 comments)
This article is by Adam Baker, a new GRS Staff Writer. In addition to writing for Get Rich Slowly, Baker blogs over at Man Vs. Debt, where you can find his personal background story and read more of h...Read more »
- How a Haircut Led to a Handy Acronym (104 comments)
This is a guest post from Lynn, a long-time reader of personal-finance blogs. Lynn is a potential Staff Writer for Get Rich Slowly. In her first post, she explained where to find free activities and e...Read more »
- Where to Find Free Activities and Events in Your Area (65 comments)
This is a guest post from Lynn, a long-time reader of personal-finance blogs. Lynn is a potential Staff Writer for Get Rich Slowly. She is the CFO (Chief Financial Officer) of her family, and is worki...Read more »
- Saving Money on Everyday Stuff (19 comments)
I haven't made the time to piece together a "links roundup" lately, which is too bad. I've collected a lot of articles worth mentioning, even if they don't merit full posts of their own. I try to ...Read more »
- Buying Food: Grocery Shopping Tips from 1950 (51 comments)
The American housewife! Who has a more important or more responsible occupation? Wife, mother, laundress, counselor, maid, chef, purchasing agent. All of these are her duties at one time or anothe...Read more »
- How to Buy a Mattress (139 comments)
After my post about mattress shopping the other day, Garrison contacted me. "My home just flooded and due to renters insurance I was thrown into the market for a new mattress," he said. "I called up ...Read more »
- Learning to Budget with the JARS System (74 comments)
This is a guest post from Steve Martile, a life coach and the author of the personal-growth blog Freedom Education. Here he describes a budgeting system that actually reminds me of Elizabeth Warren's ...Read more »
- My Sister's Keeper: Sharing Financial Goals with an Accountability Partner (28 comments)
"Don't you have any tips for single folks?" I'm often asked. Like any writer, I tend to write from my own experience — that of a married man. Fortunately, there are plenty of single people in th...Read more »
- The Wisdom of My Father (50 comments)
This is a guest post from Ann Zerkle, a Get Rich Slowly lurker, and the founder of Heroes of Capitalism. As the daughter of a truck driver and stay-at-home mom, my family lived very frugally (and...Read more »
- Credit Union Service Centers Provide Shared Branching (30 comments)
Note: Oops. I accidentally had comments closed on this post. Not even sure how that happened. They're on now. Chris M. sent me e-mail last week to share some thoughts on rewards checking and on cre...Read more »
- How to Nail an Interview: 20 Job Interview Tips (37 comments)
After writing about how to negotiate your salary recently, a couple of readers pointed me to another job-related tool on the web. Steinar Skipsness has created a microsite called How to Nail an Interv...Read more »
- No Crystal Ball Required: Getting Better Investment Returns (Without Guessing) (24 comments)
This is a guest post from Robert Brokamp of The Motley Fool. Robert is a Certified Financial Planner and the advisor for The Motley Fool's Rule Your Retirement service. He contributes one new articl...Read more »
- Prepaid Cell Phones Can Save You Money (148 comments)
Last week, I spoke with personal-finance writer Greg Karp about how young adults can save money. We brainstormed ideas for one of his upcoming newspaper columns. "I'm willing to bet that many young pe...Read more »
- Ask the Readers: How to Save Money on Books? (127 comments)
Most of the questions I receive from readers are about their specific financial situations. But occasionally somebody writes with something a little different. Yesterday, for example, Joshua wrote to ...Read more »
- 14 Tips for Purchasing Life Insurance (66 comments)
This is a guest post from Ray at Financial Highway. Earlier today, Ray shared the basics of life insurance. Insurance is an important part of financial planning — but understanding insurance ...Read more »
- 21st Century Real Estate: Use a Blog to Sell Your Home (24 comments)
David Hobby at Strobist recently posted an interesting article describing how to use a blog to sell your house. Hobby and his wife have outgrown their townhouse in Columbia, Maryland, and are look...Read more »
- How to Read a Mutual Fund Prospectus (28 comments)
This is a guest post from Neal Frankle, a Certified Financial Planner, and the author of Wealth Pilgrim, a blog about his financial journey. If we've learned anything from the current financial c...Read more »
- 8 Questions to Ask BEFORE Hiring a Financial Planner (120 comments)
This is a guest post by Jeff Rose, an Certified Financial Planner from Illinois. Rose is also the author of Good Financial Cents, a financial planning and investment blog. Before reading his article, ...Read more »
- The Per-Diem System: An Easy Way to Budget Your Spending Money (54 comments)
This is a guest post from Spencer, a GRS reader in New York. As a guy who just finished paying off $14,000 in credit card debt, I wanted to share one tip that helped me get over the bad debt hump. ...Read more »
- Reader Comment: A Lifetime of Doing the Right Thing (60 comments)
It's been a while since I highlighted an individual reader comment, but I wanted to draw attention to some advice that Kenny left for Sara in Friday's "ask the readers". You'll recall that 24-year-old...Read more »
- 25 Useful Financial Rules of Thumb (100 comments)
Lately I've found myself using more and more financial rules of thumb. A rule of thumb is a general guideline, an easy way to approximate a value quickly. It's not meant to be completely accurate. On ...Read more »
- Top 10 Tips for Preparing Your Tax Return (and Tax Software Giveaway!) (164 comments)
Tax season is in full swing. Readers are peppering me with questions, and marketers are forwarding promotional material for their products. This seems like a good time to meld the two opposing forces ...Read more »
- Ask the Readers: How Do You Organize Your Account Information? (86 comments)
Between my personal accounts, my business accounts, and the joint accounts I have with my wife, it's difficult for me to keep track of my essential information. As we've been working to refinance our ...Read more »
- Money Hack: The Monthly Checkbook Sweep (70 comments)
At dinner the other night, T.S. told me about a new trick she's developed to force herself to save money. It used to be that she'd just spend whatever she had in her checkbook. She didn't spend more t...Read more »
- Save on Cell Phones with Employee and Student Discounts (48 comments)
Consumer Reports is one of my favorite personal-finance magazines, and for a variety of reasons. Not only does it help readers find quality products at great prices, but it also gives tips for saving ...Read more »
- 5 Credit Card Company Tricks — and How to Thwart Them (56 comments)
This is a guest post from Justin McHenry, president of Index Credit Cards, a credit card comparison and information site. Index Credit Cards was named "most comprehensive" by Reader's Digest in ...Read more »
- Happy 303rd Birthday, Benjamin Franklin! (26 comments)
Today is the first day of National Thrift Week. It's also the 303rd anniversary of the birth of America's first — and best — personal-finance writer. Benjamin Franklin was born on this day...Read more »
- Book Review: 365 Ways to Live Cheap! (28 comments)
