On this site we have talked a lot about life insurance, preparing for when the unexpected happens. Check out this post if you’re wanting to learn about the difference between term and whole life insurance. When you’re raising a family, you may opt for life insurance for the entire family. What if something happens before […]
How to Beat the Winter Blues
Did you know that having the winter blues is a real thing? It’s called seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, and getting more sunshine can help. Although SAD doesn’t affect everyone, many people say they get the blahs when the thermometer dips during winter. As a result, some people turn to shopping, eating out, and other […]
5 Self-Care Items and Extras I Won’t Do Without
One of the common tactics of sticking to a tight budget is tracking your spending. It’s a great way to get a good look at what you’re actually spending. If you notice that your spending is getting out of whack, you can make changes to get back on track. That way you won’t go over […]
How Getting Fit Can Save Money
It’s almost that time of year again for many Americans: time to start a new diet. While I’m not necessarily joining them, I do plan to go back to a healthier eating style. At the same time, I am going back to my personal trainer and getting back into shape. The last few years I’ve […]
How to Correct Your Vision for Less
As other healthcare costs continue to rise, so do the costs for dental, hearing, and vision care. Regardless, it is just as important to maintain your health in these areas as it is your total overall health. The problem is that some people will put off going to their eye doctor, for example, to save […]
Is a Fitbit Worth the Cost?
I got a Fitbit a few days ago. My husband bought it for me because he loved his so much he decided I should have one too. He has had one for a couple of months now, and I believe our daughter is currently on her second one. The two of them seem to love […]
Beat the Average: Achieve Your New Year’s Resolutions
Happy 2017, readers! It might sound crazy, but I’m looking forward to 2017. I’m entering a new decade of my life, which is always interesting, and there are a lot of necessary changes coming up professionally. Whether it’s good or bad remains to be seen, but whether you like it or not: 2017 is here! […]
5 Apps to Help You Stress Less
It’s summertime and, according to all the songs about summer, the living is supposed to be easy. Aren’t we supposed to be cruising around with our cars, relaxing? I don’t know about you, but unless you’re a kid, summertime just seems like any other time of year, except hotter! Between your full time job (or […]
Is a Health Care Ministry Right For You? Alternate Insurance Options to the ACA
In 2015, the government made it mandatory for everyone to have health care insurance or pay a fine to the IRS. For those who don’t have access to (or can’t afford) employer-sponsored health care, the Affordable Care Act (also known as “ObamaCare”) was supposed to offer affordable health care plans without restrictions on pre-existing conditions. […]
How to Save Money Handling Seasonal Allergies
It’s officially springtime, and for many places around the US, that means more flowers and trees blooming. While this is beautiful to see, for many of those who suffer from allergies, this is one of the worst times of the year. With blooming trees comes pollen, with better weather comes breezes and kicked up dust, […]
5 Ways to Save Money on Prescription Glasses and Contacts
No matter how you purchase them, prescription glasses and contacts are a must have for many of us. According to the Vision Council of America, approximately 75% of adults use some sort of vision correction, whether it’s glasses, contacts, or both! Unfortunately, even if you have a relatively “mild” prescription, glasses (including frames) and contact […]
How to Get Reimbursed for Medical Expenses Abroad
It’s finally happening! You’re traveling abroad, either with a loved one or even by yourself. You’ve saved up, got a great deal, a good place to stay, and can’t wait to start eating some delicious food. Then it happens. You’re hiking down the marble stairs, slick with wear and wet shoes because of the rain […]
5 Websites That Reward You for Being Healthy
Ever since I got a FitBit for my birthday earlier this year, I’ve been obsessed with tracking everything. If you know me, that’s not too surprising, as I’m a Type A organized person as it is. However, the FitBit brought out something new. I wasn’t competing against other people, I was competing against my (admittedly […]
Is a Home Gym Cheaper Than a Gym Membership?
Unless you’re blessed enough to live somewhere nice year-round, like Harry, chances are you either go to a gym or workout in your home. As much as I heard people talking about working out at home with workout DVDs, I never really thought working out at home was feasible. After all, with all the fun […]
Should I Pay A Personal Trainer To Get Me In Shape?
I’ve had a gym membership ever since I was 15 years old. As a high school sophomore, I decided that I’d had enough of being a scrawny little weakling so I made my mom sign me up for the local 24 Hour Fitness. It wasn’t like I really needed big muscles to run cross country […]
Reader Question: Traditional PPO vs HSA Plan
Editor’s Note: For those who aren’t familiar with Health Savings Accounts, I’ve written extensively on the topic before, take a look. This question didn’t come to my inbox but instead it came through as a comment on my article about 2014 health care annual enrollment. Calculating which plan is best for you is no easy feat and […]
Free 24 Hour Fitness Super Sport Upgrade
I’ve been a 24 Hour Fitness member for over 10 years now, the last seven of which my annual dues were only $99. I signed up at a time when they allowed you to pre-pay 3 years at regular rates and every year after that would be only $99. It was and still is a […]
Tuning Up a Bicycle is Easier and Cheaper Than You Think
Ever since I moved up to Newport Beach a few months ago, I have been biking nearly everywhere. When you don’t have a job, you have a lot more free time on your hands so you’re not in quite as much of a rush. A lot of people think riding your bike takes significantly more […]
Does Paying For Memberships Motivate You to Use Them?
Ever since I quit my job, I’ve had a ton of time on my hands! After I’m done with my four hours of work, I usually spend the rest of the day exercising, working out, exploring or meeting up with friends. When I first started this day job hiatus, I was working out at the […]
5 Ways To Reduce or Eliminate Your Coffee Budget
A lot of personal finance sites out there focus on saving you a few bucks here and there, but I’m more concerned with the big stuff. Everyone knows that they can save money by making coffee at home but what about getting rid of coffee altogether? Cutting out your morning coffee won’t have a huge […]