finding roommates
While some of us may actually like living with roommates, many do so out of sheer necessity. For many young 20-somethings still trying to figure out this thing called life, having a roommate is the only way to afford living on your own. Living expenses can add up and splitting the cost with a roommate or two can help lessen the load tremendously. However, it doesn’t come without challenges.

My first experience living with roommates with during college. I had moved off campus and rented a big house with 5 other people. While it was fun, it was definitely difficult at times with the mix of personalities. One thing that was always a sore subject was money. Who paid for what and how much exactly? Managing money with roommates can be challenging, especially if you have differing financial mindsets. Here are 5 tips to help you successfully manage money with roommates:
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supplements
Marketing of over-the counter health and nutrition supplements seems to have exploded in recent years. From diet pills to herbal supplements to whey protein, each brand insists theirs is the most beneficial to your health. At the same time, nutrition experts present a conflicting barrage of information about which supplements are the most important.

If you were to take every supplement recommended by an ‘expert’, not only would your countertops be overflowing, your pockets would be empty too. With so many choices and voices out there, the average consumer is left overwhelmed and conflicted. Which supplements do you really need to take, and are they worth the cost?

List #1: Definitely NOT Worth the Cost

Before delving into which supplements you may need and why, these few are clearly a waste of money.
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shopping
My daughter will drift through each store looking at the racks of clothes seemingly uninterested for a few minutes before declaring she couldn’t find anything she liked. My son will try on jeans and approve them, only to have them sit unused in his dresser. He would admit later he didn’t like them, and had only only picked them out so we could be done with shopping as soon as possible.

Shopping the traditional way with my kids is a waste of time, effort and money. This year we’re trying something different. Instead of packing them into the car and driving them to the mall, we give them cash. With that cash they have to do their own clothes shopping. It sounds like an extraordinary amount of freedom for teenagers, but we set up a few rules too.
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home and keys
I owned a home for seven years, but I was happy to be a renter again because I lived in a luxury apartment community for a year and loved it. Now, I’m back in a home due to life circumstances, but I’m renting this house instead of buying it.

Sometimes, I’m tempted to buy when I look at the home prices in my location, but then I remember that one of the things I like about renting is the fact that fixing issues around the house is someone else’s responsibility.
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holiday shopping
The holiday season probably isn’t on your mind quite yet, but we’ll be right in the middle of the hectic time again just a few months from now. I know I’ll be stressed out because finding a gift for everyone can definitely be stressful.

When it comes to gift shopping, many of us leave it until the last minute. Ever been at the mall on Christmas Eve trying to find a present? If so, you probably know that it’s not a fun experience. Instead of going through the holiday shopping madness, it’s a good idea to get started now. Not only will you avoid all the crowds, but you can also save money just by planning ahead. Here are five things you can do right now to help you save on holiday shopping later on:
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car radio
Satellite radio has become more common over the past few years. Most new cars come with a SiriusXM enabled sound system, and a free trial allowing the vehicle owner to try out the service for a few months. Many people like SiriusXM, myself included, because of the variety of music and sports channels. It’s also convenient to be able to listen to the same channels wherever you go.

The downsize is the sticker shock when that trial period is over and it’s time to start paying for the service, as the current subscription options range in cost from $10.99 to $19.99 per month. The good news is, you don’t have to pay that much. Here are a few easy steps to help you get satellite radio for a fraction of the regular price.
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