Smart Saving Archives - Page 14 of 40

11 Professions That May Not Survive in a Changing Climate

August 28, 2025 by James Clendenin

Discover how climate change threatens job stability in specific professions and what factors increase their vulnerability.

Climate change is not only an environmental challenge but also a growing threat to job stability across various professions. Certain careers face unique risks due to environmental changes, shifting economic conditions, and increasing resource scarcity. Understanding these vulnerabilities helps identify which jobs may become less secure as climate impacts intensify.

For workers and communities, recognizing these risks is crucial in planning for the future. Adapting skills and monitoring industry trends related to sustainability and renewable energy can help individuals stay resilient in a changing job market.

6 Brilliant Road Trip Hacks From Before GPS Existed

August 27, 2025 by Riley Clendenin

Drivers once relied on ingenuity instead of apps.

Before phones told us every turn and predicted traffic jams, road trips required patience, preparation, and clever tricks. The experience was less about speed and more about resourcefulness. Families leaned on hacks that made long drives smoother, safer, and often more fun.

Many of those old habits are worth remembering today. They’re not only practical—they also remind us that problem-solving used to be part of the adventure itself.

8 Classic Board Games Making a Comeback—And They’re Better As Phone Games

August 27, 2025 by Riley Clendenin

Nostalgic favorites feel fresh again when they fit in your pocket.

Board games once meant spreading pieces across the dining table and negotiating rules with siblings. Today, those same classics have found new life on smartphones, where gameplay is faster, cleaner, and easier to share with friends anywhere in the world.

Instead of gathering dust in closets, these titles are being rediscovered in digital form. Here are eight board games that have made the leap to apps, and in many ways, they’re better than ever.

11 Food Trends Your Grandma Perfected Decades Before They Went Viral

August 27, 2025 by Riley Clendenin

Trendy meals often trace back to humble kitchens.

Food media loves to crown “new” fads, but most of today’s viral dishes have deep roots. Long before influencers turned them into glossy content, our grandmothers were making them daily out of necessity, thrift, and tradition.

The difference between then and now is the packaging. Their versions weren’t meant for clicks—they were meant to feed families. Here are eleven food trends your grandma perfected long before hashtags made them cool.

9 Things Everyday Taxpayers Need to Know About Jumbo SALT Deductions and Tax Cuts

August 26, 2025 by James Clendenin

Learn how jumbo SALT deductions interact with tax cuts to influence your federal taxable income and overall tax liability.

The State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction allows taxpayers who itemize to reduce their federal taxable income by the amount paid in qualifying state and local taxes. Jumbo SALT deductions involve strategies designed to exceed the standard SALT cap, potentially lowering taxable income further. Understanding these concepts is essential for taxpayers seeking to optimize their filing approach and maximize available deductions.

Navigating SALT deductions alongside recent tax cuts is important because changes in tax rates and deduction limits affect the net benefits to taxpayers. Being informed helps you plan effectively, decide between itemizing and the standard deduction, and manage your tax liability over the long term.

11 Traditional Money Rules Gen Z Is Intentionally Breaking

August 26, 2025 by James Clendenin

Explore how Gen Z is redefining traditional money rules by prioritizing flexibility, technology, and personal values in budgeting, saving, and investing.

Traditional money rules provide guidelines on budgeting, saving, debt management, credit scores, investing, and financial planning that have helped generations build financial independence. These principles often emphasize strict budgets, consistent savings percentages, cautious debt avoidance, and long-term investment strategies aimed at stability and growth. However, as economic conditions and consumer behavior evolve, younger generations like Gen Z question the universality and relevance of these long-standing practices.

Understanding why and how Gen Z challenges these conventions is important for anyone looking to adapt financial strategies effectively. By recognizing generational differences and the impact of technology on money management, individuals can balance proven financial principles with innovative approaches that reflect modern priorities and personal circumstances.

14 Pieces of “Junk” from the 90s You Should Not Throw Away

August 26, 2025 by James Clendenin

Discover which nostalgic 90s items hold real value beyond the surface.

Nostalgia often leads us to keep items from the 90s, a decade rich with unique pop culture, technology, and memorable toys. These items range from vintage collectibles and retro gaming devices to sentimental keepsakes, each carrying stories and significance from that era. Understanding what makes these objects valuable—whether emotionally or as investments—helps us appreciate their worth beyond being labeled as junk.

Keeping and properly preserving 90s memorabilia allows us to maintain personal and cultural history, share memories with future generations, and potentially benefit from their increasing rarity. Thoughtful storage and care can protect these treasures, making them meaningful artifacts rather than forgotten clutter.

9 “Forgotten” Skills Our Grandparents Had That Are Valued Today

August 25, 2025August 25, 2025 by James Clendenin

Discover how timeless skills like gardening, repairing, and handcrafting remain valuable today, helping you cultivate independence and sustainability in everyday life.

Traditional skills refer to practical knowledge and techniques passed down through generations, including handcrafting, gardening, food preservation, basic repairs, and resourceful problem-solving. These skills emphasize self-sufficiency and hands-on learning, encouraging the use of manual methods and intergenerational wisdom rather than reliance on modern technology or convenience-based solutions.

Understanding and practicing these skills today is important for fostering independence, reducing waste, and saving money. They also promote environmental sustainability and resilience, connecting us with practical traditions that enhance problem-solving and community support over the long term.