The Thrifty Grad

What to Do When You Are “Upside Down” on Your Car Loan

thriftygrad — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 08:11:00 +0000

For some, a vehicle is not a necessity. Those who live in a city with readily available public transportation can often do just fine without owning a car. But for those of us who live in rural areas or have to commute a long way to work, having wheels of our own is essential.

Frugal Traveling Budget Tips

thriftygrad — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 09:11:00 +0000

Travel has a reputation for being expensive. And it certainly can be if you feel it necessary to go first-class all the way. But it’s also possible to travel on a budget. You just have to be vigilant about finding the best prices on everything.

What to Do with Your Tax Refund

thriftygrad — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:11:00 +0000

You’ve worked hard all year. You’ve paid the legally required percentage of your income to Uncle Sam. When tax time comes, you find that you’re getting a refund. That’s great! But what are you going to do with it?

Tips to Teach College Students to Live Within Their Means

thriftygrad — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 11:11:00 +0000

The college years are a time of learning, and a time for young adults to get a sampling of what it’s like to be out on their own. They are also a very expensive time for parents. By the time they pay for their children’s education, there’s often little left over to help with their living expenses.

Beware of Store Credit Cards

thriftygrad — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 12:11:00 +0000

Credit cards can be helpful in many ways. They allow us to buy now and pay later, making it possible to buy things we couldn’t otherwise afford. They eliminate the need to carry large amounts of cash, and if they’re stolen the holder is responsible for little or none of the amount of unauthorized charges. And they make it easy to make purchases online or over the phone.

Smaller House = Smaller Mortgage = Better Lifestyle

thriftygrad — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 13:11:00 +0000

Owning a home is one of the things that is most often associated with the so-called “American Dream.” Those who are chasing that dream often go to great lengths to get a home of their own. And it’s rarely just any home – sometimes it seems as though we’re all in some sort of contest to see who can buy the biggest or fanciest home.

Pros and Cons of Selling Your Car to Settle Debts

thriftygrad — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 14:11:00 +0000

Most of us are no stranger to debt. We borrow money to buy homes, cars, stereo systems and even meals at restaurants. If we pay it off quickly, it doesn’t have a negative impact on our lives. But all too often, we let debt keep piling up until it buries us.

Saving for Your Self-Employment Taxes

thriftygrad — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 15:11:00 +0000

Being self-employed has numerous benefits. It allows you to have more control over your time than you would working for someone else. It makes it possible for you to make a living doing something you enjoy. And it offers unlimited income potential. But when it comes time to pay taxes, self-employment might seem slightly less attractive.

Do You Find Saving Money Difficult?

thriftygrad — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 16:11:00 +0000

For some, it seems like saving money comes naturally. With very little effort, they build up an emergency fund, college fund, retirement fund and vacation fund. For the rest of us, it’s not quite that easy.

How to Save Money on Babysitting and Still Have a Good Night Out

thriftygrad — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 17:11:00 +0000

One of the best things about being young and childless is the freedom that it affords. You can go out whenever you like, and come back home whenever you want to. You don’t have to plan ahead. You can just pick up and go.