Today I am reviewing new books written by two colleagues: Trent from The Simple Dollar and Leo from Zen Habits. As you read these reviews, please remember that I am friends with both authors. Mary ...Read more »
- How to Afford Anything (But Not Everything) (61 comments)
You can have anything you want — but you can't have everything you want. That's the lesson I learned from a recent conversation with my cousin. And that's the lesson photographer Ken Rockwell im...Read more »
- The 3-Day Cooling-Off Period: Myth and Reality (48 comments)
In 2001, I bought some magazine subscriptions from a couple of college students who were selling them door-to-door. I'd had my own miserable experiences trying to sell things to strangers, so I had a ...Read more »
- Making the Most of Your Checking Account (104 comments)
In the past, we've discussed the best online high-yield savings account, covered the basics of certificates of deposit, and even explored the beauty of Roth IRAs. But we've never talked about checking...Read more »
- A Do-It-Yourself Christmas: 34 Great Homemade Gifts You Can Make (203 comments)
Last month, I asked readers to share their favorite frugal Christmas ideas. You responded with over a hundred fantastic tips. One common theme for saving money and adding meaning during the holiday se...Read more »
- Put Your Savings on Steroids with Certificates of Deposit (73 comments)
High-yield savings accounts are great. They allow you to set aside money in a safe place to earn a respectable return. (That return is low right now, but will increase as the economy improves and inte...Read more »
- Back Up Your Computer to Save Time and Money (112 comments)
Here's a public service message: Back up your computer regularly. This has more to do with your pocketbook than you might think. Not only was I sick this week, but the hard drive on my laptop crash...Read more »
- How Low Can You Go? Cutting Back to Minimum (192 comments)
I was sick again yesterday morning. To console myself, I made a cup of cocoa. As I was preparing to add the required three tablespoons of chocolate powder, it occurred to me that maybe I could get by ...Read more »
- Ask the Readers: Favorite Frugal Christmas Ideas? (124 comments)
I made a trip to Costco yesterday to buy index cards. (Believe it or not, index cards are the building blocks of this blog.) The store didn't have any, but it did have four long aisles stocked with Ch...Read more »
- 10 Unconventional Money-Saving Tips (65 comments)
For me, the hardest part about learning to save was changing my relationship with money. I understood intellectually that I needed to spend less than I earned, and I could see the debt accumulating as...Read more »
- Once-a-Month Shopping: Save More by Shopping Less (147 comments)
How often do you go to the supermarket? Could you get by making only one trip per month? What if it saved you money? My wife and I are both reading America's Cheapest Family by Steve and Annette Ec...Read more »
- Dealing with Disaster: A Brief Guide to Emergency Preparedness (34 comments)
This is a guest post from JLP of All Financial Matters. JLP, who is a financial planner, was instrumental in helping me get started with Get Rich Slowly, and his blog remains one of my favorites. A...Read more »
- How to Save Money on Your Wedding: ASK! (62 comments)
I had breakfast at a local diner the other day. Over my blueberry pancakes, I eavesdropped on the next table over. (It wasn't difficult — these folks were loud.) Eight people from the wedding...Read more »
- 10 Aggressive Tactics to Turn the Tables on Credit Card Companies (56 comments)
This is a guest post from Katrina Ramser, a freelance writer who contributes to various websites, newspapers and magazines. She also writes about swimming at SquidKid. Did you know an average of si...Read more »
- How and When to Cancel a Credit Card (79 comments)
Update: After feedback from readers, I've made some clarifications to this post. My recommendations have not changed, but I've tried to emphasize the effect closing a credit card can have on your cred...Read more »
- Simplify Your Life with a Stuff Replacement Fund (42 comments)
One thing that prevents me from getting rid of more clutter in my life is the worry that someday, for some reason, I'll want it again. Maybe I don't use the rice cooker now, but what if I need it in t...Read more »
- Warren Buffett's Ten Secrets to Wealth and Life (44 comments)
Warren Buffett is the richest man in the world, yet his reputation for frugality, folksy wisdom, and straight talk make him seem like just a regular guy, like he might be the billionaire next door. He...Read more »
- Best Credit Cards (for You) – How to Choose a Credit Card (63 comments)
A credit card can be a useful tool or it can be a dangerous weapon. Most of this depends on you — the best credit card in the world won't help if you spend beyond your means. American adults carry ...Read more »
- Credit Card Basics: Five Essential Skills for Mastering Plastic (43 comments)
The latest issue of Consumer Reports (October 2008) has an article about the new credit card jungle. The faltering economy and the ongoing mortgage crisis may be affecting your credit cards; issuers a...Read more »
- A Few Ways to Raise Cash Quickly (40 comments)
Disclaimer: After some strong feedback from GRS readers (and from my wife), I've made the rare move of heavily editing this article after publication. My hope is that the re-write makes it clear that ...Read more »
- The Inner Workings of a Car Dealership (and How To Use Them to Your Advantage) (84 comments)
Yesterday a reader named Dave Black left a long comment on an old article about how to buy a new car without getting screwed. This is his glimpse into the inner workings of a car dealership. I've edit...Read more »
- Fix Your Own Printer and Save Money (19 comments)
Farhad Manjoo at Slate says your computer printer may be lying to you. He bought a cheap laser printer a couple years ago. When the machine decided it was out of toner, it stopped working. But the las...Read more »
- The Myth of Multitasking: How Doing It All Gets Nothing Done (62 comments)
Multitasking has killed my productivity. At this moment, on this computer, I have: Five open browser windows with a total of 59 open tabs (in Safari) 79 open text documents (in BBEdit) — I...Read more »
- 8 Tips for Saving Money on Hobbies and Pastimes (67 comments)
Lee wrote with an innocent question about photography equipment yesterday. Little did she realize I'd already been thinking about the broader issues of her dilemma. Here's an abridged version of her m...Read more »
- The Best Advice I Ever Got: 40 Great Money Tips (28 comments)
CNNMoney has posted a gallery of money tips from 40 "great minds", ranging from Derek Jeter to Tim Ferriss to Burton Malkiel. Each participant provided an anecdote about the best piece of financial ad...Read more »
- Estimate Your Electricity Costs with a Web-Based Calculator (20 comments)
It's been a couple years since I mentioned Michael Bluejay's fantastic Saving Electricity site. It's a treasure trove of practical tips for household power management. Bluejay offers information on: ...Read more »
- How to Open Multiple Accounts at ING (now Capital One 360) (101 comments)
One of my favorite saving techniques is the use of targeted accounts. If I want to save for something big — like a Mini Cooper, for example — I'll open a new savings account specifically f...Read more »
