by Catherine HilesContributor Quick Navigation What to Buy at Dollar Stores to Save Money for the Holidays Holiday Decorations Gifts for Kids Gifts for Adults Gift Wrap and Bags Holiday Greeting Cards Cleaning Supplies Disposable Bakeware Would you shop at a dollar store to save money during the holidays? It might sound tacky but you are missing out on some great deals if you pass up dollar store deals. This
Real Answers for Life’s Money Challengesby Robin Hartill, CFP®Senior EditorMy family constantly hustles my father for money. They cry and tell him they’ll pay him back, but never do. He has a very small pension and Social Security. We’re talking hundreds to thousands at a time. He always gives in, then gets irate when they won’t pay him back. This has happened over and over for many years. He knows they
by Kent McDill This week, the online-only banking institution Ally Bank announced that it will no longer charge overdraft fees to its customers. This is good news for their current or would-be customers who worry about bouncing a check or putting a charge on their debit card that they don’t have enough money for. Sure, we’re never supposed to do that but sometimes it happens and historically, when it does,
by Kari Faber Buying a house is expensive. Like, so expensive. Between down payments, taxes, insurance and more, getting your name on a deed likely costs more than anything else in your life.And while it no doubt will continue to be your biggest monthly payment, people are still overpaying just to have their own roof over their heads — sometimes by as much as $3,600 a year.But a website called
by Dave Schafer, Tyler OmothAs one of the largest financial institutions in the United States, Bank of America has a lot to offer. The range of personal and business account options is impressive, and the availability of bank branches makes it extremely convenient.BofA has had its share of controversies and its sheer size can sometimes make service inconsistent. In 2014, it was fined $16.65 billion for its role in the
by Dave Schafer As one of the largest banks in the world, Citibank has a lot to offer its customers — from useful online features to thousands of free ATMs. It’s also a global bank, with thousands of overseas branches to complement the 700+ in the United States. That gives Citi a definite edge over online banks that have no local presence at all.That said, Citibank falls short in a
by Danielle BraffContributorSo you’ve bought yourself some nice sheets. Maybe even dropped $100 on that fancy queen set.Those nice sheets need to be washed. Here’s the rub: Sometimes, when you wash those nice sheets, you ruin those nice sheets, and have to buy new nice sheets. Repeat the pattern.Want to break the pattern? We spoke with the experts about how to properly wash, dry and store your bed sheets to
by Dana Sitar, CEPF®, Carson KohlerWhen it comes to successfully managing your finances, you’ll need to take some time to figure out where you want to keep your money.This is a big decision. You don’t want to stash your money in a checking account that’ll hit you with hefty fees each month. Nor do you want to stick it in an account that doesn’t offer any perks (think: cash back,
by Brynne ConroyContributorTired of having debt collectors inundating your mailbox and voice mail? Get ready for them to start contacting you via text, email and social media.There might not be an emoji angry enough to show your reaction to that news.But starting in November 2021, new rules from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau opened the floodgates for debt collectors to contact you via text, email and even on social media.
by Tiffany ConnorsStaff WriterWhether it’s a quick weekend getaway or a three-month trip abroad, you’re so ready to leave your house after spending so much time there over the past two years.And yes, you may have diligently budgeted your fun money and found ways to save on your vacation — whether it’s avoiding sky-high car rental fees or discovering ways to save on food while traveling. But have you considered
