By host on
5/17/2012 7:39 AM
Looking to buy a good used car? Maybe you should try your local rental car counter.
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By host on
5/17/2012 7:38 AM
If you're late paying a bill, you'll pay dearly for your tardiness. Here's how to avoid late fees by letting someone else worry about reminding you.
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By host on
5/17/2012 7:17 AM
Planning on taking a vacation this summer? Don't forget your sunscreen, beach towels and this list of money-saving tips.
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By host on
3/26/2012 10:02 AM
The best fertilizer for your garden or shrubs is absolutely free, and it's in your kitchen trash can right now.
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By host on
3/26/2012 9:57 AM
What's worse than wasting money? Spending it on things that you think make you look good, but really make you look silly.
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By host on
3/16/2012 8:19 AM
The new iPads are out, but that doesn't mean you should buy one. Here's why I'm not
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By host on
3/16/2012 8:08 AM
Economizing doesn’t necessarily mean missing out on life. Here's how I trimmed expenses without cutting into my lifestyle.
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By host on
3/16/2012 8:01 AM
Justin Bieber can teach you a lot about smart financial moves that look stupid at first.
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By host on
3/5/2012 8:49 AM
Want to pay $5 for a bookshelf, $1 for baby clothes, or 10 cents for a wine glass? Garage sales are full of great deals – if you know how to shop 'em.
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By host on
3/5/2012 8:40 AM
Need help saving, paying down debt, or just keeping tabs on your money? Don’t go it alone: There’s free help at your fingertips.
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By host on
3/5/2012 8:38 AM
If you really want to do something about prices at the pump, it's not too late to take the advice I offered on Dec 8, 2010.
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By host on
2/9/2012 1:59 PM
Buying in bulk is cheaper on most things, but you can save even more if you follow these tips about what to do – and not do.
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By host on
2/6/2012 10:23 AM
This reader appreciates tips on spending less, but what he really wants to know is, "How can I make more?" Here's what I think...what about you?
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By host on
1/27/2012 10:36 AM
Going green doesn't have to mean going broke. Here are eight sites that sell eco-friendly household products cheap.
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By host on
1/24/2012 9:02 AM
Going out to eat doesn't have to mean letting yourself go. With some quick and easy advice, you can save calories and maybe even a couple of bucks.
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By host on
1/24/2012 8:54 AM
Maybe you can relate: This reader sees retirement looming on the horizon, but because she hasn't saved enough, she's afraid her golden years will be anything but. What can she do?
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By host on
1/24/2012 8:49 AM
Ever heard the term "found money"? No one finds it quite like I do. Ever heard the term "dirty money"? To me, there's no such thing.
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By host on
1/24/2012 8:42 AM
The Apple iPad isn't the only tablet on the market. In fact, you can find an Android tablet with similar specs and a much lower price.
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By host on
1/24/2012 8:39 AM
What's your hourly rate for frugal activities? Compare the money saved as payment for time invested, and you'll get an entirely new perspective on frugality.
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By host on
1/16/2012 1:51 PM
Still haven't made a New Year's resolution? Well, the Chinese New Year is Jan. 23 - good enough. But instead of the Year of the Dragon, make it the Year of Savings.
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By host on
1/13/2012 2:11 PM
Are you a dollar store detester or devotee? You won't catch me in one. Here's why.
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By host on
1/13/2012 2:04 PM
They're called "hacks": clever solutions to tricky problems. Here are some of my favorites to help you save more or spend less.
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By host on
1/13/2012 1:56 PM
Is an LED light bulb better than a CFL bulb? What's a mini-pendant light? If lighting options leave you in the dark, here's the short course.
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By host on
1/10/2012 9:30 AM
What if you could buy expensive designer clothing for pennies on the dollar? You can.
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By host on
12/19/2011 11:05 AM
Want to change your finances? Change your habits. Here are tips that can make you richer.
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By host on
12/19/2011 11:01 AM
Between rising costs and an uncertain economy, we're all looking for new ways to save money. But instead of looking for the one-time big score, try saving a little bit each month. It adds up.
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By host on
12/13/2011 9:44 AM
Turning trash into treasure is a lot easier these days with websites that help you find buyers. But each has its own niche – and finding the right one can mean big savings.
