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One of my big goals over the last few years was to improve my haggling skills. In the past, I always felt as though it was inappropriate to haggle in many stores, mostly because the whole process felt uncomfortable for me.

Over the last few years, however, I’ve negotiated discounts on a number of items, including a snowblower and a lawnmower. I’ve done this at big chain stores and I’ve saved a surprising amount of money because of it – well over $200 according to my quick math.

One note: you’re going to find a lot more success negotiating for bigger items than negotiating for smaller ones. If you’re negotiating on a $3 item, the employee will look at you like you’re crazy, tell you no, and walk away. Save your negotiating for the $300 items instead.

Everything I’ve done boils down to seven key strategies.

Cancun, Mexico, offers a cheap, student-centric spring break experience — but nearby Playa del Carmen (pictured) might be an even a better deal. Photo: Sean and Lauren

What college student doesn’t welcome spring break with open arms? Every year, thousands of students flee their campuses for a wild week away from it all. But if you’re one of them, resist the urge to max out a charge card — opt for someplace more affordable.

A few days ago, our family was driving to a school event together. We were listening to a podcast over the car’s stereo and the host was talking about how they were worried about the stock market being so high.

My children are naturally curious creatures and so they wanted to know why this host was so worried, and this led into a long discussion about investing in stocks as opposed to investing in other things. They wanted to know what stocks were, why someone would buy them, and how someone would do this (you don’t just go to a store to buy them).

Will you find love this year? Get some friends together to share the cost of a psychic reading, and maybe you’ll find out. Photo: Patrick Emerson

In Seattle, home to so many of the nation’s hipsters, Valentine’s Day has taken on some very unique incarnations among the singles crowd. Just ask Alexandra Chauran, a local fortuneteller.

Each year Chauran’s services are booked weeks, even months in advance of Valentine’s Day by those not in a relationship.

“I get booked by groups of single friends who split the bill for my hourly office fee and have fun getting their fortunes told about the future of their love lives,” says Chauran.

The Valentine’s Day fun for singles, however, doesn’t end there.