Shopping Tips

As the back-to-school season approaches, it’s time to get everything your little ones need for a successful year ahead. It’s important not to break the bank, so we’ve curated a list of affordable essentials that combine quality, functionality, and fun, ensuring your kids are equipped with the best gear to thrive in the classroom. From lunch gear to creative storage solutions, these budget-friendly items will ensure a smooth transition back to school.

As the back-to-school season approaches, middle and high school students are prepping for another exciting year. Having the right gear is essential for staying organized, focused, and stylish, of course! In this roundup, we’ve curated a selection of must-have items that cater to the diverse needs of today’s students. From trendy backpacks and planners to tech accessories that are almost impossible to misplace, these back-to-school essentials will help students navigate their academic journey with confidence.

My husband, Chris, and I just returned from 10 glorious days in Italy. Our daughter, Sadie, is doing a 6-week study abroad program in Florence, and while we wouldn’t normally travel to Europe during high tourist season – especially during a heat wave – we felt like visiting Sadie in Italy was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

Flying into Rome was the most budget-friendly flight option in the general vicinity of Florence. Chris and I had never been, so we were excited to explore that great city, then head to Florence, where Sadie is staying. The Biennale is also happening in Venice, so you know, we had to do that too.

We were pretty well-prepared, but we learned a few things – and made a couple of mistakes too – so I thought we’d share it all with you.

Online shopping has become second nature for most of us. You can buy just about anything at any time, but with convenience comes risk. From fake websites and sketchy deals to phishing emails and data breaches, online scams are more sophisticated than ever. Knowing how to spot red flags and protect your personal information is essential if you want to protect yourself while shopping online.
By seeking out trustworthy retailers, safeguarding your info, and using the right tools, you can enjoy the perks of digital shopping without falling victim to scams. Here are our tips to stay safe, find reliable reviews, and avoid getting duped while shopping online.

I had my hip replaced a year ago at age 56. And if you’re thinking, “Hey, she’s way too young for that!” I’ll blush and say thank you.

Age aside, the reality is that I had Osteoarthritis in my left hip, which caused fluid, benign cysts, and bone spurs to develop, despite – or maybe exacerbated by – my active lifestyle. I was in intermittent, and sometimes excruciating, pain every day.

I was no fan of the idea of surgery, but I knew I had to do something, so on July 1, 2025, I had a full hip replacement.

I know I wasn’t alone in dealing with an injury and surgery, so I wanted to share some of the products that made – and continue to make – my life more enjoyable.

Back-to-school season is one of the best times of year to save money—and not just for students, parents, and teachers. Retailers slash prices on everything from office supplies and electronics to storage bins, clothing, and household basics to attract shoppers during the late-summer rush. While these sales may be marketed toward classrooms and dorm rooms, many of the deals can easily benefit working homeowners, freelancers, or anyone trying to stay organized on a budget. It’s a great opportunity to stock up on practical items you use year-round at significantly lower prices.
The key is approaching these seasonal sales strategically. With the right mindset, back-to-school season can be one of the smartest times of year to save on everyday essentials—for anyone.

As you prepare for your kids to go back to school, those supplies and clothes can add up fast – especially with prices ticking up because of tariffs. You need to buy everything on the school-issued lists AND clothing/footwear for the kids, who have grown like weeds. Here are some tips for saving on everything your kiddos need, from clothing to cleats.

Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale is one of the year’s most anticipated shopping events – and for a good reason! It offers a rare chance to stock up on new-season favorites at pre-season pricing. Unlike typical clearance events, this sale features fresh fall arrivals, all marked down for a limited time. With early access available to Nordstrom cardholders and a limited window for the general public, planning ahead is the best way to make the most of this sale.
Whether you’re shopping for wardrobe staples, beauty must-haves, or home essentials, timing and strategy are key to maximizing your savings. Here’s how to shop smart during the 2025 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.

Macy’s One Day Sale is a long-standing favorite for deal hunters looking to save on fashion, home goods, beauty, and more. This sale happens multiple times a year and typically spans two days – despite the name – offering deep discounts on already marked-down items. Whether you’re shopping online or in-store, planning ahead can help you get the most value for your money. Here’s how to make the most of this high-impact, fast-paced shopping event.