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By host on
12/13/2011 9:42 AM
New is always nice. But gently used furniture, clothing, and baby gear can really ease the strain on your pocketbook when you're expecting.
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By host on
12/13/2011 9:38 AM
Everyone knows you can buy books online at Amazon.com, but where do you sell those books online once you're done with them? Here are four proven options.
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By host on
12/13/2011 9:35 AM
A simple $1 bandana has saved me hundreds of dollars and hours of time. There's only one thing I don't use it for, because it's kinda gross...
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By host on
12/8/2011 3:04 PM
Give a more personalized and meaningful gift this year by making it yourself – and still saving money.
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By host on
12/8/2011 9:56 AM
If you plan to buy gift bags, wrapping paper, boxes, or bows this holiday season, you're wasting your money. You can impress for much less – just by listening to what my mom says.
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By host on
12/6/2011 10:48 AM
The biggest holiday bargains this season may be pieces of plastic. Check out these savings of up to 20 percent.
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By host on
12/6/2011 10:46 AM
I don't have an iPhone, and I'm proud of that fact. Like many folks, I have an Android phone. If you want to avoid the hype and save some money on a great smartphone, here's how to do it.
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By host on
12/6/2011 9:44 AM
Frequent flier programs can change at the whim of the airlines – and rarely in your favor. Here's how to shield yourself (and your miles) from their devious ways.
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By host on
11/28/2011 10:01 AM
Plus promo codes for Victoria's Secret, Lands' End, Steve Madden, and Origins.
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By host on
11/28/2011 9:46 AM
We also consider the bigger, philosophical question: Why would you even think about throwing out burnt toast in the first place?
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By host on
11/28/2011 9:42 AM
Whether it's in the air or on the ground, the fight against fees is shaping up to be an eternal struggle. Use these tactics to push back against fee-focused hotels.
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By host on
11/25/2011 11:06 AM
Do you check your smartphone before grocery shopping? Are you tracking what you spend at the grocery store? If not, you're probably wasting money every week.
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By host on
11/21/2011 3:13 PM
Consumer Reports compared three big-name websites to find out which one sells the cheapest groceries. Guess who won...
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By host on
11/21/2011 3:04 PM
Freecycling can be a great way to cash in on all kinds of free stuff, but even freebies have their downsides. Here are the pros and cons of freecycling plus everything you need to know to get started.
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By host on
11/21/2011 2:48 PM
Generation Y is freaking out over finances, according to new research. That's a good thing: Their concern might motivate them to start planning.
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By host on
11/18/2011 3:08 PM
The power to watch hundreds of channels is in your hand – but what about the price tag? News flash: You don't have to pay for cable TV anymore. Technology has provided other cheap, easy options to get your favorite shows.
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By host on
11/18/2011 3:07 PM
You might pilfer some office supplies, but your bosses might be making it back because you're irresponsibly thirsty.
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By host on
11/18/2011 3:06 PM
There's a lot of great advice out there (and on this very site) for saving money. But if it overwhelms you, start with just these two simple rules and you'll be on your way to financial independence.
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By host on
11/18/2011 2:47 PM
With sophisticated smartphones and expensive data plans, it's more important than ever to rein in your family's cell phone bills.
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By host on
11/18/2011 2:38 PM
Could you use a little extra cash for the holidays? Here's a quick list of places to look...
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By host on
11/14/2011 2:17 PM
Use these tips and you'll be on the path to healthier eating for your family – and a sound financial start for even the youngest family member.
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By host on
11/8/2011 4:13 PM
Loose change can really add up. But what about loose bills? Here's an easy way to save money without even thinking about it.
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By host on
11/7/2011 10:12 AM
If time is money, then fast food is a cash-wasting drain on your wallet. Here's how to eat right, quick, and cheap.
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By host on
11/7/2011 10:04 AM
Can you make yourself smarter without spending money? Here are some low-cost and no-cost suggestions for improving your brainpower.
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By host on
11/7/2011 10:03 AM
We all know about preventive medicine when it comes to our health. But what about preventive care when it comes to our home? Here are some simple prescriptions you can do easily today that could save you thousands in repairs tomorrow.
