Smart Saving

Fixed Income, No Problem—13 Boomer-Approved Hacks to Save Money Daily

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Small habits add up when you’re watching every dollar.

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Living on a fixed income doesn’t mean you have to give up the good stuff—it just means you have to get creative. A lot of Boomers have mastered the art of stretching a dollar without sacrificing quality of life. They’ve lived through rising prices, economic dips, and multiple recessions, so their money-saving hacks are tried, tested, and usually pretty clever. These aren’t about extreme couponing or eating ramen five nights a week. These are practical, daily tricks that can help you save without even feeling like you’re missing out.

Whether you’re recently retired, semi-retired, or just working with a tighter budget, the small wins really do stack up. By being intentional and smart with everyday decisions, you can keep more money in your pocket and still enjoy the life you’ve built. These tips aren’t about cutting corners—they’re about choosing better ones. Here are 13 Boomer-approved hacks that can seriously help you save money on a daily basis.

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Stop Buying These 13 Risky Thrift Shop Items—They’re Better Off in the Trash

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thrift shops are treasure hunts, but some “deals” come with hidden dangers.

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Thrift shopping can feel like a budget-friendly adventure. You score vintage finds, quirky décor, or that perfect oversized denim jacket—and all without breaking the bank. But mixed in with the gold are items that really should’ve been left in the donation bin. Not everything used is worth reusing, and some “bargains” can end up costing you your health, safety, or a ton of money later.

It’s not just about being picky—it’s about being smart. Some secondhand items carry bacteria, pests, or structural issues you can’t see on the surface. Others are just too outdated to be safe or useful anymore. Before you toss something into your cart on impulse, it’s worth knowing which items are more trouble than they’re worth. These 13 thrift store finds might look like a steal, but you’ll thank yourself later for walking away.

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Cruel Without Realizing It? 14 Everyday Habits Gen Z Should Seriously Stop

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What feels normal to you might actually be hurting someone else.

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Intent doesn’t always match impact, and Gen Z—despite being one of the most self-aware and socially conscious generations—still slips up in ways that quietly affect the people around them. It’s not about being evil or cold-hearted. It’s often about habits that have gone unchecked, behaviors that seem harmless, or trends that have normalized certain attitudes that just…aren’t it. What starts as a joke, a vibe, or a coping mechanism can easily turn into something that leaves others feeling dismissed, excluded, or judged.

The tricky thing is, these habits rarely trigger immediate backlash. They sneak into conversations, online interactions, even daily routines—and unless someone points them out, they often continue without second thought. But if the goal is to be kind and conscious, it’s worth taking a look in the mirror. These 14 habits might seem small, but they carry more weight than most people realize.

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10 Ways the AI Boom Could Pave the Way for Universal Basic Income in America

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ai’s rapid growth could change how we view income.

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The rise of artificial intelligence isn’t just changing how we work; it’s challenging the very concept of work itself. As automation replaces jobs once thought to be secure, many are questioning how society will adapt. Universal Basic Income (UBI) has emerged as a potential solution, offering a safety net as technology continues to evolve.

While some view UBI as a radical idea, its appeal grows as AI advances. The question isn’t just about job loss; it’s about how to create a society where everyone benefits from technological progress. Exploring how the AI boom could pave the way for UBI offers insight into how we might navigate the future of work.

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No Buy 2025—11 Ways TikTok’s Viral Trend Can Save You Money and the Planet

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spending less isn’t about deprivation—it’s about taking back control.

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TikTok’s “No Buy” movement isn’t just a passing trend—it’s a low-key rebellion against impulsive spending, fast fashion hauls, and endless Amazon packages. It’s the quiet voice saying, “I actually don’t need more stuff to feel good.” The idea is simple: set limits on what you buy for a set time, whether that’s a week, a month, or all of 2025. No Buy challenges aren’t about punishment—they’re about clarity. And surprisingly, they can make you feel rich in ways your credit card never could.

The cool part? This isn’t just about saving money (though you will). It’s also about reducing waste, cutting out emotional spending, and finding satisfaction in what you already own. If you’ve ever felt drained by your bank account and your closet at the same time, this challenge might be the refresh you need. Here’s how 11 small decisions can lead to major impact for both your wallet and the world around you.

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Hold Your Nose, Not Your Wallet—10 Surprising Reasons Used Teslas Are a Steal Now

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The electric dream faces a reality check amid political turmoil.

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Tesla, once the darling of the electric vehicle revolution, now finds itself navigating choppy waters. CEO Elon Musk’s recent political entanglements, particularly his role as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in the Trump administration, have ignited global protests and calls for boycotts. This backlash has led to a significant dip in Tesla’s brand perception and sales figures.

While the company grapples with these challenges, an unexpected opportunity has emerged for prospective buyers. The softened demand has resulted in more competitive pricing for used Teslas. However, it’s essential to weigh these financial advantages against the backdrop of the brand’s current controversies. Here are ten reasons why, despite the turmoil, purchasing a used Tesla might be a savvy decision now.

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13 Blue Cities Where the American Housing Crisis Is Spiraling Out of Control

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Blue cities are leading on policy—but losing ground on housing.

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Housing costs in America’s most progressive cities are spiraling out of control. These places often champion social equity, climate goals, and inclusive zoning on paper—but on the ground, it’s a different story. Renters are being crushed, homebuyers are frozen out, and working-class residents are fleeing in droves. Many of these cities have booming economies and cultural clout, but when it comes to housing, they’re teetering on the edge of dysfunction.

These housing shortages aren’t caused by a single issue—they’re a result of decades of zoning bottlenecks, NIMBY opposition, underbuilt infrastructure, and runaway demand. And while blue cities talk a big game on affordability, the execution is slow, uneven, and often blocked by the very communities that claim to want change. Here are 13 blue-leaning cities where the housing crisis is hitting hardest, and where progressive ideals are clashing with economic and political realities.

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10 Ways to Check If Your Charitable Donation is Being Misused

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Giving feels good, but it hurts when you realize your money went nowhere helpful.

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Donating to a cause you care about is one of the most rewarding things you can do. But in the world of flashy fundraising campaigns and feel-good slogans, not every charity is what it claims to be. Some use donations irresponsibly, spending more on executive salaries or slick marketing than actual solutions. Others aren’t scams exactly—but they’re not making the impact you think they are either.

Before you give again, it’s worth taking a few minutes to make sure your money is going where it should. This isn’t about becoming cynical. It’s about making smarter choices so the causes you care about actually benefit. These 10 checks can help you feel confident that your generosity isn’t just padding someone’s expense account or disappearing into the void. Trust, but verify—because good intentions deserve real results.

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