Saving Money

Managing your housing expenses

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 18:47:17 GMT

Try these tips to manage your housing costs, which are among the most important expenses in your monthly budget. If you’re like most people, your housing costs are probably your largest monthly expense. Whether you own a home or are thinking of buying one, getting this cost under control is key to your financia...

What is a 401(k) plan?

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:42:32 GMT

The 401(k) investment plan lets you save money for retirement and have some of your contributions matched by your employer. One investment strategy to check out is the 401(k) plan. These plans are set up by employers and funded by employee contributions. Here’s a rundown of the benefits of the 401(k) retirement plan: Tax...

Tips for choosing a savings account

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:42:32 GMT

What to consider when deciding on a savings account. You have some money saved up, but how do you find the right savings account?  The following tips can help.Types of savings accountWhen shopping for a savings account, you should kno...

Savings Account Basics

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:42:31 GMT

It's important to understand the basics about savings accounts before deciding on one that's right for you. A savings account is an easy and safe place to keep your money.  Understanding the different types of savings accounts and how they work can help you to make the best choices for saving your...

Five reasons to contribute to a 401(k)

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:42:31 GMT

Save for your retirement and reduce your income tax by contributing to a 401(k) plan. A 401(k) is an increasingly popular investment vehicle available to many employees. Named after the section of the Internal Revenue Code that gives it full force and effect, the 401(k) plan was creat...

Checking account basics

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:42:31 GMT

Checking accounts are vital financial tools. Perhaps the most widely used financial tool is a checking account.  By understanding the basics of a checking account, you can be sure to make the most of it and make it work for you.Types o...

Ways to save on clothes

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:42:05 GMT

Use these great tips to save money on the clothes in your wardrobe. Dressing stylishly does not have to cost a fortune. There are ways to save on clothes so that you can afford the styles that you want without going into debt. Shop sales wisely Sales can be your gre...

Top five gift-giving mistakes

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:42:05 GMT

Don't waste money needlessly. Here's how to avoid potentially expensive gift-giving mistakes. You’ve given your niece the gift she pined for. The problem is, it’s the wrong size. Or it doesn’t work. Or it cost you an arm and a leg because you didn’t receive the rebate promised on the package....

Ten ways to trim holiday expenses

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:42:05 GMT

Celebrate thrift as well as the season. Use our tips to help keep your savings intact over the holidays. It’s easy to get caught up in the spirit of the holiday season and throw financial caution to the wind. But chances are, come January, you’ll find yourself facing a pile of debt. With some careful pl...

Spend less, get more for your money

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:42:05 GMT

Smart shoppers are strategic about when, how and where they shop. Here are ten tips to help you spend less, and get more value for your shopping dollar. 1. Never use shopping for entertainment, as a social activity or as a balm for hurt feelings or stress. 2. Mak...

Shopping for secondhand furnishings

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:42:05 GMT

Need more furniture or want a new look? Buying secondhand can pay off in big savings and excellent value. Thrift shops, garage sales, flea markets, auctions and estate sales are all good places to shop for secondhand furnishings. You can get great bargains on some lightly used items. But others don’t rec...

Saving tips for your summer vacation

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:42:05 GMT

Here are a few savings tips to help you plan - and save for - a memorable summer vacation. Have visions of summertime given you the itch to start planning – and saving – for your perfect vacation? It’s never too late – or too early – to start making changes in your spending habits to pay f...

Saving on car expenses

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:42:04 GMT

As you get older, you may need to make decisions about what your car means to your finances. If you have already established your career, your family and your finances, you probably have a great deal of experience buying a car. But now that your kids are out of the house and you are approach...

Save on groceries

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:42:04 GMT

Follow these easy tips to save money on your groceries. Finding ways to save on groceries can be an asset to your financial planning. It only takes a little common sense and discipline, but there are plenty of savings to be found at the grocery store. 1....

Save on bills

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:42:04 GMT

Adjust your mindset and habits to save money on your utility bills. With today’s rising fuel costs, cutting costs on your monthly utilities can seem more and more like a necessity. By being disciplined, you can save on your bills. Gas Gas is an area that ca...

Save on a wedding: Your day on a budget

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:42:04 GMT

When planning a wedding, find ways to save by spending on what is important to you and cutting costs on what isn't. Despite the escalating costs of weddings, there are ways to save on a wedding and still have a memorable day. All it takes is a bit of legwork, sacrifice, and creativity. The guests Bigger is not ne...

