Spending, Shopping & Saving Money

Explore tips for savvy spending, shopping and saving money with articles covering travel, car shopping, deals and more.

Browse the Blog
Browse the BlogClose

How To Get the Best Deal on a New Car

A woman stands next to a white SUV in a parking lot setting, she's wearing a black top and black plaid pants. She has one hand on her hip and is smiling proudly. There are trees and another parked car in the background.

New car shopping requires savvy strategies.

Should I Get Preapproved for a Car Loan?

A man in a green jacket stands next to a gray SUV, he is wearing jeans and smiling. In the background are trees.

Learn why, how and when to get preapproved for a car loan.

How To Finance a Car From a Private Seller

Four people gathered around an open vehicle trunk. They are chatting in a parking lot setting, having a conversation together.

Learn the process for financing a car from a private seller.

Get the Best Blooms for Your Buck

This is an image of a man in a florist shop. He is holding a boutique of red roses. He is smiling and wearing a blue striped collared shirt. In the background are more flower arrangements. In the lower right-hand corner of the photo is the Consumers' Checkbook logo.

Learn how to get the best flowers for less money and hassle.

Exercise Your Options Before Joining a Gym

A man is smiling and riding a stationary bike indoors. In the background is fitness equipment. He is looking at a screen while riding the bike. Both of his hands are on the handlebars and he is wearing a red crewneck sweater. The photo has a Consumers' Checkbook logo and the bottom right-hand corner.

Consider your exercise goals and learn how to save money on fitness.

Holiday Experiences in Washington

A couple pose in the snowy mountains for a photo. The two are standing and smiling and both people are wearing sunglasses. There are mountains and evergreen trees in the background. The sky is blue. The woman is wearing a yellow long-sleeved shirt with a scarf, and the man is wearing a long-sleeved white shirt and has a hat and backpack on.

Discover budget-friendly winter activities that spark the holiday spirit.

10 Tricks Sellers Use To Get You To Spend More

Image shows a bustling crowd with sale signs in the background.

Learn the sales tricks that make you think you're getting a bargain.

7 Ways To Spend Less on Holiday Shopping

Couple standing shoulder to shoulder together outside, dressed in warm winter clothes, smiling and looking down inside of a red shopping bag, with holiday lights visible in the background. "Consumers' Checkbook" logo in the bottom right corner.

Learn how to get the best deals and avoid scams during the holidays.
Load More

Back-to-School Budget-Friendly Checklist

A young boy stands next to his mother and father in the aisle of an office supplies store. The family is facing a wall full of writing utensils and other back-to-school supplies, with the father reaching to pull an item off the shelf.

Browse common school supplies to build your must-buy list.

Do You Need Travel Insurance?

A smiling woman wearing sunglasses and a green top lies in a hammock while looking at her phone. A sandy beach, blue ocean and bright blue sky are in the background. The Consumers' Checkbook logo is in the upper right corner.

Get tips to help you decide if insurance makes sense for your trip.

Buying Your Leased Car Could Save You Money Now

Couple standing inside an auto dealership reviewing materials on a digital tablet with an auto dealership employee. Consumers' Checkbook logo in the lower right of the image.

With inventory problems driving up auto prices, buying your vehicle as it comes off lease could result in a windfall.

‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ Pros and Cons for Travel

Parents stand smiling with their two young children on a sunny, sandy beach with bright blue water behind them. A logo says Consumers' Checkbook on the lower right.

Find out if putting off payment for your upcoming trip is right for you.

RV Supplies Increasing, but Prices Still High

A father, mother and their two boys pose for a family photo in front of their RV, which is hitched to their pickup truck.

What to expect — and what to consider — if you’re shopping for an RV.

How To Get a Fair Deal on Auto Repair

A woman happily driving a car. White text says Consumers' Checkbook in the lower right corner.

Tips for shopping for an auto mechanic.

Car Shoppers Face Fewer Choices and Higher Prices

Aerial photo of a black sedan, the only car in a parking lot with eight spaces visible. Consumers' Checkbook logo in lower right.

Learn how a microchip shortage is affecting sales and get shopping tips.

Low-Cost Vacation Rental? Take a Closer Look

Smiling woman in a blue windbreaker stands in a garden in front of cabin with a low, round wooden door. Logo in the lower right reads Puget Sound Consumers' Checkbook.

Get tips for avoiding hidden fees and terms on your vacation rental.
Load More

Stay Safe with This Virtual Holiday Guide

Four people gather on screen for virtual holiday party.

Make the most of this holiday season with these festive and safe celebration ideas.

4 Shopping Tips for Black Friday 2020

Shopping bags

Tips for Black Friday shopping while keeping yourself and others safe by staying home and avoiding the crowds.

Support Small Businesses on Saturday, November 28

Small business merchants

Learn how to support your favorite local shop on Small Business Saturday.

Ideas for a Virtual Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving Celebration

Family photo on cell phone

With the latest guidance from the CDC and Governor Inslee, many of us need to rethink our holiday plans. Get ideas for a virtual Thanksgiving (or Friendsgiving) celebration.

Turkey Shopping Tips for Thanksgiving 2020

Turkey

Get the best bang for your bird buck with these turkey shopping tips.

7 Easy Alternatives to Trick or Treating

Ghost trick or treating with witch

Spook-tacular ideas for a fun and safe Halloween.

10 Free Ways to Keep Kids Entertained This Summer

Sign that says Museum

Ideas for free summer fun from the comfort of home.

Affordable Social Distancing Ideas for Long Weekends

A glass and pitcher of refreshments on grass

Socially distant ideas for spending your holiday weekend with others.
Load More

Four Ideas for Celebrating Moms, Grads and Dads From a Distance

Greeting card of a cartoon person and a heart

Four ideas for celebrating Moms, Dads and Grads during the COVID-19 crisis.

4 Tips for Using Your Stimulus Check

Rolled up money

Our Lead Financial Educator offers suggestions for prioritizing your stimulus check.

4 Tips for Buying a Budget-Savvy Engagement Ring

Engagement ring in an open box

Don't feel like you need to break the bank.

Are Meal Delivery Services Worth It?

Are Meal Delivery Services Worth It?

We look into meal delivery services and see if they save you money.

Best Summer Camp Tips for Parents

Best Summer Camp Tips for Parents

The best time to book a summer camp? Now.

Let's Talk About the Cost of Turkey

Turkey

Get the best bang for your bird buck. Check out our turkey-shopping tips.

Top 6 Tips for Perfect Kid Presents

Gifts decorated with ribbons

Hopefully this will make shopping easier.

Best of Back to School Sales

Chalk board that says Back to School

Did you know some of the best back to school sales happen in July?
Load More

Free (Or Almost Free) Things to Do in Seattle

Seattle's Pike Place Market

You don't have to break the bank this summer in Seattle.

The Virtual Gold Rush

Are You Missing Out On a Virtual Gold Rush?

Taking look at digital currency.