Learn how to live the frugal life with our helpful hints and tips.
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 […]
Say you’ve resolved to curtail your wardrobe spending or set $100 aside each month into a rainy day account. Financial resolutions, like diets or work out plans, start out strong as our enthusiasm gives us a top-of-the-mind kind of commitment. But then… life gets in the way. We experience an unexpected disruption (or two). We […]
Recently Marlena H. embarked on a self-imposed, one-month “personal spending freeze,” announcing her intentions on social media and inviting others to join. Intrigued by what inspired her to take on such a challenge, SafetyNet™ reached out to learn more about the impact of her financially minimal month on her day-to-day life (and, subsequently, her […]
1) Save on laptops and software Check for sales and student discounts before buying a computer or software. Labor Day and Black Friday are good times to get deep discounts on electronics. Many companies offer reduced prices to students, and campus bookstores often have good deals. Protect your investment with anti-virus software. 2) Shop thrift […]
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 […]
Last year, Gregory Frahm-Gilles and his colleagues founded Minneapolis-based Access Veterinary Care to provide “exceptional veterinary care that is approachable, affordable and accessible.” We asked them how all pet owners can take the best care of their pets within their financial constraints.
CUMIS Insurance Society, Inc.
