Everyone has heard about the numerous types of weight loss surgeries available for the seriously obese, and if you find yourself considering such a drastic solution to your weight problem, the whopping $20,000 cost may cause you to reconsider. Even those with the best insurance usually end up spending some money out of pocket, but if you don't have insurance at all, or your insurance refuses the cover the surgery, don't allow the high cost of the surgery to deter you, because as the old saying goes, "where there's a will there's a way."

Continue reading "Funding Your Weight loss Surgery" »

Posted by Mike - Editor at 7:10 AM | Permalink

If you’re tired of paying high telephone bills each month and are looking for a low cost option, there is a new, cutting-edge type of telephone service: Magic Jack. Magic Jack is a small device that easily plugs into a USB port on your computer. After plugging the device into your USB port, all you have to do is plug in the telephone of your choice, and you’ll hear a dial tone, enabling you to start making phone calls. Of course, you have to have broadband internet service on your computer in order for Magic Jack to work. In order to start enjoying your new telephone service with Magic Jack, all you have to do is pay the $39.95 initial charge, plus shipping and handling, and then make one $19.95 payment each year. With Magic Jack, you get many popular phone features absolutely free. Call Id, voicemail, three-way calling, call waiting, directory assistance, and free long distance throughout the U.S and Canada.

Continue reading "Magic Jack: Quality Phone Service for Less Than $20/Year" »

Posted by Mike - Editor at 7:17 AM | Permalink

If you think you’ll never own the home of your dreams because of the costs involved, then perhaps you should reconsider. Most people who would like to become homeowners never consider purchasing a mobile home for whatever reason. What these people don’t realize is that they’re missing out on possibly living in a beautiful home for substantially less than a regular house. Most people associate mobile homes with run-down trailers in parks with many low-income individuals. Now while these types of homes that are in serious need of repair and updating do exist, these are not the only types of mobile homes are available. Believe it or not, there are some mobile homes that are as large as 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, and come with central air, Jacuzzi tubs, game rooms, and many other luxury amenities.

Continue reading "Mobile Homes: Buying a Dream Home for Less" »

Posted by Mike - Editor at 7:00 AM | Permalink

With prices for just about everything soaring, people are searching for any way possible to save money. Aside from using coupons and looking for sales to shop for needed items in order to save on your grocery bill, or limiting where you drive in order to save money on gas, there is another expense that you can choose to focus on: your home phone. Since mobile phones are so popular, and many come with unlimited talk plans for at or under $100 a month, many are opting to forego their home phones and rely on their cell phones exclusively. Others, however, don’t like to be without a home phone for whatever reason, and many resort to Voip (voice over internet phone).

Continue reading "VOIP: Money-saver or Waste of Money?" »

Posted by Mike - Editor at 9:19 AM | Permalink

If you are looking to move to a new house or apartment yet you don’t have a huge budget to work with, there is no reason to think that you must forget the idea of moving. You just have to be resourceful and willing to do some work yourself, as well as advance planning. There are many expenses involved in moving, some that may occur unexpectedly. In order to avoid unexpected expenses, it’s a good idea to thoroughly research the area that you plan to move to so you can plan accordingly. You don’t want to be surprised with unexpected expenses, and planning ahead will help you to determine all the costs necessary to make your move as stress-free as possible.

Continue reading "Moving For Less" »

Posted by Mike - Editor at 8:01 AM | Permalink

Everyone, no matter what their income level, is feeling the pain of the current gas prices, which are at an all-time high. Hovering close to $4 a gallon in some areas, and even above $4 a gallon in other areas, many motorists are scrambling to find ways to keep their refueling costs as low as possible. For many people, the staggeringly high gas prices is causing many to struggle to keep gas in their vehicles, and some even pay more a week for fuel than they do for groceries for their entire families. Fortunately, there are ways to keep your fuel bills a great deal lower than what they currently are, provided you are willing to follow a few simple tips.

