WBTV 3 News, Weather, Sports, and Traffic for Charlotte, NC-Stretching Your Dollar
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More Americans are paring down their Thanksgiving menu and spending less in 2009. According to a recent survey, 50 percent of those questioned said they planned to only cook for their immediate family. More>>
With only 39 days to shop for Christmas we found the four things you need to consider to stretch your shopping dollars. More>>
There is nothing like cozying up to the fire on a chilly night, but most regular wood burning fireplaces look good but don’t do much to heat your home. More>>
If you would like to see your car or truck run until the odometer hits the 200,000 mile mark, there are four simple things you can do to try to reach that goal. Jeff York from Mecklenburg Fleet and Automotive says the most important thing you can do for your car is, "Change the oil." More>>
If the idea of spending $30 on a packaged Halloween costume is giving you the spooks, you are not alone. More>>
How would you like to be $230 richer by Christmas? If that dollar bill in your wallet feels like it's burning a hole in your pocket, you're right, it is! Shoppers are more willing to spend a $1 and $5 bill than break up a $20 bill. Researchers call it the "Denomination effect." More>>
A new report on consumer spending is fueling optimism that consumers are a little more confident about letting go of their money. During the month of August, consumer spending increased by 2.7 percent. This is the best showing since January of 2006. If you are like most Americans, you are choosing your purchases wisely. More>>
September is Library Card Sign Up month and your local library system is hoping you will sign up. We found the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County web site to be an incredible resource that offers free homework help. More>>
While we cannot control what happens on Wall Street, we can control how we take care of ourselves in this recession. Doctors say the recession is leading to more weight gain which only adds to the stress of coping in this economic downturn. More>>
College students all over the Carolinas are learning their campuses, navigating their way through registration, buying their books this week. Without a doubt, there is a lot to handle. More>>
Layaway shopping is quickly becoming a more viable option for many Americans during the current recession. Customers at Burlington Coat Factory in Charlotte can put items on layaway without having to rack up huge debt on credit cards. More>>
There is a four in five chance you are like most Americans and you are changing how you shop for back to school items because of the economy. A recent study for the American Retail Federation found that families will cut their spending by just under 8 percent this year. More>>
All of us are looking for ways to trim the fat from our budgets and more people are looking to save on their wardrobes. Shoes can be the most expensive items in your closet. A decent pair of dress shoes can cost close to a $100 and, for men, it is even more. More>>
When is the last time you looked at your cell phone bill closely? There are ways you can slash your cell phone bill just by examining all the services you are paying for that you really don't need. More>>
If you are toiling in the garden this weekend, here's a great way to save money. Start a small folder and save those tags that go on all your plants. The idea comes from WBTV.com's manager Jeff Rivenbark. More>>
If you are looking for ways to trim the fat out of your budget, the dog food you buy might be one way to start saving. There are so many types of food to choose from that it can be a daunting task to figure out which is best for your family's pet. More>>
Nothing tastes better these days that saving money, but the down economy is taking its toll on the restaurant industry. Analysts think sales could be down by 10 percent by the end of summer. More>>
If you have set aside a small amount of money to spruce up your home this summer, WBTV is On Your Side with some suggestions on how to stretch every dollar and make an impact. More>>
We're in a bit of a cool snap this week, but you know the heat is coming. WBTV is On Your Side helping you stretch your dollar and save on your power bill. More>>
The price you see on that new television might not be set in stone. In this Stretching Your Dollar segment, Anchor Maureen O'Boyle traveled to the Metrolina Expo and talked with Pete Pistone of International Collectibles and Antiques (ICA) show about the art of haggling. More>>
As stocks stumble and jobs disappear, more people are choosing to skip a trip to the hair salon or not go at all. More>>
As more of us look for ways to save money, rebates suddenly have a new appeal. As we discovered in this Stretching Your Dollar segment, rebates are really designed to benefit manufacturers. More>>
As we get into the thick of prom season, WBTV is On Your Side helping you stretch your prom dollars. More>>
As the summer season rolls around, many parents are learning that last year's clothes are not going to cut it. WBTV 3 on Your Side is taking a look at how to find new clothes that fit without breaking your budget. More>>
A trip to the grocery store can often leave a shopper wondering how they spent so much money for just a few bags of food. In this week's edition of "Stretching Your Dollar," Anchor Maureen O'Boyle made two lasagna dishes. More>>
With the North Carolina unemployment rate at 8.5% many people out looking for work don't have a big budget to buy expensive clothing for a job interview. Anchor Maureen O'Boyle visited the thrift store for Assistance League of Charlotte with a budget of $50 and was able to buy several interview outfits. More>>
