Do you have good ideas for how to "stretch your dollar?" If so, Maureen O'Boyle would LOVE to share them with WBTV viewers. Just click inside to get in touch with Maureen about how you stretch your dollar -- she might put you on TV and use your idea!More>>
Tuesday, February 7 2012 1:00 PM EST2012-02-07 18:00:22 GMT
No need to go spend a fortune on spring trends to look fashionable. We ask a celebrity stylist to show us how to transform what we already have into some of the hot looks for when the weather warms up.More >>
Monday, January 30 2012 5:33 PM EST2012-01-30 22:33:09 GMT
Take an hour to really examine where your money is going in four different areas. Our financial expert says that hour of time could mean hundreds in savings.More >>
Monday, January 23 2012 5:39 PM EST2012-01-23 22:39:24 GMT
Don't throw that serving of mac and cheese away, freeze it! We turn to "The Queen of Leftovers" Fran Scibelli for expert advice on how to make every morsel of food you cook count!More >>
Monday, January 9 2012 5:40 PM EST2012-01-09 22:40:19 GMT
Mark your calendar for the best time to buy just about everything! Over the course of a year, saving on these items, could reach to hundreds of dollars.More >>
Tuesday, December 13 2011 3:01 PM EST2011-12-13 20:01:44 GMT
This year 8 out of ten people will buy at least one gift card as a holiday gift. Now you can purchase them with no expiration date at a discount!More >>
Monday, November 7 2011 5:31 PM EST2011-11-07 22:31:37 GMT
We register for weddings, why not register for Christmas? A new web site lets you develop a registry so everyone can make sure the money they spend on your gifts if money well spent on something they want!More >>
Monday, October 24 2011 6:16 PM EDT2011-10-24 22:16:54 GMT
If you have been salivating over the new iPhone 4s but you just can't fit it into your budget, there is a way to make some money on your old cell phone!More >>
Tuesday, October 11 2011 9:38 AM EDT2011-10-11 13:38:46 GMT
Imagine saving 40% on your energy bill over the course of a year. With the price it costs to heat and cool your house, it sounds pretty good. Energy Tight auditing service makes it their business to find out how you can save on heating and cooling your home.More >>
Monday, September 26 2011 6:05 PM EDT2011-09-26 22:05:17 GMT
Slow cookers of the '70s make a comeback thanks to the economy and our busy lives. Maureen O'Boyle gives you tips on how to make the most out of your slow cooker meal.More >>
Monday, September 19 2011 6:41 PM EDT2011-09-19 22:41:28 GMT
A Charlotte woman searches thrift stores and estate sales to find incredible modern and vintage clothing. She sells her eclectic treasures from $4 to $60 dollars from her traveling trunk show.More >>
Monday, August 29 2011 6:46 PM EDT2011-08-29 22:46:30 GMT
Fall is a perfect time to adjust your fitness program and Mecklenburg County has a great guide to all the facilities the Parks and Rec department offers residents and non residents.
Tuesday, August 23 2011 9:59 AM EDT2011-08-23 13:59:11 GMT
North Carolina Dental Society's Mission of Mercy had an incredible turnout at the convention center in Charlotte over the weekend where more than 2,000 patients were seen.More >>
Thursday, August 18 2011 5:08 PM EDT2011-08-18 21:08:29 GMT
Long before the doors opened at midnight, a sizable crowd of people athered inside the Charlotte Convention Center Thursday afternoon to be among the lucky thousands who will receive free dental care.More >>
Monday, August 8 2011 5:34 PM EDT2011-08-08 21:34:51 GMT
If you are spending a lot on your vacation don't let weather or a family illness wash all that money down the drain. Experts weigh in on the plus side to travel insurance.
Monday, July 25 2011 5:29 PM EDT2011-07-25 21:29:18 GMT
Charlotte's well dressed men no longer have to spend top dollar on designer digs. Revolve in Dilworth is an upscale men's consignment shop and business at the new East Boulevard location is booming.More >>
Monday, July 4 2011 11:45 PM EDT2011-07-05 03:45:18 GMT
The same week Duke Energy asked state regulators for a 17 percent rate hike for customers, the power company launches a web site designed to help you save on your energy bill. More >>
Monday, June 20 2011 5:56 PM EDT2011-06-20 21:56:13 GMT
It has happened to many of us, you open your cell phone bill to find overage charges. It is not a pretty picture. But there are some things you can do to protect yourself the next time you sign on the bottom line.More >>
Tuesday, June 7 2011 9:48 AM EDT2011-06-07 13:48:11 GMT
Like a lot of super savers, Amber Barefield knows you have to invest time to save money. That is why she's learned to shop for the best prices and the best coupon deals. Sometimes that means shopping at the drug store for food!More >>
Monday, May 30 2011 5:33 PM EDT2011-05-30 21:33:19 GMT
Last year ‘couponing' reached new heights in popularity. As more and more Americans look for ways to save, coupons can be a small way to save big!More >>
Monday, May 23 2011 5:35 PM EDT2011-05-23 21:35:23 GMT
How would you like an assistant the next time you're looking for a deal? Well Shop Savvy is a smartphone app that promises to be your ticket to better prices with less work. The phone application works on barcodes.More >>
Monday, May 16 2011 5:32 PM EDT2011-05-16 21:32:44 GMT
We're putting name brand snacks up against the new Family Gourmet brand, the private label of Matthews-based Family Dollar stores. We got an interesting reaction when we told shoppers many of their choices could save them between 30% and 40%!
