savingmoney

5 Surprising Ways to Find Extra Cash in Your Budget

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.

Savings Experiment: Ovens

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.

How Did You Do It? Share Your Money Success Stories

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.

Why Dollar Stores Are Hotter Than Ever (Even for the Rich)

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.

Frugal Americans to Take a DIY Approach in 2012

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.

3 Financial Resolutions That Are Easy to Keep

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.

Savings Experiment: New Year's Resolutions

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.

7 Financial New Year's Resolutions to Keep

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.

Savings Experiment: Women's Intimates

There is a saying that a good man is hard to find, and the same should be said about a bra. Considering the rules of gravity, women will find that a well-fitting bra is a worthwhile investment. Luckily, there are ways to stretch your budget without ruining the fabric of your life.

Savings Experiment: Post-Holiday Sales

Soon enough, the holidays will have come and gone. You'll have given, you'll have received; it will then be time to cash in. The best deals fall between Christmas and the new year, so when you go to return those itchy yellow polka-dotted wool socks, get yourself something you'll really enjoy instead. Here are the top five post-holiday purchases.

See How One Family Lives Well On $20,000 a Year

NBC's Today profiles one American family living just above the poverty line, but quite happily and comfortably. Watch author and self-professed cheapskate Jeff Yeager's take on such extreme thriftiness to see if you can learn anything from Jennifer and Michael, who claim to have found a simpler, more satisfying existence.

Savings Experiment: A Day at the Spa

There's no easier way to temporarily get off the grid than blocking off a Spa Day. And these days, spas need you as much you want them, since people tend to cut back on luxurious splurges when times are tough. That means there are bargains out there to be had; here's how to take advantage and relax at the most reasonable rate.

7 Ways to Teach Kids About Saving ... and Giving

As the season of giving brushes elbows with the cabal of commercialism, we're presented with an ideal "teachable moment." Here are seven ways to show material boys and girls that saving -- and giving -- can be just as rewarding as getting.

Welcome to the New Normal, Generation Y: Get Used to It

Hello, Gen Y! I've got good news and bad news for you. The good news is we've dodged a double dip recession. The bad news is that you're going to be seeing high unemployment for a long time to come. Here's some advice ...

8 Survival Rules for Black Friday Shoppers

Switch on the TV or open the newspaper today, and you'd think there was only one day a year to get bargains: Black Friday. But if you're not careful, the year's most-hyped shopping day can be filled with traps. Here's how not to get bamboozled.