Budgeting Tips

Got big financial goals to hit? Let us help you achieve success with these budgeting tips.
entering expenses into a budget spreadsheet on an ipad with a pink background, calculator, and mug
7 Tips and Tricks I Use to Make Budgeting More ADHD-Friendly
An ADHDer’s guide to making "cents" of finances.
Dylan M. Austin
Nov 12, 2022
16 Design Enthusiasts Share Their Best Free Home Decor Finds
They're almost too good to be true!
Sarah Lyon
Nov 10, 2022
5 Home Decor Trends That Can Actually Save You Money This Fall and Winter
Pretty and practical is the name of the game.
Sarah Lyon
Nov 7, 2022
11 Best Budget-Friendly Home Finds Our Editors Loved in 2022
Shopping
Get the best of the best without breaking the bank.
Alicia Kort
Nov 4, 2022
This Genius Holiday Decor Hack Is the Cheapest Way to Add Seasonal Color to Your Home
And on a budget!
Olivia Harvey
Oct 24, 2022
5 Affordable Aldi Staples That Have Helped Me Lower My Grocery Bill
The $3 shredded cheese is a huge get.
Kate Oczypok
Oct 22, 2022
Here’s What You Should Know Before You Buy Oversized Wall Art
Read this before you go big!
Samantha Leal
Oct 18, 2022
10 West Elm Finds Under $20 That Make Perfect Gifts for Anyone on Your List (or Yourself!)
Shopping
Bonus: They won't break the bank!
Alyssa Longobucco
Oct 17, 2022
Here's One Simple Way to Lower Your Grocery Bill This Week
No matter where you shop.
Heather Bien
Oct 9, 2022
Here's What to Look For at Estate Sales to Score Big, According to Experts
Estate sales are full of vintage gems. You just need to know what to look for to score big.
Kelsey Glennon
Sep 29, 2022
Give Your Space a Makeover for Less with These 10 Wayfair Finds Under $100
Shopping
You're going to want every one of these stylish steals.
Cullen Ormond
Sep 14, 2022
I'm in HR and My Husband is a Medical Resident — We Spent $62 on Groceries
We came in $13 under budget!
Mara Weinraub
Aug 20, 2022
This Is How Much It Cost to Move Out, After My Boyfriend and I Broke Our Lease
One day we're putting together an IKEA couch, the next we’re loading the U-Haul.
Celina Aquino
Aug 10, 2022
My Friends and I Make the Same Salary — This Is How Our Budgets Compare
I sat down with four of my friends, who all make the same salary as me, to get insight on how they handle their personal finances.
Celina Aquino
Aug 8, 2022
Give Thrift Store Frames a Glow-Up Using These 3 Ideas — All for Less Than $100
Who says you need to spend a lot of money for a gallery-worthy finish?
Trisha Sprouse
Aug 4, 2022
6 Homebuyers Share How Moving to the Suburbs Impacted Their Budgets
Who knew mulch could be so expensive?
Heather Bien
Jul 25, 2022
Here’s How a “Capsule Wardrobe” for Groceries Can Help You Stick to Your Budget
A capsule pantry, if you will.
Carla Delgado
Jul 6, 2022
IKEA Has a Perfect Tiny Bedroom, Space-Saving Nightstand for Under $40
This piece saves you space and money!
Savannah West
Jul 3, 2022
The 8 Best Under-$1,000 One-Room Makeovers We've Ever Seen
These DIY makeovers made the most of tight budgets.
Kelly Dawson
Jun 22, 2022
I Tried Minted's New Custom Fine Art Feature, and It's Absolutely Genius
It's basically like creating your own bespoke artwork... for less than $100.
Blair Donovan
Jun 5, 2022
Try This Simple 3-Step Trick Next Time You’re Shopping to Avoid Buyer’s Remorse
It's called the 10-10-10 rule.
Kara Nesvig
Jun 4, 2022
9 Tips for Scoring Good Deals at Yard Sales All Summer Long
From a seasoned pro!
Jennifer Prince
Jun 2, 2022
This Is the Cheapest, Cutest End Table Idea for Your Small Space
This idea could cost you little to nothing.
Savannah West
May 25, 2022
Bringing Home a Pet? Don't Forget to Budget for These 6 Sneaky Expenses
Starter Packs
“Having a pet involves a lot of expenses that most people do not even consider,” says veterinarian and behaviorist Paola Cuevas. “They need much more than just food and love.” 
Jennifer Prince
May 25, 2022
I’m a Dietitian and Spent $98.98 on a Week’s Worth of Groceries at Target
The haul includes a total of 21 different items.
