Budgeting

A staycation doesn't mean taking the laptop into the backyard and working from hom; it's about relaxing and exploring your own part of the world. So how do you make sure your staycation stays interesting?

By Julia Layton

You can rent to own a high-definition TV for just a few dollars a week, no credit required. It seems like a good deal, especially if you can't afford a new TV. If it's so great, why doesn't everyone do it?

By Dave Roos

Everyone knows that the things we buy at retail are marked up so vendors can make a profit. But the final cost depends on what you're buying -- and where you buy it.

By Dave Roos & John Kelly

Extended product warranties are a good thing -- most of the time. However, under certain circumstances, it would be in your best interest to ignore the hard sales pitch and steer clear.

By Josh Clark

So you don't know what to buy your dad for Christmas. Maybe you can't wrap a gift to save your life. Whatever the reason, more people are giving gift cards these days. Buyer beware: They have more hidden strings than you may realize.

By Cristen Conger

Money woes can take a toll on your health and relationships. But the good news is that there are things you can do to lower your financial stress right now. Take a deep breath, slow down and check out our list.

By Jane McGrath

Maybe keeping up with the Joneses is running you into the poorhouse. But will cutting out your luxuries make your friends think you're in dire straits?

By Jane McGrath

Some people hate it, and others love it. Maybe you pay full price just to avoid the hassle of negotiation. Or, perhaps you get your thrills from haggling with the used-car salesman.

By Jane McGrath

With taxes and medical expenses increasing, it isn't hard for U.S. workers to get discouraged. Nothing is more frustrating than working hard all year, just to have the government and the pharmacy take your money. But flex funds may help you save.

By Sarah Siddons

When you car breaks down, or you take those morning trips to the latte shop, you incur non-fixed expenses. Reviewing your budget, you'll see that they can fluctuate from one month to the next.

By Sarah Siddons

Trendy clothes. Daily Starbucks coffee. All the newest CDs. In budgeting, these common spending habits are identified as discretionary expenses. Discretionary expenses can be a reward, or they can wreck your budget. So what's your weakness?

By Sarah Siddons

You have a big expense coming up. You need a better car or home, or you want to go back to college. What do you do? Borrow, borrow, borrow -- right? Well, maybe not. Working off of a budget just may save your sanity -- and credit.

By Sarah Siddons

Buying your first home can a dream come true, but it can quickly turn into a nightmare. Realistic planning is key to avoiding the pitfalls that await first time homebuyers.

By Jane McGrath

Checks are processed in a variety of ways. What happens to your check or checking account when you pay by check at the grocery store, online, or through PayPal?

Basically, a savings account is a way for your money to earn money. That may be a bit simplistic, but in this article we'll dig deeper and help you determine how to save and decide which accounts are the best fit for your lifestyle.

People buy bonds as investments, similar to buying stocks. The difference, though, is that bonds are much less risky than stocks. And, while both can be traded, bonds usually earn less money than stocks do.

By Jane McGrath

Putting your money into a CD can yield higher interest returns than a standard savings account. Do you know the difference between a CD and a savings account? Find out how you can invest your money into a CD money account.

By Jane McGrath

College can be an expensive endeavor, even with scholarships and other kinds of financial aid. However, there are ways to save. From buying used textbooks to choosing the right campus meal plan, here are a few tips. And don't forget to apply for thos

By John Fuller

The Economist reported there were 10 million millionaires in the world in 2011 -- a record number. Want to be one, too? Researchers have found quite a few common traits that most millionaires possess.

By Lee Ann Obringer & Laurie L. Dove

Gas prices may be soaring, but there are steps you can take to conserve your valuable fuel. From proper tire inflation and load weight to route planning and proper vehicle maintenance, here's the skinny on how to save dollars during your daily drives.

By Zolton Cohen

When the person in front of you is triumphantly slapping down coupon after coupon during checkout, it makes you wonder how the store makes any money. Hop on the free money train as we explain.