Save money on holiday gifts

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:42:04 GMT

Buying gifts during the holidays doesn't have to cost a fortune if you follow these tips. Giving gifts to others is one of the most wonderful things about the holidays.  However, gift giving can also make the holidays very expensive.  With expe...

How to save on a car

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:42:04 GMT

Try these tips to save money on your next car purchase. For most people, owning a car is a necessity. Finding ways to save on a car can be an asset to your financial planning. It only takes a little common sense and discipline to find savings when shoppin...

How to save money when you move

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:42:04 GMT

From doing it yourself to moving in the off-season, use our tips to save on moving expenses. The costs of moving can strain the healthiest of bank accounts. But the following tips can help you keep the expenses under control: Pack yourself Even if you need to use a professional mover, you c...

How to save money on travel

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:42:04 GMT

Start early; be flexible. Our suggestions will help you and your travel dollars go farther. Once upon a time, the farther you traveled, the more you’d pay. That’s all changed thanks to the Internet, flexible pricing and last-minute bargains on everything from airfares to rental cars. Today’...

How to save money on gas

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:42:04 GMT

Gasoline prices may not fall anytime soon, but you can save dollars and gallons by driving smart. Gasoline will likely continue to take a big bite out of household budgets in 2009. But there are ways to keep your gas expenditures under control. Here are 10 easy steps you can take to keep more mon...

How to save money on entertaining

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:42:04 GMT

With a little creativity, you can throw a great party without spending a fortune. Think back to your favorite social occasions. Chances are they weren't lavish affairs. They were more likely the evenings when old friends showed up with a bottle of wine and you served up whatever y...

How to save money every day

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:42:04 GMT

Small savings on food, clothing and entertainment can leave you with extra cash for big-ticket items. Saving a dollar here and there every day can add up to thousands of dollars in savings over the months and years. Here's how: Trim food costs Buy food at discount food shops rather than more expens...

How to save big on a small income

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:42:04 GMT

Yes, it's possible to save over $10,000 in a few years even on a modest income. Here's how. If you take $100 a month and place it in a high-yield savings account at 4.5 percent, you’ll save $10,000 in just over seven years -- enough for a 5 percent down payment on a $200,000 house. Start th...

Great last-minute gifts

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:42:03 GMT

Finding a perfect gift can be easy and affordable, even when time is not on your side. Haven’t finished your holiday gift shopping yet? You’re not alone. According to the National Retail Federation, last year, 12 million consumers hadn’t even started popping into stores before December...

Great gifts on a budget

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:42:03 GMT

Follow our tips to keep your holiday spending on gifts under control this year. Want to give great gifts without blowing your budget? The National Retail Federation found that the average American spent $672 on gifts during the 2003 holiday season alone. Here are ten ways you ca...

Get the latest smart borrowing tips

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:42:03 GMT

By Brenda Spiering & LendingTree.com If you’re in the market for a new home, or are looking to refinance, you probably find yourself visiting the same Web sites over and over again searching for the information you need. Now there’s a b...

Finding the best cell phone plan

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:42:03 GMT

Shop around for the cell phone plans that include the options, airtime and features that you want. Nowadays, it seems like nearly everyone has a cell phone. And while they can be an annoyance in movie theaters, restaurants, and doctor’s offices, cell phones can be a great convenience, allowing you...

Family celebrations for less

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:42:03 GMT

Use the following tips to make sure family celebrations don't cost a fortune. Family celebrations are a special time.  Whether the family gathers to celebrate a christening, a fiftieth wedding anniversary, or a family reunion, a family celebration can be special witho...

Entertaining for less during the holidays

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:42:03 GMT

Use the following tips to make sure that entertaining during the holidays doesn't cost a fortune. The holidays are a time for entertaining.  There are holiday parties, open houses, and family coming to visit.  It does not have to cost a fortune, however, to entertain during the ...

Enjoy the holidays for less

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:42:03 GMT

Holidays don't have to cost a fortune with the following tips. The holidays are a special time - filled with family, friends, and tradition.  Unfortunately, they are also a time that tends to cost a lot of money.  By following...

Checklist: New Year's bargains

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:42:03 GMT

Clothing. Seasonal clothing, boots and accessories are marked down. Now is also the time to look for wardrobe staples such as white cotton shirts and black, tailored trousers. Replace worn-out under...

Budget killers

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:42:03 GMT

Determining your budget killers can help you make smarter spending moves. Figuring out a monthly budget is one of the best ways to take control of your finances. Determining how much you spend and on what can help you devise a saving and investing plan that can help you ac...

