DEAL OF THE DAY: Here are the 21 best products from Walmart's spring deals
Parents frustrated with adult son living at home

Adult children are moving back home with mom and dad, but is this smart?

John Matarese  |  February 26, 2024

With student debt and high housing costs, many young adults say they have no choice but to move back home because of the high cost of living.

Person carries plates of fried fish sandwiches

Fish sandwiches, like everything else, will cost you more this year

John Matarese  |  February 18, 2024

When it comes to fish sandwiches, how much more will you have to pay this Lenten season? A bit more, just like everything else.

Woman looks at ocean from deck of cruise ship

Airline, cruise and hotel upsells could get you to spend a lot more

John Matarese  |  February 1, 2024

Keep an eye out for upsells on hotels and cruises: You could end up spending way more than what you budgeted for your trip.

Car rental sign

Rental car alert: Customers billed for damage they didn’t cause

John Matarese  |  January 22, 2024

The next time you rent a car, follow these tips for protecting yourself from unexpected added fees and charges.

Retailer has sign limiting purchase of Stanley tumblers on store shelves

As Stanley cup prices soar, scammers are swooping in

John Matarese  |  January 18, 2024

If you've seen prices on Stanley cups that seem too good to be true, it probably is. Here's how to avoid fakes and scams.

Woman holds cash money

Suze Orman advises against New Year’s money resolutions, recommends this instead

John Matarese  |  January 5, 2024

When it comes to finances, many Americans feel stressed about what’s ahead. So they attempt to do too much too quickly.

Man performs push-up.

How to exercise on a budget in 2024

John Matarese  |  January 3, 2024

Getting into shape can be costly, with many gyms charging upwards of $100 a month. So, we found some of the best ways to exercise on a budget.

Hands raise champagne glasses for New Year's toast

10 ways to save on your New Year’s celebration

John Matarese  |  December 29, 2023

If you're hosting a party this New Year's Eve, these tips will help you save money and start the new year without extra credit card debt.

Amazon boxes with gifts, Christmas tree in background

Amazon locker mystery: Why are pickup lockers appearing in your address list?

John Matarese  |  December 28, 2023

It appears Amazon may have intended to give you more delivery options during the busy holiday season.

Woman makes face at gift she plans to return

Return season is here: Watch for shorter return windows, shipping fees

John Matarese  |  December 27, 2023

Returning a Christmas gift? Return policies have changed, but these tips will help you get the most money back for your return.

Winter Home with Holiday Lights

How to protect your home from burglars this holiday season

John Matarese  |  December 19, 2023

Even the dumbest burglars, like the crooks from "Home Alone," know many people will be out of town from now through New Year's Day.

Woman reads e-book while drinking coffee

How to save big bucks on books as prices keep rising

John Matarese  |  December 18, 2023

Even paperback and e-books are expensive nowadays, but apps like Libby offer great ways to read more for free.

Hands form heart with hands at live concert

Fight ‘funflation’ with these entertainment savings ideas

John Matarese  |  December 16, 2023

Ticket prices for concerts, movies and sporting events are up, but savvy shoppers can find ways to save on entertainment.

Man adjusts smart thermostat

Winter heating bill forecast: Will you pay more or less this year?

John Matarese  |  December 15, 2023

Gasoline prices have been falling the past three months, and there's something else that should cost you less: your winter heating bill.

Apple AirPods on black background

Holiday shoppers warned against buying counterfeit luxury goods

John Matarese  |  December 12, 2023

As you grab those last minute gifts, watch out for counterfeit Apple products, Nike products and more.

Frontier Airlines plane on tarmac

Frequent flyer programs are changing, frustrating many customers

John Matarese  |  December 8, 2023

Frontier Airlines recently changed its frequent flier program, but savvy travelers can be smart with their airline miles and hotel points.

Woman holds holiday card over decorated table

How to save on holiday cards without looking cheap

John Matarese  |  December 4, 2023

A box of photo cards can cost you $150 or more, but there are ways to save on your holiday greetings this year.

