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Image Source: Shutterstock.com If you think gardening is only for spring, think again. The smartest gardeners know that planning months in advance is what separates a chaotic, underwhelming garden from a lush, thriving paradise. Taking the time now to plan next year’s garden isn’t just about seeds and soil—it’s about setting yourself up for stress-free planting, higher yields, and more enjoyment when the growing season arrives. Your future self will thank you when the beds […]
President Donald Trump has floated what he calls a “game-changing” solution to America’s housing crisis: a 50-year mortgage. The idea, aimed at lowering monthly payments for new buyers, has quickly become one of the most polarizing proposals of his second term. Supporters say the longer loan term would finally make homeownership attainable again. Read the rest
The one percent is not just like us, but not just for the obvious reasons. Their life isn’t all caviar and Cadillacs. It’s actually often the opposite, and that frugal mindset helps keep them at the top of the financial food chain. Here are four bizarre frugal tips that the richest people in the world often use that anyone can get mileage out of. Organize Everything Organization is a superpower. And while rich people often have more time, money, and resources to organize their lives, that doesn’t mean you can’t. It’ll take more effort and research on your end, but the mental clarity you get from organizing everything from your finances to your pantry is worth the cost. We recommend starting with your finances. That means establishing a budget, tracking your expenses, and setting clear financial goals. It sounds bizarre, but we’d encourage you to try taking a more organized approach to everything in your life and see if you don’t feel a little richer while also saving money. It’s a hack that can improve the quality of your life in the blink of an eye. Want to put this advice into action? Grab our free Monthly Budget Planner and start managing your money with confidence. [Get it here → Monthly Budget Planner] Go High-End For Cheap Rich people won’t hesitate to shop somewhere expensive; they don’t have to. Yet what many people don’t realize is that these people aren’t always just buying the most expensive things there. They’re often doing the opposite, still looking for ways to save a buck or two by seeking out high-end items that are on sale, discounted, or even lightly pre-owned. Rich people know that luxury brands often have sales or outlet stores where you can find top-quality products at a fraction of the original cost. They also know that timing is everything. Shopping during end-of-season sales or major holiday promotions can lead to incredible deals on items that would normally be out of reach. Buy The Best of Something Buying the highest quality item you can doesn’t sound frugal. But when you realize you only have to buy it once, the value is obvious. For example, consider a high-end kitchen knife. Yes, it’ll be much more expensive than your run-of-the-mill knife. And that won’t matter, because a well-crafted knife will last for years, if not decades, with proper care. Rich people know the secret: buying the best of something is not about splurging; it’s about making smart choices that lead to greater savings and satisfaction over time. The good news is that the “best” doesn’t always equate to the most expensive, either, so that’s something to keep in mind. Network One of the most powerful frugal tips that the wealthy often use is leveraging their networks for discounts and deals. Rich people understand the value of connections and often tap into their social circles to find exclusive offers, insider information, or even barter services. They know that asking for a favor or
Stuck between a Buy To Let Mortgage and commercial mortgages? You are not alone. Each product suits a different plan, and the right choice can save you money and stress. A Buy To Let Mortgage is built for renting out homes. Commercial loans are used to buy or refinance places used for business, such as shops or offices. This guide explains the key differences, then shows how to judge which route suits your plans. Clear […]
Many people believe that making the holidays special for their family means spending a lot of money. But that doesn’t have to be the case! Here are thirteen simple ways to enjoy a meaningful, memorable holiday season without overspending. While it’s easy to get caught up in shopping and gift lists, the real magic of the holidays comes from the time we spend with the people we love. With all the pressure to make things perfect, many families end up spending more than they can afford. That financial stress can take the joy right out of the season. The truth is, you can create lasting memories without going into debt. With a bit of planning and creativity, this could be one of your best holidays yet. You don’t need to overspend to create a holiday your family will cherish. With a bit of creativity and planning, you can build traditions that last long after the season is over. Focus on what really matters: time, connection, and love, and you’ll create memories that mean far more than anything money can buy. 1) Build the Excitement Start the countdown with a simple and fun daily tradition. Create a paper chain, a countdown jar, or a small activity calendar that helps everyone look forward to the big day. Fill each day with small surprises or activities like movie nights, crafts, or baking together. It’s an inexpensive way to make the season feel magical. 