Money Tips

Philadelphia plans to offer guaranteed monthly income to 250 new moms

Scripps News | March 24, 2023

Philadelphia plans to start a pilot program that would provide approximately 250 pregnant women with a monthly guaranteed income for 18 months, in an effort to reduce racial disparities in birth outcomes. The women would receive $1,000 monthly payments during pregnancy and through the first year of the child’s life. Organizer of the program say …

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IRS lays out which HSA expenses are tax deductible

Scripps News | March 24, 2023

The Internal Revenue Service recently updated guidance on what expenses are considered tax deductible when using a health savings account (HSA) or similar plan. HSA plans allow you to use your account for a variety of things, including items like bandages, condoms, sunscreen and other items you can get at a pharmacy. However, not all …

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IRS: If you ever resell an item online, keep your receipt

Scripps News | March 23, 2023

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued updated guidance this week as online payment services such as Venmo and PayPal will send out 1099-K forms next tax season. The updated guidance comes after the IRS delayed the implementation of sending these forms to taxpayers for the current tax season. Originally, these forms were going to be …

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These are the top internet scams, according to a new FBI report

Tricia Goss | March 20, 2023

Internet scams have become an increasingly common occurrence. The FBI’s new Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) report identified that, in the last year alone, more than $10 billion was lost due to cyberattacks and cyber-enabled fraud, including spam calls, texts and emails. While people of all ages are affected by these types of crimes, nearly …

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When to book to get the best price on an international flight

Emily O'Brien | March 18, 2023

When you’re booking an international trip on a budget, it can be hard to know when to pull the trigger on airline tickets. With flights opening for booking about a year in advance, prices tend to fluctuate quite a bit. How do you know if you’re getting the best deal on your next vacation? As …

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

Tricia Goss | March 15, 2023

If you’re looking for a credit card to help you pay down debt or stretch payments on a new, large purchase, the Wells Fargo Reflect Card might be one to consider. With a 0% APR intro period of up to 21 months and no annual fee, this card offers an extended break from interest. One …

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

Emily O'Brien | March 10, 2023

As a brand-new homeowner, a whopping utility bill can feel like a punch to the gut. While house hunting, it’s normal to focus on the cost of the home and what amenities it includes, but how much the basic utilities cost isn’t always front and center during the buying process. If that feels intimidating, there …

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

Tricia Goss | March 8, 2023

One of the most important things you can do when managing your finances is to always pay your credit card bill. But when is the best time to make a payment? The answer may surprise you. Always Pay On Time First and foremost, make sure that you never miss a payment and always pay on …

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Happy woman looks at phone while doing laundry

How to make money doing laundry with SudShare

Tricia Goss | March 8, 2023

Looking for a way to earn money while also spending more time at home? If you have a vehicle, a washer and a dryer, SudShare could be a side hustle that lets you do both. Touted as the “Uber for Laundry” app, SudShare could help you start making money from the comfort of your own …

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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 15, “Ted Lasso” will return for its much-anticipated third season. The upcoming season of the …

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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 babysitters or dog walkers? How about the days of writing checks to a roommate for …

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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 ever taken a trip to Disneyland and left wanting more, you can now fly nonstop …

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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 taxpayers to prepare and file their federal income tax returns for free. Although more than …

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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 American spends about $1,300 a year on prescription medicines. The good news is that generic …

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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 ratio is how much you owe (your monthly debt) divided by how much money you …

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Giving girl nasal swab for COVID rapid test.