Many kinds of Barbie dolls

Old toys are new again for Christmas 2023

John Matarese  |  December 3, 2023

In addition to Barbie, Polly Pocket, My Little Pony and all kinds of Legos are popular gifts for kids this holiday season.

Person hangs twig wreath on door for Christmas holidays

Great ways to save money on Christmas decorations

John Matarese  |  November 29, 2023

Refreshing your holiday decorations can break your Christmas budget, but an expert on holiday decor shares some money-saving tips.

Porch pirate steals packages at home's front door

How to prevent porch pirates from ruining your Christmas

John Matarese  |  November 28, 2023

Tens of thousands of packages disappear every year, but you can take a few simple steps to make it harder to steal a package at your house.

red suitcase and christmas tree decoration

Secrets to painless holiday travel, whether you are flying or driving

John Matarese  |  November 16, 2023

Whether you're planning to go wheels up on the tarmac or hit the highway, holiday travel can be exhausting and expensive.

Hand attaches charger to electric car

EVs are more affordable than ever: is now the time to buy?

John Matarese  |  November 15, 2023

Tax incentives for both new and used EVs are helping to make them less expensive, but there are other money-saving considerations as well.

Woman holds cash money

There’s an easy way to find unclaimed funds in your name

John Matarese  |  November 8, 2023

Have you checked with the government for unclaimed property? The Missing Money site makes it easy to look up your unclaimed cash.

Pay raise concept: Blocks spelling 'salary' rise along arrow on yellow background

How to ask for a raise for 2024, and the mistake many people make

John Matarese  |  November 7, 2023

Don't wait until it's too late to get a pay increase for next year. Many companies are setting their 2024 budgets now.

Home with gray vinyl siding

Why vinyl siding is melting on homes, and what you can do about it

John Matarese  |  November 5, 2023

It's caused by concentrated sunlight from a neighbor's window, a problem that worsens in the winter months, when the sun is low in the sky.

Full storage unit

Self storage prices are soaring, but do you really need a storage unit?

John Matarese  |  November 4, 2023

If you already have a contract for a storage, you might want to check your latest bill for a price increase.

Home for sale sign in front of house

With 8% mortgage rates hitting the housing market, what should buyers do?

John Matarese  |  November 2, 2023

Record home prices and 30-year mortgage rates that have just touched 8% are slowing the market, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't buy.

In this Nov. 30, 2007 file photo, mechanic Ed Wuerth of Wuerth Automotive in Brownstown Township, Mich., works on a Volvo at his shop. While new car owners may worry about making monthly payments in the event of a job loss, those that have had their cars for a few years may face concerns about paying for a hefty repair, especially as a vehicle nears the end of its original warranty period.

Auto expenses we often pay for that many don’t need

John Matarese  |  November 1, 2023

If you've had any car work done in the past year or so, you know repair costs are up, just like everything else.

Kids in cute Halloween costumes hold candy buckets

How to save on last-minute Halloween candy and costumes

John Matarese  |  October 27, 2023

Sometimes waiting to shop can really pay off. Here are a few ways you can save money just ahead of Halloween.

package of Charmin toilet paper sitting on counter

Charmin makes major change to toilet paper, says you’ll ‘enjoy the go’ even more

John Matarese  |  October 27, 2023

Procter and Gamble (P&G) says it has just altered the roll of Charmin bathroom tissue for the first time in a century.

Couple pays bills

Avoid these hidden fees that you might not have to pay for

John Matarese  |  October 26, 2023

Consumers' Checklist came out with a list of 65 fees that you can probably skip paying for, if you know how.

Phone with YouTube on $100 bills

Is the financial advice on YouTube and TikTok safe?

John Matarese  |  October 20, 2023

It's a popular way to get tips: A recent study found 80% of Americans ages 18 to 41 have used financial advice they saw on social media.

Hand holds phone showing email phishing illustration

MGM Resorts cyberattack won’t be the last, but you can protect yourself

John Matarese  |  September 29, 2023

After a cyberattack, there are a few things consumers can do to make sure they don't fall victim to the scams that follow.

