Money

When you think about "rich zip codes" in Montana, the smaller foo-foo ski towns or lake towns might spring to mind first. Depending on what measure of wealth we use, you might actually be right. But in this instance, the question was specific and didn't have to deal with accumulated wealth or real estate holdings.

When you have more money than you know what to do with, you may want to buy the most expensive 'whatever' you can find. We scoured Montana for the most expensive stuff you can buy, from gear and toys to RVs and cheese. No kidding.

It's next to impossible to find an accurate national average cost for full-time preschool, but you'll see numbers ranging from $8k to $15k and the Bozeman area is definitely at the top of that range. High rates, teacher shortages, insane waiting lists, and many closure days (that you'll still pay for) make for a mind-blowing parent experience.

If you've ever wanted to own a home on the National Register of Historic Places, this 7,000+ square foot Billings, Montana mansion might be the best deal in the entire state. Although this lovely home is still out of most people's price range, it really is a Montana "bargain" at $169 per square foot.

Who doesn't love getting cool stuff at bargain prices? Twice a year, downtown Bozeman holds a Crazy Days weekend - one in the summer and one in the winter. I'd argue that the Winter Crazy Days holds the biggest bargains, especially if you're into outdoor gear.

If you thought the opinions and rhetoric about Whole Foods coming to town was over the top, there's another luxury grocery chain that would make Bozeman's head explode if they ever decided to expand here.

The cost of living in Montana is driven by the cost of housing. What about getting a good job that INCLUDED housing? Montana companies desperately need to fill some positions so they're willing to offer free or very low-cost housing options that come along with the gig.

Montanans are more savvy about winning the lottery than I would have guessed. With another ginormous jackpot on our hands, chatter about "what I'd do with the money" is on everyone's mind.

First, check to see if you and I are friends on Facebook at least. Just kidding. A lottery jackpot win is a serious matter and there are some things to do and NOT do if you find out you're a winner.

When do the 2022 Montana Millionaire lottery tickets go on sale?

An honest plea for guidance from an area business owner sparked a flurry of online conversation, filled with honesty, advice, commiseration, rough perspectives, and a hefty dose of abrasive snap backs.

Your name and driver's license number may be in the hands of hackers if you've recently rented a U-Haul. The hack was disclosed last month.