Joy-Based Budgeting: Does It Actually Work?
How spending on things that make you happy could help you reach your long-term goals.
Stores Don’t Want Your Returns Anymore — How to Shop Smarter Now
Return policies are tightening as costs rise. Here’s how to avoid fees, frustration and waste.
11 Things You Can Get For Cheap (or Free) on Tax Day
You can snag online discounts this April 15. Plus look for free cake and donuts.
What Travel Sports Really Cost Families — and How to Budget for It
Travel sports can cost parents thousands of dollars a year. This story discusses the real costs, the tradeoffs parents are making, and whether a college scholarship is a realistic return on their investment.
Live Updates: Last Day of Amazon’s Big Spring Sale 2026
The sale is open to everyone, but it’s even better for Amazon Prime members.
Are You ‘Spaving’? How to Save Instead of Overspend
Chasing free shipping and discounts feels thrifty. The math can work in your favor, if you do it right.
I ‘Bricked’ My Phone After 5 p.m. — and Cut My Spending in Half
I blocked social media and shopping apps during weeknights. I'm saving more, without overhauling my budget.
I Felt Like My Paycheck Was Disappearing — Until I Did This
Tracking my spending for a month helped me spot price hikes and subscription creep, plus save some cash.
What Is Money Dysmorphia? When Money Never Feels Like Enough
Why feeling broke doesn’t always mean you are — and how perception can distort reality.
How to Pay for Summer Camp Without Draining Your Savings
Summer camp sticker shock? Here’s a practical look at summer camp costs and how to manage them, from saving ahead with sinking funds and FSAs to working directly with camps on flexible payment options.
6 Clever Ways I’ve Saved Money (That Weren’t as Scary as I Thought)
I save money by seeking alternatives, not suffering. You can do the same.
6 Fast Ways to Simplify Your Finances
New cash flow: Who dis? It could be you if you keep your financial actions simple and consistent.
Is ‘Soft Saving’ Smart — or Short-Sighted?
Soft saving might allow you to live well today while still preparing for tomorrow — but it comes with tradeoffs.
9 Silly Stocking Stuffers from the Nerds
A tortilla blanket is not a waste of money if it makes somebody smile. At least that’s our motivation behind this list of gifts.
We’re NerdWallet Deal Experts, and Here’s Our Black Friday Take
We love the holiday shopping bargains, hate the burnout.
What to Buy (and Skip) on Black Friday 2025
Tech, toys and big-ticket items are good bets, along with a few offbeat buys.
Is Giftflation Blowing Up Your Holiday Budget? Here’s How to Fight It.
Gift giving is getting pricey, but smart planning can keep the holidays joyful and affordable.
Quiz: What’s Your Holiday Shopping Personality?
Some of us are planners and some of us are ... not. Which camp do you fall in?
What Is Revenge Saving (and Should You Be Doing It)?
It’s the latest money trend fueled by emotion — here’s why it’s catching on, and when it could backfire.
I Saved $250 by Thrifting Holiday Gifts Before Black Friday
I scored $350 worth of holiday toys and books for just $100 by shopping secondhand. Learn my gift goals, shopping strategy and secondhand tips.