Amy Livingston

Using an automatic savings plan is like keeping the cookies on a high shelf. It helps you save by setting aside part of each month’s earnings in a separate account, where it’s harder to reach.

Unlike other home loans, a HELOC gives you access to a pool of cash that you can dip into as needed. This deal offers flexibility - but is it a good idea?

Time banking is a system that lets people use time, instead of money, to pay for goods and services. Read on to find out how you can use time banking to your advantage.

Your everyday carry, or EDC, is all the stuff that fills your pockets on a normal day. And if you choose it wisely, you can deal with all kinds of situations – both normal and unexpected.

Fixing up a fixer-upper isn't as easy as it looks on TV. Before you jump in, learn what the job involves, how to figure the costs, and how to get a good deal.

Early adopters often pay through the nose for a clunky first draft of a product that doesn’t work that well yet. Late adopters avoid these problems, and enjoy several other benefits as well.

Prescription drug discount cards offer only modest savings...but for the millions of Americans who can’t afford their medications, that small savings can make a big difference.

Not everyone needs a dedicated fax machine, but if you do one of these Brother models will be your best bet. We cover the top options, from a cheap, light-duty fax for home users to a heavy-duty workhorse for the busiest of offices.

Don't get swept off your feet by a house that will stretch your budget to the breaking point. Here's how to figure out how much house you can really afford.

To keep your favorite beverage piping hot or cold as ice, nothing beats a Zojirushi stainless steel travel mug. If you want a microwave-safe mug, a ceramic Lenox mug is your best bet. We also found a great accessory for those who want to take their fresh brewed tea to go.

Dyson fans are almost insanely expensive, but user and expert feedback shows that they also extremely effective. If you or your budget would prefer something less expensive, we found a bevy of good performing tower, floor, desk and window fans to keep you cool as the temperature goes up.

If mosquitos, ticks and other insect pests are bugging you, our research finds that OFF! Deep Woods VIII can keep you from being eaten alive. If its key ingredient, DEET, is a turn off, we also name some alternatives that work nearly as well for adults and even young kids.

Our brains can trick us into making choices that seem logical, but don’t stand up to close inspection. These mental traps are called “cognitive biases" - and they can seriously hurt your bottom line if you let them.

A bad credit score can affect your life in all kinds of ways. Luckily, it's also a problem you can fix. All you have to do is follow these simple rules.