Young male creator records video

These influencer scams target high school and college students

John Matarese  |  September 14, 2023

A few rules of thumb can help you know if an influencer gig is really a scam, such as if you're asked to pay money or buy a product up front.

Peer-to-peer payment apps PayPal, Zelle, Venmo

If you use money transfer apps, you should know about these risks

John Matarese  |  September 7, 2023

Money transfer apps like Zelle, Venmo, and Cash App are convenient, but if you lose your money to a scam, you're unlikely to get it back.

Auto mechanic works under hood of car

Auto repair costs jump 19% in a year, but there are ways to save

John Matarese  |  August 29, 2023

Repair costs are outpacing inflation right now, but there are a few ways you can save money on fixing your car.

Many kinds of Barbie dolls

The hot 2023 holiday toys you should start buying now

John Matarese  |  August 28, 2023

It’s only August, but if you’re a parent or grandparent, you will soon be forced to think about toy shopping for the holiday season. And while the weather may still be hot near you, hot holiday toys are already selling.…

Used cars on car lot

Why are most used cars now selling for over $20,000?

John Matarese  |  August 25, 2023

A new study reveals that used car prices are higher than ever, and that there are fewer of them on the market.

Parking lot full of cars

Catalytic converter locks and alarms: Do they work?

John Matarese  |  August 21, 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.Thieves are…

For Rent sign in front of house

Rental scams are hurting honest landlords

John Matarese  |  August 20, 2023

Scammers are out there targeting renters. Here's what you need to know—and how this all affects honest landlords, too.

Kids in cute Halloween costumes hold candy buckets

Halloween creeping up earlier than ever: Shop now or wait for lower prices?

John Matarese  |  August 18, 2023

We chatted with experts to determine whether you should stock up on Halloween supplies now, or wait until closer to the holiday.

Tide detergent boxes on store shelf

Tide detergent box gets smaller, but is it really shrinkflation?

John Matarese  |  August 14, 2023

Don't Waste Your Money checked in on a change to Tide's packaging. The box contains less detergent but says you'll get more loads out of it.

Family walks up to home for sale

Frustrated homebuyers being outbid again and again

John Matarese  |  August 12, 2023

Many people locked into low mortgage rates are understandably hanging onto their homes, rather than selling. And that is making 2023 one of the most frustrating times ever for homebuyers in memory. Carol Raeheim is one of those buyers who…

5 million Kias and Hyundais still need this urgent fix

John Matarese  |  August 7, 2023

Certain Hyundai and Kia models are at increased risk of being stolen, and millions of owners are still driving around without the free fix.

Woman watches TV at home

Watch TV for free with these no-charge streaming services

DWYM Staff  |  August 6, 2023

Need to cut costs somewhere in your budget? Consider what you can do to lower the cost of your television service.

Buffets are making a comeback

John Matarese  |  August 1, 2023

Prices are rising, so more and more people are turning to budget-friendly food options, even when going out to eat.

Students and teacher use school supplies

Secrets for saving money on back-to-school clothing

John Matarese  |  July 30, 2023

You don't have to spend a fortune to get your kiddos ready to head back to the classroom. Read on to learn some back-to-school tips.

Hotel, Airbnb or Vrbo: Which vacation option is best?

John Matarese  |  July 28, 2023

Planning a trip doesn't have to break the bank. Here's what to know about how different types of lodging stack up.

Hands form heart with hands at live concert

Get paid to usher at concerts, among hundreds of other gig jobs

DWYM Staff  |  July 24, 2023

Apps like Instawork and SideHusl give gig economy workers another place to look for a wide variety of side hustles.

Many kinds of Barbie dolls

Barbie dolls are spiking in value, thanks to new ‘Barbie’ movie

John Matarese  |  July 21, 2023

With a much-hyped movie on the way, certain collectible Barbie dolls, Ken dolls and accessories are selling for more right now.