CostWhale Blog

Home repairs can drain your savings fast. Here are 15 strategies real homeowners use to cut costs without cutting corners.

No dental insurance? You still have options. Here's how to get quality dental care at prices you can actually afford.

LASIK costs $4,000-$6,000 for both eyes. Here's an honest breakdown of whether the investment makes financial sense for you.

The purchase price is just the beginning. Here are 12 costs that surprise first-time buyers — and how to budget for them.

Don't get taken for a ride at the mechanic. Here are the most common overcharges and how to protect yourself.

The average wedding costs $30,000. Here's exactly where that money goes — and where smart couples find savings.

A dog costs $1,500-$4,500 per year beyond the adoption fee. Here's every expense you should budget for.

Most people overpay for car insurance by $500-$1,000 per year. Here's how to get the same coverage for less.

A full kitchen remodel averages $25,000+. Here's how to get a stunning transformation for under $10K.

Some projects save thousands as DIY. Others cost more when you mess them up. Here's how to decide.

Roof replacement costs $5,500-$22,000 depending on materials, size, and location. Here's exactly what to expect.

HVAC replacement averages $5,000-$12,000. Learn what drives costs up and how to save on your new system.

From minor fixes to major overhauls, here's what plumbing work really costs and when to DIY vs. hire a pro.

Bathroom remodels range from $3,000 to $50,000+. Here's what you get at every budget level.

Smart kitchen remodel budgeting means knowing which upgrades matter and which ones waste money.

No dental insurance? Here's what you'll actually pay out of pocket for every common dental procedure.

Understanding the true cost of health insurance means looking beyond the monthly premium.

LASIK costs $2,000-$4,000 per eye in 2025. Here's what determines the price and whether it's worth it.

Medical imaging costs vary wildly. An MRI can be $400 or $4,000 depending on where you go.

Metal braces average $5,000 while Invisalign averages $5,500. But total cost depends on your specific case.

A complete car maintenance timeline with costs from oil changes to timing belts. Follow this to avoid expensive repairs.

EVs cost 30-50% less to maintain than gas cars. Here's exactly where the savings come from.

A $100-$200 inspection can save you thousands. Here's what a mechanic checks and red flags to watch for.

Divorce costs range from $500 for simple uncontested to $50,000+ for complex contested cases. Here's the full breakdown.

Basic estate planning costs $300-$3,000 and everyone needs it. Here's what to get and when.

From LLC formation to trademarks, here are all the legal costs of starting and running a business.

Immigration legal fees range from $750 for simple renewals to $15,000+ for complex deportation defense.

A DUI costs $10,000-$25,000 total when you add up legal fees, fines, insurance hikes, and lost income.

Solar panels cost $15,000-$30,000 before incentives but can eliminate your electric bill. Here's the full financial picture.

Fence costs range from $5/foot for chain link to $50+/foot for wrought iron. Compare every material option.

Finishing a basement costs $20-$50 per square foot. Turn 1,000 sqft of unused space into valuable living area.

Patios cost $5-$20/sqft while decks cost $15-$50/sqft. But the right choice depends on more than price.

New windows cost $300-$1,500 each installed. Here's when replacement makes financial sense and when it doesn't.

The average American overpays on car insurance by $500/year. These strategies fix that without cutting coverage.

Most homeowners don't understand their policy. Here's what's covered, what's excluded, and what to add.

Most families need 10-12x annual income in coverage. Here's how to calculate your number and find affordable rates.

The first year with a dog costs $1,500-$4,000. Cats run $1,000-$2,500. Here's exactly where the money goes.

Grooming costs $30-$90 per session depending on breed, size, and services. Here's what you should be paying.

Pet insurance costs $30-$70/month for dogs. We ran the numbers to show when it pays off and when it doesn't.

The average US wedding costs $30,000. Here's exactly how that breaks down and where you can save the most.

Destination weddings average $20,000-$40,000 but a smaller guest list can mean lower total costs.

Wedding photographers charge $2,000-$8,000+. Here's what you get at each price point and what actually matters.

Local moves cost $800-$2,500. Cross-country moves run $3,000-$10,000+. Here's how to budget for either.

Storage units cost $50-$300/month. Use our size guide to pick the right unit and avoid overpaying.

Downsizing saves $500-$2,000/month in housing costs but involves $5,000-$15,000 in transition expenses.

Online degrees cost $10,000-$80,000 depending on school and level. Here's how to maximize value.

Trade school costs $5,000-$15,000 in 1-2 years while college costs $40,000-$100,000+ over 4 years. Which is worth it?

Tutoring costs $25-$80/hour depending on subject, level, and tutor qualifications. Here's when it pays off.

San Francisco costs 80% more than the national average while Memphis costs 30% less. Here's the full breakdown.

Permits cost $100-$2,000 but skipping them can cost $10,000+ in fines and complications at resale.