7 Podcasts to Listen to if You’re Serious About Paying Off Debt

There are some great personal finance books out there. But who has time to read them all? Sure, there are audiobooks. But some are so dry that not even being stuck in a car can get you to press play. Then, you’re able to move on to the next topic. Theyre great when you need a break from books. But there are so many out there. How do you know which ones are worth your time?...

February 18, 2019 · 2 min · 320 words · Randy Park

4 Secrets Debt Relief Programs Don’t Want You to Know (Plus 3 Alternatives)

Youre 30, 60 or maybe even 180 days late on your credit card payments. Creditors are calling, interest is building and your stress is through the roof. What Is a Credit Card Debt Relief Program? The term can be interchangeable with debt forgiveness, debt settlement or debt negotiation. You may have seen their ads in the mail, on TV or in sidebars while searching the internet. The offer sounds really enticing....

February 16, 2019 · 2 min · 350 words · Erika Cortez

101 Costs You Need to Budget for if You’re Always Forgetting Expenses

So you want to make a budget, but you have no idea what to include. Were here to help. Weve scoured the internet and our bank transactions. Tina Russell/The Penny Hoarder Sure, you might be able to think of something we didnt. These are just the ones we thought would be most relevant to most readers. So get out your budgeting apps and open those Excel spreadsheets. Its time to budget....

February 13, 2019 · 2 min · 368 words · Teresa Sandoval

Online Dating Scams Are on the Rise — How to Save Some Heartache (and Cash)

Just when you thought dating couldnt be any more annoying. And the number is only expected to increase. Dont move to a convent just yet. Thereareways to spot a romance scam and even get your money back if it happens to you. If someone says theyre abroad and cant meet, you should tread carefully. If they continually make excuses about why they cant meet, its best to move on. Our team has compiled alist of creative waysyou can fatten your bank account this week....

February 13, 2019 · 2 min · 299 words · Tony Ellis

Best Light Bulbs for Your Buck: Here’s Why We Chose LEDs

Are you looking for ways to cut down on energy costs? Heres a bright idea: Reevaluate your light bulb situation. They were and still are offered in 40W, 60W, 75W and 100W bulbs. gaiamoments/Getty Images The problem with these light bulbs?They are among the most inefficient ways to light a room. Thats because 90% of their energy is lost as heat, and only 10% actually emits light. Because of their inefficiency, these bulbs have beenphased outin the United States....

February 12, 2019 · 2 min · 277 words · Ann Fisher

How This Family Lives Off $45K/Year While Raising a Special Needs Child

Her daughter Hannah, 10, waits at the dining room table in their Ocala, Florida, home. Hannah has challenges eating on her own. Vicki, 48, places two plates in front of Hannah. Bethany Newton babysits her sister Hannah Fouche while their mother takes Mikayla, the youngest sister, horseback riding. Tina Russell/The Penny Hoarder Which pizza do you want? Do you want The Lion King or Olaf? Vicki asks, referring to the Disney characters decorating each plate....

February 7, 2019 · 6 min · 1265 words · Shane Estrada

Score Some Extra Cash as a Youth Baseball Umpire. Here’s How

Probably not as good as youd like. It always seems like an uphill battle to build (and keep) a decent amount in savings. But what if your car breaks down, or you have a sudden medical bill? Umpires pray before heading to the field for a training clinic (left). The Suncoast Umpires Association spent an hour reviewing rules during a recent general meeting at Northside Christian School in St. Petersburg , Fla....

February 6, 2019 · 2 min · 265 words · Brittany Butler

Got Unused Baby Gear? Rent It Out With These Services to Make Extra Cash

Eventually, a baby gear rental service called BabyQuip appeared in her results. She decided after doing some research that listing her gear to rent would be perfect for her. These orders vary in quantity and bang out of gear. Madrid delivers two baby cribs rented through BabyQuip to a family vacationing in Kissimmee, Fla. She keeps 100% of the delivery fee and 80% of the rental fee. Chris Zuppa/The Penny Hoarder...

February 4, 2019 · 2 min · 294 words · Dale Glass

Dear Penny: I Make Way More Than My Boyfriend. How Do We Combine Finances?

Real Answers for Life’s Money Challenges My boyfriend and I have been together for years. He wants to get married, but we both have concerns about money. I make significantly more than him, and this bothers him. What do you think would be the best way to combine finances? But dont let me jump to conclusions and/or your defense right away. Lets assume that your boyfriend is worried that he wont be able to contribute enough to your household expenses....

February 1, 2019 · 1 min · 190 words · Nancy Schwartz

Instacart Grocery Delivery Just Got Cheaper. Here’s Much You Can Save

Grocery delivery services are known for charging a premium for convenience. But convenience is getting cheaper for shoppers of one popular delivery option. Instacart has reduced its prices for delivery and membership as of Nov. 14, a company spokesperson confirmed. The company tested several pricing models and made the adjustments based on customer feedback. Our team has compiled alist of creative waysyou can fatten your bank account this week. This is a long list, so dont get overwhelmed....

February 1, 2019 · 1 min · 189 words · Richard Bates

My Partner Has Celiac Disease: Here’s What it Costs Us

My partner Nick has been living with celiac disease for over a decade. At its core, the serious autoimmune disorder is anall-out intolerance of the protein gluten. If you have been diagnosed with celiac disease, transitioning to a gluten-free lifestyle is of immediate importance. Freschetta makes an affordable frozen gluten-free pizza. Carmen Mandato/ The Penny Hoarder Doing so will require some changes to your spending. Heres how living gluten-free might affect you financially....

January 31, 2019 · 2 min · 295 words · Edward Roberts

Second Baby Checklist: What to Reuse and What to Buy

I wasnt one of those kids who dreamed of being a mommy. In fact, I didnt particularly like children. But that changed when I was faced with a positive pregnancy test. Hiles’ daughter Rose sits in the family’s secondhand double stroller, a model that can be pushed while jogging or converted to trail behind a bicycle. Photo courtesy of Catherine Hiles Then, in 2017, my husband Ben and I decided to try for a second baby....

January 26, 2019 · 3 min · 479 words · Amanda Ramirez

7 Steps for Catching up on Bills When You Have No Idea Where to Start

So you want to pay off your debt. Thats a great goal! To get on the financial path you want to be on, you have to commit. Aileen Perilla/ The Penny Hoarder Heres how to get started. Go through them in order. If youre behind on utilities or rent, catch up on those first. Then list your bills from highest to lowest interest rate. Our team has compiled alist of creative waysyou can fatten your bank account this week....

January 25, 2019 · 3 min · 511 words · Sierra Miller