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Live your best, most affordable life in 2023 — and beyond

Live your best, most affordable life in 2023 and beyond

INSIDER

Robyn Phelps/Insider

Stretching your money seems to be the No. 1 priority, especially when a recession is looming.

With all eyes on the economy, our goal at Insider's Life division is to help people spend their money most effectively so they can live their best lives. How can I go on a Disney trip with my family without overspending? What's the worst interior design product to buy, according to experts? Do I really need a 529 for my kids?

From travel to entertainment, here's how to live life to the fullest — without breaking the bank.

Interior designers reveal 12 home purchases you'll probably regret in a few years

Don't waste your money on white kitchen appliances. Ground Picture/Shutterstock

Insider asked interior designers about current home purchases people might regret in a few years. The experts said to rethink white appliances, faux-leather couches, and sliding barn doors. Read more.

6 things parents should know about saving money with 529s — they're not just for college, and they come with tax benefits

Using a 529 is a wise move — even if you don't end up using that money for college. Tara Moore/Getty Images

A 529 account is an investment tool that many people use to help pay for educational expenses like college. According to financial experts, there are many misconceptions about 529 plans — and you should probably be using one. Read more.

'My kids love Disney and have been over 100 times. My tightest budget for 4 people was $1,200.'

Love Disney, but don't want to break the bank? It's possible. AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

Jen Sinclair is a mom of three kids and has been on many Disney vacations. She reveals how she can make it work on a budget, from staying in a hotel room with a kitchen to giving kids an allowance for souvenirs. Read more.

Bartenders share 9 ways you're wasting money on drinks

Don't waste your money on top-shelf liquor in a sugary drink. David Fuentes Prieto/Getty Images

Bartenders spilled all the ways people overspend on drinks, from wasting money with top-shelf liquor in sugary drinks to asking for a double shot. Read more.

'I'm a professional chef. Here are 5 pantry staples you should buy cheap and 5 you should splurge on.'

Fancy dried pasta just isn't worth the spend, according to a chef. Vladimir Tretyakov/Shutterstock

A professional chef breaks down the ingredients it's worth splurging on, like high-quality olive oil and flour, and what you can save your money on, including fancy dried pasta or name-brand nuts. Read more.

6 things you should stop spending your money on, according to a financial planner

Those single-use items really add up. d3sign/Getty Images

A financial planner revealed the simple mistakes you're making when it comes to your budget, recommending that we all should cut back on subscription services and single-use items. Read more.

'I'm a stay-at-home dad of 3. These are the products and services that help me save money.'

A dad of three (not pictured) said subscriptions helped his family save money. Johner Images/Getty Images

A new dad of three — whose family recently went from two salaries down to one — had to get creative to save money. He said for them, subscriptions were the key. Read more.