Birthday parties for less

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:42:03 GMT

Birthday parties do not have to cost a forturne with the following tips. Hardly anything brings as much joy to children as birthday parties.  However, it can be easy to get caught up in trying to make it the best birthday party ever, and in the end lose the joy&a...

Barter club basics

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:42:02 GMT

Swapping goods or services through a barter club could keep much-needed cash in your wallet. Want to swap? When you were a kid, that proposition might have got you a peanut butter sandwich in exchange for your tuna fish. Today, it might get you a washing machine in exchange for patching up s...

Are you being overcharged?

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:42:02 GMT

Americans pay billions in avoidable fees every year, often without even knowing it. Save money with the following tips. Many of the agreements we sign with telephone, television and Internet providers, financial services companies and credit card issuers have extra charges buried in the fine print. As a result, it’s e...

A dozen ways to trim your grocery bills

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:42:02 GMT

Economy begins at home. Here are 12 ways to save money every week by shaving as much as 50 percent off your grocery tab. 1. Know how much you’re spending. When you spend $60 at the supermarket one week and $100 the next, you may not realize that your monthly grocery bill is one of your biggest expenses. Save your rece...

5 tips to save money every day

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:42:02 GMT

Saving money doesn't have to be hard. Here are five ways you can save every day. Let’s assume that you are already having money for your tax-assisted savings plan (like a 401(k)) deducted from your paycheck. What else can you do to increase your savings? Here are five ways to sav...

5 money saving ideas for the holidays

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:42:02 GMT

Trying to hang on to more of your hard-earned money? Here are five ways you can do it during the holiday season. During the holidays, spending on gifts and entertaining tends to escalate. Try to trim costs elsewhere by using our tips below. Phase them in one at a time instead of trying to adopt them all at once...

Smart ways to use your home equity

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:41:45 GMT

You can benefit from using the equity you have in your home, provided you do it wisely. As a homeowner, every time you make an amortized mortgage payment, and every time your home increases in value, you build wealth in the form of home equity. And, used judiciously, your home equity ca...

Smart ways to use credit cards

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:41:45 GMT

Credit cards, when used in the right way, can help rather than hinder your financial goals. Credit cards have a bit of a bad reputation. Many people associate them with irresponsible spending and out-of-control debt. But credit cards can have a valid place in a healthy financial life, if yo...

Smart ways to budget

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:41:44 GMT

When it comes to keeping your finances in check, you need to take charge. For many of us, accepting that we need to put ourselves on a budget is on par with turning down a slice of birthday cake –- the mind is willing, but the willpower just isn’t there. Here are some idea...

Smart saving choices

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:41:44 GMT

There are easy ways to make your savings grow. Here's how to build a substantial nest egg for the future. Saving money is a simple concept. All you need to do is spend less than you earn and put the difference into an interest-bearing account. Yet many Americans, even those with healthy incomes, have no ...

How financially literate are you?

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:41:44 GMT

Take our quiz and find out if you're financially savvy. According to a 2007 survey conducted by LendingTree, nearly five in ten Americans (48 percent) are uncomfortable with the total amount of household debt they are carrying. Take this financial literac...

Choosing the right home loan

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:41:44 GMT

This guide to the different types of home loans can help you pick the mortgage that's right for you. You have a lot of mortgage options to sift through when you’re buying a home, and making a decision can feel overwhelming. Here is some information to help you understand different kinds of home loan...

Budget Worksheet

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:41:44 GMT

Use this monthly chart to help track your spending and create a budget. Category Monthly Budget Monthly Actual  Income     Take-home pay     Other income     Total       &a...

Your tax rebate: save, spend, or invest?

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:41:13 GMT

How to decide what to do with your tax rebate. If you’re one of the millions of Americans who will receive a tax rebate check this spring and summer as part of President Bush’s economic stimulus package, you have a decision to make about what to ...

Year-End Financial Housecleaning

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:41:13 GMT

Sort out the old to make room for the new. Use our guide to help you get organized. There’s something about the close of one year and the start of the next that inspires a person to undertake a bit of financial housecleaning. It clears out the old to make room for the new and lets y...

Year-end financial and mortgage checklist

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:41:13 GMT

Use this checklist to make sure your new year gets off on sound financial footing. The end of the year is a time for renewal and resolutions. That includes reviewing your financial situation to make sure you’re achieving your goals for paying down debt, saving for the future and ul...