Continue reading "How to Survive the Gas Price Crisis" »

Posted by Mike - Editor at 7:17 AM | Permalink

Whether your home is in dire need of landscaping because it resembles a forest rather than a yard, or it only requires a few minor touch-ups in order to make it look great, you can complete the work yourself and save a great deal of money. Depending on the size of your yard, landscaping your own yard could prove to be an overwhelming task, but it doesn’t have to be. By landscaping your own yard, you will not only feel proud of the huge accomplishment that you will have made, but in the end, your bank account will be a lot larger, because skilled landscapers aren’t cheap, especially if you have a large project that needs to be completed.

Continue reading "Beautiful Landscaping for Less" »

Posted by Mike - Editor at 7:02 AM | Permalink

If you suffer from a condition such as fibromyalgia, lupus, migraines, or other chronic conditions that cause pain, you probably spend a great deal of money on prescription and over-the-counter pain relievers. With the high cost of gas, food, and other items, it would probably help if you could reduce the amount that you pay on pain medication on a regular basis. The good news is that you can reduce your medication costs substantially by practicing natural pain-relieving techniques which are almost always free or low cost.

Continue reading "Reduce Your Prescription and Over-the-counter Analgesic Costs" »

Posted by Mike - Editor at 7:03 AM | Permalink

If you’re like many people then you have quite a busy lifestyle, juggling work, children, a spouse, as well as other things in your life. Even if you’ve overlooked the fact that Mother’s Day is rapidly approaching and need to scramble for a last-minute gift for your mom or mother-like figure, there is no reason that the gift has to be any less special—or any more expensive. A majority of moms will appreciate just about any gift, no matter how big or small; and many just want to know that they are appreciated. Mothers often have a great deal of responsibility, and handle many of the duties that women years ago did, with the addition of working outside the home. For this fact, as well as many other reasons, you should make sure that your mother has a super Mother’s Day, and believe it or not, this goal can be achieved quite inexpensively.

Continue reading "Great Low Cost Last-minute Mother's Day Gift Ideas" »

Posted by Mike - Editor at 6:45 AM | Permalink

With summer vacation rapidly approaching, many parents are scrambling to find affordable programs for their children to attend. Even if you are a stay-at-home parent, you probably realize that it’s wiser to have your children involved in some type of summer program instead of having them home with you all the time. And if you work during the day, it’s absolutely imperative that you find some place for your children to go while you work. No matter what your income is, every parent could benefit from paying as little as possible for summer activities for their school-aged children. Summer camps and day program prices can be astronomical, so what’s a parent to do? Well, you have many options, which depend on your children’s preferences.

Continue reading "Low Cost Summer Activities for Children" »

Posted by Mike - Editor at 7:00 AM | Permalink

If you enjoy dining out but could do without the high prices that restaurants charge, including the tip, then believe it or not there is a way to eat at your favorite restaurants absolutely free: Mystery shopping. Most people believe that mystery shopping is a scam, as there have been many claims that you can shop for TVs, computers, stereos, etc., while secretly judging how well the store is run and you can keep these items. Most of the claims that these companies are scams are true, or they are at least greatly exaggerated, but there are some reputable companies to “mystery shop” for. Mystery shopping can be fun and rewarding, if you have the extra time to commit to it. You don’t need to have experience, but you just need to be able to follow simple directions, fill out the appropriate forms after you’ve visited the business, and you can be on your way to receiving as many free meals and other items that you can handle.

Continue reading "Mystery Shopping - Enjoy Dining Out at No Cost" »

Posted by Mike - Editor at 6:45 AM | Permalink

Perhaps you’ve just purchased your first home, or are renting an apartment and are in need of new furniture. Or maybe you simply need a new bedroom set because your current one is in dire need of replacing. Whatever the reason you’re in the market for new home furnishings, nothing should get in your way of acquiring what you need. Everyone needs furniture to sit on, but unfortunately not everyone has the cash upfront to comfortably afford the furniture necessary to fill a house or apartment. What are your options if you find yourself in this situation? Well, believe it or not, you have more options than you may have ever thought possible.

Continue reading "Alternative Ways to Buy Furniture" »

Posted by Mike - Editor at 7:04 AM | Permalink

Anyone who has ever been to Las Vegas knows that the infamous strip is like being in another world. The excitement and activity is like no other place in the entire world, and totally captivates you each time you visit, regardless of how many times you may have been in the past.. No matter what time of the day or night, there is always something exciting happening in this fun-filled city, whether it’s someone winning a gigantic jackpot or attending entertaining live shows. Unfortunately, it is quite easy to spend all of your money, so if you are at risk of doing so, then there are several tips that you need to follow in order to minimize the possibility of this happening.

