Spending, Shopping & Saving Money

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

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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.

Get the Best Blooms for Your Buck

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

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.

Exercise Your Options Before Joining a Gym

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

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.

Do You Need Travel Insurance?

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

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.

7 Ways To Spend Less on Holiday Shopping

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

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

10 Tricks Stores Use To Get You To Spend More

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

A group of BECU employees pose gather in front of a love sign in a festive mall setting. They are all wearing red sweatshirts that say "purpose."

Holiday Fun in Washington

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

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

How To Finance a Car From a Private Seller

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

A woman with curly hair and glasses smiling while leaning out of the driver’s side window of a car, wearing a denim jacket.

How To Buy a Car

Learn how to search out great deals and line up financing before you buy a car.

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A woman poses next to a black car, showcasing the car and her excitement. She is holding the door open and smiling. She's wearing a striped white and red shirt and blue jeans. In the background are trees and grass.

How Much Car Can I Afford?

Learn how to budget for a car purchase.

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

Should I Get Preapproved for a Car Loan?

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

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.

Back-to-School Budget-Friendly Checklist

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

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.

How To Get the Best Deal on a New Car

New car shopping requires savvy strategies.

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.

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

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

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.

Low-Cost Vacation Rental? Take a Closer Look

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

Small business merchants

Support Small Businesses on Saturday, November 28

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

Sign that says Museum

10 Free Ways to Keep Kids Entertained This Summer

Ideas for free summer fun from the comfort of home.

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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.

Seattle's Pike Place Market

Free (Or Almost Free) Things to Do in Seattle

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

Are You Missing Out On a Virtual Gold Rush?

The Virtual Gold Rush

Taking look at digital currency.