How to file your taxes for free with the IRS Free File program

Tricia Goss  |  February 15, 2023

Filing taxes can feel daunting, especially when you don’t have the funds to hire an accountant. But did you know that you can file your taxes for free? The IRS Free File program is an invaluable resource. The program allows…

IRS delivers ruling on whether state stimulus checks are taxable

Scripps News  |  February 13, 2023

Taxpayers in 21 states can move forward with filing their tax returns after the Internal Revenue Service ruled that state stimulus checks are not taxable. As tax season got underway, the IRS urged those in states where stimulus checks were…

Feet on windowsill in house during winter

8 affordable ways to make your house less drafty

Margeaux Baulch Klein  |  February 8, 2023

The products and services mentioned below were selected independent of sales and advertising. However, Don't Waste Your Money may receive a small commission from the purchase of any products or services through an affiliate link to the retailer's website.Cold weather…

Cash money on money counter

Take the Frugal February challenge and rebuild your savings after the holidays

John Matarese  |  February 7, 2023

Many people just wrapped up Dry January as a way to cut back on drinking this year. Rachel Vogel is among those who avoided alcohol during the last month. “I drank lots of water, lots of lemonade, lots of Diet…

Amazon Pharmacy shown on laptop screen

Amazon launches $5-a-month unlimited prescriptions for Prime members

Scripps News  |  January 25, 2023

The products and services mentioned below were selected independent of sales and advertising. However, Don't Waste Your Money may receive a small commission from the purchase of any products or services through an affiliate link to the retailer's website.The average…

Wells Fargo sign

Wells Fargo might owe you money following $3.7 billion settlement

Kaitlin Gates  |  January 23, 2023

If you had a Wells Fargo account anytime between 2011 and 2022, you may be owed some money. The financial services company reached a $3.7 billion settlement late last year with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau after the agency took…

Americans lost $40B to phishing scams in 2022, report finds

Scripps News  |  January 22, 2023

We’re getting our first look at just how much money Americans lost to phishing scams—those phony texts or calls or even Internet ads that try to get money or information out of you. A report by TrueCaller, an app that…

Unused 529 college savings can be rolled into a Roth IRA starting next year

Scripps News  |  January 19, 2023

A 529 plan is an education savings plan designed to encourage saving for future college costs. It is sponsored by states, state agencies or educational institutions and offers tax advantages and potentially other incentives to make it easier for families…

Past due medical bills on folder

Changes to medical debt reporting could improve your credit score

Scripps News  |  January 17, 2023

According to a 2022 Kaiser Family Foundation analysis of Census Bureau data, 23 million people — nearly 1 in 10 adults — carry significant medical debt. In addition, a report by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) showed that as…

Amtrak train

Amtrak’s USA Rail Pass is just $299 right now

Bridget Sharkey  |  January 12, 2023

The products and services mentioned below were selected independent of sales and advertising. However, Don't Waste Your Money may receive a small commission from the purchase of any products or services through an affiliate link to the retailer's website.If you’ve…

Home for sale with 'sold' sign.

How to calculate your debt-to-income ratio for a mortgage

Scripps News  |  January 12, 2023

Purchasing a home — especially for the first time — can be a confusing and stressful experience, but one thing that can make the process easier is knowing your debt-to-income ratio. As the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau explains, your debt-to-income…

New report shows the price of goods purchased online has dropped

Scripps News  |  January 11, 2023

December marked the fourth consecutive month that items purchased online cost less, according to data released by Adobe Analytics.  According to Adobe Analytics, prices for goods purchased online in December were 1.6% cheaper than in 2021. While groceries continue to see…

Social Security card and statements

How to spot common Social security scams—and keep your money safe

Scripps News  |  January 9, 2023

If you or a loved one are at the age to be thinking about Social Security, you also need to make sure you’re aware of Social Security scams. Social Security scams are unfortunately common. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) received…

How to achieve your financial New Year’s resolutions

John Matarese  |  January 7, 2023

Whether you’re hoping to pay down some debt or save for retirement, most of us have some money goals in mind heading into a new year. But how can you make those money resolutions stick? It’s easy to plan them,…

How safe are mobile wallets?