- Money Tips from Consumer Reports (19 comments)
The August 2008 issue of Consumer Reports — one of my favorite personal finance magazines — features two articles that may be of interest to readers of Get Rich Slowly. The first offers ti...Read more »
- The 13 Commandments of Savvy Consumers (33 comments)
Last week I wrote about the 2008 Consumer Action Handbook. This freely-available guide from the U.S. government is packed with useful information. I was leafing through the book again this morning bef...Read more »
- My Paperless Personal Finance System: A Work in Progress (128 comments)
Last summer, as a part of my quest to get rid of clutter, I began to move toward paperless personal finance. I had planned to share my system only once I'd perfected it, but yesterday Daniel e-mailed ...Read more »
- Making the Move from Spender to Saver (55 comments)
I pulled out my camera gear last night. It's been two years since I used it regularly. Before I started Get Rich Slowly, I seriously considered trying to become a professional photographer. But for a ...Read more »
- How to Stop Junk Mail in Its Tracks (59 comments)
This article is part of Financial Literacy Month. Most Americans receive a daily flood of junk mail. Some savvy citizens take a stand against the torrent. My friend Pam gets great delight from call...Read more »
- Ask the Readers: Energy Conservation Tips? (76 comments)
Dan wrote with a question unlike any I've received before. He lives in Alaska, where the residents of Juneau have been confronted with a sudden energy crisis (more here). Here's Dan's story: I am...Read more »
- How One Reader Uses Haggling to Save Big Bucks (66 comments)
Last week, Jason shared a guest post on how to negotiate to save money. Daylily Diva wrote to share her own experiences, which I've reproduced here with permission. I love haggling — it's sec...Read more »
- Use "Reverse Credit" to Stick to Your Budget (75 comments)
Ralph sent me e-mail last week describing a clever budget trick he picked up from a friend: My wife and I had dinner last night with a couple of of young women we know. We talked a little about p...Read more »
- How to Make Yourself Recession-Proof (12 comments)
The March 2008 issue of Money has an article by Stephen Gandel about how to recession-proof your life. "We may or may not be entering an official recession," he writes, "but either way 2008 has gotten...Read more »
- Real Simple: Save More, Worry Less (14 comments)
The March issue of Real Simple magazine contains a great article by Elizabeth Fenner about solving your biggest money worries. She writes: For many of us, "manage finances" is right down there with...Read more »
- How to Handle a Door-to-Door Salesman (182 comments)
On Saturday morning, a young man knocked at our door. He wanted to sell us new windows. Kris tried to brush him aside gently, but he was persistent. He didn't leave until he'd scheduled an appointment...Read more »
- How to Quit Your Job Gracefully (54 comments)
Deb Perelman at eWeek recently shared some advice on how to quit your job with your bridges intact. Too often smart employees let their guard down during their final days, and they do things that may ...Read more »
- Proven Methods for Servers to Increase Their Tips (121 comments)
In 2004 Dr. Michael Lynn, associate professor at the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration, produced a paper entitled "Mega Tips: Scientifically Tested Techniques to Increase Your Tips" [P...Read more »
- Five Secrets of Self-Made Millionaires (42 comments)
Several people forwarded a recent Reader's Digest article about the secrets of self-made millionaires. It's a quick and inspiring read. "Many modern millionaires live in middle-class neighborhoods...Read more »
- Ten Money-Saving Vacation and Travel Tips (55 comments)
It's mid-winter here in Oregon — that bleak, grey time of year when it seems like the rain will never end. When I was young, the winter didn't bother me. But now that I'm firmly entrenched in mi...Read more »
- The Benefits of Looking Ahead: Success Tips from 1950 (10 comments)
Happy New Year! As we say "good-bye" to the old year and "hello" to the new, it's a great chance to look ahead to our plans for the future. I believe that the road to success is paved with goals. ...Read more »
- Asking for a Better Financial Future (27 comments)
This is a guest post from Daiko, who previously shared how to feed yourself on $15 a week. Asking questions can be a powerful tool for developing financial resilience. Two weeks ago, for example, I...Read more »
- How to Buy and Sell Gift Cards (14 comments)
Did you get a lot of gift cards for Christmas? Would you rather have cash? Would you rather have a card for another store? Richard O. Johnson at the fascinating Beyond Barter has created a page highli...Read more »
- Reader Tip: The Warranty Scam Buster Account (65 comments)
The one-year warranty on my MacBook Pro expired last week, presenting me with a choice: sign up for an extended warranty or live without it? I've never been an extended warranty kind of guy. They're c...Read more »
- How 15 Minutes Saved Me 15% on My Television Bill (58 comments)
This is a guest post from Stephen Ward, who writes at Project Paradox. Although many frugality experts decry the need for television, my wife and I enjoy it too much to give it up. That didn't st...Read more »
- Turning the Tables on Telemarketers (102 comments)
It's been an annoying day here at the box factory. November 15th must be some sort of telemarketing celebration day. I've been handling three or four calls an hour from these bozos all day long. It dr...Read more »
- Why You SHOULDN'T Prepay Your Monthly Bills (61 comments)
Earlier today I wrote that I like to prepay my monthly bills. I acknowledged that some people might think this was dumb, but that I liked to do it anyhow. It's not often that I share something with wh...Read more »
- Build Wealth with a "Virtual Employer" (40 comments)
Here's the longest "money hack" I've ever posted. This is another reader comment from our recent discussion about the transition from "becoming debt-free" to "living debt-free". In this guest-post fro...Read more »
- How to Eat at a Swanky Restaurant Without Blowing Your Monthly Food Budget (81 comments)
Kris and I joined some friends last weekend for a 40th birthday celebration at Bluehour, a swanky Portland restaurant. While the other couples spent $150 to $250 for their meals, we escaped paying on...Read more »
- Two Quick Kitchen Hacks (19 comments)
It's always fun to find new ways to save time and money in the kitchen. Here are two simple ideas to help reduce clutter on the counters. Let the library store your cookbooks During my recent figh...Read more »
- Money-Saving Ideas for Working Parents (18 comments)
Over at The Dollar Stretcher, Pamela wrote looking for money-saving ideas that won't burden an overfull schedule: I need some tips from women who work outside the home and drive to a workplace ever...Read more »
- 10 Ways to Build the Habit of Saving Money (51 comments)
This is a guest post by Mehdi, author of StrongLifts.com. How much do you save? I hope you put money aside. You don't? Neither did I until a few years ago. How do you become a money saver? I'll...Read more »
- An Expert Tip for Saving on Prescription Drugs (29 comments)