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By host on
11/3/2011 11:17 AM
Extreme Couponing is back on TV for its second season. Here's what I learned from the first.
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By host on
11/3/2011 11:15 AM
Can the way you write a grocery list really save you money? It sure can – if you add a bunch of items you can't buy at the store.
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By host on
10/25/2011 10:02 AM
Time is money. So here's how to get your family off to a good start when they're in a hurry – and you are too.
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By host on
10/20/2011 10:30 AM
Are daily deal sites really all that great? Not if you don't think before you click.
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By host on
10/12/2011 4:34 PM
There's a lot of great advice out there (and on this very site) for saving money. But if it overwhelms you, start with just these two simple rules and you'll be on your way to financial independence.
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By host on
10/11/2011 7:37 AM
According to recent research, fewer than half of us are likely to buy many types of electronics online. If you're strictly a bricks-and-mortar shopper, you might be missing out on online bargains.
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By host on
10/11/2011 7:34 AM
Follow these rules, and you'll be able to stay in a luxury hotel at discount prices – or even free.
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By host on
10/7/2011 10:31 AM
What's the secret to extending the life of paper towels? Not using them when you don't have to.
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By host on
10/7/2011 10:25 AM
Renting a car is simple and cheap. But those counter employees sure make it tough to decline the up-sells and upgrades. Here's why you should.
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By host on
9/27/2011 8:57 AM
Saving money isn't as hard as it seems. Step 1? Stop needlessly blowing it. Take a look at the following checklist and see if you're guilty of wasting cash.
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By host on
9/27/2011 8:51 AM
Football season is here again, but maybe you should pass – and make an end run to some other sporting events that are cheaper and just as much fun.
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By host on
9/16/2011 8:46 AM
Buying generic from the grocery store is way more controversial than it ought to be. Another new study proves that generics are a great deal for almost indistinguishable quality.
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By host on
9/16/2011 8:22 AM
There are only four seasons in the year, right? Wrong. Retailers have up to 20 seasons – just one of the many ways they entice you to make impulse buys. Here's how to resist temptation.
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By host on
9/9/2011 9:25 AM
Failing a class in school is one thing. Failing your financial goals as an adult is another. Here's how to earn an A-plus in personal finance.
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By host on
9/1/2011 10:08 AM
You know those coin-counting change machines in your local supermarket? I make money from them.
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By host on
9/1/2011 9:42 AM
If you've never used Internet coupons before, what are you waiting for? Here's everything you need to know to get started.
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By host on
8/16/2011 12:27 PM
Is it smart or gross to save money by washing your clothes less often? Or is it both?
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By host on
8/12/2011 10:54 AM
If you still aren't using Restaurant gift certificates every time you eat out, you're throwing away money that you could be putting into a savings account or using to pay down debts. Here's everything you need to know to get started.
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By host on
8/12/2011 10:48 AM
It's not just old wives telling tales. Sometimes financial experts do it too.
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By host on
8/12/2011 10:43 AM
Everybody loves free stuff, but few spend the time hunting for it – time is money too. Save both by learning to find great freebies without much work.
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By host on
8/9/2011 8:00 AM
Spending money is more fun than saving it. But you can do both and still savor life.
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By host on
8/5/2011 8:50 AM
Extreme couponing is extremely popular these days. But if there's a backlash coming, let's start right here...
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By host on
6/20/2011 11:26 AM
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By host on
6/16/2011 3:03 PM
Living on a budget doesn’t have to mean giving up every last luxury. Read on for tips to find designer clothing and shoes for half the retail price.
My mother has always been frugal, but I didn’t learn to pinch pennies till I was in college. Even then, there were a couple of luxuries I refused to give up – like an ever-growing shoe collection and trips to Macy’s.
Fortunately, I didn’t have to sacrifice those wants in order to afford my needs. Perhaps more than any other category of purchases, it’s quite realistic to never pay full price for clothing and shoes, and I take that mentality with me every time I hit the mall.
When I last went clothing shopping, it helped me bring home two pairs of shorts, four pairs of shoes, and nine tops – most of which were name-brand – for less than $300. If I had paid retail price for everything, it would have cost me about $550.
Here are a few tips for maintaining a brand-name wardrobe on a college student’s budget…
...