John Matarese  |  January 3, 2023

Your GPS, your music, your camera and your friends’ phone numbers all live on your smartphone these days. But, there’s another feature not everyone is taking advantage of: your mobile wallet. It has now become standard on iPhones and most…

Giving girl nasal swab for COVID rapid test.

How to order free at-home COVID tests ahead of the holidays

Scripps News  |  December 19, 2022

The products and services mentioned below were selected independent of sales and advertising. However, Don't Waste Your Money may receive a small commission from the purchase of any products or services through an affiliate link to the retailer's website.Experts are…

Happy young couple walking together in the city after shopping.

Here’s why separate bank accounts makes sense in some marriages

Emily O'Brien  |  December 16, 2022

When you’re married, you share many things by default—a home, vacations, cars and sometimes children. But just because you’ve made a vow to be wed, doesn’t mean you have to share everything. There’s a case to be made that having…

hands hold two blue Apple iPhones new in their boxes

You can save hundreds of dollars on Apple devices when you buy from their certified refurbished program

Tricia Goss  |  December 14, 2022

If you love Apple devices, you’re not alone. Millions of consumers purchase Apple products every year. For example, 230 million iPhones, 71 million iPads. 20 million Mac and MacBook units, 110 million AirPods and 43 million Apple Watches were sold…

Delivery driver gives customer package

Amazon is giving delivery drivers $5 if you tell Alexa to thank your driver

Scripps News  |  December 9, 2022

The products and services mentioned below were selected independent of sales and advertising. However, Don't Waste Your Money may receive a small commission from the purchase of any products or services through an affiliate link to the retailer's website.The holiday…

Car dashboard showing mileage

These 10 cars have the longest lifespan, and 6 are from the same maker

Scripps News  |  December 7, 2022

Both new and used car prices have increased significantly over the past two years due to an ongoing chip shortage and higher raw material costs. For example, in September 2022, average prices for used vehicles were up 42.5% compared to…

Money in envelope for retirement

How to become a millionaire by the time you retire

Scripps News  |  December 6, 2022

Many retirement experts recommend saving 10 times your current salary before retirement, and then planning to live on 80% of your current income upon retirement. So by this math, if you make $100,000 a year, you should try to save…

Healthy lunch at office workplace

Save money with these 4 tips for packing your own lunch

Emily O'Brien  |  December 1, 2022

The products and services mentioned below were selected independent of sales and advertising. However, Don't Waste Your Money may receive a small commission from the purchase of any products or services through an affiliate link to the retailer's website.While eating…

McDonald's arches

You can win a Gold Card to get free McDonald’s for life

Scripps News  |  November 30, 2022

The products and services mentioned below were selected independent of sales and advertising. However, Don't Waste Your Money may receive a small commission from the purchase of any products or services through an affiliate link to the retailer's website.Inflation has…

Family outside home for rent

10 things you should rent rather than buy

Marie Rossiter  |  November 30, 2022

Renting vs. buying is a common debate when it comes to home and car ownership. For many years, financial experts insisted that ownership through direct purchase is the best option for people looking to build their credit and financial stability.…

Sales person hands over car keys to buyer

Here’s how long you should expect a used car to last

Scripps News  |  November 29, 2022

Although they’re often considered assets as they have financial value, most experts don’t view cars as investments because they depreciate over time. Instead, many money gurus say purchasing a used car is better than buying a brand-new one. The moment…

This best-selling retinol moisturizer is just $14 today

Marie Rossiter  |  November 28, 2022

The products and services mentioned below were selected independent of sales and advertising. However, Don't Waste Your Money may receive a small commission from the purchase of any products or services through an affiliate link to the retailer's website.Good skin…