This is a guest post from Shiva, who wrote to offer some advice on how to shop for prescription medicine: don't assume that the new new stuff is better! I am a general internist — a physician...Read more »
- Daily Roundup: Tips and Tricks from GRS Readers (9 comments)
While organizing my text files this afternoon, I stumbled upon a batch of tips and tricks that got lost in the shuffle. Here are some clever ideas submitted by your fellow Get Rich Slowly readers: ...Read more »
- In Pursuit of Paperless Personal Finance (66 comments)
I'm swamped with paper. This is partly because I'm a packrat, but mostly it's due to the never-ending bills, statements, receipts, policies, and special offers that flood my desk. The paperless office...Read more »
- How to Find Great Deals on eBay (29 comments)
My friend Lisa is something of an eBay addict. I'll be at her house admiring something or other and she'll smile confidentially and whisper, "I got it off eBay." She recently showed up at a dinner...Read more »
- An Imperfect Credit Score is Not the End of the World (13 comments)
This is a guest post from Kim McGrigg of Money Management International, the nation's largest nonprofit credit and debt counseling firm. I often warn consumers about the little things that can have...Read more »
- How to Eliminate Debt in Bursts Instead of Incrementally (42 comments)
This guest post is by Leo Babauta of Zen Habits, one of my favorite blogs. Most of the time, the standard advice about debt elimination is to pay it off incrementally, over a period of time. We're ...Read more »
- Thrifty Tips from the Yardsale Queen (20 comments)
This is a guest-post from Chris Heiska, The Yardsale Queen. Some people believe the myth that there's only junk at yardsales and thrift stores. That is absolutely not true. Buying at yardsales do...Read more »
- Career Advice for the College Graduate (28 comments)
This is a guest post from Lisa Lessley Briscoe. My friend (and fellow Bearcat) Lisa writes: "I was just poking around on GRS (I don't usually read) and noticed that you'd posted an entry for colle...Read more »
- A Yard Sale Checklist: Ten Tips for Garage Sale Prep (58 comments)
Our annual neighborhood garage sale was held this past weekend. During last year's sale I offered ten garage sale tips: A group sale is better then selling alone. More stuff draws more traffic. ...Read more »
- Reader Story: Necessity is the Mother of Frugality (34 comments)
Daniel wrote with the following story: I work across town, which means I have to fill up my tank at least once a week. With the rising cost of gas, this comes to about $50 a week. What can I do...Read more »
- Optimize Your Bank Accounts with a Periodic Review (2 comments)
You know that it's a good idea to ask utility providers for better deals once or twice a year. But did you know that you can apply the same principle to be sure you're getting the best deal at your ba...Read more »
- Festival of Frugality #75 (20 comments)
Welcome to the 75th edition of the Festival of Frugality. Here you'll find a mass of money-saving tips from 44 different bloggers. I've organized the entries into broad subject areas, and noted my fav...Read more »
- Quicken Hacks: 25 Hints, Tips, and Tricks (32 comments)
I use Quicken to track my personal finances. Back in the olden days, I used Andrew Tobias' Managing Your Money, but that hasn't worked on my Macs for nearly a decade. I'd still use it if I could. Q...Read more »
- Common Money Mistakes and How to Correct Them (3 comments)
Everyone makes mistakes — it's a part of being human. But it's those who learn to minimize their mistakes who are able to fight debt and to build wealth. Paul L. forwarded a Reuters article by L...Read more »
- How to Fight the Urge to Splurge (42 comments)
Today I stopped by the local electronics store to look at microphones and headphones. I didn't intend to buy anything, but after a half hour browsing I found myself in line holding $170 of gadgets. I ...Read more »
- Last Minute Tax Tips (15 comments)
Because I love a big tax refund, I filed my return long ago, received the money, and used it to pay down debt. But like many people, my cousin Nick hasn't even started. He doesn't get a refund, so he ...Read more »
- 7 Essential Skills to Protect Yourself from Scammers (19 comments)
Sabino sent me an MSNBC article about the unfolding subprime lending crisis. The piece provides a glimpse at the deceptive practices used to prey on people like Kerrie Russo, who chose to refinance he...Read more »
- Frugal Easter Egg Decorating Tips (19 comments)
Tina sent in a timely article from The Dollar Stretcher, one of the oldest and best money-saving sites on the web. (It's been around since 1996, and looks like its design hasn't changed since!) Jenny ...Read more »
- Save Money with Your Feet! (22 comments)
Tiara wrote with the following money hack: This is aimed at people who generally drive or take public transport to work/university/etc, but who could easily cycle or walk the same distance. Each ...Read more »
- 10 Reasons You Aren't Rich (31 comments)
A couple of readers forwarded Jeffrey Strain's list of 10 reasons you aren't rich. It's a fine piece, though it takes a negative approach. Sometimes we need to hear the negative. Strain's ten reasons ...Read more »
- Ten Red-Flags That Lead to IRS Audits (32 comments)
The latest issue of Money magazine has an article by Donna Rosato on how to file a tax return that won't raise red flags with the IRS. Rosato writes: Some 12 percent of people admit they think it's...Read more »
- How to Organize Your Finances in Four Easy Steps (22 comments)
You've heard that to take control of you finances you sould track every penny you spend. You'd like to try this, but it sounds like such a pain. There's so much paperwork involved. You lose receipts. ...Read more »
- Save Money with a Magazine Exchange (18 comments)
One magazine subscription isn't expensive, but when you take more than a few, the costs can add up quickly. I've been addicted to magazines in the past, and I know how easy it is to oversubscribe. Whe...Read more »
- 24 Craigslist Tips, Tricks, and Resources (41 comments)
Yesterday The Consumerist pointed to a couple of Curbly posts about how to buy stuff on Craigslist [one, two]. These articles have some good tips, but I think there's more to say. My Craigslist ex...Read more »
- Personal Finance Sites from Around the World (41 comments)
A couple months ago a reader solicited recommendations for good non-U.S. personal finance sites. We couldn't come up with many. Since then I've watched for personal finance sites from around the world...Read more »
- The Cost-Per-Day Expense Chart (25 comments)
Elizabeth has a lifehack that allows her to manage both money and space. She writes: "This helped me curb my lifestyle choices when I was in high school and first on my own." Here is her guest entry. ...Read more »
- 10 Ways to Save Money on Books (76 comments)
I used to spend thousands of dollars a year on books, most of which I never read. Recently I've begun to trim my book spending. I spent nearly $3000 on books in 2003, but that number dropped to $700 l...Read more »
- Custom Movie Listings with RSS (15 comments)
Kris and I went to see The Queen yesterday at a local second-run movie house. It's an older theater, and it reminds me of the places we used to go when I was a kid. It's clean, cozy, and the snack...Read more »
- How I Bought My House With Very Little Of My Own Money (13 comments)
