Shopping

Impulse Shopping: A Controllable Handicap

A friend of mine has a pathological weakness for impulse shopping. But using the techniques outlined here, she dug herself out of debt and into impulse shopping bliss.

I Got Duped! Dealing With Credit Card and Merchant Disputes

So you bought an awesome thing-a-ma-jiggy or service with your credit card. But when you got it home you discovered the item doesn't work, the service was a heist, or the

You're a Chump if you Pay Full Price for That

Couponing and bargain shopping are not for everyone. It takes some time to clip the coupons, organize them, and keep track of sales at all of your favorite stores. But since I'

How to Buy All That Stuff the Police Seize. And It's Cheap.

Here's a terrific site that lets you bid on all sorts of great stuff at silly prices.

The new face of poverty is fat

Twenty years ago, I parked at a supermarket, near where a poor family had just parked. I knew they were poor, because they looked like poor folks are supposed to look: Their clot

Avoid the Gift That Belly Flops

The tale of the Christmas belly flop is a sad one. The shopper finds something that looks so appealing, often on sale, and wraps it up beautifully. The givee is truly excited --

How to wrap gifts with leftovers.

I’ve mentioned before that I’m no fan of the greeting card and gift wrapping industries. Not only are their products way over-priced, they’re also less than original in most cases.

5 Cool DIY Christmas Gifts for the “Under 6” Crowd

Handmade gifts are becoming cool again! Here are five gifts for smaller children that will be loved long after the season is over.

Holiday Gift Giving Techniques

Some of the things we love about Christmas (like sitting around a beautifully lit tree on Christmas morning with the family and opening gifts and enjoying some Christmas cheer) get

Credit Card Rewards Programs

A commenter on a recent article of mine on credit card usage, suggested a follow-up post with an eye to uncovering the mysteries of credit card rewards programs. And in my research, I discove [more]

This Season, Give Your Child the Gift of Fiscal Responsibility

Kids may think they know what they want to get for the holidays this year, but that doesn’t mean they have a

On Cyber Monday, Don't Miss a Single Coupon Code

RetailMeNot gadgets can smoothe your online bargain-hunting experience on Cyber Monday. Which will come in handy if you're trying to get your holiday shopping done before the b

25 Great Gifts for $5 or Less

Need some non-crafty, hardly homemade gift ideas, all for less than $5? Here are 25 with something suitable for nearly everyone on your gift list.

This Year’s Hot Toy is Next Year’s Trash

Our commitment to saving money has always prevented my family from buying the current year’s “Hot” toys. Every year that I hold tight to the de

Healthy recipes--with cost data

Want to eat a cheap, healthy diet? Want some recipes that use real food instead of packaged food products? Want to argue about how much it costs to feed a family a healthy diet?

Indie Holidays

Do you want every gift you give to be from the heart? Do you dream about ending the power of materialism? Is encouraging sustainable community on your list for next year? Do you

In Search of Safety: A Mom's 8-Step Guide to Toy Selection and Everyday Use

As the mom of two boys, I can tell you that there are two kinds of toys: 1) those that are inherently dangerous (such as ATVs, BB guns, and lead-tainted toys) and 2) those made

Top 7 Reasons Why I Use My Credit Card for Everything

I charge absolutely everything to my credit card. Everything. Here are the reasons why I am a credit card junkie.

Get Cash Back by Caring for Others

I recently discovered a website that offers cash refunds on an assortment of items that I use every day. The nation&#

Why Spending a Little More on a Brand Name can Pay Off

I have always been a fan of buying the less expensive generic version of whatever it is I am in the market for. Running shoes, clothing, electronics, pres

Latest Articles in Shopping

How to Protect Yourself From Credit Card Theft

Don't let a scammer get a hold of your credit card number. Here's how to keep your account secure.

5 Reasons Not to Use Debit Cards When You Shop Online

Before you place an order through your favorite online retailer, consider these reasons to use credit instead of debit.

How to Maximize Rewards on Everyday Spending

If you're not using your travel or cash back card for certain expenses, you're leaving valuable rewards on the table.

The 5 Best Products for Dry Skin

If you're looking for a new product to hydrate your skin, look no further than these five!

The 5 Best Products for Oily Skin

There are thousands of products on the market just for people with oily skin, and many of them are budget-friendly! Here are five excellent options.

The 5 Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums

If you're looking to give hyaluronic acid serum spin, any of the five below are excellent picks that won't break your budget.

The 5 Best Eye Shadow Palettes

Here are some excellent eye shadow palettes that offer a wide range of shades and won't break your budget.

The 5 Best Sheet Masks

If you're new to the sheet mask scene, or are looking for a new one to try, these five are excellent picks that won't break your budget.

The 5 Best Stay-At-Home Haircare Essentials

Whether you're looking for a dry shampoo, or a root cover-up to hide those grays, you can have the best haircare products delivered right to your door.

The 5 Best Cozy Home Essentials

If you look around your living room or bedroom and don't immediately want to take a nap, something's missing.

The 5 Best Stay-At-Home Beauty Essentials

Just because the world has changed doesn't mean you need to neglect your beauty regimens. These products are budget-friendly and will make you feel like a glowing goddess.

The 5 Best Stay-At-Home Skincare Essentials

If you've been missing your regular facials, or you're just looking to switch up your skincare routine, these items will give your skin a fresh glow without breaking your budget.

The 5 Best Home Office Essentials

These items will give your newly assembled home office a cozy and organized upgrade.

The 5 Best Stay-At-Home Self-Care Essentials

Now that we're all stuck at home, it's the perfect opportunity to prioritize self-care. These items will help you get into extreme relaxation mode.

The 5 Best Stay-At-Home Fitness Essentials

With local gyms and parks closed, you'll need to get creative if you want to maintain your regular workouts. Luckily, a few key items will help you set up the perfect home gym.

The 5 Best Stay-At-Home Kitchen Essentials

Since we're all spending more time at home, it's important to have a well-stocked kitchen and helpful tools to make lots of delicious meals.

How to Avoid These Common Hidden Fees

Don't let these sneaky fees blow your budget when making a purchase.

4 Steps to Simplify Car Shopping in the New Year

Before you head to the dealer for a new car this year, make sure you have your finances in order.

How to Pay Off Holiday Debt: A Step-by-Step Guide

Did Christmas leave you in the red? Don't worry, this step-by-step guide will help you climb out of that hole.

Why It Pays to Be a Patient Shopper

When you want something, you want it now! But buying the first acceptable option that fits your budget could be costing you big bucks.