As the holidays approach, gift cards remain a popular gift option, but they’re also a target for scammers. These fraudsters use tactics like phishing and tampering with physical gift cards to steal funds before they can be used. To protect yourself and your loved ones this season, it’s important to stay aware of these risks.
Having a well-stocked emergency fund is important. But so is saving for retirement. So how do you know which one to focus on? Well, we’ve got you covered. Here’s what you should know.
Halloween is a time for spooky fun, but it can also bring a scare to your wallet if you're not careful. From costumes to decorations and treats, the costs can add up quickly. Here’s how to manage your Halloween budget and keep your spending under control while still enjoying the festivities.
Now is the moment to turn your attention to your tax obligations. With less than 60 days remaining until the tax deadline now is a good time to prepare your documents and file.
Need a smart strategy to save on essential school supplies? Planning your dream vacation or gearing up for the holiday season? With a club account, you can save for essential school supplies, exciting vacations, and joyful holiday celebrations, making your financial goals more attainable and stress-free.
School shopping might look a little different this year, but here are some timeless tips for how to save money during the “back to school” shopping season.
#1 What supplies from last year are still alive & kicking? Older children likely have folders, binders, and backpacks that can be re-used another year.
#2 Sign up for store reward programs to get access to special coupons, discounts, and rebates.
#3 Follow your favorite stores on Facebook and Twitter, or check in on their social media pages periodically to look for special coupons and sales they’ve published for their fans.
#4 Shop generic where possible. For example, a pencil-case decorated with a character likely costs more than a plain pencil-case or generic branded pencil-case.
#5 Try shopping online for a quicker experience (skip the long lines), bigger selection, and the ability to easily compare prices. Look for coupons online to save a % off or get free shipping.
#6 Divide and conquer. Partner up with a few other parents and tackle the buying of common items (pencils, notebooks, folders) together. Watch the sales flyers for penny deals and deep discounts, and have one parent take each store. One can do a Staples run, one a Walmart run, and one a Costco run, etc. Then divide up the supplies, tally up everyone’s cost and share the haul. This strategy also saves YOU from running all over town and waiting in long lines to grab the best deals!
#7 Even though you’re excited about the kids going back to school, try to hold off on shopping until September if possible. Many of the prices on school supplies will be lower by then.
#8 At the grocery store, pass up the “fun-size” and “snack-size” items and buy the full-size versions. You can make your own lunchbox size snacks with plastic baggies or reusable plastic storage containers.
#9 Gather some friends together and hold a clothing swap to get new outfits for your kiddos while also cleaning out your closets!
#10 Visit your local thrift store for bargain-priced, gently used clothes for kids. You can also find backpacks and binders at thrift stores if you shop early in the summer.
Be ready for back to school every year with a Back to School Savings Club. Set it and forget it through monthly automatic transfers!