FL remodeling company takes deposits on dream kitchens that evaporate into thin air — along with cash. How Tampa Bay homeowners are fighting back and what you can do to avoid contractor scams

You saved up for a kitchen reno. You decide to purchase cabinets from a local company with great reviews. You deposit thousands of dollars for the cabinets and installation. Then … crickets. That’s the situation Tampa-area homeowners find themselves in after forking over thousands of dollars to the local company One Stop Kitchen & Bath […]

8 pawsome ways to save on pet care costs

Pets change our lives for the better, and not just because they’re fuzzy, tail wagging bundles of unconditional love. According to the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), pets foster connection and community, encourage mindfulness, focus and healthy habits and support resilience and recovery. But, pet parenthood gets expensive when you factor in food, vaccinations […]

I’m thinking about paying off a 2.5% loan of $5,000 so I can be debt-free — and wonder if that’s a horrible idea. How to weigh the financial pros and cons of paying off small debt fast

You want to get to debt-free status as soon as possible, and all that’s standing in your way is a $5,000 loan with a 2.5% interest rate. Paying it off and freeing up those monthly interest payments for other purposes is naturally appealing. What should you do? Don’t miss I’m 49 years old and have […]

What to expect when you’re expecting: First year cost for pets

It’s easy to go overboard when you’re getting a new pet. Whether it’s supplies, toys or even clothes, some things are just too cute to pass up. But these things quickly add up, even if you try to stick to necessities. It’s possible to budget and plan for your new furry addition, and we’ve put […]

I’ve officially handed in notice to my boss that I’m retiring this year, which has made retirement feel a lot more real. How do I prepare for the rest of my life financially?

If you’ve handed in notice to your boss that you’ll be officially retiring in a few months, you’re likely both nervous and excited. That’s understandable, retirement is a big life transition. However, it helps to have a solid financial plan, as well as the resources to support it, to feel comfortable as you wave goodbye […]

This NYC building offers $250 per month rent for homeless, disabled patients — here’s how to find affordable housing options when you’re living on a scant income

There’s relief for some NYC residents who are struggling to find budget-friendly housing. Low income and homeless New Yorkers can now live in an affordable housing building located in Bed-Stuy, offering a sense of security to those who live there. Don’t miss I’m 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should […]

I barely drive my Volvo SUV — but I can’t decide if I should downsize to save money or hold on to it for a few more years. Will trading it in sooner save me much more money?

Thinking of downsizing your vehicle to save money? Not so fast. Downsizing a vehicle could save you money if, for example, the new car offers better fuel efficiency and it’s a model that generally costs less to maintain. But your overall out-of-pocket costs will also depend on factors like how long you’ve owned your current […]