blogs

The Dirt on Travel Insurance

In the world of travel insurance, no two policies are the same. Different activities and locales are covered in different ways between insurance companies, and even within the same

“I see dumb people” – Learn to cold-read like a so-called “psychic.”

I don’t believe in psychics, palm readers, telekinesis or mediums. Not because I’m a huge skeptic but because I’ve been researching them for years and have found NO evidence that t

Original Ways to Use Original Dawn

I love to use household products in various unique ways, so I was thrilled to learn about some new-to-me hacks for the

When poor folks have better crap than you

Every notice how upset people get, when someone poorer than them has better crap? I'm talking about the guy agonizing over whether to spring for a 32-inch flat screen who find

The Truth about Wealth

Is wealth about money, or having goals, or achieving milestones, or something completely different? Read on for a description of what a wise friend told me wealth might actually b

Why mortgages have eaten Americans out of house and home

What lessons can future homeowners take away from today's "mortgage crisis?"

Interview with AFFIL executive director Jim Campen

Early in the subprime lending collapse, Wise Bread posted a report from Americans for Fairness in Lending explaining how the subprime lending boom hurt everyone. Since it's a

Money Matters: Why All the Secrecy?

As I alluded to in another article, I am amazed at how people will si

Healthy recipes--with cost data

Want to eat a cheap, healthy diet? Want some recipes that use real food instead of packaged food products? Want to argue about how much it costs to feed a family a healthy diet?

Real eggs

Have you ever eaten an egg from a chicken that lives outside, eating bugs and worms and grubs instead of just chicken feed? You notice the difference as soon as you crack the she

How to Find Money for Charity

You're trying to delight everyone on your Christmas list, and then the guilt sets in. What about those in more need than your family? Here are 10 ways to find money for a donat

Give Two Laptops for the Price of One

Until November 26th, this program allows you to order the revolutionary XO laptop, only now bein

Indie Holidays

Do you want every gift you give to be from the heart? Do you dream about ending the power of materialism? Is encouraging sustainable community on your list for next year? Do you

Roll your own cost-of-living index

If you have a budget--more specifically, if you track your spending--you have the data you need to track changes in your own personal cost of living. That's a lot more useful

In Search of Safety: A Mom's 8-Step Guide to Toy Selection and Everyday Use

As the mom of two boys, I can tell you that there are two kinds of toys: 1) those that are inherently dangerous (such as ATVs, BB guns, and lead-tainted toys) and 2) those made

Nausea Be Gone (For Less)!!

Even the thought of nausea can make your stomach turn. And frankly, the cost of trying to soothe it can be frightening! 24 tablets can cost you close to $10 at the drug store. If t

Top 7 Reasons Why I Use My Credit Card for Everything

I charge absolutely everything to my credit card. Everything. Here are the reasons why I am a credit card junkie.

Save Energy Costs by Cooking with a Hot Box

There are alternatives to using (and paying for) energy to cook your meals for the full allotted time. One of these alternatives is the use of a hot box. And you can fashion your o

Variable prices, and what economists like about them

From the buyer's point of view, a "market price" is great. This is not only because he or she doesn't have to get a bunch of prices quotes to avoid being cheated

Put it in a Pie for Fast, Frugal Food

Are you running out of fresh ideas for supper? Are you also running out of meat and fresh veggies? Pie shells are the best trick