Low Gas Prices Are Not Good for Everyone

Sure, it's good that gas prices are low, especially if you have to drive to work every day or you are planning a driving vacation. It's true, also, that eventually, low gas prices should drive down other prices because of the lower cost of transportation. (Isn't that what they told us when food and other things got so expensive when gas prices went high?)

So, what's the kick?

Real Money Versus the Other Kind

I remember 'way back when, as the cashier would ring up my purchases, she (few men were cashiers then) would ask "Cash or check?"

Remember that?

Now, it's "Debit or credit?" Meaning "Which kind of plastic are you using?"

I paid for some groceries with cash the other day and the cashier did a double take. He had to try twice to get the right change, although the cash registers do it for them now.

Owe it to Savings

If one of your New Year's Resolutions was to save more money this year, you may be wondering how you're going to stretch your money far enough to do it.

Sometimes, mind games work very well, so here you go:

Treat your savings account as if it were a debt. Whatever savings goal you want to meet is the amount you "owe."

Do whatever you have to do to keep your mind working that way. Make up a pad of payment coupons, or make a spot for it in your list of bills or write a note to yourself every month, reminding you that a payment is due. Put it in your budget.

Ten Ways to a Frugal New Year

Start the new year off on the right foot! Now's the time to review, revise, revisit and rework, whether it's yourself or your financial picture. Get going on the track that will put you in more frugal (read: prosperous) condition for this year and the year after and the year after...

Review all of your insurance
Home owner's insurance,  vehicle insurance, health insurance, life insurance, whatever you have. The beginning of the year is a perfect time to be sure you're paying the least amount possible for the amount of coverage you need. Raise your deductible if you can, revamp values, revisit needs. Go over everything first by yourself,

Last Minute Gifts You Don't Have to Buy

Oops... you thought you had all your shopping done for the holidays? And then... well, you got a gift from someone you had forgotten about. Or a coworker suddenly decided you were worth a plate of homemade goodies. One of the kids got invited to a Christmas party that requires a gift.

And there you are, turning your credit card over and over, contemplating yet one more shopping trip.

Don't.

There is time to create quick and frugal gifts even if it's the day before Christmas.

For kids:

Beware the Commercial Christmas Syndrome

Christmas is practically here! Suddenly all the things I put off until later because it was too early, now need doing immediately because it will soon be too late!

While it might feel like (and actually be) panic time, it's the worst time possible on our pocketbooks for us to panic! When we feel stress, we spend more. We don't take

Black Friday Countdown

It really is that time of year, isn't it? Black Friday, that day where super sales can make a huge dent in your gift list, well be here in barely over a week from today.

You've no doubt seen ads for it already as stores start building anticipation for the frenzy, but don't just jump and run Friday morning. Plan, plan, plan... and look closely for the best deals.

Personally, I am not one to get up at 12:05 AM and stand in line for the latest gadget at the lowest price, or fight my way through crowds to it, but online? Oh, yeah.

6 of the Best Free Things You Can Find Online

Some of us get our internet free or at a very reasonable price, while others pay dearly for the service. Either way, an internet connection can be used to save money during the holidays (and every day). Why not use it to save money and make the holidays go easier by using it for free things? Things like:

1. Music. There are many "radio" stations online, with every kind of music you could ever want. Just search for them by genre or search for "Christmas music" or

Why You Should Use Less Laundry Detergent

Manufacturers' scoops are bigger than you need! As a matter of fact, most laundry will come clean with about half the recommended amount of detergent. Try it yourself and see. Be aware, though, that your washing machine probably holds enough detergent to wash a load without adding any.

As a matter of fact, it's a good idea to run a load of laundry through your machine without adding detergent now and then, especially if you've been using the recommended amount, but even if you haven't.

Why should you use less?

Make a Penny, Save a Penny?

Benjamin Franklin said "A penny saved is a penny earned," and that's a fact, even these days.  Depending on your tax rate and other circumstances, you could "earn" more than a penny if you saved it instead of making another one. If you invest a penny, it will earn on its own with very little further input from you. If, however, you earn another penny, by the time you pay taxes on two pennies, how much difference is there going to be in how much money you actually have?