The Surprising Things I Stopped Buying to Reach My Savings Goals

A woman sits at a desk, surrounded by neatly organized paperwork and a laptop, thoughtfully reviewing her budget.

It’s funny how life has a way of nudging you, sometimes gently, sometimes with a bit more force, towards a path you hadn’t quite planned. For me, that nudge came in the form of a rather stark realization about my financial future. I wasn’t in dire straits, not by any means, but I had ambitious […]

How to Refinance Your Mortgage Without Losing Your Mind

A senior person sits at a desk reviewing paperwork related to mortgage refinancing, with a calculator and financial documents visible.

If you’re a homeowner, you’ve likely heard about mortgage refinancing. Perhaps you’re wondering if it’s the right move for you, especially now. The idea of sifting through paperwork, understanding complex terms, and making big financial decisions can feel daunting. Many of us find the prospect of refinancing a bit overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to […]

7 Stocks That Reacted Big to the Fed’s Last Rate Hike

A grand image of the Federal Reserve building at sunset, emphasizing its architectural details and conveying a sense of strength and stability.

Welcome to Pocket Watch, where we keep an eye on the financial developments that matter to you. Today, we’re exploring a topic that often makes headlines and can certainly cause ripples in our investment portfolios: decisions made by the Federal Reserve, often simply called “the Fed.” Many of us have seen how news from the […]

How to Use a Balance Transfer Card Without Damaging Your Credit

A close-up shot of a person's hand holding a credit card and a calculator, with a laptop displaying a credit score in the background.

Welcome! Many of us are always looking for smart ways to manage our money, especially when it comes to credit card debt. High interest rates can feel like a heavy weight, making it difficult to pay down what you owe. A balance transfer credit card can be a fantastic tool in your financial toolkit, offering […]

15 Best Seasonal Sales Events & What to Buy at Each

A photograph depicting a bathroom with white towels and bedding, fitness equipment, a modern appliance, and luggage.

We believe that everyone deserves to make their money work smarter, not harder. One of the best ways to stretch your dollars is by understanding the rhythm of retail sales. This guide is your personal sales calendar, highlighting the best seasonal deals and offering practical shopping tips to help you save throughout the year. Knowing […]

What My Spending Habits Look Like in a ‘Soft Landing’ Economy

A person sits at a kitchen table reviewing a budget spreadsheet and a grocery shopping list.

The phrase “soft landing” started appearing in headlines a while back, and if I’m honest, my first reaction was a healthy dose of skepticism mixed with a sliver of hope. After the rollercoaster of the past few years – the pandemic’s economic whiplash, then inflation soaring to heights I hadn’t seen in decades – the […]

The First Time I Used Cashback Apps—and How I Made $85 Back

A woman smiles while looking at her smartphone, displaying a cashback app showing a significant monetary amount.

I’ve always considered myself fairly sensible with money. Not a spendthrift, by any means, but not someone who clipped every last coupon either. My generation, we learned the value of a dollar through experience – through times when things weren’t as plentiful and every penny truly counted. We knew how to make things last and […]

The Big Mistake That Tanked My Credit (and What I Learned)

A woman sits at a kitchen table, surrounded by papers and a calculator, looking stressed but determined.

It’s funny, isn’t it, how life can turn on a dime? One moment you’re sailing along, feeling secure and in control, and the next, you’re staring at the wreckage of what used to be your financial stability. I used to be one of those people who thought, “That won’t happen to me.” I was careful, […]

10 Best Websites to Find Daily Deals in 2025

A diverse selection of products featured on various online deal websites, including electronics, home goods, and travel items.

Welcome, savvy shoppers! We all appreciate the thrill of finding a great deal. It feels good to get what we want or need while keeping a little extra in our pockets. In today’s digital world, discovering these bargains is easier than ever, thanks to a host of fantastic websites dedicated to daily deals and discounts. […]

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