Hoover vacuum on sale at Walmart

This Hoover vacuum is on sale today for $59 at Walmart’s Cyber Monday

Marie Rossiter  |  November 28, 2022

The products and services mentioned below were selected independent of sales and advertising. However, Don't Waste Your Money may receive a small commission from the purchase of any products or services through an affiliate link to the retailer's website.Cyber Monday…

Inflatable hot tub is on sale for less than $300 today

Marie Rossiter  |  November 25, 2022

The products and services mentioned below were selected independent of sales and advertising. However, Don't Waste Your Money may receive a small commission from the purchase of any products or services through an affiliate link to the retailer's website.We all…

New Balance shoes are on sale for less than $40 today on Amazon

Marie Rossiter  |  November 25, 2022

The products and services mentioned below were selected independent of sales and advertising. However, Don't Waste Your Money may receive a small commission from the purchase of any products or services through an affiliate link to the retailer's website.The deals…

Male mechanic refilling car oil in service center.

How to change your car’s oil yourself

Emily O'Brien  |  November 21, 2022

Changing your car’s oil is a necessary part of your vehicle’s maintenance. The liquid lubricates the engine and ensures that the combustion process continues to function. Throughout time and use, the oil degrades and becomes contaminated with dirt and metal…

Shopper uses mobile phone at grocery store

These apps will help you save money on groceries

Simplemost  |  November 18, 2022

The USDA predicts all food prices will increase 9% to 10% this year and continue to increase above historical average rates in 2023. You can’t stop food shopping, and you can only cut so many corners while continuing to keep your…

woman serving the detox juice

How to Make Delicious Smoothies and Frozen Coffee Drinks at Home

Emily O'Brien  |  November 14, 2022

Blended frozen concoctions can act as a nutritious meal replacement or snack packed with healthy fats and vitamins, or serve as quick jolts of caffeine. Their popularity has been picking up steam across the nation, which is why we’re not…

Department of Education stops accepting student loan forgiveness applications following ruling

Scripps News  |  November 11, 2022

The Department of Education has stopped allowing federal student loan borrowers to apply for forgiveness after a federal judge ruled last night that the administration overstepped its authority. While before the ruling, a judge issued a stay on executing the…

Man cuts Christmas tree in White Mountain National Forest

You can get a fresh Christmas tree for as little as $5 with a forest service permit

Scripps News  |  November 11, 2022

The products and services mentioned below were selected independent of sales and advertising. However, Don't Waste Your Money may receive a small commission from the purchase of any products or services through an affiliate link to the retailer's website.Are you…

Family walks in airport terminal with suitcases

These 7 hacks for air travel will save you time, money and hassle

Scripps News  |  November 11, 2022

According to a survey from Insuranks, 79% of Americans feel that flying is too expensive this year. Of those who did fly in 2022, nearly one in 10 lost an average of $243 due to delays and cancellations. And although…

Woman using liquid soap dispenser in kitchen.

Why you should invest in a refillable soap dispenser

Emily O'Brien  |  November 10, 2022

The products and services mentioned below were selected independent of sales and advertising. However, Don't Waste Your Money may receive a small commission from the purchase of any products or services through an affiliate link to the retailer's website.Whether you…

Venmo and Amazon on screens

You can get a $10 Amazon credit when you add Venmo to your account

Marie Rossiter  |  November 9, 2022

The products and services mentioned below were selected independent of sales and advertising. However, Don't Waste Your Money may receive a small commission from the purchase of any products or services through an affiliate link to the retailer's website.Have you…

Watch TV for free with $99 antenna bundle

Marie Rossiter  |  November 9, 2022

The products and services mentioned below were selected independent of sales and advertising. However, Don't Waste Your Money may receive a small commission from the purchase of any products or services through an affiliate link to the retailer's website.Have you…

Serious woman sitting at a table

Follow these scripts to ask your boss for a raise

Emily O'Brien  |  November 9, 2022

Inflation is spiking the cost of nearly everything this year, with the latest Consumer Price Index showing an 8.2% increase in the all items index over 12 months. To compensate for the range of increased expenses a household has to handle,…

A Goodwill sign is seen at the store in downtown Sunnyvale, California.

