To get a jump on next year’s taxes, make sure you are taking full advantage of all salary reduction plans available through your employer. When tax time rolls around again, you’ll be glad you took a few minutes to make small changes that pay big. Your first priority is to max out your 401k contributions [...]

Wayne Gerdes may just be the most fuel-efficient driver in the world; we can all learn something from his diligence. Through a thoughtful combination of coasting and accelerating with very little braking, Gerdes gets 59 miles per gallon driving a non-hybrid Honda Accord and over 100 miles per gallon driving a Toyota Prius on average. [...]

Whether you are looking for entertainment ideas for you or your children, here are a few ideas that will cost you next to nothing. Enjoy! 1. Establish Family Game Night; play board games, cards, or charades. 2. Cook a nice meal. 3. Dance. 4. Draw, sketch, paint. 5. Make a card or gift for a [...]

We spend a lot of money at the grocery store so there are lots of opportunities for saving. Here are a few ideas for changes that will put change in your piggy bank. 1. Consider size First, bigger isn’t always better. You may save more by buying a larger bottle or jar, but if you [...]

Today’s tip to save you money: switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs throughout your home. The advantages of compact fluorescent (CF) bulbs over traditional incandescent bulbs are numerous: – They last 8 to 10 times longer. – They use an estimated 75% less energy. – They produce 90% less heat while providing you more light [...]

Here are a few easy ways to make little changes around your home that will turn into dollars in the long run. 1. Ask your power company to do a free energy audit on your home to help you find ways to cut waste (and costs). Remember to do this annually. 2. Lower the thermostat [...]

Here’s a great way to improve your finances and your health painlessly. If you regularly pick up a muffin for breakfast, you are probably spending close to $2 (and untold calories) each day on pastries. No big deal? That adds up to $730 each year, enough for a mini-vacation. Or a couple of car payments. [...]