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Carrie Smith

Carrie Smith is a freelance writer and artist who makes a living as a full-time blogger. Follow her journey at carefulcents.com.

Latest articles by Carrie Smith

Should You Move to a New City to Reduce Lifestyle Costs?

If high housing costs seem scary in your dream city, consider this — the lifestyle change may be worth the move!

Do This If You Have Too Much Credit Card Debt

Step one? Stop digging! Step two? Develop smart spending and saving habits, like these, to get on top of your debt — and stay there.

5 Habits That Kill Your Buying Power

Stop paying more for less. These bad shopping habits will leave your wallet worse for wear.

5 Ways to Grow Your Savings Without a Steady Paycheck

Without a steady paycheck, a savings plan may seem like a pipe dream. But freelancers and part-timers can do it. Here's how.

How to Go on Vacation Without Getting Behind on Work

Work doesn't take a vacation when you do. Learn how to leave work behind without coming back to an overflowing inbox.

5 Ways to Protect Your Business During a Divorce

Just because your marriage went kaput doesn't mean your jointly-run small business needs to. Here's how to protect yourself — and your business.

4 Ways Outsourcing Chores Can Save You Time and Money

When household chores threaten to gobble up all your time, there's no shame in shelling out for a little help.

9 Ways to Save Money on Your Cup of Coffee

Few of us can start the day without a morning jolt. Make your daily cup of joe even better with some easy ways to spend less on coffee.

Here's What to Do If You Can't Pay Your Bills On Time

You're a day late and a dollar short — it happens. But when late bill payments become a problem, it's time to face the issue head on.

Ask These 8 Questions to Get a Better Price

A little haggling can go a long way, especially if you ask the right questions. Try these and save some extra cash!

How to Get Through a Tough Financial Emergency

Few things feel worse than dire money emergencies. You can get through it — stay calm, prioritize, and bounce back stronger than before.

7 Personal Finance Milestones Every 20 and 30 Year Old Should Hit

Are you on track toward reaching your financial goals? Get back in the game by scratching off these key financial to-dos.

Don't Leave College Without Making These 5 Moves for Financial Success

The one thing recent grads have that's more valuable than their degrees is time. Be smart and turn yours into a future of financial freedom.

Don't Forget to Budget for These Unexpected Moving Expenses

Whether across the town or across the country, moving has tons of expenses. Don't get blindsided by these surprise costs.

6 Simple Ways to Save Money by Tracking Your Receipts

Don't toss that receipt! Find out how to use that little scrap of paper to uncover some serious savings.

5 MicroSaving Tools to Help You Start Saving Now

Every little bit adds up — and faster than you think! If you can't afford large savings contributions, try these microsaving tools instead.

6 Financial Questions You Must Answer Before Going Freelance

Are you ready to strike out on your own? Before you drop your day job, make sure you really understand what your finances will look like.

3 Ways to Fund Your Business Without Touching Savings

Don't take one step forward and two steps back. Here's how to fund a new business venture without touching your retirement savings.

5 Things You Must Do Before You Quit Your Job

Don't just take that job and shove it. Before giving notice, make sure you're prepared for whatever comes next.

4 Ways to Fund Your New Business Without Borrowing a Dime

Being your own boss isn't cheap — you'll need cash to get started and to keep going. Here's how to do it without taking on startup debt.