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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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.

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.

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.

10 Tricks Stores 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.

Holiday Fun in Washington

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."

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

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.

How To Buy a Car

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

Learn how to search out great deals and line up financing before you buy a car.
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How Much Car Can I Afford?

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.

Learn how to budget for a car purchase.

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.

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.

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.

‘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.

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.

Support Small Businesses on Saturday, November 28

Small business merchants

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

10 Free Ways to Keep Kids Entertained This Summer

Sign that says Museum

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.

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.