Personal Finance 87
23 Keys to Aging Well on a Shoestring Budget
HEALTHY AND FRUGAL AGING
The U.S. population is aging as baby boomers swell the ranks of the senior cohort. By 2040, more than 1 in 5 Americans will be 65 or older. Getting older isn’t easy for anyone, and the physical and financial costs can be substantial. But there are ways to age well that don’t cost a lot of money.
52 Brands That Can Offer Warranties For Life
You might think that buying products at bargain-basement prices is the best way to save money. However, the truth is that name brands are often the better bet for items you want to stand the test of time.
From touted tool makers to outdoor outfitters, many of your favorite companies offer warranties covering their wares for the span of the buyer’s lifetime — or even beyond.
If You Buy These 24 Secondhand Things You’ll Save A Lot
USED GOODS ARE GOOD
People are starting to feel the urge to get organized for the new school year, and many have embraced decluttering guru Marie Kondo’s “Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up.” That means garage sales are popping up and thrift stores are brimming with gently used items that may be your next big treasure. Before diving headlong into secondhand shopping, be sure to know the best things to look for.
11 Clever Financial Steps For Your Tax Refund
REFUNDAMENTALS
The average tax refund this year, as of late March, is nearly $2,900, according to the Internal Revenue Service – a sizable sum to get all at once. Deciding what to do with such a windfall can be daunting. In a 2016 survey by Capital One, 65 percent of respondents said they think it’s best to use a tax refund in a practical way. But what is “practical” may depend on the situation. Respondents were evenly split on the question of saving vs. spending the money. Either way, there are many financially sound approaches to making the most of a tax refund.
19 Products That Are Shockingly Overpriced
When you shop in exclusive boutiques, you know you’re going to pay a high price for what you hope is high quality. But there are some situations where you’re just getting gouged. Here in no particular order are some of the most overpriced purchases in America, and what you can do about it.
If you’re a merchant, the only way to profit is to sell stuff for more than you pay for it. As a consumer, whether you’re sipping a martini in a swanky bar or swilling bottled water from the grocery store, you are swallowing that markup.
What’s a fair markup? Fifty percent? One hundred? Two? It depends on both product and business, but one thing’s for sure – you can save a lot of money by paying attention.
Here, in no particular order, is a larger list of products with high markups, along with ways to avoid paying a premium.
15 Items to Avoid at Walmart
Items to Avoid at Walmart
From staples like food and clothes to oddities like the famed yodeling pickle, Walmart has become a one-stop shop for just about everything. The retail giant is definitely a force to be reckoned with.
But while the company is known for its “everyday low prices,” Walmart isn’t the only place for saving money. Based on prices, quality and expert opinion, here are some of the worst items to buy at Walmart.
10 Things to Do When Shopping for a Used Car
10 Things to Do When Shopping for a Used Car
Used car dealerships exist to make money. Your job is to save money — which you can’t do unless you know the right way to buy a used car.
More than 38.5 million people bought used cars last year, according to research from Edmunds, a vehicle pricing resource. If you’re looking to join the masses who are seeking the perfect previously owned vehicle, the name of the game is simple: Avoid buyer’s remorse.
Stay clear of regret and follow these 10 steps to find the perfect used car.