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

Newsy | 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 warning that there will be a surge of COVID-19 cases after the holidays. If you’re …

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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 separate bank accounts might be a key factor to living happily ever after. Despite what …

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

Newsy | 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 season can be grueling for mail carriers and delivery drivers. With millions of packages to …

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How to become a millionaire by the time you retire

Newsy | 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 $1 million. But who knows how to become a millionaire by age 65? Socking away …

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

Newsy | 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 impacted the price of everything, even Big Macs. The cost of eating out has increased …

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10 things you should rent rather than buy

Newsy | 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. In recent years, though, a movement toward renting is gaining traction, especially for high-ticket items. …

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Sales person hands over car keys to buyer

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

Newsy | 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 you drive a new car off the dealer’s lot, it starts losing value. By the …

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Follow these scripts to ask your boss for a raise

Newsy | 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, from higher-priced groceries to climbing medical and transportation costs, a pay raise may be a …

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

Student loan forgiveness application site opens for beta testing

Scripps National Desk | 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 be reviewed for approval once the site is out of its beta testing phase. An …

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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 due to credit fraud reached a staggering $149 million in 2020. Credit card fraud is …

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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 a first apartment is a big deal for everyone, but when you’re preparing to live …

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How to apply for student loan forgiveness

Kaitlin Gates | August 25, 2022

On Oct. 17, the Department of Education officially launched the student debt forgiveness program application process following the successful launch of its beta site over the weekend. The Biden Administration first announced it will be forgiving student loan debt for some borrowers in August. According to U.S. Department of Education data, an estimated 27 million borrowers …

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Gas prices drop ahead of busy July 4 travel weekend

Kaitlin Gates | July 1, 2022

It’s pretty typical to see gas prices increase before a busy travel weekend like the Fourth of July, but with gas prices already higher than we’ve seen in years, prices are actually going down for the third week in a row. After a drop for the second week in a row last week to $4.89, the …

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5 services that will ship your luggage to avoid mishandling from airlines

Tricia Goss | June 24, 2022

The U.S. Department of Transportation defines mishandled bags as checked luggage that passengers report lost, damaged, delayed or pilfered while in an airline’s custody during domestic nonstop flights. In April 2022 alone, the department said that more than 219,000 bags were mishandled. A report by aviation tech company SITA found that the rate of luggage …

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10 tips to get the most out of a tank of gas

Emily O'Brien | June 17, 2022

Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine may be a world away, geographically, but it’s affecting life across the globe. One of the ways we see the direct effects of this conflict in America is at the gas pump. AAA reports gas prices are at an all-time high, currently averaging $5.01 a gallon for regular fuel nationwide. …

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20 ways to cut expenses quickly amid recession fears

Tricia Goss | June 16, 2022

Americans are struggling with rent hikes, increased housing costs, staggering gas prices and overall record inflation. Many people fear another recession. Whether a recession is on its way or the economy will bounce back sooner rather than later remains to be seen. However, there are many steps you can take to begin cutting costs right …

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With this Costco membership deal, you can actually make $20

Bridget Sharkey | May 23, 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.If you have been considering getting a Costco membership, now is the perfect time to lock in …

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The FIRE movement aims for early retirement through deep frugality

Tricia Goss | May 17, 2022

The FIRE movement refers to the acronym for Financial Independence Retire Early. While it has been trending recently, the idea has been around for several decades. In 1992, Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez published “Your Money or Your Life.” Dominguez retired from his Wall Street career at 31, and the duo created the New Roots …

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Woman holding beef package at grocery store

Price of beef up nearly 21% from last year, making it unaffordable for many

Newsy | May 6, 2022

About Newsy: Newsy is the nation’s only free 24/7 national news network. You can find Newsy using your TV’s digital antenna or stream for free. See all the ways you can watch Newsy here: https://bit.ly/Newsy1 The beef industry has been using this slogan for decades: “Beef. It’s what’s for dinner.” But the price of beef is getting a …

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How to invest in cryptocurrency

Newsy | March 11, 2022

About Newsy: Newsy is the nation’s only free 24/7 national news network. You can find Newsy using your TV’s digital antenna or stream for free. See all the ways you can watch Newsy here: https://bit.ly/3pg9eur Government agencies are now tasked with evaluating the risks and the benefits of cryptocurrency, per President Biden’s new executive order. The order, which …

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Apple announces new affordable iPhone SE and iPad