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By host on
5/27/2011 7:17 AM
Free cheeseburger dog? Check. Free bacon? Check. A drink with that? Check. And that’s just to get these delicious deals started…
Source: Money Talks ( http://s.tt/12vmK)
Hope you’re hungry! Whether you’re heading out to dinner with the family or eating on the run, we’ve got a deal that will fill up you…
Food
Fast food: Let’s start this category off with a completely free cheeseburgerdog from RaceTrac gas-convenience stores (with coupon) [expires 6/6]. Actually, make that two free cheeseburger dogs: The coupon rules say “one coupon per person per month,” so if you print two copies of it, you can use one before May ends and the other between June 1 and 6!
To further clog your arteries, Denny’s will toss two free strips of bacon...
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By host on
3/3/2011 4:38 PM
Last week, President Obama caught flack – from his own party – for proposing to slash a $5.1 billion program that offers heating subsidies for the poor.
During one of the chilliest winters on record, Obama proposed cutting the program nearly in half, MSNBC reported. Perhaps not coincidentally, a new study came out that shows, over the past decade, energy costs have consumed a bigger chunk of Americans’ budgets.
Published by the American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity, and based on Department of Energy and Census Bureau data, the study’s [ PDF]...
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By host on
2/17/2011 1:31 PM
While overall inflation is expected to remain tame this year, one area that might be less friendly is clothing, with overall prices rising by 10 percent or more. Here’s how to prepare for higher prices ahead.
According to this recent article from the Associated Press, your clothing bill is about to go up by 10 percent, with some of the increase happening this spring and the rest by the end of the year.
On an inflation-adjusted basis, overall clothing prices have declined over the last 10 years as lower-cost raw materials and goods from low-labor-cost countries like China flooded the market. But in more recent months, both material and labor costs have been escalating. ...
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By host on
1/6/2011 12:00 AM
Happy New Year! If your resolution was to spend money more carefully, we’re here to help. Start 2011 off right with some free breakfast, then save on your kids’ school supplies or restock your office. We’ve also spotted savings on grocery items and computer hardware.
Freebies first: At Waffle House you can get free hash browns with a coupon that expires Jan. 15. You can also get free bagel poppers and coffee at Einstein Bros. Bagels when you purchase a breakfast sandwich through Friday.
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By host on
1/6/2011 12:00 AM
This is National Blood Donor Month, so it’s a perfect time to share the story of a Money Talks News reader who figured out how to be noble and profitable at the same time.
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By host on
12/14/2010 12:00 AM
Last May, we gave you 13 Cool Tips for Lower Energy Bills. Many of the same tips apply to lowering your heating bill – like cleaning your air filters and installing enough insulation. So check out that story, but here’s more quick info on things you can do to winterize your home.
1. Use free online tools.
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By host on
12/14/2010 12:00 AM
At Money Talks News, we’re always looking for new and better ways to save and track spending – not just for you, but for us, too. And while we have some cool features on this site, including a deals search engine and tools to find better interest rates and credit cards, that doesn’t mean there aren’t other sites with lots to offer – the web is full of innovation when it comes to financial tools.
With that in mind, I recently took a look at two other sites that bill themselves as financial forerunners. I found them simple enough to use, with interesting possibilities – if they can work out the kinks:
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By host on
7/26/2010 12:00 AM
Buy your sports or entertainment tickets when they’re issued, and odds are that if you don’t buy them directly from the venue, you’re going to ticketmaster or another one of the primary distributors of tickets – and paying a mark-up of up to 30% over face value.
But if the event is sold out – or if you’re trying to get a deal – you should try the secondary market for tickets. It’s growing. According to Forrester Research, the estimated total amount for the resale ticket market will reach $4.5 billion by 2012.
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By host on
7/14/2010 12:00 AM
Almost a year ago I moved into a new apartment and did something revolutionary: I didn’t set up cable or satellite TV. I was frustrated by the lack of choice (only one provider), lengthy contracts, and inexplicably high price. As someone who watches a lot of television, this seemed like a truly difficult problem, but I resolved to find a way to see my favorite shows without paying a cable or satellite bill. Fortunately, it was much easier than I thought.
You might not know it, but you can watch HDTV with an antenna.
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