Lauren Manaker
May 13, 2022
Buying This Under-The-Radar Thing from Thrift Stores Saves Me $50 Every Time
They're some of my favorite secondhand buys.
Sofia Rivera
May 13, 2022
5 Things I've Learned Since I Started Getting My Groceries Delivered
"I am immensely aware of this privilege — knowing that someone else can shop for my groceries, and then deliver them to me."
Michael La Corte
May 2, 2022
I Figured Out How to Basically Get My Costco Membership for Free
This trick might just work for you, too.
Heather McClees
Apr 29, 2022
5 Surprising Ways to Save Money on Groceries, According to a Budgeting Expert
Use the self-checkout option!
Andrea Woroch
Apr 28, 2022
5 Things to Do Before Student Loan Payments Resume
Here's what to do and when to start.
Rudri Bhatt Patel
Apr 10, 2022
Before and After: I Made Over My Rental’s Entryway for Under $200
I devised a plan that would have a big impact without costing a ton of money. It was also simple enough that I could do most of it myself, on my own timeline. 
Hannah Baker
Apr 6, 2022
Setting a Budget for Your Home Repair Project? This Is the Google Sheet You Need
Starter Packs
Because budgeting for even a basic repair project can feel overwhelming.
Lauren Wellbank
Apr 4, 2022
Give Your Space a Luxe Look for Less with These Walmart Finds Under $200
Hint: They're *way* less expensive than they look.
Alyssa Longobucco
Mar 24, 2022
A Joyful, Colorful Miami House Was Decorated on a Budget With Stencils and Paint
Sarah Coleman and her partner had to decorate their Miami house on a very small budget. "Everything we did was stencils and paint because it was the most affordable option. I wanted the gorgeous wallpapers and new shiny fixtures, but we had to do everything little by little and do it creatively, so we weren’t broke all of the time!"
Adrienne Breaux
Mar 18, 2022
The Best Furniture and Decor You Can Get Right Now for Under $100
Proof that you don’t have to compromise style for savings.
Blair Donovan
Mar 13, 2022
A Guide to Digital Thrifting
Expert tips and tricks that other shoppers don't know!
Danielle Blundell
Mar 7, 2022
These Are the Best Thrift Shops in Every U.S. State
We polled readers and staff on the best secondhand shopping spots, from Alabama to Wyoming. Did your favorite make the list?
Blair Donovan
Mar 7, 2022
How to Budget for Decorating Your First Apartment
The reality is, no matter how much or how little money you have to spend when decorating your first apartment, planning out your overall budget from the get-go is a must. Here, experts explain how to do so in a way you can easily stick to.
Avery Matera
Mar 3, 2022
The 10 Best Brands for Budget-Friendly Bedroom Furniture (That Aren't IKEA)
The Swedish retailer is always a great option, but these other wallet-friendly brands will broaden your horizons.
Blair Donovan
Feb 13, 2022
This Bestselling Amazon Hamper Has Made Laundry Day So Much Easier — and Now I’m Telling Everyone About It
I wish I bought it sooner!
Britt Franklin
Feb 4, 2022
17 Valentine’s Day Gifts We Heart from Nordstrom (for $50 or Less!)
Bonus: They're stylish and thoughtful.
Alyssa Longobucco
Feb 2, 2022
Our Favorite Budgeting Tips From House Tours in 2021
Decking out your space doesn't have to break the bank.
Ashley Abramson
Dec 27, 2021
6 Important Things to Look for When Shopping for Secondhand Clothes
There are telltale signs you should pass on an article of clothing.
Jennifer Prince
Dec 12, 2021
5 Budgeting Apps That Make Money Planning Easier
According to finance experts.
Rudri Bhatt Patel
Dec 11, 2021
10 Instagram Accounts That Will Help You Stick to a Holiday Shopping Budget
Get ready to take notes.
Nicole Edenedo
Nov 29, 2021
How I Knew I Was Ready To Commission a Custom Piece of Furniture
Creative consultant Nicolette Mason breaks down her dream-worthy bed.
De Elizabeth
Nov 22, 2021
A Furniture Flipper's Denver Home Is Full of Fabulous Budget Furniture Facelifts
"Furnishing our home with unique Facebook Marketplace finds and old pieces my family was getting rid of has become one of my biggest passions," explains Leslie Jarrett. "There is something special about bringing pieces that were on their way to the landfill back to life!"
Adrienne Breaux
Oct 22, 2021
10 Luxe Pottery Barn Finds That Look Expensive but Are Under $100
Shopping
Budget-friendly *and* beautiful.
