The holidays can be a tough time of the year, especially on your wallet.  It’s the time of the year to get together with family, which includes buying gifts, food, drinks, or a combination of all if you are hosting the party, which is all more reason to save any money wherever you can.  Some wait until the last minute to make all the purchases, which can be a huge strain on your bank account by making all of the purchases at once, while others plan so far in advance that they can buy little by … [Read more...]

There is fear that the Fed will increase interest rates soon, with rumors as soon as this week, as that should scare anyone with a credit card or plans to have a new mortgage, whether that is a refinance or purchase.  I guess we have been lucky that rates have been at record lows starting since the recession and increases ever since is a sign of an improving economy, but the Federal Reserve raising interest rates a few times in the last year and a half as a way to control inflation may be enough … [Read more...]

To everything there is a season… And my season has ended here at Northern Cheapskate. For nearly 9 years I have shared all kinds of tips on how to save money and live better for less.  While I will always be a saver, I will no longer bear the title of Northern Cheapskate here on this website. As of October 10, 2016, I have sold the website to a new owner, Justin Weinger.  I’m not sure what his exact plans are for the site (that’s up to him to say), but he owns several other personal … [Read more...]

It seems like birthday celebrations seem to go on forever for my kids. There are their actual birthday meals, then there might be a friend sleepover or party, and perhaps another celebration or two with family. Everyone expects some kind of birthday treat at each one of them too! Well, I can only handle so much birthday cake. I wish it could just be a one and done thing for birthday celebrations, but since birthdays don't just happen perfectly timed with a weekend or you have family that … [Read more...]

This week was difficult in the Northern Cheapskate house. Despite our scrimping and saving and planning, we had to do something we haven't done for 7 years. And it broke my heart. … [Read more...]

Whether we fly by the seat of our pants or live and die by our Google calendars, we are all creatures of habit.   We all have at least a few patterns to our days.  We may wake up at the same time of day.  We may take care of our grooming in the same order.    These little routines are done so often that we do them without thinking. I've made savings automatic in many ways, and it occurred to me that even the way I shop has some a money-saving routine built into it. … [Read more...]