Your Favorite Holiday Classics Also Have Underlying Financial Lessons

The holiday season comes with a litany of time-honored, tinsel-tinted activities. From Its A Wonderful Life to A Christmas Carol, most of us know the lines and the messages. But, did you know that you could alsolearn money lessonsfrom holiday movies? Sure, the heartwarming moments that leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside will still be the focus. Its been a staple of Christmas movies, and may in fact be consideredtheChristmas movie, since 1946....

December 25, 2024 · 3 min · 472 words · Steven Wilcox

51 Gift Card Deals for Last-Minute Shoppers Who Love Free Stuff

Weve got a list of 51 retailers, restaurants and movie theaters with great gift card deals. Restaurant Gift Card Deals 1. Changs Give the gift fresh lettuce wraps, tangy orange chicken or divine Great Wall of Chocolate cake. Pexels Use your reward to treat yourself between Jan. 6 and Feb. 10, 2025. BJs Restaurants BJs has twobonus gift card dealsthat run through Jan. 1, 2025. you might even upload a photo to personalize your gift card....

December 24, 2024 · 5 min · 1044 words · Todd Rivas

8 Flavorful Holiday Mocktails That Skip the Alcohol

The holidays are the perfect time to eat, drink and be merry. You brew coffee at home, you dont walk into Target and you refuse to order avocado toast. (Can you sense my millennial sarcasm there?) Carmen Mandato/ The Penny Hoarder Pink Champagne Mocktail You cant toast the New Year without bubbles. Fill your flute with this beverage when it comes time to clink glasses at midnight. Or, sip on one while you help prepare Thanksgiving dinner....

December 23, 2024 · 2 min · 363 words · Dennis Crawford

Dear Penny: What Short-Term Investments Should I Make if I Need Cash Quick?

Real Answers for Life’s Money Challenges What short-term investments should I make if I need cash quick? Thats because investment is about the long game. You cant ever count on short-term gains, because the market is unpredictable. These apps operate similar to payday loans, but without the exorbitant fees. Probably not as good as youd like. It always seems like an uphill battle to build (and keep) a decent amount in savings....

December 22, 2024 · 1 min · 135 words · Alfred Carter

How Long Should You Keep Your Tax Documents? The Answer Might Surprise You

Weve all got at least one pile of paperwork clogging up a corner of our house. With tax season on the horizon, you might be wondering when can I get rid of tax documents? We spoke to tax experts from around the country to get all the details on tax documents. What Forms Are Considered Tax Documents? Depending on your work and income, you probably got a variety of tax documents....

December 20, 2024 · 2 min · 329 words · Kevin Walker

How to Become a Paid Caregiver for Your Loved One Through Medicaid

A semi-private room was $8,390 a month. In Need of Some Quick Money? Unfortunately, insurance doesnt covereverything.These resourcescan help you manage those unexpected expenses. Can You Survive 10 Days of Budgeting? If you oughta wrangle your budget, it may be time to consider a savings challenge. The limits vary by state. State-specific eligibility can be foundhere. If a senior is already enrolled in Medicaid, the next step is contacting their states Medicaid office....

December 20, 2024 · 1 min · 170 words · Laura Martinez

9 Foods You Didn’t Know You Could Freeze

When you throw away groceries you never used, you do more than waste food. Yourethrowing money in the trash. Now, we arent saying this to shame you into eating something you dont want. The Penny Hoarder Herbs Fresh herbs can seriously elevate a meal. Freeze it for later. Put whole bunches of herbs in a bag and label it and pop it in the freezer. More From The Penny Hoarder:Looking for new ways to save?...

December 18, 2024 · 4 min · 651 words · Laura Williams

Travel More (But Spend Less!) With These Money-Saving Tips

Dont let your finances kill your wanderlust if your goal is to travel more. These 10 tips will show you how it’s possible for you to travel more and do it affordably. Save Up for Vacation Over Time First, youll need to estimate how much your vacation will cost. Getty Images Airfare and lodging might set you back the most, but dont forget about food, activities and souvenirs. This is a savings strategy that personal finance nerds refer to as a sinking fund....

December 18, 2024 · 2 min · 389 words · Robert Landry

You Do Have to File Taxes for Sports Betting: Here’s How

Did you pull in some mad cash from betting onNFLgames this season? Because you do, in fact, need to file taxes for sports betting. Your future self will thank you for knowing how it works come tax time in the spring. We have the details. Need a Hand With Bills? Listen, we know its tough out there. But theres no shame in asking for help. These companiesmake it easy to help yourself and your bank account....

December 18, 2024 · 2 min · 419 words · Dennis Charles

16 Chrome Shopping Extensions to Find Coupons and Easily Save Money

Lets say it shopping online is a blast. Take a look at our list and download an extension for your next digital shopping adventure. Its also both free and easy to use. Check out ourfull review of Capital One Shoppingfor all the details. Need Some Quick Cash? If youre looking to boost your income this month, weve got just the thing for you. 16 Chrome Extensions to Save Money 1. you’re able to also earn rewards to redeem for gift cards....

December 17, 2024 · 3 min · 550 words · Crystal Gordon

Make Packages Pretty with These Frugal Gift Wrap Ideas

The good news is there are ways to cut down on the cost and get cheap gift wrap. Many of those options are through items you may have sitting around your house. Can You Survive 10 Days of Budgeting? If you gotta wrangle your budget, it may be time to consider a savings challenge. Reuse and Repurpose for Cheap Gift Wrap Do you have leftover gift wrap from last year?...

December 17, 2024 · 2 min · 262 words · Amber Wong

These Holiday Activities Could Turn Into Serious Insurance Risks

Tis the season to trim the tree, bake gingerbread cookies and headout of town to visit relatives. But if youre a homeowner, all three of those things put you at risk. In these next slides, we break down those holiday insurance risks and offer tips for ensuring youre covered. Getty Images However, as important as those tips are, they dont address the financial risks. These 22 legit games pay real money....

December 16, 2024 · 2 min · 291 words · Jeffrey Dickson

Dear Penny: Where Can My Relatives With Criminal Records Get Jobs?

Real Answers for Life’s Money Challenges My relatives have charges from DUI, drugs and various other charges. They are not able to work due to companies pulling up background reports. They want to work and make money, but itll cost $3,000 to get their records cleared. Where can they get jobs? Self-employment doesnt have to be as complex as starting your own business (or actually registering an LLC). you’re able to offer a skill or a trade as afreelancerorcontractorand work for a company....

December 15, 2024 · 1 min · 180 words · Mark Brooks