Dear Penny: I’m Collecting Money From My Late Husband’s Pension. Can I Still Do That if I Remarry?

I am 81 years old. If I remarry, can I still collect his pension? I do get Social Security, my retirement benefits and survivor benefits from his account combined. Just wondering about his pension. Terms vary from plan to plan, but some characteristics are typical for private versus public plans. Probably not as good as youd like. It always seems like an uphill battle to build (and keep) a decent amount in savings....

December 11, 2024 · 1 min · 136 words · Anthony Wilson

How to Cat-Proof Your Christmas Tree Without Breaking the Bank

Lets face it: Cats love Christmas trees. Look for affordable options at local discount stores or second-hand shops. Go for Shatterproof Ornaments Replace fragile glass ornaments with shatterproof alternatives. Pixabay More From The Penny Hoarder:Get too many gift cards this year? Heres everything you oughta know about selling gift cards online. Create a Citrus Barrier Cats generally dislike the smell of citrus. Place orange peels or a citrus-scented spray around the tree to deter your furry friend from getting too close....

December 11, 2024 · 2 min · 307 words · Christine Wilson

How to Make Money Selling Coupons on Ebay

There arethousands of auctions on Ebay for couponsand some of them are selling for big bucks! One auction for an envelope of baby formula coupons just closed for $96.01. But once youre out of coupons, how do you make more easy money? We have the answer. Check out some of our favorite ways to make quick money below and keep the cash rolling in. A quick disclaimer before I move on: most coupons will contain language that prohibits them from being resold....

December 11, 2024 · 2 min · 264 words · Thomas Dickerson

Thinking of Shopping Secondhand for Gifts? You’re Not Alone

Theres nothing quite like a pile of expertly wrapped gifts under the tree during the holidays. But shopping for holiday gifts can be stressful especially with the rising cost of living affecting ourholiday gift-giving budgets. Some considered secondhand gifts taboo in the past, but now its become the norm for many shoppers. If youre strapped for cash this year, shopping secondhand could save you big bucks. Heres How Shoppers Feel About Secondhand Gifts Secondhand gifts are no longer considered cheap or impersonal....

December 11, 2024 · 2 min · 410 words · Tina Rasmussen

You Could Be Wasting Your Hard-Earned Money — Here’s How to Keep More of It

Does it seem like your paycheck is gone almost as soon as it hits? Bills theyre so needy. We hate to break it to you, but some of that money could be cash youre wasting unnecessarily. We have six steps you could take to help more of your money stay where it belongs with you. Cancel Your Car Insurance You might not realize it, but your car insurance company is probably overcharging you....

December 11, 2024 · 3 min · 493 words · Jeffrey Wang

If You Have More Than $1,000 in Your Checking Account, Make These 8 Moves

The Penny Hoarder has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. The Penny Hoarder and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Youve built up a little cushion in your bank account $1,000! It feels good, right? Those days of checking your account balance in a panic are behind you. Youre on the right path. Now its time to think about some longer-term goals. What do you want to accomplish next with your money?...

December 10, 2024 · 3 min · 638 words · Angela Moon

Inexpensive Cuts of Meat to Wow Your Guests This Holiday Season

But, its also the most expensive time of the year. Thats why were here to help with your holiday dinner. Want to impress your guests within a budget? 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. Brisket is the breast of the cow, while chuck comes from the shoulder....

December 10, 2024 · 3 min · 487 words · Todd Cisneros

Play Santa Without Going Broke With Our Holiday Budget Planner

Overspendingto make the holidays special can lead to major post-holiday regrets. That means creating a specific holiday budget. More from The Penny Hoarder:Budgeting 101: How to Budget Money Need Some Quick Cash? If youre looking to boost your income this month, weve got just the thing for you. A much better use of your hard-earned money would be to pay down your credit card balance. Skipping expensive holiday gifts doesnt mean you cant shower your friends and family with love....

December 10, 2024 · 3 min · 441 words · Teresa Foster

These 19 Holiday Gift Ideas Make Personal Finance Fun for Kids

Do we have an idea for you: Give them the gift of finance. Need some extra cash to get you through the season? So consider these gift ideas as youre shopping for holiday presents for your future money moguls. Chris Zuppa/The Penny Hoarder Tax and shipping are not included. 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 10, 2024 · 4 min · 655 words · Dr. William Haynes

13 Bottles of the Best Cheap Red Wine Under $18

But you dont need to spend a fortune on red wine. It can still taste plenty rich even when you buy it on the cheap. We also got some help from Nick Elliott, a winemaking expert based in California. Open to either red or white? Game on! Check out our list offabulous wines under $14. Weve got some great information about how to select red wine and why prices are what they are....

December 9, 2024 · 4 min · 640 words · Lauren Garcia

2025 Tax Brackets: Here’s How Much You’ll Owe the IRS Next Year

The IRS has released the latest inflation-adjusted federal income tax brackets that are in effect for tax year 2025. This wont affect what tax bracket youre in when you file your 2024 taxes in April 2025. Instead, itll affect any income you earn in 2025 for filing in 2026. We have the details. Is Your Paycheck Not Going As Far As It Used To? We get it.Everythingis more expensive than it used to be, but your paycheck hasnt kept up....

December 9, 2024 · 2 min · 338 words · Edward Burch

All I Want for Christmas … Is to Avoid Holiday-Spending Debt

Dont let the holiday spirit last all year long. Sorry, I meant dont let the holidaydebtlast all year long. As it turns out, were a country full of seasonal spenders. Chris Zuppa/The Penny Hoarder We Dare You to Take Control of Your Debt Up for a debt challenge? In 10 days,these 10 practical stepscould help you get back on the right financial track. Wondering how you might wander in a winter wonderland without winding up in debt?...

December 6, 2024 · 1 min · 198 words · James Wood

How To Get Your Holiday Shopping Done Early: 9 Tips for a Stress-Free December

That magical time of year when we somehow forgetthe chaos of last-minute shoppingonly to repeat it annually. But not this year. This year, youre going to crush holiday shopping like the efficient, money-saving champ you aspire to be. Give Fewer (But More Thoughtful) Gifts Think fewer gifts, less stress and more fun. Try suggesting a Secret Santa or White Elephant-throw in party with family and friends. Explain the benefits of each person only needing to put their energy into one thoughtful gift....

December 6, 2024 · 2 min · 426 words · Michael Wood