Susan at +amateur christian+ has some advice for first-time homebuyers — spend some time to search for grants, and you might be able to get into a home without spending a fortune. Two years a...Read more »
- The Regift: Friend or Foe? (7 comments)
Christmas is over. You received some thoughtful presents, but also got some duds. That collection of cooking spices from your Aunt Madge? You hate to cook! Here's some sage advice from Marie, a self-c...Read more »
- Want to Save Money? Just Ask! (8 comments)
Wrapping up "ask for it" day, 2 Pennies Earned suggests that if you want to save money, you should just ask! In the last two years, I've been given two weeks' free rent, received several hundred do...Read more »
- Reader Story: Ask to Save! (2 comments)
Jac recently wrote to share a success story — he managed to get a bank to drop some fees simply by asking! I'm currently on a six month exchange in France. I opened a new account with Westpac...Read more »
- Learn to Save by Taxing Yourself (11 comments)
Vincent forwarded a link to a guide about how to buy nothing, which offers seventeen steps for resisting the urge to splurge. It's a good list of techniques to reduce spending — leave the money ...Read more »
- How One College Student Handles Credit Cards (25 comments)
I've been blown away by your responses to the new Ask the Readers feature, especially to yesterday's question about what do do if you have no credit history. Here's a story Derek e-mailed me about his...Read more »
- Cheap Ways to Stay Warm this Winter (52 comments)
Winter weather has arrived in Oregon — it's rainy and cold. This time of year, Kris and I search for ways to keep warm. A lot of guides to saving money on heating contain impractical advice: "co...Read more »
- Five Fantastic Frugal Tips for Christmas (13 comments)
In my recent Christmas article, I asked you to submit your favorite ideas for saving money during the holidays. Your suggestions were great. Among the best were these (which I've edited slightly): ...Read more »
- Reminder: Enter the Get-Rich-Slowly Holiday Tips Contest (6 comments)
What are your favorite ways to save money during the holidays? Check out the amazing frugal Christmas savings spectacular for your chance to win one of two subscriptions to Kiplinger's Personal Financ...Read more »
- Warning: Identity Theft Doesn't Stop During the Holidays (5 comments)
Randy at Parable of the Talents warns that identity theft doesn't stop during the holidays. In fact, it's likely that crooks are more active than ever! I recently received an email that I thought w...Read more »
- The Amazing Frugal Christmas Savings Spectacular! (52 comments)
Look for the first-ever Get Rich Slowly contest at the end of this entry! HO HO HO! I had intended to post a series of articles on how to save money at Christmas, but they've taken longer to wri...Read more »
- Ramit's Guide to Kicking Ass (4 comments)
Ramit of I Will Teach You to Be Rich has just published his first ebook: Ramit's 2007 Guide to Kicking Ass. This little gem features six original essays from Ramit and four from guest authors. (I cont...Read more »
- Track Your Spending with a Cash Notebook (25 comments)
I had dinner with my friend TJ tonight. He paid for his meal with cash. After we'd settled the check, he pulled out a small spiral notebook and jotted down some numbers. "What's that?" I asked. ...Read more »
- Keep Track of Food with a Leftovers List (17 comments)
I never remember what we have in the fridge. We'll make a pot roast for Sunday dinner, and store several servings of leftovers. But once they're in Tupperware and tucked out of sight, they're as good ...Read more »
- How to Get the Most Out of a College Job (11 comments)
A college job can be a chore. Or it can be the doorway to future success. The choice is yours. I asked Michael Hampton, director of career development for Western Oregon University, for advice on ...Read more »
- 8 Ways to Make Bill-Paying Easier (17 comments)
My friend Mike is well-off. He lives alone, makes a good salary, invests wisely, and doesn't spend money on foolish endeavors. Yet he often gets charged late fees. Why? Because he's disorganized. He b...Read more »
- Save Money by Asking for a Lower Rate (9 comments)
GRS-reader Fritz writes with a money-saving tip: I just wanted to share a way I saved some money on my digitalphone bill. I live in Wisconsin and have TimeWarner cable TV/Internet/digital phone ser...Read more »
- What to Do With All Those Pennies (14 comments)
Over at AskMetafilter, a user wants to know what to do with all his pennies. I have a lot of pennies. They accumulated over the past twelve years. I need a permanent solution to this problem other ...Read more »
- Track Every Penny You Spend (46 comments)
I struggled with debt for years. I couldn't get a handle on where my money went. I made a decent wage, but I was always broke! Where did I spend it all? Then I read Your Money or Your Life and heeded ...Read more »
- How to Find an Accountant (9 comments)
I am not a financial expert. I'm just an average guy who wants to improve his personal finances while helping others to improve theirs. I feel comfortable giving general advice, but sometimes people w...Read more »
- Survey: Money and Marriage (22 comments)
Here's an excellent question from a Get Rich Slowly reader. While I try my best to "get rich slowly" I have one huge issue: a husband. My husband likes to spend money. I'm referred to as the "Thr...Read more »
- The Personal Finance HOW-TO Library (1 comment)
JLP at All Financial Matters has masterminded another outstanding community project. By recruiting contributions from other money bloggers, he's crafted a library of personal finance HOW-TOs. Thes...Read more »
- Control Impulse Spending with the 30-Day Rule (48 comments)
I made a trip to Costco to buy business supplies last week. While browsing the software, I spotted the latest version of Quicken. I picked up the box and looked at the list of new features. I felt tha...Read more »
- The Only Credit Card Guide You'll Ever Need (23 comments)
I don't like credit cards. They're a dangerous trap, especially for the young. Many smart people disagree with me, though, and have learned to use credit cards to their advantage. This guide provides ...Read more »
- A College Education for $10 a Course (17 comments)
Here's a tip for getting a variety of college-level courses for cheap. Dirt cheap. This may be the best tip I have ever shared. I encourage you to read the entire entry. The Teaching Company The T...Read more »
- 10 Expert Tips for Saving on Car Insurance (18 comments)
My friend Lynn works for a major U.S. insurance company. I recently asked her for tips to help people save money on auto insurance. I expected maybe a few quick ideas, but she went above-and-beyond wi...Read more »
- Tricks for Tracking Your Money? (13 comments)
We all know that we should track our spending, but not everyone actually does. How does one develop this discipline? One AskMetafilter user pleads: Do you have any tricks to ensure that you track...Read more »
- Tips for Financial Independence (4 comments)
Yesterday I described how Financial Independence is the goal of many frugal folks. We live cheaply, work hard, and save until we reach a point where we can pursue our dreams without concern for money....Read more »
- How I Finally Defeated Dandruff (91 comments)