Monday, May 2 2011 5:44 PM EDT2011-05-02 21:44:29 GMT
You don't have to spend a great deal of money to protect your skin. You can actually buy some store brands, they've been found more effective than the name brand sunscreens.More >>
Monday, April 25 2011 4:41 PM EDT2011-04-25 20:41:41 GMT
How do you find one gift that expresses the love you have for your mother? It seems next to impossible, but I asked friends on my Facebook page -- What is/was your favorite Mother's Day gift? More >>
Monday, April 18 2011 5:28 PM EDT2011-04-18 21:28:36 GMT
Spring break road trips will cost quite a bit more this year as gas prices are inching closer to the four dollar a gallon mark. But there are some ways you can save and it starts with what you pack.More >>
Monday, April 11 2011 5:44 PM EDT2011-04-11 21:44:17 GMT
If you are cleaning out your garage or attic this spring, think outside the box. Instead of slaving for hours to price for a yard sale, perhaps you've got what it takes to consign. Your first step should be careful consideration of what might be saleable. Remember, even if you inherited a collection of figurines you don't like, collectors frequent consignment shops in search of treasures.More >>
Monday, April 4 2011 5:46 PM EDT2011-04-04 21:46:14 GMT
Getting out of your cell phone contract could cost your a bundle. But the non-profit Utilities Consumers Action Network says there are some things you can do to try and get out of a deal that isn't working for you or your family.More >>
Tuesday, March 29 2011 9:15 AM EDT2011-03-29 13:15:53 GMT
It is that time of year, prom season. While some families budget big for the prom, many families are looking for ways to save and still look stylish. If you are in search of a gown, think about some of the Charlotte area's best thrift stores or consignment shops.More >>
Monday, March 21 2011 5:42 PM EDT2011-03-21 21:42:24 GMT
Spring is always such a beautiful season in the south, but is also an unpredictable transition time. While we are looking at temperatures in the seventies and eighties this week, we could easily see temperatures dip below freezing over the next five weeks. I went to Wing Haven Gardens and Bird Sanctuary on Ridgewood in Charlotte to speak with the garden curator Jeffrey Drum. More >>
Monday, March 7 2011 5:54 PM EST2011-03-07 22:54:34 GMT
If you have joined several rewards or loyalty programs, how do you make the most of those points. A money saving savvy Charlotte mother has a simple but brilliant idea.More >>
Tuesday, March 1 2011 9:30 AM EST2011-03-01 14:30:41 GMT
With gas prices inching closer to four dollars a gallon, more and more of us are looking for ways to save! That is why a program at Bi-Lo food stores is gaining popularity among the thrifty.More >>
Monday, February 14 2011 5:43 PM EST2011-02-14 22:43:22 GMT
I getting more mail in your inbox isn't an issue, you really have little to lose. New trends in saving will have you heading right to your inbox. We found deals that would have made the perfect gifts for Valentines Day.More >>
Tuesday, February 8 2011 2:21 PM EST2011-02-08 19:21:53 GMT
If you have car trouble want to make sure your quote for repairs is reasonable and fair; we found a web site that is a wealth of information and could save you lots of money.More >>
Tuesday, February 8 2011 10:44 AM EST2011-02-08 15:44:46 GMT
It is that time of year when we are taking weekend trips traveling to see the leaves in the mountains, or to visit family for the holidays, we have ways to add more security to your home.More >>
Tuesday, February 8 2011 10:41 AM EST2011-02-08 15:41:38 GMT
Have you finished the latest vampire series of books, and now they just sit on the shelf? Those books could be just what you need to find some new treasures.More >>
Tuesday, January 18 2011 9:16 AM EST2011-01-18 14:16:16 GMT
Fifteen percent of all engagements happen in the month of December. So, there is a good chance someone you know is planning their nuptials and their honeymoon.More >>
Monday, January 10 2011 5:47 PM EST2011-01-10 22:47:03 GMT
Another New Year and another attempt at New Year's resolutions. If you have given up on the gym but you still want to have some sort of physical activity, you might want to try yoga. More and more yoga centers are opening up in the area and many are gearing their hours and prices to families.More >>
Monday, January 3 2011 5:39 PM EST2011-01-03 22:39:32 GMT
As we put away the decorations from the holidays it's time to think about what you will do with those gift cards you received. The new Credit Card Act works in your favor when it comes to gift cards. They can no longer expire before five years, so there is no rush. More >>
Monday, December 20 2010 6:04 PM EST2010-12-20 23:04:25 GMT
CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - Sometimes viewers and co-workers send me story ideas and suggestions for my Stretching Your Dollar segment. Jamie Boll our First at 4:00 and 5:30 anchor found an interesting listMore >>
Monday, December 6 2010 5:46 PM EST2010-12-06 22:46:41 GMT
If you are looking to save a few dollars between now and the holidays, consider shopping generic. There are certain products that are virtually the same as their brand name counterparts, but they cost considerably less.More >>
Monday, November 22 2010 5:44 PM EST2010-11-22 22:44:23 GMT
If you are one of the lucky ones, who is heading back to work, how do you dress for the part when you do not have much to spend? I wanted to find out if it is possible to find a working wardrobe that can stretch a week, while stretching your dollar.More >>
Monday, November 15 2010 5:44 PM EST2010-11-15 22:44:09 GMT
If you are shopping for something special for someone for the holidays and you just do not want to fork over a fortune, maybe you should look for something second hand.More >>
Monday, November 1 2010 4:56 PM EDT2010-11-01 20:56:39 GMT
Many of us are willing to spend a little extra on products that are gentle on our planet, but did you know there is no real regulation on the claims some household cleaning products make on their labels or in their advertising? It is called "greenwashing". More >>
Monday, October 18 2010 6:01 PM EDT2010-10-18 22:01:20 GMT
By Maureen O'Boyle - bio l email CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - Love is in the air at WBTV. My photographer for this series of reports, Alison Toole, is now Mrs. Bronson Hill. Alison and Bronson wed this weekendMore >>
Monday, October 11 2010 5:44 PM EDT2010-10-11 21:44:54 GMT
For years I've seen those at home dry cleaning kits at the grocery store. Most kits will run you about 10 dollars. And they have enough supplies for up to six washes with four garments per load.More >>
Monday, October 4 2010 5:50 PM EDT2010-10-04 21:50:05 GMT
As a reporter, I am always looking for ideas on how to help you save money. The other day, while waiting in the checkout line at the grocery store, I did what I always do, flipped through the magazines.More >>
Monday, September 20 2010 2:45 PM EDT2010-09-20 19:45:21 GMT
Middle school students enrolled in Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools will find out this week if they made their football teams. It is also the time parents will have to pay up.More >>
Monday, August 23 2010 5:48 PM EDT2010-08-23 22:48:15 GMT
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 >>
Monday, July 12 2010 5:42 PM EDT2010-07-12 21:42:52 GMT
Home Design Secrets By Maureen O'Boyle - bio | email Charlotte, NC (WBTV) – If you want to spruce up your home but don't want to spend a fortune head to a local thrift store. I met Charlotte jewelryMore >>
Thursday, July 8 2010 3:56 PM EDT2010-07-08 19:56:47 GMT
If you are exhausted from trying to find summer activities for the kids that will not break the bank let a local web site do some of the leg work for you.More >>
Monday, June 7 2010 5:39 PM EDT2010-06-07 22:39:06 GMT
There is a new way to get free stuff and it all starts with the GPS in your cell phone. Several new companies have created apps for your cell phone that utilize the GPS tracking in your mobile phone.More >>
Wednesday, June 2 2010 9:05 AM EDT2010-06-02 14:05:37 GMT
When you're cleaning up from your Memorial Day barbeque take a good look inside your recycling bin. There might be treasures in the trash. Some of your recyclables have a hidden purpose just waiting to be revealed.More >>
Monday, May 3 2010 5:39 PM EDT2010-05-03 21:39:25 GMT
Mother's Day shoppers can expect to spend a little more this year. The National Retail Federation says Americans will spend about $127 on Mother's Day gifts.More >>
Monday, April 26 2010 5:45 PM EDT2010-04-26 21:45:40 GMT
If you are looking for a very specific shoe, you no longer have to tire out your feet at the mall on the hunt. We found a web site that does all the searching for you and it's called Myshoes.com. More >>
Monday, April 12 2010 5:40 PM EDT2010-04-12 22:40:54 GMT
While speaking to the kids and talking about my Stretching Your Dollar series, they told me about Plato's Closet. It's a trendy store that's a hit with high school students.More >>
Thursday, March 25 2010 9:36 AM EDT2010-03-25 13:36:30 GMT
Now that March is here, summer camp registration for 2010 is in full swing. For many families, the expense of camp is too much this year, but there is hope.More >>
Monday, March 1 2010 5:44 PM EST2010-03-01 22:44:12 GMT
