Budgeting Tips

Got big financial goals to hit? Let us help you achieve success with these budgeting tips.
Coffee station with Keurig machine, white mug on tray, coffee pods, and jar of beans on a granite countertop.
Initially Cheap Products That Are Actually Quite Expensive Over Time
This is a “get off my lawn” type of post, when I curmudgeonly grouse about how much things cost, and how we’re being swindled by young punks who don’t know how easy they’ve got it in today’s world. My pet peeve of the day is products that are very inexpensive (or in some cases free) at the outset, but require expensive refills or supplies to keep them item working. Don’t get me wrong: I love some of these things.
Dabney Frake
Jul 16, 2020
I Bought a $170 Vacuum From a Thrift Store for $20—And You (Probably) Can Too
These eight quick tests will tell you if a used vacuum works well, and if it had a rough past life.
Ashley Poskin
Jan 12, 2020
Nearly Every Room in This Eclectic Farmhouse Is Fabulously Decorated
Kate Pearce thrifts for a living... and her gorgeous newly renovated house is filled with incredible finds!
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Dec 1, 2019
Everything is 40% Off at Society6—What To Get Based on Your Personality
Life can be a lot. Thankfully, there's art for moments like that!
Sholeen Damarwala
Oct 1, 2019
Before & After: Transforming a Dark Kitchen with a DIY Cabinet Makeover Kit
After Rachel had her new wood floors installed, it was clear she had a problem- her always darker than desired kitchen was now even more basement-like because her cabinets now matched the tone of her floor. Determined to create a lighter, brighter space without spending a lot of money, Rachel decided to use paint to transform her kitchen.Rachel used a Rustoleum Countertop Transformations Kit to transform her counters from dark grey to desert sand.
Colleen Quinn
May 6, 2019
6 Smart Ways to Save on Your Budget Honeymoon
After you factor in the printed invitations, the plated meals and the pretty peonies you just have to have, your wedding budget is likely getting higher and higher than you’d ever imagined. And you’re supposed to plan a 10-day European vacation with the leftover budget? (Again, what leftover budget?) The answer to your troubles doesn’t have to be “skip the honeymoon,” you just have to be a little creative with your post-wedding travel plans.
Taryn Williford
May 4, 2019
Inexpensive Flooring Choices That Actually Look Really Really Good
If you’ve ever embarked upon (or even have just priced out) a remodel, you’ll realize that flooring is one of those things that seems like not much of a big deal but can actually add up to a whole, whole lot of money. So today we’re taking a look at inexpensive flooring choices: ones that initially may not seem particularly glamorous, but might actually wind up looking really great — and saving you a lot of money in the process.
Nancy Mitchell
May 4, 2019
Smart Ways to Make $100 Last All Week
There are several reasons you could need to stretch $100 through an entire week. Maybe you’re saving hard for a vacation or maybe you had some unexpected emergency expenses and are low in your checking account until your next paycheck. Whatever your personal reasons for embarking on an extra-frugal week, here are some budgeting tips to help make $100 last all seven days. If you know you only have $100 and a week, you need to be extremely deliberate about where that money is going.
Shifrah Combiths
May 4, 2019
7 Money-Saving Lessons I’ve Learned from Renovating Homes
Saving money on a remodel is easier said than done. There’s a delicate balance between time, money, and quality, and you rarely get all three. But over the years, my husband and I have developed a few tried and true methods for reducing the budget while not sacrificing on quality. Here are seven money-saving strategies to implement on your next remodel. 1. Update existing materials instead of replacing them.
Cathy Poshusta
May 4, 2019
Never Return Anything Again: How to Buy Clothes You’ll Love to Wear
Confession: I have a lot of anxiety about shopping for new clothes. I love adding new pieces to my wardrobe, but historically, I haven’t always been good at judging when I actually should or shouldn’t buy something.
Brittney Morgan
May 4, 2019
8 Ideas for Transforming Nearly Unwearable Thrift Store Finds Into Stylish Pieces
Thrift stores carry a lot of, eh, “interesting” pieces on their racks. Bedazzled evening dresses from the ’80s rub shoulders with floral sundresses from the grunge era; sweater vests mingle with mom jeans, and Peter Pan collars throw you back into a time where Twiggy ruled the magazine stands.
Marlen Komar
May 4, 2019
The 1 Expensive Thing First-Time Home Buyers Forget to Budget For
The countdown to buying your first home is innately defined by one thing: the balance in your savings account. Unlike car loans and the too-expensive shoes you put on your charge card, you can’t exactly buy a home with zero money down, so most people who have their sights set on homeownership begin by saving for a (sizeable) down payment.