Continue reading "How Not to Go Broke in Las Vegas" »

Posted by Mike - Editor at 6:35 AM | Permalink

Every parent who has ever considered working outside the home knows that childcare costs are expensive. Perhaps you have a child under three or multiple children, either way, your monthly childcare costs could easily exceed one thousand dollars. Most parents don’t make enough money to be able to pay such an costly price and have enough left over to be worth it, so many choose to stay at home. If you’re a single parent or some other reason prevents you from staying at home with your kids to avoid sending them to daycare, then there are many ways for you to keep your childcare costs to a minimum.

Continue reading "Lowering the Cost of Childcare" »

Posted by Mike - Editor at 7:41 AM | Permalink

Every parent knows that children usually outgrow their clothing pretty quickly. Some children not only outgrow their clothes faster than others, but are tougher than other children are on their clothes, making replacing the clothes more frequent than usual. In either situation, you obviously need a way to purchase high quality clothes at reduced prices. Paying full-price for clothes on a regular basis can become pretty difficult for parents, especially with the economy so dreadful in many areas. Believe it or not, finding ways to save a great deal on children’s clothes isn’t as difficult as you may have originally thought, and can be achieved quite easily.

Continue reading "How to Purchase Children’s Clothes at Rock-bottom Prices" »

Posted by Mike - Editor at 7:27 AM | Permalink

With the average cost of gas hovering at well over three dollars a gallon, more and more people are having second thoughts about traveling. The high gas prices affect not only travel by car, but by other modes as well. Planes, trains, buses and taxis of course use fuel as well, and must increase their prices in order to account for the hikes in gas prices. Despite this fact, there is no need to cancel your plans to visit family and friends, or go on that much-needed vacation to the destination of your choice. With a little bit research, you should be able to make the total cost of your trip as economical as possible, high gas prices or not.

Continue reading "Lowering the Cost of Traveling" »

Posted by Mike - Editor at 8:08 AM | Permalink

With healthcare costs constantly on the rise, many Americans are looking for ways to reduce their out-of-pocket expenses as much as possible. It doesn’t matter if you are uninsured or have one of the top health insurance plans available, because you still have to pay one way or another. It’s extremely rare for an employer to pay for healthcare coverage for their employees and the employees’ families, so even if your employer completely covers all their employees’ health insurance costs, there is still the added costs for your family, if you have one, and the costs aren’t cheap. Then of course there are co-pays for doctor’s visits, prescriptions, and even for certain procedures. Despite these high costs, there are some ways for you to keep the amount that you must pay for healthcare to a minimum.

Continue reading "Save Hundreds of Dollars by Staying Healthy" »

Posted by Mike - Editor at 7:02 AM | Permalink

Valentine’s Day will soon be here, and many lovers will be searching for the perfect gift in order to show their significant other how much they love them. Unfortunately, many people end up spending way too much money for this holiday, and with it being so soon after Christmas it could really put a strain on your bank account. Instead of buying expensive jewelry or similar gifts, why not come up with other ways of showing your love for your sweetheart? The sky is the limit when it comes to fun and creative Valentine’s Day ideas, so it shouldn’t be too difficult to come up with several less costly ways to celebrate the romantic day.

Continue reading "Celebrate Valentine’s Day without Going Broke" »

Posted by Mike - Editor at 8:07 AM | Permalink

The upcoming Super Bowl Sunday will be on February 3, 2008, and many football fans are looking forward to being part of the excitement in Arizona this year. If you are among the thousands of fans who desire to attend the live game yet don’t have the money for the super expensive tickets, which now can be as high as a whopping seven thousand dollars or more, there are ways for you to make the day just as special without mortgaging your house in order to obtain the money for tickets. Not only is there the cost of the actual tickets, but there are also costs for transportation, food, lodging, etc. Fortunately there are alternatives to paying all these fees, and you can still watch and enjoy the game as well.

