Jake A

Small home fixes and life hacks can save hundreds every year—and you don’t need to be Bob Vila to do them. 1. Learn the YouTube repair trick. Before paying a pro, search your problem online. Most minor issues—running toilets, squeaky doors—have 5-minute tutorials. 2. Embrace reusable everything. Replace paper towels with cloth rags, dryer sheets with wool balls, and bottled water with a filter pitcher. It’s eco-friendly and wallet-friendly. 3. Grow something edible. Even one tomato plant or...

Secondhand shopping isn’t just trendy—it’s smart economics. Here’s how to save hundreds while scoring high-quality finds. Clothing Check consignment apps like Poshmark, Depop, and thredUP. You’ll find brand-name items up to 70% off retail. Bonus: better for the planet. Furniture & decor Facebook Marketplace and local “Buy Nothing” groups are gold mines. A quick paint or new hardware turns an old dresser into something magazine-worthy. Electronics Refurbished doesn’t mean “junk.”...

Your grandparents may have stuffed cash into envelopes labeled “Groceries” and “Gas.” The idea still works — even if you never touch paper money. How it works You assign each spending category its own “digital envelope.” Apps like Goodbudget or YNAB mimic the process. When an envelope runs out, you stop spending from it. Why it works You see  your limits. Watching a balance drop to $0 triggers restraint faster than abstract numbers on a spreadsheet. Set-up tips Pick 4–6 core categories:...