Taryn Williford
May 3, 2019
5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Creating a Budget
Sitting down to create a budget is rarely at the top of my weekend agenda. But that doesn’t make it any less important. No matter your financial situation, you are ultimately the expert in managing the day-to-day (and year-to-year) of your own money matters. And if creating a budget is part of your plan, there are some questions for a little budgeting introspection that just may help you sort through those spreadsheets with a little more ease.
Anne Momber
May 3, 2019
Organization Goals: 11 Inspiring Bullet Journal Budget Trackers You Need to See
The words “bullet journaling” usually elicit one of three reactions from people: One: “What’s that?,” Two: “How does anyone have time for that?,” or Three: whatever the dialogue version of the heart-eyes emoji is. A bullet journal, if you’re unfamiliar, is an organizational system that combines your diary, sketchbook, to-do list and more all into one.
Brittney Morgan
May 3, 2019
The Best Books to Read When You’re Ready to Get Serious About Your Finances
With all the added expenses that come with the holiday season and the time to set your 2017 goals just around the corner, now is the perfect time to get serious about your finances. Here are five money books that are chock-full of wisdom that will help you take your finances to the next level. Whether you want to mend your relationship with money, develop a wealth mindset, or start investing some of your hard-earned cash, there’s a book here for you.
Jessica Estrada
May 3, 2019
Real Couples On: The Biggest Purchase They’d Make Without Consulting Their Partner
How much money would you feel comfortable spending on something for your home…without consulting your partner first? After all, when you live together, you work together to decorate the space and manage the finances. We asked a handful of real couples to share any money limits they have when it comes to splurging on decor. See how you and your mate’s spending style stacks up, or get advice on how to set limits in your own partnership.
Adrienne Breaux
May 3, 2019
Watch Out: 7 Times When Cheaper Rent is Actually More Expensive
So you found the perfect apartment—everything seems to check out, from the desirable neighborhood to the amazing rent. But is it really as wonderful as it seems? Before you start shifting those extra dollars from your rent fund to your coffee budget, double check your new home to make sure none of these hidden expenses are going to end up emptying your wallet.
Anne Momber
May 3, 2019
We Asked 8 Real New Yorkers: Is a 50/20/30 Budget Realistic?
Are you familiar with the 50/20/30 rule?
Brittney Morgan
May 3, 2019
Think You’re Saving Money? Not Really
Debt-slaying and money-saving posts are rife with suggestions for how to shave a little here, trim a little there, not spend, not spend, not spend. But you can’t say you’re saving money just because you’re packing your own lunch and drinking the coffee you brewed at home.
Shifrah Combiths
May 3, 2019
Still Not on the Bullet Journal Train? This Book Explains Exactly How to Use them to Get Your Life Together
Bullet journals basically do it all—they’re a totally customizable place to keep track of just about everything in your life, and they’re beautiful enough to be Instagram content (seriously, every time I look at a bullet journal I’m reminded that I need to up my penmanship game!). There’s also so much bullet journaling content out there that, if you’re new to the whole concept, it can be a little overwhelming. Where do you start?
Brittney Morgan
May 3, 2019
How to Budget a Bathroom Renovation Right The First Time
As one of the most intensely-used areas of our homes, bathrooms are popular candidates for remodeling. Though they can recoup a good portion of the costs at resale (usually 56-70%), bathroom renovations tend to be pricey. That’s why it’s important for homeowners to plan their budgets well. Given that more than two-thirds of renovation projects go over-budget, many homeowners could benefit from more thorough, accurate planning. Just how much does it cost to remodel a bathroom?
Amanda Pachniewska
May 3, 2019
7 Hidden Ways We All Waste Money Over the Holidays
As magical as the holidays are, this time of year can also be a bit stressful—between handling a barrage of party invites, planning your own get-togethers, wrapping up the year, visiting family and getting all your holiday shopping done… well, it’s a lot. And then there’s the whole spending money thing. Shopping and celebrating add up, but it doesn’t have to be quite so painful.
Brittney Morgan
Nov 29, 2018
10 Bad Habits that are Costing You Money
Have you ever wondered where your money disappears to each month? You work hard; you know you make it—yet it seems as though you never have any, or at least not as much as you think you should after you pay your bills (and Uncle Sam takes his portion). It’s like it goes into some giant universal dryer that only spits out part of what you put in—obviously stashing the rest of it away in that secret place where the matches to all of your socks are sent.
