This post is by Kyle James of partner site U.S. News & World Report

Summer is almost here and the pending warm weather will soon have us nervous to open our utility bills. But since we are in May, there is still time to position yourself for lower cooling bills during the hot months ahead. Consider these tips to stay cool without blowing your budget:

1. Keep the sun out
Got curtains? Be diligent about keeping your curtains or blinds closed on windows when the sun is shining in, especially in the morning. If I don't do this in our family room and kitchen in the morning, the indoor temperature would spike to 85 degrees quickly and the kids would likely be left sweating at the breakfast table.

2. Plant trees
Trees not only look nice but the shade they provide is fantastic for your comfort and wallet. Several years ago, I planted two Crepe Myrtle trees outside and now the sun is completely blocked all summer long from entering those windows. Trees that drop leaves in the fall are ideal, as they'll let in sun during the winter and help warm up the rooms. 

This post is by Louis Ramirez of partner site Dealnews.

As the unofficial start of the summer, Memorial Day is typically associated with a sunny afternoon BBQ. But for in-the-know shoppers, this holiday is also an excellent time to flex that credit card; historically, Memorial Day weekend offers the best sales since the start of the year, frequently with stacking coupons that slash prices on already-discounted goods. So what can you expect from Memorial Day sales this year, and when should you start looking?

Memorial Day Sales Now Start in March, Apparently
Traditionally, Memorial Day sales have started as early as the first week of May, but 2013 is proving to be a complete anomaly. This year Amazon kicked off its Memorial Day sale in late March, taking 60% off shoes and accessories. Likewise, Orbitz slashed 50% off Memorial Day hotel stays back in April. As far as retailers are concerned, Memorial Day sales now start in March, which is a boon for consumers as there will be more deals to be had and more time to make purchases.

Clothing Sales and Deals on Home Goods Lead the Pack
Memorial Day is a great time to stock up on spring apparel, since we typically see deep discounts that qualify for an additional price cut via a stacking coupon; combined, this can yield some big savings.  

This post comes from Dori Zinn at partner site Money Talks News. 

First comes love, then comes marriage. Then comes the mountain of wedding debt you'll now have to pay.

Last year, couples spent an average of $28,427 on weddings and nuptial-related events, according to TheKnot.com. While the venues, the engagement ring and even the entertainment can cost thousands of dollars, the wardrobe isn't far down the list.

The average cost of the dress: more than $1,200.

 

This post comes from Gerri Detweiler at Credit.com.

How important is your credit score?” That question was posed to me recently as I stood onstage after delivering a presentation on how to optimize your credit to a group of some 500 women for the annual Women’s Money Conference in Las Vegas.

I only had a few moments to summarize the importance of credit scores to the audience and tell them that, with a strong credit score, they may save thousands of dollars each year. With more time and preparation, though, this is the answer I would have given:

1. A good score = Money in your pocket

Low credit scores cost consumers money; in some cases hundreds or thousands of dollars.

“A lower credit score can result in a borrower having to pay more than $5,000 for a $20,000, 60-month auto loan,” warns Barrett Burns, the CEO of VantageScore Solutions. But most people don’t realize that. “According to our joint survey in partnership with Consumer Federation of America, nearly 80% of respondents were not aware of this important fact.” The two organizations have created a credit scoring quiz consumers can use to test their knowledge.

“A good credit score can save a person thousands of dollars over the lifetime of a loan or mortgage by helping them secure a lower interest rate,” agrees Antony Sprauve, the director of public relations for MyFICO.

 

Hate to go food shopping? Bring the supermarket to you by having groceries delivered. You could actually save money doing this, despite paying a delivery fee -- and you might even help save the Earth.  

This post is by Gary Foreman from partner site U.S. News & World Report.

The average age of a car in America reached an all-time high this year of 10.8 years, according to a study by Polk, an automotive information and marketing firm. That means a lot of us will be facing needed repairs.

When that happens, some of us will be tempted to decide our car is not worth repairing and we should find a new ride. But is that true?

Let's look at these questions to ask yourself before you decide whether your car is worth keeping: 

This post is by Jeanne Kelly from partner site Credit.com.

I remember when I bought my first house. It was a great feeling of pride to be standing in a place that I owned, that I could call my home. Aside from being a place to rejuvenate from your busy day while you spend time with your family, a home is also a key step toward building a financial nest egg that you will rely on for years to come.

But did you know that buying a home can also hurt your credit? If you’re not careful, it can go from a positive experience to a negative experience — almost in the blink of an eye. Here’s how buying a home can hurt your credit if you’re not careful: