Free, Cheap and (Mostly) Homemade Holiday Gift Ideas

Homemade holiday gifts may just be the best way to give. They’re easy on the budget AND meaningful to the giver and the receiver. Get Creative Use your unique talents and interests to make homemade gifts. Give the Gift of Time Together Most of us wish we had more time with the special people in our…

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Thrift Gifts: Preloved Finds for Holiday Gift Giving

Some things stand the test of time: a classic book, a colorful scarf, a cute end table, quality cookware. With a bit of time for searching, the perfect gift may be at a secondhand store near you.  There are two types of secondhand stores. Thrift Stores These include stores operated by non-profit organizations and for-profit…

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6 Holiday Hacks to Curb Impulse Shopping

Have you ever stopped to think about how much you spend around the holidays? Chances are it’s more than you think. Research shows Americans spend roughly $1,000 on Christmas each year. While some of this spending is planned, unplanned impulse spending can add up quickly. If you aren’t careful, it can derail your budget and…

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How Could a Government Shutdown Affect Me Financially?

There’s been a lot of talk about government shutdowns in the last few months. But what does it really mean for us financially? From food programs to employment, a government shutdown could have far-reaching effects. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at why this is happening, the potential financial impacts, and what…

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How to Create & Stick to Your Holiday Budget

Pumpkin spice is back! Love it or hate it, it signals the beginning of the holiday season. It’s a wonderful time of the year, but it can also be challenging on the wallet. Don’t miss these tips to avoid a debt hangover in January. Creating a Holiday Budget is the vital first step to avoid…

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Black Friday Secrets: Is it really a deal?

Black Friday is a shopping extravaganza many eagerly await every year. It’s a day (and weekend) when shoppers get their hands on some of the best deals of the year. Or is it?  While Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales can be exciting, it’s important to approach them with a critical eye. Many shoppers assume…

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