Retiring can make you feel like you’ve suddenly hit a giant pause button, giving you all the time in the world but with the challenge of managing your finances better than ever. However, you can still live that champagne lifestyle on a beer budget. Here are ten golden tips on how to do it without selling your soul! 1. Love the Potluck Lifestyle Gone are the days of fancy dinners out because the potluck lifestyle is where it’s at. Invite friends over and have everyone bring a dish. It’s socializing on steroids – great food, better company, and your wallet doesn’t take a hit. You’ll finally see ..read more

Breaking news – saving money doesn’t have to be boring. With the right mindset and some creativity, you can pad your wallet without feeling like you’re making huge sacrifices. No, we’re not talking about living off ramen noodles or turning your living room into a four-star hotel to make a quick buck! Let’s look at 19 money-saving hacks that don’t feel like sacrifices. 1. Unsubscribe with Gusto Every month, your bank account takes a tiny hit from subscriptions you barely use. Take a look at your bank statements and find out which ones you’re not actually using. You’ll be surprised how much yo ..read more

Ben Franklin’s adage that “a penny saved is a penny earned” may seem out of date when you consider how the one-cent piece has diminished in buying power. However, the concept that even saving small amounts now can lead to prosperity in the future is still sound. With that in mind, here are some proven ways you can save to earn. 1. Budget Your Wardrobe, Wisley When it comes to clothing, focus on timeless pieces that can be mixed and matched easily. Invest in quality basics like plain t-shirts, well-fitting jeans, and versatile jackets. Look out for sales, clearance racks, and online discounts ..read more

Staying in shape is crucial for health and well-being, but it’s easy to fall for the allure of costly fitness trends that promise quick results. In this article, we’ll explore 15 common fitness expenses that are often more about hype than help. By identifying and avoiding these unnecessary costs, you can focus on what truly matters for your health and keep your finances in great shape too. 1. High-End Gym Memberships Expensive gym memberships often come with perks like sauna access and premium classes, but ask yourself if you really use these extras. Many people pay for high-end features the ..read more

Maintaining a well-groomed appearance is a priority for many men, but grooming trends can strain your budget. Let’s explore 12 grooming trends guys should reconsider to save money without compromising style. 1. High-End Hair Products Investing in top-tier hair products may seem appealing, but budget-friendly alternatives offer comparable results. Switching to affordable shampoos, conditioners, and styling products can maintain hair health without breaking the bank. 2. Frequent Haircuts While regular haircuts are essential, salon visits every few weeks can add up. Opt for longer intervals bet ..read more

I’ve read that people in the Midwest live longer because the optimism that the change in season brings. I don’t know about the living longer part, but I know that after some time of enjoying the current season, I’m always looking forward to the next one. Right now, I’m enjoying the late summer weather. I love sitting outside on my deck, having a drink or two, and just shooting the breeze with my friends. The only slight problem is that sometimes the evenings get just a little cool to sit outside, especially in early Spring and late Fall. One common solution is a fire pit, which we enjoy often ..read more

For some oddball reason, the previous owners of our home installed a second water heater when they added a second bathroom 10 years ago. The original tank is gas heated and holds 60 gallons, which is more than enough for a family of 4, much less just my wife and I. The second water heater is a 40 gallon electric heater, and is only hooked into the new bathroom’s shower and sink piping. The rest of the house uses the gas tank. Since we must maintain and monitor both an electric and gas water heater, I figured I would comment on many of the reasons I prefer the electric option. Additionally, I ..read more

With Summer weather heating up in general, many Clever Friends will be heading to the liquor store to stock up on adult beverages, including beer. Many people would just go to the nearest liquor store for convenience, and don’t shop around for the best price of their favorite fermented beverage. Costco is known for great deals, and many locations also have a liquor store, so it is logical to ask: is Costco beer cheaper?  The bottom line is that Costco beer is significantly less expensive when compared to local liquor stores, and it is also less expensive when you compare Costco beer vs ..read more

Cashback on cars is one of the most popular ways to save money on a new car purchase. With cashback, you can get a rebate of up to thousands of dollars off the price of the vehicle. It can be a great way to get a better deal on the car you want. Cashback is an arrangement between a car dealer and a customer where the customer is given a rebate for the purchase of a new car. The rebate is usually a percentage of the purchase price, and the dealer is responsible for sending the rebate to the customer after the purchase is complete. It is not uncommon for the rebate to be up to 10 percent of the ..read more

Are you planning a trip and considering booking it through Costco Travel? Whether you are planning a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a solo trip, Costco Travel has a lot to offer. Its rewards program, great prices, and variety of travel-related services are a great way to save money when planning your next vacation. Here are important things to know before booking your trip with Costco Travel. Required Membership To use Costco Travel, you must be a Costco member. If you’re not already a member, you can apply for a membership online or in-store. Once you become a member, you can start ..read more