If you think books are the only thing in public libraries, it’s time you visit your own. Far from the stereotypical impression of cavernous spaces filled with rows of dusty books, public libraries are dynamic, community spaces filled with nearly limitless, free information. What’s more, they are curated by librarians eager to help you access […]
Quick! Name all the subscription-based services you are currently signed up for. Netflix or Hulu? Amazon Prime? How about software or online storage services like Microsoft, Dropbox or Google Cloud? Are you paying an annual fee to access the New York Times or Consumer Reports? What about music streaming apps like Pandora or Spotify? If you’re like […]
No matter where you live in the northern hemisphere, the onset of winter means shorter days and far away dreams of summer vacations. For those who live above the 40th parallel, ice storms and slow-to-melt springs can wear on even the most devout of winter enthusiasts. There’s no doubt that a couple weeklong beach vacations […]
Let’s daydream for a second: How would your life change over the next year if you suddenly had an additional $500 to spend each month? How about an extra $1,000? Would you upgrade your cellphone? Finally do those bathroom renovations and buy a decent vacuum cleaner? What about trading in the family car for something […]
Shop Smarter By Knowing the Tricks of the Trade It wasn’t so long ago that Black Friday took place on just one day and entirely within brick-and-mortar stores with local TV crews clamoring to cover the overnight spenders. It was, after all, the most lucrative retail day of the year. Recently, of course, the internet […]
Whether creativity is natural or something that can be learned is a debate not likely to be resolved any time soon. Meanwhile, however, holidays, birthdays and other causes for celebration continue to challenge everyone to find inexpensive, unique and personal ways of expressing their love to family and friends. If you’re drawn to the idea […]
It’s likely no surprise that money is a leading cause of stress among most Americans. Financial decisions—whether making purchases, paying down debt or building up savings—require willpower, good judgment and discipline. Why is it, however, that even when people aren’t in the midst of a financial crisis or vicious cycle of debt, making ends meet […]
Whether you’re looking to dress a child or an adult, the internet offers no shortage of fun, cheap and even easy ideas for Halloween costumes. However, they are only inexpensive until you find yourself running to the dollar store to buy a hundred Popsicle sticks or the mall for black tights, or the home improvement […]
It’s not your imagination. If you think your food costs have been rising over the past few years, you are right—and not just because you may be leaning a bit too hard on the convenience of eating out. Over the past 20 years, food prices have increased steadily—an average of 2.6% per year. While the […]
If you’re like most parents of young children, you have probably given some thought to the idea of packing up your office to become a stay-at-home parent. After all, for middle-income American families, child care and education is second only to housing when it comes to major expenses. These days, more than one-third of American […]
CUMIS Insurance Society, Inc.
