Shopping Tips

You know those folks who are impossible to find gifts for? These customized options will make gift-giving a breeze. For the person who has everything or the one who is pickier than picky, these personalized gifts will delight them and express how much you care.

At my house, we cook a lot – or more accurately, my husband cooks! Even though we love a home-cooked meal, sometimes it’s nice for someone else to do the work. The downside of takeout? The toll it takes on our wallets. Here are some ways you can save money the next time you order in.

We love to get out and do things, like going to concerts, museums, sporting events, and theme parks, but the cost of these activities can really add up! Thankfully, with a bit of creativity and planning, it’s possible to get out there and have fun without doing too much damage to your wallet. This article explores money-saving ideas that will allow you to enjoy the recreational activities you love without the hefty price tag.

We all love free stuff, right? If you’re willing to provide your email address to receive ongoing offers, there are lots of ways to get free food, especially on special occasions like your birthday or anniversary. Because signing up often means receiving a steady stream of promotional emails, consider setting up an extra email address (via Gmail or another free provider) just for emails like these. That way, you can peruse the offers when you feel like it, but they won’t clog up the email address that you use every day. 

Whether you order online once a day or once a year, one thing that sticks in everyone’s craw is paying for shipping. We used to accept it as par for the course and didn’t mind paying for the convenience of having items delivered right to your door. But, times have changed. Free shipping is more widely available now so we’ve become spoiled. Here are seven ways to avoid paying that dreaded shipping fee.

Jewelry is magical. It can warm one’s heart, make a statement, or remind a special someone of a cherished moment. Jewelry also tends to be expensive, especially if you’re buying fine jewelry with precious metals and gemstones. Because of the expense, it’s important to shop wisely to ensure you’re getting the best deal, or employ some clever workarounds to save on pieces that would otherwise top out your budget.

You know that you can spend money shopping with your favorite retailers, but did you know that you can also learn from them and it won’t cost a thing? From Home Depot to Hobby Lobby, select national retailers offer free online and/or in-store classes. Some are for adults and others for kids, so there’s something for everyone!  Here are 15 retailers who offer free workshops.

Whether it’s a game day gathering or a holiday party, getting together with friends and family can be just what the doctor ordered! It’s always a blast to gather, but playing host can be incredibly expensive. Here are some tips to help you maximize the fun and minimize the expense.

I know, I know…I’m always talking about using browser plugins to save money while you shop online. If you are already using them, I say “Bravo, Smart Shopper!” But, perhaps you feel a bit intimidated by the idea. Read on for the best ways to save money online with these handy browser tools.

Because I write about smart shopping, you’d think that I’d be adept at shopping in all forms. Not always! As … Read More

Looking for the latest and greatest beauty tools for your hair and skin? Social media, and TikTok especially, have become go-to resources for discovery. These 5 viral sensations are taking the beauty community by storm.

Looking to treat yourself to a new beauty goodie? TikTok is a great place to discover the latest and greatest and these 6 products have gone viral. Read on to learn why you’ll want to add them to your beauty arsenal.

It’s no secret that everything from healthy weekly basics to specialty ingredients are more expensive than usual. But with some … Read More

Have you ever seen a viral product video and wondered what all the fuss was about? For this roundup, I tried and tested a ton of trending products and present you with 12 of my favorites – with accompanying viral TikTok videos for your viewing pleasure!

Victoria’s Secret was where I purchased my first undergarments as an adult, so I have a soft spot for it. I love the pull-out drawers filled with pretty underthings, the helpful staff, and the sales…of course! But, besides the sales that you might stumble upon if you wander into a store, there are lots of ways to save even more money with these Victoria’s Secret hacks.

Once you turn 50, a whole world of savings opportunities becomes available to you. Whether you’re emotionally ready to claim them is a different matter, but I wanted to make sure you were prepared nonetheless. Check out this list of senior discounts, benefits, and deals for you to enjoy in your “golden years”. Keep in mind that while some discounts are available for people 50+, the access to discounts increases with age, leveling off at 65, the sweet spot for senior discounts.

Do you dread the car-buying process? Me too. I’m more likely to drive a car into the ground and then get a … Read More

I confess. I’m a beauty junkie. For most of my childhood, my mom owned a beauty boutique where the shelves … Read More

When we shop, we like to think we are getting the best deal. One way to feel more confident in … Read More

Any pet owner will tell you that the best thing they ever did was to get a pet. We got … Read More