If you’re looking for great deals and have a little extra time to spare, outlet malls can be a really solid option. With a little shopping know-how, you’ll be ready to save money at outlet malls like a total pro.

Independence Day isn’t just for fireworks and barbecues – it’s also one of the best times of year to score serious savings. From appliances to furniture to tech, July 4th sales often bring deep discounts and limited-time offers worth waiting for. But not all deals are created equal, so a little strategy can go a long way. With the right game plan and some smart shopping habits, you can make the most of this summer sales event without overspending. Here are our tips to help you navigate July 4th deals like a pro.

When it comes to the year’s most anticipated sales events, the best strategy isn’t just snagging the biggest discounts—it’s getting the best deals on the right things for you. Whether you’re shopping during Amazon Prime Day, a 3-day weekend sale, or a major seasonal promotion, it’s easy to get caught up in the urgency and buy things you never planned to purchase. That’s why real smart shopping starts before the sale even begins.
Creating a thoughtful, intentional shopping list can help you stay focused on what you actually need and prevent impulse purchases from eating into your budget. A little preparation can also help you identify genuine deals and avoid giving in to marketing tactics designed to tempt you into overspending. Here are our tips for building a “no-regret” shopping list ahead of any big sale, so you can take advantage of big savings without risking buyer’s remorse.

Target Circle Deal Days is one of the best times this summer to score major deals on everything from household essentials to electronics at Target. Whether you’re a seasoned Target shopper or new to the perks of Target Circle, planning ahead can help you maximize your savings and get the best value for your money.

This year, Target Circle Deal Days will take place from June 23-28 (with early access for Target Circle members), offering up to 45 percent off thousands of items, including toys, back-to-school essentials, beauty, and items for the home. Here’s how to make the most of Target Circle Deal Days and take full advantage of the discounts.

Are you excited for Amazon Prime Day?

The original Amazon Prime Day kicked off on July 15, 2015, as a 24-hour sale. Each subsequent year through 2019, Prime Day occurred in the second week of July and the sale grew from 24 to 48 hours.

Then the Pandemic hit in 2020, flipping retail on its head in myriad ways. Prime Day 2020 was postponed until October and occurred over 48 hours, serving as an unofficial start to the holiday shopping season that year.

These days, there are two annual Prime Day sales; one in early summer and one in late fall, and the dates are often a mystery until a couple of weeks before.

With this summer’s Prime Day just a few days away, we wanted to share some savings tips for shopping this sale.

Walmart’s Deals is almost here, bringing major discounts on a wide range of products. This shopping event runs from June 22-28, and shoppers will be able to find fantastic deals across multiple categories, including electronics, summer essentials and back-to-school items.

With so many discounts available, including competitive sales at Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and more, it’s essential to plan ahead and stay on track to avoid going overboard. This guide will help you navigate the event and make the most of Walmart’s limited-time deals.

Best Buy’s Tech Fest sale will present a great opportunity for shoppers to snag discounts on gadgets. This sale will features steep discounts across categories like laptops, smart TVs, smart home tech, and Apple devices. Aside from Black Friday, this sale could be the best time to save on tech, but with so many deals available, it helps to know what to expect and how to strategize.

Here are our tips to make the most of this year’s Tech Fest sale.

With the summer travel season kicking off, consumers are packing their bags and looking forward to another vacation. According to a recent Bread Financial study, 8 in 10 summer travelers have adjusted their travel plans due to rising costs; 22 percent will travel domestically instead of internationally, and 21 will opt for a road trip instead of flying to save money.

Road trips can be a more budget-friendly option, but with the price of gas exceeding $4 a gallon and food & beverage prices 25 percent more expensive than they were in 2020, a road trip can cost more than we anticipate.

Here are our favorite ways to save money on your road trip.

With the recent announcement that Party City will be closing all its stores across the U.S. this year, many are left seeking alternative sources for affordable party supplies. The good news is, with a bit of creativity and planning, anyone can create a fun and festive atmosphere on a budget. Here are our strategies to help you save on party decorations without compromising on style.

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.

With Father’s Day coming up, we have curated a roundup of top home gadgets, gourmet treats, and tasty beverages that look and feel expensive but cost under $200.
From smart home gadgets to indulgent foods, these thoughtful picks deliver maximum impact for Dad without stretching your budget.