Hot stone massage. Chocolate body scrub. Lavender rose wrap. All sound lusciously decadent ... and expensive. But even the spa industry isn’t immune to a skittish economy. Pressured to keep expenses low yet maintain customer levels, spas (both day and destination resort) continue to ramp up … [Read more...] about 12 ways to save at spas
11 ways to save on prescription drugs
When my friend Mark developed whooping cough for the second time, he knew what to expect. A quick phone call to his doctor got Mark the antibiotics and cough syrup he needed.His only mistake? This go-round, Mark had the prescriptions called in to his nearest drugstore rather than heading to … [Read more...] about 11 ways to save on prescription drugs
62 ways to get free food at restaurants
Don't be fooled — there is such a thing as a free lunch. I’ve found dozens of meals, desserts, snacks and other tasty treats that, for the most part, won’t cost you a cent at your favorite restaurants, bakeries, cafés and fast food joints.How do I get all this free food at restaurants? I … [Read more...] about 62 ways to get free food at restaurants
12 hacks to slash your grocery bill
Of course, everyone would like to cut the supermarket bill by 50% or more. For a moderate budget for a family of four, the most recent figures from the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimate you would spend between $1,068 and $1,455 a month for groceries. But you don’t have to go to the … [Read more...] about 12 hacks to slash your grocery bill
4 must-have cleaning products that really work
I don’t blindly squeeze into a narrow parking spot scraping adjacent vehicles or throw wild cocktail parties. Nevertheless, in the past year I’ve had red wine splashed across my beige carpet (twice), had someone “kiss” my car's bumper with their vehicle (twice) and discovered the bottom of my nice … [Read more...] about 4 must-have cleaning products that really work
Most valuable card in your wallet? You might be surprised
At every Living On The Cheap workshop, I quiz the audience members on the most valuable card in their wallet. Usually someone says their credit card or Social Security card. But we at LOTC know it's your library card.Library offerings that might surprise you These days, libraries go far beyond … [Read more...] about Most valuable card in your wallet? You might be surprised
Where to recycle electronics for free
Have outmoded tech equipment you want to recycle? You don't have to wait for your locality to schedule special collection days. Staples offers FREE recycling of electronics at Staples stores nationwide every day. No Staples in your area? Best Buy also offers free electronics … [Read more...] about Where to recycle electronics for free
11 ways to get the best deal on a rental car
Think finding the lowest airfare is tricky? Try getting the best deal on a rental car. These days, car rental rates change faster than television networks launch reality series.But there are ways to both save and be satisfied, without making you feel like a contestant on Survivor. Here are … [Read more...] about 11 ways to get the best deal on a rental car
12 places to get beauty and health freebies
Hello, gorgeous! All those products we use to look and feel a bit better can be costly. But if you know where to look, you'll find a bounty of beautiful freebies. Look even more marvelous, dah-ling, with these products and services on the house.A lot of beauty and makeup stores are anxious for … [Read more...] about 12 places to get beauty and health freebies
8 resolutions to make before next Tax Day
Phew.... That’s the collective exhale you hear as another Tax Day comes and goes. Maybe you filed early and already have that refund in hand. Perhaps you waited until the last minute to dig out those dog-eared receipts, credit card statements and 1099s, and your return is still winging its way … [Read more...] about 8 resolutions to make before next Tax Day
Making dental care less painful for your budget
About 1 in 4 Americans go without dental coverage. For some it's just too expensive. Others believe dental insurance doesn't provide a great return on investment. But that tiny cavity can turn into serious health problems if left unattended. Yours truly has had so many root canals, one endodontist … [Read more...] about Making dental care less painful for your budget
My purse has been stolen. Now what?
Quin Ryan was doing a good deed by driving her niece to daycare. Grabbing only the toddler and an umbrella, she entered the school, returning to her car in less than seven minutes to discover her driver-side window smashed and her purse, left on the seat, gone. Out of pocket: $2,500.Drugs, … [Read more...] about My purse has been stolen. Now what?
11 Black Friday shopping tips to help you save
Some people love the rush of searching for deals and loading up their shopping bags on Black Friday. This year, retailers are encouraging online shopping, but most will open their doors after Thanksgiving for in-person bargain hunting. If you decide to venture out on one of the biggest shopping days … [Read more...] about 11 Black Friday shopping tips to help you save
How to use your coupon skills to help others
A few weeks ago, I bought 56 tubes of toothpaste, 43 cans of shaving cream and 35 bottles of liquid hand soap. Not that I need 56 tubes of toothpaste, 43 cans of shaving cream and 35 bottles of liquid hand soap, but my favorite local charity does. How much did I spend? Zero. Well, that's not exactly … [Read more...] about How to use your coupon skills to help others
7 money-saving tips for buying (and not losing) new luggage
Summer means travel. Living On The Cheap is all about saving readers money and that includes travel. I’m a bit of a suitcase addict -- you should see my basement -- and every year attend to the Travel Goods Showcase to see what’s new.It’s all about FUNCTION, SAFETY, SIZE, and WEIGHT -- and … [Read more...] about 7 money-saving tips for buying (and not losing) new luggage