Investing & Retiring

The pandemic is far from over, but Americans aren’t letting it get in the way of celebrating that special someone this Valentine’s Day. In fact, the National Retail Federation released a new survey that found over half of all U.S. consumers are still planning to celebrate this year’s love day, with spending expected to reach $21.8 billion on gifts and activities.

Regardless of what you're planning to do or buy, don’t fall into the trap of thinking you have to spend a lot of money to show that special someone just how much you care for them. A little creativity can go a long way in planning the perfect date without blowing your budget.

Here are seven frugal date ideas that pack a lot of romance without the pricey bill even during a pandemic.

1. Take a cooking class.

You don’t have to drop hundreds of dollars on an expensive restaurant meal to create a meaningful connection. Instead of going out, set up a table in your backyard and enjoy a home-...

Valentine's Day may be one of the few times per year that you go out and buy fresh flowers, but that is no excuse for rookie mistakes. The gift of flowers is a reminder that you are thinking of someone and February 14^th is an excellent opportunity to send this message. Make that gesture count with these budget-friendly tips for delivering quality flowers that won't disappoint.

Opt out of the Valentine's Day up-sell - Almost all floral retailers will create Valentine's Day-specific offers to catch your eye. Those bouquets come with a hefty price tag, and often lack on the stem count you are looking for. Avoid the holiday-specific bundles.

Get to know your Farmer's Market - Get to know a Farmer's Market in your neighborhood before Valentine's Day. Pay attention to bouquet costs when it's not a floral holiday so that you have a baseline before prices increase. Ask a vendor to pre-order for Valentine's Da...

By Andrea Woroch

Money is a top concern for most Americans these days and, with so much uncertainty still ahead, it's important to create financial security for yourself and your family as we enter into this new year.

Improving your finances may seem like a daunting process, but getting started is half the battle. Here are five money moves you can tackle now to get the momentum going.

1. Plug budget leaks.

Considering that 35% of Americans have less savings now than before the coronavirus took hold of our country, according to a recent survey from Bankrate.com, finding areas in your budget to rebuild savings should be a priority for the new year. Rebuilding an emergency fund may seem impossible now, but you may be surprised ho...

This is the first in a series of financial commentaries by our Editorial Roundtable. Check back to read alternative points of view expressed in this column.

James Cash Penney, who founded JC Penney in 1902, observed years later that, “Growth is never by mere chance; it is the result of forces working together.” This holds as true for the broader US economy as it does for individual companies. For it is the combination of market forces, government policies and macroeconomic trends that shapes our long-term economic outlook and near-term prospects for growth.

As we peer beyond the horizon to boldly — or foolishly— predict economic developments in 2014, let’s stay mindful of this synergistic process. For only by assessing the interplay of multiple factors can we hope to divine the future.

Here, then, are the key forces and trends MoneyTips predicts will combine to make 2014 a very positive year for the US eco...

What are your personal goals for 2021? How will your financial planning support you in achieving them? While you have your New Year's cap on, take this chance to make the personal financial resolutions that will get you closer to the life you want.

1. Define your Objectives – The SMART model is an effective guide for defining objectives that are:
   • Specific - so that you know exactly what you are aiming for and how you are going to get there;
   
   
   • Measurable - enabling you to keep track of your progress and assess how closely you have really met your goal;
   
   
   • Achievable - so that you can take on the challenge with confidence and not become overwhelmed by a task that is too ambitious;
   
   
   • Relevant - it is easy to come up with an array of good, creative objectives in a free brainstorm, but all of them may not get you to your desired end g...

Did you get what you wanted for Christmas? We hope so, but you probably have at least one gift that you cannot use or do not want.

You can usually return unwanted gifts, but what can you do with a gift card that you will never use? We have a few suggestions for your consideration.

Ten Ideas for Gift Cards You Won't Use

1. Sell/Trade It – The marketplace always has an answer. GiftCardGranny.com allows you to sell your unwanted gift card for cash or trade it for cards that you will use. Keep in mind that you will not receive full face value – the marketplace also requires their cut.


2. Re-Gift It – Others may be happy to receive the card you do not want. Are you uncomfortable cashing in your Victoria's Secret gift card? Do you consider a Chuck E. Cheese gift card pointless since you have no kids? Consider giving these cards to those with kids and … secrets.


