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Summer is a popular time for casual get-togethers, backyard parties, cookouts, and outdoor celebrations. But between food, drinks, decorations, seating, and entertainment, hosting can get expensive quickly. The pressure to create a “Pinterest-perfect” event often leads people to overspend on things guests barely notice or remember.
But memorable summer gatherings don’t have to come with a huge price tag. In many cases, the most enjoyable parties are the ones that feel welcoming, comfortable, and thoughtful rather than elaborate and overly polished. Here are some smart strategies for hosting stylish, fun summer events while keeping your budget intact.

Moving can get expensive fast, especially when you combine packing supplies, transportation, deposits, and all the little costs that add up along the way. Whether you’re relocating across town or to a new state, it’s easy to underestimate how much you’ll actually spend.
Thankfully, there are simple, practical ways to cut costs without making the process more stressful. With a little planning and smart decision-making, you can keep your move efficient and budget-friendly. The key is to stay mindful of where your money is going and avoid unnecessary expenses at every stage. From packing up your current space to settling into your new one, here’s how to save money every step of the way.

Our eight-day family vacation to Mexico City was unforgettable, from mouth-watering street tacos to sprawling outdoor markets, grand ruins and museums and parks, and kicking back on a boat ride down ancient Aztec canals. Mexico City is a vast (vast) metropolis–nearly twice the size of NYC’s five boroughs, and each day was an adventure. We walked for miles and miles, crossed the city on subway trains, buses, trollies, and Ubers, and discovered hidden gems that we’ll never forget. Join us as we recap the highlights of an incredible week and share some of our money-saving secrets!

Formal events like prom, weddings, and milestone celebrations provide the perfect excuse to dress up—but the expenses that come along with dressing your best can put a dent in your wallet! Finding the right outfit for formal events often means navigating high price tags for dresses, suits, shoes, and accessories that you may wear only once.
But, looking polished and event-ready doesn’t have to mean paying designer prices or blowing your budget. With some smart planning and the right resources, you can find stylish, high-quality formalwear at a fraction of retail cost. From rentals and secondhand gems to strategic shopping hacks, there are more affordable options than ever.
Here’s how to dress for that special occasion without overspending.

We recently spent 8 magical days on the island of Dominica (pronounced Dom-in-EEK-a), located in the Eastern Caribbean between Guadeloupe and Martinique. It is known as the “Nature Isle of the Caribbean”, and it lives up to that name.

Sixty percent of the mountainous 29-by-16-mile volcanic island is covered by rainforest. There are 365 rivers, dozens of waterfalls, world-class scuba diving, hot springs…It is a gem. It is also grittier and less developed than many Caribbean islands that some tourists are used to. Not dangerous, just developing. Beyond a scattering of small high-end resorts, it’s largely small working-class towns. And the island still bears the scars of Hurricane Maria, which destroyed or badly damaged more than 90 percent of structures in 2017.

Rest assured, we never felt unsafe, and, as you will read below, we repeatedly encountered graciousness and generosity.

I love to travel, and do so as often as I can. I frequently travel with my husband, and we bring along our almost 20-year-old daughter whenever her schedule allows. I also travel with friends and take periodic press trips. From getting there to being there, here are some of the items & services I count on when I’m traveling, especially to warmer climates.

Grocery delivery services have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering a convenient alternative to traditional in-store shopping. For busy professionals or households juggling packed schedules, having groceries delivered to your door can be a major time-saver. However, the convenience often comes with extra costs, such as delivery fees, service charges, and tips, which can add up quickly. For some shoppers, the time savings easily justify the expense, while others may find the costs aren’t worth it.
Evaluating your shopping habits, understanding how these delivery services are priced, and determining when they truly provide value can help you decide whether grocery delivery is worth adding to your routine.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing a grocery delivery service.

There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road in the summer – windows down, music up, and the promise of adventure. But with gas prices fluctuating and long miles ahead, fuel expenses can add up fast. Thankfully, there are plenty of easy, effective ways to cut costs without sacrificing your travel plans. From choosing smarter routes to leveraging rewards programs, a little planning can go a long way. Here are our tips to help your road trip budget go the extra mile – literally.

Packing for a getaway shouldn’t feel like a high-stakes game of Tetris! Between TSA’s strict 3.4oz liquid rules and limited real estate in your carry-on, the perfect travel-sized essentials are a necessity. Whether you’re heading to a relaxing sun-drenched island or an urban sightseeing adventure, the right beauty kit does more than save space—it keeps your skin and hair in tip-top shape during your travels. We’ve rounded up the most efficient, TSA-approved kits designed to get you through customs and into vacation mode without the baggage.

