Should I Stay or Should I Go? The Black Friday Dilemma

The most wonderful day of the year is almost here. Get ready all you shoppers, as Black Friday is right around the corner!

Do you plan to hang out in your jammies and shop from the comfort of your own couch? Or are you going to brave the crowds and see where the deals lead you? There are pluses and minuses to both strategies, so let’s take a look at the options to see what might be the best choice for your shopping needs.

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Are You Spending Too Much on Technology?

Just a few decades ago, there were no smartphones, digital cable or social media. However, the 21^st century has brought us many digital amenities – which means we are spending more money. The average person spends $166 a month on Internet, cellphone plans and cable TV. This number does not even cover song downloads or new technological gadgets.

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Should You Splurge on a Warranty?

So you finally broke down and decided to buy the new Apple iPhone or that fancy sports car you have been eyeing. But as you get to the cashier or finance manager, you are asked that infamous question many of us dread hearing: Would you like to purchase the extended warranty?

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Forget Tuition: 3 Ways to Get a Free Education

For 2013-2014, the average cost of an in-state public college is $22,826 per year. For a private school, the cost nearly doubles at $44,750 per year. Add on living expenses, textbooks, and housing and you're paying more than most people make annually. While there are government and private funding resources, you don't want to go into debt either. Luckily, there are now a host of great educational opportunities for free! Read More

Shop the Best Back-to-School Deals, No Kids Required

It's Back-to-School time! Wedged between Fourth of July and Labor Day, this fifth season is the time when most of the biggest retail stores roll out huge deals on essentials for the upcoming school year. No kids? No problem! Just because a sale is labeled “Back-to-School” doesn't mean it's not for you. There are savings to be found on everything from backpacks to bedding. Read More

Get The Best Deal Possible on Your Next Computer

You might be familiar with the signs that your computer’s end is near. Perhaps you have experienced the blue screen of death or it’s taking longer to load webpages and download emails. Maybe you’re still operating on Windows 97. If any of these situations apply to you, then it’s time to buy a new computer. But with prices ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, how do you get what you want without overspending? Here are some tips for saving money on your next computer purchase.

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4 Steps to Shop “Smart” at Target

Have you ever walked into Target looking for toilet paper and left with a cart full of other things you suddenly “needed”?  Since expanding their offerings to include more grocery items, Target has become a one-stop shop where you can easily spend way more than you intended.  But with a little planning and some apps on your smartphone, you can be a “smart” shopper when you walk through those red doors. Read More

When It's Better to Shop In-Store

Online shopping has its perks. Where else but the Internet can you shop at dozens of stores at 3 a.m. in your pajamas? Plus, there are so many great deals available. However, not everything is cheaper online. Once you pay for shipping or have to return a pair of pants several times because they’re the wrong size, you’ll often save more money shopping in-store. It’s cheaper to buy most things online, but here are five things that you should buy in person. Read More

7 Quick Tips: How to Rock at Printing Coupons

Have you been there? Sunday night rolls around. You're in your pajamas, settled in on the couch with a big bowl of ice cream, ready for the latest episode of Revenge and it hits you. You forgot to buy a newspaper and now you have no fresh coupons! Rather than run out to the closest convenience store in your PJs, take a deep breath. Because most of those coupons you usually clip for your Sunday newspaper inserts are accessible to you with a few clicks. If you want to improve your online coupon printing skills follow these seven steps.Read More

Black Friday Must-Haves for 2012

A record 226 million shoppers spent $52 billion dollars during Black Friday 2011 weekend, says the National Federation of Retailers. The average shopper spent $398.62 in 2011. What do shoppers have to look forward to this year on Black Friday? Besides big crowds and long lines, there are sure to be some spectacular deals for 2012. Here are some of the hottest items that will fly off shelves on November 23.

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The Back-to-School Basics Checklist

According to the National Retail Federation, parents spend an average of about $600 to send their kids back to school. Obviously that's more than glue sticks and folders. So what are the necessities and what stuff can parents skip in order to save money? Here's what the pros categorize as essential and frivolous.

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