Here's a tip I cannot believe I'm sharing in public. For years I've battled dandruff. I mean I've had it bad. Recently it's reached nightmarish proportions — my scalp was like North Dakota in...Read more »
- A Cheaper Cup of Coffee (20 comments)
David Bach likes to refer to the latte factor — that daily indulgence you can't resist. For many people, it's a cup of premium coffee from Starbucks (or a local coffee stand). These people love ...Read more »
- Frugality in Practice: At the Movies (12 comments)
It's the peak of the summer movie season. What's a frugal person to do? Ticket prices are outrageous, and food prices are worse. $3.50 for a package of Twizzlers? Give me a break! In the comments t...Read more »
- Financial Advice from a Founding Father (1 comment)
In celebration of Independence Day, I've gathered some personal finance advice from Benjamin Franklin, one of our Founding Fathers. Franklin was witty, wise, and eminently practical. He was a master o...Read more »
- Free Online Coupon Codes (11 comments)
Currentcodes.com is a clearing-house for coupon codes offered by online retailers. Hundreds of well-known online stores like Barnes and Noble, Staples, and Amazon.com have a place within their sh...Read more »
- Tip: Pay Your Bills as They Arrive (16 comments)
Here's a tip that can pay big dividends: Pay your bills as they arrive. This helps financially and psychologically. I get paid twice a month. Because I used to live paycheck-to-paycheck, I paid my ...Read more »
- Garage Sale Bargains (3 comments)
After browsing dozens of garage sales over the weekend, it's apparent there are some items that you shouldn't buy new. You can find all of the following at garage sales for cheap: Exercise equipm...Read more »
- Tip: Citrus Ice Cubes (4 comments)
It's summer in Oregon — warm weather is approaching. A cool, refreshing cocktail is an excellent way to unwind after a hot day's work. Many cocktails call for a little lime juice or lemon juice....Read more »
- Parent Hacks (1 comment)
Are you frugal? Do you have young children? Could you use some tips on how to make parenting less work and more fun? Parent Hacks is a "collaborative weblog of practical parenting wisdom". In other wo...Read more »
- General Investment Tips (2 comments)
Matt's General Investing Tips reflect common investment wisdom as I understand it. There is nothing new or shocking here. This is mainstream investment advice. If you're looking for an introduction to...Read more »
- Saving Electricity: How to Reduce Your Energy Costs (17 comments)
How much electricity does your computer use? Your refrigerator? Your washer and dryer? Do you know how to save money on water heating costs? Michael Bluejay's guide to saving electricity answers these...Read more »
- How to Extend the Life of Your Car (4 comments)
The true cost of car ownership is greater than most people suspect. But you can get more life out your vehicle, can reduce your cost per mile, by following a few simple suggestions. eHow offers twelve...Read more »
- Cheap and Effective Ways to Make Life Easier (7 comments)
"What are some cheap and effective ways to make life easier?" asks a Metafilter user. I only buy one kind of socks. This means I don't have to match them up when doing laundry, never stress abou...Read more »
- My Frugal Life (1 comment)
Dawn at Frugal for Life has posted a collection of links to stories of frugality. ThriftyFun recently ran (and is still running) a series called My Frugal Life. It is a nice assortment of different...Read more »
- How To Acquire a Good Entry-Level Job (3 comments)
Not everyone is ready to aim for a $100,000 job. On AskMetafilter, a user writes: I need to find some sort of long-term employment that will put me on my way to establishing financial independence ...Read more »
- How to Get a Job Paying More Than $100,000 (5 comments)
I've written a lot about how you can save money, about how frugality and thrift can help you to get rich slowly. But another way to save more than you earn is to increase your income. Paul's Tips offe...Read more »
- The Hillbilly Housewife (5 comments)
In response to recent posts on eating cheaply (Healthy Food on an Unhealthy Budget and Learning to Eat More Meals at Home), several readers have pointed to a site called Hillbilly Housewife. The f...Read more »
- Life After Graduation (7 comments)
David Bach, author of The Automatic Millionaire, has some tips for a great life after graduation. Choose your life — "You don't get what you wish for in life, you get what you go for." Make...Read more »
- Save Money With Magazines (5 comments)
How much do you spend each month on newspapers and magazines? How many of these do you actually read? Would you miss any if you cancelled the subscriptions? There's something comforting about curli...Read more »
- Essential Gear for a Bike Commute (5 comments)
Many people who live frugal lifestyles swear by alternative transportation. They ride mass transit. They commute by bicycle. They walk. Many don't even own a car. Summer is approaching. Maybe you h...Read more »
- How to Slash Summer Energy Costs (1 comment)
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In town for Memorial Day weekend? Don't miss the free annual Hilton Head Art Festival at Shelter Cove Harbour! For two days, May 24 and 25 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., you can browse fine art from artists across the country at this juried art exhibit.
More than 150 artists and crafts will set up at Shelter Cove to display their works and offer demonstrations. Be sure to see the Rock 'n Roll Potter who works on his pottery wheel while accompanied by rock tunes! Other art media include clothing, baskets, jewelry, candles, sculpture, leather works, stained glass, water color, photography and more. Prices range from as little as $25 to $30,000!
The annual art festival is a great place to add to your art collection or pick up a unique hand-crafted souvenir. New this year is an art giveaway of a photograph by James Gary Richmond of a Hilton Head beachside scene. Register to win during the show and listen for the winner during the final hour.
You can also enjoy live music this weekend at Shelter Cove from 1-4 p.m. by steel drum band Positive Vibrations along with concerts by Shannon Tanner both nights at 6:30 and 8 p.m. Be sure to browse all of the unique stores at Shelter Cove and enjoy dinner at one of its fine restaurants. Many offer outdoors seating or water views of beautiful Broad Creek.
Have you ever found any great pieces at the annual art show? Have a great Memorial Day weekend!
To book your Memorial Day getaway to Hilton Head Island to enjoy golf, tennis, biking, the beach and more, call us at 866-650-4130!
Finding the right holiday gift for every person in your life can be more than a little stressful! But when you come shopping in Hilton Head, you're likely to find some unique gift items to both surprise and delight your family and friends. To help you with your holiday shopping, we've compiled some of our favorite gift ideas from around our famous South Carolina resort and neighboring Shelter Cove Harbour.
For the golfer:
For the tennis player:
For the outdoor enthusiast:
For an artistic or unique gift:
For anyone:
Here are more holiday deals at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort and Shelter Cove Harbour. If you can't make it in person to shop, feel free to give us a call at 866-744-7558 and we'll be happy to ship.