Alyssa Longobucco
Oct 20, 2021
4 Important Money Lessons I Learned From Growing Up in Foster Care
My childhood wasn't easy, but it taught me important lessons about life and money.
Taryn Williams
Oct 13, 2021
7 Important Questions to Ask Yourself Before Splurging on an "Investment Piece"
According to money and resale experts.
Kara Nesvig
Oct 8, 2021
5 of the Easiest Budgeting Lessons AT Readers Have Ever Learned
"I think it’s absolutely saved me money because at the end of the day, I want my money to go to the principle, not to interest."
Ella Cerón
Oct 1, 2021
A Tropical Plant Collector's Atlanta Loft Is a Love Letter to Post Modernism
There's an Op Art entryway. A Memphis Milano bathroom. Tons of rare tropical plants. And much of the design was DIYed on a budget!
Adrienne Breaux
Sep 30, 2021
TikTok’s Simple Hack on How to Save Money While Shopping for Home Décor
The viral hack currently has over 60,000 likes.
Emma Kershaw
Aug 7, 2021
5 Garage Items You Should Always Buy Secondhand, According to Home Stagers
There's no need to buy everything brand new.
Sarah Kuta
Jun 2, 2021
4 Apartment Accessories You Should Buy Secondhand
Thrifting pros share their takes on those under-the-radar gems you should seek out at the thrift store, especially if you're a new renter in a small space.
Kate Streit
Jun 1, 2021
5 Things You Can Buy at a Thrift Store to Organize Your Kitchen
Each of the five suggestions below are commonly found in resale retail, and they just might be what you need to get your kitchen under control.
Jennifer Prince
May 13, 2021
This DIY Art Hack Is Modern, Chic, and Ridiculously Cheap
Lookout, Picasso! We're making a masterpiece on a budget.
Savannah West
May 3, 2021
I Saved Over $100 a Week With These 5 Simple Budget Changes
The first step is a powerful mindset shift.
Delilah Gray
Apr 7, 2021
This Website Is the Best Kept Secret for Affordable, Oversized Art
Save money and transform your space.
Savannah West
Apr 6, 2021
8 Surprising Ways You’re Sabotaging Your Yard Sale
These mistakes may be standing between you and a decluttered home.
Jennifer Prince
Apr 3, 2021
This Free Budget Spreadsheet Helped Me Save Hundreds of Dollars a Month
Thank you, Google Sheets.
Madeline Bilis
Apr 2, 2021
7 Things for Your New Home That You Should Always Buy Secondhand
According to real estate experts.
Sarah Kuta
Apr 1, 2021
This Is the One Piece of Art Your Walls Might Be Missing
Hint: it's a poster!
Danielle Blundell
Feb 16, 2021
7 Ways to Fake the Look of a Custom Finish For Less
According to designers!
Caroline Biggs
Jan 21, 2021
A New Rule Makes It Easier to Claim Donations on Your Taxes This Year
Here's what an accountant wants you to know.
Christianna Silva
Dec 6, 2020
5 Easy Ways to Shop Holiday Sales Like a Financial Expert
Participating in Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales may appear to be a productive solution when money is tight, but jumping on every deal that comes your way can get out of hand quickly.
Andie Kanaras
Nov 27, 2020
This Finance Expert Gets These 4 Questions From Her Friends All The Time
She gave us her honest answers.
Sara Li
Nov 7, 2020
This Is the Best Facebook Group on the Internet
Welcome to 'Weird Secondhand Finds That Just Need to Be Shared."
Madeline Bilis
Nov 2, 2020
3 Easy Ways to Make Cheap Art Look More Expensive, Even if You’re Not Crafty—I Promise!
These simple tricks will make you feel like you live in an art gallery.
Betsy Goldberg
Oct 21, 2020
8 Things Smart Shoppers Look for When They Thrift
If there's anything I learned from my piano fiasco, it's caveat emptor, or "Let the buyer beware."
Shifrah Combiths
Sep 27, 2020
Try These 7 Steps If You Feel Stuck in Your Financial Situation
Nearly half of Americans do.
Brittany Anas
Jul 30, 2020
8 Surefire Ways To Save Money On Laundry
Every kid with a piggybank knows that careful saving can add up. If you could find a way to save just $4 a week at the laundromat or in your own laundry room, you’d have over $200 at the end of the year to use however you like! Here are 8 simple steps I feel confident will put those extra dollars in the bank. 1. Wait until you can wash full loads.
Alison Gerber
Jul 17, 2020