Working with a financial planner

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:41:13 GMT

From saving for retirement to your kid's education, it helps to have the assistance of a professional financial planner. What can a financial planner do for me?You don’t need to be wealthy to work with a financial planner. Whether you’re just starting out on your own, about to become a new parent or soon to be approach...

When it comes to a home loan, shop around to save money

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:41:13 GMT

Shop around to find the best deal on a home loan. Shopping around for a home loan betters your chances of saving money on your mortgage. Different lenders offer different products, and it is up to you to find the home loan that is best for you. The...

What to consider before you cosign a mortgage loan with a significant other

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:41:13 GMT

Before you sign on the dotted line, read about the pros and cons of cosigning a mortgage loan with someone who has bad credit. You love John and he loves you. Things could not get any better. You’re even thinking about making that next big step together – buying a home. It sounds like a good idea, but there’s a catch. One of...

Top tax mistakes to avoid

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:41:13 GMT

Avoid these common tax errors to make sure you don't make costly financial mistakes. You want to take advantage of every opportunity to keep your taxes down. But it’s easy to forget the tax impact of many financial decisions. Here are a few of the most common tax mistakes people make...

Tips on how to use a credit card

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:41:13 GMT

Used wisely, a credit card can help you build a strong credit report and help you reach other financial goals. Credit cards have become a vital part of financial life. They are integral in helping you to build a credit history that will enable you to obtain other lines of credit such as car loans and mortgage...

Spending your bonus: What's smart and what's not

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:41:13 GMT

Your bonus was well deserved, but now what are you going to do with the extra money? Here are a few popular ideas for using that much deserved bonus. You have worked hard, put in your time and it paid off with a nice bonus. But now what are you going to do with it? There are many different things people choose to do with their bonuses - s...

Smart things to do with a tax refund

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:41:13 GMT

From paying down debt to renovating your home, there are smart ways to put your tax refund to work for you. If you’re expecting a tax refund this year, consider using the money for something that will have a lasting impact on your financial health. Depending on the size of your refund, you may be able to u...

Should you invest or pay off debt?

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:41:12 GMT

Nobody likes to owe money and most of us believe we should pay all our debts as quickly as possible. But is that always the smartest move? When deciding whether to pay off debt or invest, a good first step is to compare the interest rate you’re paying on your debts to what you would earn by saving your money. However, if you were to rec...

Recession-proof your finances

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:41:12 GMT

Build up your cash and pay down your debts to keep your finances safe in an economic recession. With all the talk about the U.S. possibly heading into economic recession, you might have wondered what this means to you. Should you be doing something to prepare your finances for tougher economic ...

Rating investment risk and safety

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:41:12 GMT

Make sure the investment options you choose match up with your willingness to take financial risks. If you are a first-time investor, one of the things you’ll want to consider is the relative safety of different investment options. You can choose to put your money into many different kinds of inves...

Planning pays off at tax time

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:41:12 GMT

Don't wait until April to start thinking about your taxes. Planning ahead can save you money. Sorting through a year’s supply of documentation at tax time often causes panic, frustration and headaches -- not to mention paper cuts! But, if you plan well ahead of time, you could save yourself t...

Organizing your financial records

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:41:12 GMT

For many people, a financial filing system means piles of unopened bills on the dining room table. The time to look at them is whenever those piles finally fall over. But this system has drawbacks, e...

Managing your finances online

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:41:12 GMT

It's convenient and efficient to use the Internet to keep track of your financial affairs. According to surveys conducted by the Federal Reserve, electronic payment transactions in the U.S. now exceed check payments. There’s no question, electronic banking is changing the way Americans man...

How to set up an emergency fund

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:41:11 GMT

You never know when you'll need extra cash for an unexpected emergency. Be sure to set aside enough. U.S. families rank saving for emergencies as the second most important reason to save, according to The Federal Reserve Board’s most recent Survey of Consumer Finances. Yet its estimate of the rate o...

How to grow your savings fast

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:41:11 GMT

Web-based high-yield savings accounts provide a risk-free way to make your savings grow fast. Got some cash parked inside a conventional savings or checking account? Chances are it’s earning very little interest. But maybe you don’t want to lock the funds away inside a CD or have to worry abo...

How to combine two households

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:41:11 GMT

Merging two families into one home raises where-to-live questions. Whether you’re getting married, moving your elderly parents into your home or combining your household with that of any friend, family member or loved one, merging households presents a numb...

