Labor Day is on its way, signaling the end of summer break for some, summer Fridays for others and warm weather for most of us. Are you considering a day trip? Going on your major vacation? Maybe you’re going old school with a family road trip. Whatever your plan is, you can stay under budget and enjoy the long weekend.

Now to take you into this weekend, here are some of the best stories of the week:

Taking the Bait: Mike at CleverDude knows all about the offers companies pull out to hang on to customers wanting to sign off of their service. Despite not using his gym membership much or at all over the past three years, he took the bait to stay on for three months free of charge.

Green Lunches: Go green, save money, teach your kids about the environment. Kristen Gough offers tips on how to save big by making some adjustments to packing your child’s school lunches.

The Dark Side: Social networking it touted often and loudly as the next wave of improving your career, finances and social life. But it can’t all be good. Here’s a case for the financial negatives of social networking.

Bills to Pay: What would you do if you couldn’t pay all your bills this month? Own the Dollar explores how to look at your expenses and decide what’s most important and why people end up in this situation.

Family Vacations: Planning a big family vacation? Check out our top five family-friendly vacation spots and hotels that will make the experience fun for the kids as you well as the adults.

Dorm Work: College students are busy, we know. So why not save time by working from your dorm room? You can finish that term paper and make money at the same time.

Garage Sale Rules: Looking to de-clutter your home and host a garage sale? Follow these rules and make your efforts a success!