2) DIY Your Decorations Add some creativity to your home by making your own decorations. Use simple materials like pinecones, paper, ribbons, or popcorn garlands. Homemade touches make your space feel cozy and personal, and crafting together becomes a fun family activity. 3) Start New Traditions The most memorable holidays often come from the little things we do year after year. Create new traditions that don’t cost much—like enjoying cocoa together before bed, taking an evening walk to see neighborhood lights, or having a family game night. 4) Try a Gift Exchange Instead of buying gifts for everyone, consider doing a gift exchange. Set a spending limit so it stays affordable and meaningful. This idea works well with family, friends, or even co-workers. It keeps the focus on thoughtfulness instead of expense. 5) Give Back Together Giving back is one of the most rewarding parts of the season. Volunteer, donate gently used items, or help a local food drive. It’s a powerful reminder of what the holidays are really about—and it helps your family connect through kindness. 6) Rethink the Big Dinner Holiday dinners can get pricey fast. Instead of spending big on one elaborate meal, host a potluck where everyone brings a dish, or plan a cozy themed dinner like soup and bread night or a build-your-own-taco evening. You’ll save money and still enjoy great food together. 7) Host a Movie Night Gather the family, make popcorn and cocoa, and watch your favorite holiday films together. You could even turn it into an annual event with themed snacks or
Living on a single income can become stressful at times with all the pending bills, rents, groceries, and other expenses that show up out of nowhere. But the truth is, with a bit of planning and using the right strategy, living on a single income can become easier and much more manageable. Whether you’re working […]
By Dr. Jim Dahle, WCI Founder Years ago, people worried about the rapidly escalating cost of a college education. So, parents started saving. Even the government got involved eventually with the creation of Coverdell Education Savings Accounts and 529s. That all seems so Boomer now—or at least Gen X. The housing crisis in our country makes the task of coming up with $100,000 or even $300,000 to pay for your child’s education seem downright trivial. […]
Business tax deductions can go a long way toward helping you reduce your liability. I have no problem paying taxes, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to pay more than I have to—especially when so much of what I send to Uncle Sam ends up paying for priorities I disagree with. As the year draws to a close, I start casting about, looking for ways to maximize deductions, both for my home business and for […]
Sometimes, throwing a kid’s birthday party can be a real pain. You have to prepare a bunch of food for your guests, entertain a house full of kids, and pull it all together with a little style. It can be expensive and stressful — but it doesn’t have to be! Here are five tips for throwing an awesome kids birthday party on the cheap: 1. Choose a theme While choosing a theme isn’t a necessity, […]
Tax planning is not just about paying less in taxes; it is about creating flexibility. With tax laws in constant motion and new savings opportunities emerging, retirement planning now requires a clear understanding of how different account types affect long-term tax flexibility and income planning. By spreading assets across tax-deferred, Roth, and taxable accounts, you build options for how and when to draw income throughout life. That flexibility helps you respond to changes in both […]
You are probably overpaying for electricity right now. We’re talking $100 to $200+ annually just thrown away. For typical families, that’s real money. The fix? Five minutes. Here is why 63% of Singapore households are still throwing money away on SP Group’s default price plan, and how to stop being one of them. The electricity […] The post Singapore Electricity Retailers: How to Pick the Best Price Plan for Your Home (2025) appeared first on […]
In this episode of Journey to Launch, I’m joined by Beth Pinsker, financial planning columnist for MarketWatch, Certified Financial Planner, and author of My Mother’s Money: A Guide to Financial Caregiving. Beth shares her personal and professional insights on what it really takes to manage a loved one’s finances and why preparing now can save you (and your family) heartache, time, and money later. We talk about the realities of caregiving from setting up power […]
Many people think that planning for retirement is simply not something that they need to do at this stage in their life. But with the speed in which time goes by, old age can sneak up on you sooner than you thought and if you have not prepared effectively, you could find yourself struggling to enjoy your later years as much as possible. As life expectancy continues to increase, old age is something that will […]