How to avoid tax penalties

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:41:11 GMT

Short of cash at tax time? Don't sit back and let the fines build up. There are alternatives! Tax time is always a stressful time of year. But it’s even more stressful -- and more costly -- when you don’t have the money to pay your taxes. You can end up being hit with penalties and interest p...

Got debt? It may affect your taxes

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:41:11 GMT

If you have debt, it may affect your taxes. Here's a list of things to look for before filing your tax bill. When it comes to debt, there aren’t many benefits, however, around tax time, certain types of debt may actually work to your advantage. That is, interest paid on outstanding debt may be tax deductibl...

Get rich, or at least get close

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:41:11 GMT

Follow these tips for getting rich as your family matures. It may seem that the prime of your career is the easiest time to get rich. This, however, may be easier said than done. You may be faced with approaching college costs and retirement may be a goal th...

Five financial New Year's resolutions

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:41:11 GMT

Start the New Year right -- five things you can do this year to improve your finances. If you’re suffering a financial hangover from the holidays, use your year-end pain to spur you on to better habits. Here are five New Year’s resolutions that can help you improve your finances in the...

Do you need a financial planner?

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:41:11 GMT

See which of the following statements best describes you to find out if you need financial advice from a planner. Some people are comfortable managing their own financial affairs, while others are happier letting someone else sweat the details. Whether you need the services of a financial planner depends on many...

Comparison shopping in college

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:41:10 GMT

Tips to save money. As a college student, you probably have not reached your maximum income potential. Being able to afford all of the things you want and need is difficult, so saving money is extremely important. Compa...

College and cars

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:41:10 GMT

Having a car in college may make life easier, but there are things to consider before buying. Many college students dream of having their own wheels to zoom around town. And there are real advantages to owning a car. It’s a good way to build a credit rating, something you will need when you b...

Choosing the right financial planner

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:41:10 GMT

A good financial planner can help you prioritize your financial objectives – everything from saving for your first home to planning your retirement. He or she can also help you develop long- and shor...

Checklist: Preparing your income tax return

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:41:10 GMT

Use our checklist as a guide to help you gather necessary forms and receipts for preparing your income tax return. Choose those categories that apply to you, and make sure you have all the relevant d...

Build wealth: Profit from leverage

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:41:10 GMT

Borrowing to invest can be an effective way to build wealth. But it's important to understand the risks as well as the rewards. Just because you can afford to pay cash to purchase an investment doesn’t mean you should. You may want to preserve your capital to use for other purposes, or you may want to borrow funds in order to...

Budget rules of thumb

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:41:10 GMT

Keep your debt under control with these tips to help you stay ahead of the game. When you’re drowning in debt, it’s difficult to get out from under. So play it safe before you get to the point where you’re missing mortgage payments, borrowing from Tom to pay off Dick, or struggli...

Big tax bill? What to do if you've got a nasty surprise

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:41:10 GMT

Our list of tips will help ease the pain of a large tax bill blow. According to Uncle Sam’s tax records, you’re in the red. It’s time to pay the proverbial piper, but you aren’t quite sure how. No need to worry, there are a variety options for paying off your tax bi...

Back to school for your budget

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:41:10 GMT

Before you get caught up in the frenzy of buying textbooks or launching yourself into a new fall project, take some time to review and re-evaluate your household budget. For millions of Americans, “back-to-school” isn’t just a season; it’s a state of mind. And it’s an ideal time to look at things -- including your budget -- in a fresh new way. Creating and managing ...

Ask an expert: Emergency funds

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:41:10 GMT

Q: How much cash should I keep on hand for an emergency? A: The rule of thumb is that you need an emergency fund large enough to cover your living expenses for at least three months, in case of a major illness, a job loss, furnace breakdown or some other c...

Are you better off not paying down your mortgage?

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:41:10 GMT

Conventional wisdom says that you should pay off your mortgage as fast as you can. But in some cases, your money is better spent elsewhere. Each year, about one in six Americans makes extra payments on their mortgage in an effort to own their home sooner. But is paying off your mortgage always a good idea? How can paying off debt be a mi...

7 disadvantages of borrowing from your 401(k)

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:41:09 GMT

Borrowing from your 401(k) is a potentially perilous move, so tread carefully. It seems that some Americans have begun treating their 401(k) retirement accounts like goodie bags at a Halloween party. Last year alone, 18 percent borrowed from their 401(k) savings, according to t...