Tricia Goss | March 9, 2022

At Apple’s first product event for 2022, the company introduced a handful of new items and special prices. In an hour-long Peek Performance event on March 8, Apple announced a slate of new products and other upgrades, including a new, faster chip, a new monitor that has an iPhone CPU inside and an operating system …

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Frontier is buying Spirit Airlines to create a major budget carrier

Tricia Goss | February 7, 2022

Frontier Airlines announced on Monday that it would purchase Spirit Airlines for $2.9 billion in cash and stock, saying that it will combine the two to create America’s most competitive low-fare airline. According to the Wall Street Journal, Frontier will own about 51.5% of the combined company once the deal closes. The merger will make …

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US Treasury is offering 7.12% interest rate on Series I savings bonds

Tricia Goss | January 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.U.S. savings bonds are debt securities issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Essentially, they allow …

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How much to tip this year at salons, restaurants, for deliveries and more

Tricia Goss | December 17, 2021

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.Tipping is a decidedly American practice that is not without controversy. Still, offering a gift of money …

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You can take a trip around the entire U.S. by train for just $1,000

Kathleen St. John | December 1, 2021

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 travel bug is biting hard these days. Nearly two years of pandemic stress has many folks …

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Kool-Aid powdered beverages, Country Time Lemonade recalled

Scripps National Desk | November 17, 2021

The Kraft Heinz Company is recalling Country Time Lemonade and some Kool-Aid powdered beverages, according to CBS News. The recall is for certain Country Time and Kool-Aid products sold in 19 oz. plastic packages, 82.5 oz. canisters. It also involves Country Time Lemonade On the Go Sticks. The powdered drinks could reportedly contain tiny pieces …

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Roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain

Man pays off student loans by surviving on Six Flags meals for 7 years

Kathleen St. John | November 8, 2021

We’ve seen a lot of interesting ways to save money, but this one might be the most extreme — and potentially nauseating, from a certain point of view. A man named Dylan, an electrical engineer in Southern California, devised an ingenious scheme to pay down his student loans as quickly as possible: He signed up …

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How to save money on your electric bill this winter

Marie Rossiter | November 5, 2021

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.As the season changes, so do our needs in keeping our homes comfortable and cozy. But the …

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DNR auctioning off nearly 100 properties, including waterfront land along Lake Michigan

WXYZ News | July 27, 2021

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 Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is auctioning off nearly 100 properties of land in several …

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Why used car prices are so high right now

NewsChannel5 | June 15, 2021

The chip shortage impacting new vehicles is causing used car prices to soar across the country, as well. Tom Seyfried, the owner of Genesis Auto Brokers in Brentwood, Tenn., said during the pandemic factories closed so they didn’t need chips. As people return to work, the demand for them is back. “Even if they’re making …

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Best Lawn Weed Killer 2021

Danielle Smyth | June 14, 2021

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.With warmer weather comes weeds. They sprout up in lawns, garden beds and in between paver and …

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Best portable grill 2021

Danielle Smyth | June 8, 2021

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.Do you really need a massive grill decked out with special features to cook the perfect burger? …

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How to pick the best antenna to watch free over-the-air TV

Brittany Anas | May 28, 2021

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.Watching free, over-the-air TV with an antenna is simpler than you may think. In many cases, you …

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Couple goes over finances at kitchen table

Companies are raising prices on consumer goods due to inflation

Marie Rossiter | May 26, 2021

Have you noticed your budget isn’t stretching as far lately? You’re not alone, and you’re not imagining those higher expenses coming out of your pocket. Over the past few months, companies have pushed prices higher across the board on everything from groceries to toilet paper, and some companies have announced they’ll be increasing prices later …

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What affects your credit score and what doesn’t?

Tricia Goss | April 28, 2021

Several factors determine what your credit score looks like when you access your credit report, but you might be surprised to learn that a number of difficulties and mishaps don’t have any impact on those digits. Learning about what affects your credit score — along with some things that surprisingly don’t have any effect on …

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