I use my Crock-Pot to make lots of frugal dinners for my family. Tonight it was chili. A few nights ago it was "fried" chicken in the slow cooker. Last week I made barbecue pork chops. One surprise hit with my family? Slow cooker French toast.Crock-Pot French toast is the perfect recipe for … [Read more...] about Weekend breakfast? Try slow cooker French toast
Gift ideas for teachers that will earn you an A+
Do you have a child in school? Whether you have a preschooler, elementary school student, middle schooler, or high school student, you likely are thinking about getting end-of-year or Christmas gifts for your child's teachers. But what are the best gift ideas that teachers will love and won't break … [Read more...] about Gift ideas for teachers that will earn you an A+
5 little-known ways to apply to colleges for free
Five hundred dollars to apply to college? That's what my high school senior almost spent. No, she didn't fall for some Internet scam. Instead, at one point she had a list of 10 prospective colleges. With each school charging $50 or so to apply, we were likely going to spend as much on college … [Read more...] about 5 little-known ways to apply to colleges for free
How to navigate college financial aid offers
Congratulations to your son or daughter on his or her acceptance to college. Typically, chools let applicants know whether they have been accepted by April 1. Most times, they require your child to reply with an answer by May 1.Along with those acceptance letters come offers of financial aid, if … [Read more...] about How to navigate college financial aid offers
9 colleges that offer tuition discounts to siblings
When Delsia Fleming was looking at colleges for her twin daughters, Brittany and Brianna, the Burlington, N.J., mother learned that twins who attend the same school often receive college tuition discounts. It turns out this discount isn't limited to twins.A handful of colleges and universities … [Read more...] about 9 colleges that offer tuition discounts to siblings
8 tax credits for parents with dependent children
The year our daughter Jane was born, my husband and I almost forgot to claim her on our taxes. She was a newborn, our accountant hadn't seen me pregnant and the topic never came up during our conversations. Luckily, we remembered, and Jane had a Social Security number, so we were able to claim the … [Read more...] about 8 tax credits for parents with dependent children
Don’t miss out on work-related tax deductions
By now you've probably either made an appointment to complete your income tax return, or you have filed for an extension beyond the April 15 deadline. Either way, if you itemize on your tax return, be sure that you're taking every deduction allowable by law to minimize your tax liability and keep … [Read more...] about Don’t miss out on work-related tax deductions
Extreme couponing for healthy food
If you're new to couponing, you may think that it's possible to use coupons for processed food only. That's what I used to think. Not anymore. Since last year I've been able to do some extreme couponing to save as much money as possible on healthy food. While I still haven't mastered an extreme … [Read more...] about Extreme couponing for healthy food
Make your own dishwasher detergent
I first tried my hand at do-it-yourself, homemade cleaning products when I concocted my recipe for laundry detergent. Years later I'm still using it, and I know that many of you are, too, as it continues to be a popular post here on Living on the Cheap. After my success with laundry detergent, I … [Read more...] about Make your own dishwasher detergent
Prom savings tips from a money-savvy teen
If you have a son or daughter in high school, then you know prom season is upon us. I have two daughters going to prom this year, and they have already started prepping.As soon as they each bought dresses, they posted pictures in the Facebook group that the girls in their school created so no … [Read more...] about Prom savings tips from a money-savvy teen
Jean Chatzky’s top tips for living on the cheap
Chances are you know financial expert Jean Chatzky from her regular Today Show appearances. Starting this month, she'd also like to be known as a teacher: Jean Chatzky's Money School, a series of online courses, will tackle everyday topics ranging from budgeting to a debt diet. Chatzky priced the … [Read more...] about Jean Chatzky’s top tips for living on the cheap
3 ways to find truly free checking accounts
A few years ago, a bigger bank took over the bank where my husband and I had kept our checking accounts for more than a decade. Suddenly our free checking had a fee. Not surprisingly we took this change — of ownership and fees — as a reason to find ourselves a new bank.At first, I thought it … [Read more...] about 3 ways to find truly free checking accounts
5 ways to benefit from post-Valentine sales
If you're a frugal shopper like me, then you know about the trick of day-after sales to stock up on supplies for the following year. For instance, every roll of wrapping paper I have in my house was purchased on Dec. 26 or later.What you may not realize is that after-Valentine's Day sales are … [Read more...] about 5 ways to benefit from post-Valentine sales
The 411 on the FAFSA for college financial aid
If you are the parent of a college student or soon-to-be college student, you need to get all your paperwork together now so you can fill out the FAFSA.What's the FAFSA? It is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and it is the only way that families can apply for federal and state … [Read more...] about The 411 on the FAFSA for college financial aid
6 ways to save money on beauty
When it comes to stocking my cosmetics kit and my bathroom, my approach is always beauty on the cheap. That's not to say I don't splurge on certain beauty products or services -- such as having my hair professionally cut and colored -- because I've found that when it comes to hair, you get what you … [Read more...] about 6 ways to save money on beauty