Julie Sprankles
May 29, 2018
Beyond As-Is: How to Save Even More Money at IKEA
Thrifty IKEA shoppers know the key to a good deal is to always check the As-Is section, where you can find items that have been returned or assembled and used for display for a discounted price. Even savvier shoppers know that you can negotiate prices for As-Is items, and that you can score better deals there at certain times of the year. But, the As-Is section, as glorious as it can be, isn’t the only way to save money at IKEA.
Brittney Morgan
Aug 18, 2017
Cause & Effect: Clean This Today to Save Major Money Tomorrow
If you pride yourself on keeping a tidy home, there’s stuff around the house you want to do. Like buying an organizer for the junk drawer. That right there is like a drug to Monica Geller types. But no matter how much you enjoy cleaning up, there are still some chores that are, well, chores. Cleaning the fridge coils is one of those things.
Taryn Williford
Jun 27, 2017
The Bun Style and the Hair Fork That (Mostly) Eased Me Off Hair Elastics
Last year I came across a video of a young woman repeatedly wrapping her hair into a specific bun style — a nautilus bun — and securing it with a single hair stick. It was transfixing, and it seemed to promise an old-fashioned solution to the modern-day I-don’t-have-a-hair-elastic problem, as well as a potential solution to the hair-elastics-have-been-tearing-my-hair-out-for-decades problem.
Edith Zimmerman
Apr 28, 2017
20 Creative Date Ideas That Cost Less Than $20 (But Aren’t Any Less Fun)
Date night doesn't need to break the bank—with these ideas, you can spend quality time together without actually spending much of anything, and there's something for everyone.
Brittney Morgan
Mar 12, 2017
Insider Tips for Estate Sale Newbies
Anastassia Nelson may still be in her twenties, but she owns her own stylish house and is excellent at navigating the intricacies of estate sales. Because estate sales aren’t like yard and garage sales, they can be a bit intimidating to those not in the know. That’s why I asked Ana to share some insider tips and unspoken rules to help guide someone who’s never been to an estate sale before. Estate sales can be kind of weird to a newcomer.
Adrienne Breaux
Mar 2, 2017
Quick Fixes: Nail Polish to the Rescue
A few coats of nail lacquer can polish off your personal style, but aside from adorning your fingers, nail polish can actually come in really handy around the house. You probably already know that a little dab of clear polish can stop a run in a pair of stockings, but did you know it can fix broken tile and keep screws from coming loose?
Brittney Morgan
Jan 30, 2017
Mindful Money: Habits to Encourage Abundance & Help You Hang on to More of Your Money
When it comes to making more money, we tend to focus on working hard, landing that new job or getting that promotion—often overlooking how powerful our thoughts are at manifesting our reality. When you change your relationship with money, you might find that you’re able to hang on to more of it. Here, I’m sharing four of my favorite money habits that will help keep you in an abundant state of mind. Anytime money flows into your life, feel gratitude for it.
Jessica Estrada
Dec 27, 2016
How to Trick Yourself Into Spending Less Money at the Grocery Store
This month we’ll be sharing solutions that are so simple and easy—and at times, automated—that they feel like magic. Hocus Pocus celebrates all the small ways you can trick yourself into living a better life. There are a lot of ways to spend less money at the grocery stores. Couponing or buying cheaper food are two that come to mind, though neither are always ideal for our sanity or our health.
Shifrah Combiths
Oct 21, 2016
You Can Use a Money Jar to Reach Your Goals (and Save While You Are At It)
Collecting your coins and spare bills is a great way to save money, because over time, all that change adds up. But emptying your pockets into a jar or a piggy bank when you walk in the door? Not exactly the most fun or inspired way to do things. If you need a little extra motivation to save—whether it’s to pay for something special, or to curb your bad money habits—try one of these takes on the traditional coin jar or piggy bank.
Brittney Morgan
Oct 12, 2016
A Highly Scientific Formula for How Much Halloween Candy to Buy This Year
Halloween-related household spending is expected to hit a record high this year, according to the National Retail Federation: $8.4 billion dollars overall in the U.S., with $2.5 billion of that spent just on candy. That’s a whole lot of Snickers bars, y’all. No doubt, with stats like those looming on the horizon, you want to do your homework and avoid over-spending on Halloween candy this year.
Taryn Williford
Oct 11, 2016
Unexpected Items to Look for When Thrift Shopping (& Things to Avoid!)
Never sure what to snatch up when you’re out thrifting? Or what to put back down? With so much STUFF to see (and potentially purchase) when you’re out second-hand shopping, it can be tough to make the best buying decisions. While everyone’s decor needs are different, it never hurts to hear what the experts are always on the hunt for (and what they would never take home).
