Paul Michael's blog

Weird Money Facts: Why We Throw Money in Fountains

Ever wonder where the tradition of throwing coins into wishing wells originated? Well, read on and wonder no more!

Dementia Sucks: Keep Your Brain Strong With These 10 Things

Your brain isn't really a muscle, but you still can improve its function and fitness with the right mix of nutrition and conditioning. Learn how.

10 Surprising and Useful Things to Do With Ketchup

That bottle of ketchup in the fridge can do a lot more than dress up a burger. Learn what else your favorite condiment can do for you.

Are You Getting Ripped Off by One of These 8 Unnecessary Services?

The surest way to waste money is to buy products and services you don't need. If you're paying for any of these, stop!

What to Buy (and Avoid Buying) in April

If you want to spend some of your tax refund, get your money's worth by reviewing the deals in this month's What to Buy.

25 Healthy Recipes for Lazy People

You know you should eat healthier, but what a hassle! Not anymore. Eat well without breaking a sweat with this collection of easy healthy meals.

10 Popular Life Hacks That Don't Actually Work

Everybody loves a good labor-saving, clever shortcut, right? Unless it's one of these clever shortcuts that wind up costing you more time or money — or both!

25 Ways to Be a Better, Happier Person

Want to make the world a better place? Start by making a better you with these 25 easy, feel good self-improvements.

The 8 Best Places to Find Deals at the Mall

The mall isn't always a money-waster — you'll find the best deals on everything from shoes to kitchen goods at these stores.

100 Easy Ways to Brighten Someone's Day

It's easy to brighten someone's day. Try some of these 100 ways and maybe your day will be brightened, too.

What to Buy (and Avoid Buying) in March

Another March is upon us which means another month of great deals, as well as some terrible buys to skip. Read on for this month's best buys.

This Thing You Use Every Day Is Ruining Your Productivity — and It's Not Facebook

Feeling unproductive at work? Discover what the biggest time-suck is — and how to fix it.

12 Gross Jobs That Pay Pretty Well

Sure, the ick-factor is high, but so is the pay. If you've got a strong stomach, we've got a job — or 12 — for you!

5 Expensive Products That Will Actually Save You Money

Reaching for the cheapest option on the shelf is often a false economy. If your budget permits, pay more for these products — and save much more later.

What to Buy, and Avoid Buying, in February

Winter rolls on, as do the rolling discounts. Read on for the stuff you can buy cheap this month — and the stuff you should hold off on.

5 Personal Finance Lessons From “The Hobbit”

You won't find an ATM in Smaug's lair, but you will find some pearls of financial wisdom scattered about the Lonely Mountain and Middle Earth.

11 Things You Can Do on Your Lunch Break to Change Your Life

After you finish stuffing your face at your desk, instead of returning to work (or Facebook), spend a few minutes focused on improving you.

25 Essential Tricks for Quick and Easy Cleaning

Who has time to clean? Get your place ship shape in a hurry with this collection of clever cleaning shortcuts.

Why Our Brains Want to Buy New Stuff, Even When We Don't Need It

Overspending on stuff you don't need is a problem for many Americans. Learn why the solution is not so simple as "spend less," and what you can actually do to help.

Are TV's Extreme Cheapskates Going Too Far?

How far can you take the frugal lifestyle? Hopefully not this far.