Continue reading "Avoiding the High Costs Associated with Super Bowl Sunday" »

Posted by Mike - Editor at 8:12 AM | Permalink

From weight loss to stress relief, exercise has many important health benefits. Despite this fact, a majority of Americans don’t include enough exercise in their lives. People give many excuses for not exercising; either they claim they don’t have enough time, they’re too tired, they’re bored with their routine, and the list goes on and on. One way to help motivate people to exercise is to have them join a gym. Most gyms offer all of the amenities that you could possibly need in order to burn fat, rid your body of stress, and even have fun. Swimming pools, saunas, in-door tracks, state-of the-art exercise equipment, aerobics classes, juice bars, are just some of what’s offered at fitness centers, depending on the facility you choose. One thing that is especially convenient for some people with children is that many of the larger health clubs even offer free childcare.

Continue reading "Getting in Shape on a Budget" »

Posted by Mike - Editor at 8:58 AM | Permalink

If you’re one of the millions of people who have decided to switch from regular to organic foods and products, you’re probably spending a great deal more money since making this wise decision. There is no doubt that organic products are more expensive than non organic, but the question is how can you get the most for your money when buying organic? Well, depending on the products that you choose to buy, there are several ways for you to shop wisely and benefit from healthier versions of your favorite products simultaneously.

Continue reading "Pay Less for Organic Products" »

Posted by Mike - Editor at 8:29 AM | Permalink

If you’re looking to take a relaxing and spectacular trip without it having a huge impact on your bank account, now is the best time of year to take one. Most people wait until the summer months in order to vacation, and because of that, people end up paying a great deal more for transportation, lodging, etc. Vacationers who dislike the cold temperatures that winter typically brings in many parts of the United States can save a bundle while simultaneously enjoying warm and sunny destinations. You can’t beat the rates, and you could end up having the time of your life on your winter vacation.

Continue reading "The Best Time of Year for Economical Vacations" »

Posted by Mike - Editor at 8:18 AM | Permalink

Cell phone usage has become more and more common over the years, making it somewhat unusual to see a person, even kids and the elderly, without a cell phone to use for emergencies, business, or simply for keeping in touch with friends and family members. Despite their convenience, cell phones can prove to be pretty expensive for a number of reasons, but thankfully there are many ways to lessen the blow to your wallet. Agreeing to a one to two year contract with the cell phone provider of your choice is often a great idea if you wish to own a cell phone, but not always. Some people manage their money and their minutes better when offered other options besides a contract.

Continue reading "How to Save Loads on your Mobile Phone Bill" »

Posted by Mike - Editor at 8:40 AM | Permalink

Many people look forward to New Year’s Eve celebrations all year long. The drinking, the dancing, and the partying make New Year’s Eve an event to remember for years to come. People celebrate this much anticipated holiday in numerous ways, from elaborate Las Vegas trips to partying at Times Square in New York City to watch the infamous ball drop, and everything in-between. Unfortunately, despite the enjoyment that many people experience on New Year’s Eve, countless individuals spend more money than they can afford. If you are on a budget, or simply don’t have the cash, yet are looking for a memorable way to bring in the New Year, then there are many ways to make it happen.

Continue reading "Bring in the New Year for Less" »

Posted by Mike - Editor at 8:37 AM | Permalink

If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, now is the time to buy, by the last day of December. With the year 2007 rapidly coming to an end, many car dealers are anxious to get rid of 2007 cars and trucks in order to make room for their new inventory of 2008 vehicles. You may find yourself, despite credit problems, little cash for a down payment, and the cost of the vehicle, paying less than you ever thought possible to own a brand new car or truck. Finance companies may temporarily slacken their credit requirements, and sales persons may drastically reduce the overall cost of the vehicle as incentive for you to buy. You may also be able to receive lower monthly payments as part of the package.

Continue reading "Reasons to Buy a 2007 Vehicle Instead of a 2008" »

Posted by Mike - Editor at 8:01 AM | Permalink

If you are the owner of a car, then you know how expensive car insurance can be, especially in the states with the no-fault law. Despite the high cost of having coverage, which is required by law, there are ways to pay less than you currently pay. By taking immediate action to find less expensive insurance, you are almost guaranteed to start paying less than you ever thought possible, for the same, quality automobile insurance. It won’t take much effort, and you’ll be on your way to having more cash in your pocket instead of in your insurance carrier’s bank account.