About the Island of Nevis

Never heard of Nevis? I hadn’t either before I was invited to go for 3 days with a group of media!

Nevis is a 36-square-mile island in the Caribbean Leeward Islands with a population of about 13,000. It’s sister island is the much larger Saint Kitts. As you fly into Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport on St. Kitts (SKB), you’ll see the formidable, dormant Nevis Peak volcano, miles of beautiful beaches, grand cliffs, a lush countryside, and villages with small, colorful buildings.

Nevis locals are warm and very hospitable. The dominant language is English spoken with a strong West Indian accent, however, the language often spoken amongst locals is English-based creole known as Nevisian or Nevis Creole.

Vervet monkey and wild goats sightings are common. Alexander Hamilton (yes, THAT Hamilton), was born on the island. History buffs will enjoy the Hamilton House and Hamilton Museum.

Forget the days of wrestling with bulging suitcase zippers and worrying about how to get some peace on the plane. Travel gear is ever evolving, making packing like a pro that much easier. From high-performance luggage to must-have tech, we have tried and tested 10 items that are a must for your next trip.

Learning a new hobby or skill can be enriching and rewarding at any age. And luckily, it doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Whether you’re curious about cooking, painting, photography, or something more off the beaten path, there are plenty of ways to start a new hobby without overspending on classes or supplies.
With a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can explore your interests while keeping costs low. The key is knowing where to look, what to hold off on, and how to make the most of what you already have.
Here are our tips for kicking off a new hobby on a budget.

Hosting a Super Bowl watch party is a great way to bring friends and family together for the big game. But between the snacks, drinks, decorations, and entertainment, costs can add up quickly. The good news? You can save money on your game day festivities without sacrificing an ounce of fun. With some smart planning and creative thinking, it’s easy to host an unforgettable party without going over budget. Here are our tips on how to do it.

Hi, we are Ava and Cali, two 21-year-olds studying abroad who love spontaneous trips, great food, and traveling smart. We booked a last-minute flight and set out to spend 48 hours in Paris with one goal: experience as much of the city as possible without blowing our budget.
Paris is known for its style and elegance, but we quickly learned you don’t need a luxury budget to enjoy it. With a little planning, we found incredible food, thoughtful shopping, and everyday moments that made the trip unforgettable.
Here’s how we made the most of 48 hours in Paris maximizing time, experiences, and our budget.

My friend and colleague, Jennifer Walsh, and I had the great privilege of traveling to Shelby County, KY, for a press weekend. From bourbon tasting on the bourbon trail to eating renowned dishes from family-owned eateries to luxuriating in a gorgeous Airbnb on a family-run farm, there was so much to enjoy. We fell in love with the place, and I wanted to share my favorite activities and meals of the trip in case you have a chance to visit.

Shelby County is 40 miles outside of Louisville.

Yes, the Packers. The Pack is nearly ubiquitous in Green Bay, from street names to the ever-present green, gold and white “G” of the team logo on tees, hats, and more…But there is much more to this city of 100,000+ on Lake Michigan. Whether you are in town for a Packers game or a wedding, on a road trip to Door County, or just a curious traveler, there is much to do, see, and eat.

Fall is the perfect time of year to enjoy the crisp air, leaf-peep, and spend time with loved ones. But getting into the spirit of the season doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune—or anything at all—if you know where to look. From local pumpkin patches to colorful festivals to cozy nights in, you can fill your calendar with plenty of autumn activities.
With a little research and some creativity, you can find plenty of affordable festivities for families, couples, and friends alike. Here are some ideas to help you find and plan inexpensive fall fun in your community.

In late June, when ocean waves started summoning and whispering “beach trip” in my ears amidst a heatwave in Washington, D.C., I started planning a road trip to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Clocking in at approximately 8.5 hours driving time, it is the perfect distance for a getaway to the island’s famed beach life at the peak of summer. As I had visited only once and nearly a decade before, I knew there would be even more activities and adventures ahead to check out and explore. Also, with the average daily temperature for July and August hovering around 82-85-degrees, I looked forward to donning my bikini and trading indoor air conditioning for island breezes. Here are some highlights of my active and outdoorsy visit to Hilton Head.

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, 80 percent of this year’s summer travelers took a summer vacation last year, and 76 percent will stay within the U.S. Summer travelers are taking a more frugal approach, and many are opting for a road trip vs. a taking a vacation that requires a flight.

Exploring the vibrant streets of Mexico City doesn’t have to break the bank. With its rich culture, delicious cuisine, and stunning architecture, this bustling metropolis offers countless opportunities for budget-conscious travelers. Whether you’re a scrappy backpacker or a visitor who likes to travel in style, our top 10 money-saving tips will help you experience the best of Mexico City without sacrificing a thing.