Screen shots of Dollar Tree Gumbo from TikTok

This woman’s viral TikToks create cheap but tasty meals using food from Dollar Tree

Marie Rossiter  |  March 15, 2023

Rebecca Chobat started her channel, Dollar Tree Dinners, to show how to create meals on a budget as inflation caused grocery prices to soar.

This credit card has one of the longest 0% interest periods

Tricia Goss  |  March 15, 2023

The Wells Fargo Reflect Card is a solid option for those individuals who have good credit and need some extra time to pay off their balance.

Woman holds cash money

Money can buy happiness, according to scientists—but it’s complicated

Tricia Goss  |  March 13, 2023

Studies suggest that cash can positively influence emotional well-being, particularly if its used on joy-inducing experiences and activities.

Couple pays bills

States where homeowners spend the most—and least—on basic utilities

Emily O'Brien  |  March 10, 2023

Research from Angi shows that basic utility costs can vary based on several factors, including proximity to water and other resources.

Shopper uses mobile phone at grocery store

Instacart shoppers are buying items for themselves, customers say

Scripps News  |  March 10, 2023

Instacart customers have noticed their shoppers adding items to orders that the customer did not request or receive.

When is the best time to pay your credit card balance?

Tricia Goss  |  March 8, 2023

Timing your payments for the right moment in the billing cycle can give your credit score a boost. But paying too often isn't always better.

4-piece outdoor sofa set

This 4-piece outdoor sofa set is more than half off right now

Emily O'Brien  |  March 8, 2023

The furniture set includes a couch and a glass-top table, making it perfect for entertaining and gathering family and friends.

Restaurants with subscriptions you’ll want to get if you’re a frequent customer

Tricia Goss  |  March 7, 2023

National restaurant chains and local hot-spots are offering subscriptions to keep customers loyal—and diners can benefit from the discount.

Nate talks to Ted in still from "Ted Lasso"

You can watch ‘Ted Lasso’ and other shows for free with this Apple TV+ deal

Bridget Sharkey  |  March 2, 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.On March…

Is Venmo Safe? Here’s what you need to know about the mobile payment service

Brittany Anas  |  February 28, 2023

It wasn’t too long ago that we were scribbling mathematical equations on the back of restaurant checks before handing over a stack of credit cards for a server to process. Or, remember swinging by an ATM to get cash for…

Best Birthday Candles For Kids

13 stores that will give you free things on your birthday

Kaitlin Gates  |  February 22, 2023

Did you know there are ways to get free birthday goodies without having to dine-in or spend any money?

Disney World

Nonstop flight from Disneyland to Disney World is just $69

Kaitlin Gates  |  February 20, 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…

Consumer Reports reveals its top cars for 2023

Scripps News  |  February 19, 2023

An increase in new car inventory is expected to lead to a rise in sales in 2023. Edmunds is forecasting that 14.8 million new cars will be sold in 2023. That’s about 1 million more than were sold in 2022.…

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…

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…

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…

For Rent sign

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…

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