Wondering What to Do With an Overripe Avocado? Try These 10 Recipes

by Grace SchweizerSocial Media and SMSYou’ve probably tossed more than a few avocados into the trash after missing that (very slim) window between being perfectly ripe and turning brown, mushy and gross. And avocados are expensive, so that’s good money you’re throwing away.Here’s a little secret, though: As long as there’s vibrant green meat somewhere inside (just scrape away the brown spots), that brown avocado can still be seriously yummy.Never

Read More

Walmart Plus vs Amazon Prime: Which Is the Better Deal?

by Nicole DowSenior Writer Our time is valuable. That’s why we’re willing to pay for fast and reliable delivery. For over a decade, Amazon Prime has dominated the online shopping space, but retail giant Walmart introduced a competing service — Walmart Plus — in 2020. With both offering similar online shopping experiences and free shipping options, it can be difficult to decide which membership service to join. In this article,

Read More

Stop Saving for retirement. Start Investing for Retirement Instead.

by Mike BrassfieldSenior WriterSaving money is never a bad thing, right? You take a percentage of your check every payday and tuck it away in a savings account. You’re doing what you’re supposed to, right?Wellllllllll, kind of. Unfortunately, saving alone will never get you to retirement. You’re on the right track, but the money you’re stashing away isn’t growing like it could be. Not even close.Let’s take a look at

Read More

14 Places to Buy Cheap Books Online to Meet Your Reading Goals

by Jenna Limbach Did you vow to to read more books in 2022, possibly shamed into it by all those people on social media claiming to have read a book a week in 2021? Book lovers, you can always save your dollars by using your local library and apps like Libby, but there’s something satisfying about having a full bookshelf, even if that bookshelf of new and used books is

Read More

The Ultimate Guide to How to Files Taxes for 2022

by Timothy Moore, Jamie CattanachQuick NavigationGetting your tax affairs in order is just a simple fact of life. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy or pain free.There is a lot to know when it comes to filing taxes. Our complete guide for the 2021 tax year should help. (Ibuprofen sold separately.) Making more money is, in almost every way, a good thing. But it’s also true that the more money

Read More

How to Refinance a Car — It Could Save You $150/Month

by Mike BrassfieldSenior WriterEvery month, your car payment takes a big bite out of your bank account. The average payment these days is more than $600 a month for new cars and $400 a month for used cars.What if you could lower your monthly payment by $150 or so? Would that be worth a few minutes of your time?You should seriously consider refinancing your car loan. This means you replace

Read More

How to Deal with Financial Stress

by Mike BrassfieldSenior WriterIf you’re financially stressed out these days, you’re far from alone. These are rocky and uncertain times we’re living in, and the stress level is super high.A number of recent surveys have confirmed that Americans are financially frazzled right now.For example, a survey by the National Endowment for Financial Education found that a whopping nine in 10 Americans say the COVID-19 crisis is causing stress on their

Read More

Dear Penny: Do I Have to Pay Mom's Debt With My $1M Life Insurance Payout?

Real Answers for Life’s Money Challengesby Robin Hartill, CFP®Senior EditorMy mom passed away last year with lots of debt in her estate. This debt includes a mortgage, IRS tax liens, credit card debts and other heirs who would need to be notified of her estate. The estate appears to be in debt just below $200,000 with no other assets available to pay for those debts. Unknown to me, my mom made

Read More

10 Cheap Super Bowl Snacks that Don’t Need Cream Cheese

by Janet KeelerSenior EditorThe Great Cream Cheese Shortage of 2021 has spread into 2022 and with the Super Bowl approaching, this is serious business. And that’s because the best Super Bowl snacks often include cream cheese.We won’t dwell on what could have been on your game day party table, but rather focus on what super easy — and cheap — dips you can prepare to make them forget all about

Read More

Cheap Valentine’s Day Gifts from Dollar Stores and More

by JoEllen SchilkeContributor Valentine’s Day is coming and you’re still paying off bills from the holiday time. Don’t stress it though. You can get a cheap but thoughtful gift for that special someone with just a little planning. There are a variety of discount stores — many with “dollar” in their name — offering the necessary components for Valentine’s Day. But don’t overlook other discount stores that can be a

Read More