Author Archives: Trae Bodge

Whether you are a beginner in the kitchen or a culinary pro, cooking and baking at home can be incredibly rewarding and can also save you money compared to dining out and ordering in. But stocking a kitchen from scratch—or even maintaining one—can get expensive quickly. Between cookware, specialty gadgets, pantry staples, and baking ingredients, it’s easy to overspend on items that seem useful in the moment but rarely get used long-term.
Marketing around kitchen products also tends to push the idea that you need a fully outfitted “dream kitchen” to cook well. In reality, a thoughtfully stocked kitchen with practical, versatile essentials is often far more cost-effective and functional. The key is learning where quality matters, where you can save, and how to avoid unnecessary purchases that clutter your kitchen and drain your budget.

In the old days, those of us who were brave enough to try this new online shopping thing were willing … Read More

Fall is the perfect time of year to enjoy the crisp air, leaf-peep, and spend time with loved ones. But getting into the spirit of the season doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune—or anything at all—if you know where to look. From local pumpkin patches to colorful festivals to cozy nights in, you can fill your calendar with plenty of autumn activities.
With a little research and some creativity, you can find plenty of affordable festivities for families, couples, and friends alike. Here are some ideas to help you find and plan inexpensive fall fun in your community.

Grandparents hold a special place in our hearts. They provide wisdom, shower us with love, and give the best hugs. When searching for the perfect gift, we vote to give them something that makes them feel special and makes life a little easier as they age. This guide will help you discover gifts that are as exceptional as your grandparents.

There’s something invigorating about updating the look and feel of your home as the seasons change. But you don’t need to buy a new collection of seasonal décor every few months to create a seasonal atmosphere. Often, small changes to color, texture, lighting, and the way you arrange items you already own can have a surprisingly big impact. A few thoughtful adjustments can make your space feel lighter in spring, more relaxed in summer, cozier in fall, or warmer and more inviting in winter.
The goal isn’t to make your home look like a catalog for each season, but to create a comfortable environment that naturally reflects what you love most about each time of year. With a little creativity and some smart shopping, you can refresh your home’s vibe throughout the seasons without overspending.

There are lots of different dollar stores out there, from your neighborhood 99 cent store to national chains, like Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, and Dollar General. You might be thinking, “everything is cheap, what else is there to know?” Turns out, kind of a lot.  Read on for how to get the best deal, what to buy, and what to avoid.

We live in a subscription economy filled with digital services to meet nearly every need. Fortunately, many services offer free trials so you can test-drive their offerings before you commit. Whether you’re looking for high-quality entertainment, easy access to food and fitness, or a way to level up your skills, here is a selection of services to try before you buy.

Whether you love to cook or hate it, we all have to do it! Since we spend so much time in our kitchens, we present eight clever items designed to simplify tasks and maximize efficiency. From space-saving gadgets to multifunctional tools, these ingenious products will enhance your daily kitchen experience.

Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty Sale is a must-shop event for beauty lovers looking to score major deals on top-rated products. This semi-annual sale features daily 50 percent off discounts on makeup, skincare, and beauty tools from high-end brands. It typically occurs twice a year, in March and again in late August, and lasts for three weeks. To make the most of this shopping event and maximize your savings, here are some smart strategies to employ.

Watching your favorite team compete in person is an exciting experience, but the cost of sports tickets can get surprisingly steep. Between ticket fees, premium seating, parking, concessions, and resale markups, attending a live sporting event can become more expensive than many fans expect. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, admission prices rose 123 percent from 2000 and 2025.
Fortunately, with a little planning, flexibility, and research, you can score great seats at a much lower cost. Whether you’re attending a professional game, college matchup, auto race, tennis tournament, or another live competition, there are ways to save without missing out on the excitement.
Here are some smart strategies to help you get the best value on sporting event tickets.

Exploring the vibrant streets of Mexico City doesn’t have to break the bank. With its rich culture, delicious cuisine, and stunning architecture, this bustling metropolis offers countless opportunities for budget-conscious travelers. Whether you’re a scrappy backpacker or a visitor who likes to travel in style, our top 10 money-saving tips will help you experience the best of Mexico City without sacrificing a thing.

Convenience spending is one of the easiest ways to lose track of your money without even realizing it. It often occurs due to everyday decisions—ordering takeout instead of cooking, paying for faster shipping, or grabbing something last-minute because it’s easier than planning ahead. None of these choices feel significant on their own, but they can slowly but surely eat into your budget.
Paying for convenience isn’t inherently bad. After all, it can save time and reduce stress! The goal isn’t to eliminate convenience spending altogether, but to use it strategically instead of automatically. By becoming more aware of potential pitfalls and making a few practical adjustments, you can maintain ease while cutting unnecessary costs.

