Author Archives: Trae Bodge

Remember the days when if you needed to buy something, your only options were to go to a store or maybe place a mail order (I’m clearly dating myself)? With the ever-changing shopping landscape, the way we shop shifts a little bit every year. These days, there are so many ways to shop, from browsing the aisles of a traditional brick-and-mortar to clicking “shop” on our favorite social channels. And as shopping on social media grows, savvy shoppers are looking for ways to save.

My family and I love to travel. We recently took a trip to Croatia, which had been on our list for ages! Croatia has become increasingly popular in the past decade or two, made even more so by the fact that several Croatian locations were used in HBO’s Game of Thrones series.

While brick-and-mortar stores still account for most shopping purchases, ​​20 percent of retail purchases are expected to occur online this year, a projected 9 percent jump YOY, according to Forbes.

If you’re like me, you love the convenience of shopping in your PJs. But how do you find the best deals while you scroll? The following tips will help you score the very best price on all your purchases, from books to the shelves that hold them.

So your little bird has left the nest (cue tears!!). Whether you’re in mourning or enjoying the quiet, perhaps it’s time to turn your room into the haven you’ve always wanted. How about a man cave or a home gym? The possibilities are endless!

If you were shocked by how much you spent on holiday gifts last year, now is the time to start thinking about how to avoid a repeat performance. Even though it may feel painfully early to think about the holidays, starting now will give you plenty of time to plan, budget, and build a shopping fund so you can avoid carrying extra debt into the New Year.

The reuse and resell market is booming, and it’s no surprise. Buying used is an excellent way for you and your family to stretch your dollars and reduce waste. Here are some useful tips on how to buy used.

Appliances are some of the most costly items you’ll purchase for your home. Whether you’re outfitting a new home or replacing something that’s past its prime, it pays off to shop smart when shopping for appliances. Here are a few ways you can get quality machines without breaking the bank.

Traveling with your kids can be a fun adventure, but teaching kids how to travel is essential. I know from experience that you can’t just wing it! After all, leaving home means throwing your routine out the window and encountering countless unfamiliar people, places, and things.

Giving gifts can be fun but it can also be overwhelming, especially during the holiday season or during a month … Read More

Whether you plan to stop working the day you turn 65 or are taking a wait-and-see approach, it’s essential to sock money away for retirement. These days, many jobs do not include a guaranteed pension or even an employer match for a retirement fund, so much of the saving is up to us. And the earlier you start, the better!

Looking to treat yourself to a new beauty goodie? TikTok is a great place to discover the latest and greatest and these seven products have gone seriously viral. Read on to learn why you’ll want to add them to your beauty arsenal.

Customized gifts are unique, conveying thoughtfulness and care. This curated list of holiday gifts is designed to surprise and delight, ensuring that your loved ones feel truly special this season. The best part? These gifts are all monogrammed or customized by you, so the manufacturing process doesn’t take as long as a gift that’s made from scratch.

Planning a trip abroad can seem overwhelming. From having up-to-date passports to accessing Wi-Fi on the go, there’s so much to think about! Because being well-prepared can make all the difference in your travel experience, we’ll explore five crucial areas to focus on when planning your international getaway, helping you make the most of your international adventure.

Finding the perfect gift can be daunting, but personalized clothing and accessories make a memorable gift for your favorite fashion plate. From made-to-measure sneakers to engraved jewelry, these thoughtful gifts are fabulous and functional for any gift-giving occasion.

You know those folks who are impossible to find gifts for? These customized options will make gift-giving a breeze. For the person who has everything or the one who is pickier than picky, these personalized gifts will delight them and express how much you care.

At my house, we cook a lot – or more accurately, my husband cooks! Even though we love a home-cooked meal, sometimes it’s nice for someone else to do the work. The downside of takeout? The toll it takes on our wallets. Here are some ways you can save money the next time you order in.

We love to get out and do things, like going to concerts, museums, sporting events, and theme parks, but the cost of these activities can really add up! Thankfully, with a bit of creativity and planning, it’s possible to get out there and have fun without doing too much damage to your wallet. This article explores money-saving ideas that will allow you to enjoy the recreational activities you love without the hefty price tag.

Whether you order online once a day or once a year, one thing that sticks in everyone’s craw is paying for shipping. We used to accept it as par for the course and didn’t mind paying for the convenience of having items delivered right to your door. But, times have changed. Free shipping is more widely available now so we’ve become spoiled. Here are seven ways to avoid paying that dreaded shipping fee.

Whether your self-care includes a spa day, a workout, a salon visit, or a therapy appointment, investing in products and services that help you feel good is essential. Self-care is important, but it can be expensive, so here are my tips for saving money on your favorite products and services.

You know that you can spend money shopping with your favorite retailers, but did you know that you can also learn from them and it won’t cost a thing? From Home Depot to Hobby Lobby, select national retailers offer free online and/or in-store classes. Some are for adults and others for kids, so there’s something for everyone!  Here are 15 retailers who offer free workshops.