saving money

A few weeks ago, we asked DailyFinance readers for their best tips for putting your financial house in order. Many were quick to note that the foundation of financial security lies in being ready when disaster hits. Here are some of their best suggestions for planning for those rainy days.

Freezers don't come with an expiration date, but you don't have to wait to upgrade until you feel like the only one on your block with an old fashioned ice box. There are some easy ways to figure out whether or not you need a new freezer.

When traditional financial advice doesn't fit your situation, get creative and save money by ignoring conventional wisdom. Here are five savings strategies that may seem counterintuitive -- until you add up the dramatic results.

To toast or not to toast? Chances are you probably don't weigh the costs of using the microwave, toaster oven, or conventional full-size oven, but you should. You can save money by factoring in the costs of energy when you cook or reheat food.

The start of a new year is a traditional moment for turning over a new leaf -- but real change doesn't come easy. With that in mind, we're asking you, our readers to share your best financial planning stories, tips and secret strategies.

Dollar stores are luring a lot more consumers these days, and their rock-bottom prices aren't the only reason: The chains have undergone major makeovers in recent years, sprucing up their dingy digs and adding better merchandise.

Americans plan to apply a new DIY-attitude across the board this year -- to their vacations, staying in shape and even beauty maintenance. It's all part of the trend of trying to scale back and save more money.

2012 may not be the year you strike it rich, but you can make it the year you start making smarter financial decisions using the technology at your fingertips. Start with these three small moves that can save you some serious money.

As you ring in the New Year, you'll probably make some personal resolutions, like "lose weight" or "volunteer more." These are sound goals, but don't forget to add saving money to the list. Learning how to save money will offer you peace of mind, so you'll basically be checking off two resolutions for the price of one. Read on for detailed information on how to budget effectively.

Every January, we plan to make changes, and we often don't succeed. Let's make this New Year's different: Here are seven fairly simple resolutions recommended by the financial experts for getting you on a firmer fiscal footing in 2012.