Adrienne Breaux
Oct 5, 2016
6 Easy Ways to Save $100 This Week
After you’ve tackled the big-picture savings tactics like canceling subscriptions, negotiating insurance premiums to lower rates, and reducing energy consumption, you’ll have to examine your micro-spending in order to squeeze any extra cash out of your budget. Even if you’re in good shape financially, there will come a week where you could use an extra hundred bucks—maybe before a big weekend?—to pad your budget with.
Shifrah Combiths
Oct 3, 2016
Thrifting Secrets from Someone Whose Home Looks Like a Million Bucks
Not everything in Jessica and Ryan’s home is from a thrift store, but a large bulk of the furniture and decor is. Their style looks anything but second-hand, however. Not surprising considering Jessica Cook is a vintage seller with her Etsy shop Houseworking. I asked her to share her best thrifting tips, second-hand secrets and hand-me-down hints. You’ll be a thrifting expert in no time! Thrift stores are where I do the bulk of my vintage hunting.
Adrienne Breaux
Oct 3, 2016
Notes from a Moderate Couponer: Easy, Non-Extreme Ways to Save Money Using Coupons
Not a couponer? Is that because you refuse to dedicate your Sundays to shuffling through the newspaper, literally clipping coupons to stash away in a tiny accordion file that you flip through as you’re walking down the aisles? Well, you’re living in the past. Don’t throw out the baby with the bathwater. When shopping online—or even in person with your phone in tow (and whose isn’t?) — it’s easier than ever to coupon and only takes a few minutes.
Shifrah Combiths
Sep 19, 2016
15 Surprising Stores Where Students and Teachers Can Score Major Discounts
Most students and teachers can’t help but feel a little sad about the end of summer, at least until it’s time for back-to-school shopping. There’s something thrilling about starting a new school year and taking the opportunity to refresh your life a little. But loading up on new clothes, decor, technology and school supplies can get a little pricey. Actually, really pricey. The good news: Many retailers offer discounts for students and teachers with valid school IDs or .
Jacqueline DeMarco
Aug 18, 2016
7 Reasons It’s Not Too Late for a Summer Vacation
Summer is slowly coming to an end, which means it’s time to get serious about crossing things off your summer bucket list. If you haven’t already taken a summer vacation, make that a top priority. Yes, sunshine-drenched days at the beach and lounging by the pool sipping margaritas are limited, but there’s still plenty of time to plan an epic end-of-summer getaway. Here are seven reasons why now is actually the perfect time to indulge in a delicious summer vacation.
Jessica Estrada
Aug 17, 2016
Everyday Savings: Simple Tips to Extend the Life of Your Kitchen Sponge
Nobody likes to throw away money. Even though kitchen sponges are, like, 50¢ a piece, there are still some small, simple habits you can do to squeeze more mileage out of your most hardworking kitchen tool. Ta da! Instantly, your tools last twice as long. Chances are, a smaller sponge can still tackle all your normal use with finesse. In fact, it might make it easier to get into tight nooks. Get yourself a sponge holder that will keep your sponge upright and let air flow all around.
Taryn Williford
Jul 5, 2016
Save Money, Save Space: 8 Things to Borrow Instead of Buy
When you’re trying something new, often your first instinct is to rush out and buy all the things you need for whatever activity you’ve taken on, be it camping or traveling or hosting overnight guests. But often these things, bought with the best of intentions, end up getting used only very infrequently — and taking up a lot space in your home in the meantime.
Nancy Mitchell
Feb 19, 2016
See How Much You Can Save: 25 Creative Ways to Save Money This Year
I have a friend who swears that, when she was in college, she saved money by only going to the bathroom at work. Never fear—there is nothing that crazy here. Just simple, creative ways in which to save a few dollars here and there, which, as we all know, will surely add up over time. How many of these could you implement in your life starting today? And how much will you save by the end of the year? 1. Limit your trips to the ATM to one a week.
Alison Gerber
Feb 9, 2016
10 Free Ways To Redecorate Your Home
10 Free Ways To Redecorate Your Home
Jan 10, 2020
10 Mindless Home Habits that Are Costing You Money
10 Mindless Home Habits that Are Costing You Money
Oct 29, 2019
7 Ways to Save Money When You Shop on Amazon
7 Ways to Save Money When You Shop on Amazon
Jul 20, 2018
The $200 Bedroom Refresh
The $200 Bedroom Refresh
Apr 3, 2018
Beginner's Guide to Bullet Journaling
Beginner's Guide to Bullet Journaling
Mar 23, 2018
How To Deconstruct A Pre-Made Bouquet
How To Deconstruct A Pre-Made Bouquet
Aug 1, 2016