Saving
Windfalls come in many forms. A $100 bill on the sidewalk, an unexpected performance bonus at work, a small inheritance from a distant relative, or a raffle prize at the county fair. Sometimes, you have to create your own windfall. Insurance renewals are a good place to start. Bah, you…
You walked into Costco for the thing you always buy, and it wasn’t there. No sign. No warning. Just an empty spot where your favorite used to sit. Welcome to 2026. A whole batch of Kirkland Signature staples is disappearing, and Costco isn’t saying much about why. Here’s the thing…
The modern credit card is a marvel of engineering — not just for the banks, but for the human brain. Every time you swipe, tap, or click “Buy Now,” your brain experiences a spike in dopamine without the immediate pain of paying that comes with handing over physical cash. If…
We talk a lot about food waste. The statistics are staggering: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates that between 30% and 40% of the food supply in the United States is wasted. When you buy a bunch of bananas, you pay by the pound. If you eat the fruit…
From ground beef to peanut butter, food retailer Giant Eagle has joined a growing list of grocers lowering prices on thousands of items this summer as many U.S. consumers struggle to make ends meet. A LendingTree survey earlier this year found that 49% of Americans said it was difficult to…
Stunning gardens, a lighthouse, and state park exploration. These are just some of the ways you can spend your afternoon in Southern California while keeping costs down this summer. Of course, there’s a myriad of things to do on your own or with loved ones for free across a region…
Social Security is confusing enough for one person. For married couples, the options are often even more complicated, with spousal benefits and survivor’s benefits potentially in play. Sometimes adding to that confusion is a 2015 federal law that changed the process of how some lower-earning spouses apply for benefits. This…
Navigating airport security can be stressful. But for low-risk travelers, there’s an easier way. TSA PreCheck members wait about 10 minutes or less on average at airport security checkpoints, plus can leave electronics and small liquids in bags and don’t have to remove belts and light jackets. Until the Transportation…
You can watch movies and TV at home, on a plane, in line at the grocery store — virtually anywhere and on any platform you like. But it will cost you. Big-name video streaming sites like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime Video require you to pay monthly subscriptions. Luckily, they…
With new electric vehicle prices averaging nearly $55,000 and the federal government no longer offering $7,500 in tax credits for plug-in vehicles, 13 major automakers are confirming plans to participate in California’s new $3,500 instant rebate program for new EV buyers in the state. California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat,…