Continue reading "Keeping your Car Insurance Low" »

Posted by Mike - Editor at 8:45 AM | Permalink

Since people shop for groceries on a regular basis, it’s easy to see that more and more grocers are including organic produce, snacks and other foods in their inventory. This is due to the fact that an increasing number of households are resorting to organic foods to help improve the health of their families. Since most organic foods cost as much as twice the price of non-organic foods, many people either struggle to buy organic foods or don’t buy them at all, even though they would like to. The burning question is: Is buying organic really worth the additional cost? This answer is yes and no, depending on the person as well as the type of food being purchased.

Continue reading "Buying Organic: Is it Really Worth the Extra Cost?" »

Posted by Mike - Editor at 8:11 AM | Permalink

With the increasing costs of automobile fuel, just about everyone who owns a vehicle is interested in learning how to spend less on gas. It doesn’t matter what a person’s income level is, how far they drive on a day-to-day basis or what type of vehicle they have, everyone wants to save money on fueling their vehicle. With just a few simple changes in your lifestyle, there are specific ways to increase your gas mileage that will help you to spend a lot less on fuel on a regular basis.

Continue reading "Fueling your Vehicle for Less" »

Posted by Mike - Editor at 7:45 AM | Permalink

Let’s face it, food is expensive, and for a family of four, it’s not unusual to spend six or seven hundred dollars a month on groceries. If you’re having financial problems, though, like many people are, this is quite a bit of money to spend on food. Despite the high cost of groceries, there is no need to deprive yourself of certain foods that you and your family enjoy. By being resourceful and seeking out ways to decrease your grocery bill, you can shave as much as half off your monthly grocery bill yet still have the same amount, if not more food.

Continue reading "Cut Your Grocery Bill By Up to Half" »

Posted by Mike - Editor at 7:59 AM | Permalink

The average American spends approximately $2000 or more on Christmas presents for family and friends each year. Payment for Christmas shopping if often completed with the use of credit cards, and many people are usually still paying for Christmas gifts six months following the holiday season. This isn’t a good situation for any household, no matter what their income level is. Planning ahead, creating a budget and price comparison are great ways to eliminate or lessen the chances of going into debt due to Christmas shopping. There are also many others ways to spend as little as possible during the holiday season, or at least manage your money optimally so as not to cause a hardship.

Continue reading "Have a Great Christmas without Going into Debt" »

Posted by Mike - Editor at 8:48 AM | Permalink

So, you’ve decided to live on as little money as possible yet still live a comfortable and fulfilling life. Maybe you’ve got a specific goal in mind and need extra money in order to achieve it, or you are simply tired of watching your hard-earned money disappear without knowing exactly what you’ve spent it on. The following tips will help you to make the most of your money for whatever reason you’ve decided to embark on this particular lifestyle change. These tips will enable you to save more money than you ever thought possible, without sacrificing your current lifestyle.

Continue reading "Living Frugally: Making the Most of your Money" »

Posted by Mike - Editor at 8:42 AM | Permalink

With funeral costs reaching astronomical proportions, many individuals are opting for alternative funerals in order to cut costs and allow their loved ones more money to pay bills and other necessities. For this reason, alternative funerals have become extremely popular in the past 15-20 years. Another reason why alternative funerals have become popular is because more and more people would rather their loved ones celebrate their life and treat the ceremony as a happy one as opposed to traditional funerals with crying and grieving.

Continue reading "Use Creativity to Save on your Afterlife Expenses" »

Posted by Mike - Editor at 8:10 AM | Permalink

Are you moving long distance and looking for the most economical way to get your belongings to your new residence? Perhaps you are going away to attend college in another state, or you have decided to start a new life 500 miles away from home. Moving companies are definitely not your best bet if you’re trying to be as thrifty as possible. They charge astronomically high prices to move individuals within the same area, and an out-of-state move could really blow your budget.

