With times tough for so many of us, the thought of jetting off to an island paradise – or even just packing the family into the car and driving a few states over to a national park – probably sounds more ulcer-inducing than fun and relaxing. Who can afford it? But we all need some relaxing time off, so start thinking outside the box. Take a look around your neighborhood or city for fun things to do without the expense and hassle of travel. That’s right – start thinking about “staycations.” Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Archive for March, 2011
16 Ideas for an Exciting Staycation
March 31, 2011Money Lessons from “Til Debt Do Us Part”
March 30, 2011Ninety percent of marriages that end in divorce fail, at least in part, because of money problems. Now, there is a TV show on CNBC called “Til Debt Do Us Part” that helps couples in financial crisis get their financial lives in order. Find out what kind of money troubles this show tackles and what lessons we can all learn from the experiences of couples highlighted there.
US Series I Savings Bonds: A Bad Idea for Your Tax Refund?
March 29, 2011If you’re fortunate enough to receive a tax refund this year, you may be interested in stashing that money somewhere safe where it can grow. A US Series I Savings bond is considered by many to be a conservative investment for several reasons. Find out what perks the IRS is offering to put your tax refund into savings bonds, what the benefits of these investments are and if they’re right for you and your money.
5 Ways to Shop Smarter & Improve Your Wardrobe
March 28, 2011How many times have you looked into your closet and wanted to scream, “I have nothing to wear!” Sometimes, it seems like no matter how much money we spend on clothes, our wardrobe still falls short. But with these five simple tips, you’ll learn how to streamline your shopping habits, save money and finally build the wardrobe of your dreams.
Confessions of a Credit Score Modeler
March 25, 2011Ed DeShields, the inventor of a consumer credit score called the CE Score, shares some secrets of credit scoring, why he created the CE credit score and what all consumers should know about credit scores and the credit industry.
How to Successfully Dispute Inaccuracies on Your Credit Report
March 25, 2011It happens more often than you think. You order a copy of your credit report from each of the three credit reporting agencies—Experian, Equifax and Transunion. As you go through the information, you come across some alarming or downright inaccurate information. What do you do? Dispute it, of course! Learn what you need to know about the credit report dispute process and the steps you have to take to make it as successful a journey as possible.
The Gardener’s Guide to Growing Money Slowly
March 24, 2011What can gardening teach us about our finances? Like the rest of our lives, gardening involves making choices. Most of us don’t have unlimited grounds and money to create our perfect garden. We have to choose between vegetables and flowers, between grass and gardens. But most gardeners understand that the process is the crux. Try something this spring, evaluate in the fall and during the winter create a plan to improve the garden next spring. Certified Financial Planner, Tammy Kraig, explains how our financial lives can benefit from the same attitude.
5-Step Plan for the Frugal Gamer
March 24, 2011In many ways, gaming is a cost-effective form of entertainment. After all, a $20 game can provide you with hours worth of entertainment. When compared to a two-hour movie at the same price, that sounds like a bargain! But becoming a real gamer means investing in many games (some of which cost as much as $60 to $80) and many systems (ranging from $200 to $350). Suddenly the hobby doesn’t seem like such a bargain anymore. But have no fear! There are plenty of ways to keep costs down while still enjoying hours of fun.
How to Manage Your Money after Retirement
March 22, 2011You’ve worked hard for a lot of years and the day has finally arrived. Your office mates threw you a party. You packed up your belongings. And you drove away from work for the last time. You did it. You retired. For many people, retirement means freedom. And while retirement does bring some freedoms, some restrictions come with it, too. In order to manage your money well after retirement, you will need to find a good balance between the freedoms and restrictions.