Goodwill’s new shopping site finally brings its thrifting treasures online

Scripps News  |  November 3, 2022

One of the best parts of shopping at thrift stores is finding a gem of an item at a low price. And while bargain hunting is part of the thrill, you might not always have time to comb racks and…

Family takes photo for Christmas

Get a free set of 6 premium photo cards from Walgreens for a limited time

Marie Rossiter  |  October 25, 2022

The products and services mentioned below were selected independent of sales and advertising. However, Don't Waste Your Money may receive a small commission from the purchase of any products or services through an affiliate link to the retailer's website.Our smartphones…

A hand turns a thermostat down with the word "Save" displayed on the readout.

10 ways to make your house warmer without touching the thermostat

Scripps News  |  October 23, 2022

Winter lurks around the corner, and that can mean higher energy bills dropped into your mailbox each month. No one wants to watch their money fly out the window just because they want to stay warm. If you’ve been struggling to…

IRS made inflation adjustments for 2023 that could mean lower tax rates for many

Scripps News  |  October 19, 2022

Historic inflation rates in the U.S. have spurred some changes that will reduce many people’s tax bill next year. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced dozens of adjustments due to inflation that affect individual tax income brackets for the 2023…

'Student loans' on post-it note cut by scissors

Student loan forgiveness application site opens for beta testing

Scripps News  |  October 17, 2022

The U.S. Department of Education launched a beta site for its student loan forgiveness plan on Friday. The site could be temporarily paused for assessments, but student loan borrowers will be able to submit applications via the site, which will…

Noel, Matt, Paul and Prue of "The Great British Baking Show," which airs in America on Netflix.

Netflix is launching a $7 ad-supported plan in November

Helen Lee  |  October 14, 2022

The rising price of a Netflix subscription over the past few years has led to complaints and even lawsuits from customers — and a loss in growth for the popular streaming service. Back in April, the company announced a remedy:…

Woman holds credit card

5 Ways to Keep Your Credit Card Safe

Emily O'Brien  |  September 30, 2022

If you’ve ever noticed a strange purchase on your credit card bill, you already know that sinking feeling that occurs in the pit of your stomach. Unfortunately, this problem is all too common. According to the Federal Trade Commission, losses…

Woman paying bills

Five ways the Federal Reserve’s rate hike will affect your finances

Scripps News  |  September 22, 2022

The Federal Reserve has raised rates for the third time in a series of “supersize” rate hikes that Fed Chair Jerome Powell says is expected to continue to try to reduce inflation aggressively. The Fed is waging a historic campaign…

Princeton University campus

Princeton will offer a full ride to students whose families make up to $100,000

Tricia Goss  |  September 12, 2022

Princeton University announced that it would financially support more undergraduates and their families to attract talented students from diverse backgrounds. The Ivy League school will begin offering a full ride to most undergraduates from families earning up to $100,000 a…

Driver in cabin of truck on highway

Gas station chain offering discounts amid spike in diesel fuel prices

Scripps News  |  September 7, 2022

While Sheetz gas and convenience stores might be mostly clustered in areas around the eastern coast of the U.S., drivers of diesel vehicles going long distances could be pleasantly surprised at the discounts the brand is offering for Truck Driver…

These first college apartment essentials will make the transition so much smoother

Tricia Goss  |  August 31, 2022

The products and services mentioned below were selected independent of sales and advertising. However, Don't Waste Your Money may receive a small commission from the purchase of any products or services through an affiliate link to the retailer's website.Moving into…

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