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Memorial Day Weekend: Chicago Driving Distance Destinations

• Illinois
• Vacation
• Wisconsin

• Travel

The long Memorial Day Weekend is the perfect time to pack your things, fill up your gas tank, and get away. If you live in Chicago, you’re lucky to live within driving distance of some of the country’s most beautiful destinations – and perfect spots to spend your Memorial Day weekend getaway. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, history buff, beer connoisseur, foodie, or photographer, there’s a destination for you within driving distance of Chicago, Illinois.

Sneaky Expenses: Top 6 Budget-Breakers

• Budget
• "Save Money"

• Finance

Do you feel like you are living paycheck to paycheck? Do you create a budget only for it to be busted by the end of the month? It could be you are spending money on things you aren’t even aware of. See below for CreditBox’s list of sneaky expenses that could be being taken out of your bank account right under your nose! Once you are aware, you can start to save money.  

Mother’s Day: 5 Gift Experiences Mom Will Love

• Shopping

• Holidays

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, you may be struggling to think of a last-minute Mother’s Day gift. Don’t waste your time at the mall or store trying to find something perfect to buy. Chances are you’ll wind up spending too much money on something that’s not perfect, just to get your shopping done. This year, give your mom an experience for Mother’s Day instead. These experiences call all be purchased or performed last-minute, so you can make mom feel special even if you procrastinated.

Grocery Shopping on a Budget: Farmer’s Market vs. Grocery Store

• Budget
• "Giving Back to the Community"
• Shopping

• Community

Most people go to their local grocery store to do their grocery shopping, often not thinking of their other options. Farmer’s Markets can be found in almost any town and are often overlooked as the more expensive choice. Which establishment is the better alternative for your grocery budget and lifestyle? We did the research so you don’t have to!

Summer Travel: Most Budget-Friendly National Parks

• Vacation

• Travel

Are you dreaming of summer, warmer weather, and travel? Start planning your summer trip now to give yourself plenty of time to lay out and stick to your travel budget. Two of the best ways to save on summer travel are to drive instead of fly and camp instead of staying in a hotel room. This year, combine those two ideas to save lots of money and see some of the most spectacular sights the United States has to offer. Check out these three budget-friendly national parks that are perfect for your budget road trip.

How to Spend Your Tax Refund Responsibly

• CreditBox
• Loans
• "Tips and Tricks"

• Finance

Getting your tax refund is exciting, especially if you’ve waited a long time to receive it – and you probably already have something in mind that you’d like to buy with it. However, this year, instead of spending your entire tax refund all at once on a pair of new shoes, headphones, or a new computer, consider spending it responsibly. Using your tax refund towards debt or long term goals might be hard right now, but your future self will thank you.

Smart Shopping: How to Bargain-Shop for Clothes

• Budget
• Shopping

• Community

Clothing is more than just a thing that we wear daily. Clothing is the way we express ourselves and tell the world a little bit about us. For those who love shopping, being on a budget doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your style. Getting creative and bargain-hunting while you shop on a budget means you can have the closet you want without overspending.

March Madness: Where to Watch the Tournament in Chicago

• Illinois
• "Tips and Tricks"

• Community

One of the most exciting times of the year for sports fans is March Madness, and for good reason. The top 68 teams in men’s college basketball compete for the coveted NCAA Championship. While some of the best college basketball players display their athleticism in the upcoming tournament, cheer them on from a bar stool at a local watch party! Check out our list of the best places to watch March Madness in Chicago this year. 

Tax Season: What the IRS “Dirty Dozen” are and How to Avoid Them

• Educational

Waiting for a big tax refund is an exciting time. But while you are distracted thinking of how you’re going to spend your extra cash, someone else is thinking of ways to scam you. Every year, the IRS comes out with a list of the worst tax scams called the “Dirty Dozen.” Read our guide below on everything you need to know about them and how to avoid them. 

12 Budget-Friendly Ways to Save on Spring Break

• Budget
• Vacation

• Travel

If you’re on a tight budget, planning a Spring Break vacation may seem impossible. However, using the 12 easy tips in this article, you can plan a budget Spring Break trip without worrying about overspending or breaking your financial plan for the rest of the year. Traveling doesn’t have to be expensive if you get creative, make a plan, and stick to your budget.