How far along are you on your holiday gift list? Will any of these golf gifts, tennis gifts or other ideas make your list? Happy shopping!
If you're looking for more than a tchotchke to take home as a souvenir of your Hilton Head vacation, consider heading over to the annual Hilton Head Art Fair running Saturday and Sunday, May 26 and 27 at Shelter Cove Harbour. The event is free.
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., you can browse through works from more than 150 artists from $25 hand-crafted earrings to $30,000 metal sculptures. There's something to suit every taste and budget. You're also welcome to strike up conversations with the artists themselves to get a deeper understanding for their inspiration.
While you're admiring wood carvings, watercolors, photography and ceramic art, enjoy the scenery at Shelter Cove Marina, too. Stroll through the shops in this Mediterranean-inspired village and enjoy lunch at one of several cafes overlooking the water, such as Ela's Blu Water Grille or San Miguel's. On a warm day, an Italian Ice from Frosty's is also a real treat.
Shelter Cove Harbour is located right across the highway from Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, so throughout both days, the Palmetto Dunes Dunes Buggy van will be available to shuttle folks back and forth between the resort and Shelter Cove Harbour for free. Catch the Dunes Buggy at the free patron parking lots located at the adjacent lot behind the HS1 building and the chamber lot behind the arts center. The Buggy will drop you off at Neptune Circle in Shelter Cove.
Or free to pedal over by bike (Hilton Head Outfitters will be happy to rent you one!). There's a safe pedestrian tunnel under William Hilton Parkway.
The 4th annual Hilton Head Island Art Festival at Shelter Cove Harbour is perfect opportunity to take a little or a lot of artistic inspiration home with you. You'll find Hilton Head Island inspires artists and patrons alike.
There's some great shopping throughout Hilton Head but within Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort there are some must see shops.
Shelter Cove Harbour doesn't just host HarbourFest, Shannon Tanner and summertime fireworks; it's also the home of a variety of interesting shopping. Located on beautiful Broad Creek, the waterfront shopping at Shelter Cove Harbour makes for a fun day! Here are some of the stores you need to peruse the next time you're in town.
Clothing and Accessories
Camp Hilton Head- This cute store has great Hilton Head hats, tees and beach bags. If you're looking for a vacation souvenir, this is the place.
Neptune's Kids- Carries a wide variety of clothing, games and gifts for kids of all ages. Your children will surely fall in love with this store.
Taffeta- If you're looking for a beautiful outfit for a special night out or want to check out the latest fashions from Europe, come on in.
Home and Garden
Christmas on the Harbour- Get in the holiday spirit year round with some of the best Christmas decorations like ornaments, nativities and holiday stem wear.
Neptune's Niche- Unique home and garden accessories as well as a selection of glassware, artwork, jewelry, woodwork, ironwork, pottery and textiles by Lowcountry artists.
Art and Photography
The Golf & Boat Club/ Bolton Smith Gallery- Original artwork by R. Bolton Smith and resort wear.
LaBelle Image Fine Art Gallery- A popular art gallery featuring original work by artist Richard Riverin and unique art to complement the existing décor of your home.
Legacy Design Photographers- Looking to capture your family vacation memories? The team at Legacy can create beautiful images of your children, engagement photos or family reunions!
Nash Gallery- This gallery showcases some beautiful wood, metal, glass, ceramic and handmade jewelry from North American artists.
Salon Shelter Cove- If you're looking for a new do, a blow out or even a Keratin treatment while in town, this salon will help you out. Walk-ins welcome!
Shelter Cove has something for everyone and we hope you spend a day walking in the sun from store to store enjoying the day. Don't forget that there are also 7 wonderful restaurants for you to sit and have lunch and dinner! What's your favorite store in Hilton Head?
The Gullah culture is all around us here in Hilton Head but it's in full bloom each February when we celebrate Gullah Heritage month. Gullah is more than a language or the name of the people; it's a way to preserve the traditions and struggles of those West Africans who were brought to South Carolina and Georgia as slaves.
Since 1996, The Gullah Celebration has been celebrating and honoring all things Gullah on our Island by holding daily events from February 1- 25. The overall goal of the Celebration is to raise awareness and funds to support minority-owned businesses and to bring this historic culture to tourists.
Each event showcases an aspect of the Gullah culture, such as food, music, arts and history. You'll be amazed at the beautiful voices of Gospel singers, the intricate weavings of sweetgrass to make a basket and the amazing tales coming from a group of storytellers.
Put on by the Native Island Business and Community Affairs Association, Inc. and Native Islanders Property Owners Association, these events are sure to provide entertainment for your whole family. Saturday, February 4 will bring one of the most popular events, The Taste of Gullah, which gives you the opportunity to taste classic Gullah dishes for only $10.
Many events are free and open to the public, and we hope you'll check out the complete list of all the happenings during Gullah Celebration Month. If you'll be with us in February, be sure to make time taking in a little bit of the history that truly makes Hilton Head something special!
It's that time of year again … time to deck the halls and trim the tree! Most of the decorating decisions come down to white or colored lights, which ornaments will be on the front of the tree and what bows to put on your wreath. Why not try something a little different this year with a beach-themed holiday? Here are a few ideas to make your winter décor feel a little more tropical.
This holiday, instead of just wishing you were out of the snow and in the sand, bring the beach to your home with your decorations. We'd love to see how your family decorated this holiday season so please feel free to share your pictures with us on Facebook! Happy Holidays.
Halloween is in just two short weeks, which leaves little time to find a costume. For those who are super busy and don't want to spend a lot of time or money on a cool get-up for Halloween, we've got you covered with some Palmetto Dunes-inspired costumes for the whole family!
1. Dad as a golfer:
-polo shirt
-khaki shorts/pants
-golf shoes
-sweater to tie around your neck
-golf glove
2. Mom as a tennis player:
-tennis skirt/dress
- visor
-tennis shoes
3. Child as a Surfer:
-bathing suit
-cover up
-surfboard: can be made out of cardboard and painted by your child
-shell necklace or a lei
4. Toddler as a Sea Turtle:
- green hooded sweatshirt
- green sweatpants
- 2 large sheets of dark green felt
- light green and tan felt
- 2 large googly eyes
- pillow stuffing or newspaper
- fabric glue
This costume requires a little more work than the other three but is still very easy and super inexpensive to create. Follow these simple steps from HGTV and don't be afraid to get a little creative with it!
These are just a couple ideas that are fun and can be pulled together with items in your closet. Got more cheap and easy costume ideas? Tweet us an idea or a picture @PalmettoDunesSC or post to our Facebook page!
