Online scams are everywhere. I probably get one or two each month, and to be quite honest, I like to play along with the scammers so that I can understand the scam and write about it to warn others. As long as playing along doesn’t entail me giving away pertinent information that could hurt me, […]
If you watch commercials or are ever bombarded by internet ads, then you would think everyone and their mother are emptying their jewelry coffers and melting their gold down at gold parties being held across the United States. Or perhaps you think you are the last person remaining who has not purchased a stash of […]
I recently caught up on my magazine reading for the first quarter of 2013. In doing so, I discovered a Businessweek article on a very distressing financial matter in Cyprus, one that we should all be concerned about (and particularly the savers among us). The Cyprus bailout is a good reminder for all of us […]
Earlier this spring, the cost of a gallon of gas was averaging close to $4 in the US. Analysts were predicting $5 gas this summer, followed by the sun burning out and the moon exploding. Ironically, none of this happened. During the early part of summer gas prices were steadily dropping. A barrel of oil […]
Reality television covers almost every aspect of life now, from busting the rat infestation in New York City (fittingly named Rat Busters NYC) and Ghost Hunting on International Ground to following the dating lives of sub-celebs. They have even managed to cram cameras into hoarder’s homes to catch a glimpse of what it would be […]
The adjustable rate mortgage craze was part of what led to the housing and financial crisis that we are still recovering from. Adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) usually have lower interest rates than traditional mortgages when they are first disbursed. This leads to lower payments, which makes it easier for people to take on large mortgages that […]
In the last several years my household has been the beneficiary of a substantial amount of government stimulus money. First there was the $600 check (each) under President Bush, then we had the Make Work Pay $800 ($400 per person for two years), we received $8,000 free and clear for purchasing our first home, and […]
Are you one of the millions of Americans who have lost their job during this recession? Despite economists declaring that the recession ended in June 2009, there was still a 9.4% unemployment rate at the end of last year, with many speculating only a small percentage change in the positive in 2011. Unemployment Insurance Extension […]
Last year was the first time that I made a significant amount of money from writing, freelancing, and my blog Frugal Confessions. What an exciting milestone in my life! Even though I wholeheartedly have planned out the next 40 years of my life financially speaking, for some reason I never opened up a side account […]
I love finding leaks in our budget, plugging them, and reaping the savings from doing so. I have done this by unplugging our electrical appliances when not in use, grocery shopping every other week instead of every week, doing the drugstore game, and subscribing to Netflix instead of going to the DVD store (my husband […]
