Julie Rains's blog

Cheap and Easy Holiday Shopping at the Dollar Store

Short on time and cash? Stop in the dollar store this holiday season to make a few quick buys that will help you to entertain, decorate, and give for less.

7 Secrets to Refinancing an Underwater Mortgage

An underwater mortgage can drag you down. Learn how to refinance and why now is a great time to contact a lender — even if you were previously denied.

5 Ways That Charitable Giving Can Improve Your Finances

Can you afford to be generous? Or can you afford NOT to be? Learn how charitable giving can actually improve your finances.

Healthcare Price Lists: A Short (but Useful) Guide

It's difficult to save money on healthcare if you don't have access to cost information. Arm yourself with one of these easy-to-use price lists.

Save on School Expenses Without Ruining Your Kid's Childhood

From music lessons to fundraisers and more, even public school expenses can cost you nearly $20,000 per child. Here's how to cut costs.

20 Ways to Get Dinner on the Table Faster

Feeding your family fast doesn't have to mean grabbing drive-through eats. Try these tricks to help get delicious homemade meals on the table — quickly.

Surprisingly Easy Ways You Can Support Charity

You can support charity with minimal effort — and while having a lot of fun. Discover over 20 great, unexpected ways to get involved.

Cooking With Kale: Easy Recipes for Real People

Kale is a frugal, healthy powerhouse that tastes great...if you know how to prepare it right. Incorporate kale into your diet with these simple recipes.

Life Insurance: What to Consider Before Replacing a Policy

"Set it and forget it" shouldn't necessarily be your life insurance motto. Here's what to consider if you're shopping for a better policy.

Financial Math Basics You Need to Know

Do you have the math skills to manage your finances? Learn these basic concepts and calculations to help improve your financial position.

How to Choose a Health Insurance Plan

Your health insurance plan can impact your health...and your finances. But how do you choose? Use this guide to make a smart decision.

How to Calculate Future Value, and Why It Matters

Discover how simple spreadsheet projections about future investments can help you make long-term decisions today.

13 Free or Cheap Ways to Be Blissfully Unproductive

Most of the time, we try to be productive...but everyone needs a break. Here are cheap ways to have fun, experience joy, and be blissfully unproductive.

The Types of Health Insurance Plans

When you're trying to navigate the health care maze, it can be difficult to even know what kind of plan you need. Eliminate the mystery with this guide.

29 Ways to Prevent Visiting the Doctor

Sure, an apple a day "keeps the doctor away." But there many other easy, fun, and money-saving things that you can do to prevent unnecessary visits.

How Much Money Will You Need to Retire?

Do you really know how much money you'll need to retire? Find out by filling out this short (but comprehensive) worksheet.

Tax Brackets Explained

Why are you taxed what you're taxed? And how do some super-wealthy pay so little? Find out what your tax bracket means and why it matters.

Free Online Tools That Help Organize People

Organizing people ought to be easy, but there's good reason why the phrase "like herding cats" is so popular. Make things run smoothly with these tools.

And...Breathe: Become More Patient in 9 Easy Steps

In a world of cell phones and instant downloads, being patient isn't just a virtue — it's downright difficult. Take a deep breath and follow these steps.

19 Frugal Ways to Entertain Teenagers

Teens can be a tough audience to entertain. But even the most restless and demanding teenagers will have fun with one or more of these activities.