Financial hardships can come out of nowhere: an unforeseen medical emergency, a natural disaster, an unexpected house repair, or loss of a job can jostle even those most well-prepared financially. During this setback, it may be tempting to dip into your retirement savings.

One of the best and easiest ways to save money for your family is to buy used items whenever possible. In most cases, you’ll be just as happy with the item and get just as much functionality as you would with a new one for a fraction of the cost. While there are many great household items that are perfectly fine when bought used, there are a few items that you should never buy unless it’s new. Read on to find out how to make the best budget-friendly decisions about buying new vs. used.

How to Maintain Your Financial Well-Being While Renting For some people, renting is the best option. If you have little job security, know you might not stay in the same place for two years, or you’re not financially ready to buy a home, renting is probably the best option. Just because you’re renting doesn’t mean …

Whether it’s your first time on your own or you want to make the switch from renting an apartment to owning your own home, housing decisions can seem both exciting and intimidating. The best way to make your dreams come true is through research of your needs and understanding of where you stand with your budget and own future plans.

With the arrival of March comes springtime, bringing with it warmer temperatures, greener lawns and lots of color to the outdoors. At this time of year, nature beckons to families who have been cooped up in the cold to reconnect with one another in the sunshine. Lots of springtime traditions provide you with fun family …

Lower You Weekly Grocery Bill and Save Money in the Kitchen with These Easy Tips Your weekly trip to the grocery store is made challenging by crowded aisles, familial needs, and long lines. This necessary task is made even more stressful when the shockingly high final price appears on your receipt. After living expenses, food …

When you’re in the market for your next car or truck, the salesmen and the showrooms can seem like pretty intimidating places. Whether you’re better off with a new car or selecting a used or “pre-owned” vehicle depends upon a number of factors, and there isn’t one right answer for everyone. While a friend of …

Easy ways to turn your unwanted household items into extra funds The spring season brings a much-needed feeling of revitalization after winter’s long snowy months. One way to bring that sensation into your home is with a spring cleaning. This doesn’t just mean cleaning windows or emptying your fridge; it is an opportunity to completely …

Making a Plan to Avoid Overspending and Unnecessary Shopping We all know that the best way to make sure you don’t overspend at the grocery store is to make a list of your grocery needs that fits your budget. Making a list not only provides an easy-to-follow plan to make sure that we don’t overspend, …

How to Use Offseason Shopping to Your Advantage Smart shoppers know that buying in the off-season can save you time and money on goods you know you will need when the season arrives. The key is to shop for items at non-peak times when retailers are more likely to unload old merchandise and there’s not …