Nicole Dow
The Penny Hoarder
Saint Petersburg, FL, United States
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Past articles by Nicole:
Lower Your Home Improvement Budget With These Tips to Save at Lowe’s
We’ve all been there: You’re staring down the end of a home improvement project and wondering how the bill got so high. You thought you’d calculated all of the costs, but of course, it turned out to be more. And the rising cost of inflation means you’re seeing that price increase not just at home... → Read More
Start Building Serious Savings With a Pay-Yourself-First Strategy
Learn more about the pay-yourself-first budgeting strategy, including the definition of “pay yourself first” and how to pay yourself first to build savings. → Read More
Prefer the Pen-and-Paper Approach? Organize Your Money With a Budget Binder
You need a centralized place to keep track of bills, spending and progress on saving goals. A budget binder is a pen-and-paper tool for organizing it all. → Read More
Everything You Need to Do to Save $10K in a Year
Ready to tackle a huge savings goal? We’ve got 16 tips to help you save $10,000 in a year. Regardless of your why, your savings account will thank you. → Read More
9 Budgeting Apps for Couples to Keep Track of Their Money
Budgeting can seem like enough of a challenge on your own, but add in a partner and suddenly it can feel overwhelming with multiple sources of income and more spending to track. Whether you’re on the same budgeting page or not, these top budgeting apps for couples can help you align your finances. We’ve analyzed... → Read More
Have More Budgeting Fails Than Successes? Try Budgeting by Paycheck
Does the word budget make you cringe? If you have more budgeting fails than wins, try the budget by paycheck method, which combines three different styles. → Read More
Save More and Pay Down Your Debt With This Simple Budgeting Strategy
The 70/20/10 budget rule is a percentage-based method, similar to the 50/30/20 budget. Here’s how it works and how it helps you save and pay down debt. → Read More
Budget Like a Boss: The 9 Most Popular Budgeting Methods Explained
Nine popular budgeting methods explained including the 50/30/20 approach, zero-based budgeting, and more strategies to break the paycheck to paycheck cycle. → Read More
Here’s How to Become a Transcriptionist and Work Your Way Up the Pay Scale
Looking for a flexible job that lets you work from home and flex your typing skills? Here’s how to become a transcriptionist — plus six places that hire beginners. → Read More
How To Budget: Create A Household Budget in 4 Simple Steps
You don’t need to be an accounting expert to learn how to budget. Use these four simple steps to create a budget that actually works for your life. → Read More
44 Ways to Have an Epic Time in Chicago Without Overspending
Exploring a big city can be tough on your budget. Here’s are 4 free things to do in Chicago for residents and visitors alike. → Read More
34 Free Things to Do in Las Vegas — On and Off the Strip
Las Vegas is a prime spot for gambling, concerts and high-end restaurants. But if you’re trying to save money, here are 34 free things to do in Las Vegas. → Read More
6 Reasons You Shouldn't Combine Finances with Your Spouse
If you’re married or living with your significant other, there’s a lot you share. Your home. Your weekend plans. Perhaps even a kid or two. But just because you’re sharing a life together doesn’t mean you have to share the same bank account. Having separate bank accounts in marriage or a serious relationship may be... → Read More
These 17 Companies Provide Child Care — Or Help Pay You For It
Finding a job with child care benefits can be tough. We rounded up some pretty popular companies that help employees pay for child care — or actually provide it. → Read More
Store Brand vs. Name Brand: Slash Your Grocery Bill Up to 45%
What’s in a name? A lot actually. We often default to certain brands when shopping simply because of the name on the package — and the reputation that comes along with it, thanks to clever advertising. We buy Bounty paper towels because they’re the “quicker picker-upper” and Frosted Flakes because “they’re gr-r-reat.” But on the... → Read More
100 Free Things to Do to Get Your Entertainment Budget in Check
If your entertainment spending is causing you to go over budget, it’s time to make some changes. Don’t worry. We’re not suggesting you lock yourself in the house and do nothing but eat, sleep and pay bills — after all, we did that for a couple of years. Thank you COVID. Still, with inflation eating... → Read More
Is Your Car As Ready As Your House to Face a Hurricane?
Gas up, visit your mechanic and don’t forget an emergency kit. This post will help you make hurricane preparedness plans for your car. → Read More
Ward Off the Panic of Bad Tires and the Scary Check Engine Light
Dread going to the mechanic? Your nerves probably have a lot to do with not being prepared to pay a repair bill. The solution? Budget for car maintenance and repairs. → Read More
29 Travel Hacks Every Road Tripper Should Know
A road trip is a classic way to travel but high gas prices can really cut into your vacation budget. These 35 tips can help you save money on your next road trip. → Read More
Ugly Produce: Save Money by Buying Funny-Looking Fruits and Veggies
Have you heard of ugly vegetables? Buying imperfect produce could help you save up to 50% on groceries, and a major retailer just decided to start selling ugly fruit. → Read More