Shannon Tanner holds a special place in the hearts of all who've visited Palmetto Dunes, as well as Hilton Head locals and those strolling through Shelter Cove during the summer season. Although summer has come to a close, he's keeping his musical act in motion by heading into the school systems with his "Wish to Be Just Who You Are Shannon Tanner School Tour."
This anti-bullying campaign uses Shannon's music to teach children important life lessons and the impact of bullying on kids. Shannon says the inspiration came from some of his own childhood memories, as well as the ever-growing number of cyber bullying reports.
Shannon has been performing at our HarbourFest event for 24 years and we hope his anti-bullying campaign shapes the lives of children for many years to come! Check out this amazing video below of Shannon performing at Roaring Brook School!
If you've been to see us for a summer vacation, spring break or quick getaway in the last year and a half then you've probably seen the famous Charles Fraser statue. The life-sized bronze statue of Charles Fraser and his alligator, located at Compass Rose Park, is part of the public art fund created by The Community Foundation of the Lowcountry in 2010. The goal of the fund is to install public art and sculptures to beautify our Island.
This year the public art fund is bringing 20 pieces of outdoor sculpture to the Coastal Discovery Museum from September 25 through December 31. There will be works of art from local, national and international artists, and by the end of the year one piece will be selected to remain in Hilton Head and become a permanent part of our public art collection.
If you're planning a visit between now and the end of the year, this is a free, must-see walking tour of some fantastic art. So whether you're into modern, classic or contemporary, come to Hilton Head this fall and winter and get artsy with us!
With a backdrop itself a work of art, Hilton Head will host the annual Art Festival at Shelter Cove Harbour Memorial Day weekend May 28 and 29. The free event runs 10 a.m.-5 p.m. each day .

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Ryan Litzinger began his college career at an art institute, but knew he needed hands-on television experience to make the transition to a professional broadcasting career. Where could he get this experience?
[CUE: Clarion University]
He transferred to Clarion and wasted no time getting involved with WCUB-TV, the university's student-run television station. Success came quickly. During his freshman year he secured a seat on the station's executive board - a position that offered him valuable, real-world experience. Could he have gotten this type of opportunity at a larger school? Perhaps. But, most likely not during his freshman year.
Ryan worked hard and joined the ranks of other students excelling in broadcasting at Clarion. He produced two shows: The Buzz, featuring TV, video games, and music industry news; and Invaders, similar to MTV's Cribs, focusing on student living environments at Clarion.
He continued to stretch and build his portfolio. In fact, he used what he learned at Clarion to create music videos for two up-and-coming Pittsburgh artists.
The Clarion environment, which fosters collaboration among students, helped Ryan stay on top of his game: "You can generate great ideas by tossing them around with other people in the studio," Ryan noted.
Ryan had no problem transitioning from TV to radio. As a DJ for the student radio station, 91.7 WCUC-FM, he produced and hosts the three-hour show, Ryan and Roommate Mark Show on Friday evenings, which features hits from the 90's.
"I always wanted to do a live show," Ryan said. "At Clarion, I'm on the air three hours every week. Live radio forces you to step up your game, giving me the experience I need to compete in broadcasting after graduation."
When he leaves Clarion this fall with a degree in communication, he plans tackle the Pittsburgh market.
"If you are passionate about broadcasting, willing to learn everything you can about it, and get a lot of hands-on experience, you can succeed in this profession," Ryan concluded. "Clarion gave me the opportunities and I took full advantage of each one."
[FADE OUT...for now]
Ryan is poised for a successful career in broadcasting. We hope he remembers where it all began. At Clarion.


text:
CATEGORIES MoviesIt's like something out of a movie.
One-million dollars worth of Chopard jewelry was stolen last night at the Cannes Film Festival, according to Guardian UK.
The pricey bling was supposed to be worn by celebrities at the French film fest, but instead the jewels were taken from the hotel room of one of the Swiss luxury jeweler's employees. The pieces were in a security box, which French police say was smashed and hauled out of the room.
Funnily enough, the jewelry, which was scheduled to be worn on the red carpet last night, was taken during the premiere of Sofia Coppola's new film, "The Bling Ring," which tells the story of teen thieves who stole from the rich and famous in Hollywood. Mere coincidence, or a copy-cat crime? We're going with coincidence, unless Emma Watson is prepping for "Bling Ring 2: The Big Heist."
No word yet on which celebrities were left jewel-less by the crime.
[via Guardian UK]


text: Boom Box Bedding For Baby Tiny Breakdancer: Baby's Got Beat With Boom Box Goodies by Heather Maddan 2/20/11 0 Reactions 12 Shares Print 1 10 1 0 0 If you want your babe to be old-school cool, invest in some beat-bumping boom box products! From soft-soled shoes to crib bedding, you can find all kinds of retro-inspired goodies on the market. Check out five of my favorite finds for retro movers. Boom Box Beanie What's Your Reaction? 0 0 0 0 0 0 Baby's got music on the mind in this born to rock boom box beanie ($15). And the topper keeps it real because it's made of organic fabric. 1 / 5 Boom Box Booties What's Your Reaction? 0 0 0 0 0 0 These boom box baby shoes ($14) get the party started! The kicks are key to a wee kid getting his groove on. 2 / 5 Boom Box and Cassette Crib Bedding What's Your Reaction? 0 0 0 0 0 0 Let your lil one sleep to the beat with this adorable retro-cool crib bedding ($208), which is a refreshing alternative to the mainstream patterns sold in stores. The set includes a bumpers, a sheet, and a crib skirt. 3 / 5 Boom Box Bib What's Your Reaction? 0 0 0 0 0 0 Get down, get down . . . at dinner! Snap this black and blue boom box bib ($8) on baby to protect a tot's threads while he eats! 4 / 5 Cassette Burp Cloth What's Your Reaction? 0 0 0 0 0 0 Your babe may be born to burp, but you can keep your mama cool by using this cassette burp cloth ($8) to clean up the mess. 6 / 5 1 10 1 0 0 Read More Boom BoxesCassettesCrib BeddingBurpersBibsLil ApparelShoesShopping Link Love Mom forced to stop feeding baby homemade formula — BabyCenter Blog The easiest ways to save on organic food — The Stir A look inside Fergie's second baby shower — Celebrity Baby Scoop Danielle Jonas debuts her baby bump — People Moms & Babies 7 light and fresh recipes to take you through Summer — FitPregnancy Does where you live affect your risk for PPD? — The Bump Where to find the best deals on school supplies — Real Simple Now this is how you announce a pregnancy! — HuffPost Parents