Personal Finance

Starting up a garden to save on food costs can seem like a sure bet. It's not, but it is doable. What factors should you consider when starting a garden?

By Julia Layton

Your washer's on the fritz again, and your toaster oven is, well, toast. Instead of breaking out the big bucks for new appliances, should you opt for a used model? Here are some things to keep in mind when purchasing used appliances.

By Nathan Chandler

Before you toss your used cell phone out, think about the consequences. You can sell it or donate it instead and avoid junking up the landfill even more.

By Emilie Sennebogen

Is your personal library bursting out of its bookshelves? If you need more space (and more cash), we've got five tips for selling your used books.

By Jane McGrath

Though it may seem scary, securing the financial future of your new family needn't be an obsessive pursuit. What are five tips that will set you on the path to financial confidence?

By Julia Layton

You buy from eBay all the time, but have you ever thought about using the site to sell your old stuff? Lots of people do it, and here are some tips to help you do the same.

By Marie Willsey

Savings bonds are solid investment tools, but cashing them in isn't as easy as heading to the bank and handing over your identification. Learn how to cash in savings bonds in this article.

By Ed Grabianowski

Treasury bonds guarantee investors their money back plus interest -- the government's thanks for helping offset the national debt. So how can you buy in?

By Christine Venzon

Finding forgotten cash in your pocket? Awesome. Finding out the government owes you money that you didn't know about? Priceless. Read on to find out how savings bonds get lost -- and how to sniff them out.

By Kate Kershner

Most people have the itch to travel, but not everyone has the funds. But with a little initiative, it's possible to travel in style without breaking the bank.

By Jeff Harder

To celebrate your child's 16th birthday, you may envision an inexpensive, low-key affair in your backyard for family and a few friends. The birthday girl or boy might have different ideas, though. How can you throw a Sweet 16 party on a budget?

By Alison Cooper

College can be a gateway to independence, and it may be your first chance to decorate your own space. But can you express your style without breaking the bank?

By Jennifer Sellers

By participating in conservation efforts, you can save Earth's precious water supply -- and, more presently, money. But how can you cut back on water?

By Matt Cunningham

Budgeting software is probably something most of us don't think about too often, but it could be one of the most important tools to ensure your financial success.

By Thorin Klosowski

The video game industry isn't just about fun and games; it's about fun, games and loads of money.

By Kevin P. Allen

Couponing isn't all about serendipity. You can now purchase the coupons you want, no clipping, no searching, no luck involved -- even for things like manicures and vacations. But should you?

By Julia Layton

You can definitely save big by buying groceries in bulk, but you can also lose a lot by being tempted to buy things you don't need. Here is our advice that everyone can use, whether you're shopping at a warehouse club or your local supermarket.

By Alison Cooper

You're all set to head to the supermarket, but you don't really feel like going. You'd love to shop online, but doesn't that convenience come at a price?

By Linda C. Brinson

A delicious piece of fish also has the ability to make you sicker than you've ever been. Follow these guidelines to keep your fish-eating ways safe.

By Sara Elliott

The mega-site offers online shoppers everything from MP3 downloads to canned dog food, but what, exactly, do does Amazon do with your information? And how does the company know so much about your likes and interests?

By Natalie Kilgore

Considering the enormous volume of food available at grocery stores, it's almost inevitable that some food packaging will become damaged. If the package of the item you choose is compromised, should you buy it?

By Stefani Newman

Shopping doesn't have to be the dreaded chore everyone hates to do. If you make it fun, and slip a little education in, too, then your days of tantrums in aisle 12 may be over.

By Emilie Sennebogen

No time (or patience) to take the kids shopping for clothes? With a few simple strategies, you can shop online and save the outings for something fun.

By Laurie L. Dove

When you dreamed of having kids, you probably didn't think about all the mundane things you would have to teach him, but they're still important. And that includes grocery shopping.

By Sara Elliott

Your child has been begging for a cell phone but you're worried about her losing it or costing you a bundle in charges. Is a prepaid cell phone the way to go?

By Sarah Alban