Opinion
Frugal Family: Let the good times roll
Being the crazy planner that I am, I started thinking about my son’s birthday party. I always say that planning ahead can save you a lot of money. My son wants a train birthday party and so the search is on for ways to have a successful party without breaking the bank. One of the first ways I found was my recent purchase of paper products. During an after Easter sale, I found basic blue plates, cups and napkins for less than $1 per package....
full story
Study up on college savings vehicles
Another school year is drawing to a close — so if you have young children, they’re one year closer to the day when they head off to college. And both you and your children need to prepare for that day. Your kids can do so by developing good study habits. As for you, it’s never too soon to start preparing for the high costs of higher education. Just how costly is college? According to the College Board’s figures for the 2012-13 academic year...
full story
Celebrating the end of the Charlotte curse
What is one thing we can do for Charlotte now that that former Mayor Pat McCrory has been elected governor of North Carolina and his successor, Anthony Foxx, has been nominated for U.S Secretary of Transportation? We can stop referring to the Charlotte mayor’s job as a dead end or curse for politicians aspiring to statewide or national office. It might take some getting used to. The previous three Charlotte mayors who tried for statewid...
full story
Frugal Family: How to save money on eating healthy
Recently our family has decided to eat healthier. To help benefit our son, our family has decided to follow the Feingold Diet, eat organic items and also give up gluten. This can be an expensive endeavor. However, we have found ways to cut costs even living the healthy lifestyle. One of the best ways to living a healthy inexpensive lifestyle is to cook from scratch. Don’t buy processed foods and follow simple recipes on the internet. Proc...
full story
Keep our grandfather’s fire burning
“Everybody in North Carolina should have heard that speech.” Someone had just heard Tom Lambeth’s recent remarks to the North Caroliniana Society, which was presenting him with its annual award for service to our state. Lambeth, longtime former executive director of the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, used the occasion to talk about some of the people and some of the stories that help define North Carolina and its history for him. Lambeth...
full story
Frugal Family: Saving money at yard sales
My family hosted a yard sale this weekend at our home. While I love selling my things at yard sales, I also love yard sale shopping. I am proud to say that my entire dining room set, my son’s bed frame, a family room chair and several dressers in my home are yard sale finds. Yard sales are a great place to find things for affordable prices. However, if you wish to save money at yard sales, you must plan ahead. Before you start your yard s...
full story
Eastern North Carolina eating, the literary way
There are hundreds of reasons to celebrate Georgann Eubanks’ third and last in her “Literary Trails of the North Carolina” series. Follow her travels in the just released “Literary Trails of Eastern North Carolina,” and you will have the most enjoyable and efficient survey of authors and literary connections in that region. But one of my favorite parts of her books are the descriptions of the places where literary-connected people eat. ...
full story
Frugal Family: Saving money on books
Do you love to read, but don’t have the budget to spend much on new books? You don’t have to break the bank when looking for a great book. One of the best places to get a great book is the area library. You don’t have to spend a dime and you have a massive array of selection. The Wake County Library System does charge $25 annually to its members from outside of the county; however, this is a fraction of what you could pay retail if you read...
full story
Our view: A vote for transparency
Local residents don’t need to be schooled on what happens when elected officials do government business out of the sunlight. That is how the Wake County Board of Education dismissed Tony Tata as the superintendent without public input. Yet, there is a bill in the state Senate now that would make it easier for local governments to erect a wall between themselves and the public. Senate Bill 186 would allow governments to post public notices...
full story
Weather
Sponsored By:

Lottery
Sponsored By:

Stocks
Sponsored By:

Gas Prices
Sponsored By:

Featured Businesses
Recipes
Sponsored By: