WTOP Saves You Money
Money spent gambling tax deductible - if you win
You have to claim winnings on your taxes, but you can also claim those losses.
Dine out without breaking the bank
While those who want to save money usually avoid eating out altogether, there are some ways to save cash while still having someone else do the cooking.
Airline fees set to soar as summer approaches
The travel season is ramping up, and the airlines are finding more ways to bring in money through fees.
Franchot parody hooks up Marylanders with unclaimed money (Video)
Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot created a parody video to encourage people to find out whether they have unclaimed funds in old bank accounts or stocks.
Which traffic tickets raise your insurance rates the most?
So, you got a ticket. How much will your insurance premiums go up? Insurance.com analyzed insurance quotes to come up with this list.
Stuff that's still free when you fly
Airlines do still offer a few free things at 30,000 feet.
Garden Plot: Grow delicious tomatoes and ward off frost damage
Garden Editor Mike McGrath has tips for protecting plants from a late spring frost, growing tomatoes and keeping lawns green.
Itching for vacation? Wait just a little longer
Many plan on taking some type of summer vacation, but the big question is: When?
Don't get scammed this vacation season
The air is getting warmer and the days longer, and that means summer vacation planning is in full swing.
5 tips to getting the best deal on a new car
With the average price of a new car more than $30,000, you'll want to make sure you don't rush into a purchase.
Tips to avoid common cable mistakes
Don't be afraid to negotiate when choosing a new cable TV provider or trying to get cheaper monthly rates.
Emotions play a huge role in shopping
Whether online or in a store, shopping and emotions go hand in hand.
Consumers shop with the environment in mind, remain confused by products
A new study by Cone Communications found 71 percent of American consumers consider the environment when they shop, and almost half look for environmental information when deciding which product to purchase.
It's in the approach: Get what you want from businesses
People have a right to get what they pay for. If a product breaks down or a service isn't provided as planned there are right and wrong ways to ask for satisfaction.
Looking for a new bike? Tips for finding the right bike shop
The best bike shops offer good service before and after customers pedal away on a new ride. Washington Consumers' Checkbook has numbers of tips to help cyclists navigate a purchase.
Free online services offered for some to file tax returns
April 15, or Tax Day, is only days away and if you haven't filed your federal return yet, you might be eligible to use a free online service.
Virginia's tax refund debit cards come with fees
Virginia's Way2Go prepaid debit card for state tax refunds can cost taxpayers money, if they are not careful.
Cost to raise your bundle of joy just spiked
The cost to raise a child increased by 25 percent over the past decade. So no it's not your imagination, your children really are draining your wallet.
Course load: Growing burden of college fees
Though their names can border on the comical - i.e., the "student success fee" - there's nothing funny about how they can add up. Colleges lean on fees to bring in revenue in a way that may not be as apparent to as many students.
Smart ways to save money for retirement
Parents may want to pay for their child's education, but they also need enough money in the bank to survive in retirement. Financial expert Carmen Wong Ulrich offers some money saving advice.


