Smart Spending Archives

Rethinking Rent vs. Buy: The Real Reasons You Should Or Shouldn’t Buy a Home

We've been raised to think renting is a waste of money while buying a home is a money pit, but things aren't the same as they used to be. We dive into the surprising reasons on both sides - the good ... [more]

No Seriously, How Do You Buy a House: The Simple, Definitive Guide to the Home Buying Process

The five steps to the home buying process, explaining the different parties, fees, and other surprising things that pop up when trying to buy your first house.

Eight 100+ Year Old Brands That Still Make Awesome, Affordable Products

1500 Years of Innovation in 8 American Companies

Budget / Basic / Broke: The Best TV Sound System Upgrades at Every Price Point

Our inaugural guide to one must-have item at three price points

6 Algorithms, Apps, and Financial Tools That Will Make You Money

If you're not using these apps to save and build money then you're leaving cash on the table.

Taxes for Beginners – 3 Things Everyone Should Know About How Taxes Work

Come April, Uncle Sam wants his cut – here are 3 essential concepts on tax preparation for beginners in an easy to understand video format.

Holiday Pro Tip: Get an Amazon Prime Trial and Ship All Your Gifts for Free

Got a free afternoon? Get 100% of your holiday shopping done now and quit worrying.

How to Maximize Personal Loyalty Programs While Traveling for Work

If your work is going to make you be on the road, make the road work for you.

The Importance of Having & Using Credit Cards and How to Make Them Work For You

We've been so scared into thinking credit cards are dangerous that we've forgotten what a powerful and integral tool they can be.

When “Mine” & “Yours” Become “Ours”: All About Merging Your Finances with Your Significant Other

And you thought sticking to your own budget was tough.

Six Splurges Every Bachelor Should Make When He Can Afford To

There isn't a whole lot of extra cash floating around the first few years out of school. But there are certain things, that when you can afford to, are definitely worth spending more on.

How to Make Better Iced Coffee at Home With No Special Tools

Not only will you save a ton, this iced coffee tastes better too.

The Future is Now: Thinking About Thinking About Saving Money

You may not be in a place to put away a ton of money, but it's never too early to start thinking about where you'll start.

What Every Guy Should Know About Saving Money, But Probably Doesn’t

We've heard all our lives that we need to save. But what does that actually mean, and what if the cash flow is limited?

Make a Giant Whiteboard for only $15

Whiteboards are perfect for brainstorming any type of project. The problem? They're really, really expensive. We found a unique, and easy DIY solution for under $15.

The Chain Restaurant Is The Worst Deal in America & 4 Easy Ways to Stop Eating Out

We're not telling you anything new when we say we all eat out too much. The bill is always higher than estimated, and we feel stuffed to death after. We'll prove to you it's a bad deal, and give you 4... [more]

A Buyer’s Guide for All Those Gift Cards We Received: 7 Approaches

Barely a week has passed and you already forgot you had them. This year, don't let your gift cards go to waste until you find it in an envelope next October, do something smart with it.

Amazon Prime Has Completely Changed the Way I Buy Everything

Shipping charges really add up when buying things off the internet, with Amazon Prime most items get free 2 Day delivery. But that's not the only benefit the service offers.

11 Style Items You Can Buy at Target and 5 You Shouldn’t

If done right, Target is a convenient place you can pick up some smart style picks at affordable prices. Use our guide and you'll find items that balance modern style, quality, and price, as well as a... [more]

100 Free Black & White Business Cards with Printable Coupon from Staples

Every guy should have a business card, even if he's unemployed or at a job that wouldn't require one. We found a printable coupon to get 100 of them free at Staples.

Homemade Magic Bullet: Using a Mason Jar with Your Blender

Want the convenience of making your protein shake right in the glass but don't want to drop the funds on a store-bought solution? Try a mason jar.

How I Cut Cable

Cable sucks. It's a money suck and a life suck. Our man Richard Dedor figured out how to get his entertainment fix without the $70 per month price tag.

10 Better Things to Do With Your Tax Refund

Don't just blow your tax refund on some Blu-rays or let it sit idle in your checking account again. Treat it like more than free money, this year spend it deliberately.

Where to Shop: The 10 Best Stores for Finding Affordable Men’s Style

Finding stores that stock good looking, affordable men's clothing is surprisingly difficult. We list some of our favorites, with specifics on what to look for at each.

A Guy's Guide To Growing Up

Affordable style, self-development, how-tos, and apartment DIY for the aspiring gentleman.

Smart Spending