Continue reading "Save Money on Moving Costs" »

Posted by Mike - Editor at 7:30 AM | Permalink

Do you have to spend tens of thousands of dollars for a memorable wedding reception? Thankfully, the answer is no. You can have a glorious garden reception at your home or the home of a family or friend if the area is more suitable, for a fraction of the cost of a commercial reception venue.

Continue reading "How to Have a Great Wedding Reception on a Tight Budget" »

Posted by Mike - Editor at 6:00 AM | Permalink

An activity does not become an integral part of our culture until it has earned its own verb. Googling, texting, web surfing. And now you can add thrifting. According to Wikipedia, thrifting refers to the act of shopping at a thrift store, flea market, garage sale, or charity shop, usually with the intent of finding interesting items at a cheap price.

Continue reading "The Fine Art of Thrifting" »

Posted by Mike - Editor at 6:26 AM | Permalink

Herbs are incredibly versatile. They can be used for cooking, cleaning, beauty treatments and to treat a raft of minor ailments. In that guise, they have great money saving potential.

How much do you spend each month on kitchen and bathroom cleaners, disinfectants, fabric conditioner, window and oven cleaners, room spray, drawer liners, moth balls, facial cleansers, hair conditioners, mouthwash, cough mixture, and indigestion remedies?

Continue reading "Money Saving Tips: Make More of Your Herb Garden" »

Posted by Mike - Editor at 6:00 AM | Permalink

In the "old days" if your parents were budgeting their income chances are good that they used the "envelope system". A number of envelopes were titled or earmarked for certain expenses, such as the mortgage, utilities, or dining out. Whenever a paycheck was cashed the appropriate pro-rata portion was placed in each envelope and the family knew exactly how much money was available for each expense until the next paycheck arrived. It was a good system and in fact many people still use it today. However, as technology has advanced new computer-based budgeting systems arose that are more accurate and also include forecasting features.

Continue reading "Mvelopes Combines Budgeting and Online Bill Pay" »

Posted by Mike - Editor at 7:00 PM | Permalink

ManagingMoney.com came across an innovative way to save a little money at major retailers when we discovered Plasticjungle.com. Plastic Jungle is a leader in the relatively new Gift Card Exchange Marketplace. Similar to EBay’s auction process, Plastic Jungle allows their users to buy and sell gift cards, trade pre-owned gift cards, and sell gift cards immediately for “quick cash”. Future plans include a feature in which you can donate unused amounts on gift cards to charity.

Continue reading "Plastic Jungle Creates Gift Card Marketplace" »

Posted by Mike - Editor at 3:24 PM | Permalink

ManagingMoney.com is pleased to announce that the 2007 Entertainment Book is now available. Any purchases made before September 30, 2006 will qualify for Free Shipping. One of our mandates at ManagingMoney.com is to help our users Save Money, and the Entertainment Book has long been one of our favorite ways to do just that.

Continue reading "The 2007 Entertainment Book is Now Available" »

Posted by Mike - Editor at 3:17 PM | Permalink

We normally don't write about consumer electronic deals but this is one we couldn't pass up. Apple is now selling Refurbished iPods. One of our mandates at ManagingMoney.com is to help our users Save Money. With just about everyone in the world either already owning an iPod or planning to buy a new one, we thought you ought to be aware of this offer. It can easily save you up to $100 which is money you can invest elsewhere.

Continue reading "Apple Selling Refurbished iPods" »

Posted by Mike - Editor at 11:55 AM | Permalink

With the cost of gas now in the $3 per gallon range and in some areas even approaching $4, now would be a good time to start searching for ways to reduce your costs at the pump.

Continue reading "Save on Gas Costs" »

Posted by Mike - Editor at 6:11 PM | Permalink

It's the weekend, time to go out to eat. Whether you are just looking to escape the daily grind of cooking and doing dishes or you are looking to spend some quality time with that special someone, why not enjoy some good food and Save Money at the same time. Usually the food is good but it is the bill that causes indigestion. We are constantly looking for ways to save money and recently have discovered Restaurant.com as a way of reducing our dining out bill and trying some new restaurants.

Continue reading "Restaurant.com Will Save You Money" »

Posted by Mike - Editor at 10:54 AM | Permalink

Posted by Mike - Editor at 12:02 PM | Permalink