3. Give It Away – ...

Many people are reconsidering their budget to prevent holiday overspending over the next few months. If you are one of these people, good for you – but why stop there? This is a great time to look further ahead and tackle your 2021 budget.

Lay out your calendar, spreadsheet, or whatever method you use and let’s get to work on next year's budget. Here are some helpful hints to consider as you dive in.

1. Anticipate Changes – If you have any large changes that you can reasonably anticipate, like a college tuition bill or a new mortgage, incorporate it into your plans as early as possible – even if you do not know what the value will be. Waiting until you know the exact value may not leave you enough time to adjust other expenses.
   
   Don't forget to incorporate positive changes as well – for example, any anticipated raises or the effects of the new tax laws.

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   Say "No" to Save Dough

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1. Recent research from the RAND Corporation estimates that the lack of sleep among workers costs the U.S. economy up to $411 billion per year (2.28% of GDP), due to individuals' lower productivity levels, higher mortality risk, and poorer health and wellbeing.

2. Americans spend roughly $14 billion on mattresses every year. For that kind of cash, you're allowed to rip off the tag!

3. In 2015, Americans spent roughly $41 billion on sleeping aids and remedies.

4. Over 2,800 sleep "labs" or clinics were active in the U.S. in 2015, earning roughly $7.1 billion in annual revenue, including more than $460 million spent by patients as out-of-pocket expenses.

5. Luxury pet beds are big business with entries from Martha Stewart and Swarovski. Fido may sleep better on a Swarovski Couture Bed, but the $10,400 price tag may keep you up at night!

1. Recent research from the RAND Corporation estimates that the lack of sleep among workers costs the U.S. economy up to $411 billion per year (2.28% of GDP), due to individuals' lower productivity levels, higher mortality risk, and poorer health and wellbeing.

2. Americans spend roughly $14 billion on mattresses every year. For that kind of cash, you're allowed to rip off the tag!

3. In 2015, Americans spent roughly $41 billion on sleeping aids and remedies.

4. Over 2,800 sleep "labs" or clinics were active in the U.S. in 2015, earning roughly $7.1 billion in annual revenue, including more than $460 million spent by patients as out-of-pocket expenses.

5. Luxury pet beds are big business with entries from Martha Stewart and Swarovski. Fido may sleep better on a Swarovski Couture Bed, but the $10,400 price tag may keep you up at night!

Over 2,800 sleep "labs" or clinics were active in the U.S. in 2015, earning roughly $7.1 billion in annual revenue, including more than $460 million spent by patients as out-of-pocket expenses.

Photo ©iStockphoto.com/pastorscott

Luxury pet beds are big business with entries from Martha Stewart and Swarovski. Fido may sleep better on a Swarovski Couture Bed, but the $10,400 price tag may keep you up at night!

Photo ©poshpuppyboutique.com

Over 2,800 sleep "labs" or clinics were active in the U.S. in 2015, earning roughly $7.1 billion in annual revenue, including more than $460 million spent by patients as out-of-pocket expenses.

Photo ©iStockphoto.com/pastorscott

Luxury pet beds are big business with entries from Martha Stewart and Swarovski. Fido may sleep better on a Swarovski Couture Bed, but the $10,400 price tag may keep you up at night!

Photo ©poshpuppyboutique.com

Does your Christmas season usually lead to the January blues due to excessive holiday spending? It doesn't have to be that way. With a combination of planning and willpower, you can enjoy a festive holiday without starting the New Year in a big financial hole. Consider these nine ways to celebrate while staying fiscally responsible.

1. Limit Gift Spending – Start by establishing a shopping list and a budget for all of your items. Track special holiday online offers. Consider using price comparison apps and websites. Take advantage of any coupons. Large families can save by drawing names for a gift exchange instead of trying to buy multiple smaller gifts for every family member. If you want more credit, check out our list of credit card offers.

2. Reject Impulse Buying – Retailers expect you to impulse buy...

Americans spend roughly $14 billion on mattresses every year. For that kind of cash, you're allowed to rip off the tag!

Photo ©iStockphoto.com/cveltri