We wrote previously on how to save money on college textbooks. One strategy is to rent text books rather than buy them. We listed 4 great companies to use. One of those companies, CampusBookRentals.com has a fantastic offer for students attending summer classes. Now through August 2, 2013, you can rent any textbook for $29.… Read article
Social Security Statements
The US Social Security Office has stopped its previous practice of mailing statements to most workers. However, you can go online to see your earnings history and estimated benefits. See ssa.gov/mystatement.… Read article
Internet Telephone (VoIP)
If you have a mobile phone, ditch your land line. If you feel you absolutely have to have a land line, sign up for a VoIP service that places calls over your Internet connection for much less than a traditional phone service. Ooma is a service that gets high marks for customer satisfaction and voice… Read article
Do You Have Unclaimed Money?
Every year, millions of dollars in bank accounts, stock certificates, checks, insurance checks, bonds dividends, and security deposits are turned over to state governments because the owners cannot be located. Some of this money could belong to you! Companies are required by law to send funds from lost accounts to the state of the owner’s… Read article
Discount Printing
Need business cards, address labels, wedding invitations, rubber stamps, flyers, brochures, magnets, or yard signs? You can often beat local prices by ordering online with companies that have specialty equipment and low overhead. One company we work with is 123Print. Here are a few current specials they have available by clicking these links: Get $5… Read article
Safety Tips for Your Vacation
Summer is just around the corner and many of us will travel for vacations. The last memory you want is a memory of losing your wallet or purse with money, credit cards, and your ID. Here are some tips for holding onto your things: Take only what is necessary in your wallet or purse. Leave… Read article
Preparations to Make Before You Die
It’s a fact of life that we’re all going to die at some point. While it’s not something you probably want to think about, you can make things a lot easier on yourself (and your family) if you get everything in order now. Here are 7 simple steps to take to be ready. They are… Read article
Switching Banks
Tired of the fees, low interest, or bad service at your bank? The infographic below shows how to switch to a new bank.… Read article
Redo Your Roof the Right Way
No other project is as crucial for protecting your home’s value as having a leak-proof roof. Yet a re-roofing job can be a nightmare, with your yard saturated with shingle bits and nails (probably leading to a flat tire), and dealing with unreliable roofers. Money magazine provides the following tips for hiring an ace crew:… Read article
Balance Your Checking Account
Today with online banking and mobile apps, many people no longer bother to balance or reconcile their checking accounts. But even though bank errors are rare, there are still some good reasons to at least review your account monthly: See how much you’ve spent during the month on various categories. Sometimes it’s helpful to add… Read article
How to Buy Appliances
There are a lot of options today beyond buying appliances at retail stores. Surveys show that people are the most satisfied buying appliances at online stores (such as Amazon.com and Abt Electronics), independent local retailers, and the QVC Shopping Network. And be sure to negotiate the price. More than two thirds of those who negotiate… Read article
Great Deals on Hotels
Want a great deal on a great room at thousands of hotels? Try hotels.com, which has one of the widest selections of accommodation on the Internet–over 145,000 properties worldwide. A value-conscious traveler will check two or three sites, but we usually find that hotels.com gives us the best rate, and sometimes still has availability when… Read article
Shopping for Long-Term Care Insurance?
Spiraling insurance costs are cutting down your choices. Major carriers like Prudential and MetLife have actually stopped offering individual long-term care insurance policies. Existing policies today cost 6-17% more than they did a year ago. Still, a long-term care policy is important to protect against depleting your savings in the event you need extended care.… Read article
Get Better Savings Rates
With interest rates on savings accounts near zero, what do you do with your money in savings? Here are 2 ideas: 1. Get a high-yield checking account. You can earn nearly 20 times the rate of the average savings account and also avoid typical checking account fees. Local banks and credit unions typically offer the… Read article