All The Simple Dollar
High-tech swap meet: Exchange CDs, DVDs and books onlineThe wonders of the Internet have created what a high-tech swap meet for those who know where to look. Our personal finance expert shares several helpful sites that allow you to swap CDs, DVDs and even books for free, or very low cost.
401(k) strategies: Should money be taken out before or after taxes?401(k) fund withdrawal is the subject of Question No. 7 in this Simple Dollar mailbag. Our expert says given the option, a Roth 401(k) – where the money is taken out after taxes right now – is the best bet.
Free summer fun? Check your local college.Colleges and universities offer concerts and lectures throughout the year, and you don't always have to be a student to partake. Just check your local college or university's calendar.
Retirement: What's the best investment option?Retirement saving can seem daunting, especially with the wealth of options out there. Which is best for you? Retirement is question 10 in this week's mailbag.
Safety in numbers? Turns out there's savings, too.When planning the next big family vacation, look for ways to take advantage of the size of the group to save money per-person on lodging costs and meals, while increasing the fun social aspect of the endeavor.
Challenge accepted: Try keeping your weekends money-freeNot sure how to start? Introduce yourself to your neighbors. Write a letter to an old friend. Walk through your house and take care of any maintenance tasks you see. Make a loaf of homemade bread or a batch of laundry detergent.
Check out your local library: It's not just for books anymoreThe public library is one of the best “free” resources in many communities, and a personal favorite of our personal finance expert. From yes, the books, to films to Internet portals and teen resources, libraries have something for everyone.
Seek out community newspapers for free activities and couponsFree community newspapers are perhaps the most useful resource available for finding interesting inexpensive and free things to do in your local community and in the communities around where you live.
Bargain finds at your local post officeNext time you mail a package or stop in to buy stamps, take a look at your post office's bulletin board. No telling what you'll find.
Hobby bleeding you dry? Might be time to put away the Magic cardsHobbies that requires constant spending, may keep you from improving your finances. Instead, look for a way to cap the hobby or, better yet, find a new, cheaper hobby or activity with which to replace it.
The giving tree: Shade trees save money, raise resale valuesShade trees act as giant sun blockers, shaving money off your energy bill. But they also can increase your property value, significantly raising the curb appeal of your home and pumping up its resale price.
Don't let past stuff get the better of your present's walletThe idea that families "outgrow" their apartment is a common one, but often it's not your space that's too small, it's that your accumulated collection of stuff is too big. Don't let a walk down memory lane become a financial mistake.
Your home's temperature should change with the seasonsYour thermostat should be set higher in the summer than it is in the winter. This reduce the workload on your air conditioner or furnace and prevents you from running up the energy bill.
Dust bunnies: Not just a nuisance, they can cost you money, tooIf you have a forced air heating and/or cooling system like many people do, it might be worth your while to pull the cover off of a few of the vents and peer inside. If you’re unlucky, you’ll see giant clumps of dust in there. Remove those bunnies immediately.
Extra rooms lying empty? Close them off and save moneyClosing off a room is pretty simple. If you have forced air heating and cooling, just close the vent in that room and keep the door closed. You can also stuff a towel underneath the door to stop the air flow even more, saving money on your energy bill.
Bears do it! Hibernation mode convenient, efficientDon't let your laziness get the better of you. For every hour your computer stays on, doing nothing, you pay. Instead, switch your computer to hibernation mode when not in use. Your work will be saved, and your energy bill trimmed.
Wanted: Frugal new friends, for potlucks, disc golfMoving to a new city can be tough, and finding new frugal friends in that city can seem daunting. Our personal finance guru offers encouraging words of advice: be social, be confident and have the courage to say hello and introduce yourself. What have you got to lose?
Air sealing your home stops pesky leaks, trims the energy billLooking for a weekend project? Poorly-sealed windows and doors allow air to leak out of your home, forcing appliances to run longer to compensate. But air sealing your home stops the leaks, and puts those wasted dollars back in your wallet.
Father's Day: cheap, memorable gifts for DadFather's Day is fast approaching, and the search for the perfect gift well underway. But planning a day together is the best Father's Day gift you can give, and it doesn't have to cost much. Father's Day is question nine in this week's mailbag.
Save money with a quicker shower. But how much?A long soak in the shower is a pretty inexpensive treat, but the potential savings from cutting your shower time a few minutes aren't negligible.