Shopping at Saks Fifth Avenue often comes with high-end price tags, but with the right timing and a strategic approach, you can find designer pieces and high-quality staples at more approachable prices. Whether you’re investing in a timeless wardrobe addition or shopping for a special occasion, understanding how Saks structures its sales and rewards programs can help you maximize your savings.
Because Saks recently filed for Chapter 11, the company will be restructuring. There will be store closings – especially Saks OFF 5th locations – and potentially deeper-than-expected discounts at times.
With the right plan in place and some savvy shopping habits, you can enjoy luxury fashion while keeping your spending firmly in check. Here are our tips for saving money at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Seeing your favorite artist perform live can be an unforgettable experience, but concert ticket prices have climbed dramatically in recent years. According to a 2025 report by Goldman Sachs, average ticket costs have increased by 50 percent since 2019. Between service fees, premium seating, parking, and resale markups, the total cost of attending a concert can add up surprisingly quickly. The good news is that scoring affordable tickets isn’t just about luck—it’s about knowing where to look, when to buy, and how to avoid common purchasing mistakes.
With a little planning and research, you can often find great seats without paying top dollar. Whether you’re hoping to attend a stadium tour, a small local show, or a music festival, there are plenty of ways to stretch your entertainment budget. Here are some smart strategies to help you avoid unnecessary costs and save on concert tickets.

As the back-to-school season approaches, it’s time to get everything your little ones need for a successful year ahead. It’s important not to break the bank, so we’ve curated a list of affordable essentials that combine quality, functionality, and fun, ensuring your kids are equipped with the best gear to thrive in the classroom. From lunch gear to creative storage solutions, these budget-friendly items will ensure a smooth transition back to school.

As the back-to-school season approaches, middle and high school students are prepping for another exciting year. Having the right gear is essential for staying organized, focused, and stylish, of course! In this roundup, we’ve curated a selection of must-have items that cater to the diverse needs of today’s students. From trendy backpacks and planners to tech accessories that are almost impossible to misplace, these back-to-school essentials will help students navigate their academic journey with confidence.

My husband, Chris, and I just returned from 10 glorious days in Italy. Our daughter, Sadie, is doing a 6-week study abroad program in Florence, and while we wouldn’t normally travel to Europe during high tourist season – especially during a heat wave – we felt like visiting Sadie in Italy was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

Flying into Rome was the most budget-friendly flight option in the general vicinity of Florence. Chris and I had never been, so we were excited to explore that great city, then head to Florence, where Sadie is staying. The Biennale is also happening in Venice, so you know, we had to do that too.

We were pretty well-prepared, but we learned a few things – and made a couple of mistakes too – so I thought we’d share it all with you.

Online shopping has become second nature for most of us. You can buy just about anything at any time, but with convenience comes risk. From fake websites and sketchy deals to phishing emails and data breaches, online scams are more sophisticated than ever. Knowing how to spot red flags and protect your personal information is essential if you want to protect yourself while shopping online.
By seeking out trustworthy retailers, safeguarding your info, and using the right tools, you can enjoy the perks of digital shopping without falling victim to scams. Here are our tips to stay safe, find reliable reviews, and avoid getting duped while shopping online.

I had my hip replaced a year ago at age 56. And if you’re thinking, “Hey, she’s way too young for that!” I’ll blush and say thank you.

Age aside, the reality is that I had Osteoarthritis in my left hip, which caused fluid, benign cysts, and bone spurs to develop, despite – or maybe exacerbated by – my active lifestyle. I was in intermittent, and sometimes excruciating, pain every day.

I was no fan of the idea of surgery, but I knew I had to do something, so on July 1, 2025, I had a full hip replacement.

I know I wasn’t alone in dealing with an injury and surgery, so I wanted to share some of the products that made – and continue to make – my life more enjoyable.

Back-to-school season is one of the best times of year to save money—and not just for students, parents, and teachers. Retailers slash prices on everything from office supplies and electronics to storage bins, clothing, and household basics to attract shoppers during the late-summer rush. While these sales may be marketed toward classrooms and dorm rooms, many of the deals can easily benefit working homeowners, freelancers, or anyone trying to stay organized on a budget. It’s a great opportunity to stock up on practical items you use year-round at significantly lower prices.
The key is approaching these seasonal sales strategically. With the right mindset, back-to-school season can be one of the smartest times of year to save on everyday essentials—for anyone.