With unemployment at record numbers in the Charlotte area, more and more people are looking for ways to enhance their skills in hopes of finding work. Shelley Allen of Concord discovered Goodwill's job training courses while shopping at the Goodwill store.More >>
Monday, February 22 2010 5:40 PM EST2010-02-22 22:40:22 GMT
Charlotte area real estate agents are happy with the latest numbers because sales for January of 2010 are up from December and November of last year.More >>
Monday, February 15 2010 5:39 PM EST2010-02-15 22:39:12 GMT
If you have purchased an expensive electronic item and wondered if the extra money you paid for the extended warranty was really worth it, you might want to talk to John Lechner.More >>
Monday, February 8 2010 8:59 PM EST2010-02-09 01:59:50 GMT
For the eleventh straight month, shoppers have cut their credit card usage. While that sounds like good news, experts attribute the drop to joblessness. Americans still owe an astounding $866 billion in credit card debt, a number that only grows the longer people struggle to pay off those cards.More >>
Monday, January 25 2010 5:40 PM EST2010-01-25 22:40:23 GMT
Christmas is exactly one month behind us and most of us are still working to pay off those bills. If you want to do yourself and your budget a favor, host a clothing swap party. Farrell Hudzik and her best friends turned their usual girls-night-out into a clothing exchange.More >>
Monday, January 4 2010 6:03 PM EST2010-01-04 23:03:13 GMT
If you waited to make your holiday returns until this week, make sure you are prepared. Return policies vary with every store, so take time to learn what you need to have with you in order to maximize your return.More >>
Monday, December 28 2009 5:45 PM EST2009-12-28 22:45:55 GMT
It takes a little bit of effort to separate the legitimate charities from criminals preying on your generosity. One of your best tools is the Internet.More >>
Monday, November 30 2009 6:13 PM EST2009-11-30 23:13:49 GMT
The holiday party season is upon us and the most common question you will hear among girlfriends is -- "What will I wear?" Whether it's a company party, or one for your church, spending a lot on a holiday dress is just not possible for most of us.More >>
Monday, November 23 2009 5:39 PM EST2009-11-23 22:39:14 GMT
For many families, this holiday season the idea of shopping for gifts can mean more of a financial headache than a time of joy. That's why many neighbors are making their gifts or using their crafty skills to earn extra money for Christmas shopping.More >>
Monday, November 23 2009 5:35 PM EST2009-11-23 22:35:05 GMT
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 >>
Wednesday, November 11 2009 6:39 PM EST2009-11-11 23:39:01 GMT
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 >>
Monday, October 5 2009 5:34 PM EDT2009-10-05 22:34:21 GMT
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 >>
Tuesday, September 29 2009 9:29 AM EDT2009-09-29 14:29:16 GMT
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 >>
Monday, September 21 2009 6:04 PM EDT2009-09-21 23:04:30 GMT
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 >>
Monday, August 31 2009 5:39 PM EDT2009-08-31 22:39:54 GMT
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 >>
Monday, August 24 2009 6:06 PM EDT2009-08-24 23:06:09 GMT
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 >>
Monday, August 17 2009 5:40 PM EDT2009-08-17 22:40:27 GMT
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 >>
Tuesday, August 4 2009 1:36 PM EDT2009-08-04 18:36:37 GMT
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 >>
Monday, July 27 2009 6:58 PM EDT2009-07-27 23:58:50 GMT
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 >>
Tuesday, July 21 2009 11:00 AM EDT2009-07-21 16:00:24 GMT
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 >>
Tuesday, June 30 2009 10:11 AM EDT2009-06-30 15:11:22 GMT
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 >>
Tuesday, June 16 2009 10:10 AM EDT2009-06-16 15:10:53 GMT
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 >>
Monday, June 1 2009 6:32 PM EDT2009-06-01 23:32:42 GMT
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 >>
Monday, May 18 2009 7:27 PM EDT2009-05-19 00:27:43 GMT
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 >>
Tuesday, May 12 2009 11:17 AM EDT2009-05-12 16:17:55 GMT
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 >>
Tuesday, April 28 2009 12:31 PM EDT2009-04-28 17:31:50 GMT
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 >>
Tuesday, April 14 2009 7:20 PM EDT2009-04-15 00:20:12 GMT
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 >>
Thursday, April 9 2009 3:57 PM EDT2009-04-09 20:57:27 GMT
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 >>
Thursday, April 9 2009 3:58 PM EDT2009-04-09 20:58:08 GMT
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 >>
