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What to Buy (and Avoid Buying) in July

It feels like Easter was only a few weeks ago, and yet we're already halfway through the year. July is here, and with it some decent savings are also arriving. If you also have decent weather, you may get to enjoy many of your deals in the sunshine. Here's hoping. (See also: Shopping Calendar: The Best Time to Buy Anything)

First, What to Buy in July…

There's a big, big holiday at the start of the month. Independence Day will bring a bunch of savings to the websites and retail stores. Here's where you can expect to save some money this July.

Ask the Readers: How Do You Host a Party on a Budget?

You can have a party at any time of the year, but there's something to be said about a backyard barbecue in the summer sun — and it's something fun and yummy! Granted, hosting a party of any sort can be a lot of work, too, and it can cost even more if you don't watch your budget.

How do you host a party on a budget? What tricks do you use to cut costs on food, supplies, or decorations? What is the largest party you've ever organized?

Tell us how you host a party on a budget and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

Win 1 of 3 $20 Amazon Gift Cards

We're doing three giveaways — here's how you can win!

These 5 Apps Can Fix Your Finances

They say money has wings and that it tends to fly away before we even realize it. That's a product of the time we're living in, unfortunately. The good news, however, is that some wasteful spending can be curtailed and prevented, and a great way to do that is to use something else that's a product of our time: Smartphone apps. (See also: The "I Knew It!" Benefit of Expense Tracking)

The Sweet 16: Delicious and Healthy Frozen Yogurt and Ice Cream Recipes

Now that it's officially summer, my tastebuds have decided they'd like to cool off for a while. So, rather than making all my standard baked desserts, I like to try my hand at ice cream and frozen yogurt recipes. Something about the chill makes these treats feel healthier, but if I'm not careful, I can consume way too much heavy cream and sugar. Those ingredients aren't exactly a bikini body's best friend. (See also: Stuff We Love: Make Delicious Ice Cream With the Lello Gelato Junior)

Here are 16 frozen delights that feature whole foods and lighter ingredients. Enjoy!

The 5 Best Handheld Vacuums

Most people, if not all, would agree that a vacuum cleaner is an essential tool to have in your cleaning arsenal. While an upright or canister vacuum would be adequate for cleaning your home, a handheld vacuum can be a much better option for cleaning tight spaces such as car interiors or small staircases and for quickly cleaning up small messes.

There are many different models of handheld vacuums available, and you can easily find yourself lost trying to find the best one. Fortunately, Wisebread is here to help with our top 5 list of the best handheld vacuums.

Best Money Tips: Secrets to Saving at the Super Market

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found some amazing articles on secrets to saving at the super market, affordable beach weddings, and things you should check before buying a used car.

Top 5 Articles

10 Secrets to Saving at the Super Market — Downloading store apps and learning how to recognize the best sales can help you save at the super market. [Kiplinger]

12 Tips for an Easy and Affordable Beach Wedding — To save on a beach wedding, keep it intimate and provide practical favors. [POPSUGAR Smart Living]

10 Simple All Natural Bug and Mosquito Repellents

Bugs. Can't live with them, but can't live without them. Despite all the good flies, mosquitoes, bees, and other insects do for our ecosystem, they can sure seem like pests during that backyard BBQ or annual camping extravaganza. With a little foresight, common sense, and maybe a few essential oils, however, you can battle with these creatures and win. Better yet? You can do it all without using harsh chemicals or other ingredients that are hazardous to your health. Here are 10 ways to keep the bugs away. (See also: Homemade Sunblock and 6 Other Recipes to Get Your Skin Ready for Summer)

Capital One 360 Bonus Offer: Get $100 FREE

4 Days Only (June 30-July 3): For their 5th Annual Financial Independence Days Sale, get

$100 when you open a 360 Checking account and make a total of 5 Debit Card purchases or

5 CheckMateSM deposits or any combination of the two within 45 days. This is an interest

bearing checking account!

You can also grab a $76 bonus when you open a 360 Savings account with a $500 minimum

deposit. The bonus starts earning interest on day 1, but you can’t take it out for at least 30 days.

23 Money-Saving Items Everyone Should Own

Can I get this cheaper?

This is a question that all thrifty shoppers ask themselves before opening their wallets. And well they should: Less expensive is good. But what about items that actually save you money over time? (See also: 101 Ways to Save Money Around the House)

It's time to pile savings on top of savings with these 23 money-saving items that everyone should own.

I'm Eating What? 12 Gross Things in Your Food

You are what you eat. Vitamins, minerals, protein, fat… and you might also be eating bugs, clones, breast implants, and viruses. If you want to avoid the last half of that list, it's time to learn about all the gross stuff you're eating — and how to avoid it in the future.

Good health requires relatively healthy eating habits. Health insurance companies and consumer agencies alike now advocate consuming nutritious foods as a preventative health care measure. Ignore what you're eating, and you could end up paying the price via higher health insurance premiums and medical bills. (See also: Skip Multivitamins and Eat These These Good Foods Instead)